Summer continues and with it the roster of Bay Area festivals, music and otherwise. Next weekend, the focus shifts to Benicia for the city’s fourth annual Fine Art & Jazz Festival.
Set for 11 a.m.-8 p.m. July 30 and 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m. July 31, the event showcases Benicia at its best, at least according to its website.
With the Carquinez Straits as the picturesque backdrop, along the beautiful waterfront promenade and the First Street Green this family-friendly event features top jazz musicians from the Bay Area and around the country, a juried fine art marketplace, the Art of the Car fine auto display featuring antique and classic cars, gourmet foods, wine and beer garden and a children’s art and activity alley.
There’s certainly no denying that the featured musicians are among the region;s top jazz players, as the schedule attests.
July 30
11:30 a.m.: Jazzschool Advanced High School Jazz Workshop
1:15 p.m.: Mary Jenson and the music BEYOND
3 p.m.: Barry Finnerty Quartet
4:45 p.m.: Carlitos Medrano and the Viñales Project
6:30 p.m.: Ed Reed Quartet
July 31
11:30 a.m.: Wayne De La Cruz and the Big Trio
1:15 p.m.: Chuck MacKinnon Mactet
3 p.m.: Nina Sheldon Quartet
5 p.m.: Contemporary Jazz Orchestra
In addition, ABC Music on First Street is hosting a pre-festival reception from 6-9 p.m. July 29 featuring to-be-announced performers. First Street Café, meanwhile, is the site of Saturday’s festival after party. Bryan Girard Quartet plus special guests from the festival will provide the music. The party starts at 8:30 p.m. and there is no cover.
Festival admission, it should be noted, is $8 for adults and $5 for seniors. Kids under 12 get in free; a weekend pass is available for $12.
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