Paul Emery’s Nevada City LIVE! Launches with Four Nights of Comedy, Bluegrass, Songwriting, and Celtic Traditions at the Historic Nevada Theatre

Nevada City, CA — The curtain rises on the 2025 season of Nevada City LIVE! as concert producer Paul Emery brings an exciting mix of comedy, music, and cultural tradition to the historic Nevada Theatre. Kicking off Thursday, October 9 through Sunday, October 12, audiences are invited to experience four dynamic performances that highlight the diversity and creativity of Nevada County’s artistic community alongside some of the region’s most exciting emerging and veteran talent.

Thursday, October 9 | 7:30 PM

Laughter Shock Improv Troupe
Tickets: $20 General Admission | $25 Reserved Seating

The season opens with laughter—lots of it. Laughter Shock Improv Troupe, Nevada County’s brand-new multi-generational comedy ensemble, takes the stage for its debut performance. With performers ranging in age from their 20s to their 70s, the troupe combines fresh perspective with seasoned timing in a night of unscripted games and spontaneous storytelling. Audience participation fuels the fun as players such as John Paul, Kimberly Ewing, Lindsay Dunckel, Sandra Rockman, and more create scenes on the spot. Expect the unexpected—flying or flopping is all part of the joy.

Friday, October 10 | 7:30 PM

Broken Compass Bluegrass
Tickets: $25 General Admission | $35 Reserved Seating

Friday night belongs to the rising stars of the progressive acoustic scene: Broken Compass Bluegrass. Formed in 2021, the quartet—Kyle Ledson, Django Ruckrich, Mei Lin Heirendt, and Sam Jacobs—has quickly become one of California’s most talked-about string bands. Their youthful energy, instrumental mastery, and original songwriting have already landed them on major festival stages from High Sierra to WinterWonderGrass. With rich harmonies and a fearless blend of tradition and innovation, the group delivers a boot-stomping, heart-lifting performance that proves bluegrass is alive, evolving, and thriving in the hands of a new generation.

Saturday, October 11 | 7:30 PM

Tom MacDonald & Friends
Tickets: $20 General Admission | $30 Reserved Seating

On Saturday, veteran singer-songwriter Tom MacDonald takes the spotlight. With more than four decades of performing under his belt, MacDonald has shared stages with icons such as Crosby, Stills & Nash, David Lindley, and Maria Muldaur. His journey began in Brazil in the 1960s, where local rhythms first shaped his musical voice, and has since spanned folk, jazz, rock, and Americana. Known for his bold percussive guitar style and heartfelt songwriting, MacDonald will be joined by friends for an evening that celebrates music as “the universal language of the heart.”

Sunday, October 12 | 2:00 PM

The Exiles of Erin
Tickets: $20 General Admission | $30 Reserved Seating

The opening week concludes Sunday afternoon with The Exiles of Erin, a powerhouse Celtic ensemble assembled by Shawn Prescott for the 2025 KVMR Celtic Festival. Featuring Prescott alongside Guy Prudhomme, Shawn Prudhomme, Ethan Lewis, and Nick Morgan, the group blends flutes, fiddles, whistles, banjo, accordion, and rich vocals in a stirring exploration of Irish and Celtic tradition. All five musicians are longtime contributors to Northern California’s Celtic scene, with roots in legendary sessions and festivals across the region. Their performance at the Nevada Theatre promises a rousing finale to the series’ first week.

Now in its latest season, Nevada City LIVE! continues its tradition of presenting eclectic, high-quality entertainment that reflects the cultural richness of the Sierra Nevada foothills. Set in the historic Nevada Theatre—California’s oldest existing theatre building—the series offers an intimate and unforgettable venue to experience the arts.

Whether it’s unscripted comedy, cutting-edge bluegrass, soulful songwriting, or timeless Celtic music, the opening week of Nevada City LIVE! has something for everyone.