Listen & Be Heard Network Arts News

The BENICIA HISTORICAL MUSEUM AT THE CAMEL BARNS is planning quite an event for September 6 and 7. The volunteers and staff have been working hard and they want to share the fruits of their labor with the community for whom they have put in these many hours. The H.L. HUNLEY will make a return visit to the museum. This is a replica of the actual Confederate Civil War Submarine. I saw the Hunley on its last visit and the ingenuity of the operating systems is remarkable. The Museum will also open Building 7 which will be dedicated at the SILAS P CASEY HALL which is dedicated to an industrial exhibit. You will also get to see the dedication of the new and beautiful PAUL AND CATHERINE SPENGER MEMORIAL GARDEN that stretches out behind STONE HALL. Tickets for this event are available at BOOKSHOP BENICIA, BENICIA MAIN STREET, online at www.beniciahistoricalmuseum.org or by phone at 745-5435.

Thursday, September 4 will present that dynamic Bluegrass Duo, KEITH LITTLE and JIM NUNALLY strumming and picking at the UPSTAIRS venue of THE FIRST STREET CAFÉ. They take the stage at 7:00 PM. No cover. Call 745-1140 for more info.

September 4 PAMELA ROSE makes a return appearance at THE SHORELINE RESTAURANT from 5-8 PM. This great lady and her swinging back up group are a favorite in many Bay Area venues. No cover. Call 745-3364 for more info.

September 5 the VALLEJO MUSIC THEATRE will present “An Evening With Buddy Nash”. Buddy was the winner of the VMT Best of the Bay Talent Search. Buddy is multi-talented, comes from a musical family, and has been performing from the age of three. For more info call 649-2787.

Friday, September 5 race fans in town for Sunday’s Cytomax bike race are welcomed to join locals on our First Friday on First Street. There will be live music, bike activities for kids of all ages, bike safety checks, BENICIA BIKE CLUB info, and the outdoor movie “Breaking Away” at dusk at the Gazebo in CITY PARK. Also there will be a Commercial Real Estate Open House at CORNISH & CAREY, COLDWELL BANKER, AROUND TOWN REALTY, REMAX GOLD, OLSEN REALTY and KEEGAN & COPPIN.

Friday, September 5 is another DOUG HOUSER Night at the UPSTAIRS venue of THE FIRST STREET CAFÉ. Come and see and enjoy the reason this talented teacher gets asked back again and again. He takes the stage at 8:00 PM. No cover. Call 745-1400 for more info.

September 5 from 600 PM ARTS BENICIA invites you to an Opening Reception of the work of JOSEPH MELE. The Opening will be at OLSEN REALTY on First Street.

September 5 & 6 will be the 8^th Annul Moonlight Film Festival at the BENICIA PUBLIC LIBRARY. Young Benicia film makers have been working all year to get ready for this event. Film makers aged 12-22 will compete for awards. The festival will entertain you for two evenings and then after the second evening the awards ceremony will take place. Admission is free. The festival begins at 7:00 PM each night.

September 5 and 6 the CARSON & BARNES CIRCUS will be at the Vallejo Service Club Park on the corner of Georgia Street and Mare Island Way. Saturday performances will be at 2:00 and 7:00 PM. Sunday performances will be at 1:30, 4:30, and 7:30 PM. Tickets are on sale at www.carsonbarnescircus.com .

THE CALIFORNIA MARITIME ACADEMY has filled out its Summertime at the Maritime Concert Series for 2008. The Series of FREE CONCERTS will continues with the next concert. September 6 DR. LOCO’S ROCKIN’ JALAPENO BAND will be opened by the RAYMOND VICTOR BAND. The series will end up on October 4 with CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE. It looks like quite a line up and some of these opening bands could well be headliners in their own right. All concerts are free and open to the public, but donations are welcomed. Bring lawn chairs, jackets, and a picnic dinner to enjoy as you sit on Morrow Cove watching the sun set over the Marin hills. Gates open at 5:00 PM. Opening Act starts at 6:00PM. Call 654-1550 for more info.

Saturday, September 6 will be another chance to catch SYRIA T BERRY as he brings his guitar talents, unique vocals and lots of fun to the UPSTAIRS venue at THE FRIST STREET CAFÉ. He takes the stage at 8:00 PM. No cover. Call 745-1400 for more info.

September 7 the Cytomax Benicia town Bicycle Race will take place. The race is sponsored by CYTOSPORT and KAISER PERMANENTE. Registration begins at 7:00 AM with the first race beginning at 8:00 AM. There will be eleven races in all each starting about 30-55 minut4es apart. Children are encouraged to enter at their skill level as well as races for adults. Pre-registration can be made at www.BikeReg.com . Pre-registration is $15 for Junior (15-18 and $25 for adults. Younger children race free. For more info you can go to www.beniciatownrace.com or call PETER VAN SLYKE at 332-5537.

Sunday September 7 the LATIN PERSPECTIVE will be performing at THE SHORELINE RESTAURANT. This will be a great way to relax after the Cytomax races or just a cool destination for your Sunday Stroll. They perform from 2-5 PM. No cover. Call 745-3364 for more info.

Sunday, September 7 you will get a chance to see THE BENICIA FIRE MUSEUM This local treasure is only open to the public on the first and third Sunday of the month. It is so worth working into your schedule. From the Phoenix (one of the first fire “engines” in California to different hoses and methods of firefighting through time. This fabulous collection sits on East Second Street. For more info call 745-1688 or go to www.beniciafiremuseum.com .

Sunday, September 7 the 24^th SOLANO ARTY AWARDS will be presented. At the FAIRFIELD CENTER FOR THE ARTS. Our own BENICIA OLD TOWN THEATREGROUP is nominated for 4 awards! The annual black tie and champagne event begins at 7:00 PM. Here’s wishing the BOTTG to break a leg (as they say in the business).

On September 12 the BENICIA SITER CITY delegation will be leaving for Tula, Hildago, Mexico. These 16 members will represent you at the Mexican Independence Day Celebration. They will also meet with dignitaries about the Ambulance recently sent to Tula to work as a mobile medical, dental and optometry clinic in the poorer areas in and around Tula. This month’s meeting was delayed one week and will be at ACITY HALL on Tuesday August 19 at 7:00 PM in the Commission Room where the trip will be discussed.

Beginning September 13 and running for seven Sundays, through October 25. Students will be cast in the VALLEJO MUSIC THEATRE will offer its Fall semester of its CONSERVACY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS . All students will be cast in the YOUNG AUDIENCE PRODUCTION of “Willy Wonka Junior”. Instructor JO NASH of Benicia will be emphasizing audition techniques. There will also be a puppet show by the MAGICAL MOONSHINE PUPPET COMPANY. The program works on developing acting skills, movement, singing properly , protecting young voices, and music reading. Class size is limited to 30 students. Children from grades 3 -6 are accepted into the program on a first-come first-served basis. For more info call 649-2787.

ARTS BENICIA, THE BENICIA-VALLEJO BRANCH OF THE AMERICAN ASSICIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN, and THE LEGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS will hold the 5^th Annual Creativity Symposium Sunday, September 14 at ARTS BENICIA. From 3-5 PM. “Creativity–Culture at the Crossroads of the Abstract and Concrete” will be the theme this year. Presenters include RUTH SAXTON, Professor of Literature at Mills College; KIM ANNO, Professor of Painting and Department Chair at California College of Art in Oakland; and MAESTRO DAVID RAMADANOFF, Conductor, of the Vallejo Symphony. The Symposium is open to the public with a suggested donation of $5.

September 15^th the VALLEJO MUSIC THEATRE will be holding its first ever Golf Tournament.. The event will be at the HIDDENBROOK GOLF COURSE. Proceeds will go toward the renovation of the old Post Office/Federal Building into a performing arts center. They have to do Earthquake retrofits before proceeding with other renovation plans. Fees are $140 per golfer or $540 per foursome and $45 if you just want to join them for dinner. Whether you golf or not you shall be treated royally for the event. The Guest Speaker for dinner will be WILL DURST. For more info call 649-2787.

September 18 from 1-7 PM will be the COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE held at the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH on Southampton Rd. All donors get a chance to win a gift certificate donated by PEDROTTI ACE HARDWARE and they will also get to enjoy sandwiches donated by KAUFMAN CHIROPRACTIC OF BENICIA. One gift can save many lives, so come and join the circle of heroes.

September 19 will be the “Pirates” Friday Night Supper Club Backer’s Night Preview. presented by the VALLEJO MUSIC THEATRE. These Friday night dinners include an evening of unique entertainment. This time guests will be given a preview of the upcoming “Pirates of Penzance”. For more info call 649-2787.

September 20 is CALIFORNIA COASTAL CLEAN UP DAY. No reservations are needed to volunteer at the following sites: East 5^th Marina Area, West H and West 3^rd cove, Turner Park on West 12^th Street, Park Road at Industrial Way, Benicia State Park, the foot of First Street, West 9^th Street beach, the Bordoni Access, and Braito–off Hastings near Solano. To volunteer in restricted area at Sulfur Springs Park you must be at least 16 and make a reservation to participate. For reservations or info call SUE ALFELD at 297-6620 or PETER FONG at 746-4337.

September 20 SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF BENICIA will present their Sixth Annual Fall Follies Community Talent Show. I didn’t realize what a wealth of talent this town has until these shows started. The theme this year is a 50’s 60’s review. For tickets email Carlagal@aol.com . I can’t wait to see what they’ve lined up for this year!

Saturday and Sunday, September 20 and 21 the BENICIA HIGH SCHOOL will be hosting a Free Electronic Waste Recycling event. So bring you outmoded equipment and discs. The collection site will be open from 9:00 AM through 3;00PM both days. Microwaves will be accepted for a $5 fee. Proceeds will go to BHS programs.

September 21 the PETALUMA POETRY WALK will feature MARTHA CINADER MIMS, CARL TRENT, and PAUL NEAL at 4:00 PM at the PHOENIX THEATRE. The 51^st Poetry Walk runs from 10:00 AM through 7:00 PM.

September 22 is the beginning of the 10-week Teen Rock Camp at ABC MUSIC. Class I runs from 4-5:30 PM and Class II runs from 7-8:30 PM. The camp is designed for young musicians who want to play in a rock band, but need experience playing with other musicians, how to solo, and reading charts. Students should have at least 6 months experience on their instrument.

September the Taste of First Street will be back. Last year this was a sell out event and was enjoyed by all participants. Between 6 and 9 PM ticket holders can go to participating restaurants to get a taste. Last year the restaurants were so generous I was full before I went to all the stops. But I thoroughly enjoyed each and every taste. Take it from me–get your tickets early at THE BENICIA MAIN STREET SEE’S CANDIES STORE in the Historic Southern Pacific Depot. For more info call 745-9791.

Starting on September 25 students from throughout the community are welcomed to become a part of the BENICIA CHOIR. Students in grades 2-8 are welcomed. The choir will focus on fun pop tunes and Broadway music. No prior singing experiences is necessary. The instructor is DON O’BRIEN . The Choir meets on Thursdays from 3:45 through 4:45 PM at the CLOCKTOWER. For more info call 746-4285.

The “Jokers of ACE “ was such a success last year that this Fall it is coming back to the HAYLEY HORN AUDITORIUM at the BENICIA HIGH SCHOOL. September 27 the series will kick off with DON FRIESEN , A TWO-TIME WINNER AT THE San Francisco International Comedy Competition. He will be joined by DAN ST. PAUL and proceeds will go to the Adult Literacy Program at the BENICIA PUBLIC LIBRARY. General admission is $20 for adults, $10 for Seniors and youths. There is also a season ticket for $50. Tickets are available at BOOKSHOP BENICIA or online at www.reddragonflyproductions.com

The ARTS BENICIA Auction is 16 this year so they are having a “Sweet Sixteen Auction and Benefit and Dessert Soiree”. The event will be September 27 from 7-11:30 PM. The event will be held at the Tyler Street ARTS BENICIA GALLERY. Music will be provided by DUO GADJO (Café jazz with a French twist). Their will be a preview and preview bidding from September 11-27 at the Gallery which is open Thursday through Sunday from Noon -5:00 PM. For more info call 747-0131.

September 27 SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF CENTRAL SOLANO COUNTY will be holding its 3^rd Annual “Denim ‘N Diamonds” Dinner and dance at the CORDELIA FIRE HALL on Cordelia Road in Fairfield. The event begins at 6:00 PM. Tickets are $55 each. Call Karen at 434-1136 for more info or go to www.sicentralsolano.org ‘

Getting a new cell phone? What do you plan to do with your old one? Two kids in Massachusetts started by raising money for a soldier they read about with a huge phone bill from calling home. CELL PHONES FOR SOLDIERS is now a 501c3 program that collects 15,000 phones each month. They sell the phones and use the money for phone cards for soldiers and their families so they can keep in touch. You can go on line and print out a pre paid shipping label to send in your old phone at www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com .

On the third Saturday of each month through November the Young Eagle Flight Program is available to youths aged 8-17. A group of generous volunteers take part in this FAA program at the NUT TREE AIRPORT. Flights begin at 7:30 AM and continue until everyone who registered has flown. At least one parent or guardian must be present and sign the registration form. For general information call GERALD GORDON (446-8532), DUKE SCHOELL (448-0604) or HOWARD GUNN (448-0589).

The SOLANO-NAPA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY can turn your unwanted vehicles into homes . No, people won’t be living in them, they will be sold to fund homes. To donate call 1-877-277-4344 or visit www.carsforhomes.org/ you can donate cars, trucks, boats, RV’s, Motorcycles, airplanes or other motorized vehicles. Be sure you say you want proceeds to go to the SOLANO-NAPA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY.

BRIDGING THE GAP will return for its 7^th year on Sunday, October 5. An application form is inside the back cover of the Fall 2008 BENICIA PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES Guide. You can also go online at www.ci.benicia.ca.us to find more forms, visit the department at CITY HALL or call 746-4285.

October 17 the BENICIA OLD TOWN THEATRE GROUP will present “ Bottoms Up”. The play takes place in the Hotel Grande on the Caribbean Island of Santa Pequena. This is actually the second time the BOTTG has produced this play Performances will continue through November 8. Tickets are available for “Will Call” at www.beniciaoldtowntheatregroup.com . For info call 746-1269.