MODESTO’S GEM OF A VENUE

by Lynn Sampson
A jewel needn’t necessarily be a diamond or ruby or sapphire. Sometimes a jewel can be made of ordinary brick and mortar and be just as resplendent, faceted, and bright as any gemstone. Within the confines of the Gallo Center for the Arts is the spacious main stage theater and a modest- sized chamber theater. A breath-taking atrium frames the whole affair with a wide, high elliptical façade facing out onto the street. It is a magnificent edifice. It is, in fact, a jewel. The acoustics in the main stage auditorium are excellent. The lows are rich and mellow. The midrange is clean, and the highs are clear and crisp. Sight lines are perfect from every angle. Audience members will experience the greatest rush by simply entering the cavernous lobby and then taking their seats and gazing at the sweeping ceiling and expansive stage, long before the first note is sounded or the first line is spoken. Must see events at the Gallo this season are: Aquila Theater "Comedy of Errors" by William Shakespeare, March 20, 8:00 p.m.; jazz legend Chick Corea, March 24, 7:30 p.m.; singer Lynda Carter, April 4, 8:00 p.m.;guitarists The Assad Brothers, April 25, 8:00 p.m.; sitar master Ravi Shankar, May 11, 7:30 p.m.; Tango First Century, May 15-16, 8:00 p.m.; and street dance troupe Stomp, May 29-31, 8:00 p.m.