Contact: Tess Mayer
Director of Library Services
Berkeley Public Library
510.981.6100
tmayer@cityofberkeley.info
Outdoor Music Festival at Claremont: “Benvenue Beats”
Three Bands, Free Gelato & Family-friendly Fun
Berkeley, California (June 17, 2022) – On Friday, June 24, 2022 the Claremont Branch Library, located at 2940 Benvenue Street in Berkeley, will host a family-friendly, outdoor, mini-music festival that is open to the public. Three bands will play live music outside from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. Relax and enjoy the festivities, with free gelato from Naia Gelateria while supplies last.
“Moving back to in-person programming at our Libraries during the pandemic has given our staff the opportunity to be creative. This is our third ‘party in the streets’ event in the last few months,” notes Director of Library Services, Tess Mayer. “Turn out for these special library programs has been wonderful and we have received much community feedback to continue offering these gatherings.”
Musical entertainment includes:
3pm: Cascada de Flores brings intoxicating energy to the Latin American songbook. Featuring Arwen Lawrence’s ravishing voice and guitarist Jorge Liceaga’s supple accompaniment.
4pm: Asheba is widely celebrated for his calypso-inspired musical storytelling. He shares stories of hope and happiness, bringing folklore from his birthplace in Trinidad to his performances.
5pm: California Blues Runners specialize in the Zydeco and Cajun musical traditions of South Louisiana. Accordionist Andrew Carriere, rub board stylist Haywood Douresseau and rhythm guitarist Tom Stewart showcase songs in French dialects.
“With this special outdoor event at Claremont, we hope to inspire, entertain and build community and are very happy to host such an array of talented musicians. We want to welcome patrons and neighbors back to the branch, share our new layout and services and introduce them to our newest staff members,” explains Shani Leonards, Claremont Branch Supervisor. “As one of the bandmembers told me the other day, ‘Bring your dancing shoes!’”
Traffic and parking will be closed on Benvenue Street between Ashby Avenue and Webster Street from 2pm until 7pm the day of the festival.
For questions regarding this program, call Shani Leonards at (510) 981-6280.
Thank you to the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library for the generous grant that funded the programs for this event and to our partners at Naia Gelateria for their delicious donation of gelato.
Masking is strongly encouraged for this outdoor program and required for entry into the library branch. This event is wheelchair accessible. To request a sign language interpreter or other accommodations for this event, please call (510) 981-6195 (voice) or (510) 548-1240 (TTY) at least five working days in advance to help ensure availability. Please refrain from wearing scented products to public programs.
For questions about additional Library events, services, hours and locations, please call (510) 981-6100 or visit the Library’s website www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.
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