Bankhead Presents Program | April 2026
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Ravi Shankar Ensemble
FRI APR 3 @ 8 PM
Pandit Shubhendra Rao (sitar) is an internationally acclaimed performer, composer, cultural entrepreneur and music educator. A protégé of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar, Shubhendra Rao’s relentless service in promoting Indian music has made him a highly respected figure in the field of music and education across the world. As a composer, he pushes the boundaries of classical music across cultures, composing and collaborating with Chinese Pipa maestro Gao Hong, American Jazz Guitarist Freddie Bryant, Japanese legendary singer Ryoko Moriyama, Bilbao Symphony Orchestra, Brazilian Symphony Orchestra, and the Chinese National Orchestra, amongst others. He is also the Founding Director of Musikul Education Pvt Ltd and co-founder of the Shubhendra and Saskia Rao Foundation, together with his wife, Dutch Cellist Saskia Rao-de Haas, transforming the way music is taught in schools in India. As the Indian delegate of the Creative Youth Development Conference hosted by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, he collaborates with an international team of experts on creating effective international policies on Child & Youth Arts Education. Shubhendra Rao is the first recipient of the Atal Behari Vajpayee National Award for his contribution to Art and Culture and the 2019 recipient of the prestigious Art Karat Award for Excellence for his contribution in the field of Arts. His recent performances include performing at the UN General Assembly in Geneva for World Human Rights Day and celebrating UNESCO’s 80th anniversary at the historic Ajanta-Ellora caves in India.
Ravichandra Kulur (flute) is an internationally acclaimed flautist who began his training under his father, Sri K. Raghavendra Rao, and later spent several years in close association with his guru, the legendary Pandit Ravi Shankar, who honored him as a “flute maestro.” He also shares a close artistic association with Anoushka Shankar and has appeared at iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Sydney Opera House, Disney Hall, and many more. Ravi has performed over 1,200 concerts across 34 countries, blending Carnatic classical, world music and fusion jazz and collaborating with many global icons, including A.R. Rahman and Ricky Kej. His music has received international recognition, including Grammy nominated albums, establishing him as one of the leading flautists on the world stage.
B C Manjunath (mridangam) born into a rich musical lineage in Bangalore, is the son of Sangeetha Vidyanidhi Dr.B.K. Chandramouli and a disciple of Ganakalabhushana K.N. Krishnamurthy and Padmashri, Sangeetha Kalanidhi Dr. T.K. Murthy. Rooted deeply in the Carnatic tradition, his journey has evolved into a global rhythmic exploration. A recipient of the prestigious Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar from the Central Sangeet Natak Akademi, he has performed in over 60 countries and was invited to perform at Rashtrapati Bhavan for the 76th Republic Day in 2025 before the President and Prime Minister of India. Over the years, he has played with legendary maestros including Pandit Ravishankar, Mysore Nagaraj & Dr. Mysore Manjunath, Dr. L. Subramaniam, Anoushka Shankar, Pt. Bickram Ghosh, Dr. M. Balamuralikrishna, R.K. Srikantan and Dr. Suma Sudhindra, while also sharing the stage with international icons such as Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Lucio Dalla, Kani Karaca, Israel Galvan and Het Nederlands Fluit Orkest. As a composer and innovator, Manjunath co-composed “Cosmic Danse” with Sebastien Gaxie for 200 musicians at Maison de la Radio, Paris (Radio France), and has created original rhythmic systems including Fibonacci Tala, Triangular Numbers Tala and Gurukrupa Tala. Recognised as an ‘A’ Grade Artiste of All India Radio and Doordarshan and honoured as Asthana Vidwan of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Peetam (2012), he has performed at premier venues such as Sydney Opera House, Philharmonie de Paris, Kennedy Center (Washington DC), Queen Elizabeth Hall (London), Sadler’s Wells (London), Theatre de la Ville (Paris), Bimhuis (Amsterdam), La Fenice (Venice) and NCPA (Mumbai). As an educator, he regularly conducts masterclasses at the Conservatorium of Amsterdam and leading international institutions, standing as a rhythmic ambassador who honours tradition while expanding its horizons across cultures.
Anubrata Chatterjee (tabla) is one of the leading tabla artists of his generation. He is the son and disciple of the world-renowned tabla maestro, Pandit Anindo Chatterjee. Anubrata’s creative approach toward his music includes the traditional Farrukhabad Gharana and Lucknow styles of tabla as well as a modern touch in the presentation of his art with concepts like Beats & Pieces, The T20 of Classical Music. From Carnegie Hall to the Barbican in London from Wigmore Hall in London, to the Esplanade Theatre in Singapore, Anubrata has performed at many prestigious venues and music festivals, and he has shared the stage with well-known artists globally, including Japanese Koto star, Yumi Kurosawa, Wynton Marsalis, Amjad Ali Khan, Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Birju Maharaj, Ranjit Barot and Shankar Mahadeyan. Anubrata has won several awards and accolades, among the most significant, the President’s Gold Medal (2001), awarded by All India Radio; Pandit Nikhil Ghosh Memorial Award (2002); Pandit Basavaraj Rajguru Memorial National Award by Karnataka Government (2014), and Sangeet Natak Akademi Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar (2016).
Padma Shankar (violin) is an acclaimed performer, composer and educator, known for her evocative artistry and deep-rooted training in the South Indian classical tradition. A senior disciple of the legendary violin maestro Shri Lalgudi Jayaraman, Padma carries forward his legacy with a nuanced blend of melody, rhythm, and emotional depth. With over three decades of professional experience, Padma has performed extensively across India and internationally, both as a soloist and in major collaborative projects. Her work bridges classical, contemporary and global genres, making her a sought-after voice in both experimental and cross-cultural music settings. Padma has been honored with the prestigious Kalaimamani Award — the highest state recognition for excellence in the arts in Tamil Nadu— along with numerous other accolades for her contributions to Indian classical music. A dedicated educator, Padma has guided a significant number of students worldwide and recently launched Swaraved, a platform offering self-paced violin and vocal courses designed to empower independent learning.
Aayush Mohan (sarod) is one of the most acclaimed Sarod players on the global stage. Known for his distinguished musicality and mastery of the Indian tradition, Aayush is a proud grand-disciple of Bharat Ratna Pandit Ravi Shankar. His training belongs to the revered Senia-Maihar Gharana, having learnt from Balwant Rai Verma, Sharan Rani and Tejendra Majumdar. Apart from his sarod recitals, he often performs alongside his brother, sitarist Lakshay Mohan, the duo being known as the Mohan Brothers. Together, they performed at the prestigious Grammy Museum in Los Angeles at the opening of the exhibition, “Ravi Shankar: A Life in Music.” The duo received a historic endorsement when the Pandit Ravi Shankar upon hearing them in 2012, launched them on their debut U.S. tour under his foundation. Aayush has performed at some of the most respected venues across the world, including Symphony Space in New York City, Berklee College of Music, Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, the India Fine Arts Academy in San Diego, and Gasteig in Munich. A five-time TEDx speaker, Aayush has also presented lecture-demonstrations at esteemed institutions such as Wien State University in Detroit and University of the Arts in Philadelphia.
Aida Cuevas “The Queen of Mariachi”
Presents Mexican Symphonic Serenade
FRI APR 10 @ 8 PM
Prepare for an unforgettable evening of passion, tradition, and the soul-stirring beauty of timeless music as Aida Cuevas, the unrivaled Queen of Ranchera Music, graces the stage for her monumental 50th Anniversary U.S. Tour 2025. With a voice celebrated as one of the most powerful and emotive in Mexican music history, Aida Cuevas invites you 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,” Aida Cuevas has spent 50 extraordinary years as an ambassador of Mexican and Latin American music, captivating audiences worldwide. She remains the only woman 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 you straight to the vibrant heart of Mexico. Expect a dazzling fusion of fiery rhythms, tender ballads, and stunning stage visuals that bring her music to life in breathtaking detail. Whether you’ve been a lifelong admirer or are discovering Ranchera music for the first time, Aida Cuevas’ masterful storytelling and commanding stage presence promise an experience that will leave you spellbound.
Join us to celebrate her unparalleled legacy and honor the rich cultural heritage of Mexico in a once-in-a-lifetime event. Don’t miss your chance to witness history in the making as Aida Cuevas lights up stages across the U.S. Reserve your date now for an evening of music, tradition, and inspiration that you’ll treasure forever.
Sponsored in part by
The Wizard of Oz On Ice
SUN APR 12 @ 3 PM
Get ready to experience the beloved classic The Wizard of Oz like never before as Ice Creative Entertainment presents a spectacular new production, The All New Wizard of Oz On Ice!
Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion as they glide across the stage, embarking on a magical journey through the Land of Oz. With breathtaking choreography, vibrant costumes, and state-of-the-art special effects, this reimagined show brings L. Frank Baum’s timeless tale to life in an entirely new and exciting way. Whether you’re revisiting the story or discovering it for the first time, this is a show that promises to leave you spellbound!
Cast List:
Julia Biechler as Dorothy
Shawn Sawyer as the Wizard of Oz
Sebastian Arcieri as Scarecrow
Violet Presley-Wolff as Tin Man & Good Witch of the North
Felipe Brent as Cowardly Lion
Emily Williams as Wicked Witch of the West
Sydney Marksberry as Glinda
Reuben Deglin as Emerald City Guard & Flying Monkey
Nikita Tereshchenko as Uncle Henry
Hallie Joseph as Aunt Em
Kayleigh Linkous as Specialty Act & Flying Monkey
Production Crew:
Alex Wilfand – Show Producer
Kelsea Campbell – Tour/Production Manager
Matthew Holmberg – Production/Show Support
Payton Justice – Writer & Lyricist
Matthew Claiborne – Music Composer
Stephanee Grosscup – Show Choreographer
Katy Garrity – Show Choreographer
LINK (Cast / Crew Photos & Bios)
About Ice Creative Entertainment:
Ice Creative Entertainment Group is an internationally recognized entertainment agency and production company dedicated to creating memorable experiences. With a team of industry experts and leading professionals, we stay aligned with current trends while anticipating future ones. Since our inception, over 5 million viewers have enjoyed our high-quality entertainment.
From television to theme parks and live tours, we cover all aspects of entertainment, delivering thrilling experiences that keep audiences coming back for more. We have partnered with and created live entertainment productions for the Walt Disney Company, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Dubai Parks & Resorts, Alessia Cara, Tokyo Disneyland, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Marriott Hotels, Dolly Parton Entertainment, and more! At Ice Creative we are committed to helping clients host successful events and shows that strengthen their brand, foster relationships with existing clients, and attract new ones.
Faith Alpher: Still Laughing After All These Years
FRI APR 17 @ 8 PM
A New Jersey native and trained professional actress, Faith is a proud member of the prestigious SAG-AFTRA union and has been featured on OWN’s “Searching For…” where her story resonated with viewers nationwide. With a magnetic blend of humor, heart, and unapologetic truth, Faith brings raw storytelling and comedic brilliance to every mic she touches—whether she’s electrifying middle and high school students, delivering keynote addresses, or hosting her beloved radio segments. Her mission is clear: ignite hope, empower confidence, and spark joy in every soul she reaches.
An Evening with Emerson, Lake and Palmer
SAT APR 18 @ 8 PM
Emerson, Lake & Palmer (informally known as ELP) was an English progressive rock supergroup formed in London in 1970. The band consisted of Keith Emerson (keyboards) of the Nice, Greg Lake of King Crimson (vocals, bass, guitar, producer), and Carl Palmer of Atomic Rooster (drums, percussion). With nine RIAA-certified gold record albums in the US and an estimated 48 million records sold worldwide, they are one of the most popular and commercially successful progressive rock groups of the 1970s, with a musical sound including adaptations of classical music with jazz and symphonic rock elements, dominated by Emerson’s flamboyant use of the Hammond organ, Moog synthesizer, and piano (although Lake wrote several acoustic songs for the group).
The band became prominent after performing at the Isle of Wight Festival in August 1970. In their first year, the group signed with E.G. Records (who distributed the band’s records through Island Records in the United Kingdom and Atlantic Records in North America) and released Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1970) and Tarkus (1971), both of which reached the UK top five. The band’s success continued with Pictures at an Exhibition (1971), Trilogy (1972), and Brain Salad Surgery (1973, released on ELP’s own Manticore Records label). After a three-year break, Emerson, Lake & Palmer released Works Volume 1 (1977) and Works Volume 2 (1977). After Love Beach (1978), the group disbanded in 1979.
The members played in various solo and partial reunion combinations during the 1980s. In 1991, the original trio re-formed and released two more albums, Black Moon (1992) and In the Hot Seat (1994), and toured between 1992 and 1998. Their final performance occurred in 2010 at the High Voltage Festival in London to commemorate the band’s 40th anniversary. Emerson and Lake died in 2016, leaving Palmer as the only surviving band member.
In 2022, Palmer and his manager developed and launched the show initially as THE RETURN OF EMERSON LAKE & PALMER show, again with the full cooperation and involvement of both the Keith Emerson and Greg Lake estates. The show has been re-branded for 2025 as AN EVENING WITH EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER.
Dinosaur World Live
FRI APR 24 @ 6:30 PM
Now an international smash hit, following six UK tours including two summer seasons at London’s Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre (2018 and 2023) and Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre (2019); two major tours of the U.S.A (2022 & 2024), Canada, Ireland, China and Australia, DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE has delighted critics and audiences alike, from all ages 3 and above.
Using stunning puppetry to bring remarkably life-like dinosaurs to the stage, DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE presents a host of impressive pre-historic creatures including every child’s favourite flesh-eating giant, the Tyrannosaurus Rex, along with a Giraffatitan, Microraptor, Segnosaurus and Triceratops. The show introduces Miranda, daughter of palaeontologists, who grew up surrounded by dinosaurs on a far-away island off the coast of South America. She has brought her pre-historic pals to your local theatre and would love you to meet them. Warning: some of these dinosaurs aren’t as docile as they seem!
DINOSAUR WORLD LIVE is written and directed by Derek Bond (Sweet Charity, Manchester Theatre Awards 2017 winner, Little Shop of Horrors Manchester Royal Exchange). The creative team includes: Puppet Designer Max Humphries (National Theatre, Royal Opera House, Cirque de Soleil); Puppet Director Laura Cubitt (Running Wild, Chichester Festival Theatre; Don Quixote, RSC; War Horse, NT Berlin); Puppetry Consultant Toby Olié (for the National Theatre: Elephantom, Peter Pan, The Light Princess, Hansel & Gretel, NT: 50 Years on Stage, and also the original hind puppeteer of Joey in War Horse); Set & Costume Designer James Perkins; Lighting Designer John Maddox; and Sound Designer Tom Mann. Produced by Nicoll Entertainment.
UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery at the Bankhead Theater
Presenting Splendid Surroundings in Watercolor
Thru May 10, 2026
Thursdays — Saturdays, 12 pm — 5 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.
California Watercolor Association artists draw inspiration from the places they’ve explored and the people who’ve left a lasting impression. This exhibition features a wide range of watercolor paintings inspired by those experiences, from vibrant landscapes and peaceful still lifes to expressive portraits, figures, and abstracts. Together, the works offer a colorful and personal look at the moments, memories, and scenes that spark creativity—and invite visitors to slow down, look closely, and enjoy the journey. The Reception for “Presenting Splendid Surroundings in Watercolor,” also free and open to the public at the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery, is on Saturday, April 11, from 1 pm to 3 pm. Learn More …
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