Bankhead Presents Program | November 2025
The Princess Bride:
An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes
FRI NOV 28 @ 2 PM & 8 PM
Join Cary Elwes (Westley) for a behind-the-scenes look at life on and off the set of the classic film, The Princess Bride.
After a screening of the iconic movie, Elwes will engage in a moderated discussion revealing never before shared secrets and tales of inconceivable antics!
Journey back to the lands of Florin and Guilder in an adventure filled with fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, miracles, and of course, true love.
Elwes has been in a multitude of films and tv shows, including Robin Hood: Men in Tights, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Saw, Twister, Liar, Liar, Stranger Things, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. He recently starred in Guy Ritchie’s Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning Part 1 with Tom Cruise, Zack Snyder’s sci fi epic Rebel Moon, and his latest movie, Guy Ritchie’s The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare, based on the true story of the first British secret mission during World War II.
Now Elwes is hitting the road to share with fans the personal stories behind the making of this piece of cinematic history.
Don’t be a “Humperdinck,” make haste to see The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes for a night you will always “tweasure.”
Jeff Bordes & The Big Easy Featuring Chris Cain:
A New Orleans Christmas
SAT NOV 29 @ 8 PM
Jeff Bordes is a powerhouse in jazz and beyond, known for his electrifying performances and ability to connect with audiences through music. A 1997 graduate of Berklee College of Music, Bordes has spent the past decade leading Jeff Bordes & Friends, performing at theaters and venues across the West Coast to sold-out crowds. His shows are designed to entertain, uplift, and leave audiences with a deep appreciation for the joy of music.
Bordes has shared the stage and recorded with an impressive lineup of artists, including Jon Faddis, Branford Marsalis, Alex Acuña, 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 John Mellencamp. He has also toured and performed with Josh Ritter and the genre-bending Beats Antique, further expanding his musical reach.
As a composer, Bordes has written and arranged music for his own groups as well as other artists, blending traditional jazz with fresh, high-energy influences. His love for celebrating music and the holiday season led to the release of a special holiday recording featuring his collaborations with DJ Frankie Green, along with his original songs “Santa, Pour Me a Shot” and “Jump Santa Jump.”
Currently based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Bordes remains dedicated to crafting performances that bring people together. Whether leading a high-energy jazz ensemble, collaborating with renowned artists, or composing for new projects, he continues to push the boundaries of his artistry. His ability to engage audiences and create unforgettable experiences has earned him widespread acclaim, with one reviewer stating: “Jeff Bordes solos with the inspirational improvisation of a jazz veteran. He is a true seasoned pro.”
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UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery at the Bankhead Theater
KNOCK KNOCK: The Art of Wit and Whimsy
Now thru January 4, 2026
New Hours Thursdays & Fridays, 12 pm — 5 pm | Saturdays, 9 am — 1 pm*
FREE & OPEN to the Public
*PLEASE NOTE: The Art Gallery is CLOSED Sundays through Wednesdays, as well as on Saturdays when matinee performances take place at The Bankhead.
“Knock, Knock: The Art of Wit and Whimsy” invites viewers to step into a world where humor & imagination take center stage. This lighthearted & joyful exhibition celebrates the playful side of creativity, showcasing artwork that elicits laughter, sparks delight, & nudges the imagination in unexpected directions. From visual puns & satirical commentary to reimagined board games & comic-inspired illustrations, each piece reveals how art can be both clever & carefree. The Reception for “Knock, Knock,” also free and open to the public at the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery, is on Saturday, October 25, from 1 pm to 3 pm. Learn More …
Calling all Livermore Lovers!!
Our community wins when you shop local! Our new Livermore Marketplace mobile app can make that easy! Download LIVERMORE MARKETPLACE today with the handy QR code and have all the resources you need right at your fingertips. [Powered by the Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce, your best source for local business info.]
Earlier This Month
Wheel of Fortune LIVE!
MON NOV 10 @ 7:30 PM
Currently in its 42nd season in syndication, Wheel of Fortune continues to be one of the most successful shows in history. Wheel of Fortune is produced by Sony Pictures Television and Executive Produced by Bellamie Blackstone.
Mark L. Walberg is a veteran of Wheel of Fortune LIVE!, having hosted more than 100 performances during the last three years of the tour. He is best known as the host of Temptation Island on Netflix – for which he was just named “Reality Host with the Most” in the Netflix Summer Event awards. He was also the longtime host of PBS’s Antique Roadshow, helped launch Lifetime’s Shop ‘til you Drop, headlined The Mark Walberg Show, and has numerous other TV and film credits. Walberg kicked off this year’s tour with an extended run on the Vegas Strip.
Sponsored in part by Jean King and
Lisa Briggs: A Pirate’s Life
THU NOV 13 @ 7:30 PM
Lisa Briggs is an underwater archaeologist, scuba instructor, and technical diver. Her current research examines ancient shipwrecks of the Mediterranean Sea and how scientific methods can illuminate the stories of the cargoes these ships carried and the daring sailors who plied the seas of the past. She also has a particular interest in demonstrating how the intersection of science and adventure can inspire young students to pursue STEM subjects.
Uptown
FRI NOV 14 @ 8 PM
Fusing Bruno-Mars-caliber stage presence with top-tier vocals and wall-to-wall choreography, the men of UPTOWN combine the smooth stylings of R&B with the fresh hits of today in a unique and modern show that gets every crowd on their feet! Born in New York City (the epicenter of contemporary pop and soul music), the group exudes unparalleled energy with their blend of contemporary radio hits and classic Motown music. Every single member of UPTOWN is a world-class soloist, with frequent comparisons to the artistry of icons like Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye; when they come together as one collective, the resulting remix creates “the most electrifying show you’ll see this decade!” (Agua Caliente, Palm Springs CA).
Bradford Bell has captivated audiences through song and dance since early childhood. His focus in musical theater and dance landed him an international tour of Hairspray as “Seaweed,” and he was accepted into Broadway Dance Center’s summer internship program in New York City. He has held the national title of “Mister Dance” and has received numerous awards as a master choreographer throughout the United States. Because of Bradford’s passion for all genres of music he began to sing background vocals in North Carolina with some of gospel industry’s best. In 2010 he became a lead vocalist for Royal Caribbean Cruise Line leading him to various cities throughout the world. He most recently tours with an incredible group by the name of Uptown. Theaters, Casinos, and Cruise Ships have housed this dynamic trio. Bradford continues to remain humble and grateful for the ability to serve and share his gift with the world.
Born in New York City, Derrick Leonárd has spent the last few years making a name for himself as an up and coming, sought after performer. Having worked the stage at major events such as The Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta & The United Nations Ambassadors Ball in NYC, as well as appearing on national television shows such as X-Factor & America’s Got Talent & The Winner Is, he’s put in the work to cultivate his talent into a budding career. Derrick is thankful to his family for supporting his love of music, and to his Uptown brothers for sharing the stage with him in this amazing tribute to the artists who inspired him.
Originally from Richmond Virginia, Joel Walker fell in love with singing while performing in his high school show choir. Since then, his talents have provided him a plethora of diverse opportunities from modeling and television appearances to Broadway musicals like Hairspray (Seaweed). Joel is elated to be paying tribute to the great artists that paved the way for his success, and sends his love to all the teachers, family, and friends who guided him along the way. @Sky_walkerunlimited
Luca Stricagnoli with Special Guest Meg Pfeiffer
SAT NOV 15 @ 8 PM
With more than 200 million views on his music videos and concerts in over 30 countries, Luca Stricagnoli has established himself as one of the most innovative and unique guitarists in the world. Known for pushing the boundaries of the acoustic guitar, he has invented groundbreaking instruments such as the Reversed Triple Neck Guitar, the Reversed Slide Neck, and The Guitar Ring, each of which has contributed to redefining the modern acoustic landscape.
Celebrated as both a phenomenon and a prodigy, Stricagnoli has been featured in major international outlets including NME, Guitar World, Der Spiegel, La Repubblica, Daily Sabah, and Frankfurter Allgemeine. His viral performances, including the world’s first guitar with a reversed neck, catapulted his career, leading to appearances at events for Nobel Prize winners and top CEOs, as well as features in countless television programs. His music has been shared by world-famous bands such as Red Hot Chili Peppers, Metallica, Muse, and Walk Off The Earth.
Stricagnoli has released six albums to date: Luca Stricagnoli (2015), What If? (2017), Change of Rules (2019), Blue (2021), Unsent (2022), and Guitars for Nothing (2023). Each project showcases his unorthodox techniques and imaginative approach to the instrument, expanding both his reach and influence.
Alongside his recording success, Stricagnoli has performed close to 100 shows a year, from intimate concerts in remote towns to major stages such as the Nokia Arena in Tel Aviv. He has played sold-out concerts in prestigious philharmonics, theaters, and performing arts centers, as well as exclusive private events for clients including Formula 1, Hard Rock Hotel, Infosys, and BNSF Railways. His artistry has also brought him to perform at universities, international festivals, national television, and to be a judge at global guitar competitions. His work has been recognized with numerous honors, including InterContinental Music Awards, Global Music Awards, Lit of the Year Award, and many others.
Throughout his career, Stricagnoli has shared the stage with some of the most respected musicians in the world, including Grammy winner Jim “Kimo” West, Grammy nominee Debashish Bhattacharya, and German Critics’ Award winner Lulo Reinhardt.
Born and raised in Italy, Stricagnoli later moved to Germany and, in 2023, relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, with Meg Pfeiffer to continue developing their vision at the heart of the music industry. He is a voting member of the Recording Academy and has also founded his own music label. In addition, he serves as a recurring host of International Guitar Night, where he continues to inspire audiences worldwide with his innovative musicianship and visionary spirit.
Meg Pfeiffer is a multi-award winning singer songwriter, music producer and video director whose creative independence defines her career. She writes, arranges, records, produces, mixes and directs her projects entirely on her own, ensuring that every note, every word and every image reflects her artistic vision.
Previously signed to Sony Music and Universal Music Publishing, she later built a fully independent path that has brought her music to more than 25 countries. Along the way she has reached the official charts, collected honors such as the InterContinental Music Awards, the German Rock and Pop Awards, Lit of the Year and several international songwriting prizes. Her releases have gathered more than three million Spotify streams.
Her seventh studio album Red Wine Philosophy was released on August 8, 2025, through her own Muca Label & Publishing and distributed worldwide via Virgin Music Group which belongs to Universal Music in partnership with Mesa Bluemoon Recordings. The album contains sixteen songs that are raw, unfiltered and uncompromisingly honest, carrying the intensity of a first bold sip of red wine on an empty stomach. Pfeiffer created the entire work herself, from the writing and arranging to the recording, production and mixing, while also producing sixteen lyric videos, one for each track. Her husband, Italian guitar virtuoso and inventor Luca Stricagnoli, added his unique artistry to several songs.
Red Wine Philosophy is not only an album but also a declaration of authenticity, resilience and independence. It reflects Pfeiffer’s personal journey, her strength in the face of loss and her determination to create meaningful art outside the mainstream industry.
On September 28, 2025, Pfeiffer presented Red Wine Philosophy live at the Grammy® Museum in Los Angeles at the Clive Davis Theater, performing in an intimate acoustic setting together with Luca Stricagnoli.
In 2023 Pfeiffer and Stricagnoli moved from Europe to Nashville, Tennessee, to expand their creative vision in the heart of the music world. Both are voting members of the Recording Academy and continue to dedicate themselves to creating music that is meaningful, independent and lasting.
Dustbowl Revival & The Hot Club of Cowtown:
A Celebration of Bob & Willie
SUN NOV 16 @ 7 PM
Dustbowl Revival is going strong into their second decade, after starting from a humble Craigslist ad posted in Bohemian Venice Beach. Some would say their ever-evolving collective plays a spicy cocktail of folky-funk or booty-shaking jangly rock ‘n’ soul, expertly mixing their New Orleans-tinted brass section with their signature Laurel Canyon harmonies and fearless lyrics.
Dustbowl Revival is a testament to building a fan base and their own sound the old-fashioned way, with hard work and moving songs that stick to your bones when you leave the concert. There’s a reason they continue to get written up in “Rolling Stone” and “Billboard,” and get played on AAA radio 16 years after they set sail.
After releasing seven acclaimed albums starting in 2008, including their beloved live record “With A Lampshade On (2015)” – recorded mostly at the Troubadour in LA – and their charting self-titled record (2017) produced by Grammy-winner Ted Hutt (Flogging Molly, Old Crow Medicine Show), perhaps their magnum opus is 2020’s deeply personal “Is It You, Is It Me,” produced by Sam Kassirer (Lake Street Dive, Josh Ritter). It showcases their penchant for orchestral brass and intricate string work with politically charged story-songs that unfold like mini-movies. It’s not surprising that Z. Lupetin was an award-winning playwright and screenwriter before music took the reins. “Get Rid Of You,” an ode to the courageous Parkland, Florida, students who stood up to demand common-sense gun laws be passed, is a heart-wrenching staple of each show.
While staying proudly independent, the band has garnered over 10 million streams and counting, with romantic jams like “Honey, I Love You,” featuring Blues master Keb’ Mo,’ and fan favorites like “Sonic Boom” and “Debtors Prison” leading the charge. Many first learned about the band after the now 98-year-old legend Dick Van Dyke let the gang shoot a music video with him dancing in his signature straw hat at his house. Of course, the quirky jam to “Never Had to Go” went viral.
They’re long known for their knock-out festival performances which often spill off the stage into the crowd. Recent notable appearances – Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in San Francisco, Rhythm N Roots in Rhode Island, Waterfront Blues in Portland, The Cambridge Folk Fest in England, and Tonder Festival in Denmark – highlight a few of their favorite stops. Their state-department tour of China also prompted a funny mini documentary on YouTube.
Indeed, founder Z. Lupetin’s quixotic Craigslist ad hoping to find like-minded music-makers to play songs inspired by Wilco, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen, as well as Nina Simone, Fleetwood Mac, and Bill Withers, may seem confusing, but somehow it worked.
Since the late 1990s, the Hot Club of Cowtown has captivated audiences with incredible musicianship and exhilarating live performances. As proud members of the Texas Commission on the Arts, they draw inspiration from the Western swing of Bob Wills and the culture of the American Southwest, as well as the European hot jazz popularized in Paris by Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt during the same era. The band skillfully blends vintage string music, three-part harmony singing, and lively dance tunes, all delivered with unmatched joy and virtuosity.
Sponsored in part
Disney’s Moana Live-To-Film Concert
WED NOV 19 @ 7 PM
Songs and score performed live by:
Vaea Aʻetonu | Guitar, Vocals
Kai Kalama | Drum Set & Percussion
Ryan Keau Kalama | Bass, Vocals
Lauren Kosty | Percussion
Erica Kika Parra | Percussion
Lester Paredes | Woodwind
Anthony Kauka Stanley | Percussion
Sioeli Tameifuna | Percussion
Nina Sosefina | Vocals
This performance of Moana in Concert is proudly brought to life by performers and crew from a wide variety of cultural backgrounds, including Samoan, Hawaiian, Tongan, Venezuelan, Colombian and Mexican descent.
The performance is a presentation of the complete film Disney Moana with live music performed by Polynesian rhythm masters and vocalists. Out of respect for the musicians and your fellow audience members, please remain in the theatre until the conclusion of the end credits. This performance lasts approximately 2 hours including a 20-minute intermission.
PROGRAM AND MUSICIANS SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Keiko Matsui
FRI NOV 21 @ 8 PM
A master storyteller, Keiko Matsui crafts passionate, emotive, and timeless anthems colored with rich harmonies and global rhythms. A humanitarian by nature, her passion for a better, connected world threads through every action and every note of her music.
Keiko is inspired by the world around her. “I unconsciously receive inspiration from the things around me, like people I meet while traveling, events happening in the world, the news, or the movies,” explains the pianist. A lover of nature, Matsui often makes reference to plants, animals, the elements, and other natural features and phenomena in her song titles.
As much humanitarian as musician, Keiko weaves special causes into her works. “My fans come from all backgrounds, and I have been approached by various foundations to join in their efforts. When I hear of a cause that resonates with me that I can dedicate my music to, then I am always willing. It is my way to show gratitude and give back,” states Keiko.
In 1997, she launched a tour dedicated to raising awareness of breast cancer and released a four-song CD entitled A Gift of Hope that benefited the Y-Me Breast Cancer Organization. Her music was prominently featured in a Lifetime special profiling several courageous women battling breast cancer. In 1999, the pianist performed at a skating concert featuring Olympic figure skaters Kristi Yamaguchi, Tara Lipinski, Ekaterina Gordeeva, and Katarina Witt, which benefited the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
1998 saw the release of her album Full Moon and The Shrine, which was accompanied by the acclaimed PBS-TV special Keiko Matsui: Light Above The Trees.
Keiko Matsui’s CD Deep Blue (2001) topped Billboard’s Contemporary Jazz charts for three consecutive weeks. She is the first Japanese artist to achieve this honor. In 2003, she enjoyed success with her recording The Piano, which featured reinventions of some of her most loved original works.
In 2004, royalties from Keiko’s album Wildflower were donated to support the United Nations World Food Programme’s efforts in Africa, following her performance at the United Nations Headquarters. “Humanitarian assistance can change people’s lives for the better,” shares the activist.
Keiko followed that same format with her album A Gift of Life, dedicating performance and album proceeds to the National Marrow Donor Program and the Marrow Foundation to help Asians for Miracle Marrow Matches, which promotes the registration of people of ethnic minorities as marrow donors to improve their chances of finding a matching donor.
In December 2009, the highly sought-after pianist was asked to put together a Christmas show at the Blue Note club in Tokyo, which was a major success. In November 2010, she made her highly anticipated debut at the Blue Note in NY, which was sold out.
In 2011, Keiko recorded with fellow pianist Bob James on a four-hand piano project called Altair & Vega. Keiko’s depth as a composer has also allowed her to contribute music to soundtracks in Japan, the U.S., and Russia. She also released her critically heralded Billboard Top 5 recording The Road…, which featured Cameroonian bassist Richard Bona and saxophonists Kirk Whalum and Jackiem Joyner, among others.
In 2013, Keiko Matsui celebrated the release of her critically lauded album Soul Quest, which is the musical inspiration behind Live in Tokyo. The same year, she was an invited guest in Istanbul for International Jazz Day alongside such luminaries as Herbie Hancock, Branford Marsalis, and Terence Blanchard.
Journey to the Heart (2016) and Echo (2019) further solidified Keiko’s place as one of the most significant and thrilling pianists in contemporary jazz.
Her most recent 2023 album, Euphoria, “is about the hope that we all carry inside of us,” shares Keiko. “I have this dream where we can each cherish our own happiness and learn to accept and care for one another.”
This soft-spoken pianist has amassed a devout following and a powerful presence with the hope-filled message she expresses through her music.
The Psychology of Cults A Live Event
SUN NOV 23 @ 3 PM
Ashlen Weltz (Hilliard), MSc, PSS is the next generation of Cult Intervention Specialists. Her work has been featured in prominent media outlets like Hulu, NewsNation, HuffPost, and BET+ . The public remains fascinated by cults, and in her show, Ashlen explores the psychology of destructive groups, and the individuals who become entangled in them, using education and storytelling as powerful tools for intervention.
Ashlen’s early interest in the dynamics of belief and influence was ignited by her upbringing in Utah, where she was surrounded by a unique blend of culture, religion, and history. This curiosity drew her back to Utah after college, where she worked as a case manager supporting individuals exiting diverse Mormon Fundamentalist Polygamous communities across the West. This challenging and sometimes dangerous work shaped her to be a fierce advocate for survivors.
In 2022, Ashlen founded People Leave Cults, offering intervention and recovery resources for survivors and concerned loved ones. As one of the few Cult Intervention Specialists in the country, Ashlen consults with a team of experts to develop personalized intervention strategies for families that have a loved one involved in a range of coercive situations, including cults, gangs, domestic violence, trafficking, and violent extremism.
Previous to creating People Leave Cults, Ashlen’s expertise was further strengthened by her MSc in the Psychology of Coercive Control. Her published research, Understanding Reproductive Coercion in Cults and Destructive Group Settings, was the first exploratory analysis of the complex experiences of individuals who have experienced reproductive coercion while under the influence of a cultic or destructive group. She also served as the Director of Events for the International Cultic Studies Association (ICSA), organizing regional and international events, workshops, and conferences for those affected by the cult phenomena and psychological manipulation.
In addition to her work with People Leave Cults, Ashlen is also an active volunteer co-organizer of the Spiritual Abuse Forum for Education (SAFE) Meetups where she resides in Portland, Oregon. She is also the Executive Producer for the upcoming indie film Beyond the Fence, a coming-of-age drama about four sisters fighting to escape the violent cult in which they were raised.
