Welcome to Benicia Voice — the podcast that amplifies the stories, people, and pulse of our community.

In this episode, producers Andy and Bart are joined by special guest Jim Kennon to talk about the exciting upcoming STEAM Discovery Festival, presented by the Benicia Maker Space.

This hands-on, family-friendly festival celebrates Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) — bringing together makers, creators, students, and curious minds of all ages.

From interactive exhibits and live demonstrations to creative workshops and innovative projects, the festival offers a unique opportunity to explore how creativity and technology come together.

Jim shares insights into what inspired the festival, what attendees can expect this year, and how the Benicia Maker Space is helping foster learning, creativity, and community connection right here in town.

🔗 Learn more and get details at: https://www.steamdiscoveryfestival.com

📍 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts — Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.
🎧 Benicia Voice — where community conversations come alive!

Welcome to Benicia Voice — the podcast that amplifies the stories, people, and pulse of our community.

In this episode, producers Andy and Bart spotlight one of Benicia’s most vibrant upcoming celebrations — Fiestas Primavera.

Happening March 28 from 1–5 PM at Benicia City Park, Fiestas Primavera brings the community together for an afternoon filled with live music, cultural performances, great food, and family-friendly activities. It’s a celebration of spring, diversity, and the rich cultural spirit that makes Benicia such a special place.

Andy and Bart share what attendees can expect, why this event continues to grow each year, and how it reflects the heart of the community — welcoming, inclusive, and full of life.

📍 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts — Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.
🎧 Benicia Voice — where community conversations come alive!

Welcome to Benicia Voice — the podcast that amplifies the stories, people, and pulse of our community.

In this episode, Host Ruben, along with producers Andy and Bart, highlight one of Benicia’s upcoming performing arts events — the beloved musical Guys and Dolls, presented locally by Benicia High Performing Arts.

Often considered one of the greatest musical comedies ever written, Guys and Dolls takes audiences on a lively journey from the bright lights of Times Square to the cafés of Havana, Cuba — and even into the sewers of New York City. Packed with unforgettable songs, colorful characters, and classic Broadway humor, this oddball romantic comedy brings together gamblers, dames, mobsters, and missionaries in a story where everyone eventually finds exactly where they belong.

🎭 Performance Dates:
• March 20, 21, 27, and 28 at 7:00 PM
• Matinee: March 23 at 2:00 PM

🎟 Tickets:
• $17 adults / $10 students in advance
• $19 adults / $12 students at the door

Tickets are available online at www.TABBS.org.

Whether you're a longtime theater lover or just looking for a fun night out in Benicia, this production promises great music, laughter, and a wonderful showcase of local talent.

📍 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts — Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.
🎧 Benicia Voice — where community conversations come alive.

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast, where we keep our community informed and connected.

In this special follow-up episode, producer Andy alongside producer Bart, sit down again with Deb and Chris of Lucca Beer Garden to discuss an important new announcement: beginning March 19, Lucca will be introducing a $5 entrance fee.

Deb and Chris explain the reasoning behind the change, how it supports the musicians and staff who make the experience possible, and what guests can expect moving forward. It’s an open and transparent conversation about balancing great live music with the realities of running a vibrant local venue.

If you enjoy music at Lucca and want to understand what this change means for the community, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

📲 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Benicia Voice — Keeping the conversation local.

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast, where we highlight the people, places, and happenings that keep Benicia connected.

In this March episode, producer Andy alongside producer Bart, sit down with Deb and Chris of Lucca Beer Garden for a fresh update on the music lineup at Lucca's this month.

They talk about what’s on stage in March, how the Beer Garden continues to bring the community together through live performances, and what guests can expect as we head into spring. From crowd favorites to new acts, Lucca remains a go-to gathering place for great music, good friends, and a welcoming atmosphere.

If you’re planning your March outings, this episode gives you the inside scoop on what’s happening at Lucca Beer Garden.

📲 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Benicia Voice — Amplifying the voices and events that make our community thrive.

Welcome to Benicia Voice — the podcast that amplifies the stories, people, and pulse of our community.

In this episode, Host Ruben Brunt and producer Bart bring listeners up to speed on some exciting local events happening right here in Benicia as we head into spring and summer.

First up is Fiestas Primavera, happening Saturday, March 28 from 1–5 PM at Benicia City Park. This vibrant celebration of culture and community features live music, dance, food, and family-friendly activities — a joyful way to welcome the season and bring neighbors together.

They also highlight performances by the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, known for delivering powerful and inspiring classical programs that enrich the cultural life of the region.

Looking ahead to early summer, the team previews Jazz O'Clock, presented by the Benicia Performing Arts Foundation. Scheduled for June, this beloved jazz event brings top-tier musicians along with outstanding emerging artists and a relaxed, community vibe — a perfect evening of live music!

From festivals , chorus, symphonies , to jazz , this episode is all about celebrating the arts, culture, and community spirit that make Benicia such a special place to live.

📍 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts — Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.
🎧 Benicia Voice — where community conversations come alive.

Welcome to Benicia Voice — the podcast that amplifies the stories, people, and pulse of our community.

In this special travel edition, Host Ruben, along with producers Andy and Bart , sit down with Andy’s daughter Phoebe and her partner Felix, who live in Augsburg, for an engaging and wide-ranging conversation about life in Bavaria and the charm of one of Germany’s oldest cities.

Phoebe and Feliz share what makes Augsburg unique — from its Roman roots and Renaissance architecture to its vibrant markets, walkable old town, and proximity to the Alps. They also dive into one of Bavaria’s most iconic landmarks:

Neuschwanstein Castle.

Often called the “fairy-tale castle,” Neuschwanstein was commissioned in the 19th century by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Perched dramatically above the village of Hohenschwangau and surrounded by alpine lakes and forested mountains, the castle looks like it stepped straight out of a storybook — and in fact, it inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

The episode explores:
• The fascinating (and mysterious) life of King Ludwig II
• The castle’s elaborate Romanesque Revival architecture
• Its richly decorated interior halls inspired by Wagnerian operas
• The breathtaking views from Marienbrücke (Mary’s Bridge)
• Practical travel tips for visiting — timing, tickets, and nearby stops

It’s a blend of history, culture, travel inspiration, and personal stories from living abroad — all through the Benicia Voice lens of curiosity and connection.

📍 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts — Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.

Welcome to Benicia Voice — the podcast that amplifies the stories, people, and pulse of our community.

In this episode, Host Ruben, joined by producers Andy and Bart , sits down with special guest David Cates for an in-depth update on California Forever — the ambitious proposal to build a new, large-scale planned community in eastern Solano County.

The conversation unpacks the latest updates around land acquisition, governance, infrastructure planning, water and environmental concerns, transportation impacts, and the growing public dialogue surrounding the project.

David helps clarify what has changed since the proposal first emerged, where the initiative currently stands, and what decisions may be coming next.

Most importantly, the discussion centers on why California Forever matters to Benicia — from potential regional economic impacts and housing pressures to long-term implications for local infrastructure, services, and quality of life. As always, Benicia Voice focuses on facts, context, and community impact.

📍 Tune in wherever you get your podcasts — Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform.
🎧 Benicia Voice — where community conversations come alive.

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast — where local stories, voices, and issues come to life.

In today’s episode, Host Ruben is joined by producers Andy and Bart along with special guest David Cates, to unpack the recent major news of Valero’s decision to end refining operations in Benicia.

As one of the city’s largest employers and taxpayers, Valero has shaped Benicia’s economy and identity for decades. With its departure now on the horizon, the group explores what this could mean for local jobs, the city budget, environmental planning, and the long-term future of the community.

It’s an important, forward-looking conversation grounded in community perspective and regional insight.

Let’s get into it. 🎧

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast, the show that highlights the people, stories, and creative energy shaping our region.

In today’s episode, host Ruben Brunt is joined by Deb and Chris from Lucca Beer Garden to unveil the live music schedule for January and February 2026.

Lucca Beer Garden is a cornerstone of Benicia’s music scene, hosting more than 200 live shows each year—all free, with no cover charge.

In this episode, listeners get a closer look at the artists and bands coming to the stage, the variety of musical styles you can expect, and what makes Lucca such a vibrant gathering place for live music in our community!

Check out our NEW website: https://beniciavoice.com/

Ruben and Rick!