Jay Leno keeps Gallo Center crowd smiling

Central Valley fans got to see a man many welcomed into their living rooms every evening for decades for the first time in person Sunday as Jay Leno played the Gallo Center for the Arts.

The former longtime “Tonight Show” host opened the 2015-16 season for the downtown Modesto performing arts center with two sold-out shows Sunday. Without much fanfare, the affable white-haired comedian strode on stage and launched directly into a series of jokes, many based off the news much like his old late-night monologues.

“It’s tough getting old in a young business,” the 65-year-old told the packed crowd in the 1,250-seat Mary Stuart Rogers Theater. “When you work in a young business, you think you’re inspiring them, but they’re just laughing at you.”

Leno hosted “The Tonight Show” for 22 years, starting in 1992, and turned the late-night talk show into a continual ratings powerhouse. In 2009, he briefly stepped aside while short-lived successor Conan O’Brien took over. But then he was back again a year later and hosted for another four seasons before retiring in February 2014. Throughout his tenure behind the late-night desk, he continued doing regular stand-up shows.

Leno riffed on everything from his cars to cats and obesity to pornography during his 90-minute set. He also told stories from his childhood growing up with his Italian father and Scottish mother and made brief references to his more than two decades hosting in late night. During one segment, he stopped to ask audience members their professions, gently teasing some and deftly handling digressions by others.

One woman, who answered with a tangent about interracial marriage, prompted Leno to reference his Central Valley host by name.

“Look, I know Modesto might not be as hip as some other cities. But it sounds like you want to be the Rosa Parks of Modesto,” he joked.

The popular comic’s shows continued the center’s tradition of tapping high-profile entertainers to open each year. Past season starters have included Tony Bennett, Bernadette Peters and Steve Martin. But for many, the appearance by Leno solidified a shift in the center’s stature.

“We weren’t surprised they were able to book Leno,” said Manteca resident Karen Darbee, who attends events regularly at the venue. “The Gallo Center has gotten a lot of good people lately.”

Gallo Center CEO Lynn Dickerson thanked the crowd before the show. Last year was a record-breaking season for the venue. Earlier this year, Pollstar ranked the center among its Top 50 theaters worldwide for ticket sales. So far this season, sales are 28 percent ahead of the pace of last year, when tocket sales totaled $5 million by the end of the season.

“This is a very exciting day for us, the season opener for our ninth season,” Dickerson said. “I want to thank all of you for supporting us in the first eight seasons to become a great success. The Gallo Center has made this town a better place, and we couldn’t do it without you.”

Those who came to see Leno said they were thankful for the venue’s ability to draw renowned acts to the area.

“You can see all kinds of shows here without having to go into the city,” said Turlock resident Charlotte Dutra, who came with her husband. “I’m always looking for events to come here because it’s such a great venue.”

This story was originally published September 20, 2015 at 7:40 PM with the headline "Jay Leno keeps Gallo Center crowd smiling."