Benicia Magazine July 2013

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Celebrating our 8th Year Editor Jeanne Steinmann

Benicia Graphic Design Margaret Bowles

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Benicia Contributors Diane Gardner Rhonda Lucile Hicks Eric Hogland Christina Strawbridge Sue Sumner-Moore

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Benicia Magazine is published monthly by Polygon Publishing, LLC Copyright © 2013, all rights reserved. Contents of Benicia Magazine cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed in Benicia Magazine editorial or advertisements are those of the authors and advertisers, and may not reflect the opinion of Benicia Magazine’s management or publisher.

Subscriptions $18.00 per year. Benicia Magazine, P.O. Box 296, Benicia, CA 94510. 707.853.5226, beniciamagazine.com.

What makes a printing process Green?

Our printer incorporates many green practices far beyond state and federal guidelines. Sustainability in the pressroom includes:

“I will get to know you as a person.”

— Vegetable & soy inks — 100% paper waste recycled — Energy positive emissions systems — A plate-making system that virtually eliminates all chemicals

In-office Green Practices We walk, bike or drive a hybrid vehicle to get to work and around town.

Paper waste is either recycled or cut up and reused as scrap paper. Envelopes and other business supplies are reused.

Electronic devices are turned off at night and we use fluorescent light bulbs.

BeniciaMagazine.com • 7

Benicia Magazine JULY VOLUME 8 ISSUE 9

Features

14 Cutting-edge gardens and more at Cornerstone Sonoma

16 C ommunity Park—

Benicia’s family gathering spot

18 A museum with a history of its own

Departments 10

From the Editor

12 C urrents

High demand, low inventory makes patience a virtue

24 26

Home is where the boat is I nterview with Renee Stewart Community volunteer, professional belly dancer F ashionista Paris gets a dose of American culture

28 L istening

Featured musician Mary Jenson

28

Live music calendar

30 Calendar of Events

Cover photo by Jerry Bowles Photo this page by Margaret Bowles 8 • Benicia Magazine

Presented by

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 9

From the Editor – July

Photo by Lisa Duncan

Tweet, post or send your suggestions & ideas to: editor@beniciamagazine.com www.beniciamagazine.com

Summer officially rolls out its welcome mat June 21 and the season will be underway. As I write, it seems to have come early—temperatures are screaming northward, just in time for the weekend and Benicia High School graduation, and the June gloom is history. At least for the next few days—there’s never a discernable weather pattern here. It’s one of the many things I love about Benicia.

Traditionally, I’ve always liked the fall best, but I’m learning to embrace summer for the longer days and fun events. I suppose it’s a holdover from moving around the country so much in early childhood, summer for me is always a time of yearning: to travel, explore and seek new adventures. Fortunately, in July there are two big events to enjoy right here in town—the July 3rd and 4th parade and fireworks celebration, and the Waterfront Festival, which returns July 27, both produced by Benicia Main Street. It’s also my birthday month, and being a Cancer, in summer I’m drawn to the beach.

Although I do love the one right here in town near my home, an exotic, foreign beach sounds nice. But this year as we contemplate home renovations, the mundane realities of budget and work schedules dictate an in-state vacay. As a native of our fair state—and I’ve lived up and down its length—I’m amazed at how much I’ve yet to experience. According to the World Travel Association, California has approximately 6.5 million visitors each year; visitcalifornia.com pegs California 2012 tourism spending at $106.4 billion. So with a California dreamin’ spirit and high expectations, Mike and I will play tourists and fly to San Diego for a five day stay at the Del Coronado, then hop onboard Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner north to San Luis Obispo. From the station we’ll cab down to a Pismo Beach oceanfront condo for four more days. Back on Amtrak’s Coast Starlight, we’ll end our journey in Martinez. Details of our trip will be featured in next month’s issue.

If you are in town, what better way to have a family day than at Benicia’s remarkable Community Park, a place of beauty where there’s truly something for everyone, even if it’s just sitting on a bench reading a book? In this issue we highlight the variety of reasons it’s a great spot to while away the hours and enjoy summer’s lighter pace.

For another family-friendly adventure right here in town, read our story in this issue about the Benicia Historical Museum, and plan a visit. We are so lucky to have such a treasure trove of exhibits that archive our town’s storied past, and the national significance of Benicia’s early days.

As an out-of-town alternative, check out our feature on Cornerstone Sonoma, another fun place to explore. If you leave early enough (before 10am) to clear the traffic heading northwest, you can be there in under 45 minutes. The gardens are definitely an outside-the-box experience with their sophisticated designs. You can also peruse the shops and do lunch in high European style, then head up to the square in downtown Sonoma, just minutes away.

What are you doing this summer? Send us a short description of your daycation, staycation or full-on vacation with a photo for the September issue to manager@beniciamagazine.com.

Happy travels,

Jeanne Steinmann 10 • Benicia Magazine

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 11

High Demand, Low Inventory Makes Patience a Virtue

By Eric Hoglund, Estey Real Estate In my opinion there are three contributing factors to the low homes sales inventory: 1.

Banks are holding on to inventory and piecing properties out slowly, or selling property off in bulk to investment companies who plan to lease them for a while, and turn them for a profit in a few years.

2. Sellers want to sell, but have no confidence that they will find another place to live.

3. T he market is still rising and because some sellers are on the verge of breaking even, or even making a bit of money on their house, they are waiting until they hit “their number.”

Factor number one needs little explanation. Banks learned their lesson years ago when they foreclosed on too many homes at the same time, flooding the market.

There is very little data on mass property purchases by outside investors in the Benicia Area; this is much more prevalent in areas harder hit by the bubble.

Factors number two and three combine to account for the lack of inventory here in Benicia. We are in a rare situation where there are very few properties for sale, while at the same time very few properties for rent. This is a direct result of factor number two. Sellers, who would immediately purchase another home, are now forced to rent until they can find another home that meets their needs. Those who had a short sale or foreclosure will need to rent for a longer period of time until they can qualify to purchase again.

At the time I am writing this article, the total number of single family homes and condos on the market in Benicia is 96, out of 11,000 households. Of those 96, only 23 are active and not currently in escrow with an accepted offer.

To further break down the 23, only 3 of these units are condos. The average list price is $470,422 and the average square footage is 2003, making the average price per square foot $252.

Please understand this is just a snapshot in time, but from a buyer’s prospective there is not much to choose from, prices are climbing, and nearly every listing will have multiple purchase offers. Great if you are selling the home, but if you don’t already have a place to move to before you list and sell your property, these factors can paralyze you and potentially keep you from listing your home at all …and the circle continues.

The key to making it through this, or any real estate market, is patience. I am a firm believer that in this circumstance, you will have trouble, but in the end good will come from it. Ultimately, this is a pretty good problem to have—everyone seems to want to live in Benicia. B 12 • Benicia Magazine Currents

Home

IS WHERE THE BOAT IS

No ka 'oi, owned by Mike Corcoran Photos by Jerry Bowles

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• Purchase/Refinance • Conventional, FHA, VA, 203 K Rehab • Reverse Mortgages for Seniors • Native American Home Loans Benicia’s neighborhoods each have their own personality, but there’s one that is truly unique. Most of us don’t think about the Benicia Marina as a neighborhood, but 25 of its boats are home to long-term “liveaboards.”

The total slip capacity at the Benicia Marina is 320, 10% of which are available for residential living. There are laundry facilities, showers, restrooms, parking and daily mail delivery.

Boats range in size from 25–77 feet.

Our marina has some distinct advantages that makes the floating home idea even more attractive—location, for example.

Within easy walking distance to downtown, shopping, dining and services are steps away. There’s certainly a romance factor for this unique style of home, but what’s it really like living on a boat?

Benicia Marina resident Mary Kelly points out that living onboard is perfect for her and her husband, but not for everyone.

“We love Benicia Marina, It’s clean, quiet and well-run. But you have to be more alert to maintenance issues on a boat, and a smaller living space means you must be a minimalist. Everything here has a function and a purpose. You become very inventive.

There’s a reduced range of what you can cook in a boat kitchen; we eat out often. We check out books at the library. But the river is very interesting, there’s always something going on.” B

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CORNERSTONE SONOMA

Wows With Every Visit

If, over the past ten years or so, you’ve managed to miss Cornerstone Sonoma, you’ll be surprised when you go that you didn’t know about it sooner. Marked by the icons of a “flying” picket fence and immense blue Adirondack-style chair, it’s otherwise easy to miss. Imagine visiting an outdoor art gallery, but instead of paintings, there’s a display of unique, thought-provoking gardens. Not your typical backyard gardens, but creative, cutting edge, ever-changing spaces that run the gamut from the somber to the whimsical. Tucked away on a quiet corner off Highway 121 (across from Gloria Ferrer Winery) is an attractive combination of the gardens, an event venue, retail shops, wine tasting, food, a visitors center and even a bocce court, spread out over nine acres.

For starters, the gardens alone are worth the 45-minute drive (across Highway 37, then right on Highway 121) into southern Sonoma. There are 20 unique gardens created by acclaimed landscape architects from around the world. Going far beyond understanding the garden as merely a lovely place to sit, look at or grow flowers or food, these designs invite you to walk through and ponder the range of creative possibilities for reimagining a garden’s purpose. Collectively, the Cornerstone gardens are a blending of art and landscape, beauty and functionality, symmetry and pattern, light and shadow, playfulness and solemnity, ecosystems and permaculture, reinterpretation and resourcefulness. If you take the time to immerse yourself and read the architect bios, the family-friendly spaces could easily encompass an hour or more of your time.

If you get hungry perusing, you can have a fine meal at a reasonable price at Park 21 café, grill and market. Owned by talented chef Bruce Riezenman, the café offers indoor and courtyard seating, or you can assemble a picnic for take-out. The food showcases the best of Sonoma, utilizing what’s seasonably fresh. Don’t let the casual atmosphere fool you—this is farm-to-table eating at its best. The menu features small and shared plates, soup and salads, sandwiches, warm plates and pasta. Try the Hobbs Salumi sandwich with fresh mozzarella and roasted red peppers on a brioche bun with tomato, cracked black pepper, olive oil & balsamic vinegar, $10.95; or the personal frittata made to order with two eggs, cheese and fresh local vegetables, $10.95. Riezenman is known for his expertise in food and wine pairings, and you can enjoy his selections of nearby Carneros wines by the bottle or by the glass.

Each of Cornerstone’s elements are worth a visit in their own right, but it’s also a beautiful, relaxing place to spend a few hours as a destination—meandering through the independently owned and operated retail shops and galleries; sitting in the shade of an olive grove with a cappuccino, meal and/or glass of wine; perusing the gardens; sampling area wines in the tasting rooms—it isn’t hard to imagine that you’ve been magically transported to Europe.

Cornerstone Sonoma: 23570 Highway 121, 707.933.3010; cornerstonegardens.com B

14 • Benicia Magazine

Photos by Margaret Bowles

BeniciaMagazine.com • 15

BENICIA C O M M U N I T Y PA R K

Award-winning Park lives up to its Name

16 • Benicia Magazine

On any given day, you can experience the smell of barbeques and fresh-mown grass, the laughter of children, roar of skateboards, a parent’s cheer for a child’s first at-bat and the smile of a stranger who might become a lifelong friend. It’s the joy of Benicia’s Community Park, and why, for many, the park is not only the perfect place for year-round fun, but also an ideal venue in which to build community.

The 50-acre, award-winning facility offers an extensive array of activities to suit anyone’s style. Rick Knight, the City’s Parks and Recreation Superintendent, says that the soccer and baseball fields are very busy with league games and tournaments. In 2012, over 11,000 soccer players and 400-500 baseball players used the fields. Then there’s the 2,000-square foot X-Park. A recent sunny afternoon found several skaters performing tricks, even midweek, and sharing their passion for extreme sports. An in-line hockey arena awaits those wanting something a bit more competitive; and there’s even a disc golf course, although fewer people have

Il lustr ation

by M arga ret B

owle s

discovered that gem. The park’s two playgrounds provide classic options for parents and children to gather—one for children two to five, the other for those slightly older, from five to 12. The park also boasts 56 picnic tables that can be reserved for groups and activities.

Loree Tackmier, a preschool teacher, brought her class here for an end-of-the-year celebration, as they’ve done for the past thirteen years. “The children can get their energy out. They get to play and have a good time.” Even our four-footed friends can enjoy the park—the enclosed dog park is just about the only public place a dog can legally be off leash in town. For quieter fare, walking, biking, hiking and running trails surround the park. According to Knight, all of these activities build a sense of community. “The park is a great place to get out and see your neighbors.”

For more info or to reserve picnic areas, visit ci.benicia.ca.us. B

The

Founding of a Nation,

the

Preservation of a City

By Diane Gardner The Fourth of July fireworks that light up the Benicia waterfront illuminate a city steeped in our nation’s history—a community whose own founding is worth celebrating. Yet many Benicians remain unaware of the role our city played in our state and nation’s development. There’s a place with its own storied past that carefully preserves Benicia’s history, one that inspires pride and offers a fascinating expedition into our earliest days—the Benicia Historical Museum.

This local gem serves

as a repository for historical documents and artifacts and provides a place to learn about the local area. Elizabeth d’Huart, executive director of the museum, believes everyone should understand their community’s history. “Benicia and its residents can be proud of our place in history, and learn important lessons from the past, which shapes who we are and what we do today,” she explains.

With this in mind, the museum’s collections include private journals, letters, business records, deeds, maps, military writs, photographs, telegrams, newspapers, craftsman’s tools, home goods and more.

In fact, the museum holds over 20,000 artifacts.

The museum’s buildings are themselves

historic. They are designated a California Historical Landmark and are part of the National Trust of Historic Places. The main building, the Camel Barn, tells Benicia’s story as a whole. Its wooden stairs and bright stained-glass window lead to maps, documents, artifacts, and interactive displays that draw visitors back through time. The old powder magazine, a stone structure with cathedral-like arches, explains the military history of the area. And the third building serves as administrative offices.

Historic on the outside, the museum’s most important function happens inside, behind the scenes. Staff and volunteers carefully document and preserve photos, documents, and other physical artifacts.

All are carefully archived. For example, says d’Huart, the museum recently received over 800 photographic glass plates from the early 1900s. Each one must be preserved, photographed, and archived.

After processing, such items are stored for future reference.

In the midst of preserving the artifacts, the museum receives over ten research requests a week. In fact, they have handled over 2,500 research assists since 1987. Requests might be to review a bill of lading from a ship that docked in the 1800s or to help identify someone in an old photograph. As with other museums, people cannot search through its fragile artifacts themselves. However, trained staff members gladly do everything they reasonably can to fulfill each request. B

Photo above: July 4 Parade, First Street, circa early 1900's. Courtesy of Benicia Historical Museum Photos left by Jerry Bowles 18 • Benicia Magazine

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 19

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A. Judith Judson, 310 Military West ST JS B. S. Thompson, Farmers Ins., 310 Military West, Ste. D T. C. Julie Parsons Certified Massage, 310 Military West, Ste. A 2 EA ST 1. Tosch Dental, 118 West K Street JS 3 WE T. 2. Estey Real Estate, 935 First Street ST 4 IS 3. Adobe 2nd Chance Thrift Store, 929 First Street T. 4. Nine O Seven Grill, 907 First Street 26 EA 5. Benicia Floral and Gifts, 838 First Street 5 ST I S W T. E ST 6. Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street 6 H S 7. Bookshop Benicia, 636 First Street T. 8. State Farm Insurance, 560 First St., Ste. C103 EA Be ST 9. Rellik Tavern, 726 First Street C ni H W apit cia 28 ST ES o 10. Studio 41, 700 First Street .

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10 12. Fiber-Frolics, 637 First Street 12 Ch Co amb EA 29 14. Lindsay Art Glass, 109 East F Street mm er ST of G 11 e r 15 WE ce ST 15. Advanced Mortgage SVF, 615 First Street .

ST 7 F 16 16. Benicia Magazine Studio & Store, 611 First Street ST .

14 17. Reconnective Healing, 555 First Street EA 18. Charlie’s Attic, 519 & 523 First Street ST 17 FS WE 19. Dudikoff Insurance, 159 East D Street T. 8 ST 18 ES 20. Fabulous Finds, 129 First Street T. 21. Christina S Fashion Destination, 370 First Street EA 22. Sailor Jacks Restaurant, 123 First Street ST ES 23. Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street T. 24. Dr. Tom Campbell, 164 East H Street 26. Kryss's Pathways to Healing, 841 First Street WE EA 27. Benicia Kite and Paddle Sports, 238 First Street ST ST CS DS 19 21 T. 28. Wildflower Skin Care, 835 East Second Street T. 29. Gallery 621, 621 First Street

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To find out more call Dale Thorne, 707.745.4852 or Charles Kibby, 707.746.6054

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A. Buck Factory Outlet, 4680 E. 2nd Street B. Affordable Quality Cabinets, 4852 E. 2nd Street C. Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road D. Capitol Glass Co., Inc. 5000 E. 2nd St. Ste. H 1. Rosie's Cafe, 3001 Bayshore Road 2. Fat Shafts Archery, 3001 Bayshore Road #9 3. Gizzi & Reep, 940 Adams Street, Ste. A 4. Avanti Photography, 932 Grant Street 5. MC2Golf, 960 Grant Street, Ste. A 6. IronHorse Home Furnishings, 990 Grant Street 8. Rags to Riches, 946 Tyler, Ste. C 9. Marleen's Yoga, 938 Tyler St., Studio 204 10. 851 Music Studio, 1043 Grant Street

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BeniciaMagazine.com • 23

Renee Stewart

Interview with

Her hands dancing as she speaks, Renee Stewart describes the road trip that brought her and her family from Illinois to Benicia.

“We drove five days with a dog and a sick cat and a 2-year-old,” she says, laughing at the memory while her hands dip and glide expressively.

“We just had a lot of fun.”

Fun is the operative word in Renee’s life. Whether working to support school band programs, serving on the board of the Children’s Music and Arts Foundation and the city Tourism Committee, or learning a new belly dancing routine, Renee is laughing and raising the energy level in whatever room she finds herself.

Renee, 47, happily admits she has done a number of quirky things in her life. She was a dancing assistant for a magician who choreographed his illusion-filled show. She completed Outward Bound training and took special education students camping in tents in January in Illinois.

She appeared in television commercials on behalf of the California Teachers Association. She even marched in a kazoo band for a Fourth of July parade in Evanston, Ill. “That was one of the silliest things I’ve ever done in my life,” she says.

“I did it so I could tell my grandkids that I once marched in a kazoo band.

It was intense choreography and we worked really hard to learn it all.”

Renee’s husband, Andre, serves on the Benicia school board. Together they have two sons, one in high school and one in middle school. She was a special education teacher in the Chicago area for 10 years before her oldest son was born. She started belly dancing shortly after arriving in Benicia in November 1999.

Do you have a favorite memory from belly dancing?

By Sue Sumner-Moore Photo by Malcolm Slight

When did you begin belly dancing?

There are so many. One of my favorites is when we get to work with the kids. …Recently we were working at Robert Semple in the special ed classroom. That was the best. It took me back to the days when I taught, when we used every trick in the book to reach kids.

I love performing, but when we work with kids, there’s a bigger thrill.

We get to wow them with the bling. Even the boys love it because we bring in drums and finger cymbals. It’s fun to work here in Benicia, because, with our arts community, people here get the importance of the arts.

Just a few weeks after we moved, we were at the holiday parade and there’s a float with belly dancers. I saw a woman balancing a sword on her head while riding on a flat-bed truck going down a main street in a small town, and I thought, ‘I want to do that.’

I called the name on the float, Loa Kirkbride, who offers classes through Parks and Rec. Then I joined Sirens In Sanity, where I met Chari Garrett. … Chari now operates Grateful Siren Belly Fusion, and I am in the dance troupe and dance company. I go two to three times a week, but that doesn’t include private lessons. I do those, too. It’s really fun.

You still love it after 13 years of dancing?

What makes belly dancing fun for you?

What advice do you have for someone who wants to start belly dancing?

What I love about dancing with Chari is that I can fuse all the dance I’ve had—a little bit of ballet, some jazz, some modern dance—with belly dancing. We don’t want to fit into any one category. Everything can come in. We’re not just learning belly dancing, but classic ballet forms and other types of dance. I come out of there knowing I can call myself a dancer.

For a middle-aged woman, it’s satisfying to know you can go out and dance correctly.

Where does the group perform?

We perform at festivals and events. We did Rakkasah West in Richmond in March. Thousands of people come from all over the world to perform at this.

We’ve danced at the Solano County Fair, Taste of Petaluma, and we just did the Tribal Fest. We’ve danced in every situation. I’ve danced in restaurants, I’ve danced on stage, I’ve danced in classrooms, I’ve danced at parties.

24 • Benicia Magazine Interview

I haven’t done it continuously for 13 years. I ended up having to take a break from belly dancing for a year. In February 2012 I had a massive pulmonary embolism. I had a pain in my lower right chest; I thought I pulled a muscle.

Twenty-one vials of blood later, they found out I have a genetic blood disorder. I spent three days in the hospital and I’m on Coumadin now. I’ll be on Grandpa medicine for the rest of my life.

I just came back to the dance company a few months ago.

Come on out! The great thing is you can start from wherever you are in life—we’ve had women come from all different places in life, with different injuries. Your body can do more than you think.

There are no judgments in belly dancing. We’re a sisterhood. We’re all different-sized women. You don’t have to be this tiny, little-bitty thing, you don’t have to be 18. You’re never too old to go—Cheri’s a grandma. And there are guys in belly dancing.

The movements are more natural than you think they are. It doesn’t matter what dance background you have or even if you have none at all.

It’s just a fun way to dance, just a fun way to stay fit.

Plus you get to dress up. Every week I get to dress up and try different kinds of makeup. We can bejewel our hair, wear jewelry you wouldn’t normally wear to the grocery store. I’ve gone to the grocery store after belly dancing, but I try to put on a caftan over my clothes. But I still have the makeup and jewelry. The best is seeing a belly dancer at the gas station, pumping gas. That’s a vision. B

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Have the French become

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26 • Benicia Magazine Fashionista

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1. Tennis shoes from Nike and Keds are being worn by Parisians (not just tourists), in bright colors and metallic, wedged high-top sneakers.

2. Starbucks has infiltrated the corner cafés on the major boulevards.

Mon Dieu!

3. American designers such as Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors and Donna Karan are now located in the exclusive shopping districts like Avenue Montaigne, Boulevard St. Germaine and Saint-Honoré.

San Francisco-based Levi’s is among the many retailers doing business on the Champs-Élysées.

4. Ball caps with American professional sports logos have replaced the beret as preferred headgear for the French.

5. Much like Benicia, strollers and babies are everywhere.

6. Breakfast in America, a new restaurant in the 4th Arrondissement, has a traditional diner look and sports one of the best breakfasts in the city. The restaurant is also known for its famous super B.I.A. burger—a tower of beef patty, grilled onions, cheddar cheese, peppers, BBQ sauce and bacon.

7. Paris has its first gourmet food truck, Le Camion Qui Fume, and the locals have caught on to this newest dining trend from the states. California chef Kristen Frederick has developed a menu of freshly made burgers using real cheddar and buns from a Parisian baker. Patrons can follow the truck on any street on a given day by checking its website, lecamionquifume.com.

8. Californian wines are included on restaurant wine lists alongside French Bordeaux and Beaujolais.

9. American expressionist artist Shirley Goldfarb's work is presented at the elegant Galerie Guillaume Art Museum. Her large-scale abstract canvases are characterized by thick abstract strokes.

10. “How to Become Parisian in One Hour” is taking Paris by storm.

In its 4th year, the live show is devoted to preparing visitors to become a Parisian in 60 minutes. Over 180,000 audience members have learned how to make it in the city of love. The star, Oliver Giraud, was born in Bordeaux, and has lived in Paris and the United States. He has put together a one-man act that depicts the cultural differences between Americans and the French. It’s a hilarious, spot-on performance that gets standing ovations from a multicultural audience of Americans, Canadians, Russians and even the French!

July is a month of celebration of independence, for both Americans and the French. Viva la difference (or not)! B

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Story and photo by Christina Strawbridge Are the French losing their edge as the fashion capitol of the world? A recent visit to Paris gave me new insight as to who is influencing whom in fashion and trends in 2013. Here are ten indicators that Paris has embraced the American aesthetic:

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• Breakfast Meet & Greet with Josh Gates • Presentation by Josh Gates • Mediumship Show with Linda Grindel • Appearance by Movie Star Kelli Maroney • Lunch followed by Vendor Fair • Appearance by Kal Malik, author of “Evil in the Attic” • Ghost Tours in Historic Downtown Benicia • $30 (add-on) for One Hour Ghost Investigations

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Mary Jenson

LIVE MUSIC

Performance & Recording Artist, Songwriter, Lyricist, Voice-over Artist

ONGOING The Rellik Tavern

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Born: Biloxi, Mississipi Resides in: El Cerrito, CA Favorite Food: Anything made at Potala’s Vegan Restaurant in Albany Relationship Status/Children: I am in love with my boyfriend; I’m friends with my ex-husband and I have a daughter, two grandchildren and two dogs.

Featured Musician

Mary Jenson

By Rhonda Lucile Hicks Photo by Bart Nagle Why jazz? I’ve often thought about this question. I think it’s the natural richness of the harmonies and rhythm, the thrill of improvisation, the comfort of the blues … The history of our country is so tied up in Jazz, civil rights is linked to jazz, we send our best jazz musicians out as ambassadors. We’ve created a whole educational curriculum dedicated to this art form and people of all races and cultures are drawn to it like bees to nectar.

When did you start writing your own songs? I have a book of material; pieces of songs that I have jotted down over the years. They’re collecting in a binder full of verses, hooks, and minor to major chord progressions.

What do you in your spare time? Fix up houses. I am a home improvement junkie and am beginning the remodel of another house. My 3rd full house remodel! Crazy, I know!

Upstairs at the Café

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Sticky Rice Chinese Bistro & Bar Fairfield Live music every Saturday stickyricebistro.com 707.863.7500

SPECIAL EVENTS Johnny Mathis, SF Symphony Davies Symphony Hall San Francisco, Fri, July 5, 8pm Saturday, July 6, 8pm sfsymphony.org Volker Strifler Silo’s, Napa, Sat, July 6, 8pm silosnapa.com San Francisco Symphony Stern Grove, SF, Sun, July 7, 2pm sterngrove.org

Did you always want to be a musician? Nope! I wanted to be a nun and save the world

Mary Jenson BEYOND Standard Jazz Bay Terrace Theater Vallejo, Sun, July 14, 5pm vallejojazzsociety.com

What do you listen to now? I still listen to a variety of music, from Sting to Miles Davis. I

Jewel – Greatest Hits Tour Uptown Theatre Napa, Thurs, July 18, 8pm Fri, July 19, 8pm uptowntheatrenapa.com

first! Then I fell under the spell of science fiction and wanted to be an astronaut discovering new worlds and THEN I wanted to sing and sing and sing again…

love the music of Herbie Hancock and I have long been a fan of Pat Metheny.

Your latest CD BEYOND is a fusion of jazz, world and popular music, where did you get your inspiration? I have long loved the fusion music of the 70s

and early 80s. I like the blending of cultures in fusion. BEYOND was a musical milestone for me.

Not just in the rare quality of the musicians I worked with or even the amazing experience of recording at Skywalker. BEYOND was a learning experience about being open to possibilities.

Where can we see you perform? I’ll be at the Bay Terrace Theater in Vallejo for the

Vallejo Jazz Society’s July presentation on Sunday, July 14th at 5pm. I’m bringing the Beyond Standard Jazz Band with me and we will perform selections from my release BEYOND as well as a slew of covers ranging from Joni Mitchell to Chick Corea. Expect the unexpected! B Read the expanded interview online at beniciamagazine.com.

28 • Benicia Magazine Listening

Scan for more listings

The Bell Brothers Pleasant Hill City Hall Pleasant Hill, Sun, July 21, 6pm pleasanthillconcerts.com Annie Sampson Todos Santos Plaza Concord, Tues, July 23, 6:30pm ci.concord.ca.us Bill Kirchen Freight & Salvage Coffee House Berkeley, Fri, July 26, 8pm thefreight.org

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Best of 2009, 2010, 2011 & 2012

THe Benicia HisTorical MuseuM at the Camel Barns

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CALENDAR of EVENTS

7/2 First Tuesdays Investment Club

7/3 Torchlight Parade 6:30pm

Long-standing investment club Meets in Benicia first Tuesday each month For more info contact 707.373.1200

Arts and crafts, food, live entertainment, kids’ activities Fireworks start about 9pm at the foot of First Street Benicia City Park, First Street & Military Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

7/4-7/28 Gallery 621

Featured artist is Jack Ruszel, sculptor & design Exhibit runs through July 28 Gallery open Thursday-Sunday 12-6pm 621 First Street, Benicia Gallery621.com 707.746.6211

7/6-7/28 Capitol & Fischer-Hanlon House

Weekends only 10am-5pm Fischer-Hanlon tours 1st & 3rd Sundays & 2nd Saturday Tours at 1, 2 and 3pm, July 7, 13 & 21 115 West G Street, Benicia 707.745.3385

7/10-7/31 Toastmaster’s Group

Wednesday evenings 7:30-9pm Learn to speak w/confidence in a friendly environment 601 First Street, Suite 100, Benicia 707.290.4377

7/11-7/25 Benicia Farmer’s Market 4-8pm

Offers fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods Gourmet food, delicious hot foods, arts and crafts Between B & D Streets Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

7/13

Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-4pm

Benicia Library basement, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

30 • Benicia Magazine Calendar

Every second Saturday, pick up a map First Street galleries, studios & businesses Pat Ryll 707.495.2940

7/13 Benicia Plein Air Gallery Reception 5-7pm

Includes dancers, floats, clowns and live entertainment First Street, Benicia Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

7/4 Picnic in the Park and Fireworks 12-10pm

7/13 Benicia Art Walk Self-guided Tour 3-7pm

Scan for more listings

Featuring landscape artist Terry Hughes Gallery open Thursday-Sunday, 12-6pm 307 First Street, Benicia, Beniciapleinair.com

7/17 Evening Book Club for Adults 7-8pm

7/18 Community Blood Drive 1-6:30pm

7/21 Doll House and Miniatures 1-3pm

7/26 Movie Night Under the Stars at Dusk

Library Doña Benicia Room Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343

Donors 17+ years, good health, 110+ lbs.

First Baptist Church, 1055 Southampton Road 707.745.0899

Unveiling of this new exhibit and program Tea and presentation by Cynthia Cooper Benicia Historical Museum, 2060 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435 The movie is Brave; bring a pillow & blanket City Park Gazebo First Street at Military West, Benicia Ci.benicia.ca.us 707.746.4285

7/27 & 7/28 Benicia Waterfront Festival

Sat. & Sun. 11am-6pm Two days of live music, craft beer tastings, tasty foods Vendor village, and kids’ activity area First Street Green, First and B Streets Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791

7/28 Benicia Festa (Holy Ghost Celebration) Parade 10am

Auction 2pm, Dance 3pm, Dinner 6pm B.D.E.S. Hall, 140 West J Street, Benicia kengonsalves98@yahoo.com 707.745.0285

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Working with AQCC and their staff was a great experience. Susy helped us put our thoughts and ideas into an actual plan. Her great creative solutions solved every issue, including where our dog was going to eat!

—George and Angèle

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