Benicia Voice

In this episode, host Ruben, alongside producers Andy and Bart, welcomes special guest Marty Duval to delve into the heart of the Benicia Diversity Festival.

Scheduled for April 20, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, the Benicia Diversity festival stands as a vibrant invitation to the community, offering a day brimming with the rich cultural tapestry that Benicia and its surroundings have to offer. The Benicia Diversity Festival is a free event open to everyone!

This festival not only aims to celebrate diversity but also to weave threads of unity and inclusivity throughout the community.

The Benicia Diversity Festival is poised to present a kaleidoscopic array of performances and musicians, each mirroring the dynamic cultural fabric of our society.

Attendees are promised a rich palette of cultural expressions, ranging from electrifying dance numbers to melodies that tug at the heartstrings, ensuring an immersive experience for individuals of every age and from all walks of life.

Beyond the realm of performances, the festival extends an invitation to explore a world of cultural exhibits, indulge in a feast of international flavors, and connect with local entities that champion the cause of intercultural dialogue and understanding.

This festival is more than an event; it's a journey into the heart of our community's diversity, promising an unforgettable experience that champions the beauty of our collective differences.

Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs and blankets to relax on the lawn, and enjoy the performances, food, and fun!

In today's episode, host Ruben brings his trademark wit and humor to tackle a crucial money-saving topic: the latest Solano Transit Bus pilot program.

No Joke! Joined by producers Andy and Bart, Ruben explores how this initiative, launching on April 1st, will offer free bus rides to youth aged 6 to 18 across all routes of Soltrans local and express buses.

Amidst the laughs, they shed light on how this program stands to make a significant impact on transportation affordability for young riders.

https://soltrans.org/

"Beginning, Monday, April 1, 2024, all youth ages 6-18 will have FREE fares on all SolTrans Local Routes and SolanoExpress Lines. This pilot program will run from April 2024 through June 2025, for more information visit SolTrans.org."

SolTrans Customer Service
+1 (707) 648-4666 | M–F, 8am–6pm PST

In this episode, Host Ruben and the crew, Andy and Bart, embark on a captivating auditory journey through a rare audio art exhibit. Delve into a world of intriguing sounds carefully curated for your enjoyment. This exquisite exhibit awaits discovery at the prestigious NY2CA gallery, situated on 617 First St. Benicia. It's a limited-time opportunity, running until March 17th, so seize the chance to immerse yourself in this unique experience while it lasts!

In this captivating episode, host Ruben sits down with the internationally acclaimed acoustic guitarist, Peppino D'Agostino, for an unforgettable interview. Joined by his dedicated crew, Andy and Bart, they embark on a journey into the mesmerizing world of Peppino's guitar prowess. Amidst their discussion, they uncover the intricacies of Peppino's musical artistry and delve into the exciting details of the upcoming retreat featuring Martin Taylor, scheduled for April 12-14, 2024, right here in the beautiful locale of Benicia.

https://martintaylorguitarretreats.com/california-2024

In this captivating episode, our host Ruben engages in an enriching dialogue with Mario Giuliani, the esteemed city manager of Benicia, whose profound dedication to the community shines through.

Mario's unwavering passion for Benicia infuses every aspect of the conversation as he shares invaluable insights into the city's budgetary plans which includes sharing some history of how the city ended up in its current predicament, and how Mario envisions leading the city of Benicia into the future.

Joined by producers Andy and Bart, they embark on a journey through the fiscal landscape, guided by Mario's steadfast commitment to enhancing Benicia's prosperity.

Together, they unravel the intricacies of the city's financial strategies, delving into the implications of tax measures A and B, and also touch on measure C. This is an episode you will not want to miss!

In this episode, our host Ruben takes the reins in a dynamic conversation with producers Andy and Bart, delving into the intriguing realm of believeinbenicia.org, a city website which serves as a vital conduit for addressing the pressing fiscal challenges confronting our community.

Moreover, we share insights gleaned from a recent exchange with Mario Giuliani, the esteemed City Manager of Benicia.

Mario has graciously accepted our invitation to join Benicia Voice as a future guest, promising to delve even deeper into the nuances of this crucial topic.

Stay tuned for what promises to be an enlightening dialogue!

https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/believeinbenicia

In this installment, our host Ruben delves into the vibrant anticipation surrounding tomorrow's Mardi Gras extravaganza, set to unfold on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at the illustrious Empress Theater nestled in Vallejo.

Ruben engages in an enthralling conversation with none other than Greg Rahn, the maestro behind the infectious rhythms of the renowned Mardi Gras ensemble, "Greg Rahn and the Fat Tuesday Horns."

Greg provides captivating insights into the rich history of Mardi Gras, tracing its roots back to the colorful tapestry of New Orleans. Delving deeper, he unveils the exhilarating tradition of staged "street fights" that serve as a dynamic highlight within the festivities, adding an electrifying dimension to this iconic celebration.

In this exciting episode, your host Ruben delves deeper into the vibrant world of Mardi Gras, with a special focus on the upcoming spectacular Mardi Gras party set to unfold at the prestigious Empress Theater in Vallejo on Saturday, February 10th. Joining Ruben for this fantastic conversation are the dynamic duo of producers, Andy and Bart.

Furthermore, you won't want to miss the dynamic talents of our opening act, Audry and Miles, two young performers who promise to set the stage on fire! Tune in to get all the juicy details on this unforgettable event.

In this exciting episode, host Ruben collaborates with producer Bart and welcomes special guest Greg Rahn for an engaging discussion about the highly anticipated Mardi Gras festival scheduled for February 10, 2024, at the prestigious Empress Theatre in Vallejo. Join us as Greg guides the conversation, delving into the vibrant world of Mardi Gras music, treating the audience to a delightful showcase of tunes that are sure to captivate and entertain!

In this engaging episode, our esteemed host, Ruben, collaborates with producers Andy and Bart, alongside the delightful presence of special guest Neema. Together, they delve into the exciting details of the upcoming "Passion for Performance" gala fundraiser, a significant event dedicated to bolstering local performing arts non-profit programs.

Anticipate a captivating discussion enriched with insightful commentary and exclusive excerpts of music from the talented artists set to grace the event.

This episode promises to be a treat for all, offering a sneak peek into the enchanting world of the performing arts while championing a noble cause!

Event details:

Passion for Performance

Date: Saturday, February 24, 2024

Event Schedule:

• Exclusive VIP artist reception: 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM
• Doors open to the public: 5:30 PM
• Artist performances: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Pacific Standard Time)

Location: Benicia Clock Tower
1189 Washington Street, Benicia, CA, 94510

Get ready to immerse yourself in a night of pure entertainment at the Passion for Performance event!
Join us on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at the iconic Benicia Clock Tower for an unforgettable evening filled with exceptional talent and electrifying performances.

Experience the magic as our dynamic award winning artists from Benicia Ballet, VOENA, Benica Performig Arts Foundation, and major headlining artists including guitarist Peppino D'Agostino, guitarist Ardeshir Farah (of Strunz & Farah), and multi-instrumentalist Nejad (a finalist on America's Got Talent), showcase their passion for performance!
From mesmerizing dance routines to soul-stirring music, this event promises to captivate your senses and leave you craving for more.

Whether you're a fan of ballet, contemporary dance, and/or music, this event has something for everyone!

Prepare to be amazed by the sheer talent and dedication displayed by the performers, as they pour their hearts out on stage.

Don't miss this opportunity to witness an extraordinary celebration of art and creativity while helping to support the performing arts!!

MEET THE ARTISTS:

VIP ticket holders and sponsors will be provided access to a private pre-show reception with the artists at the event venue (Benicia Clock Tower) (4:30 PM-5:30 PM). Refreshments will be served at this special pre-show private event.

For more information and tickets go to https://beniciaperformingarts.org/ and select the "Concerts" tab.

In this episode, the host, Ruben, collaborates with producers Andy and Bart as they compare Harvey's beer from East Sussex to a local brew. Additionally, they delve into discussions about upcoming musical events in the area!!

In today's episode. host Ruben and producers Andy and Bart discuss some local cuisine, popular favorite eateries, and much more!

In today's podcast, host Ruben and panel discusses tipping, where it came from, and what to do when you have to make a choice whether to tip!

In today's episode Ruben, along with his regular crew, discusses a variety of local issues including a heart warming story about rescuing cats, trollies, transport in Europe, Oktoberfest, and more!

In this captivating episode of the Benicia Voice, we invite you into our studio to meet Debbie Mcquilkin, the dedicated Transit Mobility Program Coordinator of the Solano Transit Authority.

Prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey into the realm of local transit with the Solano Mobility program! Debbie will share invaluable insights on trip planning and navigating our local transit systems.

Discover a top-notch travel tip: Dial the Solano Mobility toll-free number at 800-535-6883 to streamline your trip planning process.

The knowledgeable and friendly Solano Mobility staff eagerly awaits your call, ready to assist you on your transit adventure!

In this episode of the Benicia Voice we're in the studio with Maruf Noyoft, Violinist Bob Joslyn, Neema Hekmat (on the hammer dulcimer), and Bart Sullivan (on guitar), talking about and previewing the upcoming World Music Jam at the community piano on First Street in Benicia (In front of St. Pauls Church) Sunday, September 10 at noon. This is a FREE concert and all are welcome.

Maruf Noyoft is an award-winning internationally known filmmaker and musician. Maruf plays the "Rubab," a stringed bowed instrument, and the national instrument of Afghanistan. It was in invented in the same country and dates back to the 7th century. The Rubab is widely played in countries like Azerbaijan, Turkey, Iran, Uzbekistan, and many more!

In this episode we discuss the proposed bay area bridge toll increases, plus a lot more. This week's guests are Benicia Residents Rick Watson and Lacey.

In this episode of The Benicia Voice podcast, host Ruben Brunt discusses Senator Scott Weiner introduced SB 532, the Safe, Clean, and Reliable Public Transportation Emergency Act, which would temporarily raise tolls on seven state-owned bridges in the Bay Area to $8.50 for five years. That is a $1.50 increase.

Ruben also discusses the decision by State Farm and Allstate Insurance to stop accepting new applications for home insurance in California due to wildfire risks and an increase in construction costs.

In this episode of The Benicia Voice host Ruben Brunt chats about lots of things...! Accessibility, the Benicia Pedestrian Crossings, Shakespeare, Walkers Shortbread, Lucca's etc.

In this episode stand-in host Andy Brunt talks with Executive Producer Bart Sullivan about Walkers Shortbread, the Benicia North Study Area, and where we get our news in the age of social media.

In this episode of the The Benicia Voice we discuss the Benicia City budget deficit, and what measures and ideas should be taken to help deal with it. We also discuss manufacturing in the Benicia, and in the USA, and why many US companies have decided to move their manufacturing to Mexico or offshore.

In this episode of the Benicia Voice, stand-in host Andy Brunt and Bart Sullivan discuss a proposal to develop and improve the E Street Parking Lot in downtown Benicia. We welcome your comments and feedback!

In this podcast, host Ruben Brunt discusses the current situation with Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART).

It has been recently reported in the news that BART will soon be facing a $150M annual shortfall due to much lower ridership as a result of the pandemic. More people are working remotely and therefore not using BART during the week to commute. However, ridership has increased at the weekends, so BART is considering reducing the frequency of trains during the week to one per hour.

Ruben also discusses the idea of having on demand Micro-transit for Benicia. Bakersfield has an on demand GET Bus service which competes with Lyft and Uber, and it is popular with the local community.

In this episode of The Benicia Voice host Ruben tickles the ivories on the newly tuned and installed Benicia Community Piano on First Street.

After a brief break The Benicia Voice is back and host Ruben Brunt is talking about the Benicia Diversity Festival and the Coronation including some good impressions!

In this episode of The Benicia Diversity Festival, Ruben talks to Dr. Genea Brice, who will be the MC at the upcoming Benicia Diversity Festival, taking place Saturday April 22nd, 2023, 11am-5pm, at the Benicia Marina Green, next to the Benicia Yacht Club.

Poet, author, public speaker, child advocate, community activist, and teacher, Genea S. Brice, was raised and reared in Vallejo, CA.

In this episode of the of the Benicia Voice, host Ruben Brunt chats with Chris Robinson, guitarist with the band 'Bunyip'.

'Bunyip' will be playing at the upcoming Benicia Diversity Festival, Saturday April 22nd 11am-5pm, at the Benicia Marina Pavilion. We highly recommend you check them out and the other musicians and performers at the festival.

Follow the YouTube link below to check our 'Bunyip' live:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UGY6EHn4lnQ

In this episode of The Benicia Voice host Ruben Brunt talks to Irish keyboardist, singer and songwriter Eamonn Flynn.

Eamonn Flynn was born into a musical family in Dublin, Ireland. He first came to prominence playing Hammond organ and piano on the 14 million selling movie soundtrack The Commitments.

Eamonn Flynn will be performing at the upcoming Benicia Diversity Festival, Saturday April 22nd at the Benicia Marina Pavilion, next to The Benicia Yacht Club. 11 am to 5 pm. https://www.facebook.com/beniciadiversityfestival/

In this episode of The Benicia Voice host Ruben Brunt talks to Jeremy Carlock, President of Got Watts? about the current NEM tariff, NEM 2.0, which is available for new customers until April 14, 2023. On April 15, 2023, new solar customers will be enrolled in the new Net Billing Tariff (NBT). This is an important Podcast for anyone considering installing solar now or in the future.

www.gotwatts.com

In this episode of The Benicia Voice host Ruben Brunt talks to Ramana Vieira who will be performing at The Benicia Diversity Festival, Saturday April 22nd 11am-5pm, at the Benicia Marina Pavilion next to the Benicia Yacht club. Ramana is a wonderful singer and a great guest so we hope you enjoy it. Please follow this link for Ramana Vieira's website:

www.ramanavieira.net

For more information on the Benicia Diversity Festival: https://www.beniciamagazine.com/event/benicia-diversity-festival/

In this episode host Ruben Brunt is in the 16c Crown Inn in Groombridge, East Sussex, England and comparing an old fashioned English pub with a bar in Benicia amongst other things! Ruben also talks about the importance of supporting local businesses - use them or lose them! Finally, Ruben talks about travelling and visiting England and East Sussex, sharing some useful information for potential travelers. Enjoy!

In this episode of The Benicia Voice host Ruben Brunt discusses the challenges faced by Benicia which Erik Upson wrote about in his last weekly message. 

Please participate in the The City of Benicia 2023 Community Survey - Open to all residents

Follow this link: https://polco.us/n/res/vote/benicia-ca/the-city-of-benicia-2023-2?pn-method=open

In this episode host Ruben Brunt discusses the recent 'All Benicia Can Save Sustainability Challenge' presentation at the Benicia Public Library. This presentation is part of a six month series that will continue through June 2023. Check with the Benicia Public Library for future dates. Ruben's guests this week are Bart Sullivan, Andy Brunt and Aaron Hartley. 

In this episode of the Benicia Voice, host Ruben Brunt chats with the legendary Bay Area musicians Greg Rahn and Carlos Reyes about their upcoming Mardi Gras Party on Friday February 17th at The Empress Theatre, Vallejo, California. Doors at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. This episode was recorded at The Workshop in Benicia, serving wonderful authentic and delicious Louisiana Cajun/Creole, Southern food.  

Tickets for Friday's concert are available in advance: https://empresstheatre.org/event/greg-rahn-and-the-fat-tuesday-horns/

Or tickets on the door!  

In this episode of The Benicia Voice, host Ruben Brunt and Executive Producer Bart Sullivan talk to the extremely talented piano and keyboardist Greg Rahn about his upcoming Mardi Gras concert at The Empress Theatre on February 17th 2023. The concert will feature his band for this special event, including Carlos Reyes (Violin), Jeff Campitelli (Drums), Fat Tuesday Horns Erik Jekabson (Trumpet), Mike Rinta (Trombone), Tim Eschliman (Bass) and Benicia Voice host Ruben Brunt (Percussion).  

Originally from Connecticut, Greg now resides in American Canyon CA, north east of San Francisco. After hearing Dr. John play piano, Greg developed a passion for two fisted piano styles like boogie woogie and New Orleans jazz. His most recent project Rent Party Piano is inspired by the rent parties that were common in urban American cities in the 1920's and 30s, where renters would invite guests to parties a few days before rent was due, charging 25¢ for admission and have live musicians perform, serve food and drink, and celebrate.  These compositions are dripping with honky-tonk, jazz, blues and blazing boogie-woogie influences from pianists like Fats Waller, Professor Longhair, Pete Johnson and Dr John. 

“Greg is one of the most versatile keyboard players in the Bay Area. He can play jazz, classical, contemporary, and has a flair for upbeat honky-tonk and ragtime compositions.”

In this episode of The Benicia Voice host Ruben Brunt discusses the currently available public transportation options leaving to and from from Benicia. Also featuring an interview with Neema Hekmat, the organizer of the 2023 The Benicia Diversity Festival, which will take place in Benicia on Saturday April 22nd 2023. Useful links:

https://www.facebook.com/beniciadiversityfestival/ 

https://transitapp.com/

https://moovitapp.com/sf_bay_area_ca-22/poi/en-gb

https://soltrans.org/

In this podcast we discuss the recent city council meeting. Mayor Steve Young explained in the meeting why it is necessary for the city council to explore potential housing developments within the city limits, and we include an audio clip of Steve discussing that.   

In this episode of the Benicia Voice, host Ruben Brunt continues to discuss ideas for the development of the East E Street lot in Benicia. Executive Producer Bart Sullivan presents some ideas for the lot which are based on a development in Hawaii, and to see that follow the links below:

https://nokafairkauai.com 

https://www.facebook.com/nokafair/videos/145295806149797/

In this first podcast of this new year, The Benicia Voice podcast host Ruben Brunt discusses the East E Street parking lot, and some ideas for development of this lot to provide accessible housing, more retail units and parking. This week's guests are long term Benicia resident with real estate experience Mark McDonald, Executive Producer Bart Sullivan and Producer Andy Brunt.

The Benicia City Council is considering long-term use of the City-owned parking lot on East E Street bordered by East Second Street and Kuhland Alley in the downtown area. The site is zoned Town Core (TC), allowing for a range of commercial, service, and residential uses. 

Representation. Any views or opinions represented on the podcast are personal and belong solely to the Creator and do not represent those people, institutions, or organizations that the Creator may or may not be associated with in a professional or personal capacity unless explicitly stated. 

In this episode of the Benicia Voice, Ruben and his guest Rick Watson talk about Benicia, what Benicia was like to grow up in back in the 1960's and 1970's, The North Study Area and the city infrastructure. 

In this episode of the Benicia Voice, the host Ruben listens in to the public Community Advisory Panel (CAP) meeting held at the Valero Oil Refinery. The meeting was held to update residents on Valero's air monitoring equipment and their response to incidents.    

In this episode of the Benicia Voice, the host Ruben Brunt continues to discuss housing with Benicia council member Trevor Macenski, Executive Producer Bart Sullivan and Producer Andy Brunt.   

In this episode of The Benicia Voice, host Ruben Brunt continues to discuss with his producer Andy and executive producer Bart the current situation regarding housing in the city,  the accessibility to housing for current residents and people wanting to move into the city, and the North Study Area. In this episode we also introduce the 'Broom Handle' and some familiar guest voices!  

In this episode of the Benicia Voice host Ruben Brunt discusses the current state of housing in Benicia, with regards to the supply, affordability, and other factors that affect existing residents and also people wanting to move into Benicia. 

In this episode of The Benicia Voice our guest is Benicia Mayor Steve Young. Steve has spent more than 28 years in local government, managing various projects in the fields of Community Development, Redevelopment, Affordable Housing, Neighborhood Preservation and Economic Development in various cities in California and Virginia. 

Steve was elected to the Benicia City Council in November 2016 and elected to Mayor in November 2022.   

In this episode of the Benicia Voice we discuss the second flyer we received today that was paid for by 'Progress for Benicia' promoting two candidates in the upcoming Benicia election. 

Representation. Any views or opinions represented on the podcast are personal and belong solely to the Creator and do not represent those people, institutions or organizations that the Creator may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity unless explicitly stated.