Beyond the Stage at Livermore Valley Arts

Beyond The Stage: Terrance Kelly & Isa Chu

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 together and sing Gospel music in America and around the world. Livermore Valley Arts welcomes back Terrance Kelly and Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir to the Bankhead Theater. From the Vault: Relive the insights from our session on Terrance Kelly and Isa Chu. Come see Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir's upcoming Choral Performance at The Bankhead on June 27, 2026!  🎟️ Get your tickets now at LivermoreArts.org

Beyond The Stage: Glen Phillips

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 shape his music off of the world around him. He always wants to tell stories through his music and he knows that music is something that can connect everyone together. He hopes his music can bring love, community, and openness to all people. Come see Glen Phillips (of Toad The Wet Sprocket) at the Bankhead Theater on Saturday, May 9th, 2026. 🎟️ Get your tickets now at https://www.livermorearts.orgLivermoreArts.org [http://livermorearts.org]

Beyond The Stage: Matthew Morrison

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 theater and breakdancing, to performing on Broadway in Hairspray and 10 Million Miles, to becoming a television icon performing for millions of people on their television screens. Come see Matthew Morrison Presents Show Up at the Bankhead Theater on Thursday, March 26th, 2026. 🎟️ Get your tickets now at LivermoreArts.org

Beyond The Stage: Sylvia Milo

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 great detail on how she came up with the idea of The Other Mozart: the research and letter she had to read in order to understand Nannerl, going to Mozart’s house in St. Gilgen to get a true understanding of her home life, and how the entire play is centered around a 18 foot dress, that is as creative and beautiful as it is confining for Nannerl. Her creation has been able to resonate with audiences all around the world as they experience her “dazzling, original performance… hauntingly beautiful’ - LA Times.  Come see The Other Mozart at the Bankhead Theater on Sunday, March 29th, 2026. 🎟️ Get your tickets now at https://www.livermorearts.orgLivermoreArts.org [http://livermorearts.org]

Beyond The Stage: The String Queens

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 classical music by blending it with pop, jazz, and R&B in unique arrangements, while also serving as music educators to promote representation and accessibility.” Even though they come from different parts of the country they are connected through their sense of family, community, and aspiration to make each performance a musical experience that inspires the audience. Come see The String Queens at the Bankhead Theater on Friday, February 13th, 2026. 🎟️ Get your tickets now at https://www.livermorearts.orgLivermoreArts.org [http://livermorearts.org]