One of the many advantages of Hacienda’s location is that it offers tenants and residents easy access to arts and cultural events and institutions. Historically, these forms of expression have been valued by societies. Over the years, research has determined that simply attending such events is not only enjoyable but also beneficial to individuals as well as the areas where they live.

“The benefits of arts and culture extend beyond individuals, helping to build stronger communities,” according to Americans Speak Out About the Arts in 2023, a national public opinion survey conducted by Ipsos Public Affairs on behalf of nonprofit Americans for the Arts. “The findings from this national public opinion study affirm the belief that we are better people with the arts in our lives," says Randy Cohen, Americans for the Arts Vice President of Research. The survey also “highlights the broader impact of the arts, including their role in promoting economic development and driving success both in the classroom and the workplace.” The region’s vibrant performing arts scene makes it easy to enjoy music, drama, dance, opera, and comedy on a regular basis.

Year-End Pleasures

The nonprofit Livermore Valley Arts operates the Bankhead Theater and Bothwell Arts Center. Together, they provide a wealth of opportunities to explore, experience, and enjoy the arts. Holiday-related performances at the Bankhead Theater include the Tres Souls trio, which is performing its Boleros De Navidad show on December 16, and the four-piece vocal group Kings Return, who are presenting their Holiday Show on December 18. Tickets are also available for Valley Dance Theatre’s annual performances of The Nutcracker classic ballet on December 20, 21, and 22.

The Firehouse Arts Center in the heart of downtown Pleasanton began life in 1929 as Pleasanton's main fire station, which was built of locally manufactured bricks. The 20,000-square-foot building features a 220-seat theater, a fine arts gallery, classroom space, and an hourglass-shaped grand lobby that links downtown to the facility's 3,000-square-feet patio and adjacent Lions Wayside Park. This month, the Firehouse Arts Center will host the East Bay Children’s Theatre presentation of Once Upon A Time Step on December 22. The movie, which is a musical, will be accompanied by a live stage show featuring Santa Claus and the Elves performing holiday favorites. On December 27, the center will host Comedy Night with Chicago Steve Barkley, featuring Roman Guzman and hosted by Marvin Langford. The next night, legendary singer and blues musician Chris Cain will be delighting audiences with his unique performance style.

The Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center is the primary venue for the City of San Ramon's cultural arts program, San Ramon Performing Arts. The center will be hosting the San Ramon Symphonic Band for a holiday concert on December 20. For more than three decades, the San Ramon Symphonic Band has been noted for making great music for delighted audiences, according to city officials. With dedicated and talented local musicians, the Symphonic Band performs seasonal, holiday, marches, and Pops concerts throughout the year.

New Year Treasures

The new year promises a variety of cultural treats to come. At the Bankhead Theater, they include Take Me Home: The Music of John Denver on January 4, the Tri-Valley Theatre Company production of Rock of Ages during seven nights in January, the Del Valle Fine Arts Euclid String Quartet in February, and the Livermore Valley Opera’s presentation of Mozart’s Don Giovanni in March. Noted Pacific Chamber Orchestra will be performing at the Bankhead on April 27, 2025.

The Museum on Main sponsors a historical type of popular performance in the Ed Kinney Speaker Series, events that tend to quickly sell out. In these performances, a solo actor portrays a notable individual in character, and often answers questions at the end of the performance. Nine performances are scheduled for 2025. The Afternoon or Evening with Calamity Jane will be held at 2 pm and 7 pm at the Firehouse Arts Center on April 17. As museum officials explain, “perhaps no woman embodies the spirit of the Western expansion more than Martha Cannary, better known as ‘Calamity Jane.’ Calamity Jane could drive a team of mules as well as any man. Her bullwhacking skills were invaluable to several scouting expeditions, along with her skills with a rifle and a six-shooter. Calamity could also out-drink and out-cuss any man alive, keeping many a saloon keeper in business. Kim Harris will bring to life the real Calamity Jane, portraying her not only as a genuine ‘dime novel heroine,’ but also as a real living human being, with dreams sometimes realized and sometimes lost.”

The Firehouse Center will also host an Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month Celebration on May 17 and a Juneteenth Celebration on June 14. Art classes for youth and adults are offered at the Firehouse, along with theater, improv, and music programs. The Harrington Gallery, which is a part of the Firehouse Center, will be showing Flora in Focus from January 11 to March 8, 2025. The flower-inspired exhibition features collaborative ikebana art by teacher Cindy Ting and her students.

The Tri-Valley region is further enriched by choral groups, art organizations, and performers of all sorts. Many of them offer classes and programs in addition to performances. It is also home to a variety of museums and institutions well worth exploring.

The arts and cultural scene is an important part of what makes Pleasanton and the larger Tri-Valley region wonderful places to call home. Residents may revel in the fact that they can treat themselves to a variety of experiences both during the year-end holidays and in the coming new year.

For more information about Livermore Valley Arts, please visit www.livermorearts.org.

For more information about the Firehouse Arts Center and Harrington Gallery, please visit www.firehousearts.org.

For more information about the Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center, please visit www.sanramon.ca.gov/cms/One.aspx?portalId=10826130&pageId=17699626.

For information about compelling Tri-Valley museums, please visit www.hacienda.org/news-events/hacienda-online/pulse/2024/feature-stories/tri-valley-museums-worth-exploring.