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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Livermore Valley Arts 

Contact: Ruth Egherman (925) 583-2306 

[email protected] 

Livermore Valley Arts to Expand Its Celebration of the Arts to Now Include the Culinary Arts, with New Event Palate: The Art of Cuisine 

LIVERMORE, CA – (March 20, 2026) – A new annual event on the Bankhead Plaza and in the Bankhead Lobby, Palate: The Art of Cuisine on Saturday, June 6, is a foodie event showcasing the culinary talent of the Tri-Valley with a colorful “twist.” Set during Visit Tri-Valley’s TWIST Weekend, this inaugural event at Livermore Valley Arts will be part of this larger weekend where art, culture, food, wine, and innovation all collide, with VTV programming three days of concerts, pop-ups, culinary adventures, interactive experiences, family fun, and surprises around every corner. A first-of-its-kind fundraiser for LVA, sponsored by Visit Tri-Valley, this local chef culinary competition will welcome cuisine into the creative repertoire championed by Livermore Valley Arts. Proceeds support activities at both the Bankhead Theater and the Bothwell Arts Center, as well as the independent non-profit organization’s broad educational and cultural arts outreach activities. 

At this inaugural lunchtime event, Tri-Valley chefs come together to present a vibrant array of signature dishes that showcase the flavor, innovation, and artistry of our region. Livermore Valley Arts will bring together local chefs, bars, and pastry chefs to offer curated samples from their menus, inviting guests to savor the culinary expertise of the Tri-Valley. Each chef will create a signature small plate inspired by a single, prominent color, bringing a vivid palette of flavors to life. Attendees are invited to taste all the Tri-Valley has to offer at LVA’s new Summer Kickoff Fundraiser, while enjoying live music by Bay Area jazz favorite Jeff Bordes outdoors on the Shea Homes Stage in the Bankhead Plaza! A spectrum of taste, with multiple chefs presenting dishes inspired by bold hues, attendees will taste, vote, and help crown the audience favorite. The opportunity to watch the palette unfold, with each chef’s creation celebrating one striking color, will not be one audiences will want to miss. Experience this new special event on the Bankhead Plaza and in the Bankhead Lobby on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Join us for a beautiful array of edible works for Art. Livermore Valley Arts Members receive an exclusive pre-sale on tickets on Friday, March 20, with general public on sale scheduled for Friday, March 27 at 12 pm noon. Tickets include small plates from each Chef and one drink ticket, with additional drink tickets available for purchase. 

The upcoming 2026-2027 season marks Livermore Valley Arts’ 20th season of programming, which will be announced next month, and the organization is thrilled to celebrate the current 2025-2026 season with all the summer festivities at Palate on June 6. At this time, Livermore Valley Arts welcomes raffle items and sponsorships for this thrilling afternoon of culinary celebration from corporations, media, and individuals. To sponsor this event, please send a note to Brittany Mulgrew, LVA Director of Development, at [email protected]. Hotel Packages are available with Hawthorn Suites in Livermore. 

Livermore Valley Arts offers wide-ranging programs that provide access to the arts for the Tri-Valley community and beyond. Located in the heart of Downtown Livermore, the Bankhead Theater welcomes artists from diverse musical genres, as well as theater, dance, comedy, and other forms of entertainment suitable for all ages. The Bothwell Arts Center at 2466 Eighth Street is an arts incubator offering affordable studio, classroom, rehearsal, performance, and event space. Art exhibits curated by the Bothwell are on display year-round in the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery at The Bankhead. Together, The Bankhead and Bothwell are home to eight resident performing arts companies, as well as over 40 studio artists and cultural arts instructors; for more information, visit LivermoreArts.org. 

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Show: Palate: The Art of Cuisine 

Date/Time: Saturday, June 6, 2026, 12:00pm – 3:00pm 

Doors Open at 11:30am (Bars at 11:30am, Chef Stations s at 12:00pm) 

Tickets: $195 General Tickets, $10 Drink Tickets (One Drink Ticket Included with Ticket) Dates, times, and ticket prices for other events available at www.LivermoreArts.org

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Fandango! 

SAT OCT 18 | 2PM 
One of the most exciting groups on Chicago’s musical scene, Fandango! presents a spicy mix of Latin, Spanish, Sephardic, Balkan, and classical sounds. Founded by four multi-award-winning, globe-trotting virtuosi who hail from Spain, France, Bosnia, and Taiwan, they have played, separately and together, on the world’s most prestigious stages.

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Get Tickets Now for a Semi-Staged
co-production with Broadway South Bay starring Nicole King as Anya
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24th Annual
ArtWalk Livermore
THIS SATURDAY!

Annual ArtWalk
Saturday, October 11 | 11am – 5pm
Join us at ArtWalk – the Tri Valley’s premiere one day art festival. Over 200 artists display their works on sidewalks and plazas, in parks and galleries, surrounded by boutique shops, wine tasting rooms and restaurants in historic downtown Livermore.

Learn More

Livermore Valley Arts offices are closed today,
Thursday, June 19th.

Join by Mail

Download and Complete the form and then mail to us at:
Bankhead Theater
2400 First Street
Livermore, CA 94550

Our Team

Directory

Executive Director
 Chris Carter
[email protected]

Director of Finance and Administration
 Reanna Bradford
[email protected]

Director of Marketing
 Ruth Egherman
[email protected]

Director of Operations
 Eric Johnson
[email protected]

Production Manager
 Gary Brunclik
[email protected]

Assistant Production Manager
 Rachel Anderson
[email protected]

Front of House Supervising Manager/Volunteer Coordinator
 Carol Edwards
[email protected]

Facility Manager and IT Coordinator
 Julio Gomez
[email protected]

Box Office Manager
Debra Olson
[email protected]

Visual Arts & Education Manager
 Anne Giancola
[email protected]

Development Manager
 Brittany Mulgrew
[email protected]

Front of House Supervising Manager/Volunteer Coordinator
 Bernice LaRosa
[email protected]

Programs Coordinator
 Treg Van Dyke
[email protected]

Marketing Manager
 Andrew Kracht
[email protected]

Social Media Manager
 Allie Lopiano-Hastey
[email protected]

Food and Beverage Manager
 Ann Rice
[email protected]

Development Assistant
 Tracy Sahn
[email protected]

Visitor Center Supervisor
 Susan Miller
[email protected]

RESIDENT COMPANIES

Get to Know Our Resident Companies

Home to ten Resident Companies with over 270 combined years of artistic experience, the Bankhead Theater’s state-of-the-art facilities enable these organizations to grow artistically and institutionally, develop audiences and collaborate on key projects while maintaining their respective missions and identities.

Cantabella Children’s Chorus

Cantabella Children’s Chorus is a non-profit organization located in the Livermore Tri-Valley. CCC strives to foster and promote the appreciation of choral music in the community through performances at various local corporate and civic functions and churches but above all to have fun.

Del Valle Fine Arts

Del Valle Fine Arts has been presenting outstanding classical music concerts in Livermore for over 35 years. This highly-regarded series offers dazzling performances by acclaimed professional chamber music groups and soloists from throughout North America and beyond. A particular objective of DVFA is to introduce young persons to the appreciation of fine music. To that end, children are admitted free to its concerts, and full-time students above high school can procure tickets at a special reduced price.

Livermore-Amador Symphony

Livermore-Amador Symphony – The symphony offers four concerts a year, as well as a Pops fundraiser. Symphony Guild – If you enjoy LAS concerts, join like-minded people of the Symphony Guild and support this community orchestra! Guild members encourage interest in the symphony and sponsor fund-raising activities. The Livermore-Amador Symphony has received funding from: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC, City of Livermore Commission for the Arts, City of Livermore Tourism and Special Event Fund, Livermore Cultural Arts Council, Clorox Company Technical Center-Pleasanton, Target and Livermore Rotary.

Livermore Valley Opera

Livermore Valley Opera combines the talents and expertise of professional music, stage and chorus directors, principal singers, musicians, and designers with the dedication and practical abilities of a volunteer board, adult chorus, stage crew, props master, stitchers, and set builders. Each fall and spring, LVO presents locally produced, fully staged operas with orchestra. Additionally, LVO presents special concerts, events and fundraisers in the winter and “Opera in the Vineyard” in the summer. LVO promotes local talent and attracts outstanding Bay Area singers, directors and conductors.

Pacific Chamber Orchestra

The Pacific Chamber Orchestra (PCO) is a 40 piece symphony orchestra composed of professional musicians from throughout the Bay Area. It was founded over 20 years ago by its talented conductor and musical director, Lawrence Kohl. The orchestra combines the precision of a small ensemble with surprising dynamic range and power. PCO is notable for innovative and insightful interpretations of music of all eras.

Rae Dorough Speaker Series

The Rae Dorough Speaker Series features leading thinkers in science, literature and the arts who discuss topical issues of particular interest to the Livermore community in the intimacy of the Bankhead Theater.

Sycamore Strings Academy / Bothwell Arts Center

The Sycamore Strings Academy (formerly Suzuki Strings Academy) carries on a tradition from 1984 of quality music education in the Tri-Valley area. The Academy includes certified Suzuki instruction on string instruments, licensed Kindermusik classes and a popular guitar program. Students perform across the region in year-round concert series.

Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre

Formerly Pleasanton Playhouse, Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre presents a variety of audience-pleasing musical theater. As a non-profit, volunteer regional arts organization, we continue our mission to provide affordable quality theatre, training and cultural experiences, with a focus on children and family participation.

Valley Concert Chorale

The Valley Concert Chorale is a chorus of about 40 singers, many of whom live in the Tri-Valley area, including Livermore, Pleasanton, San Ramon and Danville. VCC’s director is John Bush and featured pianist is Daniel Glover. If you would like to sing with VCC, why not arrange for an audition? You can audition at any time, and then join the chorus at the beginning of the next quarter.

Valley Dance Theatre

Valley Dance Theatre is a non-profit organization committed to providing exceptional dance instruction and productions to the Tri-Valley Area. Their focus is in classical ballet and modern dance. Each year they present a full-length Nutcracker with a live orchestra, and a Spring show with varying themes.

accessibility at the bankhead

Accessibility

TICKETS
Wheelchair accessible seats cannot be purchased online. You must call our Ticket Office in advance at 925.373.6800 for seating and to ensure your needs are thoroughly met.

DROP OFF/PICK-UP
There is a drop-off/pick-up area located on Railroad Avenue, on the right side of the street, before you reach the stoplight to enter the parking garage.

PARKING
Handicapped-reserved spaces are located on the lower level of the Livermore Valley Center parking garage.

SEATING
An elevator is located on the West end of the main lobby.

LISTENING DEVICES
Assistive listening devices are available free of charge from the House Manager’s Office in the lobby. Please let us know when purchasing your ticket of your special needs.

RESTROOMS
Fully accessible restrooms are located in the main lobby and in the upper lobby.

Support the Arts

Inscribed Pavers

Dedicate one of the decorative paver blocks that frame and define the entry from the Livermore Valley Plaza to the Bankhead Theater. Each size allows you to personalize your dedication and/or message. Once you’ve placed your order we’ll contact you to help you choose the exact message for the paver you’d like to donate.

LOGO & BRICK ART
Permanently commemorate a company or brand, feature your family crest or create your own custom design while supporting the arts with an engraved logo or artistic brick. The image will be etched in black on a sand-colored paver (6×12 or 12×12) or light gray granite tile (24×24). They are visible to thousands of people each year attending a variety of events and performances on the Livermore Valley Plaza and in the Bankhead Theater.

24″ x 24″ – Madden Family Courtyard – $1,500
12″ x 12″ – Livermore Valley Plaza $1,000
Logo Art Brick – Livermore Valley Plaza $500
6″ x 12″ – Livermore Valley Plaza $375
6″ x 9″ – Livermore Valley Plaza $150

PERSONALIZED SEATS
Seat donations will be recognized by a commemorative medallion on your chosen chair in the Bankhead Theater as well as on the Donor Wall in the Lobby.

Grand Tier Seats $5,000
Central Tier Seats $2,500
Upper Tier Seats $1,000

Please note: donating a personalized seat does not guarantee the right to sit in that seat for a given performance.

Leave a Legacy

With a legacy gift to Livermore Valley Arts, you can be sure your charitable intentions will be realized while achieving the most favorable income tax benefits available. We are happy to meet with you to talk about your intentions and situation. However, we strongly recommend you consult with your estate planning professional or tax advisor to fulfill your goals for your financial portfolio and tax needs.

Making a legacy gift to the Center also qualifies you to join the Legacy Society, a group of philanthropic and pioneering members who share a strong bond with LVPAC and a desire to ensure a meaningful, lasting home for the arts in Livermore Valley.

If you have already included LVA in your plans (or if you intend to), please let us know. Contact Chris Carter, Executive Director, at [email protected] or call (925) 583-2311.

We accept a range of planned giving options:

In Your Will
The simplest way to leave a planned gift is to make a bequest including specific language in your will or living trust naming LVA as the recipient. The following is an example of suggested language to include in your will/trust:

“I give and bequeath to the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center, a California non-profit corporation, located at 2400 First Street, Livermore, CA 94550, the sum of $____, or ______% of my estate, to be used for the accomplishment of its general purpose (or for a specific purpose as indicated).”

Charitable Gift Annuities
A charitable gift annuity (CGA) is the easiest way to create dependable income for life and help the Center. Please note that LVA does not administer CGAs but can recommend an administrator.

Charitable Trusts
A Charitable Remainder Trust or Charitable Lead Trust allows you to receive an estate or gift tax deduction and create a source of income for you or your loved ones while supporting the Center. Please note that LVA does not administer these trusts but can recommend an administrator.

Real Estate/Appreciated Assets
A variety of assets can be donated such as real estate, appreciated securities, and tangible personal property such as art or jewelry. Donating appreciated assets can help offset income and capital gains taxes. If you are contemplating gifting an investment property or a vacation home, a gift of real estate offers an excellent option for tax-wise giving. You can also include the Center as a beneficiary of real estate or appreciated assets in your will. Please be aware that as part of our gift acceptance policy, all gifts of real estate, appreciated assets and tangible personal property are examined on a case-by-case basis.

Retirement Plan Donations or Life Insurance Policies
You can name Livermore Valley Arts as the beneficiary of your IRA, 401k or 403b retirement plan or life insurance policy. This is a simple, effective way to support the arts while reducing or eliminating significant, often unanticipated tax penalties.