Siesta Valley Bowl announced two new hires recently. David Lefkowitz, senior vice president of Talent at Blue Note Entertainment Group, will lead talent booking and programming, while Suman Chatterjee, former general manager of the SF Masonic, has been named general manager of the reimagined Siesta Valley Bowl which formerly housed the Orinda Shakespeare Festival.

    In a press release issued March 10, Michael Karp, president of Siesta Valley Bowl, Inc., announced that the new hires will “bring deep Bay Area entertainment industry expertise to Siesta Valley Bowl, combining Lefkowitz's talent buying relationships and programming vision with Chatterjee's proven venue operations leadership.” He added, “Together, they signal Siesta Valley Bowl's commitment to delivering world-class programming and exceptional guest experiences to the underserved East Bay market.”

    The appointment of Lefkowitz and Blue Note Entertainment represents a strategic alignment of talent-buying expertise with Siesta Valley Bowl’s unique venue proposition, according to Karp. Siesta Valley Bowl plans to present 75-100 performances annually in the 1,000-seat amphitheater, located in a forested area with stunning views of the surrounding hills. 

    Under Lefkowitz’s direction, performances will run from April through November, spanning rock, blues, jazz, funk, soul, bluegrass, country, Latin, classical, and pop music. The programming strategy emphasizes both nationally touring artists and top-tier Bay Area talent, creating a performance calendar that celebrates both local musical heritage and world-class touring acts.

    Karp says that Chatterjee brings extensive venue operations experience to Siesta Valley Bowl, most recently serving as General Manager of the SF Masonic, one of San Francisco's premier mid-sized concert venues. During his tenure at The Masonic, Chatterjee oversaw all aspects of venue operations for the 3,000-capacity landmark venue, managing everything from event logistics and guest services to staff coordination and facility operations.

    The venue’s incredibly scenic atmosphere, combined with premium sound quality, exceptional food and beverage options, and its secluded watershed location, creates an authentic and memorable experience that differentiates Siesta Valley Bowl from larger, less intimate venues in the region, Karp explained. Through an innovative public-private partnership with the Siesta Valley Foundation and the East Bay Municipal Utility District, the plan is to provide world-class entertainment as well environmental stewardship and community engagement.

    Located in Orinda, the amphitheater currently has a 1,000-seat capacity. Siesta Valley Bowl plans to expand to 2,000 seats, and offer premium food and beverage service. The venue is scheduled to open in spring or summer, 2026.

    According to Lefkowitz, “The Bay Area has always been one of the most important music markets in the country. There’s a sophistication and appreciation for live music here that’s unmatched. Siesta Valley Bowl gives us the opportunity to create something really special – an intimate venue with festival-quality production in one of the most beautiful natural settings you’ll find anywhere.”

    For more information, visit www.siestavalley.org