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!

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Ruben and Rick!

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

Today’s episode is hosted by Ruben, joined by co-host Rick, with producers Andy and Bart. The show welcomes special guest Greg Rahn, who joins the conversation to reflect on his musical journey and what continues to inspire his work.

In this episode, Greg discusses his upcoming Mardi Gras party on January 24, as well as his album release party for his latest album, Side Hustle, taking place February 6 at the historic Empress Theatre in Vallejo.

Listeners will hear about the evolution of his sound, the stories behind the music, and what audiences can expect from these upcoming live events.

Welcome to the conversation, and enjoy this episode of the Benicia Voice Podcast.

Today’s episode is hosted by Rick Watson, with producers Andy and Bart, and features special guest Greg Rahn leader of the Greg Rahn and the Fat Tuesday Horns band.

Greg joins the podcast to talk about the upcoming Mardi Gras Party, happening January 24, 2025, at Lucca Beer Garden. The party starts at 6:30 PM.

In this lively conversation, Greg shares what attendees can expect from the Mardi Gras celebration—music, atmosphere, and the community spirit that makes Lucca Beer Garden a favorite local gathering spot. It’s a preview of a festive night that promises fun, flavor, and a little New Orleans flair right here in Benicia!

Welcome to the show, and enjoy this episode of the Benicia Voice Podcast.

Welcome to the Benicia Voice Podcast, the show dedicated to thoughtful conversations about the people, policies, and issues shaping our community and beyond.

Today’s episode is hosted by Rick Watson, with producers Andy and Bart, and features a timely and engaging conversation with special guest Nicolas Carjuzaa, known as Nico. Nico joins the show to discuss his candidacy for California’s 8th Congressional District and his vision for public service.

Running on a platform focused on fighting corruption in Washington, D.C., Nico shares why he believes it’s time to rebuild a government that truly works for We the People. In this episode, he outlines his motivations, priorities, and what he hopes to bring to Congress if elected.

Settle in and join the conversation—this is the Benicia Voice Podcast.