It is no secret that music, theater, and other cultural arts events bring people together. They have an incredible impact that unites the Tri-Valley community, and the Bankhead Theater has been at the center of bring arts and the community together for the last 10 years. The Bankhead Theater is at the heart of a vibrant cultural arts community that offers various productions from Jesus Christ Superstar to a Livermore High School Instrumental concert.

The Bankhead Theater, operated by the independent non-profit organization Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center (LVPAC), is a 507 seat performing arts theater with full stage facilities for live music, theater, dance, lectures, civic events, and conferences. It opened October 1, 2007, and is kicking off its 11th season this September with a benefit concert.

The 11th annual fall gala and arts education fundraiser, "Brilliance at the Bankhead," will feature The Indigo Girls, with the Livermore-Amador Symphony, Saturday, September 9 at 6:00 pm. Member tickets went on sale in late March, and public tickets went on sale in April.

In addition to the Indigo Girls, the East Bay Jazz High School All Stars will perform on the plaza during the reception. LVPAC supports the All Stars as part of its educational program which provides nearly two dozen high school music students with invaluable training and opportunities for real-world performance experience as jazz musicians outside a school setting.

The venue offers performances that are up close and personal and is noted for its perfect acoustics and intimate setting, making every production a truly exceptional experience for both the audience and artists.

The Bankhead Theater serves as the home for a number of the area's finest performing arts organizations, including the Grammy Award-winning vocal group Chanticleer, Del Valle Fine Arts, Livermore Valley Opera, Pacific Chamber Symphony, Livermore-Amador Symphony, Valley Dance Theater, Cantabella Children's Chorus, Tri-Valley Repertory Theatre, Pacific Chamber Symphony, and the Valley Concert Chorale.

The theater also hosts visiting performance ensembles from around the Bay Area, including Lamplighters Musical Theatre, Oakland Ballet, and the California Theatre Center, as well as providing performance and recital space for some of the area's music, dance and theatrical training programs.

The theater's goal is to provide a world-class performing arts center in the Tri-Valley that promotes and encourages the presentation and creation of visual and performing arts while enhancing the public's appreciation, enjoyment, and understanding of the arts. They offer arts and entertainment activities for the community throughout the year that is meant to energize the Valley's arts and cultural scene.

In 2016, the Bankhead had a total of 253 live music and performing arts events. The Gallery at the Bankhead, featuring art exhibits curated by the Bothwell Arts Center, is open seven days a week. There are also free concerts and cultural events taking place on the Plaza outside the Bankhead during the summer, and throughout the year.

"As an independent non-profit arts organization, we rely on ticket sales, as well as donations and business sponsorships, to keep the arts alive in the Tri-Valley. Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center is lucky to have enthusiastic and generous donors who love the arts and recognize how important they are to making our community a vibrant place to live. We want to live up to their dedication and doing so is what makes coming to work every day such a joy," says Scott Kenison, Executive Director.

The "Brilliance at the Bankhead" fundraiser supports both the Bankhead Theater and Bothwell Arts Center productions, which includes performing arts events offered by visiting artists, resident companies, and local students, as well as fine art and craft displays, art classes for students of all ages, and affordable studio space for artists.

In addition, LVPAC provides educational programs for students across the Tri-Valley, including free or discounted performances, in-school events, and other opportunities to explore and experience the arts.

There are four sponsorship levels: Presenting Sponsor $25,000, Producer $10,000, Director $5,000 and Star $1,000. Proceeds from the gala event benefit the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center. Tickets for the event and sponsorships, both corporate and individual, with benefit packages for different levels, are available.

For more information visit the website lvpac.org/event/brilliance-at-the-bankhead/.