The Forever Question

June 4, 2019 - July 14, 2019
Theatre Series

MAINSTAGE SERIES

The 2018 New Comedies Winner!
Life comes at you fast. For young couple, Carolyn and Mike, life has been a series of questions that have led them to the biggest one yet: should they have a second child? In this hilarious and inventive new comedy, winner of the inaugural B Street Theatre New Comedies Festival, playwright James Christy examines the small and not so small occurrences that build our lives and lead Carolyn and Mike to a question that could affect their lives… well, forever.

Upstairs at The B Presents – New Comedies Play Festival

June 20, 2019 - June 23, 2019
Theatre Series

B Street Theatre presents staged readings of four new plays: How to Conquer America: A Mostly True History of Yogurt by David Myers, Teen Dad by Adrienne Dawes, Proclivity for Kiting by Jacob T. Zack, Golden by Peter Manos. The plays will feature B Street acting company members and one play will be selected for production in B Street Theatre’s 2020 Mainstage season.

SBL Entertainment Presents – The Chris Cain Band

June 22, 2019
Music Series

Chris Cain has received several nominations for 2018, including BMA Blues Guitarist of the Year, BBM Male Blues Artist of the Year. Cain offers up a soulful stew of Memphis style electric blues. His powerfully deep vocals and jazz inspired, blues guitar riffs are unforgettable; uniquely his own, while reminiscent of the legendary BB King and Albert King. As a child, Chris Cain attended concerts with his father to hear many of the great blues artists of the time. When Cain burst onto the blues scene in 1987 with his award winning debut album, he soon found himself sharing the stage and trading licks with a few of those legends, including Albert King and Albert Collins. Chris Cain has released a dozen albums, each filled with soul-stirring songs pulled from his own blues drenched heart. His latest, released in 2017, has been nominated as BBM Best Contemporary Blues Album of 2018. Chris Cain's brand of blues is unforgettable.

SBL Entertainment Presents- Paul Thorn w/ Bonnie Bishop

June 29, 2019
Music Series

Paul Thorn has created an innovative and impressive career, pleasing crowds with his muscular brand of roots music – bluesy, rocking and thoroughly Southern American, yet also speaking universal truths.

Among those who value originality, inspiration, eccentricity and character – as well as talent that hovers somewhere on the outskirts of genius, the story of Paul Thorn is already familiar. Raised in Tupelo, Mississippi, among the same spirits (and some of the actual people) who nurtured the young Elvis generations before, Paul Thorn has rambled down back roads and jumped out of airplanes, worked for years in a furniture factory, battled four-time world champion boxer Roberto Duran on national television, signed with and been dropped by a major label, performed [on stages with Bonnie Raitt, Mark Knopfler, Sting, and John Prine among many others, and made some of the most emotionally restless yet fully accessible music of our time.

He’s also appeared on major television shows such as Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Kimmel Live, been the subject of numerous National Public Radio (NPR) features and charted multiple times on the Billboard Top 100 and Americana Radio Charts.

Upstairs at The B Presents – Maximum Occupancy

June 30, 2019
Other Entertainment Series

Company Members Dave Pierini, Tara Sissom, Stephanie Altholz and guests perform classic long-form improvisation for a late-night audience. Coming out of Chicago’s comedy scene, the Harold has been used by famous improv groups like Second City which developed comedic talent such as Stephen Colbert, Steve Carell and Tina Fey. Based off an audience suggestion, performers will create a one-night-only improvised play, so every performance will be unique! As an exciting caveat, if we do achieve “maximum occupancy” aka a sell out show, we buy everyone pizza!

Upstairs at The B Presents – Seekers of The Strange

July 7, 2019
Other Entertainment Series

Seekers of the Strange is a fictional, paranormal investigation team that embarks on a perilous and sanity-sapping foray into the unknown each month. Based on the model of tabletop role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, company member John Lamb and other familiar faces bring live role playing to the stage. Part game, part improvisational storytelling, and all strange, the Seekers invite the audience to help them navigate a supernatural mystery. Whether you want to be an observer or create a character and become an active participant, Seekers of the Strange offers a truly unique theatre experience every month. Perfect for those who enjoy HarmonQuest or classic RPGs.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Acoustic Alchemy

July 9, 2019
Music Series

Acoustic Alchemy have spent thirty years making music and in that time they have not only received critical acclaim for their albums (including three Grammy nominations), but have built a reputation for being one of the most exciting live bands in the business.

For the last decade, the band lineup has featured Greg Carmichael on nylon guitar, Miles Gilderdale on steel string acoustic & electric guitars, Fred White on keyboards and the powerhouse rhythm section of Greg Grainger on drums and his brother Gary Grainger on bass.

Since 1987, Acoustic Alchemy has pushed the limits of the acoustic guitar’s potential by embracing a spectrum of musical styles ranging from straight-ahead jazz, to folk, to rock, to world music and beyond.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Ruthie Foster w/ Katie Knipp

July 12, 2019
Music Series

If you do, word gets around. And one day, you find yourself duetting with Bonnie Raitt, or standing onstage with the Allman Brothers at New York’s Beacon Theater and trading verses with Susan Tedeschi. You might even wind up getting nominated for a Best Blues Album Grammy — three times in a row. And those nominations would be in addition to your seven Blues Music Awards, three Austin Music Awards, the Grand Prix du Disque award from the Académie Charles-Cros in France, and a Living Blues Critics’ Award for Female Blues Artist of the Year.

There’s only one Austinite with that résumé: Ruthie Foster.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Element Brass Band w/ City of Trees Brass Band

July 13, 2019
Music Series

SBL Entertainment presents the 3rd Annual Battle of the Brass Bands featuring Element Brass Band and City of Tree Brass Band! A New Orleans second line showcase that has been years in the making. Sacramento's longest running brass bands will finally go toe-to-toe LIVE at the Sofia.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Le Vent du Nord

July 18, 2019
Music Series

Since its inception in August 2002, Le Vent du Nord has enjoyed meteoric success, performing well over 1,800 concerts over 5 continents and racking up several prestigious awards, including a Grand Prix du Disque Charles Cros, two Junos (Canada’s Grammys), a Félix at ADISQ, a CFMA & “Artist of the Year” at the North American Folk Alliance Annual Gala.

The group exhibits great finesse and flexibility, appearing regularly on Canadian, American, French, and UK television and radio, and participating in a wide variety of special musical projects. They’ve collaborated and performed with a diverse range of artists including: Harry Manx, Väsen, Dervish, The Chieftains, Breton musical pioneer Yann-Fañch Kemener, Québecois roots legend and master storyteller Michel Faubert, the Scottish folk band Breabach, singer Julie Fowlis, and the trans-Mediterranean ensemble Constantinople. Not content with standard approaches to tradition, Le Vent du Nord has also created a symphonic concert that, according to Voir Montreal, “puts all traditional folk naysayers to shame.”

SBL Entertainment Presents – Mandy Harvey

July 23, 2019
Music Series

Her message is universal….Hope, Dream, Believe, no matter what…
Mandy Harvey is a deaf American singer-songwriter. A Vocal Music Education major at Colorado State University, Mandy lost her residual hearing in 2006-2007 at age eighteen due to a connective tissue disorder, and left the program. She pursued several career options, including education, but returned to music in 2008. She quickly became a regular performer at Jay’s Bistro in Fort Collins and then branched out to having regular concerts at Dazzle Jazz Lounge in Denver (Top 100 Jazz venues in the world).

Mandy’s music attracts the attention of those around the world, adding to her message of hope, dream and believe. As you have seen, Mandy has made a tremendous impact by way of America’s Got Talent having reach the finals and was Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer Winner, and in addition, CNN’s Great Big Story captured over 10 million hits on social media, Burt’s Bees signed her up for their “Remarkable Women” campaign, NBC Nightly News profiled her, and she has started performing at the world’s most prestigious clubs, concert stages and festivals.

The Last Match

July 23, 2019 - September 1, 2019
Theatre Series

MAINSTAGE SERIES

It is the quarterfinal of the U.S. Open and rising Russian tennis player Sergei faces the former six-time champ, aging All-American Tim Porter. In Anna Ziegler’s incendiary play, we witness the entire match through the minds of these fierce warriors. As each point is played, we learn what goes on in the heads of the players, the relationships and life decisions that focus them to win or cause them to stumble. In this exciting and whip smart play, the tennis match becomes more than just a game and becomes an insight into the mind of the elite athlete.

Upstairs at The B Presents – New Play Brunch

July 28, 2019
Other Entertainment Series

Join us for brunch, drinks and a play reading! Food will be provided complimentary.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Guitar Masters with Andy McKee, Mike Dawes, Trevor Gordon Hall, and Calum Graham

July 28, 2019
Music Series

Andy McKee is among the world’s finest acoustic guitarists. His youthful energy and attention to song structure and melodic content elevates him above the rest. He entertains both the eye and the ear as he magically transforms the steel string guitar into a full orchestra via his use of altered tunings, tapping, partial capos, percussive hits and a signature two-handed technique.

McKee’s crossover success has helped him to achieve millions upon millions of YouTube viewers, underscoring his emergence as one of today’s most unique and influential artists. He has been featured as a cover story in both Acoustic Guitar Magazine in the U.S. and Acoustic Magazine in the UK, and is also the figurehead of the unique Guitar Masters tours. McKee’s tour dates have taken him through Europe, Asia, Australia and North America, including tours with legendary acts including Prince and Dream Theater.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Marcia Ball

August 3, 2019
Music Series

“Fifty years have passed in a flash,” says Texas-born, Louisiana-raised pianist, songwriter and vocalist MARCIA BALL of her long and storied career. Ball, the 2018 Texas State Musician Of The Year, has won worldwide fame and countless fans for her ability to ignite a full-scale roadhouse rhythm and blues party every time she takes the stage. Her rollicking Texas boogies, swampy New Orleans ballads and groove-laden Gulf Coast blues have made her a one-of-a-kind favorite with music lovers all over the world. With each new release, her reputation as a profoundly soulful singer, a boundlessly talented pianist and a courageous, inventive songwriter continues to grow. Her love of the road has led to years of soul-satisfying performances at festivals, concert halls and clubs. The New York Times says, “Marcia Ball plays two-fisted New Orleans barrelhouse piano and sings in a husky, knowing voice about all the trouble men and women can get into on the way to a good time.” The Houston Chronicle says simply, “She’s as perfect as an artist can be.”

SBL Entertainment Presents – The Waifs

August 4, 2019
Music Series

Just one look at the beautiful cover photo on The Waifs’ new album Ironbark says a lot about who they are and what they are about; friends and family bound together by their love of music, of performing and of Australia.

It’s 25 years since West Australian sisters Donna and Vikki Simpson (now Vikki Thorn) joined forces with Josh Cunningham to create one of the country’s best-loved bands. That cover shot, taken near Cunningham’s home on the NSW south coast, marks The Waifs’ quarter of a century together, but it’s also a nod to Australia itself, its nature and its people, essential ingredients in the extraordinary body of work The Waifs have created in that time.

One can’t imagine a better way to commemorate this significant landmark in the band’s career than with a double album of 25 original songs, one for each year, all of them recorded in the kitchen of Cunningham’s home near Moruya, where he grew up. That’s the amazing _ and unexpected_ harvest from a couple of weeks of recording late last year, when the trio assembled with regular collaborators David Ross McDonald (drums, percussion) and Ben Franz (bass, dobro), not really knowing what they were about to record, other than maybe some covers of other artists’ material.

SBL Entertainment Presents – ¡Cubanismo!

August 13, 2019
Music Series

Jesús Alemañy , founder of Latin orchestra ¡Cubanismo!, came to fame as a brilliant 15 year old trumpet player for the iconic Cuban son group Sierra Maestra. The all-star ¡Cubanismo! orchestra play sizzling dance tunes full of swaggering horn charts and wild polyrhythms that recall the vintage big-band son sound, traditional rumba, cha-cha and lesser known danzon and pa’ca rhythms arranged in the descarga (jam) tradition developed by Cuban jazz players of the ‘40s.

The expression cubanismo designates something specifically Cuban, or unique to the island and not common to the general Spanish culture of Latin America. Utterly different from the genre known as Latin jazz, ¡Cubanismo! features danceable music from beginning to end, celebrating the legacy of Cuban music in other dance styles from around the world. The Cuban son, which dates back to the turn of the century, is the root of much of the up-tempo international pop music, from African soukous to New York salsa.

Black Beauty

August 15, 2019 - August 25, 2019
Theatre Series

FAMILY SERIES SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT

B Street brings the Anna Sewell classic, Black Beauty to the stage for the first time this summer! As we embark on a journey through Beauty’s eyes, we see that all creatures deserve our kindness, respect, and love. One of the best-selling novels of all time, Black Beauty, will be an unforgettable theatrical experience for you and your family.
Recommended for ages 5 and up!

SBL Entertainment Presents – The Mick Martin Big Band with special guest Jackie Greene and guitarist Ryder Green

August 17, 2019
Music Series

Most people in Sacramento probably know Mick Martin as the host/producer of "The Blues Party" on Capital Public Radio and the leader of Mick Martin & the Blues Rocker for over 40 years. An award-winning harmonica player and singer-songwriter, his accomplishments include over 20 CDs (four in Europe), performing with jazz organist Jimmy Smith and other jazz and blues icons at Carnegie Hall's "Blues in Jazz" event in 1994 and topping his 17-year association with guitar innovator Harvey Mandel (Canned Heat, the Chicago Blues Reunion) at West-Fest, the 40th anniversary of Woodstock. For the Mick Martin Big Band, he has assembled a group of accomplished musicians with pedigrees as impressive as his own: Danny Sandoval (saxophone), Andrew Clayton Little (guitar), Russ Skarsten (organ/piano), Aj Joyce (bass), Ralph E. Davies (trombone/arranger) and Johnny Stone (drums). All of these men have played and recorded with a list of world-famous artists that can be considered the Who's Who of the music business. As Bill Champlin has said, "There are harmonica players who play music and musicians who play harmonica. Mick is in the latter category." Martin himself has said, "This is my dream band; a group of gifted musicians I have long admired and never thought I would be able to assemble into a band. And, man, do we have a great time when we play." And so does the audience.

Capital Dance Project Presents – Sensory Friendly Dance Performance

August 18, 2019
Other Entertainment Series

Capital Dance Project presents two Sensory Friendly Dance Performances designed to help everyone, especially those on the autism spectrum, feel comfortable, accepted, and safe in an inclusive theater environment. Enjoy a live dance performance, an opportunity to engage with the CDP artists, and quality time with your family in a climate of acceptance and understanding.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Popa Chubby

August 30, 2019
Music Series

Popa Chubby, born Ted Horowitz, has been hard rocking the blues in his fierce and soulful way for more than 25 years. Over the course of a career that dates back to 1994, he has been a force of to be reckoned with on the guitar, and his tempestuous, soulful playing has never been more powerful. An imposing figure with a shaven head, tattooed arms, a goatee and a performance style he describes as “the Stooges meets Buddy Guy, Motörhead meets Muddy Waters, and Jimi Hendrix meets Robert Johnson,” Popa Chubby is an endearing character who is one of the genre’s most popular figures.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Antsy McCLain & The Trailer Park Troubadours

August 31, 2019
Music Series

Antsy McClain is a Nashville-based singer/songwriter and humorist with 18 albums under his belt. Hailing from Pine View Heights, the little trailer park that time forgot, Antsy combines his unique mix of masterful storytelling and catchy, unforgettable songs with a warm, self deprecating sense of humor. Master musicians like Lindsay Buckingham and Tommy Emmanuel have shared the stage with Antsy McClain or played on his albums, and lent their support in immeasurable ways. Tommy Smothers, who has performed on stage with Antsy, appearing on his albums, etc., has said, “Antsy McClain is one of America’s great poets. We may not realize that til after he’s dead, but he’s a great poet.”

McClain has toured for twenty years with the California-based Trailer Park Troubadours, a band of friendly outlaws who play to the beat of a different drum, blending humorous antics with masterful musicianship and creating a carefree and fun-filled experience for all ages.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Mads Tolling Duo

September 6, 2019
Music Series

I am a Danish violinist, 37 years old, and living in the San Francisco Bay Area. I grew up in Copenhagen, Denmark, and after graduating high school I moved to the US, where I finished my degree at Berklee College of Music in Boston. In 2003 I joined bassist Stanley Clarke’s band and the celebrated string group, Turtle Island Quartet - a group I won two Grammy Awards with. I have also performed with Kenny Barron, Ramsey Lewis, Chick Corea, Paquito D’Rivera and Jean-Luc Ponty.

I now spend most of my time working with my own band, The Mads Tolling Quartet, which consists of violin, guitar, bass and drums. We have released three CDs with guest artists such as Stanley Clarke, Russell Ferrante, Stefon Harris and Kenny Washington. The releases have received rave reviews in the Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, NPR Morning Edition as well as in the Danish Press including Berlingske Tidende and Jazz Special.

We call the concert “A Tribute to Svend Asmussen" where we in a duo format - violin and guitar - play Svend Asmussens tunes and standards he was known for, such as “June Night,” Gershwin’s “Someone to Watch Over Me” and the Swe-Danes hit “Scandinavian Shuffle."

SBL Entertainment Presents – Majickat – A Tribute to Cat Stevens

September 7, 2019
Music Series

George Papailias and band recreate the music of Cat Stevens. George has performed Cat's music since seeing him perform in Berkeley, CA in July 1971. Band members include: George Papailias ("Cat Stevens", vocals and guitar), Shayne Sutton (2nd Guitar), Jill Ferreter (Keyboard), Louis Rebello (cellist), Nick Docous (bass, bouzouki, vocals), Bud Chatterley (drums, guitar, vocals).

SBL Entertainment Presents – HighTime Irish Band

September 10, 2019
Music Series

This fresh new trio from the heart of Connemara, Ireland combines Irish music and an intriguing blend of modern folk influences to produce a rich sound and exciting experience to delight listeners.

Featuring an unusual line-up of flute, whistles, harp, bodhrán, guitar and vocals (with some Irish dancing steps thrown in!), HighTime make a youthful and energetic statement.

Equal measures of music and tradition from old Ireland coupled with bold new arrangements make for a tasty platter of story, music, song and dance from these three young men; All hailing from the village of Ardmore on the rugged west coast.

Ciarán Bolger - Guitar and Vocals
Conall Ó Flatharta - Flute, whistle & vocals
Séamus Ó Flatharta - Celtic Harp, whistle, bódhran drum, Irish dancing & vocals

A Stand Up Guy

September 10, 2019 - October 20, 2019
Theatre Series

MAINSTAGE SERIES

For years the B Street Theatre audiences have come to know Jack Gallagher. In his previous one man shows, Jack has covered all parts of his history and life except the one that he made his name on: his experiences as a professional stand-up comedian. In his new show, A Stand Up Guy, Jack will dive deep into his past and present. After 40 years as a professional comedian, Jack has some stories to tell…

SBL Entertainment Presents – Funky Feat

September 13, 2019
Music Series

Paul Barrère and Fred Tackett have been working as an acoustic duo since 1999, when little feat had down time. This is where the Funky Feat started when they decided to add Feat friends Kenny Gradney and Gabe Ford. Kenny of course shares the same pedigree as Paul with 47 years of playing together in Little Feat, as well as working on other recording projects with the likes of Chico Hamilton, Bob Weir, and lately with Paul Brown. And Gabe Ford was asked to join up with Little Feat when Ritchie Hayward passed away. Gabe fit the bill nicely having teched for Ritchie for many years. His family are all musicians really, his uncle Robben Ford has used him on numerous tours. Now they crank it up a notch going from all acoustic to electric and acoustic !!! The four players make up Funky Feat, and everything they do gonna be funky.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Rick Estrin & The Nightcats

September 14, 2019
Music Series

Wildly fun, musically fearless and bursting with bravado, 2018’s Blues Music Award-winning Band Of The Year Rick Estrin & The Nightcatshave created one of the blues’ most instantly recognizable sounds and no-holds-barred styles. Featuring the world-class talents of harmonica master, songwriter and vocalist Rick Estrin, guitar wunderkind Chris “Kid” Andersen, keyboard wizard Lorenzo Farrell and dynamic drummer Alex Pettersen, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats serve up sharp and incisive original blues and gritty roadhouse rock ‘n’ roll. With his wily and unforgettable original songs and his hipster, street-smart vocals, no one on the blues scenewrites or sings like Rick Estrin. DownBeatsays, “Rick Estrin sings and writes songs like the brightest wiseguy in all of blueslandand blows harmonica as if he learned at the knee of Little Walter.” Live, the band is simply unbeatable. They deliver a high-energy show capable of bringing any audience to its feet. Rick Estrin & The Nightcats’ latest Alligator album, Groovin’ In Greaseland, features 13 original songs, 11 by Estrin (including one co-written with Andersen), and one each by Andersen and Farrell. The band’s dazzling performances bring the songs to life as richly detailed characters spill their secrets and share their stories. The Chicago Sun-Timessays, “These are serious musicians having a hotter than hot good time. It’s tough to stay in your seat when Estrin and his musical cohorts get cooking.”

SBL Entertainment Presents – Adrian Belew w/ Saul Zonana

September 16, 2019
Music Series

Adrian first appeared on the guitar-world radar when he toured with Frank Zappa who later said, "Adrian reinvented electric guitar." Adrian's signature tones, unique use of effects and whammy bar remains completely different, and his techniques continue to be a huge influence on today's guitarists. He was guitarist, songwriter and frontman Progressive Rock Powerhouse King Crimson for over 30 years. "Discipline," Adrian's first record with King Crimson, is listed among the most important rock records ever made.

Adrian has had a career that commands both awe and respect from fellow musicians and loyal fans, from his first solo record "The Lone Rhino" to the Atlantic Records hit album "Mr. Music Head" or any of his other 20 plus solo records that push sonic boundaries while maintaining artistic integrity. Adrian shreds on guitar but also writes beautiful songs that will make you cry. Yes, Adrian has taken his fans on a wild ride through countless world tours and albums with David Bowie, Talking Heads, Laurie, Anderson, and Paul Simon. He truly is the Twang Bar King!

SBL Entertainment Presents – Herb Alpert & Lani Hall

September 19, 2019 - September 20, 2019
Music Series

A legendary trumpet player, Alpert's extraordinary musicianship has earned him five #1 hits, nine GRAMMY® Awards, the latest from his 2014 album, "Steppin' Out," fifteen Gold albums, fourteen Platinum albums and has sold over 72 million records. Herb Alpert & The Tijuana Brass propelled his sound into the pop music limelight, at one point outselling the Beatles two to one. In 1966, they achieved the since-unmatched feat of simultaneously having four albums in the Top 10 -- and five in the Top 20. Herb Alpert also has the distinction of being the only artist who has had a #1 instrumental and vocal single.

Some of Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass' fourteen Top 40 singles include; The Lonely Bull, Mexican Shuffle, Spanish Flea and the GRAMMY®-winners "A Taste Of Honey" and "What Now My Love," and the #1 hits "This Guy's In Love With You" and "Rise." Shout! Factory recently released deluxe re-masters of the entire TJB catalogue plus Lost Treasures, a compilation of vintage rarities, and Rewhipped, featuring hot remixes of every track from Whipped Cream & Other Delights. In all, Alpert has recorded over thirty albums and produced for many other artists, including Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66, Stan Getz, Michel Colombier, Gato Barbieri, and Alpert's wife, GRAMMY winning vocalist Lani Hall, to name a few.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Coco Montoya

September 24, 2019
Music Series

The old Willie Dixon adage, “blues is truth,” perfectly describes the searing, contemporary blues-rock of world-renowned guitarist and vocalist COCO MONTOYA. Taught by the “Master of the Telecaster,” Albert Collins, but with a hard-edged sound and style all his own, Montoya mixes his forceful, melodic guitar playing and passionate vocals with memorable songs, delivering the blues’ hardest truths. He earned his status as a master guitarist and soul-powered vocalist through years of paying his dues as a sideman with Collins (first as a drummer) and then with John Mayall’s Bluesbreakers, before launching his solo career in 1993. Five years of constant touring with Collins and ten years with Mayall turned him into a monster player and dynamic performer. Montoya has released eight solo albums—including three for Alligator between 2000 and 2007—and has played at clubs, concert halls and major festivals all over the world. Guitar Player says Montoya plays “stunning, powerhouse blues with a searing tone, emotional soloing, and energetic, unforced vocals.”

SBL Entertainment Presents – Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

September 26, 2019
Music Series

Once a generation, a blues artist comes along who not only reminds mainstream audiences how deeply satisfying and emotionally moving the best blues music can be, but shakes

the genre to its core. With both eyes on the future and the blues in his blood, 20-year-old guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Christone "King sh" Ingram is set to take the music world by storm with the long-awaited release of his debut album, KINGFISH, on Alligator Records. Sprung from the same earth as so many of the Delta blues masters, King sh comes bursting out of Clarksdale, Mississippi, just ten miles from the legendary crossroads of Highways 61 and 49. A student of the Delta's musical history, he is acutely aware of the musicians and the music that emerged from his corner of the world. "I do think I have an old soul, that I've been here before," he says. "I'm moving forward with one foot in the past."

SBL Entertainment Presents – Tommy Castro & The Painkillers

September 27, 2019
Music Series

Blazing soul-blues rocker Tommy Castro’s musical roots run deep. As he unleashes his high-energy music to fans all over the world, Castro is inspired by the sounds he absorbed while coming of age on the rough and tumble side of San Jose, California. During the late 1960s and early 1970s, this was Castro’s home turf—his stomping ground. It was a place where the street-tough Mexican Americans and the counter-culture hippies came together to drink, smoke, laugh, party and listen to tunes—the hippies with their blues and rock, the Mexicans with their soul music. Mixing the blues-rock he loved and the soul music he heard blasting out from the lowriders cruising the streets, along with the socially conscious message songs of the day, Tommy’s own sound was born. He honed his guitar playing to a razor’s edge on the city’s competitive bar scene, where he learned how to capture an audience with his intensely passionate vocals, stellar musicianship and dynamic performances. Almost every major rock and soul act, from Ike & Tina Turner to Janis Joplin to Elvin Bishop to Taj Mahal, toured through the area, and Castro was at almost every show. He saw John Lee Hooker, Albert King and Buddy Guy & Junior Wells at the same local blues bar, JJ’s, where he often jammed, dreaming of one day busting out.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Leyla McCalla

September 28, 2019
Music Series

Leyla McCalla finds inspiration from a variety of sources, whether it is her Haitian heritage, living in New Orleans or dancing at Cajun Mardi Gras. Leyla, a multi-instrumentalist, is a cellist and singer whose distinctive sound is impossible to replicate.

Leyla’s music reflects her eclectic and diverse life experiences, projecting a respect for eloquent simplicity that is rarely achieved. Born in New York City to Haitian emigrant parents, Leyla was raised in suburban New Jersey. As a teenager, she relocated to Accra, Ghana for two years. Upon her return, she attended Smith College for a year before transferring to New York University where she studied cello performance and chamber music. Armed with Bach’s Cello Suites, Leyla moved to New Orleans to play cello on the streets of the French Quarter.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Hot Club of Cowtown

September 29, 2019
Music Series

“This trio’s stylistic genesis–as well as title–stems from the realization that the great heritage of strings (guitars and violins) originates mutually with the Manouche gypsies of France and the no-less virtuosic hillbilly pickers and fiddlers of Oklahoma and Texas….Together for over 15 years and a dozen albums, the threesome of high-heeled violinist Elana James, guitarist Whit Smith and bassist Jake Erwin showed from the beginning that jazz and country music could exist together on the same page, a highly commendable achievement if ever there was one.” – Wall Street Journal

SBL Entertainment Presents – John Gorka

October 17, 2019
Music Series

John Gorka is perhaps the quintessential iconic singer-songwriter of the 80’s folk scene. Hailing from New Jersey, but forged in the Greenwich Village Fast Folk scene, he honed his craft and persona into an unmistakable image. The shy, wry, insightful, and yes, sensitive singer-songwriter has been copied and parodied. But the old coat he wove still fits, and still suits him well. The old songs ring as true as they ever did, and the new ones are just as good.

The Sword in The Stone

October 19, 2019 - November 10, 2019
Theatre Series

The Arthurian legends begin here. Before he was King Arthur, ruler of the Britons and head of the infamous Round Table, Arthur was a young boy destined for greatness. This adaptation explores the thrilling adventures that made the boy into a man of legend and the powerful sword that only the rightful King could pull from the stone.
Recommended for ages 5 and up.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Beausoleil avec Michael Doucet

October 25, 2019
Music Series

Since forming in 1975, Grammy winners BeauSoleil have claimed their undisputed role as the most esteemed Cajun group in music. BeauSoleil avec Michael Doucet take the rich Cajun traditions of Louisiana and artfully blend elements of zydeco, New Orleans jazz, Tex-Mex, country, blues and more into a satisfying musical recipe. From The Grand Ole Opry to Newport Folk, from concert hall to dance floor, the music of BeauSoleil continues to captivate audiences the world over.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Steelin Dan’ (Steely Dan Tribute)

October 26, 2019
Music Series

Steelin' Dan is the recipient of Sacramento Magazine's Best of Sacramento Award: "Best Show Stealers" and multiple SAMMIE awards

"Heads up, Steely Dan fans: Instead of waiting for their next tour, get your fix with local tribute band Steelin' Dan. From the straightforward pop/rock of Reelin’ in the Years to the quirky, jazz-infected Green Earrings, even the most discriminating Dan fans will be hard-pressed to find flaws in Steelin' Dan’s amazingly accurate arrangements and marks manlike musicianship!"- Sacramento Magazine

Steelin' Dan also won the 2011 Sacramento Area Music Award ("SAMMIE" Award) for "BEST COVER BAND" and 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 SAMMIE awards for "BEST TRIBUTE BAND", demonstrating once again the band's tremendous popularity.

Steelin' Dan presents a memorable experience, one that continues to excite fans throughout California and the western states.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Cheryl Wheeler

November 1, 2019
Music Series

Cheryl Wheeler has to be seen to be appreciated. Nothing you read and nothing you hear from her albums prepares you for how entertaining a performer she is. If you’re not already familiar with Cheryl, you have probably heard her music. She is very respected as a songwriter by her peers, which can be seen by how many of them record her songs. Cheryl's songs have been covered by artists as diverse as Dan Seals, Peter Paul & Mary, Kenny Loggins, Garth Brooks, Suzy Bogguss, Melanie, Bette Midler, Maura O'Connell, Sylvia, Kathy Mattea, and Holly Near. From her albums you can tell that she is a gifted songwriter with a beautiful voice. From other people's comments about her you learn that she is a natural storyteller with a fantastic sense of humor. But until you see her in person, you never really believe what you've been told about her. Interestingly enough, almost half of the songs she performs during her shows have never been recorded!

SBL Entertainment Presents – BoDeans

November 3, 2019
Music Series

Those who have followed BoDeans’ remarkable 30-year musical career know that their blend of compelling songs and high energy performances have retained an unpretentious rock & roll loyal following like no other.Best known for their catchy single, “Closer To Free,” the band’s accessible adult alternative sound has led to many a milestone, including a Rolling Stone Reader’s Poll for Best New American Band in 1987, and support slots with U2, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Tom Petty, George Thorogood, The Pretenders, David Bowie and numerous others. Appearances at Farm Aid, Summerfest, ACL Festival and others followed, along with TV appearances on “Saturday NightLive,” “Letterman,” “Today,” “Imus,” CNN, and ESPN, to name a few. BoDeans have a permanent installation at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum in Cleveland as part of their Midwest Artists exhibit. After multiple chart-topping radio singles, and TV placements, BoDeans have defined a generation that embraced songs like “Good Things,” “You Don’t Get Much,” “Idaho,” “If It Makes You,” “Closer To Free,” “Stay,” and “All The World.” BoDeans signed their first recording contract with Slash/Warner Brothers Records in 1985 and their debut record, “Love & Hope & Sex & Dreams” was released May, 1986. Since then, they have released 12 studio albums with ten records that hit the Billboard Top 200 Chart, and numerous singles on the Mainstream Rock, Top 40 and Triple A radio charts.

SBL Entertainment Presents – The Subdudes

November 7, 2019
Music Series

Over the course of 25 years and ten albums, the Subdudes have quietly become one of America’s national music treasures.
The New Orleans-formed group is a living encapsulation of American music, a vibrant cauldron of sounds that stirs together meaty grooves and jazzy dynamics, soulful R&B swagger, easy vocal harmonies, cheeky rock ‘n’ roll attitude and folky social consciousness — not to mention some of the sharpest musicianship and ensemble playing you’ll ever hear from any five musicians.
Led by singer/guitarist Tommy Malone and accordionist, John Magnie, The Subdudes draw most of their inspiration from the sounds of their native New Orleans, blending blues, gospel, funk, and R&B with their own harmony vocals; their sound is also notable for the band’s substitution of a tambourine player, Steve Amedée, for a drummer. Tim Cook rounds out the band on bass.

Welcome to Night Vale

November 8, 2019
Other Entertainment Series

WELCOME TO NIGHT VALE is a twice-monthly podcast in the style of community updates for the small desert town of Night Vale, featuring local weather, news, announcements from the Sheriff’s Secret Police, mysterious lights in the night sky, dark hooded figures with unknowable powers, and cultural events.

Turn on your radio and hide.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Susan Werner

November 9, 2019
Music Series

After writing twelve albums of songs in styles ranging from folk/rock to Tin Pan Alley to gospel, country and chamber music, what might a woman deemed by National Public Radio as “The Empress of the Unexpected” try next?
And as audiences will testify, Werner’s been knocking it out of the park – or concert hall – all around the US for twenty years. Renowned as a charismatic performer, she’s known above all for challenging herself to conquer new styles, almost like mountaintops, every few years.
From her 1995 major label debut, the folk/rock gem “Last of the Good Straight Girls,” to her 2004 collection of Tin Pan Alley styled originals “I Can’t Be New,” to her 2007 “agnostic gospel” hymnal “The Gospel Truth”, to 2013’s tribute to agriculture and her Iowa farm roots “Hayseed” to 2018’s Cuban flavored collection “An American In Havana” Werner’s creative restlessness has become her defining characteristic.
“I like concept albums, because they provide a place for the audience and the artist to meet. You may not know me and I may not know you, but we both know something about a farmer’s market, about what it is to sit in a pew at church and wonder what life means, we both know something about falling in love and maybe falling back out again. I like to have a starting point for an evening’s conversation with an audience – it’s a great icebreaker.”
She first arrived on the national stage when her 1995 BMG debut earned her national concert tours with Joan Armatrading and Richard Thompson. In 1996 Werner was featured as part of the “next generation” in Peter Paul and Mary’s PBS special LifeLines. She has performed on NPR’s World Café, NPR’s Mountain Stage, and in 2016 Nebraska Educational Television broadcast “The Land Will Outlive Us All,” a one hour special on Werner, agriculture, and her 2015 concert tour across the state.
Her songs have been recorded by Tom Jones and Michael Feinstein, Broadway stars Betty Buckley and Christine Ebersole, and countless individuals and ensembles. But Werner says she’s just getting started: “I just released an album of songs inspired by a trip to Cuba. And I’ve always wanted to go to Scotland – hey, maybe I could learn the bagpipes. It’s not impossible….is it?”

SBL Entertainment Presents – Kalani Pe’a

November 15, 2019
Music Series

Kalani is a singer of power, sensitivity, and charisma, one of the most promising talents in a new generation of Hawaiian musicians. He has won 2 Grammy Awards for Best Regional Roots album to date, one for each of his two CDs releases, the only Hawaiian artist to win in this category. His first CD also won him a 2017 Na Hoku Hanohano Award (Hawai‘i’s “Grammy”), making Hawaiian music history as the only album to win both a Grammy and Na Hoku. This year, he hit another first - he made his debut appearance at the prestigious Merrie Monarch hula competition, singing one of his original songs for the hula group that went on to take home the top honor at the competition.

Kalani has been praised for Hawaiian language fluency, songwriting skills, and commitment to his Hawaiian roots, as well as a musical range runs from traditional chant to Hawaiian classics to new songs to R&B and a charming and dynamic presence on-stage. He began singing at age 4 to address a stutter as a child, and his natural talent was subsequently recognized in singing competitions from childhood to college years, and has brought him to the forefront of Hawaiian music today.

Wizard of Oz

December 7, 2019 - December 29, 2019
Theatre Series

Dorothy, a young girl from Kansas, finds herself in the magical world of Oz in this adaptation of the classic story we all know and love. The Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion all help Dorothy in her quest to meet the Wizard and find her way home, but the Wicked Witch of the West will do everything in her considerable power to stop her. The B Street Theatre's lauded acting company takes on one of the most adored children's stories just in time for the holidays!
Recommended for ages 5 and up.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Dirty Cello

December 14, 2019
Music Series

From China to Italy, and all over the U.S., Dirty Cello brings the world a high energy and unique spin on blues and bluegrass. Led by vivacious cross-over cellist, Rebecca Roudman, Dirty Cello is cello like you’ve never heard before. From down home blues with a wailing cello to virtuosic stompin’ bluegrass, Dirty Cello is a band that gets your heart thumping and your toes tapping!
"Dirty Cello’s music is all over the map: funky, carnival, romantic, sexy, tangled, electric, fiercely rhythmic, and textured, and only occasionally classical." Lou Fancher, Oakland Magazine.
"The band plays every style imaginable, and does some fantastic covers. (Their rendition of “Purple Haze” is incredible.) But what is most spectacular about them is hearing the depth of soul in Roudman’s playing—it goes beyond what most people would expect from the instrument. She plays it with so much heart, you’ll wonder why more bands don’t have a cellist." Good Times Santa Cruz
"The group seamlessly careens from blues to bluegrass and rock in a way that really shouldn't make sense but somehow does." LA Times

SBL Entertainment Presents – Irish Christmas In America featuring live performance during sets by McKeever School Of Irish Dance

December 21, 2019
Music Series

Produced by Oisín Mac Diarmada of award-winning lrish group Téada, the hugely popular Irish Christmas in America show features top Irish musicians, singers and dancers in an engaging performance rich in history, humour and boundless energy.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Mania! The Live Beatles Experience

January 4, 2020
Music Series

MANIA! is California's Premier Beatles Tribute Band, capturing the imagination of both old and young with their attention to detail: from authentic Beatle instruments and costumes to the way they move, sing and play. Taking the audience from the youthful energy of The Ed Sullivan Show through the majesty of Pepperland and into the final days of the Beatles on the Abbey Road rooftop, MANIA!

SBL Entertainment Presents – Spencer Day

January 18, 2020
Music Series

Spencer Day, the #1 Billboard charting pop/jazz singer and songwriter, has headlined venues from Birdland and Lincoln Center to the Hollywood Bowl and London’s West End. Known for his unique sense of humor and distinctive original songs, his upcoming project “Broadway by Day” celebrates the unlikely friendship between jazz and musical theatre with swinging numbers from “A Chorus Line,” “South Pacific,” “Hello, Dolly!,” and more. Spencer has been called “prodigiously talented” by The Village Voice, "Compelling” from Time Out NY, “Brilliant” by The San Francisco Chronicle, with raves for his “cool jazz sensibilities, cleverly crafted tales” from The Washington Post.

Ride Sally Ride

February 8, 2020 - March 7, 2020
Theatre Series

The story of Amelia Earhart and Sally Ride!
In this thrilling story, young Sally Ride is visited by her idol. Amelia Earhart. Together, they explore the history of aviation, the breaking barriers and the role women had in the obliteration of the patriarchy. This electrifying play will illuminate these fearless icons and inspire children of all ages!

SBL Entertainment Presents – Ed Asner – A Man And His Prostate

February 22, 2020
Other Entertainment Series

Based on a true-life experience, a man discovers his inner self in more ways than one. A near tragedy is masterfully transformed into a one-man comedy, perfectly portrayed by Ed Asner in his hilarious visit to the hospital in preparation for surgery he doesn’t want.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Tom Paxton and The DonJuans

February 26, 2020
Music Series

Collectively, their songs have been covered by: Harry Belafonte, John Mellencamp, Miranda Lambert, Neil Diamond, Ray Charles, Nancy Griffith, Judy Collins, Pete Seeger, Janis Ian, Kathy Mattea, John Denver, Faith Hill, B.J. Thomas, Blake Shelton, Peter, Paul & Mary and Bob Dylan… just to name a few! Within days of writing and playing together, they knew they were onto something. Now they’re taking it on the road!

SBL Entertainment Presents – Aubrey Logan

February 29, 2020
Music Series

The media refer to #1 selling artist, Aubrey Logan, as “The Queen of Sass.” And it’s easy to see why. Her concerts are a mix of excellent musicality, jaw-dropping vocals, virtuoso trombone-playing, a breathtaking array of originals and original takes on cover songs and, well…fun! Aubrey Logan loves music, loves performing and loves her fans. And it shows. “My relationship with the audience is the most fun I can legally have!” she says. Very few artists can concentrate so fully on the music and yet be so connected to the people who have come to hear her. And that connection is magic.

Aubrey has seen a lot of recent success, with two albums in the top 10 within the last year. Her debut album, Impossible, immediately shot to the top 10 on the iTunes, Billboard and Amazon charts. And her next appearance on Summer Horns II, from A to Z (as a special guest of Dave Koz on Concord Records) became the #1 selling Contemporary Jazz Album on Billboard. Aubrey has spent more time at the top of the charts lately than she has in an airport, and travel has been a permanent fixture for her in the last couple of years.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Duo Quartet

March 21, 2020
Music Series

Duo Quartet - the truth is, this is a band that wasn’t supposed happen. It started with four old friends thinking, ‘hey, let’s do a couple of shows as a double-bill’: Nina Gerber & Chris Webster in concert with The Pam & Jeri Show (Pam Delgado and Jeri Jones of Blame Sally). Given that all four women already had stellar reputations in the greater Bay Area, it wasn’t hard to book some high profile venues followed by full houses.

At first each performance stuck to the program – one duo followed by the other duo, with a grand finale of all four playing together. The duo part was great, but the quartet thing was downright exciting. Before long the shows featured the four of them playing together, with an occasional duo “breakout” section. Hence the band, and the name “Duo Quartet”.

From an audience point of view there is something richly satisfying in experiencing these four women onstage with a dynamic ranging from tender, ethereal songs to raucous barn-burners. Webster and Delgado sing most of the leads – Chris often expertly playing a washboard while Delgado drives the band with her percussion. But if this were a boxing ring you’d see coming in from opposite corners the dueling energy of Jones and Gerber egging each other on with their guitar-Goddestry – whipping the band and the audience into a veritable frenzy.

With a beautiful set of original music mixed with surprisingly original takes on a few choice covers, Duo Quartet brings to the stage a band that is greater than the sum of its already impressive parts.

SBL Entertainment Presents – Greg Adams & East Bay Soul

April 4, 2020
Music Series

The sound of Grammy and Emmy nominated trumpeter, arranger Greg Adams is one of the world’s best-known musical signatures. As a founding member of Tower of Power, legendary for his arrangements that made the TOP horn section a sought out entity all its own. With countless collaborations in the studio and live on stage, Adams has made his mark on a broad stretch of today’s musical landscape that includes jazz, pop, rock, R&B,
soul, and funk.
It has been nearly a quarter century since the genre chameleon trumpeter and arranger became a leader in his own right with his ground breaking 1995 debut Hidden Agenda. With Greg Adams’ approach that music is a language... the CONVERSATION continues. You will sense a direct connection with the live feel of the music, the open breath of each note and the collaboration of each player.

A Year with Frog and Toad

April 18, 2020 - May 9, 2020
Theatre Series

Based on the classic stories by Arnold Lobel, A Year with Frog and Toad leaps from the B Street stage! Follow two best friends, the cheerful Frog and the grumpy Toad, as they hop, sing, and dance their way through a year of adventure. As the seasons change from spring to fall, these beloved characters learn lessons about life and the importance of friendship.