DOWNEY – The Downey Civic Theatre released its 2018-19 schedule Tuesday, highlighted by performances by English R&B star Billy Ocean, a Christmastime show by the Mariachi Divas, and a performance by the Villalobos Brothers.

Below is the full schedule, with show descriptions provided by the Downey Theatre. 

“Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical”
Saturday, Nov. 10, at 11 am and 2 pm
Sunday, Nov. 11, at 11 am and 2 pm

‘Tis the season for Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at the Downey Theatre. Rudolph returns, live on stage, for four November performances.

A beloved TV holiday classic, “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer” soars off the screen and onto the stage. Join us in celebrating Rudolph’s 50 years on television and come see all your favorite characters from the well-known tv special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in the all new musical. 

It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don’t miss this wonderful new holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us.

Mariachi Divas Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 15, at 8 pm

Directed and founded by trumpet player Cindy Shea in 1999, under the musical direction of Grammy Award-winning Alberto “Beto” Jimenez Maeda, the Mariachi Divas have made big waves on the national and international music scene. 

With two Grammy Awards, five Grammy nominations, and one Latin Grammy nomination, the Mariachi Divas are a unique, multicultural, all-female ensemble imbued with the true flavor of Los Angeles. 

The Divas’ discography includes nine albums released through Shea Records and East Side Records. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the founding of the Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea.

Hotel California - A Salute to the Eagles
Friday, Jan. 25, 2019 at 8 pm

This band, comprised of five respected, multi-talented top music industry professionals, presents a dynamic exciting show saluting the music of The Eagles, a super group whose music has proven to have a staying power that few bands lay claim to. Finally, audiences can once again experience the energy and magic of this timeless music.

This highly acclaimed presentation has a great reputation and excellent references. Hotel California has become one of the most sought-after acts in the world, with name recognition and true marquis value paralleling today’s modern recording artists.

Each concert presents an exciting showcase of The Eagles mega-hits such as “Take it Easy”, “Heartache Tonight”, and “Hotel California” as well as newer releases “Get Over It” and “Love will Keep Us Alive”. The group also performs select titles from the solo works of Don Henley, Glen Frey, and Joe Walsh.

This timeless music is appealing to audiences of all ages, bringing back memories and touching the hearts of every generation. So join us now on a trip down a dark desert highway, feel the cool wind in your hair, and experience the Grammy Award winning sounds that defined a generation.

The Villalobos Brothers with Flor de Toleache
Saturday, Feb. 2, at 8 pm

The Villalobos Brothers (Ernesto, Alberto and Luis) use their violins and voices to define contemporary Mexican music. Their original compositions masterfully blend elements of jazz, rock, classical and Mexican folk to deliver a powerful message of love, brotherhood and social justice. 

Artistic Director and guitarist Humberto Flores, drummer Rosa Ávila and bassist Leo Sherman complete the line-up.

The group’s virtuosic performances have delighted listeners from Latin America, India and Russia to Lincoln Center’s American Songbook, Carnegie Hall and the Latin Grammy Awards. Their work has been recognized by numerous awards including the Vox Populi Award by the Independent Music Awards and the Ultimate Winners in WNYC’s 2013 Battle of the Boroughs. 

In 2015, the group was chosen as Musical Artist in Residence for Lincoln Center Education, 92st Y, Latino Arts, and The New York Botanical Garden’s record-breaking exhibit “Frida Kahlo: Art, Garden, Life.”

Blue Oyster Cult
Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 8 pm

For over four decades, Blue Öyster Cult has been thrilling fans of intelligent hard rock worldwide with powerful albums loaded with classic songs. Indeed, the Long Island, NY based band is revered within the hard rock and heavy metal scene for its pioneering work. 

Blue Öyster Cult occupies a unique place in rock history because it’s one of very few hard rock/heavy metal bands to earn both genuine mainstream critical acclaim as well as commercial success. 

BÖC’s canon of hits include the truly haunting “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” from 1976’s Agents of Fortune, the pummeling “Godzilla” from 1977’s Spectres and the hypnotically melodic “Burnin’ for You” from 1981’s Fire of Unknown Origin. 

Other notable BÖC songs include “Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll,” “Then Came the Last Days of May,” “I Love the Night,” “In Thee,” “Veteran of the Psychic Wars,” “Dominance and Submission,” “Astronomy,” “Black Blade” and “Shooting Shark.”

Billy Ocean
Sunday, April 7, 2019 at 7 pm

Born in Trinidad, Billy Ocean settled in London’s East End when he was a seven-year-old calypso crazy kid. He soon got turned on to soul singers like Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, as well as pop groups like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. 

Billy Ocean went on to become the biggest black recording star Britain has ever produced, one who has sold over 30 million records in his lifetime. The million selling American No.1 single “Caribbean Queen” won Billy a Grammy for best R&B Vocal. It was followed by “Loverboy” and “Suddenly,” which became the first of Billy’s killer ballads. 

The album from which these singles came spent a year in the US charts selling double Platinum. More hits were to follow with the now classic “Get Outta My Dreams; Get Into My Car,” another US No. 1 hit, “When the Going Gets Tough,” “Love on Delivery,” “Stop Me,” and “Red Light Spells Danger.”

ASERE! Havana Cuba All-Stars
Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at 8 pm

ASERE! - A Fiesta Cubana features the Havana Cuba All-Stars - some of Cuba’s greatest musicians. With rhythms and melodies from the cha cha to the rumba, from “Son Cubano” style to the salsa, musicians and dancers showcase a wide variety of Cuban beats in a joyous spectacle. 

The group is inspired by and dedicated to promoting the entire tapestry of Cuban music through a fresh, contemporary lens. In their upcoming “Asere”- or “Friendship”- tour, the All-Stars will be backed by three of Cuba’s finest dancing couples. 

With the greatest dancers and musicians of Cuba working in tandem, the American encore of the Havana Cuba All-Stars’ tour will be a spirited spectacle of song and dance, exemplifying Cuba’s greatest musical traditions.

Los Chicos del 512 - Selena Tribute
Sunday, May 19, 2019 at 7 pm

It is a mind-blowing experience and the closest you can get to a live Selena concert. Simply, the best Selena tribute band out there. 

All of its band members have lived and played the remarkable music that Selena brought to us for at least 15 years. After living through her music, they wanted to have an opportunity to bring this incredible show to all of her fans. 

For the past two years, they have performed this amazing experience to Selena fans across the country. These musicians came together and orchestrated an extraordinary show that will have you back in 1995 within seconds of their first song. 

Los Chicos del 512 will bring to you the finest Selena tribute that you can possibly imagine. Now, get ready to sing, dance and relive Selena.