‘Goodnight Moon’ pairs live music, planetarium projection in ‘unique’ Modesto show
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A program of live music and projection on screen is planned at the Great Valley Museum Planetarium. Other entertainment events set for the Modesto region from Feb. 7 to 13 bring music, comedy and more.
“Goodnight Moon”
Opera Modesto and the Great Valley Museum and Planetarium present “Goodnight Moon,” with soprano Emily Gallagher and pianist Andrew Pham “in an immersive musical experience,” according to a press release. It’s inspired “by the themes of night, dreams and the beloved imagery of the moon ....” The performance of classical and musical theater selections will be accompanied by a planetarium show created specifically for the program.
“Goodnight Moon is designed to be both accessible and inspiring. This concert blends beautiful music, storytelling, and full dome projection technology to create a unique experience ...” the release said.
VIP tickets include pre-concert wine and small bites and a post-concert artist reception with drinks and dessert.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Feb. 12
WHERE: Great Valley Museum and Planetarium, 2201 Blue Gum Ave., Modesto
TICKETS: $20 students, $30 general, $60 VIP
ONLINE: operamodesto.org
Sankofa Theatre
“Purlie Victorious” will be presented by Sankofa Theatre Company at the Gallo Center. It tells the story of traveling preacher Purlie Victorious Judson, who returns to his small Georgia town hoping to save the community’s church and to emancipate cotton pickers who work on an oppressive plantation.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Feb. 13, 2 p.m. Feb. 14-15
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $31-$51
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
MLK observance
Modesto Junior College’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. program, presented by the Modesto Peace/Life Center, returns. The keynote speaker will be Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of Malcolm X, who was 2 years old when her father was assassinated. Odessa Johnson, in absentia for health reasons, will receive the annual MLK Legacy Award. In 1962, she became the first Black teacher at Modesto High. She later became an MJC dean and board member for Modesto City Schools and the University of California.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Feb. 7
WHERE: Modesto Junior College east campus, 435 College Ave.
ADMISSION: Free
ONLINE: peacelifecenter.org
Modesto Symphony Orchestra
Two-time Latin Grammy winner and violinist Anne Akiko Meyers will be the featured performer for the Modesto Symphony Orchestra’s “Marquez’s Fandango & Scheherazade” production at the Gallo Center. She will perform “Marquez’s Fandango” before the MSO presents Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Scheherazade.”
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13-14
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $26-$100
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
“Great American Crooners”
Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents Great American Crooners brings its show to the Gallo Center. The performance focuses on famous crooners such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Bobby Darin. It features Robbie Lee, Shenel Johns and Benny Benack III.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 7
WHERE: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto
TICKETS: $35-$65
ONLINE: www.galloarts.org
Sheng Wang
Comedian Sheng Wang will bring his act to Turlock Community Theatre. Wang is also an actor and writer. His current stand-up comedy tour spans three years and eight countries. Wang’s first Netflix special, “Sweet & Juicy” in 2022, was produced and directed by Ali Wong. A new Netflix special filmed in November is set for release this year.
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 12
WHERE: Turlock Community Theatre, 1574 E. Canal Drive
TICKETS: $43-$57
ONLINE: www.turlocktheatre.org
“Redneck” comedy
Zach Rushing’s Redneck Logic Comedy Tour will play at Modesto’s State Theatre. Rushing “is a loudmouthed, bighearted storyteller who built his career on hard work, honesty and saying exactly what everyone else is thinking,” according to the theater’s website. He’s also founder of Triple B Outdoors, where he shares his passion for hunting, fishing and life in the outdoors. Limited tickets remained available.
WHEN: 7 p.m. Feb. 13
WHERE: State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto
TICKETS: $35-$60
ONLINE: www.thestate.org
This story was originally published February 4, 2026 at 6:00 AM with the headline "‘Goodnight Moon’ pairs live music, planetarium projection in ‘unique’ Modesto show."
