Bring the kids and grandchildren to meet Cosmo the Magician this Sunday, March 2 at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts (19501 Redwood Road) at 3:00pm.  Cosmo dresses as the ringmaster in his circus-themed family magic show.  He delights children and their families of all ages…there may even be a surprise appearance of a bunny rabbit and some doves! 

California-based magician and motivational speaker, Cosmo is a popular school assembly entertainer.  His interactive style keeps audiences laughing, while his inspirational message emphasizes the importance of acceptance, inclusion, and equality. He likes to leave the audience with some key sayings such as “We Are Better Together” and “Be Wonderful Not Perfect.” He calls his show, “Magic with a Message.”

Castro Valley Arts Foundation board member, Anne Forte shared, “I’m so glad we could bring this show to our families.  The children will be having fun and learning big lessons at the same time.” For tickets:  cvartsfoundation.org or call 510-889-8961.  Free parking and handicapped accessible.

Looking for a high-octane evening? Patrón Latin Rhythms completes our Castro Valley Arts Foundation 2024-25 Series with a big sound! They are known for their driving percussion rhythms, hair-raising guitar licks, and blazing horn section. Eleven musicians bring their special talents to our stage, putting a Latin spin on jazz, rock, mambo, Ol’ Skool, R&B, and funk. Come early for a salsa dance lesson with Amanda Marquez in the Exhibition Room at 6:00pm and enjoy Sangria and chips at our no-host cantina.

Patrón Latin Rhythms keep a busy schedule in the greater Bay Area, Reno and San Diego. Performing at festivals, clubs  casinos and private events, they cover such artists as Santana, Marc Anthony, Bruno Mars, and Stevie Wonder. Last year Patrón released a remake of the Isley Brothers classic, “For the Love of You,” a  tribute to Delbert Ojeda. Ojeda was the founder of Patrón Rhythms. This arrangement with horns and Latin percussion features Bill Ortega Jr. on lead vocals. It can be heard on Spotify and Apple Music and viewed on YouTube.      

To really get into the swing of the evening, come early for a salsa dance lesson in the Exhibition Room with professional dancers Amanda Marquez and  Michael Gonzalez. Amanda is a performer, instructor and choreographer, having taught at some of the most prestigious  dance institutions in New York City:  Joffrey Ballet School, Alvin Ailey and Peridance Capezio.  Today Amanda is a professor of Jazz and Latin Jazz at Cal State University at San Jose and is on staff at various other dance centers in the Bay Area. She is also a certified yoga instructor. Michael is a dancer and a scientist who likes to connect with his students by telling fun stories. Your ticket for Patrón is the “entrée” for the dance class. No partner is necessary. We hope to send you home dancing from this fun event! 

For tickets:  cvartsfoundation.org or call 510-899-8961.  19501 Redwood Road.  Free Parking,  Handicap accessible.

Plein air artist Cedric Williams invites the public to his art reception, Saturday, February 22, 1-3pm, as the latest artist-in-resident at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts (19501 Redwood Road). Award-winning plein-air artist, Williams works mainly in oils, often using a thick paint application with a palette knife to top off his works. He excels in painting hidden spots of beauty in the Bay Area such as Dolores Park. Williams’ enthusiasm for art is infectious and he welcomes the opportunity to talk about his process. If clients have a special request for a painting, he accepts commissions. Williams has been painting since he was six years old, encouraged by his parents and later his public-school teachers. He lives in Hayward with his wife Apple and two children and works at UCSF.

Looking for a special Valentine gift? Charlie Brown, Lucy, Snoopy and their friends are coming to the Castro Valley Center for the Arts on February 14 and 15 at 7:30 pm and February 15 and 16 at 2:00pm in the musical production of You’re a Good Man, CHARLIE BROWN  presented by Castro Valley Arts Foundation and TMC Arts. Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang explore life's great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship. This classic is a favorite of all ages! 

Producers Dayna Speed and Berenice Sullivan agreed, “We are very excited to bring CHARLIE BROWN  to our audiences. After our success with Hunchback and Bright Star, we wanted to concentrate on musicals for the whole family in 2025!” Their cast of 14 stellar actors are under the direction of Dayna Speed, Music Director Delphean Quan, Vocal Director Sue Susoeff, and Choreographer Cat Reeves. 

You’re a Good Man, CHARLIE BROWN is based on Charles Schulz’s comic strip with book, music and lyrics by Clark Gesner.  It’s hard to believe that Peanuts is celebrating its 75th anniversary this fall!  Whether reading the comics, watching Peanuts shows on TV or enjoying the iconic characters on a sweatshirt or a greeting card, these quirky, but loveable, characters are a  part of the fabric of our lives. The first cartoon strip was printed in 7 newspapers nationwide October 2, 1950. At its peak, Peanuts ran in over 2,600 newspapers, with a readership of 355 million in 75 countries, and was translated into 21 languages.

Tickets are available:  cvartsfoundation.org or call 510-889-8961.  19501 Redwood Road. Free parking. Handicap accessible.

Looking for a fun-filled Saturday night out?  Stand-up comic David Studebaker performs at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts, Saturday, January 25, at 7:30pm.  David describes himself as a comedian, author, host, and diaper-changer! He delights audiences with his special brand of comedy, blending music, personal stories, and pop culture into his interactive shows. “My goal is to take my audience out of their everyday worries  and create our own little joyful, carefree realm—to just have fun and party for the night.”

David’s comedy can be heard on Sirius XM Radio in regular rotation and his new comedy special “The Oracle of Dry Bar” is available now on the Dry Bar Comedy streaming network.  He has been featured on Fox, ABC, and the in the SF Chronicle and is a popular entertainer for corporate gigs for Facebook, Twitter, and Re/Max and many others. As a director, David won Best Director at the Oregon Documentary Film Festival for his hit docu-series David’s Ark, which has amassed millions of views on TikTok. As an author, David published his debut novel, a laugh-out-loud mystery, Lone Star Lance in 2020.  The sequel comes out later this year. David lives with his wife, two boys and two dogs in Los Angeles.

James D. Creviston opens for David. James is a Navy veteran, writer, filmmaker, and host of the Clean Comedy Podcast. He is known for his clean, self-deprecating style.  He has worked as a freelance screenwriter for such shows as Leathal Weapon, The Bachelor and The Bachelorette.  James also lives in Los Angeles.

This evening of fun, fresh comedy is presented by the Castro Valley Arts Foundation in their 2024-25 Series.   For tickets: cvartsfoundation.org or call: 510-889-8961.  Free Parking. Handicap accommodations. 19501 Redwood Road, Castro Valley

Author Gary Howard will ring in the New Year with a free lecture, The Biology of Us, on Tuesday, January 7, at 7:00 pm in the Exhibition Room at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts (19501 Redwood Road). Howard’s talk and latest book show us how biology and nature are hidden in plain sight in our urban environment, just as amazing as the organisms found in the Serengeti or the Galapagos Islands!

Talking to Howard, it is clear that he has many interests and lots of energy. First, he is a scientist through and through, with many publications to his name. Howard earned a PhD in biological sciences from Carnegie Mellon University and completed fellowships at Harvard University and John Hopkins University. His previous books include (2021) and Imaging Life (2014), and several more written with co-authors. For 22 years, Howard was a science editor and writer for the Gladstone Institutes in San Francisco.

Second, Howard is deeply invested in our community. He is in his 12th year of serving on the Castro Valley School Board. “I’m particularly proud of the Wellness Center and medical clinic and the Spanish Language Immersion program. In fact, more than 50 different languages are spoken in the homes of our students.” He is currently the Chair-Elect for the Castro Valley/ Eden Area Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he has taken an active role in supporting cityhood for Castro Valley. Howard and his wife Shirley are long-time residents of Castro Valley. Reserve your seats: https://www.cvcfa.com/events

The public is invited to a very special Art Reception and sale for the extensive works of Castro Valley’s Betty Loeffler, Sunday, December 1, from 3:00- 5:00 pm at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts (19501 Redwood Road).  Betty’s  work which includes handmade paper, prints, and monotypes spans almost 100 years. 

Betty and her husband, Dr. Robert Loeffler, moved to Castro Valley in 1960.  They raised their five daughters in Castro Valley and Bob opened his plastic surgery practice there.  Both Loefflers  were actively involved in the Bay Area art community, garnering awards along the way.  Betty was influenced and studied under Lundy Seaquist and took workshops from Mel Ramos and Wayne Thiebaud. Betty died in 2022. 

Daughter Pam Holloway shares, “This is an opportunity to have an original piece of art at a very reasonable price. Most important to the family is that  Mom’s work be out in the world bringing people joy.”  There are framed and unframed offerings. Refreshments will be served.  Artist and curator Susan Sarti will play piano and photographer Bruce Cassaday will accompany on trumpet. Any questions, please call 808-754-0393.

Magician/illusionist Ben Seidman brings his special show, Magic Things, to the Castro Valley Center for the Arts, Saturday, October 5 at 7:30 pm.  Ben combines psychological magic, stand-up comedy, pickpocketing and sleight-of-hand, giving his audiences an unforgettable evening.  Tickets: cvartsfoundation.org or 510-889-8961. 19501 Redwood Road.

Don’t miss Emon Dost, Nick Warren and Wyatt Traski perform in Castro Valley High School’s production of the S. E. Hinton’s classic “The Outsiders” this Friday and Saturday, March 22 and 23 at 7:00 pm.  Tickets available at CVCFA.com or call 510-889-8961.

Looking for a fun outing for the whole family?  Come to the Castro Valley Center for the Arts (19501 Redwood Road), Sunday afternoon February 25, at 3:00pm.

Follow Alice down the rabbit hole in this fun, original, multimedia adaptation of Alice in Wonderland!  Using popular songs of the ‘60s and ‘70s, dazzling digital scenery, life-sized puppets, and live performers, DLUX Puppets’ Wonderland is as much fun for the grown-ups as it is for the children.  It is an interactive show with some of the kids in the audience  joining the puppets on stage.

Derek and Lauren Lux are the co-founders of DLUX as well as the actors in Wonderland.  Derek and Lauren (Snow White) were principals in San Francisco’s iconic Beach Blanket Babylon before starting their own company.  Derek is an award-winning  puppet designer, puppet builder, and puppeteer.  Derek received the Los Angeles Stage Alliance 2013 Ovation Honor Award (for Puppet Design) for his work in Shrek The Musical.  Lauren is a cabaret solo artist and professional voice-over actor for Yahoo!, Mattel, and Bad Robot Productions.  DLUX Puppets Entertainment has a permanent home/theater in Las Vegas, but regularly takes their show on the road across the nation. For tickets:  cvartsfoundation.org/shows   Free Parking.

There’s going to be “a whole lotta shakin’ goin’ on” at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts, Saturday, February 3, at 7:30pm as Jared Freiburg returns by popular demand. Castro Valley Arts Foundation Vice-President Mary Ann DeGrazia is excited that Jared can bring his show back to Castro Valley.  “Everyone that saw him in 2022, wanted to invite their family and friends back to his electrifying show.  It is definitely high-octane!” 

Spinout, a San Francisco-based 3-piece band, joins Jared to salute the big names of the ‘50s and ‘60s.  They celebrate Elvis to Sinatra with a healthy serving of Jerry Lee Lewis and the Big Bopper. 

For tickets:  cvartsfoundation.org or call 510-889-8961.  Parking is free. 19501 Redwood Road.

Are you looking for an upbeat evening of fun?  Saturday, October 14, Uptown Funk, Tribute to Bruno Mars, comes to the Castro Valley Center for the Arts  at 7:30pm sponsored by the Castro Valley Arts Foundation. This international touring group is the original Bruno Mars tribute band. Experience the excitement of the music and dance moves of this high energy pop group. Sing along to “Treasure,” “Grenade,” “That’s What I Like,” “24K Magic,” and “Uptown Funk.” Band leader and guitarist Daniel Coffeng comments, “Following our nonstop Summer Amphitheater Tour which has taken us around the country from Ohio to Texas, Arizona to Oregon, Iowa to Washington, Colorado to Missouri...including a memorable stop in Woodstock, GA with over 15,000 in attendance, we are excited to come to Castro Valley!”

Singer, songwriter, and record producer Bruno Mars (originally Peter Gene Hernandez), grew up in Hawaii in an entertainment family. His first performances, at age four, were Elvis impersonations. He is known for his stage performances, retro showmanship, and performing in a wide range of musical styles, including Pop, R&B, Funk, Soul, Reggae, Disco, and Rock. Bruno has sold 130 million records worldwide, garnering 15 Grammys and 33 Grammy nominations.

Castro Valley Center for the Arts (19501 Redwood Road) is a little over a mile from the Castro Valley BART Station. Parking is free. For tickets and more information: cvartsfoundation.org

"Shout Out for Pen Women!" is the theme of the Pen Women reception Saturday, October 14, 4-6:15pm where 10 artists are exhibiting their paintings in the Lobby of the Castro Valley Center for the Arts, 19501 Redwood Rd., Castro Valley. Refreshments/Free. Meet the artists! At 7:30pm, Uptown Funk, a Tribute to Bruno Mars will be Presented in the  Castro Valley Arts Center for the Arts Theater.

Saturday, September 23 is a big night at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts when Ivan Rutherford comes to town to sing his one-man show, More Than Broadway. Rutherford has performed the role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables over 2300 times on Broadway and national tours. “Castro Valley Arts Foundation is very excited to bring an artist of this caliber to our stage,” said Vice President Mary Ann DeGrazia.  He will sing theater, film and pop.

In a telephone interview, Rutherford spoke about the challenges of playing the same role eight times a week, week after week. “I knew that half of my audience had seen the show before and the other half was attending Les Miserables for the first time. My goal was to meld this complex character with my personality. I always tried to dig deep to find the nuggets of truth in the script.  And for those seeing the show multiple times, I tried to continue to grow with the character.”  He remarked, “Some see Jean Val Jean as saintly, but he struggles with his flaws in the anthem, “Who Am I?” Rutherford says, “Above all, an actor must be a good storyteller!”

Rutherford joined Lea Salonga on Broadway in the 20th anniversary Les Misérables revival. He was nominated for Best Actor for his portrayal of Valjean at the First Annual National Broadway Theatre Awards, held at the New York Supper Club in NYC. Rutherford has also starred in South Pacific, Titanic, and West Side Story. He played alongside Andrea McArdle at the Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine.

Rutherford currently performs with orchestras worldwide as a concert soloist and cabaret artist. He lives in Irvine, California, and has a busy online teaching schedule when not touring. Castro Valley Center for the Arts (19501 Redwood Road) is a little over a mile from the Castro Valley BART Station. Parking is free. For tickets: cvartsfoundation.org

Come celebrate summer and the beginning of the Castro Valley Arts Foundation 2023-24 Concert Series as we kickoff the season with Soul singer/songwriter Cornell C.C. Carter and his seven-piece band.  On Saturday, August 12, at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts, come early for dinner (5-7pm) on the theater patio, catered by Sacred Pig Barbeque, 21st Amendment, and Drake’s Brewing Co and a selection of wines. Cornell has opened for the legendary James Brown and Ray Charles and recorded and performed with Carlos Santana.  He has three albums of original music. This spring, Cornell’s latest single, “It’s So Nice,” garnered the #1 spot on the UK Soul charts.

Born in Berkeley and raised in San Francisco, Cornell performs extensively in the United Kingdom and Europe.  Cornell shares, “Europeans have a real love for Soul music.  I found a huge community of musicians and fans for my music.”  The first time he performed in England he was “blown away” by the audience’s reaction to American Soul.  “It is every artist’s dream to be so welcomed.”

Cornell divides his time between the European and North American continents, allowing him to perform and visit his four children and grandchildren here in the States.  His son, Lytrel, is manager of the Castro Valley branch of Fremont Bank.

Please visit: cvartsfoundation.org/shows/ for show tickets and https://www.cvcfa.com/bbq for dinner tickets.

The Castro Valley Center for the Arts is located at 19501 Redwood Road.  It is a mile away from the Castro Valley BART station, and there is free parking at the Center.

Castro Valley Orchestra will present a concert on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 14th at 2 pm at Castro Valley Center for the Arts, 19501 Redwood Road, Castro Valley. The program includes works by Ravel, Dvorak, and Beethoven. A reception for the audience and musicians will immediately follow the concert. Admission is free.

Music lovers will not want to miss Music, for the Soul Within, an exceptional evening of song with the award winning Castro Valley High School Madrigals plus  80 alumni and guest singers, Friday, May 5, 7:00 pm at the Castro Valley Center for the Arts. CVHS choir Director, Laryssa Sadoway and retired CVHS choir Director Sue Susoeff will conduct the memorial concert for Castro Valley Unified School District music teacher Marjorie Remington. Mrs. Remington taught in Castro Valley from 1970-1999. 

The finale of the evening is the commissioned piece, Music, for the Soul Within by Dr. Darin Lewis (’84) with text by Sue Susoeff.  Darin has written over 100 classical pieces, some of which have been performed at Carnegie Hall and by the Boston Pops.  Darin will be in attendance for the debut of his composition. 

In addition, three soloists have been invited to sing: Katy Peterson (’86), Matt Skinner (’13), and Michael Strelo-Smith (’92).  Ms. Sue, (as she is affectionately called by her students), is thrilled with the outpouring of support that she has received for this program.  Alumni are coming from Florida, Pennsylvania, Washington, Nevada, and Arizona and span six decades. “Organizing this memorial with Leslie Marra Troxell (’89) and catching up with my old students has been an uplifting experience.”

The concert is a fundraiser for the CVHS choral department and donations will be collected for a one-time scholarship in Mrs. Remington’s name for a graduating student planning to become a music teacher. For tickets: cvcfa.com

An evening of tastings and learning about olive oil with Nate Bradley of Amphora Nueva. 7:30 pm Exhibition Room at CV Center for the Arts. For tickets, please visit: cvartsfoundation.org

How does he do it?  Come see David Gerard, magician and mind reader, Saturday, March 4, 7:30 p.m. at the Castro Valley Center  for the Arts (19501 Redwood Road) to see if you can figure it out!  David delivers magic and mind reading with charm, comedy, and sharp repartee.  His baffling illusions and interactive style dazzle the most discerning audiences.

David has been performing magic since he was six years old.  Today, David performs for Fortune 500 companies, private parties for Silicon Valley’s elite, and international events in Qatar and beyond.  He has been featured forty times at the prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood. He moved to California in 2010 to work in marketing for Google.  His polish, poise and lightning-fast improv are definitely his calling card.  For tickets:  www.cvartsfoundation.org or 510-889-8961  Free Parking.