Benicia Voice

We’re excited to bring you a brand-new episode of Benicia Voice , where we dive into the launch of an exciting new community event: Jazz O’Clock at the Clock Tower – a brand-new jazz series presented by the City of Benicia’s Community Services Department in partnership with the Benicia Performing Arts Foundation. In this episode, hosts Ruben and Rick, and special guest hosts Max,and Gretchen chat...

This week, Host Rick is joined by Co-hosts Max and Rose , along with Producer Bart , for a heartfelt roundtable about what makes our community so special. From the power of music to unite us, to the incredible work of VOENA , and a look ahead at some of the exciting local events coming up—this episode is all about celebrating the spirit of Benicia. We shine a spotlight on VOENA’s upcoming Voices a...

Benicia Voice is back with another thoughtful conversation — this time diving into what “community” really means, and how our town of Benicia brings that word to life every day. In this episode, host Rick Watson is joined by producers Andy and Bart as they reflect on the spirit of connection that defines Benicia. From local city events, volunteer events, from neighborhood gatherings to public art...

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast — I’m your host today, Rick Watson. My co-host Ruben is on assignment! Today, we’re thrilled to spotlight one of Benicia’s most inspiring musical institutions: VOENA, the internationally acclaimed children’s choir that’s been lifting hearts and building community through the power of music. Joining me are two incredible guests — Gretchen and Max — to share the...

Welcome back to the Benicia Voice Podcast with your host Ruben Brunt and co-host Rick Watson , along with producers Andy and Bart . In today’s episode, we’re joined by special guests Deb and Chris , the dynamic duo behind the music of Lucca Beer Garden —a favorite live music venue in the Bay Area located right here in Benicia. Chris and Deb join the crew to give the inside scoop on Lucca’s excitin...

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast — the show where our town’s stories roll to life. Join host Ruben Brunt and co-host Rick Watson, along with producers Andy and Bart, as we cruise into a special episode spotlighting the Benicia Classic Car Show 2025 ! This year’s event revs up on Sunday, April 27th from 9 AM to 3 PM , set against the scenic backdrop of the Benicia Marina Green at the end of Fir...

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast , where local stories, voices, and issues come to life. In today's episode host, Ruben Brunt , joined by co-host Rick Watson , and our producers Andy and Bart are joined by a very special guest — Benicia Mayor Steve Young — to discuss the major news shaking our city: Valero’s recent announcement to end operations in Benicia. For decades, Valero has played a maj...

In this episode of Benicia Voice , Host Ruben Brunt and Co-Host Rick Watson are joined by Producers Andy and Bart for a timely discussion on how international tariffs are impacting life right here in Benicia. Andy—both a local business owner and importer/exporter with China—shares firsthand how shifting trade policies affect pricing, logistics, and the day-to-day reality for small businesses. Toge...

In this urgent episode of Benicia Voice , hosts Ruben and Rick along with producers Andy and Bart sit down to talk about the news that’s sending shockwaves through our city: Valero is leaving Benicia . What does this mean for our local economy, city budget, jobs, and environment? How did we get here—and what’s next for Benicia without its largest industrial presence? We’ll unpack what’s known so f...

Welcome to Benicia Voice , where we spotlight the people, stories, and events that make our community shine, with host, Ruben Brunt, joined by co-host Rick Watson. In this episode, Ruben and Rick sit down with the incredibly talented guitarist Bryan Kehoe to talk music, creativity, and his upcoming shows at Lucca Beer Garden right here in Benicia. From his musical journey to what fans can expect a...

Welcome to Benicia Voice , where host, Ruben Brunt, and co-host Rick Watson spotlight the people, stories, and events that make our community shine! In today’s episode, we’re joined by two special guests — Gretchen and Max from the Kiwanis Club of Benicia — to talk about one of the most beloved family traditions in town: the annual Easter Egg Hunt at Benicia City Park. Mark your calendars! This ye...

In this episode of Benicia Voice , we’re diving into a hot topic with real local consequences — tariffs . Host Ruben Brunt and co-host Rick Watson sit down with producers Andy and Bart to unpack how recent tariff changes could be affecting Benicia’s small businesses, local supply chains, and even the price of your next grocery run or Friday night beer. It’s a smart, down-to-earth conversation abou...

Spring is in the air and the music is flowing! In this episode of Benicia Voice , we’re talking all things live music for April at one of Benicia’s favorite spots — Lucca’s Beer Garden . Join host Ruben and producers Andy and Bart as they chat with Chris and Deb of Lucca’s about the April performer lineup , featuring great talent, great vibes, and everything you need to know to plan your next nigh...

Welcome to Benicia Voice with host Ruben Brunt and co-host Rick Watson — the podcast where local stories, sounds, and scenes come alive. On today’s episode, we’re talking about Fiestas Primavera , a brand-new cultural celebration happening right here in Benicia on Saturday, April 5, 2025 . We’re joined by our producers, Andy and Bart, as we dive into what makes this spring festival so special — a...

Welcome to Benicia Voice with host Ruben Brunt and Co-Host Rick Watson, the podcast where local stories, sounds, and scenes come alive. On today’s episode, we’re turning the spotlight on a powerhouse night of world music just up the road in Sonoma. Ardeshir Farah of the legendary duo Strunz & Farah teams up with the fiery Latin-fusion band Incendio for a spellbinding performance you won’t want...

Accessibility Workshop!! https://www.daliawebdesign.com/accessible-websites/ada-compliance-workshop/ Greetings from the Benicia Voice podcast. Today we have a very interesting topic to discuss which is an accessibility workshop being put on at the Benicia Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, March 26 at 11:30 AM. Dalia Nino is putting on The Workshop, as she is a web site designer. Dalia , will be jo...

Please join us as we welcome Maximilian Shannon to the show this week. Max is a lifetime. Benicia resident, and a Vo Ena choir member. Max shares with us, his story about joining the choir, and becoming a percussionist with a traditional Irish drum. And gives us a demonstration of his musical talents. This should get you in the mood for some traditional Celtic music, just in time for Saint Patty‘s...

Pubcast from London For our centennial episode that’s right folks, our 100th episode. Please join us as we welcome in executive producer Andy live from a London speakeasy. He was back in Jolly, old England, visiting family and friends, stop by a speakeasy to listen to live music and called in to share the experience with us. Please give us a shout at Benicia voice@yahoo.com with any comments and o...

In this fun episode we have a very special guest, it is Greg Ron, New Orleans style keyboard artist. Greg will be discussing his two upcoming events in March, the first one is Sunday, March 2 at Baxter‘s restaurant downtown Benicia from 1 PM to 4 PM he will be providing the musical entertainment for a pre-Mardi Gras celebration. The second event is Mardi Gras itself at Lucca‘s beer garden on Tuesd...

Luca's update - March 2025 In this exciting episode, we have Deb and Chris from Lucas stopping by to fill us in on the upcoming musical and fun events at Lucca’s beer garden. This is covering the month of March 2025. There is a lot going on in March. Starting with a special Tuesday night Mardi Gras celebration And carrying on throughout the month. Please subscribe and tune in so we can keep yo...

In this exciting episode of The Benicia Voice podcast, my co-host and I sit down with the Fiesta Primavera crew to discuss the highly anticipated festival and the upcoming fundraiser events. You’ll find links to these events below—be sure to check them out! Don’t forget to explore our other episodes and stay subscribed for more local stories and updates. We hope you enjoy the conversation! h ttps:...

Welcome to another episode of *The Benicia Voice*, where we bring you stories, insights, and conversations that matter to our community! Joining our esteemed host, Ruben and executive producers Andy and Bart, are representatives from Toastmasters International: Mary Bustamante, Linda Stewart, and Helen Karr. These dynamic women are here to share the incredible benefits of Toastmasters—a global org...

In the this episode of the Benicia Voice host Ruben talks to Ken Sarna, the President of the Board of Directors for The Coach Sarna League non-profit sports league. Please support this fantastic organization at their upcoming Crab Feed which is on Saturday, 1st February, 2025 at the Vallejo Vets Hall. Tickets are still available, call Ken on (707) 334-2961, also on the their website https://www.th...

Starting January 2025, The Benicia Voice will be bringing you a complete schedule of all the live music and other events held at Lucca Beer Garden in Benicia. Lucca Beer Garden is THE premier venue for live music in Benicia. With FREE (yes, it is FREE, with no strings attached ha ha!) live music every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The venue has a diverse and entertaining live music schedu...

In this wrap-up of 2024, Benicia Voice host Ruben Brunt looks back at many of the interesting and entertaining podcasts during the past 12 months. Ruben's guests this year included Mayor Steve Young who was reelected in 2024, Lionel Largaespada, Christin Gilpin-Hayes, Trevor Macenski, Benicia City Manager, Mario Giuliani, Peppino D'Agostino, Nicholas Jackson, Dalia Viador, Bob Berman, Bob Joslin.