Pittsburg California Theatre Set for Pair of Weekend Shows

In Pittsburg, two incredible shows are set for this weekend at the California Theatre with the Nathan Owens Tribute to the 3 Queens and the legendary Pete Escovedo.

Dec 1 – Nathan Owens Tribute to the 3 Queens

What a spectacular show this will be!  Lea Sweet as Tina Turner, Stacy Carter as Diana Ross,Samantha Alexes as Aretha Franklin. Under the leadership of music director Nathan Owens the 3 Queens of Motown Tribute Show takes to the stage with a Las Vegas style, fantastic, high energy, show that pays honor to 3 Queens of the music business Tina, Diana, & Aretha. Plus you never know what other Motown tribute artist might show up for a guest appearance on the 3 Queens Tribute Show. Perhaps it will be our tribute to Stevie Wonder or Gladys Knight. Who knows? The event kicks off at 9:00 pm.

For Tickets, click here

Dec 2: Pete Escovedo

This extraordinary performer will be taking the California Theatre by storm with his Latin Jazz Band. He packs a full house every time. Tickets are on sale now! Get them while you can.  Show begins at 9:00 pm and the California Theatre is located at 351 Railroad Ave, Pittsburg.

Known as a pioneer in the world of Latin Jazz, Pete Escovedo has enthralled music fans for over 50 years with his rhythmic, soul-stirring performances. His influential role in the genre and his contribution to music are deeply admired, making him an eagerly anticipated addition to the festival lineup.

For tickets, click here

About

Envisioned by Sylvester and Salvatore Enea, the California Theatre in Pittsburg opened in 1920 as a premiere venue for live vaudeville performances and silent films. The elegant theater was designed by architect A.W. Cornelius, who designed other grand theaters in San Francisco and throughout California, including the California Theatre in Richmond and the Fox Theater in Salinas.

The auditorium featured a large art-deco chandelier with a beaux-artes style ceiling decoration. The carpets were thick and luxurious, and the balcony was grand. It was always a special treat to catch a show at the California Theatre. Adults paid 25 cents, children 15 cents

Singers, acrobats, dancers, and entertainers of all types performed at the California before their opening night on the circuit in San Francisco.  An impressive pipe organ resonated during the silent films, and between shows. When talking pictures were the newest technology, the theater was modified to accommodate them. Flash Gordon and cowboy heroes Ray “Crash” Corrigan, Tim Holt, Tex Ritter and Fred Scott thrilled audiences.

Entertainment tastes changed, and the California Theatre closed in 1954. A roof leak damaged the ceiling, which collapsed into the abandoned auditorium. Over the years, local theater groups and downtown businesses urged its restoration, but the task seemed overwhelming and costly.

Renovation

In 1994, the City began a major clean up and stabilization of the deteriorating theater. In 2008, City planners approved designs for renovation of the theater exterior, and by 2009, the project that eventually became a $7.6 million restoration began in earnest.

Restoration artist Beate Bruhl recovered or recreated artwork in the entryway, the balcony and the auditorium, recapturing the grandeur of the original.  Her painstaking work refurbished or replaced vivid paintings, original sculptures and murals, including images of winged nymphs dancing on clouds alongside the stage. Light fixtures and handrails were restored, and when necessary, fabricated to match photographs from a half-century ago.

In July of 2023, Anthony Lane-Cotroneo, a well known artist, performer, and entrepreneur, took over management of the Theatre.  Anthony and his team undertook a huge task. From July all through out  August of 2023, they replaced all the electrical, lights, installed a state of the art sound system, painted, and restored the heart of the downtown area. With these upgrades, it will allow the Theatre to function as an entertainment venue for the arts for many years to come.

For more upcoming events:

• Nov 28 – Christmas Lights Around Contra Costa County
• Nov 24 –  Weekend Events Include Santa, Music, Parades & Tree Lighting’s