Author: Alfredo Casuso

media contact:  David Perry & Associates, Inc / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

“Where words leave off, music begins.” – Heinrich Heine
Porchfest Benicia presents its full 2025 lineup — an eclectic celebration of community and sound
Saturday, September 13, 2025

Over 10,000 Music Lovers Celebrate Inaugural Event Last Year,
Setting Stage for Another Unforgettable Experience

2 September 2025 – Benicia, CA: The good folks at Benicia Magazine know there is no such thing as “too much of a good thing” when it comes to music for this year’s 2^nd Annual  Porchfest Benicia (www.porchfest-benicia.com).  The water ringed Bay city will be vibrating on Saturday, September 13 (12pm – 5pm) with a rich, multi-genre talent roster featuring a diverse array of local, regional, and national musicians across downtown venues and historic porches.

“Music, mirth, good food, fine ways and lots of family-friendly fun, what’s not to like,” said Mary Hand, publisher of Benicia Magazine and creative force behind what has in two-short-years a “Bay Area Must-See-Hear-and-Attend event on the cultural calendar. “Last year, more than 10,000 people came to discover what we Benicians already know: this town is magical, and full of musical talent.”

Below is the full list of musicians performing at this year’s Porchfest Benicia on Saturday, September. The details of venues and times (subject to change) can be found online at https://www.porchfest-benicia.com/talent

• Joe Sumner (Pop/Folk/Rock) — An English-born singer-songwriter of Fiction Plane fame, who has toured with “A Bowie Celebration” and alongside his father, Sting. His solo release Sunshine In The Night has earned global praise. 
• Don Bassey & Friends Featuring Bonnie Hayes (Blues/Rock/Americana) — Don Bassey brings decades of Bay Area music expertise, having played with BB King, Santana, and The Byrds; Bonnie Hayes is a celebrated songwriter (Bonnie Raitt, Robert Cray), touring alum (Billy Idol), and former head of Berklee’s songwriting department. 
• Baxter Robertson & The California Psychics featuring Kid Andersen (Blues) — Baxter Robertson is a Bay Area songwriter, keyboardist, and multi-media artist; Kid Andersen joins him—a recognized name in blues circuit. (Porchfest Benicia)
• Lilan Kane & Ian McArdle (Soul/Jazz) — Featuring Oakland’s soulful, expressive singer Lilan Kane, with Ian McArdle’s complement on stage. Their music has received media recognition across KCSM, Jazziz, Soultracks, and more. 
• Lady Bianca (Blues, Funk, Soul, Gospel, R&B) — A powerful electric performer who toured with Sly Stone, Frank Zappa, John Lee Hooker, Van Morrison, Curtis Mayfield, and received multiple Grammy nominations. 
• Deep Thicket Dwellers (Bluegrass) — A dynamic quartet weaving Bluegrass, Old-time, Gypsy Jazz, and fiddle-driven “Hillbilly Jazz,” delivering energetic foot-stomping performances. 
• Tender Mercies (Americana/Rock) — Featuring Dan Vickrey & Jim Bogios of Counting Crows, plus Patrick Winningham and Kurt Stevenson; currently recording anew. 
• Beso Negro (Gypsy Jazz, Latin, Americana, Punk) — Bold, fast, and danceable: Gypsy-influenced Americana with a punk twist for the modern listener. 
• Justin Howl (Blues/Roots) — Mississippi-born, Chicago-based blues troubadour praised by Blues Blast Magazine and Music Connection for his impactful voice and evocative songwriting. (Porchfest Benicia)
• Pardon The Interruption (Ska/New Wave/Progressive Pop) — A playful, genre-blending act reminiscent of Fishbone, Mr. Bungle, Talking Heads, and The Police; guaranteed to spark movement. (Porchfest Benicia)
• BeaufunK (Funk) — Fronted by Michael Jeffries (formerly of Tower of Power), with a lineup of funk heavyweights, delivering irresistible rhythm and dance energy. (Porchfest Benicia)
• Jewels Hanson & Company (Country) — Country singer-songwriter and Nashville Star Top-10 finalist; her credits include co-writing for Trailer Choir and Cowboy Troy, and anthem performances at major sports stadiums. (Porchfest Benicia)
• Shabang! (Calypso) — Led by steel-pan artist Harry Best from St. Lucia, delivering authentic Caribbean steel drum music infused with calypso, reggae, zouk, and soca. (Porchfest Benicia)
• Lucas Ohio (Americana) — Martinez-based singer-songwriter blending folk, country, and blues; hailed by Mojo magazine for his impactful songwriting and emotive storytelling. (Porchfest Benicia)
• Kabachuti (Indigenous Soul) — Ras K’dee of the Dry Creek Pomo, a powerful lyricist, educator, and Hip-Hop innovator, often likened to Gil-Scott Heron and Marvin Gaye. (Porchfest Benicia)
• Carly Thomas (Acoustic/Folk/Indie) — Canadian-born, globally-raised singer-songwriter with a unique multicultural perspective and deeply evocative songs; her album Behind the Ficus delves into personal truths. (Porchfest Benicia)
• James Henry Hands on Fire (Latin/World/Flamenco Fusion) — A fiery ensemble led by percussionist James Henry, blending Latin grooves, flamenco guitar, and global rhythms for an electrifying, dance-driven set.
• Ticket To The Limit (Classic Rock Tribute) — High-energy tribute band delivering iconic rock anthems with precision and passion, from Eagles harmonies to arena-ready guitar solos.
• Sixteen Scandals (’80s/Pop Covers) — A playful party band reviving the neon-lit sounds of the ’80s, complete with big hooks, dance beats, and sing-along nostalgia.
• Stan Houston (Singer-Songwriter/Americana) — A seasoned local troubadour with heartfelt lyrics and warm guitar stylings, offering a mix of Americana, folk, and roots originals.
• The Bell Brothers (Country/Rock) — Harmonious sibling duo blending California country and rock, known for tight vocal harmonies and infectious stage chemistry.
• Greg Rahn Trio (Jazz/Fusion/Latin) — Pianist Greg Rahn leads a versatile trio weaving jazz, Latin, and funk into sophisticated yet accessible grooves.
• HMN2HMN (Hip-Hop/Soul) — An innovative Bay Area collective merging conscious hip-hop with soulful beats, highlighting storytelling and community connection.
• Full House (Rock/Jam Collective) — Featuring members of Uncommonwealth, Vintage Spirits, and more, this collaboration brings together seasoned musicians for a genre-bending rock/jam performance.
• SunHunter (Indie Rock/Psych) — An adventurous band exploring lush indie-rock soundscapes with psychedelic textures and melodic storytelling.
• Blue Cinema (Alt/Indie/Pop) — Atmospheric and cinematic, &Blue Cinema crafts dreamy alt-pop songs layered with electronic touches and emotional resonance.
• Evolution Eden (Rock/Pop) — A polished, radio-ready rock outfit blending melodic hooks, soaring vocals, and modern production.
• Josh Flagg (Rock/Americana) — Dynamic singer-songwriter with driving guitar riffs and heartfelt Americana storytelling, praised for powerful live performances.
• Justin Jones (Folk/Rock/Blues) — A soulful artist with a gritty voice and poetic lyrics, channeling folk, rock, and blues traditions into modern storytelling.
• Ex-Capitals featuring Paul Caccamo (Indie Rock/Post-Punk) — A sharp, edgy act with roots in indie and post-punk, delivering driving rhythms and smart lyricism, joined by special guest Paul Caccamo.

Stages & Performances:
The artists will appear across 18 venues, including charming vintage porches and busy First Street locales:

• City Park/Uptown Stage: James Henry Hands on Fire Quartet, Afro Beat, Latin grooves, Soca, Caribbean Flavor World fusion With funky vocals 12pm), BeaufunK (Funk/Soul, 35pm)
• One House Bakery: Carly Thomas (Acoustic/Indie/Rock, 1:302pm & 2:303pm) Kevin Frazier Group (Smooth Jazz, 11:30AM -1PM)
• Coldwell Banker Lot: Lucas Ohio (Americana/Rock, 11:30pm & 22:30pm), Tender Mercies (Americana/Rock, 35pm)
• Rellik Tavern: Ticket to the Limit (Rock, 13pm), Sixteen Scandals (Rock, 46pm)
• Benicia Capitol State Historic Park: Benicia Middle School Drum Line (12:301pm)
• Elisa’s Closet: Stan Houston (Acoustic, 13pm)
• BootScootin’ Stage (Chamber lot): Jewels Hanson & Company (12:30pm), The Bell Brothers (2:305pm)
• Lucca Beer Garden: Lady Bianca (Funk/Blues, 122:30pm); Lilan Kane & Ian McArdle (Soul/Jazz, 35pm)
• The Inn at Benicia (Gazebo): Shabang! (Calypso, 13pm), Kabachuti (Indigenous Soul, 3:305pm)
• Baxter’s (Blues at Baxters): Justin Howl (Blues, 15pm with breaks)
• Estey’s Speakeasy: Greg Rahn Trio (Jazz, 15pm with breaks)
• Benicia Green Stage: Joe Sumner (Pop/Rock, 12:30pm), Beso Negro (Gypsy/Americana/Punk, 35pm)
• Benicia Yacht Club (Anchors Away): Pardon The Interruption (Ska/New Wave, 14:30pm with breaks)
• Sanctuary Stage (L.M.E. church): HMN2HMN (Pop/Rock, 15pm with breaks)
• Big Old Victorian House of Blues (245 West K St.): Don Bassey & Friends feat. Bonnie Hayes (Blues/Rock/Americana, 12:30pm), Baxter Robertson & The California Psychics feat. Kid Andersen (Blues, 3:305pm)
• Full House (224 West I St.): Full House with members of Uncommonwealth & Vintage Spirits (Rock, 15pm with breaks)
• SunHunter (130 West K St.): SunHunter (Acoustic Rock, 23pm)
• Midtown Row West (134 West H St.): Evolution Eden (Jazz/Fusion, 15pm with breaks)
• Midtown Row East (164 East H St.): Deep Thicket Dwellers (Bluegrass, 15pm with breaks)
• Songwriter’s Corner (117 East F St.): Josh Flagg (Acoustic, 11:45pm & 22:45pm)
• Mary Farmar School of Rock (150 West G St.): Ex-Copitals with guest Paul Caccamo (Classical, 15pm with breaks)
  (Porchfest Benicia, Porchfest Benicia)

“This year’s lineup encapsulates everything we envisioned: genre-defying artistry, community storytelling, and a real sense of musical adventure—performed in the heart of Benicia,” said Hand. “What makes Porchfest remarkable is that it transforms our historic streets into stages where music, culture, and connection meet. We can’t wait for audiences to experience every note, nuance, and narrative—porch by porch, artist by artist.”

Porchfest is an annual celebration that began in Ithaca, New York, in 2007, and has since spread across the United States and Canada, uniting musicians and communities on front porches, storefronts, and outdoor stages. Nestled on the Carquinez Strait, Benicia is renowned for its historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and close-knit spirit—making it the perfect home for this musical tradition.

“We’re honored to present such a deep and diverse lineup,” Hand summed up. “From intimate acoustic ballads to high-voltage funk, Porchfest 2025 promises both soulful reflection and foot-stomping celebration.”

October 11 in Palm Springs Boo2Bullying Presents Third Annual “Kick Bullying to the Curb” 

Free Community Wellness Festival and Celebrity Kickball Tournament: Saturday, October 11 – National Coming Out Day — in Palm Springs

Steve Knill of “The Voice” Fame to Perform the National Anthem

29 August 2025 Palm Springs, CA: It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s the super hero Boo2Bullying’s third annual “Kick Bullying to the Curb” community wellness festival in Palm Springs! On Saturday, October 11 (4pm – 7pm at Power Stadium in Sunrise Park, 1901 E. Baristo Road ), the acclaimed nonprofit returns with a its mission of outreach, mentoring, inspiration, hope and suicide prevention to bullied youth and their families. The day culminates in a celebrity kickball game at 6pm, led by two dynamic community leaders: Shaka Gray (Team Palm Springs) and Connie Golds (Team Coachella).  Starting the game in traditional fashion will be “The Star Spangled Banner” performed by Palm Springs’ own Steve Knill known to fans from Season 17 of “The Voice.” Admission, food, and parking are free, but advance registration is encouraged via the link below:
https://boo2bullying.org/event/3rd-annual-kick-bullying-to-the-curb/

“Every child and every family deserves a safe and welcoming environment,” said Dimitri Halkidis, Founder of Boo2Bullying. “This event is more than a game – it’s a movement to create communities where kindness and inclusion win every time. Plus, what better day to celebrate and make our message clear than October 11: National Coming Out Day.”

Founded in 2011 by Halkidis after losing a close friend to suicide, B2B as it is colloquially known, now reaches thousands of youth annually through school programs, community events, and digital platforms. With a mission to give young people the tools to speak up, stand strong, and build inclusive communities free from bullying and discrimination, Boo2Bullying provides outreach, mentoring, inspiration and hope to bullied youth and their families. 

“Mental health is enhanced when children and teens feel empowered, build their self-esteem, and realize they are not alone,” says Halkidis. “They discover that they have a voice and are capable of standing against bullying to create positive change.”

Palm Springs Mayor Ron DeHarte praised the event’s message: “Palm Springs is proud to support Boo2Bullying and this joyful festival. Events like these remind us of the power of coming together as one community – diverse, inclusive, and strong.”

Shaka Gray, Captain of Team Palm Springs, said: “Bullying has no place in our schools or our neighborhoods. I’m honored to represent Palm Springs in this positive and uplifting way.”

Connie Golds, Captain of Team Coachella, added: “This is about teamwork – not just on the kickball field, but in life. When we work together, we can create safe spaces where everyone belongs.”

From 4pm until 5:30pm, Boo2Bullying and Community Partner organizations will host information tables/booths and family-friendly activities, DJ, face-painting for children. Festival-goers will also be treated to a “Petting Zoo and Cool Critters” show by the Mobile Zoo of Southern California and free hot dogs, nachos, icy lemonade and more.

From 4pm – 6pm, attendees will engage in activities for all youth, families and community allies including the Palm Springs Unified Districts. At 6:00pm, the action shifts to the Palm Springs Power Stadium field where Coachella Valley notables compete in Boo2Bullying’s “3rd Annual Kick Bullying to the Curb” kickball game. A special guest singer will sing the National Anthem.

Presenting Sponsor: Bighorn Cares

Additional Sponsors: Desert Healthcare District & Foundation • Steve Tobin & Johnny Krupa / Grace Helen Spearman Foundation • City of Palm Springs • Contour Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery Center • The Bianco Group • David Perry & Associates, Inc.

About Boo2Bullying:
Boo2Bullying is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing outreach, mentoring, education, and support for youth and families affected by bullying. Its mission is to empower communities to create environments where all people can thrive with dignity, respect, and inclusion. For information about scheduling a Boo2Bullying program in your school or community organization, contact Dimitri Halkidis at (310) 435-8528 or dimitrihalkidis@boo2bullying.org. For more information, visit: www.boo2bullying.org

media contact:
David Perry & Associates, Inc.
David Perry | (415) 676-7007 | news@davidperry.com

“A Balcony on the World” Rebroadcast:
Friday, August 29: 8pm
Saturday, August 30: 6pm 

San Francisco’s WPA-Era SF Maritime Museum National Park Service Landmark Building Shines in New Documentary 

A Love Letter to Public Art, Civic Imagination, and a Forgotten Cultural Treasure

27 August 2025 – San Francisco, CA: One of San Francisco’s most visually striking and historically layered landmarks takes center stage in a powerful new documentary premiering this August on KQED 9. “A Balcony on the World” uncovers the long-overlooked story of the Aquatic Park Bathhouse Building—now home to the San Francisco Maritime Museum—and the visionary artists, architects, and civic leaders who shaped it. An additional prime time showing has been scheduled for this Friday.

Broadcast Dates on KQED 9:

• Friday, August 29 at 8:00pm
• Saturday, August 30 at 6:00pm

Constructed during the depths of the Great Depression as part of the New Deal’s Works Progress Administration, the Aquatic Park Bathhouse was envisioned as a “democratic country club”—a public sanctuary for art, beauty, and leisure. The Streamline Moderne structure, overlooking San Francisco Bay, became a hub of innovation, collaboration, and civic optimism. Yet until now, its full story has never been told.

“This film is a revelation—not only for what it says about the building, but for what it says about our city’s history and soul,” said Darlene Plumtree, CEO of the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association. “The Aquatic Park Bathhouse has always belonged to the people, and this documentary gives its stories—and its art—the platform they deserve.”

From the Surrealist murals of Hilaire Hiler to the elegant tile work of African American Modernist Sargent Johnson, A Balcony on the World showcases art and architecture as acts of hope. It traces the building’s rise, decline, and rebirth—from public gathering space to private lease, and eventually to its 1951 transformation into the Maritime Museum.

The documentary also highlights the modern-day restoration by respected conservator Anne Rosenthal, who used forensic techniques to recover the murals’ lost brilliance, revealing hidden layers of abstraction, color theory, and symbolism.

Beyond art and architecture, the film is deeply personal—a tribute by filmmaker John Rogers to his father, a Navy veteran and Matson Line purser, who first introduced him to the museum as a child. The result is not only a documentary about a building, but a meditation on civic beauty, artistic inclusion, and the enduring power of public space.

Appearing in the film and offering expert perspective are Todd Bloch, architectural historian with the National Park Service; David Pelfrey, National Park Ranger; and Gray Brechin, noted historian of the New Deal. Also featured are author and San Francisco Chronicle contributor Gary Kamiya, along with art curator Lizzetta LaFalle-Collins.

About the San Francisco Maritime Museum:
The San Francisco Maritime Museum, housed in the historic Aquatic Park Bathhouse, is part of the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. Operated by the National Park Service, the museum preserves and interprets the region’s rich maritime heritage through exhibitions, historic ships, and public programming. The building, a landmark of WPA Streamline Moderne design, also continues to serve the community as home to a senior center operated by Sequoia Living, underscoring its ongoing legacy as a public space for all. To learn more, go to https://www.nps.gov/safr/index.htm