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Walnut Festival relocating to Contra Costa Event Park in Antioch

September 18, 2025 By Publisher 1 Comment

October 16th-19th

The 89th Annual Walnut Festival is right around the corner!

Due to a large remodel of Heather Farm Park we’ve had to relocate for a few years while this is done, the festival has a NEW LOCATION! Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds) at 1201 W 10th Street in Antioch.

This year’s festival will be held October 16th-19th.

Admission: $15/person

6yrs and younger, 65 years and older and Military with ID get in free
Parking: $10/car

All you can ride unlimited wristbands: $40/person – EVERYONE RIDING MUST HAVE A PAID WRISTBAND OR INDIVIDUAL TICKETS. WITHOUT ONE OF THESE YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RIDE.

VENDOR APPLICATIONS ARE UP ON THE WEBSITE.

The Purpose of the Walnut Festival Association

​For the past 89 years, the non-profit Walnut Festival Association has attracted the most dedicated volunteers, from all walks of life, who join together to serve Contra Costa County by raising funds through community events. The money raised from these annual family entertainment events is donated back into the community to support recreational, charitable, and educational programs and facilities. The Walnut Festival Association events also provide a means for service and charitable groups to raise money to support their specific organizations.

It is the purpose of the Walnut Festival Association, a 501c non-profit corporation, to raise funds for distribution to educational, recreational, artistic, civic, and charitable causes.

  1. To provide a vehicle for other non-profit organizations to raise funds for their redistribution throughout the year.
  2. To produce quality events for the benefit of the residents of Walnut Creek and the surrounding areas, and to foster a sense of community involvement.

As Walnut Creek has grown, and suburban developments have replaced walnut groves, the Walnut Festival Association has maintained the tradition of producing fundraising events for the benefit of the community. Locations for the event have changed over the years from the center of town to Civic Park and finally, in 1976, to Heather Farm Park, where it has been held the third Thursday after the first Monday in September.

For more information visit www.Thewalnutfestival.org.

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, Community, East County, Fairs & Festivals

East County: Golden Hills Community Church Art Exhibition Sept. 27

September 17, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

The Golden Hills Art Ministry is excited to present 1 Peter: A Collection of Works

Tickets available until 9/20

Join Golden Hills Community Church Art Ministry on September 27, from 10 am – 1:00 pm, for 1 Peter: A Collection of Works, featuring original visual art, poetry, food art and music by GHCC artists.

Why does a work of art have value?

“Because a work of art is a work of creativity, and creativity has value because God is the Creator,” explained Francis A. Schaeffer, American theologian and pastor. The Golden Hills Art Ministry agrees and exists to glorify God through the creation and appreciation of art. So we invite you to join us at this year’s Art Exhibition to enjoy creations by artists from our church and inspired by our sermon series in 1 Peter.  Come behold art, hear artists’ insights about their creative process, and engage with others. This family-friendly event includes refreshments and the opportunity to participate in hands-on creativity in our new community art room.

Enjoy light refreshments and a Community Art Room for all ages.

The deadline to pre-order the art collection book has passed. A limited number of books will be available for purchase at the Exhibition for $25.

This family-friendly event includes refreshments and the opportunity to participate in hands-on creativity in our new community art room. All are welcome!

This is the last week to purchase tickets for the upcoming Art Exhibition and are available until Saturday, Sept. 20 at Art Exhibition 2025 | Golden Hills Community Church. Ticket sales are final and non-refundable but can be transferred to another person.

Adult Admission (age 18+) $10.00

Teen Admission (ages 13-17) $8.00

Youth Admission (ages 6-12) $5.00

Child Admission (ages 0-5) No charge.

Golden Hills Community Church is located at 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood. For more information visit www.goldenhills.org, email info@goldenhills.org or call 925-516-0653.

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, East County, Faith

Air Force flyover during Community Day at Stand Down on the Delta Saturday, Sept. 13

September 11, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

U.S. Air Force pilots assigned to the 560th Flying Training Squadron fly T-38 Talons in formation for the 45th Freedom Flyer Reunion over Joint Base San Antonio-Randolph, Texas, March 22, 2018. The Freedom Flyer Reunion is an annual celebration recognizing the incredible service of Air Force Prisoners of War during the Vietnam War, their honorable return, and their connection with the 12th Flying Training Wing during Operation Homecoming. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James R. Crow)

Tours of Coast Guard ship at the Smith’s Landing dock Sunday, Sept. 14

Local high school students to perform, volunteer

By Allen D. Payton

A unit from Beale Air Force Base near Sacramento has volunteered to support this year’s Stand Down on the Delta with a flyover of two T-38 fighter jets from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron on Saturday, September 13. Pilots who fly the U-2 jets at the base train on the T-38’s.

The flyover will occur during Opening Ceremonies Saturday morning beginning at 10:00 A.M. at which the Deer Valley High Divine Voices will perform the National Anthem.

The four pilots from the 1st Reconnaissance Squadron participating in the flyover will be Lt. Colonel “Mako” Willard, Major “Dice” Dodds, Major “Merle” Paegelow and Captain “Blitz” Alexander.

On Friday, as veterans arrive to the Contra Costa Event Center (fairgrounds) the U.S. Air Force Band of the Golden West will perform.

Then on Sunday from 10:00 AM to Noon, tours will be offered on a Coast Guard ship at the Smith’s Landing dock at the foot of L Street..

Local High School Students Volunteer

This year members from the Heritage High School Air Force Junior ROTC and Antioch High Army Junior ROTC members will be volunteering during the weekend events.

De La Salle High School students are participating in a competition in which they’re working on a sock drive for veterans. That’s one of the items So far, they have collected 1,900 pairs but the effort continues until Thursday. The school has also donated 150 sweatshirts to be distributed during the weekend.

Stand Down on the Delta, presented by Delta Veterans Group, will again be held at the Contra Costa Event Park (fairgrounds), located at 1201 W. 10th Street in Antioch. For more information click, here.

#AFFlyover

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, Community, East County, Military, News, Veterans, Youth

Happy Bear-thday, California! Celebrate 175 years of Statehood Sept. 6 & 9

September 2, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

At the CA Museum, State Library and 175th Birthday Block Party in front of the State Capitol in Sacramento

By California Department of Parks and Recreation

As America nears the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, California is approaching its own significant milestone – 175 years of shaping the future. The State is hosting three events, one on Saturday, September 6 and two on Tuesday, September 9, all in Sacramento.

California Museum’s Statehood Celebration, Sept.  6

12PM-4PM

California Museum

1020 O Street, Sacramento, CA 95814

Celebrate California’s 175th birthday with a free, fun-filled day at the California Museum! Explore rare historic artifacts—including the original 1849 California Constitution—enjoy live music, dance performances, hands-on crafts, a film screening.

Don’t miss this one-day-only event packed with family-friendly activities and special moments honoring the Golden State’s rick multicultural history. This event is free thanks to the success of our Big Day of Giving campaign­— thank you for your support!

Featuring:

  • Chance to see both the English and Spanish versions of the original 1849 California Constitution, displayed in partnership with the California State Archives
  • Access to all current exhibitions at the California Museum, including a limited-time display of historic documents and artifacts highlighting select signers of the 1849 Constitution, courtesy of the California State Archives and California State Library
  • A presentation by Professor Damien Bacich: “California’s Spanish-Mexican Roots: Life Before and After Statehood“
  • Live music by Los Californios and Renegade Orchestra
  • Dance class taught by Renegrade Orchestra
  • Screening of the short PBS SoCal film Borderlands
  • Complimentary “bear-thday” cupcakes
  • Family-friendly activites and crafts

Reserve your free admission ticket to guarantee access to the California Statehood Day Celebration at the California Museum.

Walk-ins are welcome as space allows. For more information visit California Statehood Day Celebration – California Museum.

State Library hosts California’s 175th Anniversary Celebration

11AM-1PM

Library and Courts Building

914 Capitol Mall, Sacramento 3rd Floor

Celebrate both the state’s and the State Library’s 175th anniversary with cake and tours.

This year marks the 175th anniversary of California’s admission to the U.S. as the 31st state. But statehood wasn’t the beginning of the story. Celebrating California is a collection of 175+ stories that highlight California’s unique history and role in the world. The California State Library’s goal is to offer examples of California’s unique character and that of its residents, past and present. That means among the good there will be some bad. For every success story, there’s a failure, a tragedy, an injustice. It’s from these mistakes that we learn and grow stronger together.

Source: California State Library

The State Library is also highlighting books from their curated reading list, counting down to September 9th. You can see the list here or share a story with the State Library that helps define what California means to you.

Join us for a California 175th Anniversary Live Webinar Series with the California State Parks

Explore the diversity and resilience of California through watersheds, redwoods, salmon habitats, and the lifecycle of wildfires.

  • Jedediah Smith: California Salmon: Fueling the Redwood Forest — Wednesday, September 17, 2025 at 12:00 noon
Join the California State Library and the California State Parks for a live webinar on salmon in the Smith River Watershed on Wednesday, September 17th at 12:00pm! 
Join Kyle Buchanan a California State Parks Interpreter at Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park for a live webinar exploring the inspiring voyage that salmon make within one of California’s most pristine areas, the Smith River Watershed. While following this wild journey we will further examine the unique role that these salmon play in fueling this Old Growth Redwood Forest. Kyle is an amazing interpreter who will have you packing your bags to visit Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.
  • Cuyamaca Rancho: Watersheds and Forest Succession — Thursday, October 9, 2025 at 12:00 noon
Join the Government Publications Section and the California State Parks for a live webinar on water courses at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park on Thursday, October 9th at 12:00pm! 
Join California State Parks Interpreters Brianna and Will to discover the majestic water courses of Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. Following the devastating 2003 Cedar Fire, this intricate watershed has been pivotal in the park’s ecological recovery. Healthy watersheds promote regrowth and jumpstarting the process of succession in the decades following large disturbances. Approximately 90% of Cuyamaca’s forests were destroyed in the 2003 Cedar Fire, which marked a new era of mega-fires in California. This will be a unique opportunity to view the landscape live as we discuss the dynamic watershed at Cuyamaca Rancho State Park.

These programs are free and open to all.

For more information about the State Library visit www.library.ca.gov or www.facebook.com/CAStateLibrary.

Celebrate the Golden State’s 175th Birthday Block Party with California State Parks

In front of the State Capitol in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO— Get ready for a celebration 175 years in the making! On Tuesday, Sept. 9, California State Parks is throwing a birthday block party in front of the State Capitol in Sacramento to celebrate the historic anniversary of California becoming America’s 31st state in 1850.

From 6 to 9 p.m., enjoy music, food trucks, family-friendly activities and a laser display 30 minutes after sunset as Californians come together to celebrate this historic milestone. Partygoers can enjoy free food truck fare, birthday cake, and California-grown treats (while supplies last).

“As we come together to protect rights and safeguard California’s future, we also do so to celebrate the past 175 years that have made this state the global leader that it is today.” – Governor Gavin Newsom

“As we celebrate 175 years of California, we honor the generations who shaped this great state and nurtured a culture of building dreams, innovating, and daring to imagine something better — for all of us! I’m filled with pride in California’s legacy and the enduring promise that our people and our spirit will continue to lead and inspire the world.” – First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom

State Parks staff and volunteers will be dressed in period attire and will engage with partygoers as they interpret the history of the Capitol Building, Admission Day and the state’s rich and diverse past. There will also be opportunities to learn more about California history through hands-on activities from the California State Railroad Museum, Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park (SHP), the State Indian Museum SHP and the Sacramento History Museum.

The block party will showcase the natural and cultural treasures and living history found in California’s 280 state parks, inspiring visitors throughout this 175th year of statehood and beyond. Additional state agencies and departments are expected to participate.

“At California State Parks, we help preserve and celebrate everything that makes the Golden State truly golden,” said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “Throughout this 175th year of California statehood, I invite all Californians to explore the abundant and diverse places that make up the nation’s largest state park system. It’s all waiting just for you to foster a deep connection with nature, ignite a spirit of exploration, and inspire a passion for California’s shared landscapes, rich histories and enduring legacy.”

Find more events celebrating 175 golden years of statehood at Celebrate.ca.gov.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation, popularly known as State Parks, and the programs supported by its Office of Historic Preservation and divisions of Boating and Waterways and Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at parks.ca.gov.

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, Fairs & Festivals, History, Library, News, State of California

54th Annual Art in the Park in Martinez Aug. 17

August 5, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

The Martinez Arts Association Proudly Presents the 54th Annual Art in the Park!

This year promises to be another great community event with lots of art, music, food and drink!  Over 60 local artists will be showing and selling fine arts and crafts.   Food trucks on site and wine and beer will be available for purchase!  Susana Park, located on Susana Street, is shady with lots of seating. Plenty of free parking in the area and a free shuttle will run from the Main Street Plaza near Starbucks.

Enjoy live music throughout the day including:

Mark & the Muses
BAM!
The UnConcord
Delta Deuce
Landbirds

Art in the Park is a free and family friendly event and is MAA’s primary fund-raising event of the year, which helps support community programs like teacher grants and student scholarships.

Thank you to our sponsors: ARTSCC, City of Martinez, Embarc, Five Suns Brewing, Martinez Refining Company, Kiwanis International, Republic Services and Viano Vineyards.

For more information about MAA, visit www.martinezarts.org.

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, Central County

Country music stars help raise funds for Concord organization’s affordable housing efforts

July 17, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Country music stars Lee Brice, Michael Ray and David Tolliver perform during the Yellow Roof Foundation’s “Raise the Roof” fundraiser on June 22, 2025. Photo: Yellow Roof Foundation

Lee Brice, Michael Ray, David Tolliver help bring in more than $1 million at “Raise the Roof” for Yellow Roof Foundation

By Mike Hoye

CONCORD, CA – Yellow Roof Foundation’s annual “Raise the Roof” fundraiser was once again an overwhelming success, generating more than $1 million to advance the non-profit organization’s mission to create affordable, income-based rental housing for families and individuals at risk of homelessness.

Yellow Roof Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Concord, Calif. The organization was founded by Dave and Lori Sanson, owners of DeNova Homes, also headquartered in Concord. Yellow Roof has built several communities in the greater Bay Area to provide affordable housing to those who are hardworking, contributing members of society but are experiencing hard times due to circumstances beyond their control and are at risk of becoming unhoused. As the serious housing crisis continues to grow in California, especially in the affordable housing arena, so has the population who may be on the verge of homelessness.

The sold-out “Raise the Roof” was held on June 22, 2025, at The CIA at Copia in Napa, where sponsors and special guests gathered for an evening of giving and celebration. Attendees enjoyed a beautifully prepared dinner and heartwarming presentations that showcased the life-changing impact of Yellow Roof’s work.

During the program, Yellow Roof announced its next new project in the East Bay town of Pittsburg, made possible a land donation from The Sanson Family. The land is approved for 81 multi-family units, which will make it the largest Yellow Roof community to date. In addition, local businessman and philanthropist, Steve Gonsalves, for whom two of Yellow Roof’s communities are named, shared that because 100% of donations go directly to projects and that accountability is instilled in residents are key factors as to why he believes so strongly in and is committed to Yellow Roof’s mission.

Among the evening’s other highlights was the presentation of the 2025 Champion Award to Valerie Sanders, Homeless Liaison for the Pittsburg Unified School District, in recognition of her remarkable partnership in helping to place deserving families into stable housing.

One of those families was represented on stage by resident Araceli Solis, who, joined by her three daughters, shared her powerful story of resilience following the sudden loss of her husband and how Yellow Roof’s income-based rental housing and financial education programs have restored her family’s hope.

Jasmine Strange, a recent graduate from Yellow Roof housing, also moved the audience, describing how the three years she and her family spent with the non-profit prepared them for a brighter future and helped them secure permanent affordable housing.

The concert portion of the evening featured an unforgettable singer-songwriter performance donated by Lee Brice, Michael Ray, and David Tolliver. A special moment came when Lee and Sara Brice’s two youngest children, Ryker and Trulee, took the stage, with Ryker returning for an encore to rally the crowd to bid generously on an autographed guitar signed by all the artists.

“Raise the Roof has become a beacon of hope and a testament to what is possible when compassionate people come together,” said Lori Sanson, President and Director of Yellow Roof Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, guests, artists, and volunteers whose commitment makes it possible for us to provide families with a foundation of safety, dignity, and opportunity. The funds raised this year will help us build more homes and change more lives.”

For more information about Yellow Roof Foundation, to stay updated on its communities and events, or to make a valuable donation to support its efforts, please visit YellowRoofFoundation.org.

Raise the Roof 2025 Sponsors

Diamond Sponsors: BIA Bay Area, California Retaining Walls, Cemcon, Inc., Covenant Technical Solutions, DeNova Homes, Inc., Rescue Electric, RPM, Sanco Pipelines, SDG Architects, The Conco Companies, The Garaventa & Colvis Families, The Graham Family and The Resmark Companies

Platinum Sponsors: Brookfield Residential, Calex Drywall, California Bank & Trust, cbg Civil Engineers – Surveyors – Planners, Discovery Wall Systems, DPAE Structural, Independent Construction, Legacy Risk & Insurance Services, Lew and Sara Carpenter, Miller Starr Regalia, OAG Architects, Pacific Coast Landscape Management, UBS, Waymark Development and Weber Christensen & Heinrichs, LLP

Gold Sponsors: Blazona Concrete Construction, Inc., California Building Industry Association, Gately Family Foundation, J&M, Inc., Meridian Associates, OJ Insulation, Silvermark Construction Services and vanderToolen Associates

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, Central County, Concord, Finances, Housing, News, Non-Profits

Not Loud Concerts presents Blues & Botanicals in El Sobrante July 15

July 8, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Dirty Cello cellist, Rebecca Roudman and guitarist, Jason Eckl. Photo by J. Mijares

A “truly…sensory experience” by the band Dirty Cello at a farm in El Sobrante

Pick and taste blackberries, peaches, more before the show

Not Loud Concerts presents “Blues & Botanicals” concert by the band Dirty Cello on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, at 7:00 pm at Cloverfield Organic Farm in El Sobrante.

Nestled in the hills of El Sobrante is a unique farm that is lending us a field to put on a blues themed show that we’re calling “Blues & Botanicals”. Arrive early and visit the farm to pick peaches, blackberries and more, or just wander the paths. Explore at your own pace or let farmer Michael take you around and tell you about the orchard and garden, all the produce, and has you taste a wide variety of common and uncommon plants. Truly a sensory experience. There’s even a horse to pet!

Photo by Cloverfield Organic Farm.

As sunset approaches we’ll meet in the event space field for a not too loud concert of acoustic blues music provided, plus a special guest for about an hour. Bring a blanket if you want, but chairs will be provided. There are rustic bathrooms, and no need to dress up for this show – come casual with good footwear and maybe a hat.

Not Loud Concerts is a project all about creating unique and fun places for people to enjoy music that’s not too loud, not too long, and not too expensive.

The concert begins at 7:00 and the gardens will be open at 6:00 for visitin’ and pickin’.

Tickets are $20 and available at https://bit.ly/notloudconcerts_bluesandbotanicals.

Fresh peaches and more available for the pickin’. Photo by Cloverfield Organic Farm.

About Not Loud Concerts

What Sets Us Apart: Not Loud Concerts was inspired by numerous jokes on the internet about wanting to go see a concert that was, “Not too loud, not too late, not too long and not too expensive.”

With this idea in mind, Not Loud Concerts was created to showcase music based on the following principles:

  • Not too loud
  • Comfortable seating
  • No hidden fees or crazy ticket prices
  • Good parking whenever possible
  • Not too long

These concerts are created for the enjoyment of the audience and are not based on old traditions.

What to expect: At a Not Loud Concert the band will perform for around an hour with no intermission. The concerts will feature outstanding musicians performing in a lightly amplified manner with primarily acoustic instruments. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the start of the show.

Each concert will be audio recorded and emailed to the ticket purchaser about 2 weeks after the show.

Learn more at Notloudconcerts.com.

About Dirty Cello

From Iceland to Italy, and all over the U.S., San Francisco based band Dirty Cello brings the world a high energy and unique spin on blues, rock, and Americana. Led by vivacious cross-over cellist, Rebecca Roudman, Dirty Cello is cello like you’ve never heard before. From down home blues and rock with a wailing cello to virtuosic stompin’ Americana, Dirty Cello is a band that gets your heart thumping and your toes tapping!

“Dirty Cello’s music is all over the map: funky, carnival, romantic, sexy, tangled, electric, fiercely rhythmic, and textured, and only occasionally classical.” – Oakland Magazine

“The group seamlessly careens from blues to bluegrass and rock in a way that really shouldn’t make sense but somehow does.” – LA Times

“Anyone who’s been in an audience when the San Francisco Bay Area Dirty Cello takes the stage knows that something unique happens whenever cellist Rebecca Roudman and ensemble come face to face with living, breathing (and whooping and shouting) fans.” – Strings Magazine

“Dirty Cello have been hard to describe, apart from saying that a cello (played in ways you won’t quite believe) is involved, and the range of music takes the word eclectic and supercharges it to meltdown levels of energy and invention. The ensemble plays a range of eclectic tunes in ways you won’t hear anyone else dare to attempt.” – Argus Courier

Follow the band at facebook.com/dirtycellomusic, instagram.com/dirtycello, twitter.com/dirtycello and Dirtycello.com.

See video about the event.

Cloverfield Organic Farm is located at 501 La Paloma Road in El Sobrante.

Paid advertisement.

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, West County

Oakley Summer Fest Saturday, June 28

June 26, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Enjoy a family-friendly festival of fun with rides, games, food trucks, vendors and live music by The Floorshakers and Special Guest Myron Edwins, plus, DJ Magic Matt of Wild 94.9!

By City of Oakley

We are so excited that Oakley Summer Fest is THIS SATURDAY! We’ll have a kids’ area equipped with inflatable jumpers, a giant slide, trampoline bounce, and more! Be sure to bring $5 cash to purchase a wristband at this event at the Oakley Recreation Tent next to City Hall.

Oakley Summer Fest will be in Civic Center Plaza and on Main Street from Norcross to Vintage Parkway. This event is a daytime five-hour family-friendly festival. This event will have a wide range of activities for attendees – such as 40+ vendors, local food trucks, live music on stage, a giant kids’ zone equipped with rides and games & more!

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, East County, Fairs & Festivals

Virtuous Voices Music Academy students open Brentwood’s Juneteenth Festival with uplifting performance

June 24, 2025 By Publisher 1 Comment

Virtuous Voices Singers (left to right) Ivan Stewart, Lydia Stewart, Elise Culberson, Roma Desilva and Mya King perform at the Brentwood Juneteenth Festival June 19, 2025. Academy Founder, Tiffany Stewart with her students. Photos by Virtuous Voices

 

Antioch, CA – The City of Brentwood joyfully celebrated its Second Annual Juneteenth Festival this past Thursday with a powerful showcase of culture, unity, and artistic expression. Opening the event with a moving performance was Virtuous Voices Music Academy, whose singers delivered a heartfelt tribute to freedom through song.

 

As the first act of the day, Virtuous Voices set an inspiring tone for the festival, reminding attendees of the power of music to uplift, connect, and reflect on our shared history. Their performance underscored the importance of celebrating freedom – especially in today’s world where unity and expression remain essential.

 

The Virtuous Voices Singers performing at the event were Ivan Stewart, Lydia Stewart, Elise Culberson, Roma Desilva, and Mya King.

 

Virtuous Voices Music Academy, known for cultivating confidence and creativity through vocal performance and music theory, was honored to be part of this meaningful community event.

 

“We are so proud of our young singers,” said Tiffany Stewart, founder of Virtuous Voices Music Academy, a vocal coach and Music Theory Teacher. “To open a celebration as important as Juneteenth is a true honor. Our students sang not only with skill, but with heart.”

 

The Juneteenth Festival in Brentwood continues to grow as a cherished local tradition, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and celebrating Black culture, resilience, and excellence.

 

For more information about Virtuous Voices Music Academy, visit www.virtuousvoices.com.

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, Education, Fairs & Festivals, History, Holiday, News, Youth

Maya Cinemas announces return of Summer Kids Camp with $3 movies Monday-Thursday

May 28, 2025 By Publisher Leave a Comment

Ticket sales to benefit Maya Community Foundation

FREE admission to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 from June 2–5

By Greg Heckmann, Marketing Director, Maya Cinemas of North America, Inc.

Maya Cinemas is excited to welcome families back to its popular Summer Kids Camp, beginning Monday, June 2, 2025. This fun-filled summer tradition offers a lineup of beloved family films for just $3 per ticket, every Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m., a perfect way to enjoy a movie indoors during the warmer months.

To kick off the season, Maya Cinemas will offer FREE admission to Sonic the Hedgehog 3 from June 2–5 at 10:30 a.m. These special screenings are limited to six tickets per person, available in person at the box office only. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Source: Maya Cinemas

Full Summer Kids Camp Schedule

$3 Tickets • All Shows at 10:30am, Monday-Thursday

The Bad Guys • June 9-12

Shrek • June 16-19

Minions: Rise of Gru • June 23-29

Kung Fu Panda 4 • June 30-July 3

Migration • July 7-10

Trolls Band Together • July 14-17

Puss ‘n Boots: The Last Wish • July 21-24

Despicable Me 4 • July 28-31

The Wild Robot • August 4-7

The Land Before Time • August 11-14

Maya Cinemas will offer a $20 Passport for 10 Summer Kids Camp movies. This is a savings of $10.

$2 from every Kid’s Combo purchased during the Summer Kids Camp shows will benefit the Maya Community Foundation.

Summer Kids Camp participating theaters:

Pittsburg – 4085 Century Boulevard, Pittsburg, CA 94565

Bakersfield – 1000 California Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93304

Delano – 401 Woollomes Avenue, Delano, CA 93215

Fresno – 3090 East Campus Pointe Drive, Fresno, CA 93710

Salinas – 153 Main Street, Salinas, CA 93901

North Las Vegas – 2195 North Las Vegas Blvd., North Las Vegas, NV 89030

ABOUT MAYA CINEMAS

Founded in 2000, Maya Cinemas was created to bring high-quality, first-run movie experiences to underserved and family-oriented communities, particularly those with a strong Latino presence. In addition to mainstream Hollywood films, Maya Cinemas offers unique programming through its Canal Maya series, all presented in modern, state-of-the-art theaters. Through its Maya Community Foundation, the company remains committed to enriching the communities it serves. For more information and showtimes visit www.mayacinemas.com.

 

Filed Under: Arts & Entertainment, Children & Families, East County

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