Pleasanton’s Firehouse Arts Center Opens

Pleasanton’s stunning, new Firehouse Arts Center opened on last Friday night with a sold out $125 a ticket party sponsored by the nonprofit Cultural Arts Council that helped get the center started six years ago.

The official grand opening followed on Saturday with free artist demonstrations, live music, theater performances, art activities for children and refreshments.

Picture courtesy of www.firehousearts.org

Most striking is the blend of modern architecture with the old historic fire station built in 1929 that was saved from destruction by artists and members of the Cultural Arts Council who saw the site as ideal for meeting their needs. The CAC set up a foundation for soliciting contributions and has raised more than $2 million to help pay the costs of the new performing arts center.

This premier cultural center features a 227-seat flexible studio theater, 2,000 square feet of versatile gallery space, two large art classrooms, and a spacious grand lobby for receptions and events. As a multiple-use facility, the Firehouse Arts Center will provide a broad range of arts programming opportunities. From musical and theater performances to lectures, films, comedy, youth performances, workshops and demonstrations, the facility will serve as a vibrant center for the arts for all segments of our community.

A full season of entertainment kicks off next Friday night with performances by master jazz guitarist Earl Klugh. On Saturday, Sept. 25, celebrated composer musician Mose Allison will perform, with award-winning pianist Evelyne Brancart in a Chopin piano concert on that Sunday, Sept. 26.

Tickets for all performances are available for purchase online beginning at www.firehousearts.org. Starting this week, tickets could also be purchased in person at the Firehouse Arts Center box office, or by phone at (925) 931-4848. Box office hours are from noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. Tickets, if available, can also be purchased two hours prior to each performance. The center is located at 4444 Railroad Ave. at the end of Division Street, just a one-block walk to Main Street and downtown Pleasanton.

The Firehouse Arts Center is a great addition to Pleasanton’s cultural richness. It is sure to attract many visitors to a downtown area that is already thriving. For more information on the Center, including programs, location, and how to get tickets, please visit www.firehousearts.org.

Source: Pleasanton Weekly