Lyle Lovett headlines the Bankhead's opening night fundraiser Saturday

Lyle Lovett, the four-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, will headline the Bankhead Theater's opening night fundraiser on Saturday, August 29, at 6 p.m. in Livermore. This event marks the beginning of Livermore Valley Arts’ 2026-27 season and is the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, aiming to support the Bankhead Theater and the Bothwell Arts Center.

The evening, titled "Opening Night at the Bankhead," will not only feature Lovett’s performance but also include a live auction, raffle, and a Fund-a-Need appeal for the organization’s arts education outreach. The event is expected to draw a significant crowd of local residents and arts enthusiasts, all contributing to the community’s cultural vibrancy. The funds raised will directly benefit Livermore Valley Arts’ two main facilities and their educational programs, fostering a rich arts ecosystem in the Livermore Valley.

Livermore Valley Arts, celebrating its 20th anniversary season, has a long-standing tradition of hosting high-profile events and performances at the Bankhead Theater, a historic venue in downtown Livermore. The Bothwell Arts Center, located at 2466 Eighth Street, serves as an arts incubator, providing studio, classroom, rehearsal, and event space for local artists and performers. The Bankhead Theater, a cornerstone of Livermore’s cultural scene, has been a venue for numerous concerts, plays, and other cultural events since its establishment.

Tickets for the event are priced at $295 for general admission and $750 for VIP, with each ticket including a welcome glass of bubbly and hors d’oeuvres. After the concert, guests can enjoy an outdoor party in the Bankhead plaza, featuring a live band, tapas-style bites, desserts, and a no-host bar. The evening promises to be a memorable celebration of the arts, with proceeds supporting the Bankhead Theater, the Bothwell Arts Center, and Livermore Valley Arts’ educational initiatives.

For those interested in attending or learning more about the event, tickets can be purchased through LivermoreArts.org, where the full season’s schedule, including dates, times, and prices, is also available. The event is sponsored by Jean King, Denise Watkins, Jean Shuler, Visit Tri-Valley, Griffo Distillery, and On the Vine Catering. This fundraiser is a significant step towards ensuring the continued success and growth of Livermore’s arts community, and the Bankhead Theater invites the community to join in the celebration.