Martinez artist Mary Lou Correia has been all over the world, usually with a sketchbook and camera in hand. It is from these trips that she has captured scenes of nature and wildlife with her oil and pastel brushes. Viewers can see these paintings beginning tomorrow at Benicia Plein Air Gallery, where Correia is the […]
New poet laureate seeks to unite art, poetry
The time has arrived for Benicia to have a new poet laureate. On Sunday, Tom Stanton assumed the position as Benicia’s top poetry official, and he takes the reins from Johanna Ely. In his new role, Stanton promises to bring some bold new ideas to the title. Stanton is no stranger to Benicia’s artistic community. […]
Jeff Burkhart’s “Rhyme and Reason”: Flawed Law
A law’s designed to stop someone, from doing something wrong As time goes on the list of laws, continues to grow long Politicians meet and pass, new edicts every year To keep us from committing, the behaviors that they fear Each one has their own platform, made laws they hope to pass 10 or twenty […]
Dennis Lund: The ‘death’ of Stax Records and the Lorraine Hotel
At a recent concert featuring Booker T. Jones, of Booker T. and the M.G.’s fame, the 74-year-old Jones reminisced a bit regarding his long career, specifically his work at Stax Records in Memphis, Tenn. The music produced at the makeshift studio– it was a converted movie theater– was special for a variety of reasons. The […]
Musical entertainment announced for July 4 Picnic in the Park
Benicia’s Torchlight Parade on July 3 is always one of the city’s most celebrated events of the year, but the 4th of July fun does not stop there. There is also the Picnic in the Park the following day, and if the looks of its amenities and entertainment are any indication, it is worth forgoing […]
Poetry Corner: James Garrett “Forgot”
By chance we met again last night. You so startled, with a breath of fright. The voices were the same as words we shared. Using phrases, though few truths were bared. The girl who promised to wait forever. The boy on whom fate used a lever. “We’ve all missed you,” your words had said. My […]
Poetry Corner: Ranjit Gill “Enemies of Reason”
Enemies of reason Merchants of hate. Kids showing up to school late. Hall passes. Kids ditching science classes. Crooks peddling fiction books giving kids an imaginary hero. Telling them they’re broken like windows. “Y’all need this!” plead the enemies of reason. Drug dealers in suits poisoning the minds of kids. Taking advantage of their innocence. […]
Hendrix tribute band to light up Empress stage tomorrow
The highest benchmark an aspiring guitarist can reach is “the next Jimi Hendrix.” Given Hendrix’s status as a guitar legend, that is a tall order but Ralph Woodson has chosen to achieve this by becoming Jimi Hendrix– figuratively speaking, of course. Those wishing to become acquainted with the Vallejo-based singer and guitarist can check out […]
Photo: A book smart design
To see how this box looked a few weeks ago, click here.
Jeff Burkhart’s “Rhyme and Reason”: Little Boys
Little boys are grumpy When they first get out of bed Crying, whining, screaming; “Was it something that I said?” Then a dose of chocolate milk It seems to chill them out Mothers know what works the best For boys without a doubt Now let’s have our breakfast Turkey bacon, scrambled eggs Tossed around the […]