In partnership with the City of Torrance, The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation’s mission is to enrich the community through the performing arts by providing diverse cultural, educational and entertainment experiences of the highest quality.
OUR VISION
The vision of the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation is to connect our community through culturally enriching experiences.
THANK YOU TO THE CITY COUNCIL AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF TOCA AND THE ARTS IN THE SOUTH BAY
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation would like to acknowledge that the Armstrong Theatre is located on the traditional and ancestral territory of the Tongva people in the Swaanga Village. We ask you to join us in acknowledging the Tongva community, their elders both past and present, as well those of future generations. www.tongvapeople.com
Welcome to Our 2025–2026 Season
Welcome to a brand-new season with the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation! I’m honored to step into the role of Board President as we continue TOCA’s proud tradition of celebrating the arts in all their beautiful diversity.
For over three decades, TOCA has been a cornerstone of creativity and connection in the South Bay. That legacy continues today because of the passion and dedication of our community—our artists, audiences, partners, donors, and volunteers. Together, we make it possible to bring inspiring, thought-provoking, and joy-filled performances to our stages.
At TOCA, we believe the arts are for everyone. Whether it’s your first time in the theater or you’ve been with us since the beginning, we invite you to explore this season’s lineup and find something that speaks to you. From laugh-out-loud comedy to moving musical performances and cultural celebrations, there’s truly something for every taste.
On behalf of the entire Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support. I hope you’ll consider deepening your connection with TOCA—subscribe to our season, become a donor, or lend your time as a volunteer. However you choose to engage, know that you are a vital part of our mission.
I look forward to seeing you at the theater—and to all the unforgettable moments we’ll share this season.
Warmly,
Camilla Seferian President, Board of Directors
Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation
Welcome to the 2025/2026 season at the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation!
As we turn the page from our milestone 30th year and look ahead, I’m filled with gratitude—not only for where we’ve been, but for where we’re going. Each season is a new opportunity to bring people together, spark meaningful conversations, and celebrate the incredible power of live performance.
At TOCA, we’re not just curating a season—we’re creating space for discovery, connection, and joy. Whether it’s world-class music, laughout-loud comedy, soul-stirring theater, or family programming that ignites young imaginations, our goal remains the same: to offer something memorable for everyone who walks through our doors.
I continue to be inspired by the artists we work with, the team behind the scenes, and especially you— our audience, donors, and community partners—who make it all possible. Your enthusiasm and support are what keeps TOCA vibrant and thriving.
Please explore this brochure and find the shows that speak to you. And as always, if there’s anything we can do to make your experience better, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@TorranceArts.org.
Let’s make this season one to remember. See you at the theatre!
Chris Wolf Executive Director
Assisted listening devices available. Ask the House Manager or usher for assistance.
THE SOUNDS OF LAUREL
Soundtrack of American Rock
At the dawn of the 70’s, high above the glittering community of musicians was crafting the sound of To The Garden Story Concert celebrates the singer-songwriters supergroups who emerged from this creative enclave, unforgettable soundtrack to lives everywhere.
songs by: The Doors, Jackson Browne, The Eagles, Buffalo Springfield, James Taylor, America, Gram Parsons, Carole King, Neil Young, Lee Michaels, CSN, Mamas & Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, The Monkees, The Turtles, Three Dog Night, and more.
Featuring songs by: The Doors, Jackson Browne, The Eagles, Buffalo Springfield, James Taylor, Byrds, America, Gram Parsons, Carole King, Neil Young, Lee Michaels, CSN, Mamas & Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, The Monkees, The Turtles, Three Dog Night, and more.
Back To The Garden is a collective of musical top guns known for their intricate vocal harmonies and exceptional renditions of music from the Love Era, playing venues ranging from Abbey Road Studios and Royal Albert Hall to The Tonight Show.
“WOW! Just WOW!” - Patty M.
They maintain busy schedules in the studio and on stage and have been sidemen to artists including Johnny Cash, Chaka Kahn, Kenny Loggins, BJ Thomas, America, Kim Carnes, Billy Ray Cyrus, Albert Lee, Chris Isaak, Ricky Skaggs and others. They recently finished a three-year tour with Richie Furay (of Buffalo Springfield and Poco).
“WOW! Just WOW!” - Patty M.
Robert John Hughes
Robert John Hughes
Photo credits: Dennis Andersen, Steve Covault, Gillespie
CANYON
Featuring songs by: The Doors, Jackson Browne, The Eagles, Buffalo
The Byrds, America, Gram Parsons, Carole King, Neil Young, Lee Michaels, Papas, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, The Monkees, The Turtles, Three
Story Teller Robert John Hughes
“CACTUS” JIM SOLDI
The list of artists that Jim Soldi has played with is a Who’s Who of country music. It includes Johnny Cash, Ricky Skaggs, Johnny Paycheck, Waylon Jennings, Skip Ewing, Brooke Shields, Kenny Loggins, Billy Ray Cyrus, and many more.
A native of San Diego, Jim began his musical career at the age of five with piano lessons, and taught himself guitar soon after.
A veteran performer, songwriter, and sought after studio musician, Jim is a recipient of the CCMA Musician of the Year Award. His touring schedule has taken him to over 40 countries throughout the world and he has performed at the Grand Ol’ Opry, the Forum, and Royal Albert Hall.
MARC “TWANG” INTRAVAIA
His T.V. appearances include: Austin City Limits, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, Nashville Now, the Wogan Show on BBC TV, the Pat Sajak Show, and the Joan Rivers Show.
Johnny Cash said it best: “Jim Soldi is the best guitar player in the business.”
Long regarded as a guitar playing “top gun”, Marc has established himself as the go-to guitar guy for sessions and performances from California to the U.K. A 20+ year collaboration with singer and songwriting partner Eve Selis has yielded numerous award-winning songs, and sent Marc to shows across the U.S. as well as Europe.
He has performed with a wide variety of artists like Kenny Loggins, Kim Carnes, America, Suzy Bogguss, BJ. Thomas, Stephen Bishop, Billy Ray Cyrus, and many others. His guitar playing can be heard on numerous commercials and CD’s. Marc has also performed at the prestigious Abbey Road Studios in Studio 2 at the invitation of Bob Harris for the Cancer UK fundraiser.
His playing consistently receives critical acclaim, including a compliment from Stephen Stills after opening for CSN.
A note of interest: Marc was instrumental in discovering and identifying a guitar belonging to John Lennon, lost for over 50 years. It was purchased by his friend in 1969 in San Diego for $175 and sold at auction in 2015 for $2,400,000. Lennon wrote and recorded songs for the first two Beatles LP’s using this guitar (She Loves You, I Saw Her Standing There, This Boy, I Want To Hold Your Hand, From Me To You).
SHARON WHYTE
Sharon has been playing and singing professionally since 1986, backing artists such as Kenny Loggins, Eric Johnson, America, Kim Carnes, Juice Newton, BJ Thomas, Chris Hillman, Billy Ray Cyrus, Suzy Boggus, Dan Seals, Jamie O’Neil, Albert Lee, Ty Herndon, Collin Raye, Jordan Pruitt and others, as well as touring with original groups and playing corporate events throughout the US, UK and Canada.
With a background starting in classical piano, her teaching and playing styles encompass all music genres, from Celtic and Zydeco to Rock.
Long established as a go-to player for sessions and live performances, her studio credits include numerous CDs, movies, commercials, and compositions for music libraries. She was featured on the “Gypsy Swing Allstars” CD, featuring John Jorgenson (Hellecasters, Elton John). She also charted, transcribed and performed in “Primal Twang – The History of the Guitar,” featuring multiple world-class guitar greats, which won the Rome International Film Festival for best documentary.
Sharon also plays the accordion and challenges anyone to tell her an accordion joke she hasn’t already heard. The first one she heard? “Use the accordion, go to jail.”
LARRY GRANO
“Unlike most drummers that just lay down a groove...Larry has a great understanding of playing to the artist’s feel, lyrics and vocal melody. I don’t think there are any styles he can’t play. I would compare him with the great studio drummer Jim Keltner--this community is very lucky to have him.” -- Alan Sanderson (Grammy Award Winning Producer/Recording Engineer to The Rolling Stones, Burt Bacharach, Elton John)
San Diego has many top-notch musicians in its geographic boundaries, but few could match the schedule of drummer Larry Grano. A multiple threat, Grano is a mainstay of the San Diego music scene, a larger-than-life musician known for his percussive skills, soulful voice, and razor-sharp wit. Grano is responsible for laying down the rhythm at countless great nights of music in San Diego over the decades.
Though he is San Diego based, he travels the world touring and recording with artists and supports a vast array of musical styles and genres. Known for his precision and versatility, the artists that work with Larry know that his percussive contribution to their music takes it to a consistent pinnacle of artistic innovation.
RICK NASH “EL MAGNIFICO”
An unsung hero in the San Diego music scene, Rick Nash has been playing bass and backing a diverse roster of artists for over 40 years.
Hailing from Coronado, this graduate of BIT is a master of a wide range of music styles including jazz, rock, R&B, funk, blues, and country. He is equally at home in the studio or on stage.
Rick has toured extensively throughout the U.S., U.K. and Canada, backing artists as diverse as Chaka Khan, Art Neville, Albert Lee, Chris Isaak, Jimmy Vaughan, Sir Harry Bowens, Eddie Harris, Walter Trout, Jimmy Forrest (Night Train), as well as local artists, Eve Selis, The Soul Persuaders, and many others. He has also shared the stage with Crosby Stills and Nash, Edgar Winter, The Doobie Brothers, Bad Company, UB40, Southside Johnny & the Ashbury Jukes, Lee Ritenour and Michael Brecker.
Any musician who has the pleasure of playing with Rick will tell you, “This gig is gonna be a good one.”
THE SOUNDS OF LAUREL CANYON
THE SOUNDS OF LAUREL CANYON
Soundtrack of American Rock
Soundtrack of American Rock
ROBERT JOHN HUGHES - STORYTELLER
Robert is the voice behind the story. A veteran broadcaster, writer, musician, and record producer, he’s the on-stage narrator for Back to the Garden’s Story Concerts—live music experiences that blend unforgettable songs with the true tales behind them. Known to San Diegans from his years on 102.1 KPRI, Robert brings a deep love of music, a sharp ear for storytelling, and a radio man’s sense of timing to every show.
At the dawn of the 70’s, high above the glittering streets of Hollywood, community of musicians was crafting the sound of a generation. This Back
At the dawn of the 70’s, high above the glittering streets of community of musicians was crafting the sound of a generation.
Offstage, Hughes has produced studio sessions with legendary artists, created award-winning radio ad campaigns, and hosts the podcast The Magic Radio Box, which explores the intersection of memory, music, and meaning. Whether on mic or behind the scenes, he’s spent a lifetime helping audiences feel the power of a well-told story set to the perfect soundtrack.
To The Garden Story Concert celebrates the singer-songwriters and rock supergroups who emerged from this creative enclave, delivering the unforgettable soundtrack to lives everywhere. by: The Doors, Jackson Browne, The Eagles, Buffalo Springfield, James Taylor, America, Gram Parsons, Carole King, Neil Young, Lee Michaels, CSN, Mamas & Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, The Monkees, The Turtles, Three Dog Night, and more.
To The Garden Story Concert celebrates the singer-songwriters supergroups who emerged from this creative enclave, delivering unforgettable soundtrack to lives everywhere. songs by: The Doors, Jackson Browne, The Eagles, Buffalo Springfield, America, Gram Parsons, Carole King, Neil Young, Lee Michaels, CSN, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, The Monkees, The Turtles, Three Dog Night,
DANIELLE TUCKER – SPECIAL GUEST
Danielle Tucker is a Southern California–based vocalist known for her powerful voice, emotional honesty, and genre-fluid style, with roots in soul, pop, rock, country, and singer-songwriter music.
Danielle is a seasoned performer who’s spent years on stages across California as a lead vocalist and featured artist, and she’s also the founder of The Unstoppable Singer, where she coaches and mentors singers to build confident, sustainable careers in music.
What truly sets Danielle apart is her ability to connect— vocally, emotionally, and energetically—bringing intention, presence, and heart to every song.
Learn more at danielletucker.com.
CALMAN HART – SPECIAL GUEST
Calman was born at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Woods Cross City, Utah, on Christmas Eve. He began playing guitar and writing songs while still in high school, and worked through college playing in clubs across Wyoming, Utah, and Idaho, before finally putting down roots in San Diego.
There, in 1992, his first album “Red-Eyed & Blue” won him the Best New Artist honors at the San Diego Music Awards. His second album “Train in the Distance”, recorded with Bil Vorndick (producer of Alison Krauss’ grammy-winning “I’ve Got that Old Feeling”) and Nashville greats Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, David Grier and Roy Husky Jr., also met with critical success. In the mid-nineties, he fell in with the emerging San Diego coffee house scene, making the rounds with artists such as Jewel, Steve Poltz, Gregory Page, Dave Howard and John Katchur.
Learn more at berkleyhart.com.
THE SOUNDS OF LAUREL CANYON Soundtrack of American Rock
It was during this time that he met percussionist Jeff Berkley, whose djembe made a prominent appearance on Hart’s third album “The John Boy Drum” in 1998. Hart soon began gigging regularly with him. While writing together in the summer of 1999, the seeds for “Wreck N’ Sow” were planted, and the two officially joined forces as Berkley Hart. Their latest release “While The Night Is Still Young” recently won the SDMA for Best Americana Album.
At the dawn of the 70’s, high above the glittering streets community of musicians was crafting the sound of To The Garden Story Concert celebrates the singer-songwriters supergroups who emerged from this creative enclave, unforgettable soundtrack to lives everywhere.
Featuring songs by: The Doors, Jackson Browne, The Eagles, Buffalo Springfield, The Byrds, America, Gram Parsons, Carole King, Neil Young, Lee Michaels, Papas, Linda Ronstadt, Joni Mitchell, The Monkees, The Turtles, Three
