When someone suggested that I write a column on First Street nightlife, I envisioned myself down and out in Benicia, ducking into dusky alleys and dingy basements exposing the fleshpots of Benicia. Decided to start small by staying out until it was almost dark. Lucca’s patio was the destination for three of us party animals. When Judi Sullivan, fellow jazz aficionado, told me that saxophonist extraordinaire Bryan Girard was back, I was excited. The Bryan Girard Quartet now has a steady gig at Lucca’s Beer Garden the first, third and fifth Wednesdays of the month (if there is a fifth.) Some years ago the courtyard next to Bella Sienna, now outdoor dining for that establishment, was a funky and windy venue for late afternoon jazz. Later, the action moved upstairs above the First Street Cafe, a more sophisticated venue that was eventually sold and became First Street Tap House. We arrived at Lucca’s at 6:30 pm and loved the beach shack vibe and small but tasty menu. I ordered a glass of champagne and a Caesar salad. Bryan and his band, featuring Mark Rossi, Karl Hartmann, and Joe Pramik, played old favorites as well as some tunes that Bryan composed. Go to: bryangirardjazz.com to hear samples of his music. We ambled back to our cars around 8 pm. Next time we might even stay for a second set. “I love the nightlife, I got to boogie” …
My friend Marialee caught a concert on the Capitol lawn Saturday. A full orchestra. — the Diablo Regional Concert Band — played a series of tunes around the theme “Americana.” The rousing “California Here I Come” concluded the program. The song’s ending — “Open up your golden gate,” always gets me. Used to think that it was our State song, but that is actually, “I Love You California.” Nice enough, but you can’t march to it.
Drove to Port Costa early Saturday for their town-wide yard sale. Parked at the school and walked down. What a blast from the past — leafy yards and flowering vines, historic houses, a luncheon on the grass complete with linen tablecloths in someone’s side yard and plenty of antiques. Scored big — a limited edition antique Mexican tray that I’d seen on 1st dibs for $2,000. I picked it up for $10. Benicia is having its own Benicia Neighborhood Garage Sale on June 11 from 8 am until 1 pm. Venues are scattered in bunches from downtown through the hills. BeniciaYardSale.com
Decided that it was time to do some strength training as I often find it difficult to unscrew the Smuckers jar and others. Joy, who owns Benicia Fitness on First, is the best — friendly and knowledgeable. She gives you a private 20 or 30 minute routine that gets the blood flowing. We work in the jasmine scented patio or the vacant classroom where there are weights and pulls, bikes, and balls. Am already seeing improvement — opened the plastic wrap on my Tate’s chocolate chip cookies with my bare hands. Scissors begone!
Was impressed recently with the profusion of public art in downtown Walnut Creek. They even have a self- guided audio tour of all 33 of the sculptures. Speaking of public art, I never tire of studying the colorful ceramic murals embedded in the sidewalks up and down First Street. Guillermo Wagner Granizo, tile maker, was raised in Mexico, Guatemala, and Nicaragua and was friends with Mexican artists Tamayo, Siquieros and Zuniga who encouraged his love of ceramics. He spent his last 20 years in Benicia. Paul Godwin initiated the project back in 1987 for the Chamber of Commerce when he talked Granizo into creating the murals with a historic Benicia theme. They were paid for by individual sponsors whose names or dedications appear on the tiles. Evidently, the City was not involved in coordination or financing. Granizo’s autobiography, available at the Benicia Historical Museum, tells his compelling life story not with words but through his vibrant and evocative murals. Surprisingly, there are a number of tiles and even some murals still available for purchase from his sons Ron and Bob Wagner at granizoart.com. Wouldn’t it be fun to finish the job and install more tiles along the palm lined First Street promenade?
Check list for this weekend: 1) Benicia Artists Open Studios at the Arsenal, featuring 40 artists, all weekend, 11 am – 3 pm with music, food, printmaking, and portrait demos. beniciaarsenalartists.com 2) Benicia Art Walk on June 12, the second Saturday of the month, features the eight First Street galleries, music, and live demos. 3) Community Wide Garage Sale (see above) and 4) Benicia March for our Lives Against Gun Violence on the green, 12 noon on Saturday, in solidarity with a nation-wide effort. https://marchforourlives.com/march22/. Go early to the garage sales, then march, and spend the afternoon at the galleries and the Arsenal or save Open Studios until Sunday. After that you might indulge in some nightlife. I love the nightlife!
Sarah Beserra is an artist, collector, Dharma practitioner, and former lobbyist.
Letters From Benicia 