Benicia Middle Marching Band and the Drumline and was involved in programs outside of school. During middle school, Johnson landed a role as the young prince in the play Cinderella with the African American Shakespeare Theatre Company in San Francisco, working alongside professionally trained actors. Johnson says, “Taking music was useful for learning to play an instrument and learning to read music.” Johnson shares, “the creativity that comes from making your Music isn’t something that can be taught. It’s within yourself.” Johnson shares that his creativity in producing Music and writing lyrics is his mental ability and gift, which would be difficult to transfer to others who don’t have the ability, saying, “The mental part is the creativity. You can’t teach that. If you want to be a doctor, then you go to school.” Johnson graduated from Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, which allowed him to participate in various activities centered around Culture, Education, Health, Civic Legislature and Engagement, Social Activities, and Community Service, which included Leadership Training and Financial Literacy. In addition, children in J&J participate in an annual teen conference held on a college or university campus. Johnson and Rakkar both feel a deep connection to Music. Johnson stated, “Music is important to me because it’s very therapeutic. Music can change moods for me. Johnson goes on to state, “I know if I’m having a bad day, I can either listen to it or just say how I’m feeling on a song, and it will make me feel better.” Johnson goes on to say, “I couldn’t imagine this world without Music.” Rakkar states, “Music is important because it is an escape from reality and gives you a chance to forget about your real-world problems, but it also gives you something to relate to.” Johnson and Rakkar expressed how beneficial it would be for Benicia to have space for young recording artists to connect, collaborate, and create and encourage parents to support their children in their endeavors. You can follow Rakkar on Spotify, Apple Music, other music platforms, Instagram, and YouTube @ Spaceybeatz1. Johnson’s Music is on Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, Tidal, Deezer, and more. You can follow him on Instagram and YouTube @ YaboiNilo. You can also see Johnson on the Netflix Series, 13 Reasons Why, Season 4, as he was part of the high school regular cast. During this experience, he met other artists he collaborates with under @ TheLastAppollos on Instagram and YouTube. Additional Info: 2017-18 California Department of Education Dataquest, 64% of students who graduated from high school intended to attend college, more or less, and 69% for Benicia Unified School District. Surveys by Forbes, CNBC.COM, and the Employee Benefits Research Institute, shared that eight out of 10 workers live from paycheck to paycheck, and nearly 60% of Americans have less than $1,000.00 in savings and report being in debt.
July BBQ products continued from page 18 When we started planning our Benicia Barbecue, we decided we would go shopping on First Street for inspiration and supplies. Below is a list of products that caught our eye.
Bamboo salad bowl This bowl is made of solid bamboo, it is ecologically friendly and gorgeous Bowl $78 Tongs $12
Classic highball glass Beautifully designed and perfect for summertime cocktails $12 each Romancing the Home 617 First Street- 707.747.1717 www.benicia-rth.com
Cutting boards in two sizes Recycle, redesign, reuse — Napa Sonoma Wine barrel head Cheese tray Large-$60. Small $50
Hand sewn fun & funky aprons! Completely reversible with an adjustable neck strap & three pockets on either side! Comes in 2 lengths $35 short $40 long 632 First Street, 707.742.3411, happylifepottery.com
Bruehol Brewing
The beer for our Benicia Backyard barbecue is from Benicia's own Bruehol Brewing. Bruehol specializes in German style pilsners, lagers and good old American IPA's! Visit their taproom at 4828 E. Second Street 707.327.6768 brueholbrewing.com
Mt. Beautiful Mt. Beautiful was our choice for our smoked meat pairing. Hailing from New Zealand by way of their US office right here in Benicia. Mt. Beautiful wine are available via online order and can be picked up right here in town. www.mtbeautiful.com
Spotify Remember to check out Benicia Magazine Playlist for this month, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. BeniciaMagazine.com • 29
