Volunteer Project Catalog

The Center for the Arts

This is a great volunteer job for a friendly, responsible person who's interested in volunteering during the day. You'll welcome visitors to the Center, answer questions about our Gallery art, inform guests about upcoming concerts, help direct students who are coming in for classes, and prepare postering packets. Ideally, we'd love to have a committment for one shift a week, however, signing up for a single shift is much appreciated.

The Center for the Arts

As part of The Center's county-wide Open Studios event, we display one artwork from each Open Studios participant in our Granucci Gallery. Patrons can use this "sampler" exhibit to decide which artists to visit during our Open Studios Tour. Volunteers for this exhibit will sit or stand in our gallery, greet gallery visitors, explain the dates when artists will be hosting guests in their studios, and pass out maps of all studios. In addition to educating patrons on how to see local art, these volunteers protect the art by gently reminding people not to touch it or place drinks nearby.

The Center for the Arts

2024 Gala Auction Item - Sima's Kids Karaoki **Concession Cashier Only Needed**

The Center for the Arts

Off Center Stage | 315 Richardson Street, Grass Valley, CA Join us at The Center for open mic night in our black box theater. Participation sign up is at the bar.

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Genre: Experimental Transcending genres, the SIMRIT experience centers around lead singer – songwriter, Simrit, who is of Greek and North African origin. SIMRIT is creating waves with packed theaters and concert halls, chart-topping albums, and raving fans… all powering a palpable musical movement. Born in Athens, Greece, adopted by Greek-Americans into South Carolina as a toddler, she comes from a long line of matriarchal singers that span from her birth mother to her great grandmother, Tula Demetriou, who was a famous Greek singer and actress. At only 16 years old, Simrit’s birth mother was forced by her family to give Simrit for adoption. Over time, growing up steeped in the rich musical traditions of many cultures…Simrit’s own musical sensibilities emerged from a multiplicity of diverse influences starting with the dark, heavy, and mystical chanting of the Greek Orthodox church choir, in which she sang in starting at age five. During this same time period, Simrit began studying piano (where her piano teacher simultaneously instructed her in snare drum). Later, she studied West African drumming, and toured with the Odunde Drumming Company during her education at College of Charleston in South Carolina. Greek/Middle Eastern Folk music, Roots Reggae, R&B, The Grateful Dead, Motown, Led Zeppelin, among many others… proved deeply influential as Simrit developed her unique sound. Her studies in traditional Greek dance from first grade through the end of high school…proved to be just as influential, as Simrit studied and danced a variety of different time signatures and rhythms that the traditional Greek dances were performed in, while also learning to sing those songs. Simrit’s musical education is rich and diverse. From singing in the Orthodox church starting in grade school, all the way through high school where she was studying vocals at University of South Carolina with her childhood piano teacher…and then studying in the classical Indian system of music. She is known for her voice reverberating a sound that is simultaneously ancient and fresh. Decades of study and experimentation with Kundalini yoga deepened Simrit’s relationship to the quantum technology of Naad Yoga (the ancient science of using sound to impact the brain’s neural pathways and chemicals, eliciting altered states of reality); the effects of which influence her music. Alongside her band, Simrit creates vibrationally powerful and healing music to impact both positive internal & external change.

The Center for the Arts

Genre: Blues “Ingram plays guitar with drama, searing tone and sure-handed authority. And that’s just in the studio; he’s even scarier live.” –NPR Music “Muscular guitar and gorgeous vocals...[there is] an intense rolling melodicism in Ingram’s singing and soloing” –AllMusic “Christone ‘Kingfish’ Ingram has already made his mark as one of the best, and undoubtedly most excitng, blues guitarists in the world.” –Guitar World GRAMMY-winning guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Christone “Kingfish” Ingram has quickly become the defining blues voice of his generation. From his hometown of Clarksdale, Mississippi to stages around the globe, the young blues star has already headlined multiple U.S. and European tours, and amazed fans in Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada and India. Selected in summer 2022 to open for The Rolling Stones in London’s Hyde Park, Kingfish has also performed and toured with friends including Vampire Weekend, Jason Isbell, Steve Miller and Buddy Guy, a mentor of his, with whom he appeared on Austin City Limits. Since he burst onto the scene in 2019, Ingram has been nominated for 12 Blues Music Awards and won them all. Rolling Stone declared, “Kingfish is one of the most exciting young guitarists in years, with a sound that encompasses B.B. King, Jimi Hendrix and Prince.” In September 2023, Kingfish released his jaw-dropping, GRAMMY-nominated, third album, Live In London. Recorded on June 6, 2023, in front of a sweaty, sold-out, standing-room-only crowd at the famous UK club, The Garage, Live In London is the guitar-driven live album Kingfish’s fans around the world have been clamoring for since they first watched him perform as a teenager on YouTube. Sparked by his non-stop touring, writing and recording schedule, Kingfish’s natural talent just keeps growing. With his jaw-dropping guitar playing and his reach-out-and-grab-you-by-the-collar vocals, he performs every song with unmatched passion and precision. To see him live in person is an onstage snapshot of the young singer, songwriter and guitarist creating musical magic in real time, leaving his listeners spellbound and always wanting more.

The Center for the Arts

Gallery Reception **Bar Cashier Only Needed** The first “Altar Show in Nevada County” took place in 1997, inspired by the Sacramento art show, “Altares del Mundo.” Based on Indo-Hispanic “Dia de los Muertos” traditions, artists created beautiful altars to honor beloved people who had passed on. The show was so powerful for both altaristas and viewers that it has become an annual event with up to sixty altars. The altars have evolved to include contemporary three-dimensional art with diverse topics, techniques, and media, as well as memorials in the historic tradition. Each show also includes a “community altar”, where visitors may participate by leaving personal notes, photos and mementos. The show does not charge admission but tax-deductible contributions are welcome as the show is self-supporting. Join us to celebrate and reaffirm the human experience. We hope you discover in our altars, as we do when we create them, a sense of healing, solace, joy, insight, relief, refreshment, renewal – perhaps even truth.

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MIM Gala 2025 - Bar Cashiers Only Needed Fall Fundraising Gala with live auction and dinner catered by Antonio.

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Several times a year the Center offers our community this free, kid-friendly gathering with live performers, crafts, face painting, balloon animals, and more. Family Fun Day volunteers may help set up tables/decorations, greet and direct attendees, manage lines for activities and/or take down tables/decorations. Please dress according to the weather as some or all activities may be outside, including wearing hats/sunscreen.

The Center for the Arts

Genre: Family, Variety, Rental Gregory Popovich is a fifth-generation circus performer and author who’s toured with the Moscow Circus and Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. All performing pets were rescued from animal shelters and now enjoy life in the limelight as Vegas headliners with co-star, Gregory Popovich who also incorporates world-class juggling, gymnastics and balancing acts into the 85-minute stage production. Comedy Pet Theater has wowed audiences in more than 20 countries including France, Israel, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Germany, Belgium and Holland. Come see what makes this Las Vegas show a family favorite!

The Center for the Arts

Genre: Family, Variety, Rental Gregory Popovich is a fifth-generation circus performer and author who’s toured with the Moscow Circus and Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus. All performing pets were rescued from animal shelters and now enjoy life in the limelight as Vegas headliners with co-star, Gregory Popovich who also incorporates world-class juggling, gymnastics and balancing acts into the 85-minute stage production. Comedy Pet Theater has wowed audiences in more than 20 countries including France, Israel, Chile, Mexico, Colombia, Germany, Belgium and Holland. Come see what makes this Las Vegas show a family favorite!

The Center for the Arts

Genre: Blues Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Judith Hill has shared the stage and studio with legends including Michael Jackson, Prince, Elton John, and Stevie Wonder. Known for her powerhouse vocals and genre-defying style, Hill rose to fame after performing at Jackson’s memorial and starring in the Oscar-winning documentary 20 Feet from Stardom. With critically acclaimed albums including the Prince-produced Back in Time and her latest Letters from a Black Widow, Hill delivers a soul-stirring live show that blends funk, rock, soul, and raw emotion.

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Genre: Public Speaker - rental by Indivisible/Democratic National Committee with Congressman Ro Khanna **Bar Cashiers and Greeter only needed**

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Genre: Gallery Reception **Bar Cashiers only needed** Eric Lindberg photographs and writes about adventure travel, world culture, small-ship cruises, wildlife, and wild places. Covering subjects ranging from foreign rail journeys and wilderness river expeditions to American road trips and urban cultural hotspots, his award-winning photos and stories have appeared in magazines, books, calendars, newspapers, tourism websites, and promotional travel publications nationwide and overseas. A three-time winner of the prestigious SATW Photographer of the Year award, Eric shoots for tourism offices and visitors bureaus across the U.S. and Canada to deliver compelling destination imagery.

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Genre: Choral The angelic-voiced musicians of the Vienna Boys Choir celebrate the magic of the holiday season with a delightful program of Austrian folk songs, classical masterpieces, Christmas hymns, and holiday carols. For six centuries, these young cultural ambassadors have been adored the world over for their wide range of repertoire, purity of tone, and generosity of musical spirit. The Wiener Sängerknaben or Vienna Boys' Choir is the world's foremost children's choral group. It is also among the oldest of all musical organizations, having been founded pursuant to an Imperial decree of Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I on July 7, 1498; the Emperor wished boys' voices to be added to the choir of the Imperial Chapel, or Hofkapelle. This established a tradition of having the boys sing in weekly Sunday masses in the Imperial Chapel of the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, a tradition that continues today. Over the centuries, illustrious composers have written masterpieces for the Boys' Choir of the Imperial Chapel, including Mozart, Bruckner, Gluck, and Schubert. Many great musicians got their start as members of the Boys' Choir; among them were the great conductors Hans Richter, Clemens Krauss, and Lovro von Matacic. During the days of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the choir became renowned for its secular performances as well, appearing in colorful Imperial-style military uniforms, each complete with a dagger. After World War I, wide popular and governmental disfavor of all things Imperial resulted in the dissolution of many long-standing institutions, including the Imperial Chapel Choir. However, Chaplain Joseph Schnitt remained in his position at the chapel and re-gathered the choir. Sparing no personal expense, he re-established a boarding school for the choristers. He replaced the imperial uniforms with a distinctive sailor-style uniform. The Vienna Boys' Choir has the most stringent training and admittance policy in the world. Boys wishing to join must first gain entrance to a preparatory school where they receive a complete elementary education. Their instruction includes elements of musical theory, sight-singing, and the practice of singing, and instruction on at least one instrument; at the age of nine, they have to pass an examination based strictly on musical ability and vocal quality. There is no religious requirement. The teaching is purposely intensive in order that their education not be slighted due to the frequent touring. There are usually two choirs away on a tour at any given time, most frequently for three months. They are accompanied by their choirmaster, their tutor, and a nurse. Vienna Choir Boys have visited the United States well in excess of 50 times since 1932 and have traveled to all six inhabited continents. They are beloved the world over for their lively singing style and beautiful tone and have commissioned a number of new works, including Britten's The Golden Vanity.

The Center for the Arts

Genre: Americana, Country, Singer-Songwriter A longtime storyteller as an artist-songwriter and actor, Charles Esten is popularly known for his roles as “Ward Cameron” on Netflix’s Outer Banks and “Deacon Claybourne” in ABC/CMT’s NASHVILLE. A global entertainer, Esten delivered what Billboard called his signature “loose, rough-cut country,” independent debut album, Love Ain’t Pretty, to much acclaim one year ago. Grammy.com hailed, “the album is the purest representation of his artistry possible." Surpassing 26 MILLION streams to date, he’s a 2018 Guinness World Records title holder for the “Most consecutive weeks to release an original digital single by a music act” after releasing 54 original songs once a week for 54 straight weeks. He’s made over 180 appearances at Nashville’s iconic Grand Ole Opry and performed multiple headline tours in the U.S., Germany, Amsterdam, the U.K., Denmark, and Norway. In addition, Esten serves as the National Honorary Spokesperson for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s annual Light The Night Walk, and is a board member and volunteer for Musicians On Call.

The Center for the Arts

FREE Student Matinee at The Center for the Arts- Appropriate for ALL AGES! November 20th, 10:00am Buckets N Boards Comedy Percussion Show. A hilarious and high-energy show chock-full of precise percussion, ridiculous songs, spectacular tap dancing, inventive instrumentation, and unique musical talent. Buckets N Boards is a comedy duo that is unrivaled anywhere in Branson... or the Universe.

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Off Center Stage | 315 Richardson Street, Grass Valley, CA Join us at The Center for open mic night in our black box theater. Participation sign up is at the bar.

The Center for the Arts

Genre: Americana, Country, Soul Founded in 2014 by the husband-and-wife duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, The War And Treaty has emerged as one of the most electrifying new acts in American music. They were nominated for the Best New Artist and Best American Roots Song at the 2024 GRAMMY Awards, and have also been nominated for Duo of the Year at the CMA Awards two years in a row and for Vocal Duo of the Year at the ACM Awards. They have won two Americana Music Awards (both for Duo/Group of the Year) and have received additional nominations and recognition from CMT Music Awards, Folk Alliance International, People’s Choice Country Awards, as well as from the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Grand Ole Opry.

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Genre: Folk, Rock, Tribute A powerful night of music, visuals, and storytelling. This acclaimed tribute performance celebrates the legacy of folk rock’s first supergroup - from “Teach Your Children” to “Helpless” and includes hits from the solo careers of David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, and Neil Young. Created and narrated by singer Brian Chartrand, Live From Laurel Canyon goes beyond the music to share the stories behind the songs and the cultural moment that shaped them. Fans of CSNY, Laurel Canyon, and 70s-era folk rock will find this immersive evening deeply moving and unforgettable.

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Genre: Jazz Get ready for a musical experience that’s electric, virtuosic, and straight from the heart. The Django Festival Allstars bring the legendary Django Reinhardt’s gypsy jazz legacy roaring into the 21st century — and it’s hotter than ever. With blazing guitar riffs, soaring violin lines, dazzling accordion solos, rock-solid rhythm, and deep grooves on the double bass, this all-acoustic ensemble blends old-school swing with fresh energy and contemporary flair. It’s tradition with a twist — and it swings hard. At the heart of the band is Samson Schmitt, son of gypsy jazz icon Dorado Schmitt, carrying the torch forward with passion and precision. Alongside him, a dream team of international virtuosos light up the stage with music that celebrates Django, channels Ellington and Armstrong, and surprises with original compositions — and even a “Stevie Wonder moment. From the cafés of 1930s Paris to today’s biggest jazz stages, the Allstars keep Django’s spirit alive — and dancing. Django Festival Allstars is honored to work with Veronica Swift, who is quite possibly the best jazz vocalist alive today.

The Center for the Arts

MAIN STAGE PLAYMAKERS Presents: Annie Annie is a beloved full-length musical based on the classic comic strip Little Orphan Annie by Harold Gray, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan. Since its Broadway debut in 1977, it has become a worldwide phenomenon, winning seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, and featuring some of musical theatre’s greatest hits such as Tomorrow and It’s the Hard Knock Life. Set in 1930s New York City, the story follows little orphan Annie, whose pluck and positivity win hearts everywhere despite her hard start in life. Determined to find the parents who left her at a city orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan, Annie escapes into the bustling streets of NYC. Along the way, she has adventure after adventure, foils Miss Hannigan’s schemes, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and finds a loving home with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary Grace Farrell, and a scruffy dog named Sandy. A timeless, family-friendly favorite, Annie continues to charm audiences of all ages. Directed by David Endacott-Hicks & Co-Directed by Kristen DeKowzan Performed in the Marisa Funk Theater • The Center for the Arts, 314 W. Main St. Grass Valley

The Center for the Arts

MAIN STAGE PLAYMAKERS Presents: Annie Annie is a beloved full-length musical based on the classic comic strip Little Orphan Annie by Harold Gray, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan. Since its Broadway debut in 1977, it has become a worldwide phenomenon, winning seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, and featuring some of musical theatre’s greatest hits such as Tomorrow and It’s the Hard Knock Life. Set in 1930s New York City, the story follows little orphan Annie, whose pluck and positivity win hearts everywhere despite her hard start in life. Determined to find the parents who left her at a city orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan, Annie escapes into the bustling streets of NYC. Along the way, she has adventure after adventure, foils Miss Hannigan’s schemes, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and finds a loving home with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary Grace Farrell, and a scruffy dog named Sandy. A timeless, family-friendly favorite, Annie continues to charm audiences of all ages. Directed by David Endacott-Hicks & Co-Directed by Kristen DeKowzan Performed in the Marisa Funk Theater • The Center for the Arts, 314 W. Main St. Grass Valley

The Center for the Arts

MAIN STAGE PLAYMAKERS Presents: Annie Annie is a beloved full-length musical based on the classic comic strip Little Orphan Annie by Harold Gray, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and a book by Thomas Meehan. Since its Broadway debut in 1977, it has become a worldwide phenomenon, winning seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, and featuring some of musical theatre’s greatest hits such as Tomorrow and It’s the Hard Knock Life. Set in 1930s New York City, the story follows little orphan Annie, whose pluck and positivity win hearts everywhere despite her hard start in life. Determined to find the parents who left her at a city orphanage run by the cruel Miss Hannigan, Annie escapes into the bustling streets of NYC. Along the way, she has adventure after adventure, foils Miss Hannigan’s schemes, befriends President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and finds a loving home with billionaire Oliver Warbucks, his secretary Grace Farrell, and a scruffy dog named Sandy. A timeless, family-friendly favorite, Annie continues to charm audiences of all ages. Directed by David Endacott-Hicks & Co-Directed by Kristen DeKowzan Performed in the Marisa Funk Theater • The Center for the Arts, 314 W. Main St. Grass Valley

The Center for the Arts

Genre: Classical, Jazz, Traditional Pop Thomas Lauderdale’s globe-trotting “little orchestra” Pink Martini is back with an all-new holiday show that brings triple the joy! Featuring three of the band’s favorite singers and long-time collaborators, the Pink Martini All-Stars present: A Season of Stars tour conjures up a mix of old holiday favorites and sweet new treats, glittering with the band’s unique brand of catchy classic pop, big band sound, and Hollywood glamour. Led on stage by NPR’s dashing Ari Shapiro, the soulful Edna Vazquez, and the sensational America’s Got Talent finalist Jimmie Herrod, these three vibrant voices will deck the halls with a spirited global holiday journey, destined to bring three times the sparkle into this festive season.

The Center for the Arts

Bright Futures for Youth: Holiday Reception - Bar Cashiers only

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MIM Summerfest Concert - Bar Cashiers Only Needed The fabulous Music in the Mountains Chorus is joined by orchestra and soloists in a heartwarming salute to The Holidays. You'll hear old favorites, new arrangements, and even a Sing Along! These concerts are perennial favorites

The Center for the Arts

MIM Holiday Concert - Bar Cashiers Only Needed The fabulous Music in the Mountains Chorus is joined by orchestra and soloists in a heartwarming salute to The Holidays. You'll hear old favorites, new arrangements, and even a Sing Along! These concerts are perennial favorites

The Center for the Arts

Off Center Stage | 315 Richardson Street, Grass Valley, CA Join us at The Center for open mic night in our black box theater. Participation sign up is at the bar.

The Center for the Arts

Genre: Folk Two Runner is Northern California’s own Paige Anderson and Emilie Rose — a powerhouse folk duo whose harmonies, banjo, fiddle, and heartfelt songwriting are steeped in American roots tradition. Raised in rural mountain towns, Paige and Emilie have been performing since childhood, sharing stages with Sierra Ferrell, Watchhouse, and Charlie Parr. Their music blends clawhammer banjo, old-time fiddle, and wistful storytelling, creating a sound that’s timeless, raw, and deeply authentic.

The Center for the Arts

Genre: Americana, Classical Crossover, Singer-Songwriter Grammy and Emmy-winning ensemble, Time For Three (TF3), defies convention and boundaries by showcasing excellence across different genres, including classical music, Americana, and singer-songwriter. Their unique sound captivates audiences, immersing them in a musical experience that merges various eras, styles, and traditions of Western music. TF3, consisting of Charles Yang (violin, vocals), Nicolas "Nick" Kendall (violin, vocals), and Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals), combines their instruments and voices in a remarkable sound, establishing a distinct voice of expression that resonates with listeners worldwide. Renowned for their charismatic and energetic performances, TF3 has garnered praise from respected outlets including NPR, NBC, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago Sun-Times. They have graced illustrious stages such as Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and The Royal Albert Hall, effortlessly adapting their inimitable and versatile style to intimate venues like Joe's Pub in New York or Yoshi's in San Francisco. TF3 was featured on the acclaimed "Night of the Proms" tour, sharing stages with renowned artists like Chaka Khan and Ronan Keating across several European countries. Their collaborations span a diverse range of artists, including Ben Folds, Branford Marsalis, Joshua Bell, Aoife O'Donovan, Natasha Bedingfield, and Arlo Guthrie.

The Center for the Arts

Genre: Americana, Bluegrass, Rock & Roll with Water Tower opening This foot-stomping, string-slinging San Francisco band blends bluegrass, Americana, and a shot of rock 'n’ roll energy to throw one of the best parties around. With tight harmonies, storytelling songs, and a stage presence that radiates joy, The Brothers Comatose deliver the ultimate live experience. Last year’s NYE show sold out—so grab your crew, your dancing shoes, and your tickets early. Let’s raise a glass and sing the new year in, Grass Valley style.