One of the Tri-Valley's most esteemed performing arts groups, Livermore Valley Opera, will be hosting a benefit event in honor of its 31st season later this month.

Complete with wine, dining and entertainment, funds raised from the event will go toward LVO and its future endeavors.

Dubbed "The Italian Affair", the event will take place next Saturday (Feb. 11) from 4:30-9:30 p.m. at The Club at Ruby Hill in Pleasanton. Held annually, the benefit event promotes the LVO's mission and encourages the public to support local arts organizations.

"This is the first benefit event we've been able to host in two years due to COVID-19," LVO board president Keith Sawyer said in a press release.

"We had to postpone our 30th Anniversary benefit event, so we are instead celebrating this season. We are very excited about all the activities we have planned for our guests on Feb. 11," Sawyer added.

LVO, initially founded in 1992, presents shows year-round at the Bankhead Theater in downtown Livermore. The group is led by award-winning artistic director Erie Mills.

A full evening of entertainment, wine and fine dining is planned, said organizers of the benefit.

According to the schedule, "The Italian Affair" will begin with a wine reception, appetizers and starter games. Members of the Livermore-based SPARC Theater are set to perform scenes from one of Shakespeare's most iconic plays set in Italy, "Much Ado About Nothing".

Guests can play a variety of games for prizes, such as "Diva's Dice", for the chance to win gold jewelry or premium bottles of wine.

Promoting an upcoming production in March of this year, cast members from LVO's "Tosca" are to perform a musical number from the show.

Tickets to the event are available online at livermorevalleyopera.com. The deadline to purchase is next Friday (Feb. 10). While black tie is optional, organizers are encouraging guests to sport purple and gold colors, this year's theme.