With so much happening in town this summer, there is something for every mood: Dance your way through June, improve calves & quads with local hikers, learn a new hobby or re-discover an old one, take in some music at a number of new venues or enjoy a free concert and movie with the family. Here’s a primer to get you connected to the goings-on around town that you won’t want to miss.
Music Scene
What could be better than relaxing on a warm summer evening, listening to music in a beautiful outdoor setting, perhaps with a glass of wine? The Spenger Garden Music Series is rapidly becoming a local favorite. From Bluegrass to Americana to West Coast Soul, this popular annual event at the Historical Museum’s enchanting Spenger Garden features a variety of performers. Doors open at 7:30pm; shows begin at 8pm. www.beniciahistoricalmuseum.org.
Guy Arrostuto and Friends
B3 Hammond Artistry
Saturday, June 12, 2010
The David Thom Band
Bluegrass
Saturday, July 10, 2010
Edna Love and The North Beach Brass Band
West Coast Soul
Saturday, August 14, 2010
The Elliot Randall Band
Alternative Country
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Mumbo Gumbo
Genre-bending Americana
Saturday, October 9, 2010
The Rellik Tavern
Along with cozy seating & specialty cocktails, Rellik has an almost daily lineup of events, making it a popular hangout for locals and out-of-towners alike. Live music and DJ’s, runway shows and movie nights are all part of the weekly mix.
www.therelliktavern.com.
Choices
Feel like dancing? Choices features live music every Friday and Saturday from 9:30pm-1:30am. Pop, R&B and Funk. www.myspace.com/choicesbenicia.
Upstairs at the Café
This is a low-key spot to have a meal and then meander upstairs for the music. It’s the perfect place to meet up with friends for conversation and soft guitar, R&B and other musical genres on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. www.firststreetcafe.com.
Outdoor Concerts & Movies in the Park
Grab your kids, your pillows, blankets, low chairs and a picnic dinner (but leave the pets at home) and take in a free concert and movie at the Gazebo in City Park. Put on by the City of Benicia Parks & Recreation department, the concerts start at 6:30pm and movies start at dusk with free popcorn. Fridays June 25, July 16 and
August 13.
The Union Hotel Restaurant & Bar
One of Benicia’s landmark eateries now serves up music on Thursday nights. Featuring local talent, it’s a fun spot to grab appetizers or an Italian meal while listening to a foot-tapping band.
Art Scene
Arts Benicia Gallery
991 Tyler Street, Benicia
Noon-5pm Thurs. – Sun.
www.artsbenicia.org.
Benicia Plein Air Gallery
307 First Street, Benicia
11am-5pm, Thurs. – Sun.
www.beniciapleinair.com.
Arts Benicia Presents
Rotating exhibits
Benicia Public Library and other locations around town
www.artsbenicia.org.
Viva Benicia: A Great Day by the Bay
Enjoy some weekend culture in Downtown Benicia while you shop with this celebration of local talent, featuring music, history, art and more. May – August, Noon-4pm. www.beniciamainstreet.org.
Learn & Grow
The City’s Parks and Community Services Department offers an impressive array of fun classes for all ages. Learn to cook or skateboard, get fit with Thai Chi, yoga or hula, summer day camps for kids, music lessons, gardening, crafting, and much more to keep you entertained. A few of our favorites:
For the Kids
Healthy Cooking with Kids
A multicultural nutrition education program
Ages 6-12
10am-noon, June 14 –18
Clocktower, 1189 Washington Street
A Lot of Art
An outdoor visual arts opportunity for children ages 5-12
June 29 – August 5, Tues, Wed or Thurs, mornings or afternoons
Topics include “All About Me,” “Making Music,” and ”Windy Wonders & Water Works.” Benicia Community Arts, 707.745.ARTS www.Beniciacommunityarts.org
Mad Science Camp
Crazy Chemworks: Five half-days of chemistry packed solid with cool reactions
August 2-6; M-F 9am-noon (ages 6-9); 1pm-4pm (ages 10-12). Clocktower, 1189 Washington Street.
Sewing for Beginners
Learn basic hand and machine techniques through projects you can take home.
See Parks and Community Services Activity Guide for dates and times or visit www.ci.benicia.ca.us. Senior Center, 1201 East 2nd Street.
For Adults
Line Dancing
Learn the latest line dances in a fun and relaxed atmosphere
Beginner 7-7:30pm Tuesdays (ongoing)
Intermediate 7:30-9pm Tuesdays (ongoing)
Benicia Day Hikers
Twice monthly Saturday hikes around the Bay Area; meet at the parking lot behind Benicia City Hall at 8:15am Saturday morning. Contact Bob Colby if interested in attending, 707.745.4661. www.beniciadayhikers.blogspot.com
Introduction to Mosiacs Weekend Workshop
Learn to create mosaic art!
Ages 13 – adult
9am-3pm Sat June 26 and 10am-noon Sun. June 27
Youth Center, Room C, 150 East K Street
Writing Science Fiction, Fantasy or Dark Fantasy
Learn how to develop ideas, setting, characters and plot, ages 16 and up. Call 707.746.4283 to add your name to the interest list.
Transform Your Inner Critic Into Your Best Friend
Attend this class and learn the transformational language to change your life, calling forth your own powerful Genie. Sat June 5, 1-4pm. Youth Center, Room C, 150 East K Street. Contact Val Logan, 707.642.3626. www.FulfillingRelationships.com
Your Path to Home Ownership
Want to buy a house, but don’t know where to start or if you have enough money?
Learn a different approach to home buying so you can become a homeowner. Contact Parks and Community Services for dates and times. Youth Center, 150 East K Street
Benicia Public Library Adult Book Clubs
Each month a new book is passed out and discussed. Come share your thoughts!
Check in at the Customer Service Desk or call Helaine Bowles, 707.746.4358. www.benicialibrary.org
Senior Center
187 East L Street, 707.745.1202
Craft Class
For the crafty and the not-so-much. Try a craft class every Thursday, 9:30-11:30am.
Zumba Gold Class
Dance, move, and have a good time! Designed for seniors of all levels, every Thursday at 1:30pm.
Tai Chi for Seniors
Learn to meditate in motion, Tuesday 1:30-2:30pm, Friday 9-10am.
Italian Class
Learn to speak Italian! Classes held in the craft room on Thursdays 1-2pm.
