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Looking for something to do in the Tri-Valley on a Friday night this summer? Livermore Valley Arts may just be talking to you with its recent announcement of additions to the Bankhead Theater lineup for June through August.
The “2024 Summer Season” schedule features familiar performers returning to the downtown Livermore venue, an eclectic blend of entertainment in music, magic and comedy.
While highlighting the new shows on the schedule, LVA officials opened their press release last Friday with a reminder of the previously announced Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir concert on June 21.
“Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir will celebrate Juneteenth with experience and music that brings and shares the African-American community’s resiliency, joy and strength,” LVA officials said. “Under the direction of Terrance Kelly, this diverse, inclusive group takes us through a gospel music journey – introducing different styles of Black gospel music and connecting it to the Freedom Songs of the Civil Rights movement and music today.”
The choir’s performance is set for 8 p.m. June 21.
On the following Friday, the Bankhead will welcome back ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro and his new “Tradewinds & Rainbows Tour” with special guests Henry Kapono and Jeff Peterson.
“Over the past two decades, Jake has proved that there isn’t a style of music he can’t play,” LVA officials said, noting the Hawaii native’s talents have earned him the nickname of “the Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele.”
“While versatility for any musician is impressive, what’s remarkable about Jake’s transcendent skills is how he explores his seemingly limitless vocabulary – whether it’s jazz, rock, blues, bluegrass, folk, or even classical – on perhaps the unlikeliest of instruments: the ‘ukulele,’ they added.
Shimabukuro and company will be on the Bankhead stage at 8 p.m. June 28.
Comedy with a tinge of contention will arrive on the night of July 19.
The San Francisco Comedy Competition, which has featured the likes of big names like Robin Williams, Sinbad and Ellen DeGeneres over its nearly 50 years, will be in Livermore featuring some of comedy’s best up-and-comers. The show is unique for its “elimination-style contest, differing from many other competitions in prestige and time commitment,” LVA officials noted.
One week later the Bankhead will host a multi-platinum recording artist best known internationally for her 1995 hit in which she asked listeners to wonder what if God was “One of Us”.
“Known for her gritty, blues-based rock sound, passionate performance, and emotionally evocative songwriting,” Joan Osborne will be in concert on July 26 for “a nostalgic and soulful evening of music,” LVA officials said.
For the first Friday night of August, the Bankhead will present worldwide piano star Keiko Matsui.
“Known for her original compositions, Matsui’s music transcends boundaries, creating a unique melting pot of musical influences that have earned her a devout and enthusiastic international audience,” LVA officials said of the contemporary smooth jazz pianist.
Matsui’s concert is set for Aug. 2.
And closing out the summer Friday slate will be sleight-of-hand stylings of Mike Super and his “Magic and Illusion 2.OH!” show on Aug. 23.
“He has pioneered a new form of magic with his own inimitable, down-to-earth style and personality, bringing the art of magic back to the people; he transcends the ‘trick’ and connects personally with his audience on a level they can relate to,” LVA officials said.
For tickets and more information on LVA’s Bankhead Presents summer series, go to livermorearts.org.
