Listen & Be Heard Network Arts News

November 20 will be the Annual Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Under the direction of our BENICIA COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL many organizations in town contribute food and time to bring this annual free event together at the CLOCKTOWER. This dinner is open to all, not just the needy. So come and give thanks with your neighbors and feel what community is all about. The dinner begins at 6:00 PM. For more info email mfkellypoh@bencac.com .

November 19 the BENICIA HIGH SCHOOL PANTHER BAND will hold its Fall Concert at the HALEY HORN AUDITORIUM on campus. The program begins at 7:00 PM.

November 19 will be another of the popular Wine Wednesdays at THE FIRST STREET CAFÉ. Every wine in stock is ½ price.

Thursday, November 20 will be the next Benicia Community Blood Drive. Donors can show up at the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH on Southampton Road from 1-7 PM. All donors names will be put into a drawing for a gift certificate from PEDROTTI ACE HARDWARE. Sandwiches are provided by KAUFMAN CHIROPRACTIC OF BENICIA. Juice and other refreshments are available to donors. Donors must be 17 years old or more , in good health, and weigh at least 110 pounds. For more info call 428-6001.

Thursday, November 20 will be Karaoke Night with TJ at the UPSTAIRS venue at THE FIRST STREET CAFÉ. Your favorite DJ will be on hand with his huge collection of background music for an evening of fun. There is a 2 drink minimum for this event. The fun begins at 7:30 PM. Call 745-1400 for more info.

November 21 will be the “Willy Wonka Friday Night Supper Club Preview. Following performances of “Willy Wonka will be at the FETTERLY PLAYHOUSE . Evening performances will be December 5,6,12,13,19,and 20 with the curtain at 7:00 PM. Matinee s will be December 7,14,and 21 with the curtain at 2:00 PM. General Admission is $16 Fixed income and Military is $12 and Students are $8. Call 649-2787 for more info.

Friday, November 21 is yet another DOUG HOUSER night at the UPSTAIRS venue at THE FIRST STREET CAFÉ. Come and enjoy appetizers and desserts as Doug entertains. He takes the stage at 8:00 PM. No cover. Call 745-1400 for more info.

Saturday, November 22 DEBORAH KUHL will be joined by ARAM BOYD and his amazing electric space horn. The duo will be at the UPSTAIRS venue at THE FIRST STREET CAFÉ at 8:00 PM. No cover. Call 745-1400 for more info.

For the Month of November you are invited to join in the NOVEMBER STROLL on First Street. Before you hit the freeway and get trapped in Mall traffic. Take a stroll down First Street through December 4 and check out the delightful gifts our merchants have waiting for you. There are coupons in many local publications that you can fill out and if you make a purchase participating merchants will give you a ticket to enter a drawing for a $500 shopping spree with BENICIA DOWNTOWN DOLLARS. The drawing will be on December 5 and the winner will be contacted by phone or email.

Saturday, November 22 There will be a Pajama Party on First Street. Participating businesses will be opening at 7:00 AM and you are invited down to get the early-bird specials being offered and you don’t even have to get dressed. You are invited to show up in your jammies. Also if you wish to donate a pair of Pajamas THE BENICIA MAIN STREET PROGRAM will see that they get delivered to a women’s shelter. For more info call 745-9791.

November 22 you once again get a chance to see Benicia’s PEPINO D’AGOSTINO perform. He will be at the HALEY HORN AUDITORIUM at the BENICIA HIGH SCHOOL at 8:00 PM. The opening act will be DANIEL & ANTHONY LAVEZZO. This wonderful program is sponsored by the BENICIA PREFORMING ARTS FOUNDATION. Tickets are $20 in advance and $24 at the door. Student tickets are $15 and Children are $10. Tickets are available at ABC MUSIC and online at www.BeniciaPerfromingArts.org .

Starting November 21 Film Night returns to ARTS BENICIA. At 8:00 PM on Friday they will present “Manufactured Landscapes” a film by JENIFER BAICHWAL. This documentary on the world and work of renowned artist EDWARD BURTYNSKY makes large-scale quarries, recycling yards, factories, mines, dams, etc. appear stunning and beautiful. There was no mention of an admission fee in the release, but I am sure donations are welcomed. Call 747-0131 for more info.

November 21 the VALLEJO FRIDAY NIGHT SUPPER CLUB at the VALLEJO MUSIC THEATRE will host a program led by Choreographer/Director, JO NASH. Come and see the next generation of young performers strut their stuff. Tickets are $20 and include a dinner catered by BLAZING SADDLES BBQ. For more info call 649-2787.

November 22 GAYLA REITER and DR. WALTER SERNKIW will host a workshop on Reincarnation and Past Life Regression at SOLANO COMMUNITY COLLEGE at the Fairfield campus. The class will begin at 9:00 AM and run through 5:00 PM. Bring a pillow, blanket or pad, as well as a light bag lunch. You can register at 864-7115.

The Holiday candy is in at the BENICIA MAIN STREET SEE’S CANDIES STORE. These are great office gifts, secret pal gifts, customer appreciation gifts, or gifts to those who serve you throughout the year. Also don’t forget DOWNTOWN DOLLARS! They are now available in $20 and $5 certificates. Call 745-9791 for more info.

THE BENICIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE is holding it’s online auction right now. Go to www.beniciachamber.com/auction and you can print out a form with the rules and all items included. (Including new items added as the event goes on). Updates will also show the high bids. You can email, call or fax your bid in as long as it reaches the office by 5:00 PM on Monday, November 24. You can also offer a “Maximum Bid” and the staff will continue to keep bidding on your behalf until your Maximum is reached. For more info call 745-2120.

Through November 24 the BENICIA POLICE AND FIRE DEPARTMENTS will be having a coat drive. Coats are needed for adults and children and must be clean and in good condition. If you wish to donate drop them off at eh BENICIA POLICE DEPARTMENT on East L Street.

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).

November 29 and 30 THE BENICIA BALLET will present “The Nutcracker” at the HOGAN HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM. Saturday, November 29 the performances will be at 2:00 PM and 7:00 PM.. Sunday, November 30 the performance will be at 2:00 PM. Admission will be $20 for adults and $15 for Seniors and Students. Tickets are available at the BENICIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, SHIRACO’S, or at the Ballet School. The professional guest dancers will be DAVID FONNEGRA and CONSTANSE AN. For more info Ca;; 746-6757.

November 30 the CAMELLIA TEA ROOM and the BENICIA MAIN STREET PROGRAM will once again present the Annual Teddy Bear Tea Party. This is Christmas magic as costumed characters and story tellers delight. Bring your Teddy Bear to the tea. Admission is by pre-0paid reservations only. Call 746-5293 for info and to make that reservation. Don’t wait too long as this event always sells out.

November 30 the docents in historic attire will welcome you to the FISCHER-HANLON HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR. The lifestyle in Benicia in the 1880’s will come to life in this home restored to the appearance of that era. Tour times are 12:30, 1:30 and 3:00 PM. Admission to the Capital is $2 per adult. For more info call 745-3385.

While writing out your Holiday cards set one aside and address it to:

A Recovering American soildier

c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue, NW

Washington, D. C. 20307-5001

The BENICIA LIBRARY FOUNDATION has its 2009 Calendar on sale at the BENICIA PUBLIC LIBRARY. The Calendars are $10 each and with each purchase you get a chance to win a $20 Benicia Downtown Dollars Certificate which can be redeemed at many First street businesses.

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF BENICIA is looking for women they can help. The first is their VIOLET RICHARDSON AWARD. This is an award given to a young woman aged 14-17 who is striving to make the world a better place. They can do this by identifying a problem and working on a solution or she can demonstrate noteworthy volunteer accomplishments. Deadline for applicants for this award is December 1. Contact leslie.Sullivan@valero.com for more info.

The second is their WOMEN’S OPPORTUNITY AWARD. This goes to a single Woman who is the head of a household and has returned to school to better the life of her family. The deadline for this award is December 15. Call LESLIE SULLIVAN at 826-2005 for applications to both programs and further info.

Friday, December 5 the BRYAN GIRARD TRIO will perform at ARMANDO’S in Martinez at 8:00 PM. For more info call 510-517-7005.

December 5 The BENICIA STATE CAPITAL STATE PARK will hold an Open House from 6:00 -9:00 PM. There will be cookies and cider, a display of historical toys, musical instruments and books in the Gift Store. For more info call 745-3385.

THE FIRST STREET CAFÉ is taking reservations for its New Year’s Eve Party in its UPSTAIRS venue. Dinner will include appetizers, salad, entrees, dessert and two glasses of wine as well as a FSC surprise. There are only 40 reservations available and there will be an early bird discount. So call 745-1400 for more info.

Saturday, December 6 the 851 MUSIC STUDIO on First Street will present a Holiday Harp Concert at 3:00 PM. Admission will be free and the event is open to the public. Harpist,, CYNTHIA SCHULTZ will perform on both Pedal and Celtic Harps. She will also tell about her personal musical journey and entertain questions from the audience. Seating is limited. Call 747-0851 for more info.

Saturday, December 6 and 13 Saint Nicholas will be visiting at the BENICIA CAPITAL STATE HISTORIC PARK from 11:00 AM through 2:00 PM. Have Mom and Dad bring cameras to take photos. For more info call 745-3385.

December 7 at 2:00 PM the BENICIA BALLET will present its Annual Nutcracker Tea. Get out your Holiday attire and come enjoy tea and crumpets with your favorite Nutcracker Ballerina. Admission will include finger sandwiches, desserts, a picture with a Nutcracker Character and a Dance demonstration. The event will be at 938 Tyler Street Suite 204. Admission is $25, for more info call 746-6757.

December 7 will be the VALLEJO MUSIC THEATRE’S 23rd Sing-a-long Messiah. The event will take place at the FIRST COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH on Amador St. in Vallejo. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased at the VMT , online at www.vallejomusictheatre.org or at the door. For more info call 649-2787.

December 13 there will be a Victorian Ornament Workshop at the BENICIA CAPITAL STATE HISTORIC PARK. The workshop will run from 11:00 AM through 2:00 PM. Low cost kits will be available for nimble young hands. For more info call 745-3385.

Benicia will be getting its own RELAY FOR LIFE in 2009. The date has not yet been scheduled, but May or June are looking like possible dates. More info to follow as it becomes available.