FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Livermore Valley Arts
Contact: Ruth Egherman (925) 583-2306
Travel through Music, This Spring at The Bankhead
Livermore, CA – (March 4, 2026) – The Bankhead is set to take its audiences on a musical journey around the globe in March and April, offering something for every appetite this spring. From Canada’s Celtic superstars Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy and The Celtic All-Stars, some of the world’s finest Celtic musicians together at an unforgettable evening of music and celebration on Sunday, March 22, to a multi-generational collective of world class musicians at the Ravi Shankar Ensemble on Friday, April 3, to Aida Cuevas “The Queen of Mariachi” presents Mexican Symphonic Serenade on Friday, April 10, The Bankhead is welcoming and celebrating talents near and far this spring. All of these international performances will be right in the Tri-Valley at the beautiful Bankhead Theater in Downtown Livermore.
Celtic Superstars and power-couple Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy are back on the world stage for the first time since their marriage in 2000. The early 2000s saw both Natalie and Donnell busy raising their 7 children (all world-class musical talents in their own right), running a fully operational farm, and building a thriving Farmers Market in Lakefield, Ontario – all while still playing over 75 shows a year in North America. With most of the children now in their early to late teens, it is time to spread their wings again and bring their electrifying live performances to audiences everywhere. Natalie MacMaster’s virtuosic skill and effortless charm saw her inducted into the Order of Canada in 2006, win 2 JUNO Awards, 19 East Coast Music Awards, and release 3 Gold Albums. Combine that with the energy and incredible stage presence of Donnell Leahy, whose leadership earned his acclaimed Celtic family-band “Leahy” Double-Platinum status, 3 JUNO Awards, and an Academy Award as the subject of the 1985 documentary “The Leahys: Music Most of All,” and you have the most exhilarating duo in Celtic Music! This powerhouse couple has sold out over 1000 shows in North America. Their combined careers have seen them record with a star-studded list of collaborators, including Yo-Yo Ma, Michael McDonald, Allison Krauss, Thomas Dolby, The Rankin Family, Rhiannon Giddens, Johnny Reid, Nickelback, and more. World-class performers in their own right, each has found time to tour and perform with some of the biggest names in music, including The Chieftains, Faith Hill, Carlos Santana, Don Henley, Béla Fleck, and more. Showing no signs of slowing down, Natalie and Donnell keep up a tireless touring schedule and continue to build on their reputations as must-see live performers. This extraordinary musical journey coming to Downtown Livermore on March 22 will showcase true all-stars of the Celtic world—from Ireland, Scotland, Canada, and beyond. Together, Natalie and Donnell will explore the deep connections between Celtic traditions across nations, tracing the music’s ancient roots to its vibrant modern evolution. Joining them on stage is a lineup of exceptional special guests, including vocalist Karen Matheson OBE of Capercaillie, four-time All-Ireland Champion banjo player Enda Scahill, critically acclaimed Scottish piper Ross Ainslie, and Natalie and Donnell’s multi-talented daughter, Mary Frances. Tri-Valley audiences will not want to miss this one-of-a-kind night filled with fiery fiddling, electrifying energy, and the heart and soul of Celtic music. (Tickets are selling fast for Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy. Interested patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets early for The Celtic All-Stars.)
Curated by Sukanya and Anoushka Shankar, the Ravi Shankar Ensemble is a multi-generational collective of world-class musicians dedicated to the masterful compositions and enduring legacy of the uniquely legendary musician, Ravi Shankar. In their debut tour, stopping by The Bankhead on April 3, the ensemble will present a special program featuring visual elements from the Ravi Shankar archives alongside a dynamic selection of Shankar’s soul-stirring music. In a career spanning decades and continents, Maestro Ravi Shankar left an indelible imprint on global music history and culture. A virtuosic Indian musician and composer known for his mastery of the sitar, Shankar was a leading global figure of the 20th century and a major figure in the Hindustani music tradition, reshaping the centuries-old form as it is recognized today and introducing Western audiences to the classical tradition of Indian Ragas. He popularized Indian classical music worldwide through his teaching, performances, and collaborations with Western musicians such as Yehudi Menuhin, Philip Glass, and George Harrison. His compositions for sitar and orchestra bridged the gap between Eastern and Western music. Shankar received the Bharat Ratna (India’s highest civilian honor), France’s Legion d’Honneur, a Knighthood from Queen Elizabeth, eighteen honorary doctorates, and five Grammy awards, including a rare Lifetime Achievement Award. As of this press release, appearing in Downtown Livermore will be Shubhendra Rao (sitar and ensemble leader), Ravichandra Kulur (flute), Padma Shankar (violin and vocals), Aayush Mohan (sarod), Anubrata Chatterjee (tabla), and B C Manjanuth (mridangam).
One week later, Tri-Valley audiences will want to prepare for an unforgettable evening of passion, tradition, and the soul-stirring beauty of timeless music as Aida Cuevas, known as “The Queen of Mariachi,” a master of the mariachi art song, graces the stage at The Bankhead with an evening of music, tradition, and inspiration. With a voice celebrated as one of the most powerful and emotive in Mexican music history, Aida Cuevas invites audiences to embark on a journey through five decades of iconic hits, including “El Pastor,” “Quizás Mañana,” and many more, all performed with her signature elegance, artistry, and heartfelt authenticity. Affectionately known as “The Queen of Ranchera Music,” Cuevas has spent 50 extraordinary years as an ambassador of Mexican and Latin American music, captivating audiences worldwide. She remains the first and only female singer in the mariachi genre to win both a GRAMMY® and a Latin GRAMMY®, cementing her place as a true pioneer and icon. Over her illustrious career, she has won two GRAMMY® awards, received eleven GRAMMY® nominations in the “Best Mariachi/Ranchero Album” category, recorded an astounding 43 albums, and sold over 11 million copies globally. Accompanied by a world-renowned mariachi ensemble, this spectacular performance will transport viewers straight to the vibrant heart of Mexico with a dazzling fusion of fiery rhythms, tender ballads, and stunning stage visuals that bring her music to life in breathtaking detail. Do not miss the chance to witness history in the making as she lights up stages across the U.S. with Aida Cuevas, “The Queen of Mariachi,” Presents Mexican Symphonic Serenade, an orchestral ode to Mexican music. Mexican Symphonic Serenade is an innovative musical project that pays tribute to world-renowned Mexican songs, combining a talented mariachi ensemble and an iconic symphony orchestra, fronted by the best Mexican voice and singer to date, Aida Cuevas. The project is designed to engage and enthrall a diverse audience. Whether a deep appreciation for Mexican music or experiencing it for the first time, Mexican Symphonic Serenade offers an inclusive, immersive fusion of cultural elements and musical prowess, creating a truly unforgettable and captivating experience for audiences of all backgrounds. Encompassing a wide range of emotions from celebratory and festive tunes to heart-wrenching ballads, traditional Mexican mariachi is a vibrant and energetic musical style originating in Mexico. Deeply rooted in Mexican culture and an iconic symbol of the country, it is characterized by a blend of musical elements, including folk music from various regions of Mexico, Spanish influence, and African and Indigenous influences. Aida Cuevas’ masterful storytelling and commanding stage presence promise a memorable and awe-inspiring experience that will leave audiences spellbound. Join us on April 10 to celebrate her unparalleled legacy and honor Mexico’s rich cultural heritage at a once-in-a-lifetime event.
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.
# # #
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 and over 40 studio artists and cultural arts instructors. LivermoreArts.org
Show: Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy and The Celtic All-Stars Date/Time: Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 3:00pm Selling Fast!
Tickets: $80—$110 ($25 student/military personnel) / Groups of 10 or more save 20%
Show: Ravi Shankar Ensemble
Date/Time: Friday, April 3, 2026, at 8:00pm
Tickets: $25—$90 ($25 student/military personnel) / Groups of 10 or more save 20%
Show: Aida Cuevas “The Queen of Mariachi” Presents Mexican Symphonic Serenade Date/Time: Friday, April 10, 2026, at 8:00pm
Tickets: $70—$100 ($25 student/military personnel) / Groups of 10 or more save 20% Dates, times, and ticket prices for other events available at www.LivermoreArts.org
