Beyond the Stage at Livermore Valley Arts

We go behind the scenes with Broadway and television star, Matthew Morrison. Known for his role of Will Schuester in Glee and he went by Matty Fresh, as a member of the boy band Fresh Step . Matthew Morrison shows viewers his experience from theater to film. As a child he dreamed of wanting to be a kid actor and in time he grew and found himself wanting more and began his journey into musical thea...

We go behind the scenes with two power-house actresses, comedians, and musicians who have been making us laugh for decades: Emmy and Golden Globe winner, Jane Lynch , who is known for her roles Sue Sylvester of Glee , Sergeant Calhoun in Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph , and is the Host of The Weakest Link , and Kate Flannery, who is known for her role Meredith Palmer from The Office (USA) and she was a c...

Today, we're joined by Terrance Kelly and Isa Chu of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (OIGC). From the son of a jazz pianist and born in a family full of musicians to the Founding Artistic Director of OIGC, hear Terrance Kelly discuss his perspective on Gospel and the foundation of Oakland Interfaith Gospel Music. OIGC is the combination of over 27 different faiths that come to gather toget...

In this episode, step into the mind of Glen Phillips, the lead singer and one of the founders of Toad The Wet Sprocket . Named after a Monty Python comedy sketch, Glen formed the band during his time at San Marcos High School and the band has been performing for over 40 years. Known for performing barefoot on stage, Glen Phillips shows us his exploration into songwriting and how he is able to shap...

We go behind the scenes with Broadway and television star, Matthew Morrison. Known for his role of Will Schuester in Glee and he went by Matty Fresh, as a member of the boy band Fresh Step . Matthew Morrison shows viewers his experience from theater to film. As a child he dreamed of wanting to be a kid actor and in time he grew and found himself wanting more and began his journey into musical thea...

In this episode, we take a look inside the mind of Sylvia Milo the creator of The Other Mozart . A musician turned actor, Sylvia has done some extensive research into the history and life of Wolfgang Mozart’s sister, Nannerl Mozart . Nannerl was just as passionate and proficient in music as her brother, but was never given the opportunities he was given since she was a woman. Sylvia goes into grea...

In this episode, we explore the journey of Kendall Isadore (violinist), Élise Sharp (violist), and Dawn Johnson (cellist). Three incredible musicians and teachers who came together to form The String Queens . They always make sure to discuss their mission, which is “to create inspiring musical experiences that encourage diverse audiences to love, hope, feel, and imagine, breaking down barriers in...

In this episode take a look inside the minds of Jimmy Cuellar and Miguel Peña as they combine Ballet Folklorico, Mariachi music, and holiday spirit into a Christmas event you don’t want to miss. Explore the musical journey of Jimmy Cuellar: son of Jamie Cuellar , Music Director and Violinist of his father’s Mariachi group, Mariachi Garibaldi de Jaime Cuellar , and owner and director of Cue Music I...

We go behind the scenes with two power-house actresses, comedians, and musicians who have been making us laugh for decades: Emmy and Golden Globe winner, Jane Lynch , who is known for her roles Sue Sylvester of Glee , Sergeant Calhoun in Disney’s Wreck-It Ralph , and is the Host of The Weakest Link , and Kate Flannery, who is known for her role Meredith Palmer from The Office (USA) and she was a c...

In this bonus episode, artists talk about their art for Fragile Earth in the Uncle Credit Union Art Gallery located at the Bankhead Theater . Host, Anne Giancola interviews artists: Starr Davis, Debra Reabeck, Jun Yan, and Alan Tarbell to discuss their creative process and ask how their art represents the theme Fragile Earth . The gallery is open Wednesday through Sunday from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. T...

In this episode, we go behind the scenes with the members of The Filharmonic . This 5-piece vocal group made the semi-finals, joined NBC’s The Sing-Off national tour, and were featured in the Universal Pictures hit movie, Pitch Perfect 2 , setting off a viral sensation after their Late Late Show appearance. Jules Cruz (Vocal Bass), Joe Caigoy (Tenor 2), Trace Gaynor (Tenor 3), and VJ Rosales (Teno...

In this episode, Vicki Lawrence, one of the most beloved television personalities of all time and Emmy® Award-winning comedienne, will be discussing her journey into entering the television industry, her time on The Carol Burnette Show , the iconic blooper that made all America laugh-out-loud, and how she created her most recognized character Thelma Harper also known as Mama . Come see Vicki Lawre...

Step into the mind of Ashlen Hilliard, renowned Cult Intervention Specialist, Founder of People Leave Cults, with a Master’s degree in Psychology of Coercive Control. In this episode, we discuss why people join cults and what it takes to break away from them. Ashlen unpacks the psychology, manipulation tactics, and hidden dangers that cults use to control their members. Come hear Ashlen Hilliard a...

In this episode, Sherry Ryan Barnett, Suzanna Spring, and Aubrey Richmond take you on a journey through their careers in the country music industry. These three talented musicians are a part of the all women country quintet Mustangs Of The West . The Mustangs were named the Southern California Country Music Vocal Group of the Year. The group has headlined in Northern California, LA, Europe, and Sc...

Beyond the Stage host, Chris Carter, will be discussing upcoming shows with the Livermore Valley Arts staff. Tune into the first episode of season 4, to get behind-the-scenes insights, light hearted discussions, and tidbits of upcoming shows for the Bankhead’s 2025-2026 season. Who knows… one could be the event that blows you away!

In this episode, we discuss Scottish traditions, bagpipes, and rock n’ rock with Willie Armstrong. He is one of the Founders and Creators of the Red Hot Chili Pipers, a Celtic Rock Band that combines guitar, keyboard, drums and of course the bagpipes to create “bagrock” sounds for all to enjoy. The Red Hot Chili Pipers won BBC’s “When Will I Be Famous” and have performed on Eurovision and the Hebr...

In this episode, Haruka Fujii shares the origins and her fifteen year journey with Silkroad Ensemble. Founded by Yo-Yo Ma in 2000, “Silkroad Ensemble creates music that engages difference, sparking radical cultural collaborations, and passion driven leadership for a more hopeful and inclusive world.” This Multi-Grammy winning ensemble brings together world class musicians from all over the world t...

Go behind the scenes with Alicia Slouffman, who is one of the Dance Captains of iLuminate. iLuminate is a company based on the fusion of technology and dance. They have participated on TV shows like America’s Got Talent, and Dancing with the Stars. As well as Billboard, BET Awards, and The American Music Awards. In this exclusive interview, Alicia shares her journey as a dancer and how she joined...

Go behind the scenes with Chloé Arnold—international tap dancer, Emmy-nominated choreographer, and co-founder of the groundbreaking Syncopated Ladies. In this exclusive interview, Chloe shares her inspiring journey as a dancer, the unwavering dedication it takes to master tap, and the creation of Syncopated Ladies, a group that has empowered and inspired girls around the globe. Her passion and dri...

In this episode, we delve into the extraordinary journey of Jeff Bordes, a gifted jazz musician who has toured with legends like Dizzy Gillespie, Sheryl Crow, and Tom Petty. Jeff shares his experiences, his philosophy of jazz, and what the genre truly means to him. Beyond music, he has collaborated with renowned celebrity chefs like Jeff Cerciello of Farmshop and Devin Alexander from The Biggest L...

Join us for a behind-the-scenes discussion with Vaughn Faison and J.E. McKissic who are members of a four-piece acapella group, King's Return. Both members share their stories and upbringings from how they started their careers in music, to the formation of the group, and even recalling the inspiration of the group's name and why King's Return means so much to them. Livermore Valley Arts welcomes...

In this episode of Beyond the Stage , we sit down with NASA astronaut Tammy Jernigan to explore her remarkable journey to space. From her experiences aboard the Space Shuttle to the challenges of life beyond Earth's atmosphere, Tammy shares stories of resilience, innovation, and the unique perspective gained from seeing our planet from space. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about pushing bou...

Take a behind-the-scenes journey with legendary songwriter JD Souther reflecting on his storied career and collaborations with icons like the Eagles and Linda Ronstadt. He shares the stories behind classics discussing how his personal experiences shaped his music. Souther dives into his creative process, emphasizing emotional honesty and simplicity in songwriting. He also offers insights into bala...

Join us for a laugh-out-loud episode of the Beyond the Stage podcast, featuring the quick-witted and legendary comedians Carole Montgomery, Julia Scotti, Barb North, and Monique Marvez. These powerhouse ladies dive into their inspirations, dreams, and the journeys that led them to the comedy stage. In this episode, they share hilarious anecdotes, discuss the evolving world of female comics, and re...

Who better to give you the inside scoop on the exciting new season at Livermore Valley Arts than our very own staff? Tune in for exclusive behind-the-scenes insights and lively chatter about our latest offerings. You might just discover your next must-see event! Get tickets at LivermoreArts.org