Music Icon Jose Feliciano to Make Appearance at Bankhead Theatre as Livermore Valley Arts Celebrates It’s 15th Anniversary Season
As Livermore Valley Arts continues its 15th Anniversary Season this autumn, The Bankhead welcomes music icon Jose Feliciano on Friday, November 18. With an international presence that has influenced popular music for more than two generations, Jose Feliciano is recognized as the first Latin Artist to effectively cross over into the English music market, opening the doors for other artists who now play an important role in the American music industry. ‘Feliz Navidad’ icon Feliciano has also been acclaimed by critics worldwide as “the greatest living guitarist.” Referred to as ‘the Picasso of his Realm,’ Jose Feliciano’s accomplishments are highly celebrated: he’s been awarded over 45 Gold and Platinum records, and he has earned 19 Grammy nominations, earning nine Grammy Awards, including the LARAS Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Jose was born blind, to humble beginnings, in 1945 in Lares, Puerto Rico. One of 11 boys, his love affair with music began at the age of three when he first accompanied his uncle on a tin cracker can. When he was five, his family immigrated to NYC, and young Jose learned to play the concertina at age six, using a handful of records as his teacher. At nine he performed at the Puerto Rican Theater in the Bronx. Venturing beyond the accordion, he taught himself to play the guitar with nothing but records as his teacher, practicing for as many as 14 hours a day. Exposed to the Rock ‘n Roll of the ‘50s, Jose was then inspired to sing. At 17, Jose quit school to help his family, playing in coffee houses in Greenwich Village. A music critic from the New York Times said, “If you want to witness the birth of a star, catch Mr. Felicano before he leaves the stage. The Tri-Valley will have such a chance to catch Mr. Feliciano at The Bankhead on November 18.
Then, on Sunday, November 20, The Bankhead will offer an exciting family show, Chris Perondi’s breathtaking and impressive “Stunt Dog Experience.” With appearance on The Tonight Show, Animal Planet’s Pet Stars, David Letterman, and Oprah Winfrey, this “troupe” is made up of all former rescues, adorable animal athletes that thrill with their delightful antics. Stunt Dog Productions is a family owned business led by husband and wife team Chris and Suhey Perondi, and has produced over 10,000 live shows since it started in 1999. It has evolved into one of the largest touring dog acts in the world. All the dogs in the show are trained using positive training methods with the use of a clicker and toy motivation, and they each have unique talents and signature moves to showcase, utilizing each dog’s individual ability, athleticism, and intelligence. During the Experience, audiences will witness some of the most incredible stunts and behaviors ever performed by dogs. With doggone amazing tricks, big-air stunts, comedy antics, dancing dogs, and athletic feats, it is the most entertaining show of its kind, a high-energy treat from some of the most talented dogs in the world.
For tickets or more information or other upcoming performances please visit LivermoreArts.org.