Comedian Paula Poundstone Keeps the Crowd in Stitches at the Bankhead Theater
Comedian Paula Poundstone recently returned to the Bankhead Theater stage in Livermore, CA. for a command performance. Best known for her smart, observational humor and spontaneous wit that has become the stuff of legend, on this June date Paula received continuous roars from the capacity crowd at the Bankhead. Originally slated as a 90-minute standup comedy performance, Paula was on such a roll engaging with the audience that the show actually went well over two hours, as the interaction with the crowd and laughs with them was continuous.
A side-splitting comic genius, Paula Poundstone is known for her smart, observational humor and spontaneous wit that has become the stuff of legend. Groundbreaking in so many ways, Paula was the first female comic, in its then 73rd year, to perform at the White House Correspondents dinner. She was the first female standup, in its then 5th year, to win the ACE award for Best Comedy Special on Cable television. She is recognized in innumerable lists, documentaries, and literary compendiums noting influential standup comedians of our time.
Paula can be heard weekly as the host of the comedy podcast, “Nobody Listens to Paula Poundstone,” and as a regular panelist on NPR’s comedy news quiz, “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!”. Also an author, Poundstone’s second book, “The Totally Unscientific Study Of The Search For Human Happiness” (Algonquin 2017) was one of eight semi-finalists for The Thurber Prize for American Humor, the highest recognition of the art of humor writing in the United States. The audiobook was one of five finalists for the Audio Book of the Year AUDIE award.
The Bankhead Theater will be hosting a number of other upcoming performances this summer including the following:
Friday, June 23 - Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir
Celebrate Juneteenth with the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir and experience the music that brings resiliency, joy, and strength to the African American community. Under the direction of Terrance Kelly, this diverse, inclusive group takes us through a gospel music journey – introducing different styles of Black gospel music, and connecting it to the Freedom Songs of the Civil Rights movement and to music today. Get ready to stand up, clap, and even sing along!
Thursday, July 13 - Debbie Gibson: The Body Remembers Encore Tour
From No. 1 hits and platinum albums to starring roles on stage and screen, Debbie Gibson is a true entertainer with timeless talent and charisma.
Debbie Gibson burst onto the music scene at 16 and instantly became the youngest artist in history to write, produce and perform a number one hit, “Foolish Beat.” She is still the youngest female and has held the world record for more than three decades. Gibson has sold more than 16 million albums and has starred in 17 musicals in 17 years, from Broadway’s Les Miserables to the West End’s Grease.
Friday, August 4 - Keiko Matsui Enchanting. Virtuosic. Transcendent.
Acclaimed pianist, composer and humanitarian Keiko Matsui’s transcendent and haunting melodies have long sought to build bridges. Her sonic cultural exchange has reached the hearts and minds of fans throughout the world and right here in the Tri-Valley and has allowed the pianist to work alongside icons Miles Davis, Stevie Wonder, Hugh Masekela and Bob James.
For tickets or more information please phone (925) 373-6100 or visit boxoffice@bankheadtheater.org.