Something to see: Firehouse sets lineup of concerts, plays, exhibitions for winter and spring

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Continuing to establish its identity in the fine arts landscape of the Tri-Valley, Pleasanton’s Firehouse Arts Center is presenting an eclectic mix of offerings in the first half of 2026.

With original musical stylings local to international, tribute concerts and theatrical productions showcasing the present and future of live stage performance, the Firehouse aims to bring a little bit of everything to entice audiences to its 221-seat community theater in downtown.

“The Firehouse works best when it’s active, welcoming and shared – a place where youth programs and professional artists can thrive side by side,” Julian Mireles, recreation supervisor for the city, told the Pleasanton Weekly. 

Mireles, who oversees programming and scheduling at the black-box theater operated by the city government, said the Firehouse “continues to feel vibrant and full of life” upon the release of its Presenting Series schedule for the winter and spring.

“This season highlights the range of what the Firehouse does best – from youth-driven productions like ‘Mary Poppins Jr.’ and Creatures of Impulse, which showcase the creativity and confidence of Pleasanton’s young performers, to professional artists bringing original voices and global influences to our stage,” Mireles said.

“Whether it’s folk and blues legend Maria Muldaur, the energy of Carlos Reyes’ string performances, or Ramana Vieira’s soulful take on Portuguese fado, the season reflects our goal of offering something meaningful and accessible for every audience,” he continued, adding:

“We’re also excited to host special moments like Cali Celtic’s CD release ahead of St. Patrick’s Day, which will be a fun, and perfectly timed, event, alongside many other performances that reinforce the Firehouse as a place where both community talent and touring artists can connect with local audiences.”

As often the case, tribute acts are a theme at the Firehouse. 

The season, which got underway last month with the Aja Vu Band playing the music of Steely Dan and Chicago, keeps a-rolling this Friday night (Feb. 6) with James Garner’s tribute to Johnny Cash. The performer does more than just cover the music of the late “Man in Black”; Garner embodies Cash and captivates the audience to tap their toes and sing along to the timeless country crossover hits, Firehouse officials noted in their newly published 2026 Spring Season Brochure. 

The tribute concerts continue with CCSegeR performing the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival and Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band on March 14 and with Long Time covering the songs of Boston on April 4.

Familiar music will also be at the center of Franc D’Ambrosio’s appearance in Pleasanton on April 18.

Known for his long run as the titular character in “The Phantom of the Opera”, D’Ambrosio will blend “iconic musical-theater hits with timeless jazz standards”, Firehouse reps said.

“Each number is introduced with a brief story — sometimes cheeky, sometimes poignant — highlighting how Broadway and Jazz have always danced together in the shadows of the same smoky lounge,” they added. “It’s a celebration of reinvention, rhythm, and the power of the Great American Songbook.”

Look for a different take on the “Great American Songbook” three weeks later, when the Tri-Valley’s Chorus Eclectic takes to the Firehouse stage on the evening of May 8.

Another local act, The CoolTones Big Band, will perform their favorites in American music and more with their concert blending big band, jazz, swing, blues, R&B, rock and funk on March 21. 

One of the shows highlighted by Mireles, Maria Muldaur – who has recorded more than 40 albums in her six-decade career – is coming to the Firehouse with her Jazzabelle Quintet next Friday (Feb. 13) for a Valentine’s weekend concert. 

“This performance celebrates her enduring artistry and soulful sound, offering an unforgettable evening of classic style and authentic musical storytelling,” Firehouse reps said. 

In time for St. Patrick’s Day, CaliCeltic has a tour stop in Pleasanton on the heels of releasing its sixth album, “West of Shannon”. 

“Known for high-energy performances, the band delivers rollicking interpretations of traditional Irish songs alongside hilarious originals that explore Ireland and its ties to the San Francisco Bay Area,” Firehouse reps said ahead of the group’s March 13 concert.

Two weeks later, world-renowned Paraguayan harpist and violinist Carlos Reyes – who has performed solo around the globe, as well as alongside the likes of Willie Nelson, The Doobie Brothers and Chuck Mangione – will be at the Firehouse on March 27.

Vocalist Ramana Vieira, who specializes in Portuguese fado music, will lead a concert with her backing ensemble band on April 3. “Blending the timeless beauty of traditional Fado with Brazilian rhythms, Latin grooves, and contemporary jazz, Vieira and her ensemble create a sound that is both deeply rooted and refreshingly modern,” Firehouse reps noted.

Adult, teen and youth theater also play a major role in the back half of the 2025-26 season at the Firehouse.

Pleasanton Youth Theater Company, which produced its “The Addams Family Younger@Part” over two weekends in January, will present its “… And All That Jazz” cabaret on April 17, its “Mary Poppins Jr.” center stage musical from April 24 to May 3, and its “Magic Tree House Pirates Past Noon KIDS” play from May 18-24. 

The latter is an adaptation of Mary Pope Osborne’s fourth “Magic Tree House” book. “This time around, Jack and Annie’s tree house takes them to an exotic island with pirates, where the two discover the power of friendship and the simple pleasures in everyday life,” according to PYTC.

Pleasanton’s award-winning teen improv troupe, Creatures of Impulse, will bring its “Face-Off” shows from Feb. 19-21 and its “Musical” events from April 9-11 – each performance uniquely improvised.

And Tri-Valley Theatre Company will make its way to the Firehouse stage on Feb. 27 and 28 for “Dreams Reimagined: A Miscast Cabaret”.

“What happens when performers finally play the roles they’ve always dreamed of? Dreams get reimagined,” Firehouse reps said. “Join us for a fresh, funny, and inspiring cabaret where boundaries of casting are joyfully broken. Hear Broadway favorites like never before in this celebration of artistry, possibility, and performing without limits. Two performances only — new voices, new perspectives and dream roles brought to life.”

Other events on the Firehouse calendar for the winter and spring, which aren’t part of the city-sponsored Presenting Series, are Best of San Francisco Stand-Up Comedy on March 6, Ronstadt Revolution – A Tribute to Linda Ronstadt on March 7 and Monsoon Dance Company’s “Finding My Dha” on March 28.

Visual art spaces within the Firehouse also have their schedules set for the coming months. 

The Harrington Gallery is hosting this year’s “Flora in Focus” exhibition now through March 7 and then will welcome “Fresh Works Jr. II” from March 21 to May 23.

The Firehouse lobby, which is holding a solo exhibition of Wei-Ting Chuang through Feb. 28, will showcase artists Jenna Hobbs from March 7 to May 2 and Yi Ding from May 9 to July 2. The Pleasanton Art League-curated Nancy Thompson Memorial Wall exhibition features a lineup of Jean Batchelder (now), Zelda K. (March 21 to May 9) and Kristin Kuipers (May 16 to July 11). 

For more information on the winter and spring programming at the Firehouse, go to firehousearts.org.

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