FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Livermore Valley Arts
Contact: Ruth Egherman (925) 583-2306
Celebrate the Season at The Bankhead
Livermore, CA – (November 25, 2025) – Livermore Valley Arts will close out 2025 with a season full of events to delight the heart and bring joy during this time of year. From a Bay Area favorite at Jeff Bordes and The Big Easy featuring Chris Cain: A New Orleans Christmas on Saturday, November 29, to a “powerhouse rivaling Judy Garland & Rosemary Clooney” (People) at Christmas Dreaming with Stella Cole on Thursday, December 18, to a magical story of the season at Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico on Monday, December 22, the holidays are in full force in Downtown Livermore, capped off by a truly special way to ring in 2026, with some phenomenal Americana, blues, folk, and rock at New Year’s Eve with Matt Axton & Badmoon on Wednesday, December 31. All of these dazzling performances will take place at the beautiful Bankhead Theater in Downtown Livermore.
A past Bankhead favorite kicking off the season at The Bankhead, Jeff Bordes needs no introduction to those in the music industry. A 1997 graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston, he has been playing since his early years and since, hasn’t stopped changing the face of jazz. He has during his career played live with and recorded on the projects of such esteemed artists as Jon Faddis, Branford Marsalis, Alex Acuna, Giovanni Hidalgo, Horacio “El Negro” Hernandez, Richie Cole, David Garibaldi, Tom Petty, Steve Earle, Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow, Karl Denson, Sugarhill Gang, Dana Carvey, and most recently, John Mellencamp. He has toured in Japan and across the United States with various groups, including the Bill Berry Big Band, Dizzy Gillespie, and others. Bordes has recorded numerous CDs for a variety of groups, including San Francisco’s Force Seven, Adam Ben, Heather Combs, and Boston’s ‘The Hi-Hats.’ While always striving to grow and improve as a musician, Bordes has recently added another achievement to his resume: composing. Bordes has begun composing pieces for film and commercials, and contributed to the soundtrack of the award-winning documentary “De Colores.” Aside from playing and composing, Bordes has been “spreading the word of Jazz” in other ways: he has been a featured clinician in schools and music festivals throughout the world, and continues to teach privately in the San Francisco Bay Area. Bordes also utilizes his experience by freelancing as a writer. He has written articles for numerous publications, including Trumpet Player Online and All About Jazz. Bordes was also a cofounder and Editor-in-Chief of the former site: bayjazz dot com. He has several musical projects in the works, including regular performances with The Heather Combs Band, and a recording set for the near future with Jeff Bordes and The Jazz Desperados. He is actively freelancing as a musician, recording as well as performing regularly. With such an impressive list of accomplishments and talents, it is time to ring in the holidays on November 29 and laissez les bon temps rouler at The Bankhead: celebrate the season with a NOLA-style Christmas party like no other with Jeff Bordes and The Big Easy featuring Chris Cain: A New Orleans Christmas. Guaranteed to have audiences clappin’, dancin’, and singin’ along from start to finish, it’s The Chico Synthesis that puts it best: “Jeff Bordes solos with the inspirational improvisation of a jazz veteran. He is a true seasoned pro.” (Tickets are almost sold out for Jeff Bordes and The Big Easy. Interested patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets early for A New Orleans Christmas.)
Coming to Livermore in the middle of the month, Stella Cole is hitting the road this December to celebrate the holiday season and support her new Decca single, “Merry Christmas, Darling.” In response to her timeless reimagining of the beloved Carpenter’s classic, Richard Carpenter said, “I’ve been waiting fifty-five years for a fresh take on what I consider to be one of my better songs, and Ms. Cole knocks it out of the park.” Last year, the “powerhouse rivaling Judy Garland and Rosemary Clooney” (People) released her holiday EP Snow! featuring a duet on the title track from the classic White Christmas with Tony Award-winner Darren Criss. Snow! presents Stella interpreting well-known holiday classics, such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “White Christmas,” and “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” in addition to lesser-known discoveries like “Christmas Dreaming” and “That’s What I Want for Christmas.” Arranged by Grammy-winning arranger Alan Broadbent, Snow! is sure to become a holiday classic.
On August 22, 2025, Stella released her sophomore album, It’s Magic, on Decca Records US. Also arranged by Broadbent and produced by Grammy-winner Matt Pierson (Samara Joy, Brad Mehldau), the album breathes new life into classic love songs. Recorded at New York’s legendary Power Station, the vision for It’s Magic was to take on songs that were familiar but somewhat unconventional. The repertoire varies from standards like “Fools Rush In,” iconic film themes like “As Time Goes By” (a favorite of Cole’s from Casablanca), Burt Bacharach’s main title theme from Alfie (1966), Cole’s dreamy interpretation of “Say It,” and the tender “Till There Was You,” made familiar by the 1957 Broadway musical The Music Man and later The Beatles. With a voice that bridges generations, Stella Cole has cultivated nearly 2 million social media followers through her fresh interpretations of timeless songs by iconic artists, including Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, and Nat “King” Cole. Often described as a Laufey-meets-Bublé sensation, Christmas Dreaming with Stella Cole brings a fresh interpretation of classic repertoire to a new generation, and Tri-Valley audiences will not want to miss this incredible talent in her Livermore debut on December 18. (Tickets are almost sold out for Stella Cole. Interested patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets early for Christmas Dreaming with Stella Cole.)
On the Monday before Christmas, Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande invite Downtown Livermore to celebrate the holiday season at Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico. Named for the beloved Andalusian Christmas Carol, this vibrant show weaves cherished Mexican traditions into a magical story of the season. Through the joyous rhythms of “Bells Upon Bells” and the colorful spectacle of Mexican dance, the heartwarming reenactment of Mary and Joseph’s journey will experience the spirit of Posadas, the majesty of the Reyes Magos, and the thrill of breaking piñatas. Do not miss Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar and Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande for an unforgettable program where every note and dance step embodies the rich cultural tapestry of Christmas in Mexico on December 22.
Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar has enchanted audiences with their dynamic musicianship and lively stage presence for over thirty years. Founded in 1994 by Jaime Cuéllar, Mariachi Garibaldi’s commitment to providing a quality representation of the mariachi genre has propelled them into becoming one of Los Angeles’ most recognized Mariachis and arguably in California. Under the direction of Jimmy “El Pollo” Cuéllar, son of Jaime Cuéllar, Mariachi Garibaldi is considered one of the leading Mariachi ensembles regularly called upon to share the stage with some of Mexico’s most beloved performers such as The Aguilar Family: Pepe, Angela and Leonardo, Juan Gabriel, Alejandro Fernandez, Pedro Fernandez, Espinoza Paz, Paquita del Barrio, Aida Cuevas, Ana Barbara, Graciela Beltran, Maria Elena Beltran, Yolanda del Rio, Mercedes Castro, Beatriz Adriana, Empress Of, and Armenian pop star Lilit Hovhannisyan. Most recently, Mariachi Garibaldi was featured as performers for Camila Cabello’s Tiny Desk concert, performing “La Buena Vida,” truly demonstrating that mariachi music transcends all platforms. Their elevated musicianship has also opened invitations to perform on prestigious stages to sold out crowds, such as the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, the Auditorium Theater in Chicago, Teatro Degollado, The Soraya, The John Anson Ford Amphitheatre, Bakersfield Fox Theatre, The Chandler Center for the Arts, The Smith Center for the Performing Arts, Tempe Center for the Arts, and The Gallo Center for the Arts. Mariachi Garibaldi has entertained thousands of people at sold-out venues, and was a key element in the Mitu Network to recreate Disney’s Beauty and the Beast’s “Tale As Old As Time,” which catapulted their professional career and became a viral video with over 16 million views. Their ornate mariachi jacket became a commodity of trade when Dodger pitcher Joe Kelly wore it with honor at the White House.
Ballet Folklórico del Rio Grande (BFRG), under the direction of Miguel Peña, is a thirty-member organization comprised of alumni of the internationally recognized collegiate folklórico program offered at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. UTRGV offers the only folklórico dance major in the United States and produces the wellspring of highly skilled professional dancers that comprise BFRG. With numerous state, national, and international concerts under their belt, they have been showcased at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. for four consecutive years. BFRG has toured the world visiting countries such as Canada, France, Italy, Argentina, and Mexico. Their recent international work includes performances in Santiago, Argentina, and Tamaulipas, Mexico. BFRG has also performed nationwide for important artists such as Los Tigres del Norte and Aida Cuevas. They now partner with Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuéllar for joint shows celebrating all aspects of Mexican culture, including the Día de Los Muertos and Christmas holidays.
Bringing the season of festivities to a close, New Year’s Eve with Matt Axton & Badmoon will bring a soulful and energetic blend of Americana, folk, rock, and blues to the Bankhead Stage, a most special way to ring in 2026! Fronted by Matt Axton, a gifted singer-songwriter with a rich musical lineage—his father, Hoyt Axton, wrote hits for artists like Elvis Presley, and his grandmother, Mae Boren Axton, penned “Heartbreak Hotel”—the band seamlessly weaves heartfelt storytelling with infectious grooves. Known for their dynamic live performances, Matt Axton & Badmoon deliver a full-bodied sound that ranges from foot-stomping rock anthems to tender ballads. The band’s chemistry and versatile musicianship create a unique experience that resonates with fans of all genres. Drawing inspiration from the greats while carving out their own distinctive style, their music is steeped in authenticity and connection. From intimate venues to big festival stages, Matt Axton & Badmoon know how to captivate an audience and keep the good vibes rolling all night long. Whether a longtime fan or new to their sound, this band will leave audiences singing along and craving more. Ring in the New Year in style at Livermore Valley Arts with a night of live music, dancing, and celebration, an unforgettable performance to close out 2025. With tickets including live music on stage by Matt Axton & Badmoon, snacks and sweet treats, and a bubbly toast at 9pm (East Coast midnight), audiences are invited to dress to impress or go black tie glam (your style sets the tone!) and not to miss this chance to celebrate NYE in true Bankhead fashion—full of heart, soul, and just the right amount of sparkle on December 31.
In addition to this packed month of performances, Livermore Valley Arts will also bring some season-worthy cheer within the realm of visual arts. On Saturday, December 6, the front of The Bankhead will come alive with a free-admission Holiday Art Fair from 1pm—5pm, which will bring together art and fine handcraft vendors for shoppers to find that perfect gift, either for a special someone or for oneself (Note: Event will be cancelled in case of rain.). Additionally, LVA will, as usual, be hosting Winter Break Art Camp at the Bothwell, for young people on December 29—31 at the Bothwell Arts Center, the perfect way to pump up creativity and imagination for students and kids before they head back to school.
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: Jeff Bordes and The Big Easy featuring Chris Cain: A New Orleans Christmas Date/Time: Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 8:00pm ALMOST SOLD OUT Tickets: $25—$45 ($25 student/military personnel) / Groups of 10 or more save 20%
Show: Christmas Dreaming with Stella Cole
Date/Time: Thursday, December 18, 2025 at 7:30pm ALMOST SOLD OUT Tickets: $50—$80 ($25 student/military personnel) / Groups of 10 or more save 20%
Show: Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico
Date/Time: Monday, December 22, 2025 at 7:30pm
Tickets: $70—$100 ($25 student/military personnel) / Groups of 10 or more save 20%
Show: New Year’s Eve with Matt Axton & Badmoon
Date/Time: Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 7:00pm
Tickets: individual ticket $100, pair of tickets $175
Dates, times, and ticket prices for other events available at www.LivermoreArts.org
