Livermore, CA - After just kicking off its 15th Anniversary Season, Livermore Valley Arts is elated to announce a handful of exciting acts that are being added to the Bankhead Theater’s lineup in the spring. Featuring entertainers of music and the screen, these star-filled additions will be sure to delight here in the Tri-Valley. From icons of American Blues The Fabulous Thunderbirds on March 17, to paying tribute to a country and pop music legend in Ronstadt Revue, featuring Gesenia and Special Guest John Beland on March 22, to the one, the only, the no-last-name-needed icon herself, Charo, on April 3, to a legendary movie star, Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters performing original music influenced by rock legends on June 3. The Bankhead is elated to announce these additional shows for next spring that have something for everyone. All of these aforementioned performances will be at the beautiful Bankhead Theater in Downtown Livermore. Livermore Valley Arts’ Members get first crack at tickets beginning at Noon on Thursday, September 15th with regular on sale for the general public beginning September 24, 2022.

Kicking off these added performances will be the timeless Blues stylings of The Fabulous Thunderbirds. For over 30 years, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been the quintessential American band: the group’s distinctive and powerful sound, influenced by a diversity of musical styles, manifested itself into a unique musical hybrid via such barnburners as “Tuff Enuff” and “Wrap It Up.” Co-founder Kim Wilson, the sole original member, still spearheads the group as it evolves into its newest incarnation, and recently, his solo album “Take Me Back” was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album. Be a part of this American-music staple in the Tri-Valley on March 17.

Up next, a musical legacy will be living on in the Ronstadt Revue, featuring Gesenia and Special Guest John Beland at The Bankhead. Linda Ronstadt, an 11-time Grammy winner who sold over 100 million albums in country, rock, Latin, Motown, and even Broadway music, is no longer performing publicly, yet millions of her devoted fans still long to hear the beloved songs that made up the soundtrack of their lives, including “You’re No Good,” “Blue Bayou,” “When Will I Be Loved,” “Perfidia,” “Different Drum,” “Heat Wave,” and so many more. Fortunately, Ms. Ronstadt’s musical legacy now lives on through the stunning talents of Gesenia and her Ronstadt Revue. Ronstadt Revue shows, performed in painstaking detail in both English and Spanish, span every musical genre of Ms. Ronstadt’s 40+ year career; their performance is so authentic that two of Linda Ronstadt’s own band members are currently co-producing and featured on the upcoming Ronstadt Revue album and one of them, John Beland, will appear at in Livermore as their Special Guest. Mr. Beland was Ms. Ronstadt’s band director during her prime years, and he later went on to country-rock fame as a member of the legendary Flying Burrito Brothers. His Ronstadt stories and musical collaborations in this show are not to be missed-catch them and more on March 22.

The next month, The Bankhead will be bringing one of the greatest entertainers of all time to beautiful Downtown Livermore: on April 3, multi-talented actress, singer, and performer, the one, the only Charo will be gracing the stage at The Bankhead. Only a few people in show business are recognized by just one name, and she has earned her place as one of them. As one of the few whose name brings a smile to everyone’s face, Charo has definitely earned her title as a Master Performer. Since the 70's, this household name musician, singer, comedienne, and stage and screen performer has been an integral proponent of contemporary Latin music. Instantly recognizable for her witty humor, loveable accent, and her mastery of the flamenco guitar, it is Charo’s trademark expression “Cuchi-Cuchi,” which has endeared her to the world and made the name Charo synonymous with fun and excitement. Charo has appeared in countless hit television shows, including more than forty-five appearances on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and appeared on “The Love Boat” more than any other star. She also guest-starred on “Sonny and Cher,” “The Carol Burnett Show,” and made numerous appearances with Bob Hope and Sammy Davis, Jr, besides also appearing as a regular on “Hollywood Squares” and VH1’s “The Surreal Life.” Charo’s film credits include “Moon Over Parador” with Richard Dreyfuss and

“The Concorde: Airport ‘79.” In addition to her accomplishments on screen, Charo is also a master of classical guitar, proving her prowess as a musician on albums such as Charo and Guitar, La Salsa, Flamenco Salsa, Ole-Ole, and Guitar Passion. Her music is a combination of the most exciting and original music of today and the most famous classical masterpieces in the world, blending heart and soul with her unique Flamenco style. Winner of a Billboard International Latin Music Award, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Golden Eagle Award for Outstanding Entertainer of the Year, this twice voted “best Classical Flamenco Guitarist in the World” (Guitar Player Magazine) is still performing with passion and joy, and she is coming right to Livermore at the beginning of April in a sure to sell out Tri-Valley performance.

Closing out the season on June 3, 2023 will be Billy Bob Thornton and the Boxmasters, formed in 2007, The Boxmasters have recorded an impressive and diverse catalogue of music thattouches on their love of a wide array of influences, but most importantly, the rock and roll of the  1960’s. Listening to The Boxmasters, one can hear obvious odes to the Beatles, Byrds and Beach Boys, but also important to The Boxmasters are The Mothers of Invention, Kris Kristofferson, John Prine and Big Star.

Since forming The Boxmasters, several long-time friends have contributed to the sound of the band, but the core of The Boxmasters has always been Andrew and Thornton. As primary songwriters, the sound of the Boxmasters has been an evolution as the duo constantly strive to find new inspiration, new sounds and new ways of expressing what is in their hearts and on their minds. But at the core, there is a backbeat, a lyric with meaning and music played with emotion. As a touring band, The Boxmasters have cultivated a rabid cult fanbase across the United States and Canada. Opening for the likes of ZZ Top, Steve Miller, George Thorogood and Kid Rock The Boxmasters have proven to win over large audiences. As a headliner, frequent stops in Kansas City at “Knuckleheads”, Springfield, Illinois at “Boondocks” and “Merrimack Hall” in Huntsville, Alabama have shown dedicated yet still growing audiences. Two appearances at Levon Helm’s “Midnight Ramble” in Woodstock, New York were highlight performances for the band, as well as the “Ramble at The Ryman” that Levon hosted in 2008. The Boxmasters performed on “The Grand Ole Opry” in 2015, another in a growing resume of must-play venues.

The Bankhead Theater keeps COVID safety protocols in place with enhanced air circulation and no touch ticketing. Proof of vaccination is no longer required for entry at ticketed performances unless noted as part of a contractual obligation with the artist. Tickets for all shows in the 2022-2023 Bankhead Presents season are available online, by calling 925-373-6800, or at the box office windows. For a complete list of events, visit livermorearts.org.

Show: The Fabulous Thunderbirds
Date/Time: Friday, March 17, 2023 at 8:00pm
Tickets: $20-$75 ($25 student/military personnel)

Show: Ronstadt Revue, featuring Gesenia and Special Guest John Beland
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 22, 2023 at 7:30pm
Tickets: $20-$55 ($25 student/military personnel)

Show: Charo
Date/Time: Monday, April 3, 2023 at 7:30pm
Tickets: $20-$105 ($25 student/military personnel)

Show: Billy Bob Thornton
Date/Time: Saturday, June 3, 2023 at 8:00pm
Tickets: $20-$85 ($25 student/military personnel)

Dates, times, and ticket prices for other events available at www.LivermoreArts.org