Clark Center for the Performing Arts — Attraction in Arroyo Grande

I am an AGHS alum, so I remember the days when the Clark Center was just a grove of pine trees and grass with a large wooden thermometer sign showing how much more money was needed before a professional performing arts center would materialize in that spot. When I returned to the area after college, a beautiful building was in fact there! And even more extraordinary is that it hosts more community and school events each year than ticketed shows.

That said, the staff at the Clark Center -- from the Executive Management, to the Marketing Department, from the Box Office to every single volunteer usher, valet and snack bar attendant, this 600 seat venue looks and feels like a major metropolitan performance house and attracts some fairly impressive names to boot!

Although not a Theater Professional, I am told that sound and lighting is also impressive given the size of the space. Some of my fav's have been Gloriana, Jack Ingram, The Great Big Sea, The Best of San Francisco Comedy Competition and Preservation Hall Jazz Band -- to name just a few.

If you haven't caught a show at The Clark Center for the Performing Arts, I strongly recommend that you add it to your "bucket list." It is an amazing theater attracting amazing shows for reasonable prices and hidden in sleepy Arroyo Grande. I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't returned to see it for myself!

In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit that I am a board member for the Association that manages the daily operations at the Clark Center. However the reason I am a board member is because of how the venue is run and the type of shows it attracts, considering the...

The "Clark Center" is one of those rare things in life in which a tremendously positive, mutual, long lasting relationship is formed. Though initially, such a condition is completely unexpected. Yet in retrospect. I can not be more pleased with the direction I'm presently looking towards. I have only kind words, high praise and a deep appreciation for the commitment, vision, leadership and the mutual nurturing of the tremendously healthy and strong continuously growing symbiotic relationship between the "Clark Center For The Performing Arts" and the Fantastic 5 Cities Community. Every " Clark Center" associate and volunteer. All the new as well as veteran patrons, leadership, season ticket holders and committed doners. You are all components of a very unique and potentially fragile formula that truly breathes life into this lovely crown jewel of not only the 5 Cities Community but the entire Central Coast... With that said. I Am Toasting Your Vision and Direction As Well As Earnest Growth For Decades To...

The Clark Center for the Performing Arts is a high quality performing arts theater in the charming community of Arroyo Grande. The theater holds 600+ and there are no bad seats. The floor is inclined so you can see over the individual in front of you. The lighting and sound systems are state-of-the-art. Parking is plentiful and close by.

We were there to enjoy the First Friday Live event with the James Way Band that always occurs, not surprisingly, on the first Friday of the month from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30. We enjoyed old church hymns, southern gospel and country standards, and some patriotic classics. It was the 4th of July weekend, after all. We even got to sing along a time or two. The James Way Band delivered their usual highly musical and very enjoyable entertainment. We had a great time and we recommended it for everyone....