Episodes

  • Episode 123: Celebrate 4th July with The Benicia Voice!
    Jul 3 2025

    In this patriotic episode of The Benicia Voice, Ruben provides some useful information about the upcoming 4th July Independence Day Celebrations, Parade on July 3rd, and the Firework Display at 9:30pm on July 4th in Benicia, California.

    Ruben also invites his executive producer Andy to explain some history of the 4th July, when the US became independent from the British.

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    16 mins
  • Episode 122: Lucca Beer Garden - July update!
    Jun 24 2025

    🎙️ Benicia Voice Podcast – Lucca Beer Garden Music Update - July!

    Welcome to Benicia Voice, the podcast that celebrates the people, stories, and spirit that make our town shine.

    In this episode, hosts Ruben and Rick—joined by producers Andy and Bart—welcome special guests Deb and Chris from Lucca Beer Garden for a lively conversation about Benicia’s music scene. 🎶🍻

    They dive into the highlights of past performances, what’s coming this July at Lucca Beer Garden, and how Lucca has become a cornerstone of local music and community connection. From rising talent to crowd favorites, it's all about great music in a great place.

    📍 Tune in now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.

    Benicia Voice – Amplifying community, connection, and creativity.

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    19 mins
  • Episode 121: Benicia Porchfest 2 - Preview
    Jun 20 2025

    🎙️ Welcome back to the Benicia Voice Podcast! Today’s episode is all about Porchfest 2 — Benicia’s homegrown music celebration that turns porches into stages and neighborhoods into community hubs.

    Joining host Ruben and co-host Rick are producers Andy and Bart, and we’re thrilled to welcome two very special guests: Mary Hand, publisher of Benicia Magazine, and Julia Warner, one of the driving forces behind this year’s Porchfest magic.

    We’ll dive into what’s new for Porchfest 2, the growing lineup of local performers, and how this event is bringing people together in fun, creative, and totally Benicia ways!!The date of the PorchFest is Saturday, September 13, 2025.


    https://www.porchfest-benicia.com/

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    23 mins
  • Episode 120: Neighbors, Stories, and Heart: The Benicia Way
    Jun 18 2025

    Welcome back to the Benicia Voice podcast — where local voices shape our shared story.

    Today’s episode is all about community — what it means, how we build it, and why it matters here in Benicia.

    Host Ruben is joined by co-host Rick, along with producer Bart, and special guest Leilani, a longtime Benicia resident and passionate community advocate.

    Together, they explore the spirit of connection that runs through our neighborhoods — from front porch gatherings to city-wide events, and how even the smallest gestures make a big difference.

    Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about the people, stories, and moments that make Benicia feel like home.

    Let’s dive in.

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    19 mins
  • Episode 119: Tariff Talk: What’s New and What It Means for Benicia
    Jun 10 2025

    🎙️ Benicia Voice Podcast – Tariff Talk: What’s New and What It Means for Benicia

    Welcome back to the Benicia Voice Podcast, where we explore the issues, stories, and people shaping our community.

    On today’s episode, host Ruben is joined by co-host Rick and producers Andy and Bart for an important update on tariffs — what’s changing, how it impacts local businesses, and what it all means for Benicia’s economic future.

    With Andy’s insights as a business owner who works directly with international imports and exports, we break down how policy shifts are affecting everything from small storefronts to supply chains.

    Whether you're a local entrepreneur, curious citizen, or just trying to make sense of the headlines, this episode will help connect the dots between global economics and Main Street Benicia.

    So grab your coffee and settle in — let’s talk tariffs.


    We would love to hear from you! You can contact us at: beniciavoice@yahoo.com

    🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

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    40 mins
  • Episode 118: Lucca Beer Garden - June update!
    May 30 2025

    Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast, where we shine a light on the people, stories, and events that make our town special.

    In this episode, your hosts Ruben and Rick, along with producer Bart, sit down with special guests Deb and Chris from Lucca Beer Garden to talk about the music scene at Lucca—past highlights, what’s coming up, and why it’s become such a beloved part of Benicia’s social life. 🎸🍻

    From summer lineups to supporting emerging artists, Deb and Chris share how Lucca is creating a welcoming space for music lovers of all kinds.

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

    Benicia Voice – Amplifying community, connection, and creativity.

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    27 mins
  • Episode 117: Jazz O'Clock at the Clock Tower!!
    May 29 2025

    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 with local jazz musician Bob Joslin about what this event means for Benicia, how music builds community, and why this collaboration is so special!

    🎷 Event Details:
    📍 Where: Benicia Clock Tower
    📅 When: Monday, June 2 | 6:00 PM–8:30 PM (Doors open at 5:30)
    🎟 Tickets: $20 for adults | Free for under 18
    🍷 Bring your own food and drinks – the City encourages a picnic-style evening!

    🎶 Live Performances by:

    • 🎸 Bruce Forman Trio – Renowned jazz guitarist and headliner

    • 🎷 Benicia High School Jazz Band – Directed by Candice Crismond

    • 🌟 Special student sit-ins with Bruce Forman Trio – a mentorship moment that brings BPAF’s mission to life!

    🎧 Tune in to Benicia Voice to hear how this all came together and what’s in store for this exciting night of music and community connection.

    Let’s celebrate Benicia, the arts, and our youth — together!


    For more information and tickets:

    https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/recspecialevents

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    21 mins
  • Episode 116: Voices, Vines, and the Heart of Benicia!
    May 9 2025

    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 and Vines concert—an inspiring blend of global music and local wine, all in support of youth arts education.

    We’ll also raise a glass to the Mother’s Day celebration at Lucca Beer Garden where great food, local music, and community love come together.

    Whether you're a longtime resident or just discovering what our town has to offer, we’ve got stories, insights, and inspiration straight from the heart of the community.

    Tune in and be part of the conversation!

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    31 mins