Author: Alfredo Casuso

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Exhibit Labor Day and Other Special Offers. Closes September 14 in SF

Written on August 21, 2025.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Exhibit Labor Day and Other Special Offers. Closes September 14 in SF

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

Make this semester start with a masterpiece!

San Francisco’s “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition”
is the perfect Back-to-School and Family “edu-tainment” experience
— now open through September 14

Special “Labor Day Monday” open hours: September 1
— plus limited-time 15% off tickets and 20% rebate for groups of 10+

21 August 2025 – San Francisco, CA – Make the start of the school year unforgettable with an extraordinary cultural experience—no passport required. Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition transforms the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption into an up-close journey through Michelangelo’s masterpieces, offering Bay Area students and families a unique way to combine learning with awe. Visitors can wander beneath life-size reproductions of The Creation of Adam, The Last Judgment, and the entire Sistine Chapel ceiling—without the crowds or neck strain of Rome.

And for a limited time, audiences can take advantage of 15% off all tickets. Plus, groups of 10 or more receive a 20% rebate off regular pricing when booked through our group sales team (info@chapelsistine.com).

Education meets awe:

• Curriculum-enhancing visuals: Near-original-scale frescoes let students study brushwork, color, and composition with immediate impact.

• Narrative-driven learning: The free audio guide app enriches understanding of symbolism, history, and Michelangelo’s genius—perfect for younger visitors and curious minds alike.

• Inclusive design: Fully wheelchair and ADA accessible, welcoming all learners and families.

“As an international producer of exhibitions, I’ve seen how powerful art can be in shaping education,” said Martin Biallas, President of SEE Global Entertainment. “When we make learning fun, we open the door for students and families to connect more deeply with culture, history, and each other. That’s exactly what this exhibition is about.”

Stress-free logistics:

• Free onsite parking – easy drop-off and pickup.

• Group-friendly: Perfect for school excursions and organizations. Contact info@chapelsistine.com for group bookings (10+).

Tickets & visitor info:
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition
Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption
1111 Gough Street (at Geary), San Francisco, CA

• Hours (now through Sept 14):
Tuesday–Sunday: 10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry 3:30 p.m.)

Special Labor Day Monday (Sept 1): 10:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (last entry 3:30 p.m.)
• Ticket pricing (3 tiers):
• Adult: $27 (weekday) / $29 (weekend)
• Senior: $25 (weekday) / $26 (weekend)
• Military/Youth: $19 (every day)

Special offers:
• Limited-time 15% promo currently available (act fast).
• Groups 10+: 20% rebate off regular pricing – email info@chapelsistine.com.

Duration: 60–90 minutes per visit
Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, ADA friendly
Parking: Free onsite parking available
Audio Guide App: Free download with multilingual, age-appropriate explanation.

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition has attracted sold-out audiences in cities across the United States, including Chicago, Minneapolis, Charlotte, Charleston, and Atlanta.

The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption—known to locals as St. Mary’s Cathedral—is itself an architectural landmark. Built in 1970 after fire destroyed its predecessor, the cathedral incorporates both traditional and modern design and serves as the Mother Church for the Archdiocese of San Francisco.

Produced by Los Angeles–based SEE Global Entertainment, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition holds the exclusive worldwide rights to the fresco reproductions through Bridgeman Images. For more information, visit chapelsistine.com.

Tickets on sale: chapelsistine.com/exhibits/san-francisco/

ABOUT SEE© GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT:
The SEE© Family of Companies represents the finest in themed entertainment. Working with major Hollywood studios, record companies, sports franchises, and legendary individuals, SEE has become the one source for truly great, expansive entertainment. SEE is led by President Martin Biallas, a Hollywood veteran of 30 years. Visit www.seeglobalentertainment.com and www.martinbiallas.com.

ABOUT ST. MARY’S CATHEDRAL:
The Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption serves as the Mother Church of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, encompassing San Francisco, Marin, and San Mateo counties. Designed by Pietro Belluschi with engineering consultant Pier Luigi Nervi, the cathedral was dedicated in 1971 and is considered a bold expression of post-Vatican II liturgical architecture. Notable works include Richard Lippold’s baldacchino and bronze sculptures by Enrico Manfredi.

Porchfest Nights Closes Out August with Music!

Written on August 20, 2025.

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

Porchfest Nights Closes Out August with Music!
Wednesday August 27 Features musicians from Sonoma’s Pardon The Interruption

Exclusive Wednesday Evening Events Set Stage for Second Annual Porchfest Benicia – Saturday, September 13
www.porchfest-benicia.com

20 August 2025 – Benicia, CA: The dog days of summer are hot with song! The popular Porchfest Nights Wednesday Music Series closes out on August 27 with a duo from Sonoma’s Pardon The Interruption, a band slated to play at Porchfest Benicia. Porchfest Nights takes place at The Escape (4588 East Second Street, Suite E) in Benicia’s Industrial Park. Doors open at 6:00pm; music runs 6:30pm–8:30pm. Tickets are $18 and include a casual artist meet-and-greet. Beer and wine and snacks are available for purchase.

“Pardon the Interruption is the perfect way to wrap up this triple threat series,” says Mary Hand, publisher of Benicia Magazine and the creative spirit behind Porchfest Benicia and Porchfest Nights. “These three Porchfest Nights mini-concerts have been deliciously teasing heavy apps for the main course next month: Porchfest Benicia.”

Roaring out of the fog-shrouded hills of Sonoma and drowning out the chatter, New Wave/Prog-Pop troubadours Pardon the Interruption (aka PTI) are taking their place — asserting their voice — in the storied musical conversation of the San Francisco Bay Area. One foot is planted firmly in the past paying homage to some of the most singular and iconic artists of the ‘70s, 80s and ‘90s. The other is stepping boldly forward, producing original material that is at once nostalgically familiar while also entirely modern and unique. It’s undeniable fun. It will make you dance. It’s like a perfect pepperoni pizza. It’s Pardon TheInterruption.

Porchfest Benicia 2025 returns on Saturday, September 13 (12pm – 5pm) with more than 40 performances across First Street and historic neighborhoods, from 1:00–5:00pm. Proceeds from Porchfest Nights support the production of Porchfest Benicia 2025. The Rotary Club of Benicia is acting as Porchfest Benicia and Porchfest Nights’ 501(c)(3) partner, so donations accepted are eligible for a tax deduction. Advance and VIP tickets for Porchfest Benicia are on sale now at www.porchfest-benicia.com.

“Last year’s inaugural event drew thousands of attendees, transforming Benicia into a regional music hot spot,” said Benicia Mayor Steve Young. “It’s more than just a music event – it’s a community experience.”

Porchfest is an annual celebration that began in Ithaca, New York, in 2007, and has since spread across the United States and Canada. It brings together local musicians and community members to showcase their talents on front porches, storefronts, and driveways, promoting a sense of community and pride. Nestled on the Carquinez Strait, Benicia is a city rich in history and culture, known for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and welcoming community.

Last year’s inaugural Porchfest Benicia attracted more than 10,000 attendees to Benicia’s historic streets to enjoying live performances from over 20 bands from all over the Bay Area as well as local talent. With only one year under its guitar straps, Porchfest Nights and Porchfest Benicia have already become one of the Bay Area’s most anticipated community events.

”Benicia is a perfect match for bringing Porchfest to our area,” Hand sums up. “These musicians, community artists, restauranteurs and barkeeps all represent the best of what the city has to offer, blending music, history, and local flavor into a memorable celebration for all.”

Porchfest Benicia VIP tickets & “Sip Stops” Keep the Music Playing

Written on August 19, 2025.

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

Porchfest Benicia VIP tickets & “Sip Stops” Keep the Music Playing

“He was a wise man who invented wine.” – Plato

Porchfest Benicia VIP tickets & “Sip Stops” Keep the Music Playing

Raise a Glass to Music, Community, and Sustainability
“Sip, Savor and Support”: Saturday, September 13

Over 10,000 Music Lovers Expected for Second Annual Music Fest

19 August 2025 – Benicia, CA: The good folks at Benicia Magazine built it, and indeed, the people came, saw, and danced in the streets. Following the overwhelming success of last year’s Porchfest Benicia (www.porchfest-benicia.com), this year’s event on Saturday, September 13 (12pm – 5pm) features expanded VIP ticket packages and Sip Stops—two essential ways the public can support the free community festival while also enjoying premium perks.

“Porchfest Benicia is free to attend, but it isn’t free to produce,” said Mary Hand, Publisher of Benicia Magazine and creative force behind the festival. “Our VIP tickets and Sip Stops are how we keep the music playing. Every glass poured and every ticket purchased directly supports the artists and makes this magical day possible. Plus, it’s fun! Who doesn’t love a refreshing sip between songs?”

VIP tickets include access to exclusive performances, reserved seating at select venues, and special opportunities to meet headline artists, including the historic Sly & the Family Stone tribute at Lucca Beer Garden.

For those who prefer to roam, Porchfest’s Sip Stops will once again dot downtown Benicia, offering craft beer, and wine tastings in partnership with local businesses and community sponsors.

Last year, Porchfest attracted more than 10,000 visitors, packing the waterfront streets of historic downtown Benicia. Organizers emphasize that VIP ticket sales and Sip Stop revenues are critical to paying artists fairly, expanding kid-friendly programming, and sustaining Porchfest as an annual tradition. VIP tickets are available at the link below: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/porchfest-benicia-2025-vip-tickets-tickets-1439949861799

“This is the model of a true community festival,” said Benicia Mayor Steve Young. “Porchfest is free and open to all, but its sustainability depends on people stepping up and supporting it through VIP tickets and Sip Stops. It’s how we make sure the music and joy continue, not just this year, but for years to come.”

In addition to exclusive seating and access, VIP ticket holders will enjoy three glasses of beer or wine plus a Tequila tasting at First Street Green VIP area, light bites, and special programming leading into the day’s headliner sets.

“Every dollar from VIPs and Sip Stops goes straight back into the music,” said Hand. “It’s how we can afford top-tier artists while also keeping Porchfest open and inclusive for everyone.”

Porchfest is an annual celebration that began in Ithaca, New York, in 2007, and has since spread across the United States and Canada. It brings together local musicians and community members to showcase talents on front porches, storefronts, and driveways, promoting a sense of community pride and inclusion. Nestled on the Carquinez Strait, Benicia is a city rich in history and culture, known for its vibrant arts scene, historic architecture, and warm, welcoming community.

“Sip, savor, and support—that’s our motto for this year’s Porchfest,” Hand sums up. “Raise a glass with us, and you’re helping raise the festival itself.”

Bill Miller “Mr. Ocean Liner” with a Rare Magazine “SS United States” Cover

Written on August 19, 2025.

Bill Miller “Mr. Ocean Liner” with a Rare Magazine “SS United States” Cover

SCRIBBLINGS
From Bill Miller

C:\Users\bill\Pictures\Tony117\Aug 01 2021\Ships Color Done\CARINTHIA in Montreal (2).jpg

The Carinthia at Montreal

Sat Jun 21^st At Home: Memories Soviet Style! Back in the mid 1960s, Graham Lees served aboard Cunard’s Carinthia and on the Liverpool-Montreal route. Our recent posting on the Alexandr Pushkin/Marco Polo prompted memories of that ship. “Whilst in Montreal on one of my scheduled 3 night stays each 3rd week of the Carinthia season, some of junior officers went on board the Pushkin [seen below at Sydney] to have a look around,” he wrote. “It was very basic in most of the accommodation – a lot of cabins not having a bathroom, merely a sink which had to be filled and emptied using a supplied pitcher from somewhere along the alleyway. Posh cabins were more appropriately supplied with bathrooms which, I seem to remember, had a bath but no shower. Some vodka was consumed! We invited some of the Russian officers back on board the Carinthia and they were impressed with the passenger and especially the officer accommodation.”

He added, “Some years later, a former student of mine served as electro-technical officer on board the Marco Polo and he was pleased to inform me that the ship was no longer in the condition it had formerly been. He enjoyed the years he spent there and I actually went to the pier head in Liverpool to see her. CMV used Liverpool as a turn-around port in those days.”

Above: The Marco Polo at St Petersburg in May 2015

Red, White & Blue! Richard Weiss wrote: “Sorting through some miscellaneous ship stuff the other day [Jun 5^th], I came across this issue of Science Illustrated from May 1949. It shows the unmistakable profile of the United States and with a short article on the pros and cons of operating a big liner and comparing the statistics of passenger loads etc. of the new American liner vs the already successful Cunard Queens. The first page shows a picture of the new ship with William Francis Gibbs looking it over. What is odd is that in this model as well as the cover picture shows the funnels silver for the lower half and above that the traditional colors of United States Lines RW&B. Apparently a name for the new super liner had not been chosen at this time as the author suggested calling her the SS American Engineer due to Mr. Gibbs extraordinary record as a naval architect. This is the earliest publication I have ever seen on the ship and brings up the question of when exactly did she receive the name United States?”

Recordando a Lorca

Written on August 19, 2025.

Recordando a Lorca

Hoy, en el aniversario de su asesinato a manos de los fascistas españoles, celebramos la vida y el legado del homenajeado del Rainbow Honor Walk Federico García Lorca (5 de junio de 1898 – 19 de agosto de 1936). Poeta, dramaturgo y director de teatro, las obras de Lorca —incluyendo Bodas de sangre, Yerma y La casa de Bernarda Alba— revolucionaron la literatura española y dieron reconocimiento mundial a la cultura de Andalucía.

Abiertamente homosexual en una época de represión, su voz fue silenciada al estallar la Guerra Civil Española, pero su arte y su valentía siguen inspirando a generaciones en la lucha por la justicia y la libertad de expresión. Su cuerpo nunca ha sido hallado, pero su coraje, su integridad y su inspiración permanecen vivos.

Lorca es un personaje en la nueva novela, Las Espinas de las 15 Rosas, actualmente en proceso de escritura por David Eugene Perry, quien este verano trabaja en la localidad andaluza de Grazalema, en la provincia de Cádiz, España. El libro es la secuela del premiado thriller de misterio de Perry, Sobre Estate Piedra. Perry es también el fundador del Rainbow Honor Walk en San Francisco, el primer paseo de la fama LGBT del mundo. Actualmente, el paseo está compuesto por 44 placas de bronce en las aceras, con 20 más previstas para instalarse en el próximo año. La placa de Lorca formó parte del conjunto inaugural instalado en 2014.