Unveiling the Vibrant New Performing Arts Pavilion in San Geronimo

In the heart of western Marin, a new performance pavilion is emerging as a beacon for the local arts and music scene. The San Geronimo Valley Community Center has breathed new life into its outdoor courtyard, transforming it into a vibrant hub for community-driven entertainment and cultural expression.

Unlocking the Potential of West Marin's Performing Arts Landscape

A Long-Awaited Dream Realized

For over three decades, the San Geronimo Valley Community Center and its dedicated team have envisioned a dedicated outdoor performance venue to serve the region. This dream has now become a reality with the recent 0,000 renovation of the center's courtyard, which has been meticulously transformed into a state-of-the-art performance pavilion. "This has just been a dream of myself and the community center board for over three decades," shared Dave Cort, a consultant for the center and its former longtime executive director.

Bringing the Community Together through Music and Arts

The debut of the performance pavilion has already made a significant impact, drawing in over 300 attendees for the inaugural "Family Music Hour" event on June 30th. This community-driven talent show, organized by local musician Michael McQuilkin, has found a new home in the revitalized outdoor space. "We think we're in an age of connectivity now with cellphones and the internet. But in reality, singing around the family piano is truly connecting with people," McQuilkin shared, reflecting on the pavilion's ability to foster genuine human connections through the power of music.

A Diverse Lineup of Upcoming Events

The performance pavilion's calendar is quickly filling up with a diverse array of events and performances. The second public concert, featuring the Jesse DeNatale Band, is scheduled for August 18th, with tickets ranging from to to ensure accessibility for all. Additionally, the venue will host the Latino Arts Festival on September 7th and the International Day of Peace Festival concert on September 22nd, further solidifying its role as a hub for cultural celebration and artistic expression.

Funding and Ongoing Improvements

The renovation of the pavilion was made possible through a significant legacy donation from the Connie Smith Siegel Trust, a testament to the community's commitment to the arts. However, the work is not yet complete, as the center continues to raise funds to install a sound system, lighting, and a shade structure, as well as to refurbish the concession area. This ongoing fundraising campaign, which runs through August 30th, will ensure that the pavilion continues to evolve and meet the needs of the community.

Embracing the Outdoor Performance Experience

The new performance pavilion fills a crucial void in the western Marin arts landscape, as outdoor amphitheaters and dedicated performance venues have been scarce in the region. "This is really going to be the first legitimate outdoor performance venue in West Marin," Cort emphasized, highlighting the significance of this new addition. Local business owner Andrew Giacomini, who performed at the "Family Music Hour," echoed this sentiment, describing the pavilion as "a spectacular improvement to the outdoor music experience at the community center."

A Collaborative Effort with the Lagunitas School District

The San Geronimo Valley Community Center's performance pavilion is a joint-use partnership with the Lagunitas School District, which owns the land and facilities. This collaboration allows the school district to utilize the pavilion for its own events, such as graduations, plays, and student concerts, further strengthening the bond between the community center and the local educational institution.With the debut of this vibrant new performance pavilion, the San Geronimo Valley Community Center has firmly established itself as a cultural hub for the western Marin region, offering a dynamic and inclusive platform for artists, musicians, and the community at large to come together and celebrate the power of the arts.