Lots of activities going on this summer in Richmond’s old “downtown:  

Richmond Main Street Initiative Art Exhibition

Richmond Main Street Initiative Art Exhibition from July 15-August 14 with a reception with the artists this Friday 7/15 from 6-8 p.m. The exhibit is at the Main Street office at 1101 Macdonald.  "360" the group from PAL, will be performing. The party on Friday is the reception for the artists in the Richmond Main Street Initiative’s art exhibit and you are invited.  The reception is from 6 to 8 p.m. at 1101 Macdonald Avenue.  There will be raffles, refreshments and music by the “360” of the Richmond Police Activities League.  The exhibit runs July 15- August 14, 2005.

For information, contact: Sydney Barbara Metrick, PhD, 510 223 3882, symetrick@sbcglobal.net or Marie Ries piggy5150@hotmail.com.

Music on the Main

Saturday, July 23, 11:00 am to 7:30 pm, Richmond Main Street Initiative presents “Global Showcase,” as part of its 6th Annual Downtown “Music on the Main” summer concert series, in collaboration with the Nevin Park Picnic Association and the Health and Wellness project. This unified event will be held along Macdonald Avenue at Harbour Way down to 4th Street and Nevin Avenue Park. The Global Showcase consists of an exciting and upbeat array of entertainers including the following featured artist:

·                     Muir Station Band returns for its second year of performance at “Music on the Main”. This delightful group who mixes blues and jazz along with nostalgic tunes from the 30’s and 40’s will get your attention. The upbeat combination of banjo/guitar, tuba and vocals provide entertainment for jazz lovers of all ages.

·                     Ms. Susie Butler offers show-stopping jazz vocals dedicated to Sarah Vaughan the “Divine One.” She is an accomplished entertainer who has made jazz singing her life’s purpose and passion. She attributes her musical talents to her relatives (Eddie Kendrick’s on her maternal side and Jerry Butler on her paternal side.) She hails from Wichita, Kansas a region rich with jazz history. She has studied her idols – Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald and Pearl Bailey for many years. Her unique style, professionalism and commitment to be the best performer, has made her a highly acclaimed and outstanding artist especially in the San Francisco Bay Area.

·                     Robert “Hollywood” Jenkins is well known as a prolific San Francisco Bay Area, guitarist, singer and band leader for several years. After living in Oakland for a year he landed his first local gig with a band called the Brummels, soon he met and played as a side man for many singers and musicians at venues like the Monterey Blues Festival with Beverly Stovall. At the Richmond Auditorium he opened for Ray Charles and has performed at many other venues around the East Bay. Today Hollywood’s style is very diverse and has been affected by many guitarist such as BB King, Albert Collins, Buddy Guy, and Chuck Berry to name a few. He is currently busy playing live gigs, attending radio interviews and promoting his new CD Introducing Robert “Hollywood” Jenkins (to the world - produced by Terry Scott).

·                     As “Music on the Main” ratchets it up, Sistas wit Style return again this year with their upbeat and exciting Caribbean dance style. The dance troupe has performed throughout the Bay Area and from coast to coast. Sistas recently performed at the Caribbean “Carnaval” in San Francisco. he group has performed in four of the “Music on Main” concert series and as always they get the crowd up and moving to sensational rhythms. These young ladies are something to see as they limbo across the stage and bring the music from the drums into the very heart of their audience. You don’t want to miss “Sistas wit Style.”

·                     The grand finale of this year’s “Global Showcase” will have everyone dancing to the hot Salsa sounds of Mambo Tropical. Be prepared to dance as the band explodes with powerful, passionate rhythms… entwined with beautiful melodies. The group consists of Yvette Watts- who has performed on the TV show Buscando Estrallas. Some of Yvette’s influences have been Celia Cruz, Gloria Estefan, Linda Ronstadt and Natalie Cole just to name a few. Teresa Orozco- Peterso-Flauta who grew up being exposed to a wide variety of musical styles, including Latin, R&B, Rock, Brazilian pop and Classical. Other members of Mambo Tropical are Joaquin Pla - Percussion; Scott Knipplemeir- Trombone; Jamie Dubberly- Trombone; Jim Polizzi- Bajo; Alex Specht- Percussion; and Aaron Szabo – Timbales. Come and join us as “Music on the Main” takes you to the streets during this Centennial year in Richmond California. 

Healing Wall

The Community is helping to heal the streets of Richmond through the arts.  Painting of butterflies on the wall in an effort to show "transformation" of the area. This joint effort between Richmond Main Street and the Arts Commission is really bringing the Iron Triangle Community together.