Bankhead Presents Program | September 2026
CLUB BANKHEAD
Sinatra Saloon: A Tale & A Tune
FRI SEP 4 @ 8 PM
For the last 13 years Oakland-based vocalist Jefferson Bergey has been zig-zagging through multiple genres of music and comedy. Now he’s taking on his most challenging musical costume yet, covering arguably the greatest singer of the 20th Century, Frank Sinatra. Sinatra may have been the greatest singer, but he was far from a perfect man. Bergey is pulling no punches as he tells sordid stories of the singer’s life against the musical backdrop of some of the best-known songs of the Great American Songbook.
When asked why Sinatra, Bergey says “There’s something so classic and timeless about the songs and the way that he sang them. But then I started to learn about his life and that sent me down a rabbit hole that I’m still digging deeper into and I’m eager to share the stories and my discoveries with an audience.”
He also warned that this is not a classic, note-for-note tribute. “I’m not doing a Frank Sinatra impression. I won’t be wearing a fedora or tuxedo. If I quote him, it will be in context of a story I’m telling about the man and these will not be well-known stories! I’m singing his songs, but I’m also telling tales that are not the normal, bland fanfare and publicist-approved points that would introduce him on a prime time television show in the 60’s. This show will present both the bright accolades and the dark sins of a nuanced artist while showcasing the songs that make him undeniable for any generation.”
It’s not only Sinatra that the stories quote and revolve around. Bay Area vocalist Meredith McHenry is a vital part of the ensemble not only as a featured vocalist, but as the voice of the woman chronicled in the show which have included Mia Farrow, Lauren Bacall, Marilyn Monroe, Shirley MacLaine, and of course, Ava Gardner.
Bergey has written six unique Sinatra Saloon shows, all featuring different tales and tunes based around a central theme. He’s performed these shows quarterly at The Sound Room in Oakland. He’s also expanded to numerous sold-out Candlelight Concerts in Portland and the historic Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. His annual Sinatra Holiday show has become a tradition for Pure Soul Presents at the Citizen Hotel in Sacramento going on four years.
Bergey will be backed by some of the best of the Bay Area including Andrew Dixon on tenor sax, John Gove on trombone, Don Beck on trumpet, Jon Herrera on bass, Jason Zucker on keys, and Julian Hogan on drums of The Hogan Brothers.
Paula Poundstone
SAT SEP 5 @ 8 PM
Iconic comedian Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and a spontaneous wit that has become the stuff of legend. She regularly plays theaters across the country, hosts a weekly comedy podcast, Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone, and is a regular panelist on NPR’s Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me. She also voiced the character ‘Forgetter Paula’ in the feature films Inside Out and Inside Out 2.
Paula has starred in several HBO specials, including Cats, Cops and Stuff, which nabbed a cable ACE award for Best Comedy Special. She was the first female comic to host the White House Correspondents Dinner. She filed live coverage of the 1992 Democratic and Republican National Conventions and the Presidential Inaugural for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and at the 93rd Emmy Awards. Paula has starred in two television series, both entitled The Paula Poundstone Show. Paula’s second book, The Totally Unscientific Study of the Search for Human Happiness, was one of eight semi-finalists for the Thurber Prize For American Humor; the audiobook was one of five finalists for the AUDIE award for Audiobook of the Year. Paula has released five albums and is featured in several documentaries and compendiums noting influential comedians of our time.
This Series is Sponsored in Part by Jean King
RAE DOROUGH SPEAKER SERIES
Albert Lin: Exploring Human Frontiers
THU SEP 10 @ 7:30 PM
Dr. Albert Lin is a modern-day high-tech explorer, blurring the boundaries between human and machine, while redefining how we explore our own humanity. After years of research at the University of San Diego and serving as the host of numerous National Geographic TV series, in 2016, Albert lost his leg below the knee as a result of a dune buggy rollover accident in the California Dunes. His journey back into his body was long and arduous, but through the use of innovative prosthetics and therapy that included mirrors and guided hallucinogenics, Albert emerged whole with a newfound appreciation for life and the human spirit. His explorer journey began in Mongolia’s Valley of the Khans, where he launched a pioneering initiative that harnessed technology to search for Genghis Khan’s tomb. As a research technologist, the tools Albert designed and deployed have marked a major shift in how we explore. Since Mongolia, Albert and his teams have used lidar (laser mapping) to uncover entire ancient cities concealed beneath the remote jungle canopies and deserts. His expeditions have been brought to a global audience in adventure-driven factual TV series, including “Lost Treasures of the Maya,” “Buried Secrets of the Bible,” and “Lost Cities with Albert Lin,” streaming series and stage shows.
Sponsored in part by
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
FRI SEP 11 @ 8 PM
April, 2026, marks the 33 year anniversary of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s remarkable arrival onto the music scene. Since its formation in the early nineties in Ventura, California, the band has toured virtually nonstop, performing on average over 150 shows a year, and has produced a sizable catalog of recorded music, with sales of over 2 million albums to date. Early on, during their legendary residency at the Derby nightclub in Los Angeles, they reminded the world, in the midst of the grunge era no less, that it was still cool to swing. The band, co-founded by singer Scotty Morris and drummer Kurt Sodergren, was at the forefront of the swing revival of that time, blending a vibrant fusion of the classic American sounds of jazz, swing, and dixieland, with the energy and spirit of contemporary culture.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s all original core line-up includes Scotty Morris (lead vocals and guitar), Kurt Sodergren (drums), Dirk Shumaker (double bass and vocals), Andy Rowley (baritone saxophone and vocals), Glen “The Kid” Marhevka (trumpet), Karl Hunter (saxophones and clarinet) and Joshua Levy (piano and arranger).
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s efforts to promote and revitalize swing music have taken shape as much more than a simple tribute. Taking inspiration from the creators of this uniquely American art form, the band’s original horn-infused music and legendary high energy show introduces the genre to a new and younger generation while remaining cognizant and respectful of the music’s rich legacy.
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy’s first phase of stardom featured an appearance in the 1996 indie film Swingers, a movie that not only launched the careers of Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau, but introduced Big Bad Voodoo Daddy to an audience beyond their Los Angeles base. The band’s music has appeared in countless films and television shows, including The Wild, Despicable Me, Phineas & Ferb, Friends, Third Rock From The Sun, Ally McBeal, and So You Think You Can Dance. They have appeared live on Dancing With The Stars, Late Night With Conan O’Brien, NBC’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center, The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, a remarkable seven appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and the Super Bowl XXXIII Halftime Show. The band has also appeared as special guests with many of the country’s most distinguished symphony orchestras, and has performed for three U.S. Presidents.
After 33 years, 11 records, over 3000 live shows, and countless appearances in film and television, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is showing no signs of slowing down, and is looking forward to sharing its music with new and old fans alike, in 2026.
LVA Sponsor
LVA Sponsor
LVA Sponsor
Then and Now Mark Goodman
Then and Now Alan Hunter
Sponsored in part by
Neon Nostalgic presents 80s Music Television Hosted by Original MTV VJs
Mark Goodman and Alan Hunter
SAT SEP 12 @ 8 PM
Breaking from the traditional mold of tribute and cover band shows, Neon Nostalgic is the world’s only live rock and roll show that syncs the band’s performance to the original, iconic music videos. In this day and age of social media, people expect more from a live performance and Neon Nostalgic delivers a show that appeals to all of the senses! Performed by musicians who have toured in over 15 countries around the world, Neon Nostalgic delivers an entertaining and high energy show that is built around interacting and engaging with the audience. The show has received rave reviews across North America and was dubbed ‘A musical and visual triumph’ by the Bermuda Sun, after a sold-out headline performance in Bermuda for New Years Eve in 2017. The show includes a vast array or more than 100 different covers from the 1980s to today. Prince, Bon Jovi, INXS, U2, Oasis, Pearl Jam, Michael Jackson, The Killers, Duran Duran, The Cure and many many more.
Sponsored in part by
Matthew Morrison Presents Show Up
THU SEP 17 @ 7:30 PM
Matthew Morrison is a versatile actor who is recognized for his work on-stage and on-screen. He has been nominated for Tony, Emmy and Golden Globe Awards.
Morrison made his debut on Broadway in Footloose but his big break came when he was cast as heartthrob Link Larkin in the hit Hairspray. Morrison was later nominated for a Tony Award for his role in The Light in the Piazza, and received a Drama Desk Nomination for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for 10 Million Miles. He also starred in the Tony-winning revival of South Pacific at Lincoln Center Theater in New York. He also starred as “J.M Barrie” in the musical Finding Neverland. Morrison received two Drama Desk nominations for his role, and won the category of Favorite Actor in a Musical in the Broadway.com Audience Awards.
In addition to his Broadway tenure Morrison is probably best known for starring in Fox’s musical comedy series Glee, where he played the director of the glee club, “Mr. Schuester.” The show was created by Ryan Murphy and received the Golden Globe award “Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical” in 2010 and 2011. Morrison was also nominated for Best Actor those years.
Morrison has many other iconic roles on TV/Film, but most notably on the hit CBS show The Good Wife, where he played the role of U.S. Attorney, Conor Fox, through the series finale, and as Paul Stadler throughout Season 13 and 14 of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy.
Morrison has released four studio albums. His debut, self-titled album through Mercury Records in 2011, which featured an A-list lineup of guest artists including Sting, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Sir Elton John. And most recently, “Where It All Began,” which is a Broadway standards record that was produced by the legendary Phil Ramone.
San Francisco Comedy Competition
FRI SEP 18 @ 8 PM
Host: Mike E. Winfield
The man who’s synonymous with comedy is currently on a hot streak. Mike E. Winfield, and the “E” is for Jokes, has been touring the country and abroad, riding a huge wave from the Simon Cowell Golden Buzzer and various appearances on America’s Got Talent having lit a flame. You might know him as the warehouse worker in Season 8 of NBC’s The Office or the loyal friend to Keke Palmer in the movie Pimp. He’s been on the Late Show with David Letterman, Arsenio Hall Show, and he has toured and performed with the Troops. He also has several videos going viral all over social media. Don’t forget about his standup comedy specials on YouTube and Amazon Prime.
Sponsored in part by
Forever Motown
SAT SEP 19 @ 8 PM
What an era! What a show!
Performed by a cast of veteran entertainers and their band, including former members of The Jones, Main Ingredient, & The Marvelettes peppered with Broadway savvy performers who had leading roles in Dreamgirls, Your Arms Too Short to Box With God, Porgy & Bess, and Show Boat, Forever Motown is an entertainment bonanza.
This non-stop, high energy trip down memory lane features the songs America grew up with. Great attention to detail was paid by musical director Gary Kupper (who had his own Broadway hit show, Freckleface Strawberry, and is currently in production with a new musical called Rock and Roll Man). The iconic Motown Sound was recreated down to the slightest vocal and musical nuances – to emulate American icons like Marvin Gaye & Tammie Terrell, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Supremes, Stevie Wonder, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, Lionel Richie, Mary Wells, and more. The look & feel of authenticity extends to costumes from Tony Award-winning designer Evie Ross and classic Motown choreography from American Dance Theater director Terri Giordano.
Sing, dance & celebrate the music of your life to songs like “My Girl”, “I Heard It Through The Grapevine”, “Reach Out”, “Shop Around”, “Dancin’ In The Street”, “Stop, In The Name Of Love”, “Ain’t Nothin’ Like The Real Thing”, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, “How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You)”, & “Uptight” – nearly 30 non-stop hits in all!
The truly talented and charismatic cast is a perfect blend of look, sound & personalities, which are tailor-made for the songs they perform. Cumulatively, the cast members have performed on recordings with over 30 million record sales and over 40 years of both on and off Broadway experience. The director, musical director, choreographer & costume designer have jointly won over 25 of America’s most prestigious theater awards for their direction, choreography, and staging.
MTM Myrtle Beach 2026 Cast:
Ingrid Cole, Nancy Slusser,
Stacey Harris, and Anise Ritchie
25th Anniversary Tour
Menopause The Musical®
WED SEP 23 @ 7:30 PM
INGRID COLE (Earth Mother) is a critically acclaimed Actor/Singer who has been honored with The Suzi Bass Award for “Best Leading Actress in a Musical” for her role in A CATERED AFFAIR and for her role as Rose in GYPSY and as The Medium/Aunt in SEE WHAT I WANT TO SEE for which Ms Cole won Best Actress in a Musical-Atlanta Theatre Fan Winner. She has been a member of MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL® since 2005. Other national credits include INTO THE WOODS, MARY POPPINS, GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING, CHICAGO, FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, CALL ME MADAM, RAGTIME, THE MIKADO, CINDERELLA, THE MEDIUM, NATALIE NEEDS A NIGHTIE, PIRATES OF PENZANCE and NUNSENSE. Ms. Cole has written and produced a one woman cabaret show COLE SINGS COLE Songs of Cole Porter. Follow her on instagram @IngCole or on Facebook at Ingrid Cole.
ADRIANNE HICK (Soap Star) is a native New Yorker! Recent credits include Diana, NEXT TO NORMAL, Francesca, THE BRIDGES OF MADISON COUNTY, Mother, RAGTIME (Riverside Center), Ghost of Christmas Past, A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Engeman Theater), Maria, THE SOUND OF MUSIC (Ivoryton Playhouse), and Anna, THE KING AND I (Interlakes). Others include B’Way National Tour of LES MISERABLES (Fantine U/S/Factory Girl); International Tour of JEKYLL & HYDE (Lady Beaconsfield); SOUTH PACIFIC, Nellie (Ivoryton Playhouse & The Wick Theatre); COMPANY, April (Lyric Stage Co.); BRIGHT STAR, Alice (Riverside Center- Broadway World Award), THE SOUND OF MUSIC, Sister Margaretta/Elsa U/S (Asolo Rep), THROUGH THE INVISIBLE DOOR (MTL); FUN HOME, Alison (American Stage, Tampa Bay Theatre Award).
LUZMA ORTIZ (Iowa Housewife) is honored to join the MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL® family and excited to be back on tour after twenty years! Select credits: Antonia/Leona SOMEWHERE OVER THE BORDER (Cygnet), Gabby Orozco AMERICAN MARIACHI (SCR), Bolero Singer IN THE HEIGHTS (MTW), Gabriela TENTACIÓN (Walt Disney Concert Hall- LA Phil), Eva Peron EVITA (Barclay) Tracy HAIRSPRAY (PVPA), Dora u/s DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE! (Tour). TV: “Lot Patrol” (BET) “The Paper” (NBC) “Matlock” (CBS) Film: 20 Pounds To Happiness, Miami Bici 2. BFA Musical Theatre (UC Irvine), AMDA (NYC). Thanks to my family, friends, and team for all their support. www.LuzmaOrtiz.com @LuzmaOrtizActress
ANISE RITCHIE (Professional Woman) is so happy to be part of MENOPAUSE THE MUSICAL® for 23 years, and now bring the 25th anniversary to life again. She has been in many shows during this time. Anise is a cast member of the original production of Disney’s THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME and on Broadway LEAP OF FAITH. Anise had played the fairy Godmother in CINDERELLA and ONCE ON THIS ISLAND as Eurzulie, ROCK OF AGES as Justice, A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC as Madame Armfeldt, TOMMY as the Acid Queen, HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS, NIGHTMARE ALLEY, CAROLINE, OR CHANGE, A GRAND NIGHT FOR SINGING, SMOKEY JOE’S CAFÉ, SOPHISTICATED LADIES, BEEHIVE THE 60S MUSICAL, AIN’T MISBEHAVIN, SHOW BOAT, and LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS. Her recent production at Cygnet Theatre in San Diego, FOLLIES. Proud member of Actors Equity.
UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery at the Bankhead Theater
Yesterday Once More: Scenes from the Past
Thru October 10, 2026
UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery: Thursdays — Saturdays, 12 pm — 5 pm*
FREE & OPEN to the Public
Thru October 10, 2026
City of Pleasanton’s Harrington Gallery: Wednesdays — Fridays, 10 am — 5 pm; Saturdays, 10 am — 3 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.
Step into the echoes of yesterday in Yesterday Once More: Scenes from the Past, a collaborative exhibition presented by the UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery at the Bankhead Theater and the City of Pleasanton’s Harrington Gallery.
This evocative group exhibition invites artists and audiences alike to journey beyond the present, exploring memories, nostalgia, and the stories that shape who we are. Through compelling imagery and reflections on bygone moments, the featured works examine the connection between personal history and collective memory, celebrating the beauty, emotion, and complexity of the past.
Whether inspired by cherished recollections, historical moments, or imagined memories, Yesterday Once More offers a thoughtful and visually engaging experience that encourages visitors to reflect on the people, places, and moments that continue to resonate long after they have passed. Learn More …
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