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Though its calendar appears lighter, the Bankhead Theater is readying for an eventful July and August of shows.
The coming weeks for Livermore Valley Arts are marked by a return performance of Mustangs of the West on July 25 and the arrival of Taylor Swift tribute show Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience on Aug. 2.
The concerts occur during the first part of summer that also features a night of laughs with Dry Bar Comedy on July 18 and a three-weekend production of “Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella” by one of the Bankhead’s resident companies starting next weekend – and before performances by big-name acts on three consecutive weekends at the end of August.
All-female country rock quintet Mustangs of the West is one of two LVA-produced shows on the Bankhead Presents schedule for July. The band, which is returning after performing in Livermore two years ago, made its start in the late-1980s in Los Angeles but separated for some two decades before reuniting with a revised lineup in 2017.
Lead singer and supporting guitarist Suzanna Spring has long ties to the Tri-Valley. She and original Mustang Sherry Rayn Barnett on lead guitar and bassist-vocalist Holly Montgomery are now joined by Aubrey Richmond (fiddle, vocals) and Suzanne Morissette (drums, percussion, vocals).
“To hear band members talk about their present incarnation is to tune into five women who are dedicated to defining their new destiny with the commitment it takes to share it with the world,” LVA reps said. “The band had taken a 20-year break and has returned in recent years to show themselves stronger, with the thought that it is never too late to be your best, proving again that time really does take care of those who believe.”
The concert is set for 8 p.m. July 25 at the theater in downtown Livermore.
The following weekend, LVA is “calling all Swifties” for a tribute act fronted by Traci Marie paying tribute to Taylor Swift’s famous Eras Tour.
“Traci’s attention to detail will not go unnoticed by Swifties. Her authentic costumes, mannerisms and voice embody the essence of Taylor Swift,” LVA officials said. “This theatrical-style show is filled with everything you’d expect to see from the Eras Tour: choreography, stunning multimedia visuals, costume changes and audience participation.”
Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Experience arrives Aug. 2 at 8 p.m.
The Taylor Swift vibe sets the stage well for the rest of August, which sees three recognizable stars – of television, music and film, respectively — bringing their talents to Livermore.
TV comedy legend Vicki Lawrence, known for her roles on “The Carol Burnett Show” and “Mama’s Family”, will present her stage production “Vicki Lawrence and Mama: A Two-Woman Show” twice on Aug. 16.
Then Grammy Award-winning singer LeAnn Rimes will headline the Brilliance at the Bankhead fundraising gala on Aug. 23.
And actor Cary Elwes, who had to reschedule his May appearances due to a late calendar conflict, will lead “The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes” for two installments on Aug. 30.
LVA is also presenting The Great DuBois: Masters of Variety circus stage show on Aug. 9 at the Bankhead, as well as multiple jewelry-making workshops, summer youth art camps, and art classes for adults and kids during the next two months at the Bothwell Arts Center.
See the full summer schedule, plus the full 2025-26 season lineup that started this week, at livermorearts.org.
