FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Livermore Valley Arts
Contact: Ruth Egherman (925) 583-2306
Some Special Nights of Nostalgia Coming This October to The Bankhead
Livermore, CA – (September 26, 2025) – Livermore Valley Arts is thrilled to evoke those warm, fond memories of yesteryear for Tri-Valley audiences at some incredible evening shows this October. Celebrating the iconic music of The Beatles alongside his own soulful originals, The Martin Sexton Abbey Road Show will bring a special night of nostalgia, artistry, and pure musical magic on Saturday, October 18, while The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary with Nell Campbell—the original ‘Columbia’—will bring to life this iconic cult film like never before on Friday, October 24. Both of these unforgettable events will be at the beautiful Bankhead Theater in Downtown Livermore.
In his soulful The Martin Sexton Abbey Road Show, Sexton puts his signature style on his rendition of this iconic Beatles album, combining what Rolling Stone calls his “soul-marinated voice” with his inventive guitar prowess. Audiences all over are coming together to revel in Sexton’s musicality for his Martin Sexton Abbey Road Show, a live extravaganza in which he performs the iconic Beatles’ album in its entirety, followed by a set of mainly original music. An accomplished talent, America comes together in the music of Martin Sexton. Hearts mend, political and philosophical differences melt away, and the various strains of our roots music entangle. Of Sexton, The New York Times says: “His unpretentious heartiness helps him focus on every soul singer’s goal: to amplify the sound of the ordinary heart.” Sexton has remained true to his mission of sharing peace and harmony throughout his 10 albums, and in countless incendiary live performances, thus building him a loyal following of fans, including critics and superstar artists. He is, without a doubt, what Billboard calls: “The real thing.” Currently, Sexton is also working on his 11th album, which will be his first full-length album in 10 years. Sexton is a songwriter’s songwriter, with a multi-octave voice that knows no bounds. Acoustic Guitar Magazine calls him a “Master of dynamics, reducing a room to silence with his blustering baritone, then teasing that silence with a fluttering falsetto.” Sexton’s career in music has unfolded like the stories in one of his sweetly redemptive songs. He got his start busking on the streets and performing at open mics. Since then, he has gone on to be praised by modern legends such as John Mayer and Dave Matthews, who calls him one of his favorite singer-songwriters. Sexton’s songs of grappling and gratitude were the soundtrack to John Mayer’s early gigging years, and made an indelible impact on the budding songwriter. Mayer says: “This is the music of my LIFE.” Sexton has headlined venues from The Fillmore to Carnegie Hall, and his songs have appeared in television series such as Scrubs, Parenthood, Masters of Sex, and numerous films. His dynamically emotive live show has earned him critical raves and an engaged and loyal following. The Wall Street Journal says, “Mr. Sexton, as an impassioned performer, can bring women and men to tears when they see him live.” Tri-Valley audiences are invited to ‘Come Together’ to experience these brilliant songs celebrated in such a compelling reimagined way, at an evening of unmatched vocal brilliance and heartfelt storytelling on October 18.
Just the perfect evening during the ‘spooky season,’ at The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour, audiences will be able to join the original ‘Columbia’ Nell Campbell for a screening of the original unedited movie with a live shadow cast and audience participation. Add in memorabilia displays, costume contest, an additional V.I.P. Meet & Greet ticket upgrade opportunity, and even more surprises, this amazing evening will bring to life the iconic cult classic like never before. Nell Campbell, aka Little Nell, was born Laura Campbell in Sydney, Australia, on May 24th, 1953. Her father Ross, a well-known journalist and humorist, coined her Little Nell in his weekly newspaper column about their family life. From the age of ten, she studied ballet, modern dance, tap, and singing. On leaving high school, she attended a one-year course at Drama School. At 18, she moved to London and among other jobs, busked in the street, singing and tap dancing to 1930’s songs where director Jim Sharman spotted her and soon after asked if she would be in his upcoming stage production of a new musical, The Rocky Horror Show, to open at the tiny, sixty seat Theatre Upstairs of The Royal Court Theatre. After a three-week rehearsal period with new songs being written as they went along, the show opened and was an overnight sensation. The following year, the film The Rocky Horror Picture Show was made, and although originally not a success, in the US, midnight screenings with audience participation began, and thanks to the wonderful fans, it is the longest-running film of all time. Nell’s career includes a string of singles for A&M Records, opening her legendary nightclub, Nell’s, in NYC, and working as a journalist, all the while continuing to appear in theatre, television, and film. Her daughter Tilly was born in 1998. Be sure not to miss Nell at this 50th anniversary celebration 40-city tour, stopping right at The Bankhead on October 24. (Tickets are selling fast for The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour in Livermore. Interested patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets early.)
Tickets for shows in the 2025—2026 Bankhead Presents season are available online, by calling 925-373-6800, or at the box office windows. For a complete list of events, visit LivermoreArts.org.
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Livermore Valley Arts is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit offering wide-ranging programs that provide access to the arts for the Tri-Valley community and beyond. The Bankhead Theater and Bothwell Arts Center are home to eight resident performing arts companies, over 40 studio artists, and cultural arts instructors. LivermoreArts.org
Show: The Martin Sexton Abbey Road Show
Date/Time: Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 8:00pm
Tickets: $25—$65 ($25 student/military personnel) / Groups of 10 or more save 20%
Show: The Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary with Nell Campbell Date/Time: Friday, October 24, 2025, at 8:00pm Selling Fast
Tickets: $95—$220 ($25 student/military personnel) / Groups of 10 or more save 20% Dates, times, and ticket prices for other events available at www.LivermoreArts.org
