LIFE IS GRAND IN TRACY

by Lynn Sampson
Nowadays, a town isn’t considered grown-up until it gets its own art center. Tracy, California, got theirs. The Grand Theater is a marvel. It is, in fact, a $20 million marvel. It is a perfectly restored 1920s era theater along with a gallery, nine art, dance and music studios, and an experimental theater. It is a striking example of civic pride. What started life as a movie palace 80 years ago is now a state-of-the-art performing arts complex. Recently, I attended several performances there. I sampled intimate jazz as well as a boisterous musical, both presented in the main theater. There are no bad sight lines, and the acoustics are excellent. There isn’t a finer place to view plays or listen to music than the Grand. These are my personal favorites among the films, exhibits, and events coming up at the Grand: Guitarist David Burger, April 11, 8:00 p.m.; Gilligan's Island, The Musical, April 17-18, 8:00 p.m.; and Duo Concertante (piano and violin), May 8, 8:00 p.m.