ECRWSS PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID PORTLAND OR PERMIT NO. 2160 ***** ECR WSS ***** POSTAL CUSTOMER Volume 8 Issue 4, February 2013 Please Deliver 1/30 - 2/1 $2.50 PRESIDENT LINCOLN'S TIES TO BENICIA QUEBEC'S HUGE WINTER CARNIVAL Popcorn 3 ways Valentine's Day, Super Bowl & Oscar parties Feb Ben Mag vol8 v4.indd 1 1/22/13 9:03 AM
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Do you have a favorite month? I like them all, but if I ranked them, January would be in the bottom third, along with June and August, transition months all. About the third week of the new year, with resolutions and decorations packed away, the post-holiday doldrums begin to set in. The cold snap has driven us indoors, and the short days have begun to take a toll. Just in the nick of time February comes to the rescue, with three ready-made events to enliven us. First, the Super Bowl on the 3rd, which is great for fans and shoppers alike, then Valentine's day, and fi nally the Oscars, all of which lend themselves naturally to an easy, lighthearted party with family and friends. In this issue we o� er three di� erent ways to inject some fun into your celebration using popcorn as the main feature. February has another pull at my house—it’s Mike's and my anniversary month—and our tally this year is 30. We'll be looking for 30 fun things to do to commemorate the occasion. We love wine tasting, wine and food pairing and wine collecting, so that will factor heavily as we head northwest to enjoy the beauty and bounty of Sonoma and Mendocino Counties, where the crowds are mercifully thinner this month. Lincoln's birthday also factors into February, which many of us take advantage of by scooting o� to the mountains for a long weekend of skiing or other snow play. But here's a radical idea—read Elizabeth d'Huart's story on page 18 about Benicia's connections to Lincoln, who righted an oversight and rededicated the Benicia Arsenal during his presidency, among other items. Then go visit the Benicia Historical Museum, a gem of interesting exhibits, to view the Lincoln documents and other treasures therein. If you aren't yet inspired by February's o� erings, check out Bob Ecker's story about the largest winter celebration on the planet, the Quebec Winter Carnival, which draws hundreds of thousands of revelers each year. You can sleep in a hotel made entirely of ice, if you can get a room—the Hotel de Glace is always a sellout. There are hundreds of outdoor events, and if you act fast, still time to get a ticket!
Enjoy the soft light of the waxing winter sunshine,
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12 • Benicia Magazine Currents
Feb Ben Mag vol8 v4.indd 12 1/22/13 9:03 AM
Evan Maxwell George with his great grandmother GG, standing beneath his painting (top). Photo by Sarah George
By Adriene Rockwell Evan Maxwell George sold his fi rst artwork at the age of seven. His pastel drawing of a house in the sunset with beautiful hues of golds and reds was shown as part of a professional gallery exhibition at Arts Benicia last year. Leading up to the public opening of the exhibit, Evan admitted to being a little nervous. “I was like 75% excited and 25% nervous because I thought I might be embarrassed,” he said. But when he arrived at the reception with his family, including his great grandmother “GG,” they discovered his piece had already sold to a mysterious buyer. Evan, now in third grade at Robert Semple, was among hundreds of young people who participate each year in the Next Generation exhibition through their schools. This year all seven Benicia public schools, Saint Dominic School, and a number of home school and charter school students are participating. With the help of teacher and parent liaisons, each school selects 35 works to submit for the show; smaller groups may submit up to fi ve works. Arts Benicia curates the exhibition and provides materials and training along with a range of related public programs. Susan Sullivan, Chair of A/B’s Youth Education Committee who organizes Next Generation, is a retired teacher of 35 years and former Principal at Mary Farmer School. She co-chairs the committee with arts educator Elisabeth Gulick and says the committee members, including Emily Thompson, Shelley Dupuis, Phyllis Debois and Joy Lerner, get a lot of joy from their work together. “As educators we can tell the impact it's having on the youth. Whether they are six or 16, their faces light up with pride, accomplishment and delight at seeing their work on exhibit,” says Susan. “It's the same sensation as getting an A on a math exam
or being the best player on a soccer team. They are honored for their creativity and imagination, and the family comes to honor their accomplishments too.” If the young artist agrees to sell, all the works are priced at $35 and the commission is the traditional 60/40 split for the artist and the gallery. In Evan's case, it soon clicked for him that he could make money with his art and he began to create small works and selling them for 25 cents each. He even planned his own EBay business, and with his commissions he purchased his own skateboard equipment. The exhibit originally launched in 1996 as the brainchild of Mark Eanes, a respected Benicia artist and associate professor at California College of the Arts, who has served as an advisor and Board Member for Arts Benicia. The exhibition grew over a number of years, and then took a seven year hiatus. In 2010 the show came back to life, greatly due to the passion of Gulick, and Arts Benicia's then new Executive Director, Larnie Fox, who has more than 20 years experience running children's arts programs and a vision for community engagement through the arts. “It's no secret that many great artists have admired children's art,” says Eanes. “Picasso said that we are all trying to get back to that child-like state, and I believe that's true. My idea was to get children's work off the refrigerator and onto the walls. I don't think for a second that we are going to turn kids into professional artists, but we are going to encourage kids to think creatively, and to be interesting human beings.” Superintendent Janice Adams believes in the value of the arts in our schools, but says reductions in funding from the state makes it diffi cult to provide ongoing arts curriculum. She acknowledges the many parents, volunteer art docents, community artists and arts organizations who are helping fi ll the gap. “The Next Generation
exhibition is a great model of collaboration, and our schools are stronger thanks to the support of local artists. We are extremely grateful for their passion and commitment to our students,” she says. Eanes admired many works during the Next Generation exhibit in 2011, but he only purchased one, and that was Evan's pastel drawing. “Evan's was the classic, iconic piece. I loved his use of vivid, delicious color, and the way he put the shapes on the page.” The pastel is now part of Eanes' extensive personal collection of works by both seasoned and emerging artists. The fi rst thing Evan did when he returned home from the art opening that day was call his grandmothers and everyone in his family to tell them about his sale. When recalling the experience, he looked at his mom with a little concern: “How much was our phone bill that day?” His mom, Sarah George, smiled: “Oh Evan, don't worry about that, we were all so happy for you.”. B
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The Next Generation: A Curated Exhibition of Local Children’s Art
Exhibit opens Thursday, March 7 and runs through Sunday, March 24
Opening Reception with Director’s talk at 3 pm, Sunday, March 10, 3-5pm
Lecture by Art Educators Susan Watts & Susan Bunch Thursday, March 14, 7-8:30pm
Family Art Day, Sunday, March 17, 1-3pm
For gallery hours, visit artsbenicia.org. For Next Generation info, email Emily Thompson, [email protected], or Larnie Fox, [email protected].
BeniciaMagazine.com • 13
Feb Ben Mag vol8 v4.indd 13 1/22/13 9:03 AM
14 • Benicia Magazine
By Bob Ecker The beautiful, old city of Quebec, built in 1608, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and fascinating place to visit year round. But in the dead of winter the city comes alive as it celebrates the annual Quebec Winter Carnival, the largest such winter festival in the world. About 670,000 people attended the three-week long event last year and the upcoming carnival, the 59th (February 1-17), will have Quebec City hopping day and night; defying, and indeed welcoming, the cold of winter. More than 300 outdoor shows and activities take place during the Winter Carnival, including snow canoe races, ice car races, outdoor concerts, day and night parades, dog agility competitions and an outdoor “Snow Bath.” There are also amazing ice sculptures from around the world displaying extraordinary designs. Families can enjoy spirited indoor and outdoor games, riding snow rafts down slopes, ice fishing, ice climbing, horse drawn carriage rides, Scandinavian hot tubbing, dog sledding or even being a part of a giant human Foosball game. “Bonhomme,” the
Celebrating Winter at Quebec City’s Annual Carnival
If you goMany airlines fly to Quebec City including Air Canada. www.aircanada.com
Where to stay Quebec City is tourism friendly with a huge assortment of places to stay.Fairmont Chateau Frontenac www.fairmont.com/FrontenacHotel Pur, www.hotelpur.comAuberge Saint Antoine www.saint-antoine.comIce Hotel www.hoteldeglace-canada.com
Where to DineRestaurant Le Saint-Amour48 Sainte-Ursule418.694.0667www.saint-amour.com
Quebec City Winter Carnival www.carnaval.qc.ca/en
snowman icon, is a "living" symbol of the Winter Carnival and can be seen cavorting all over the city. With his bright red bonnet and sash, the slightly weird, chubby Michelin Man-like character is both odd and very funny. Of course, this French Canadian city is known for its outstanding dining, and superb restaurants are everywhere. Don't miss the romantic “Restaurant Le Saint-Amour” for a very special experience. Or try the lovely “Panache Restaurant,” the cool “Toast,” and “Le Café de la Terrasse” in the historic Fairmont Chateau Frontenac. This city is also a great place to stroll and explore artisan shops. Another well-known Winter Carnival attraction is the Ice Hotel, or Hotel de Glace. The 36-room Ice Hotel is (of course) below freezing, and all walls, floors, and furniture are made out of huge blocks of ice. It’s an icy blast to see. Heavy duty arctic sleeping bags are provided to all overnight guests—but it’s still freaking cold—yet sells out every night! Charming year round, the dead of winter may be the time when Quebec City is at its most eloquent. Many people might think it's crazy to stand in the cold at night to view a parade, but it can be wonderful. "We've learned to embrace the cold, not fear it," said Nicole Bergeron, a native Québécoise, watching the colorful floats and bands pass by. Despite February’s chill, Quebec City emanates from the people who breathe color and life into the cold, dark Canadian night. B
February plays host to three big events, all of which are party-worthy, and in all of which the humble piece of dried corn can play a starring role. Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to show your aff ection and culinary prowess
with our sure-to-impress caramel popcorn to share with your sweetheart or an entire party. While you are voting for your favorite Oscar winners, amp-up the movie theater atmosphere at home with our chosen
winners for the best theater-style microwave popcorn you can buy at the grocery store. And for sports fans, you can lay odds that our peanut-butter popcorn will satisfy the hungriest of
appetites during Super Bowl XLVII. To make these simple recipes, all you need are a few ingredients, a microwave and lots of napkins.
to bring
Celebrations!
333
into your
February
Ways Ways
Valentine’s Caramel Corn
15 cups popped corn1 cup brown sugar1/2 cup butter1/4 cup light corn syrup1/2 tsp. salt1/2 tsp. baking soda
Spread cooked popcorn on baking sheets in a single layer. Mix the brown sugar, butter, corn syrup and salt in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring often. When bubbles form around the edge of pot, cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add baking soda. Pour mixture over the popcorn and mix until kernels are coated. Bake at 200º for an hour, stirring every 15 minutes. After cooled, drizzle with melted chocolate chips and add your favorite small candies such as dried chocolate cherries. Serve in elegant glasses.
Super Bowl Popcorn
15 cups popped corn1 to 1.5 cubes unsalted butter1 cup peanut butterSalt to taste
Put the popcorn in a large mixing bowl. On low heat, melt the butter in a medium pan. Add peanut butter and mix until well blended. The consistency should be like a thick syrup, easy to pour. Add melted butter or peanut butter to the mixture as needed, depending on the thickness of the peanut butter you are using. When the mixture cools to warm, drizzle it over the popcorn, mixing with a large spoon until all kernels are coated. Spoon into individual bowls or bags; serve with lots of napkins! B
February plays host to three big events, all of which are party-worthy, and in all of which the humble piece of dried corn can play a starring role. Valentine’s Day is a perfect opportunity to show your aff ection and culinary prowess
with our sure-to-impress caramel popcorn to share with your sweetheart or an entire party. While you are voting for your favorite Oscar winners, amp-up the movie theater atmosphere at home with our chosen
winners for the best theater-style microwave popcorn you can buy at the grocery store. And for sports fans, you can lay odds that our peanut-butter popcorn will satisfy the hungriest of
appetites during Super Bowl XLVII. To make these simple recipes, all you need are a few ingredients, a microwave and lots of napkins.
Best Oscar-worthy theater-style popcorn
OVERALL WINNER for the adults
OVERALL WINNER for the
kids
Tastes most like theaterpopcorn
OVERALL WINNER for the adults
OVERALL WINNER for the
kids
Tastes most like theaterpopcorn
With adult and child popcorn “experts” on hand, in a most un-scientifi c way we tested a variety of theater-style popcorn brands on a cold winter night in January.
OVERALL WINNER for the adults
OVERALL WINNER for the
kids
Tastes most like theaterpopcorn
Feb Ben Mag vol8 v4.indd 17 1/22/13 9:04 AM
18 • Benicia Magazine
By Elizabeth d’Huart Although our 16th President Abraham Lincoln has always been a much revered fi gure, there is a renewed interest in this fascinating American icon, generated by the recent release of Stephen Spielberg’s’ fi lm Lincoln, based on Harold Holzer’s book, Lincoln: How Abraham Lincoln Ended Slavery in America. Both the book and the fi lm portray Lincoln as an intelligent and thoughtful storyteller with a sense of humor, possessed of a vigorous intellect and a compassionate nature. Then, as now, the President was dealing with a strident and diffi cult Congress during a time of confl ict. The weight of offi ce, combined with his suff ering over his son’s death and his wife’s mental illness, served to fashion a man softened by sadness but fi erce with conviction. Lincoln’s signature can be found on a number of documents relating to the Benicia Arsenal, one of which refl ects the re-authorization to establish a military arsenal in Benicia, California, through an Executive Order dated October 7, 1862. This important letter from the Executive Offi ce eff ectively closes the chapter on an acrimonious dispute over title to the land already occupied by the original Benicia Arsenal structures that were built between 1851 and 1857. Litigation was concluded in 1861 by a decision of the United States Supreme Court, which declared that General Vallejo had no legal title to the
property. By that decision, the lands became a part of the public domain of the U.S. according to the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, February 2, 1848, ceding California to the United States. Lincoln also appears as a signatory of a sentencing document acknowledging and acceding to the fi ndings of a Benicia Arsenal court martial proceeding regarding one Private Peter Kleinkoph, who was later executed for desertion, after his attack on a fellow soldier. Benicia Arsenal Post Order No. 12, dated April 18, 1865, announces Lincoln’s death as signed by Lieutenant Colonel R.A. Wainright—a heartrending expression of national shock and grief. As poignant and powerful as it reads today, one can only imagine the sense of loss experienced by our nation’s citizens of a recently reunited country. It is gratifying to rediscover those events which directly link Lincoln to Benicia and to come to a greater appreciation of one who was, at once, a true visionary and an able man of offi ce. Lincoln preserved the Union while ending slavery and promoting economic and fi nancial modernization, and his birthday, February 12, President’s Day, should serve not simply as a state or national holiday, but also as a time to refl ect upon an inspiring statesman who helped to shape a better part of the nation’s history, and a better world for us all. B
Up close and personal:
Evidence of Benicia’s links
to Lincoln
U P C L O S E & P E R S O N A L :¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨ ¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨¨
The original journal with the post regarding Lincoln’s death is on display at the Benicia Historical Museum. Copies of the other referenced documents are also on view. “Freedom is a Hard Bought Thing,” the Museum’s current exhibit commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, has been extended to the end of February, which is also Black History month. Please check the website or call for further details. Authored by Dr. Jim Lessenger, The Execution of Kleinkopf: The True Story of the Execution by Firing Squad of a Desperado and Deserter is a fascinating account of the “Kleinkoph aff air,” for sale at the Benicia Historical Museum gift shop, along with other books on the City of Benicia and the Benicia Arsenal. Elizabeth d’Huart is the Executive Director of the Benicia Historical Museum.
Feb Ben Mag vol8 v4.indd 18 1/22/13 9:04 AM
BeniciaMagazine.com • 19
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A. Judith Judson, 310 Military EastB. Sprankle’s Village Deli, 82 Solano SquareC. S. Thompson, Farmers Ins., 310 Military West, Ste. D1. Tosch Dental, 18 West K Street2. Estey Real Estate, 935 First Street3. Adobe 2nd Chance Thrift Store, 929 First Street4. Nine O Seven Grill, 907 First Street5. Benicia Floral and Gifts, 838 First Street6. Camellia Tea Room, 828 First Street7. Bookshop Benicia, 636 First Street8. State Farm Insurance, 560 First St., Ste. C1039. Rellik Tavern, 726 First Street10. Studio 41, 700 First Street11. Sandoval’s, 640 First Street12. Fiber-Frolics, 637 First Street14. Lindsay Art Glass, 109 East F Street15. Advanced Mortgage SVF, 615 First Street16. Benicia Magazine Studio & Store, 611 First Street17. Reconnective Healing, 555 First Street18. Charlie’s Attic, 519 & 523 First19. Dudikoff Insurance, 159 East D Street20. Fabulous Finds, 129 First Street21. Christina S Fashion Destination, 370 First Street22. Sailor Jacks Restaurant, 123 First Street23. Benicia Main Street, 90 First Street24. Dr. Tom Campbell, 164 East H Street25. Courtyard Salon, 114 West D Street26. Nest, 129-B First Street27. Benicia Kite and Paddle Sports, 238 First St.
Feb Ben Mag vol8 v4.indd 20 1/22/13 9:04 AM
BeniciaMagazine.com • 21
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By Sue Sumner-Moore Tim Zumwalt grew up playing trombone and tuba, but now he toots other musician’s horns. The retired teacher is the publicist for the Vallejo Symphony Association, a volunteer job that began when he joined the group’s board in 2003. He is a tireless supporter of the symphony, doing everything from picking up the mail and selling ads to managing the organization’s databases and writing website content. “For years, I held the door open when we played at Hogan because there wasn’t a doorstop to keep the door open,” says Tim, 59. “I’ve even gone to people’s front doors to thank them for donations.” It’s all part of being a symphony board member, a position he enjoys and hopes others will consider. The board oversees the orchestra’s operation, and members worked to keep the organization viable during financially difficult times. Among the changes implemented to survive: the symphony performed twice the past two seasons instead of the previous four performances per season. Tim takes particular pride in his work to promote the symphony. He begins working on publicity months before each concert, talking to the soloists and weaving their stories into press releases. “I treat the soloist as my client,” he says. Tim grew up in Antioch, listening to pop music on KFRC radio and playing trombone beginning in fourth grade. “In symphonic band, it was boring for trombone, so I switched to tuba for symphonic band and sousaphone in the marching band,” he recalls. Tim was a teacher for the West Contra Costa School District until health issues forced him to retire in 2010. He and his wife, Theresa Gabel, live in Vallejo.
How did your love of classical music come about? Since I got to play Schubert and Sibelius and Neal Hefti (composer of the “The Odd Couple” theme) and Mussorgsky and Duke Ellington in symphonic band, I didn’t think there was a boundary between types of music I could enjoy. In 1974 or ’75, I went into a record shop and bought a classical guitar LP. I found I liked it and started building a collection.
What do you listen to at home now? That’s the myth when you are in classical music business, that you only listen to classical music. But we all listen to everything. … We listen to Edith Piaf and French café music. We listen to a lot of jazz, and we listen to KDFC now that they’ve changed from a commercial classical station to a listener-sponsored one. When they had to please their corporate sponsors, they only played music from 1770 to 1810. Very boring. How did you become a symphony board member? I became involved because of my wife. She’d been on the board since 1995, I think, so I was the husband dragged along to lots of concerts and events, fundraisers. I got to meet a lot of people as she got more into it. She was the symphony’s operations manager. She left in 1999 to work for the Napa Symphony and now she’s director of operations for the Berkeley Symphony. In 2003, I was approached by an older board member, someone I knew well. I was still working, still getting up at 6 in the morning to teach, but I thought I could do it. You don’t need a musical background to do this. We have a music director we pay to select music. We need people with a financial background, people with strong community connections to service clubs, civic organizations. It would be great to have someone from the banking industry.
How did the board manage the financial problems during the 2010-11 season? In January 2011, midway through our season, we had a concert on a Saturday night and then had an emergency board meeting on Monday. We were already under water and our toes were getting wet. We had to make a decision: Can we raise $50,000 in a few months or do we close down? We still had a little bit of cash, but we also had to pay for rent, our data plan, unemployment insurance, disability insurance, phone bill, equipment rental, sheet music. … We made payroll and then thought, ‘Geez, what are we going to do?’
24 • Benicia Magazine Interview
Tim ZumwaltInterview with
Feb Ben Mag vol8 v4.indd 24 1/22/13 9:04 AM
BeniciaMagazine.com • 25
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In January and February, we were in damage control. I was in fi ve newspapers saying, ‘We are not bankrupt’ to everyone. We had no debt, so we could survive. We had a giant stack of letters telling patrons what their options were since we canceled the last two performances of the season. Then we started fundraising right away, and the public stepped up.
What is the symphony’s annual budget? Our budget is $100-$105,000 a year, half what it was when we had a four-concert season. Other orchestras spend that on one concert. We are doing this on a shoestring. Many people don’t realize that we pay our musicians. Everyone you see on stage gets a paycheck.
How long did it take the symphony to recover? From that January disaster, we came back in October that year with a concert featuring Paul Psarras, a classical guitarist. I got him eight interviews, including two on the radio. We were in the offi ce the Saturday before the concert and we thought that we might break 350 (in attendance). I said, ‘We need a laugh line’ to the president. So she came out that night and said, ‘We’re back’ (in the style the little girl says, “They’re back” in Poltergeist.) We were at the Empress with its 470 seats, and it was our fi rst sellout in 13 years.
Any other changes in the past two years? We started VSO Presents, where we bring in small groups to perform at Bay Terrace Theater in Vallejo. It’s a smaller venue, about 160 seats, and we brought in Squid Inc, a string quartet, in September 2012. On March 15, we’ll have Paul Psarras back. There’s no theme yet, and I’m not sure what he’s going to play but he wants to play the oud, an ancient instrument from Greece. He loves ancient instruments.
What’s next for the symphony? We’re feeling good. We want to have the season ready in late February so we can go public in April, 2014. We’re planning a three-concert subscription series —keep your fi ngers crossed. It’s going to mean lot of fundraising. We’re starting a wine raffl e now, and we’ll draw at our concert in April. We are not that far away from a third concert.
What do you do to relax? I do a lot of cooking, often French food. I put the right music on to go with what I cook. Last night I cooked Italian, so I put on opera. B
Upcoming Vallejo Symphony Programs
VSO Presents Paul Psarras, a classical guitarist, Friday, March 15, at Bay Terrace Theater, 51 Daniels Ave., Vallejo. (Details being confi rmed at press time.)
Vallejo Symphony Orchestra spring concert: "Storms and Passions,” with guest artist Melanie Keller, 3 p.m., Sunday, April 7, at Lander Hall, Touro University, Mare Island. Tickets range from $15 to $35.
Tickets for either performance: Available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling the symphony offi ce at 707-643-4441.
Feb Ben Mag vol8 v4.indd 25 1/22/13 9:04 AM
26 • Benicia Magazine Fashionista
By Christina Strawbridge For weeks the Bay Area had been drenched with a series of storms that caused major flooding in many towns, including Benicia. As I write this Sunday morning, the rain is coming down sideways and the wind gusts are up to 50 miles an hour. There I was, on a flight headed for Palm Springs. Not my favorite way of traveling! The pilot did his best to maneuver around the dark clouds, but the whole of California was turbulent without a bit of sunshine or blue sky to be found. However, as we passed over the snow-topped mountains surrounding Palm Springs, the sky magically opened up, revealing the desert, the golf courses and pools in every block. I don't remember ever feeling so thrilled, not only to be safely on the ground, but for the warmth of the desert after days of wet weather. I happily peeled off layers of winter clothing in preparation for the ride into Old Palm Springs for lunch and sightseeing. Palm Springs has gone through many transformations in the last hundred years. The "who’s who" of Hollywood and Washington used the desert to relax, rejuvenate and make deals. They built dream homes and compounds designed by the most innovative architects of the era. In some ways, the town became a second Hollywood, where streets are named after movie stars such as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Dinah Shore and Gene Autry. As you walk the sidewalks, the names of film and television's elite are immortalized in the pavement. The latest tribute to Hollywood is the addition of “Forever Marilyn,” a sculpture of Marilyn Monroe that stands 26 feet tall
and weighs a whopping 34,300 pounds. The sculptor is American artist Seward Johnson, Johnson & Johnson heir, who is known internationally for depicting people engaged in everyday activities. “Forever Marilyn” is part of his recent series, Icons Revisited, which questions society's embrace of certain visual icons, their impact on our lives and culture and how the message has changed over time. Johnson was inspired by the famous photograph of Marilyn promoting The Seven Year Itch, taken by Bernard of Hollywood. The sculpture debuted on July 15, 2011 on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, to much controversy. It was moved to Palm Springs after a six day road trip and five day assembly and restoration, and unveiled May 24, 2012. Marilyn Monroe was discovered at Palm Spring’s Charlie Farrell Racquet Club in 1949 at age 22, by William Morris talent agent Johnny Hyde. Many famous photos of early Marilyn were taken around the Club's swimming pool. In the 1950's, she made many visits with her second husband Joe DiMaggio, and in the 60's bought a home in the Vista Las Palmas neighborhood. Seeing the sculpture in person was a highlight of my desert visit. When we came upon her at the corner of "Main and Main" in the heart of downtown, it was interesting to see the crowd's reaction, especially the men! Marilyn still holds our fascination, even in stainless steel and aluminum. My three days in Palm Springs were filled with pool time, dining, business and a little bit of Hollywood. I appreciate the fascination and allure it has had on generations looking for the great escape. B
HOLLYWOOD in the Desert
Feb Ben Mag vol8 v4.indd 26 1/22/13 9:04 AM
BeniciaMagazine.com • 27
www.lindsayartglass.com
Gallery Hours: Sun-Fri 11-5 • Sat 10-5
109 East F Street , Benicia, CA 94510707.748.1336
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Camellia Tea Room • 828 First StreetDowntown Benicia • 707.746.5293
Housemade Desserts, Fine Teas & Tea
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Camellia Tea Room • 828 First StreetDowntown Benicia • 707.746.5293
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Rose Angelica Hair Salon841 First Street, Benicia
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John “Sherm” PassalacquaPassalacqua Funeral Chapel901 West Second St., Benicia 707-745-3130www.passalacquafuneralchapel.com
Voted Best Funeral Home In Solano County 7 Years In A Row
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4680 East 2nd St., Benicia
Visit our large showroom of Fireplaces, Stoves,
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Visit our large showroom of Fireplaces, Stoves,
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Feb Ben Mag vol8 v4.indd 27 1/22/13 9:04 AM
28 • Benicia Magazine Listening
By Rhonda Lucile Hicks
How long have you lived in Benicia? Ten years.
What did you listen to as a teenager? The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Pink Floyd, Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Moody Blues, various 60’s oldies.
What do you listen to now? Basically the same thing with the occasional latest radio hits that my daughter listens to.
What's the first music you remember hearing? Earl Bostic, Jo Stafford, Glenn Miller.
Who influenced your music? The big band horn sound of the 40’s.
When did you know you wanted to be a musician? When I realized that I wasn’t cut out to be a policeman or fireman that my father had always pushed me towards.
What was your best moment on stage? The Fillmore, San Francisco, with Greg Allman performing in front of friends on stage alongside one of the legends of rock was pretty fun!
What do you do in your spare time? Golf in the summer and skiing in the winter.
What brought you to Benicia? Growing up in the Bay Area I always liked Benicia. Great place to raise a kid. We were finally able to afford it just in time for our daughter to start kindergarten.
Where can we see you perform? House of Floyd does theatres and large venues in California quite often. Early next year we will be performing at Yoshi’s in S.F. and at The Hoffman Auditorium in Walnut Creek among others. Visit our web site for complete schedule www.houseofloyd.com.
Why Pink Floyd music? From the Syd Barrett era to “Dark Side of The Moon,” “The Wall” and more, there are five decades of music that Pink Floyd produced, touching on every mood and life experience. We do it because we love the music and the joy it brings to people who come to hear it, to either re-live their past or are introduced to it for the first time. Not to mention the great lights and videos we get to do at all the shows! B
Read the expanded interview online at beniciamagazine.com.
Ongoing
The Rellik TavernLive music every Friday & Saturday therelliktavern.com 707.746.1137
Upstairs at the CaféLive music Thurs, Fri & SatJazz Sunday afternoonfirststreetcafe.com 707.745.1400
Empress TheatreWednesday Night Ramble First & third Wednesdays empresstheatre.org 707.552.2400
Sticky Rice Chinese Bistro & Bar FairfieldLive music every Saturdaystickyricebistro.com 707.863.7500
Special Events:Clint BlackUptown Theatre, NapaFriday, February 1, 8pmuptowntheatrenapa.com
Jackson Browne Acoustic TourNob Hill Masonic AuditoriumSan Francisco, Wed, Feb 6, 7:30pmlivenation.com
Chester ThompsonFreight & Salvage Coffee HouseBerkeley, Fri, February 8, 8pmthefreight.org
Delta Blues Festival Benefit ConcertEl Campanil TheatreAntioch, Sat, Feb 9, 7pmelcampaniltheatre.com
Swedish House MafiaBill Graham Civic AuditoriumSan Francisco, Wed, Feb 13, 7pmlivenation.com
The Billy Martini Dance BandSilo’s, Napa, Thurs, Feb 14, 7pmsilosnapa.com
Tony Lindsay & FriendsVallejo, Fri, February 15, 8pmempresstheatre.org
Los LobosUptown Theatre, NapaSaturday, February 16, 8pmuptowntheatrenapa.com
Lua Hadar with TwistMusically Minded AcademyOakland, Sat, Feb 16, 8pmmusicallyminded.com
Eddie MoneyVacaville Performing Arts TheatreVacaville, Sat, Feb 16, 8pmvpat.net
Black Irish BandBenicia Historical Museum Benicia, Sat, Feb 16, 8pmbeniciahistoricalmuseum.org
Chiara String QuartetSt. Mary the VirginSan Francisco, Sun, Feb 17, 7pmsmvsf.org
Kurt RosenwinkelYoshi’s San FranciscoSan Francisco, Wed, Feb 20, 8pmyoshis.com
Adrian Legg142 ThrockmortonMill Valley, Thurs, Feb 21, 8pm142throckmortontheatre.com
Victor WootenNapa Valley Opera House Napa, Thurs, Feb 21, 8pmnvoh.org
Music for Families, San Francisco SymphonyDavies Symphony Hall San Francisco, Sat, Feb 23, 2pmsfsymphony.org
Free EnergyBrick and Mortal Music HallSan Francisco, Thurs, Feb 28, 9pmbrickandmortarmusic.com
Scan for more listings
Mark Showalter
Live Music
Born: August 19, 1956Resides in: Benicia, CAFavorite Food: Chicken Wings (Hot)Favorite Book: Journey To The Center of the EarthFavorite Song: “In The Mood,” Glenn Miller (grew up listening to it from my parents collection and it kinda just stuck there)Relationship Status/Children: Married with one daughter (16)
House of Floyd - The Music Of Pink FloydBand Leader - Saxophone - Keyboard - Vocals
Featured Musician
Feb Ben Mag vol8 v4.indd 28 1/22/13 9:05 AM
BeniciaMagazine.com • 29
707-745-0924935 First Street, Benicia • www.esteyrealestate.com
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Dr. Tom CampbellOrthodontics for children and adults
Call to schedule a complimentary exam707.745.1994 • 164 East H St., Benicia
Beniciaparadocs.com
Feb Ben Mag vol8 v4.indd 29 1/22/13 9:05 AM
30 • Benicia Magazine Calendar
Calendar of Events
2/1&2/15 Ghost Walk with Donna Raymond & Devin Sisk, Fridays, Depot, 8pm Spooky tales of Benicia’s paranormal history Approx. 2 hours, no children under 10 Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791
2/2-2/24 Capitol & Fischer-Hanlon House Weekends only 10am-5pm Fischer-Hanlon tours 1st & 3rd Sundays & 2nd Saturday Tours at 1, 2 and 3pm, Feb. 3, 9, & 17 115 West G Street, Benicia, 707.745.3385
2/5 First Tuesdays Investment Club Long-standing investment club Meets in Benicia first Tuesday each month For more info contact 707.373.1200
2/6-2/27 Toastmaster’s Group Wednesday evening 7:30-9pm Learn to speak w/confidence in a friendly environment 601 First Street, Suite 100, Benicia 707.745.5694 Larry Miller
2/9 Friends of the Library Book Sale 10am-4pm Benicia Library basement, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343
2/9 Wine & Chocolate Walk 1-5pm Stroll First Street with your sweetheart Indulge in chocolates, fine wines & shopping Tickets available at Main Street Depot or online Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791
2/9 Benicia Art Walk, Self-guided Tour 3-7pm Every second Saturday, pick up a map First Street galleries, studios & businesses Pat Ryll 707.495.2940
2/9 Benicia Plein Air Gallery Reception 5-7pm Featured artist is Marshall Lockman Gallery open Thursday-Sunday, 11am-5pm 307 First Street, Benicia, Beniciapleinair.com
2/9 Gallery 621 Reception 5-8pm Featured artist is Jody Mattison Exhibit runs 2/7 – 3/10 621 First Street, Thurs.-Sun. 12-5pm Gallery621.com 707.746.6211
2/10 Family Art Day 1-3pm Free art activities for the entire family Arts Benicia, 991 Tyler Street, #114 Artsbenicia.org 707.747.0131
2/16 Black Irish in Concert 8pm Playing Irish, Italian & American folk music Benicia Historical Museum, 2024 Camel Road Beniciahistoricalmuseum.org 707.745.5435
2/20 Evening Book Club for Adults 7-8pm Library Doña Benicia Room Benicia Library, 150 East L Street Benicialibrary.org 707.746.4343
2/23 Pamper Me First 11am-5pm Grab your girlfriends and come downtown Pampering, wellness and shopping Downtown Benicia shops, spas and salons Beniciamainstreet.org 707.745.9791
2/23 Trivia Bee XXII, Pirates of the Carquinez Strait 6pm Dinner, no host bar, costume prizes & more! Fundraiser for Adult Literacy Program The Clock Tower, 1189 Washington Street, Benicia Benicialibrary.org/literacy 707.746.4341
FEBRUARY2013
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Feb Ben Mag vol8 v4.indd 30 1/22/13 9:05 AM
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Welcome to Tosch Dental
Ronald J. Tosch, DDS l 118 West K St.707.745.2130 l www.toschdental.com
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Feb Ben Mag vol8 v4.indd 31 1/22/13 9:05 AM
Come see our large showroom 4852 East 2nd Street, Benicia
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