Around the bay in February 2009

Published: February, 2009 

Want to Fly Away?

The 13th Annual Flyway Festival on February 6-8 promises more guided hikes and outings, tours and workshops on Vallejo’s Mare Island than ever before.With over 70 events on the schedule, you’ll have to watch closely to make sure you don’t miss your favorite! You will find that one of the most unique aspects of the birding festival is the chance to soak up history on Mare Island and view an amazing array of birdlife all at the same time. Admission and parking is free and highlights include the Family Wildlife Exploration and Birding Expo. For more information, visit www.sfbayflywayfestival.com or call (707) 649-9464.

The world’s largest rare book event returns to San Francisco over Valentine’s weekend. Featuring collections and rare treasures from more than 200 booksellers from around the world, the 42nd California International Antiquarian Book Fair runs from Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15 at the Concourse Exhibition Center, 635 8^th Street in San Francisco. A bibliophile’s delight, the show features a rich selection of books, manuscripts, maps and other printed materials, including incunabula; literature from all centuries and nationalities; fine bindings; children’s and illustrated books; ephemera; and antiquarian books of all kinds, such as law, architecture, cookery, science, history and most other subject areas one can conceivably imagine. Whether browsing or buying, avid book lovers and collectors will find many treasures at the Book Fair. Rare book experts and avid collectors will give intriguing topical seminars. Bookbinders, calligraphers, printers and conservators will demonstrate their arts. Additionally, representatives from San Francisco area book arts groups will be on hand to meet like-minded rare books aficionados. Hours are from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $15 on Friday valid for re-entry all weekend; and $10 per day on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, please visit the website at www.sfbookfair.com or call (415) 962-2500.

Arts Benicia is hosting its annual open group show The Art of a Community from January 31st through March 1, featuring the work of Arts Benicia artist members. This year, the organization is celebrating the 15^th year of this remarkable exhibit, which features work by many studio artists in mid-career, beginners showing for the first time, and artists at just about every stage in between. Arts Benicia has many new artist members this year, so the already extraordinary pool of talent will be enhanced by some fresh new currents. On February 7th at 7:30 p.m. Arts Benicia will host a reception and party, The Heart of a Community, with live music. This event is open to members and all those wishing to meet and support the exhibiting artists who are at the heart of Benicia’s art community. The event will also be a chance for community members to join Arts Benicia and help the organization in its work supporting the visual arts in Benicia and the region. Arts Benicia Center Gallery is located at 991 Tyler Street, Suite 114 in Benicia’s Arsenal district.  Gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. or by arrangement.  Admission is free. For more information, visit www.artsbenicia.org or call (707) 747-0131.

Enjoy a special Valentine’s evening aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hornet. Dance to the frolicking jazz sounds of Stompy Jones and the big band lounge classics performed by the Romano Marchetti Orchestra. The fundraising event takes place on Saturday, February 14, from 8 p.m. to midnight. Dancers and spectators alike can enjoy the many hits that made it to the charts in the 1940s and 1950s. Period attire is welcome. With three dance floors on the enclosed, heated hangar deck, the USS Hornet, permanently docked in Alameda, is one of the Bay Area’s most unique venues and one of the best places in the Bay Area to dance—with its sweeping views of the Bay, central location, convenient parking, and reputation for hosting unforgettable parties. For those who would like to learn new steps, free dance lessons will be provided throughout the evening by Jim Truesdale, a former Fred Astaire instructor. Proceeds benefit the Aircraft Carrier Hornet Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and support the preservation of the historic aircraft carrier and the educational programs of the USS Hornet Museum. Tickets range from $40 for general admission to $75 for special reserved seating. There is plenty of free parking. Cash bars and dinner concessions are available. Doors open at 7:15p.m. For information and to purchase tickets, visit www.uss-hornet.org/dance or call (510) 521-8448 x 282.