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The momentum is building for Livermore Valley Arts’ 2026-27 entertainment season with a crowded September calendar on the heels of last weekend’s successful Opening Night at the Bankhead showcase fundraiser featuring Grammy winner Lyle Lovett in concert.
“Putting together an event like that is no small feat, and I am so grateful for the effort that everyone put in,” said Chris Carter, CEO of Livermore Valley Arts – the nonprofit that manages the Bankhead Theater in downtown Livermore.
“The whole evening was truly special and Lyle Lovett did not disappoint. He was so personable and supportive of our goals for the evening,” Carter told me Tuesday morning. “The community really turned out, and in total we raised more than $500,000 for our arts programming.”
The gala headlined by Lovett was billed as the symbolic launch of the season (there were a few other shows in August), but the schedule really picks up steam starting in September – 15 events at the Bankhead over the next four weeks, in addition to regular programming for LVA at the Bothwell Arts Center.
“In regards to performances coming up at the Bankhead, I am personally very excited about the ’80s Music Television show on Sept. 12 which will include original MTV VJs Alan Hunter and Mark Goodman to introduce the songs,” Carter told me.
“I’m also so pleased to be presenting a true jazz season with our Club Bankhead series. The September show is sold out, but there are still some tickets available for the October and November performances featuring Laura Anglade and Gabrielle Cavassa,” he added.
Bringing the jazz series to fruition has been a passion project for Carter, and Club Bankhead kicks off the venue’s September slate this Friday (Sept. 4) with “Sinatra Saloon: A Take & A Tune” starring Jefferson Bergey.
“A musical and storytelling tribute to the music of Frank Sinatra with a little bit of Dean Martin,” Bankhead reps said in promoting the concert before it sold out. “A show that presents both the bright accolades and the dark sins of a nuanced artist while showcasing the songs that make him undeniable for any generation.”
The next night, comedian Paula Poundstone will be back performing her trademark style of standup. A few tickets remain available, according to LVA.
In between the two stage shows this Labor Day weekend, the Bankhead will host a special reception in its UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery at 2 p.m. Saturday (Sept. 5) for “Yesterday Once More: Scenes from the Past” – a joint art exhibition with the Harrington Gallery at the Firehouse Arts Center in downtown Pleasanton.
“Through artworks of evocative imagery and bygone moments, this group exhibition explores the dialogue between nostalgia and personal history,” LVA reps said.
Next week is a big one for the Bankhead, beyond just the music video throwback show presented by Neon Nostalgic next Saturday (Sept. 12) that Carter teased.
On Wednesday (Sept. 9), LVA is hosting an event for members to announce additions to the season’s schedule mainly for the spring.
Then Thursday evening (Sept. 10), the Bankhead welcomes explorer Albert Lin, Ph.D., for the opening installment of the 2026-27 Rae Dorough Speaker Series.
“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,” LVA reps said. “His journey back into his body was long and arduous, but through the use of innovative prosthetics and therapy that included mirrors and guided hallucinogens, Albert emerged whole with a newfound appreciation for life and the human spirit.”
The “kings of contemporary swing” – Big Bad Voodoo Daddy – are in concert next Friday (Sept. 11), and Summer Night City will perform ABBA hits during a 3 p.m. matinee next Sunday (Sept. 13).
A five-day run of events follows starting Sept. 16 when Visit Tri-Valley presents its “Tri-Valley State of Mind” annual report and luncheon. I have to think the subject of our Cover Story this week, the tourism agency’s proposed $365 million event center in Dublin, will be among the topics of conversation.Â
“Glee” alum Matthew Morrison is performing his rescheduled “Show Up” concert on Sept. 17, the San Francisco Comedy Competition showcase is Sept. 18, Forever Motown is Sept. 19 and Pacific Chamber Orchestra’s season-opening concert, “Songs from the Heart”, is Sept. 20.
Rounding out the month are a special performance of the 25th anniversary tour of “Menopause The Musical” on Sept. 23 and California Credit Union League’s East Bay Network event on Sept. 24, “AI in Executive Leadership: Perspectives on Risk, Innovation & Transformation”.
And teasing what’s ahead in the fall after September, Carter said, “In October, the Violins of Hope exhibit will be returning to the Bankhead with two performances by Take 3 on Oct. 18 and 19. We’ve got a lot of great holiday shows including a screening of ‘A Christmas Story’ with Peter Billingsley, who played Ralphie in the movie on Dec. 21.”
Editor’s note: Jeremy Walsh is the associate publisher and editorial director for the Embarcadero Media Foundation’s East Bay Division. His “What A Week” column is a recurring feature in the Pleasanton Weekly, Livermore Vine and DanvilleSanRamon.com.
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