Livermore, CA – (August 30, 2022) – Immediately after the official 2022-2023 Season Opening with star headliner Ben Folds, Livermore Valley Arts is thrilled to launch its Bankhead Presents lineup with “the best medicine:” laughter! From a non-partisan, no holds barred satire with Capitol Comedy: Two Cheers For Democracy on Friday, September 16, to the best up-and-coming comedians on the West Coast with the San Francisco Comedy Competition on Thursday, September 22, to iconic podcaster, actor, and comedy superstar Marc Maron on Thursday, October 6, The Bankhead will be starting off its 15th Anniversary Season with multiple delights for the funny bone here in the Tri-Valley. All of these laugh-filled events will be at the beautiful Bankhead Theater in Downtown Livermore.

Capitol Comedy: Two Cheers For Democracy hits the entire political spectrum with equal  fervor - every performance is sharp, tasteful, timely, and intended purely for enjoyment by all sides. With a cast composed of talented actor-singers and dancers with Hollywood, regional theater, and off-Broadway experience, the most discussed social events offer ripe pickings for a comedy group taking the pulse of today’s conflicted world. Capitol Comedy takes aim at Washington politicians and social chatter through sketches, songs, song parodies, and brief video  segments. Audience Alert: be prepared to laugh at yourself - nothing is sacred as Capitol Comedystarts the satire steamboat on its merry way. Capitol Comedy's new show, "Two Cheers for Democracy” takes some all-time favorite songs like “Stuck In The Middle With You” by Stealers Wheel, “Some Enchanted Evening” from South Pacific, and “Surfer Girl” by the Beach Boys, and gives them a few tweaks and a new set of lyrics which will have audiences rolling in the aisles. Think “Some Election Evening” as a liberal staffer discovers that, in politics, love does not conquer all, or “Two Old Guys” (Biden and Sanders) doing a soft-shoe number - Two Cheers for Democracy is truly the epitome of fun. Since there is plenty on both the right and the left that needs criticism and evokes laughter, this production creates material that will be appreciated by and amusing to audience members whatever their political leanings. With a winning formula of musical comedy, multimedia animation, and political satire, Capitol Comedy shows are timely and sharply satirical without being demeaning or vulgar. As L.A. Splash put it, “from ridiculous to hilarious, Capitol Comedy nails it with side-splitting stupidity and uproarious humor,” and Livermore Valley Arts is excited to kick off the Bankhead Presents season with this side-splitting riot of a show on September 16.

The San Francisco Comedy Competition is a unique elimination style contest, differing from many other competitions in prestige and time commitment. Running over a four-week timeline during the month of September, the San Francisco Comedy Competition attracts hundreds of qualified comedians from around the world, with only 32 comedians being chosen. Now in its 46th year, the San Francisco Comedy Competition has helped launch a Who’s Who of comic champions. Over the years, legends such as Robin Williams, Dana Carvey, Sinbad, and Ellen DeGeneres have emerged from this stand-up comedy contest to become stars. The Bankhead looks forward to welcoming the next comedy greats in Downtown Livermore on September 22.

Kicking off October will be Marc Maron, an expert comedian who has four hit stand-up comedy specials, including “More Later” (2015) on Epix, “Thinky Pain” (2013), “Marc Maron: Too Real" (2017), and 2020’s “End Times Fun,” which was nominated for a 2021 Critics’ Choice Award, on Netflix. Besides his specials, with his landmark podcast WTF with Marc Maron, which averages 6 million downloads per month; Maron has interviewed icons such as Robin Williams, Keith Richards, and former US President Barack Obama. Also an accomplished actor, Maron has also starred in the Netflix original series “Glow” and has had roles in the films Joker, Spencer Confidential, Sword of Trust, Stardust, and the 2021 ArethaFranklin biopic Respect, alongside  Jennifer Hudson. This hilarious star of stage and screen will be right here in the Tri-Valley at The Bankhead on October 6. Tickets are already selling fast.

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 the2022-2023 Bankhead Presents season are available online, by calling 925-373-6800, or at thebox office windows. For a complete list of events, visit livermorearts.org.