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Opening Night At The Bankhead

As we step into our 20th Season, our annual Brilliance Gala fundraiser has a new name: Opening Night at the Bankhead! Attending Opening Night?

Click Here for “Know Before You Go Detailed Information“

Opening Night at the Bankhead debuts on Saturday, August 29, 2026, as an unforgettable evening celebrating the Arts and our community. As our largest fundraiser of the year, this special event will feature an intimate performance by four time Grammy Award winning artist Lyle Lovett, along with a live and silent auction, raffle, and Fund-a-Need initiative supporting our Arts education outreach programs. We are also currently welcoming event sponsors to join us in making an even greater impact.

Each ticket includes:

  • A welcome glass of Wente bubbly or Griffo cocktail
  • Paella from On the Vine Catering 
  • Photobooth from On the Vine Catering
  • A reserved seat in the theater to watch Lyle Lovett
  • Access to the After Party with Matt Axton & Badmoon
    • A nacho bar & dessert from On the Vine

* VIP tickets include all of the above, plus preferred VIP seating for Lyle Lovett & early event entry at 4:30pm. 

An Evening with Lyle Lovett - SELLING FAST!

Details

Following the performance, the celebration continues with the Opening Night After Party on the Bankhead Plaza.

 

This event is generously sponsored by:

Jean King, Denise Watkins, Jean Shuler, and David Haubert, Alameda County Supervisor, First District

Tri-Valley Explorer Logo

Know Before You Go: Opening Night at the Bankhead

What should I wear to Opening Night?

Country Glamour is the vibe of the night. We invite you to come dressed for a night of live music in the theater & out on the plaza. Think evening wear with a country twist –  blazers paired with denim, sundresses, statement jewelry, & your favorite dancing shoes or boots. 

Where do I enter when I arrive?

General attendees can enter through the courtyard gates next to the Bankhead Box Office, starting at 5:00pm. VIP Ticket Holders & Sponsors can enter through the Express Check-In line (look for the signs), starting at 4:30pm. This line will open to any guests who have already picked up their packets starting at 5:00pm. 

Can I pick up my packet early?

In order to expedite your entry at the event, you can come to the Bankhead Box Office from noon-6pm on Friday, August 28th or noon-2pm on Saturday, August 29th to pick up your event packet. You can purchase raffle & drink tickets at the same time! You will still need to check in when you arrive, but it will be a quicker process.

Do I need to bring my ticket with me?

No, you do not need to bring your ticket. If you picked up your packet in advance, please bring it with you to the event. This will expedite your entrance. You will still need to check in upon arrival, but it will be quicker.

What will be in my packet?

Your packet will contain the program for the event, which is also your paddle for bidding on live auction items, event wristbands, and any drink tickets purchased in advance. Please put on your wristband & bring your programs with you when you arrive to expedite check in. 

What entertainment can I expect at the event?

Be ready for an evening full of music, fun, food & fundraising. You will be greeted by sounds from the East Bay Jazz quartet, there will be a live & silent auction, raffle and a full set from Lyle Lovett inside the theater – plus there will be an After Party with live music from Matt Axton & Badmoon outside on the plaza. Don’t forget to stop at the photobooth for a complimentary souvenir photo, inside the theater.

What food and beverages are included with the ticket price?

Your ticket includes the following delights from On the Vine Catering: plated paella dinner available from 5-6pm to take with you into the theater, desserts at intermission. The After Party will have fun foods including: a non host bar, a nacho bar & gourmet ice cream sandwiches. Each guest will receive a token for a welcome Wente Bubbly or Griffo Cocktail. Drink tickets will be sold at the event (or in advance at the Box Office) for wine, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic beverages.  

Do I have to be a Livermore Valley Arts member to attend?

No, you don’t need to be a member to purchase a ticket. There are no member discounts for the event. However, if you are interested in membership, there are perks & special events throughout the year for our members. Learn more here.
There will be opportunities to donate at the Fundraiser as well.

Are there places to sit?

Yes, tables and chairs are located throughout the party area, where you are welcome to sit at any time.The theater doors will open at 5:00pm at which time you are invited to bring your food & beverages to your seat. There are select tables reserved for our Sponsors & their guests.

Can I bid on auction items before the event?

Yes, you can bid on auction items & purchase drink tickets in advance. We actually encourage you login and to set your maximum bids in advance for your favorite items. Look for an email when it goes live! 

When does the silent auction & raffle close?

The silent auction & raffle will close at the end of intermission (approximately 7:15pm). You do not need to be present to win.

Do I need a separate ticket to the After Party?

If you are a ticket holder for the Opening Night at the Bankhead Fundraiser with Lyle Lovett, the After Party is included in your ticket price.
There is an option to only attend the After Party for guests interested in Matt Axton & Badmoon and a fun party atmosphere. 

Where & when do I pick up items that I win at the auction?

Items will be available for pickup in the Bankhead Concessions area in the lobby after Lyle Lovett is done performing & through the end of the After Party. 

What about parking?

Parking is free in Downtown Livermore. There are two parking garages, street parking & lots throughout the downtown area.

Parking Structure   L Street Parking Garage
2350 Railroad Ave, Livermore, CA 94550 50 S L St, Livermore, CA 94550

What if it rains or the event is canceled?

Our Opening Night Fundraiser will happen rain or shine!

Who do I contact if I have any other questions?

Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

Opening Night Timeline*

4:30 VIP Entry Begins 

5:00 General Entry Begins & Doors to Theater Open

6:00 Program Begins in Theater

7:00 Intermission

7:15 Program Continues in Theater

8:00 After Party Only Guests Arrive

8:30 Matt Axton & Badmoon Start Playing on the Plaza

10:30 Event Ends

* Times Subject to change

Sponsorship Opportunities for Lyle Lovett are available. Click Here. For more information please contact [email protected]

Opening Night
After Party

Live Music & Dancing
Food & Drinks
Sat AUG 29th

LEARN MORE

Summer Box Office Hours
Fri & Sat 12pm to 6pm

We will resume Normal Box Office hours on Wednesday, July 29th at 12PM

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It's Membership March
New Members can join for as little as
$120 for the whole year!
JOIN TODAY!

James (zijian) wei
Sat mar 21 @ 3:00pm

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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.

GET TICKETS
Get Tickets Now for a Semi-Staged
co-production with Broadway South Bay starring Nicole King as Anya
LEARN MORE
GET TIX

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.