Local arts groups brief commission on fall shows, fundraisers and collaborations

During the public comment period, multiple community arts groups gave brief updates and asked the commission to help promote upcoming events. Veronica Beers, president of the Benicia Theater Group, said her group is casting a new show that opens Oct. 16 and listed fundraising events including a paint-and-sip on Oct. 9–10 and a bingo night on Oct. 18; prices and times were included on her event sheet.

Eric Sullivan, president of the Performing Arts Foundation, said the recent guitar festival was successful and previewed a jazz program in development with local school participation. Allison from the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra and Chorus invited singers to rehearsals beginning Sept. 12 and announced a Dia de los Muertos performance on Halloween afternoon. Mike Cason, an attorney working on a documentary about the Port Chicago 50, said he is coordinating film and improv events with local partners and assisting Majestic Theatre efforts.

Commissioners asked presenters to provide dates and contact information for city promotion; staff asked that event organizers send specific dates so the city can publicize them. Several presenters thanked the commission for previous grant support and requested ongoing collaboration on youth and school engagement.