In this episode, we explore the journey of Kendall Isadore (violinist), Élise Sharp (violist), and Dawn Johnson (cellist). Three incredible musicians and teachers who came together to form The String Queens. They always make sure to discuss their mission, which is “to create inspiring musical experiences that encourage diverse audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine, breaking down barriers in classical music by blending it with pop, jazz, and R&B in unique arrangements, while also serving as music educators to promote representation and accessibility.” Even though they come from different parts of the country they are connected through their sense of family, community, and aspiration to make each performance a musical experience that inspires the audience.

Come see The String Queens at the Bankhead Theater on Friday, February 13th, 2026.

🎟️ Get your tickets now at LivermoreArts.org

In this episode take a look inside the minds of Jimmy Cuellar and Miguel Peña as they combine Ballet Folklorico, Mariachi music, and holiday spirit into a Christmas event you don’t want to miss. Explore the musical journey of Jimmy Cuellar: son of Jamie Cuellar, Music Director and Violinist of his father’s Mariachi group, Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar, and owner and director of Cue Music Inc. and become inspired on how Miguel Peña, who never thought he could dance, would become the MFA Dance Professor at UTRGV (The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley) for Ballet Folklorico and the choreographer of Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande while getting his Master’s in Electrical Engineering. Both of these amazing men come from two different backgrounds, yet in 2 years of touring with each other, they have been able to combine Ballet Folklorico del Rio Grande and Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar into a show that will leave you speechless. 

Come see Jimmy Cuellar & Miguel Peña at Campana Sobre Campana: Christmas in Mexico at the Bankhead Theater on Monday, December 22nd, 2025

🎟️ Get your tickets now at LivermoreArts.org

We go behind the scenes with two power-house actresses, comedians, and musicians who have been making us laugh for decades: Emmy and Golden Globe winner, Jane Lynch, who is known for her roles Sue Sylvester of Glee, Sergeant Calhoun in Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph, and is the Host of The Weakest Link, and Kate Flannery, who is known for her role Meredith Palmer from The Office (USA) and she was a contestant in Dancing with the Stars 28th Season. In this episode, Jane and Kate discuss their stories entering television, their musical and Broadway background, and how their characters still impact audiences around the world.

Come see Jane Lynch & Kate Flannery - The Trouble with Angels at the Bankhead Theater on Friday, August 21st, 2026

🎟️ Get your tickets now at LivermoreArts.org

Step into the mind of Martin Sexton, guitarist, singer-songwriter and music producer who won the National Academy of Songwriters Artist of the Year Award in 1994, and he has headlined venues from The Fillmore to Carnegie Hall. In this episode, we discuss Sexton’s journey through music, his creative process to his song writing, and his nostalgia for Abbey Road by The Beatles, and Sexton’s mission of “unity through music with a commitment to sharing peace and harmony through song.”

Come hear Martin Sexton - Abbey Road on the Bankhead Theater stage on Saturday, October 18th.

🎟️ Get your tickets now at LivermoreArts.org

In this bonus episode, artists talk about their art for Fragile Earth in the Uncle Credit Union Art Gallery located at the Bankhead Theater. Host, Anne Giancola interviews artists: Starr Davis, Debra Reabeck, Jun Yan, and Alan Tarbell to discuss their creative process and ask how their art represents the theme Fragile Earth.

The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The exhibit ends on  October 19th, so don’t miss out on seeing the amazing work that was created by these artists.

Learn more about Fragile Earth at LivermoreArts.org

In this episode, we go behind the scenes with the members of The Filharmonic. This 5-piece vocal group made the semi-finals, joined NBC’s The Sing-Off national tour, and were featured in the Universal Pictures hit movie, Pitch Perfect 2, setting off a viral sensation after their Late Late Show appearance. Jules Cruz (Vocal Bass), Joe Caigoy (Tenor 2), Trace Gaynor (Tenor 3), and VJ Rosales (Tenor 1) share their experience of going on tour around the globe, helping other acapella groups find their footing in the industry, their viral acapella mashups and medleys, and their experience of performing with acclaimed artists like Usher and Shawn Mendes.

Come hear The Filharmonic serenade the Bankhead Theater stage on Saturday, October 11th.

🎟️ Get your tickets now at LivermoreArts.org

In this episode, Vicki Lawrence, one of the most beloved television personalities of all time and Emmy® Award-winning comedienne, will be discussing her journey into entering the television industry, her time on The Carol Burnette Show, the iconic blooper that made all America laugh-out-loud, and how she created her most recognized character Thelma Harper also known as Mama.

Come see Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two Woman Show on August 16th at the Bankhead Theater for a hilarious, nostalgic, and fun mix of stand-up and musical comedy that will have you laughing and humming all night long.

🎟️ Get your tickets now at LivermoreArts.org

Step into the mind of Ashlen Hilliard, renowned Cult Intervention Specialist, Founder of People Leave Cults, with a Master’s degree in Psychology of Coercive Control. In this episode, we discuss why people join cults and what it takes to break away from them. Ashlen unpacks the psychology, manipulation tactics, and hidden dangers that cults use to control their members.

Come hear Ashlen Hilliard at Psychology of Cults on November 23rd at the Bankhead Theater for a gripping, eye-opening, and thought provoking event.

🎟️ Get your tickets now at LivermoreArts.org

In this episode, Sherry Ryan Barnett, Suzanna Spring, and Aubrey Richmond take you on a journey through their careers in the country music industry. These three talented musicians are a part of the all women country quintet Mustangs Of The West. The Mustangs were named the Southern California Country Music Vocal Group of the Year. The group has headlined in Northern California, LA, Europe, and Scandinavia. The members discuss songwriting, their history, and guitars, and their experience being in the industry as an all women country band.

Get a taste of their harmonies, heart, and honky-tonk spirit in this toe-tappin’ episode—then catch Mustangs of the West live July 25 at the Bankhead Theater!

🎟️ Get your tickets now at LivermoreArts.org

Beyond the Stage host, Chris Carter, will be discussing upcoming shows with the Livermore Valley Arts staff. Tune into the first episode of season 4, to get behind-the-scenes insights, light hearted discussions, and tidbits of upcoming shows for the Bankhead’s 2025-2026 season. Who knows… one could be the event that blows you away!