Livermore Arts
Contact: Ruth Egherman, Director of Marketing
regherman@livermorearts.org
“Cruzando Fronteras,” a Celebration of Music and Dance at the Bankhead,
to be First Show Sponsored by Kenison Fund
LIVERMORE, CA – (July 30, 2021) – The lively sounds of Jarabe Mexicano will join the visual excitement of Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles in “Cruzando Fronteras” at the Bankhead Theater on Sunday, August 22. A family-friendly, joyous and colorful celebration of musical traditions from both sides of the border, the event is the first to be sponsored by the Kenison Fund which supports events that expand the diversity of entertainment offered by Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center. To encourage families to enjoy “Cruzando Fronteras” together, a special discounted package of two adult and two student tickets is being offered for just $120 using code “4FAMILY.”
In “Cruzando Fronteras (Border Crossings),” the two Southern California-based groups take audiences on a joyride through a mix of authentic Mexican folk, Latin rock, and Tex-Mex songs. Jarabe Mexicano performs on traditional Mariachi instruments, enlivened by upbeat percussion and harmonized vocals in Spanish and English, to create a fresh eclectic musical style. Since 2011, Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles has built a reputation for creativity and innovation and they were invited to perform the award-winning song “Remember Me” from Disney’s film “Coco” at the 90th Annual Academy Awards.
“Cruzando Fronteras” at the Bankhead, including the cost of the discounted packages, is being underwritten in part by the Kenison Fund. Initiated in 2017 as part of the Producer’s Circle, the fund supports specific projects or artists that expand Livermore Arts artistic efforts. The Fund was renamed in early 2020 for former Executive Director Scott Kenison to honor achievements during his tenure that significantly broadened the scope of the organization’s events and activities. The Kenison Fund is committed to utilizing the arts as a catalyst for cross-cultural collaborations that celebrate and embrace diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. The arts offer unique and creative opportunities to express and communicate our individual, cultural, and community’s rich diversity that connect us to our deeper purpose of experiencing our humanity through the universal language of the arts.
Two other shows this season will be sponsored by the Kenison Fund, a holiday show “Joy to the World” on December 5th which features multi-talented young composer and band leader Damien Sneed, and “Piaf! The Show,” a celebration of the life and music of the famed 1940’s French chanteuse on February 14, 2022. According to current Executive Director Chris Carter, the Kenison Fund, made up of designated gifts of $5,000 or more, helps minimize the financial impact of more artistically adventurous choices. “We strive to bring a diverse range of shows to our stage and the Kenison Fund allows us to consider shows we might not otherwise be able to due to high artist fees, staging or marketing expenses,” said Carter. “Underwriting these three shows is particularly meaningful since Scott was instrumental in their choice before his retirement.”
Livermore Arts has seen very strong sales for the upcoming Bankhead Presents 2021-2022 Season, as well as a notable increase in membership since the Bankhead Theater reopened for films in May. The first two live Bankhead Presents performances after reopening completely sold out, “Croce Plays Croce” on July 10 and ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro on July 28. Tickets for the 2021-2022 season including performances, films, and select resident company events are now on sale online at LivermoreArts.org, by calling 925-373-6800, or by visiting the box office Thursday through Saturday from 12:00 noon to 6:00pm.
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Livermore 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, together with the Bothwell Arts Center, are home to eight resident performing arts companies and over 40 studio artists and cultural arts instructors.
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Event: “Cruzando Fronteras” with Jarabe Mexicano and Ballet Folklórico de Los Ángeles
Date/Time: Sunday, August 22, 2021 at 7:00 pm
Cost: $20-$95, $20 students under 21 and military
Venue: Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore
Tickets: visit LivermoreArts.org or call 925-373-6800
