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What to Know About the Third Annual Diwali Festival

Looking to do something different this weekend with the family that’s both fun and free? We invite you to join the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center and the Hindu Cultural Community Center as they celebrate the Diwali “Festival of Lights.” Keep reading to learn more about this third annual festival.

About Diwali Festival of Lights

The celebration is an ancient Hindu festival that marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year. Diwali is celebrated every autumn or spring in South Asian countries such as India and Nepal. The tradition originated as a festival marking the last harvest of the year before the start of winter and spiritually signifies the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, knowledge over ignorance, and hope over despair.

This cultural event will feature spectacular Bollywood and Classical Indian dances, Dhol performances, along with a storyteller speaking about the history and meaning of Diwali. The Bollywood Jam will lead a free workshop on Bollywood dancing, to the music of world-renowned Ustad Lal Bhatti Ji.

The event will also offer a variety of different booths specializing in Bollywood apparel, jewelry, Diya decorations, rangoli art, and provide a craft area for children. Sansaar Indian Restaurant and other food vendors will be a the event selling delicious Indian cuisine.

This is the third year that Diwali “Festival of Lights’ has been held on the plaza and is one of many free family-oriented cultural events the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center sponsors throughout the year. In the coming months, they will offer an African American celebration in January, a Chinese New Year celebration in February, and a Hispanic Heritage Day in May. Stay tuned for more details regarding these events as they become available!

An Overview of Our Performing Arts Center

LVPAC offers a diverse range of programs providing access to the arts for the Tri-Valley community and beyond. Through the Bankhead Theater and the Bothwell Arts Center, the LVPAC staff puts on numerous events each year, from classes and workshops to concerts and performances.

Not to mention, educational outreach is a significant part of what we do here. LVPAC goes above and beyond to ensure that every student has the opportunity to experience the arts through different activities. Portions of such activities are underwritten through generous contributions and matching gifts to our education fund.

Contribute to Our Performing Arts Center

Ready to help us share the performing arts with young minds? We are always in need of donations at the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center. Please contact our education staff to learn more about these programs that support school and family performance.

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, your gift is tax-deductible. Keep in mind that your support helps to bring incredible art and artists to the Livermore community. Plus, all donations of $125 or more qualify you for membership.

Here are just some of the benefits of being an LVPAC member:

  • Priority ticketing
  • Complimentary tickets to the Season Announcement Party
  • Special offers and invitations to LVPAC galas and events
  • Discounts on Bothwell classes
  • And more

We hope to see you and your family at the Diwali Festival of Lights this coming Saturday, November 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bankhead Plaza!

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VISIT US

Bankhead Theater
2400 First Street
Livermore, CA 94550

 

Bothwell Arts Center
2466 8th Street
Livermore, CA 94550

CONTACT US

Main: (925) 373-6100
Box Office: (925) 373-6800, WED-SAT Noon-6pm
[email protected]
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Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center

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Download and Complete the form and then mail to us at:
Bankhead Theater
2400 First Street
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Our Team

Directory

Executive Director
 Chris Carter
[email protected]

Director of Finance and Administration
 Reanna Bradford
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Director of Marketing
 Ruth Egherman
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Director of Operations
 Eric Johnson
[email protected]

Production Manager
 Gary Brunclik
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Assistant Production Manager
 Rachel Anderson
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Front of House Supervising Manager/Volunteer Coordinator
 Carol Edwards
[email protected]

Facility Manager and IT Coordinator
 Julio Gomez
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Box Office Manager
Debra Olson
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Visual Arts & Education Manager
 Anne Giancola
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Development Manager
 Brittany Mulgrew
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Front of House Supervising Manager/Volunteer Coordinator
 Bernice LaRosa
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Programs Coordinator
 Treg Van Dyke
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Marketing Manager
 Andrew Kracht
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Social Media Manager
 Allie Lopiano-Hastey
[email protected]

Food and Beverage Manager
 Ann Rice
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Development Assistant
 Tracy Sahn
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Visitor Center Supervisor
 Susan Miller
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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.