The Inaugural Porchfest Benicia Strikes a Chord
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The Inaugural Porchfest Benicia Strikes a Chord with
18 Bands on 11 Unique Open-Air Porches and Stages
on Saturday, September 21 (12pm – 5pm)
FREE Celebration of Music, Community, and Benicia’s Historic Charm Features Performances by Popular Bay Area Musicians
Kicking off with Juan Escovedo and his Latin Funk ensemble.
16 August Benicia, CA: If music be the food of love, play on…and play on a porch! On Saturday, September 21 (12pm – 5pm), the inaugural Porchfest Benicia (www.porchfest-benicia.com) brings together a bevy of 18 bands and local musicians showcasing their diverse styles on 11 unique open air venues in a day of FREE music with an accompaniment of food, wine, partying and family-friendly fun and activities for everyone. The al fresco concert kicks off at 12pm with the legendary Latin Funk of Juan Escovedo, known for his collaborations with Prince and Carlos Santana among others.
“Porchfest Benicia is more than just a music festival. It’s a celebration of our vibrant community, our history, and the incredible talent that thrives here,” said Mary Hand, Benicia Magazine publisher (https://www.beniciamagazine.com/ who is spearheading the event. “With 18 incredible bands, there’s something for everyone—whether you’re here to groove to some rock, sway to jazz, or tap your feet to traditional Irish tunes. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to our little slice of magic on the Bay for this unforgettable day.”
A first for the quaint and historic town, Porchfest Benicia presents an open-air musical potpourri, with sounds ranging from Americana and Jazz to Rock, Latin beats, and Irish Traditional tunes echoing from porches, gardens, and unique outdoor stages. A FREE family-friendly event, Porchfest Benicia is open to all ages, with optional VIP tickets offering enhanced experiences for those looking to enjoy even more of what the festival has to offer. VIP tickets are available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/porchfest-benicia-tickets-936906621927?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
To ensure a smooth and enriching experience, off-site parking will be available with shuttles transporting visitors to the event. As a special touch, docents from the Museum of History Benicia will narrate the rich history of our town during the shuttle rides. A trolley will also circulate along First Street, providing stories about Benicia’s vintage homes. Maps and schedules will be distributed to guide attendees through the day’s activities. Maps are interactive and can be downloaded via QR code online via the Porch Fest website at www.porchfest-benicia.com.
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. Porchfest Benicia aims to highlight the best of what the city has to offer, blending music, history, and local flavor into a memorable celebration for all.
Below is the list of performers for the inaugural Porchfest Benicia on Saturday, September 21 (12pm – 5pm).
12pm – 3pm with breaks
Lucca Beer Garden
Juan Escovedo All Stars Band: Latin Music/Funk
With a career spanning collaborations with Prince and Carlos Santana, Juan Escovedo leads this powerhouse Latin Funk ensemble.
1pm – 5pm with breaks
The ‘Legends of the 707’ stage (Benicia Marina/behind the Yacht Club)
Camp Jeff featuring Don Bassey: Rock
Led by rock legend Jeff Campitelli, this all-star collective features renowned musicians Jeff Tamelier, David Sikes, Darby Gould, Greg Rahn, Bryan Kehoe, and Don Bassey.
1pm – 5pm with breaks
‘The Irish Porch’ at Cullen’s Pub
Eamonn Flynn & Darcy Noonan: Irish Traditional
Dublin-born Eamonn Flynn teams up with Oakland’s fiddler extraordinaire Darcy Noonan to bring the soul of Ireland to Benicia.
1pm – 5pm with breaks
‘The Mary Farmar School of Rock’ – Farmar residence, 150 West G Street
Ex Capitals: Grunge Rock
Benicia’s own Ex Capitals will deliver their signature raw garage rock sound, setting the stage on fire with their electrifying performance.
1pm – 5pm with breaks
‘The Afternoon In Paris’ Gazebo – The Inn
Le Jazz Hot Trio: Gypsy Jazz/Swing
Members of the Hot Club of San Francisco perform sophisticated Gypsy Swing music, bringing a touch of Paris to Benicia.
1pm – 5pm with breaks
The 80’s Retreat – Rellik Retreat (patio)
Sixteen Scandals: 80’s Pop/Tribute
Get ready to relive the magic of the 80s with Sixteen Scandals, a high-energy band dedicated to the best of Pop and Rock from the decade.
1pm – 5pm with breaks
“Midtown Row” 164 E. H (porch)
Mitch Polzak & the Royal Deuces: Rockabilly/Bluegrass/Western
The big guy from out West and larger than life energy (he’s also 6’5’) performer, guitarist, singer, banjoist, songwriter, composer, entertainer, musical historian and teacher Mitch Polzak wears his heart on his sleeve and his playing in his heart. Polzak performs rockabilly and 60’s country music with the religious fervor of Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash and delivers a Honky Tonk ballad with the sincerity of Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings.
1pm – 5pm with breaks
The Coldwell Banker Set
Uncommonwealth featuring Teyo: Rock/Pop
For the love of British Rock, and music of The Commonwealth, Englishmen Andy and Ruben Brunt have been rockin’ there way through a rich and varied songbook of classical material from the UK, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. They’re joined by next generation rising star TeYo, with a growing presence on the stage and online music platforms.
1pm – 2pm; 2:30pm – 3:30pm; 4pm – 5pm
‘The Boot-scootin’ Stage’ – Chamber of Commerce
Jeff Crossman Band, with special guest Brandon Pasion: Country
Featuring original country hits by Jeff Crossman and the high-energy showmanship of Brandon Pasion, this stage is a must-visit for country fans.
1pm – 2pm; 4pm – 5pm
224 West I Street (side garden)
Blue Cinema: Fusion/Jazz-Rock
John Miner’s Blue Cinema delivers an eclectic blend of Jazz Fusion, World Music, and Rock, creating a mesmerizing instrumental journey.
1pm – 2:20pm; 2:40pm – 3:40pm; 4pm – 5pm
130 West K Street – by City Park
Jim Funk: Pop/Rock/Acoustic
Singer-songwriter Jim Funk brings a distinctive sound rooted in British Rock and Pop traditions, promising an unforgettable set.
1pm – 2:15pm
The Benicia Green Stage
Jules Leyhe Duo featuring Tim Marco: Modern R&B / Blues
This ain’t your granddaddy’s Blues—heck, it ain’t even your daddy’s Blues. Guitarist Jules Leyhe is on an entirely different trip, juxtaposing futuristic elements with down-home tones. Leyhe has performed with Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, Fantastic Negrito, played the national anthem at the Oakland Coliseum, and been featured in Guitar Player, Premier Guitar, and Vintage Guitar magazines. Bay Area native Tim Marco is an artist who has formed his own unique sound. After establishing himself in the Bay Area he studied music performance at the ICMP in London. He went on to tour Europe and the Caribbean with greats like Nigel Hall, Jorge Santana, Narada Michael Walden, Brett Hunter Band (The Voice), Call Me Karizma, Kelechi and Lauren Sanderson. Inspired by modern R&B and old school Blues guitar playing Tim Marco weaves vocals reminiscent of Frank Ocean with his own unique guitar stylings.
2:30pm-5pm with breaks
The Benicia Green Stage
Winterland Lounge
Playing in various formats across the Bay Area in recent years, Winterland Lounge is a top level Soul, Funk, and highly groove-based outfit centered around Steven and Zoe Winter, and Tal and Ryann Morris. Masterful musicians in their own right, the band brings all of the detail and nuance of their incredible musicianship to this non-stop groovin’ and funky setting. World class pro players, and showcasing incredible and highly compelling next generation vocalists.
1pm – 2:30pm; 3:30pm – 5pm
The Old Victorian House of Blues – 245 West K Street
(Riddell/Fish House)
Terrie Odabi: Blues/Soul
Crowned West Coast Blues Royalty, Terrie Odabi will grace Benicia with her powerful and soulful performances.
2pm – 2:30pm; 3:30pm – 4pm
117 East F Street (porch)
Bizzy Lewis: Americana/Folk/Acoustic
Benicia’s own songbird and fourth-generation resident, Bizzy Lewis, will captivate with her soulful vocals and acoustic guitar melodies.
2pm – 2:30pm; 3:30pm – 4pm
“Songbird Row” 148 W. F (porch) sets
Beatson and Starkweather: Americana/Acoustic
This father and son duo play timeless American classics. Stacy Starkweather, who is known for his work with The Suspects of Soul, and Sweet Marie & The Suspects, is joined by son, Jack, in an intimate duo setting.
2pm – 4pm with breaks
“Midtown Row” 134 E. H (porch)
Lucero Couch Covers, featuring Papa Joe: Soul/R&B
Everyone’s favorite musical family, the Luceros, present a perfectly paired down take on their much beloved family band “Papa Joe & the New Deal.” Their vast songbook of classic Soul and R&B infused favorites are reimagined in this intimate format – as if you’re enjoying the music from a cozy couch.
2:30pm – 5pm with breaks
The Benicia Green Stage Set
Winterland Lounge: Soul/Funk/Groove/Acid/Jazz/R&B
Playing in various formats around the Bay, Winterland Lounge is a top talent Soul, Funk and highly groove-based outfit centered around Steven and Zoe Winter, and Tal and Ryan Morris
2:30pm – 3:30pm
224 West I Street (side garden)
Evolution Eden: Rock/Pop
Blending Classic Rock, Hard Rock, and Power Pop, Evolution Eden brings high-energy performances that have rocked stages with legends like Ace Frehley and Blue Öyster Cult.
3:30pm – 5pm
Lucca Beer Garden
The Ariel Marin Duo: Soul/R&B/Eclectic
Ariel Marin is a refreshingly eclectic inspirational singer with an angelic voice. Having grown up in the San Francisco Bay Area she was exposed to a melting pot of cultures. As a result, her unique music is heavily influenced by a of multitude of styles including folk, rock, r&b, gospel, classical, and pop to name a few.