Legendary Singer Lionel Richie Brings the 80s Back to Life at Santa Clara University's Golden Circle Theatre Party
On January 24, 2026, renowned singer and songwriter Lionel Richie brought his signature blend of music, magic, and showmanship to the Center for the Performing Arts in San Jose. As part of Santa Clara University's 60th annual Golden Circle Theatre Party, Richie delivered a high-energy performance that had the sold-out crowd of 2,100 students, faculty, and staff singing, clapping, and dancing along to his hits.
The production featured state-of-the-art lighting, video screens, and even flame jets, which required a last-minute approval from the fire department. The result was an immersive experience that transported the audience back in time to the 1980s. Richie's setlist included crowd-pleasers like "All Night Long," "Hello," and "Dancing on the Ceiling."
Despite being 76 years young, Richie proved he's still got it with his boundless energy and charisma. During his banter with the audience, he acknowledged that some time had passed since his heyday in the 1970s and '80s but showed no signs of slowing down.
The event was a major highlight of Bronco Forward Night in downtown San Jose and raised significant funds for Santa Clara University. The university's president, Julie Sullivan, welcomed the crowd and led an onstage toast with past chairs of the Board of Fellows.
In other arts news, a new collaborative model taking shape in downtown San Jose is offering a potential solution to Silicon Valley's arts organizations' struggles with space. The Shared Arts Center on Sharks Way will provide rehearsal studios, conference rooms, offices, and a multipurpose maker space this summer. Ann Watts, executive director of the youth performing arts nonprofit Starting Arts, spearheaded the project, which she has been trying to bring to fruition for years.
The building is owned by Swenson, who initially saw the project as a business risk but was won over by Watts' passion and vision. "This shared model is a triumph," said SVCreates CEO Alexandra Urbanowski during a hard hat party at the space. "This is the way we overcome the challenges of real estate in our community."
On January 24, 2026, renowned singer and songwriter Lionel Richie brought his signature blend of music, magic, and showmanship to the Center for the Performing Arts in San Jose. As part of Santa Clara University's 60th annual Golden Circle Theatre Party, Richie delivered a high-energy performance that had the sold-out crowd of 2,100 students, faculty, and staff singing, clapping, and dancing along to his hits.
The production featured state-of-the-art lighting, video screens, and even flame jets, which required a last-minute approval from the fire department. The result was an immersive experience that transported the audience back in time to the 1980s. Richie's setlist included crowd-pleasers like "All Night Long," "Hello," and "Dancing on the Ceiling."
Despite being 76 years young, Richie proved he's still got it with his boundless energy and charisma. During his banter with the audience, he acknowledged that some time had passed since his heyday in the 1970s and '80s but showed no signs of slowing down.
The event was a major highlight of Bronco Forward Night in downtown San Jose and raised significant funds for Santa Clara University. The university's president, Julie Sullivan, welcomed the crowd and led an onstage toast with past chairs of the Board of Fellows.
In other arts news, a new collaborative model taking shape in downtown San Jose is offering a potential solution to Silicon Valley's arts organizations' struggles with space. The Shared Arts Center on Sharks Way will provide rehearsal studios, conference rooms, offices, and a multipurpose maker space this summer. Ann Watts, executive director of the youth performing arts nonprofit Starting Arts, spearheaded the project, which she has been trying to bring to fruition for years.
The building is owned by Swenson, who initially saw the project as a business risk but was won over by Watts' passion and vision. "This shared model is a triumph," said SVCreates CEO Alexandra Urbanowski during a hard hat party at the space. "This is the way we overcome the challenges of real estate in our community."
! I mean, the guy is 76 and still rocking like a pro 
. The whole production was so sick, with that fancy lighting and video screens – it felt like we were totally transported back in time 
. And can you believe he's still got the energy to do all those crazy dance moves? 
I'm not surprised, though - he's always been known for his charisma.
. It's awesome to see local arts orgs getting support from events like this. And on a smaller scale, that new Shared Arts Center project sounds amazing – it's like they're trying to solve the space problem in Silicon Valley 
. I'm all about supporting artists and creatives, so fingers crossed this thing takes off! 
, you know? His energy is infectious and I love how he brought that 80s vibe to Santa Clara University's Golden Circle Theatre Party. The production was top-notch with all the bells and whistles – literally, those flame jets were a highlight 
. And what's crazy is how some people are struggling with space in Silicon Valley, but this new Shared Arts Center seems like a game-changer. I mean, who wouldn't want to collaborate on creative projects? The fact that it was initially seen as a business risk just goes to show you need passionate visionaries like Ann Watts pushing boundaries 
.
I mean, he's still got that magic and energy at 76! 
Ann Watts did an amazing job leading the project, btw. She's been trying to make this happen for years! 
. I'm so stoked to see more initiatives like this popping up!
now its just fire safety protocols 
. his setlist was old school cool but i feel like they could've thrown in some more of 'Truly' or 'Running with the Night' to really get the party started