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The Firehouse Arts Center has an all-new look for its crowded and eclectic set of shows over the next two months that the theater’s managers hope will make audiences feel “closer to the heart of entertainment”.
The city-owned venue in downtown Pleasanton has temporarily changed its traditional theater seating to a cafe-style arrangement on the floor level to evoke a more “intimate and engaging” atmosphere and an “unforgettable experience” for performers and patrons. The setup started with Lauryn Marie’s concert last Saturday and will continue through next month.
“Patrons can expect an atmosphere that fosters closeness to the performers, an opportunity to mingle with fellow arts enthusiasts, and an amplified connection to the artistry on display,” Firehouse officials said heading into the debut concert.
“We had a great turnout at the first show with the new seating arrangement. Lauryn Marie’s performance matched perfectly with the cozy, intimate feeling of the cafe-style seating,” city representative Nick Binzoni told the Weekly in reflection on Monday. “The audience really seemed to enjoy themselves, and we’re eager to provide an exciting entertainment experience for audiences at our upcoming shows and events.”
The fun carries on this Saturday night (Jan. 13) with the Americano Social Club performing their “Family Ruckus” variety show. “They will pull out all the stops with great music, singing, belly dancing, and much more. It’s all about the incredible vibe where audiences love hanging out with each other just as much as enjoying the music,” Firehouse reps said.
People can get their feet moving the next weekend with three high-energy shows: “’80s Dance Party with DJ Jessica Platt” next Friday (Jan. 19), Tri-Valley jazz and R&B band Moving Parts on Saturday (Jan. 20) and Jim Anderson & The Rebels with their “Happy Birthday, Elvis!” concert next Sunday afternoon (Jan. 21).
Joe Klocek will host “Get It!?”, a standup comedy game show on Jan. 26 that will test the audience’s recall skills amid laughter. Pleasanton’s “big band” The CoolTones with vocalist Kathy Blackburn will perform on the next night, Jan. 27.
To kick off the February schedule and Black History Month at the Firehouse, composer and performer Alex Taite will present his show “Deep River-The Flow of Negro Spirituals Through Time” on Feb. 2.
The California Feetwarmers’ “Dance Hall” event will follow on Feb. 3, and rock ‘n’ roll meets classical music on Feb. 4 with Renegade Orchestra.
During the second weekend of February, MJ’s Brass Boppers Brass Band will perform their New Orleans-style concert on Feb. 9 and flamenco guitarist Jesse Torre and his guests will present “Flamenco at the Firehouse” on Feb. 10.
Bay Area singer and bandleader Stella Heath will lead an exploration of Nat King Cole’s early career, backed by a tribute group to the King Cole Trio on Feb. 16 with the “Stella Meets Nat” concert.
Closing out the special cafe-seating season will be Pleasanton native and trumpeter Jeff Bordes and his band for a “Jazzey Valentines” show “celebrating the romance of jazz” — as Firehouse officials put it — on the evening of Feb. 17.
For tickets and more information about all performances, visit www.firehousearts.org.
