Air Force Thunderbirds Arrive for Travis Air Expo this Weekend

The information below was provided by the Travis AFB Public Affairs Office regarding the arrival of the Thunderbirds, the elite air demonstration team of the U.S. Air Force.

TRAVIS AFB -- The Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team has arrived at Travis AFB.

The Thunderbirds fly F-16 jets, which are faster and louder than the cargo and tanker aircraft normally seen in and around Solano County.

The Thunderbirds will practice intermittently until about 6:30 p.m. tonight. They will hold practice flights again Friday beginning at about 1 p.m.

Other aircraft also will be arriving at Travis today and Friday, including more fighters, bombers and vintage aircraft.

Travis will open its gates Saturday and Sunday at 8:30 a.m. for the airshow. Opening ceremonies begin at 10 a.m. each day. The event is free to the public.

The Thunderbirds will close the airshow each day with a performance that begins at about 3 p.m.

For more on the Air Expo, see www.visitsuisuncity.com/event/travis-air-expo

Mother's Day Artisan Fair

The Suisun City Historic Waterfront Business Improvement District is proud to present the Mother's Day Artisan Fair on the Suisun City Harbor Plaza ( map ) 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday May 8, 2011.

The BID press release:

Celebrate Mother's Day at the Suisun Waterfront! We have a GREAT day planned for your family!

Over 50 unique artisans will participate in the 2nd annual Mother's Day Artisan Fair on Sunday May 8th, 10 am - 3 pm, at Harbor Plaza, Main and Solano Streets, Suisun City. The event will also feature "The Amber Snider Band" live with special guests "The Pine Dogz" (Amber's Mom and Dad!) making it a true family celebration for Mother's Day!

Booths featuring quality hand-crafted wares will be set up in the park and along the beautiful waterfront. Bring Mom to browse the booths, meet the artists and find a special treasure she will love!

Our talented artists are gathering from all over northern CA and will be selling handcrafted jewelry, soaps, candles, sea kelp and colorful woven baskets, ceramics and pottery, quilts, quilted baby sets, woven scarves, original art and art prints, journals, painting on china, garden art, metal sculpture, photography, wood crafts, glass platters and bowls, seasonal plants and herbs, fabric totes and sachets, specialty olive oils and coffees, homemade fudge, Hawaiian items, hair bows, crochet items, and so much more!

Bay Area singer-songwriter Amber Snider and her "Amber Snider Band" will bring their unique brand of folk-rock, country and blues to the Historic Waterfront stage. Amber has recently released two new CD's, was featured on KRON-TV's Best of the Bay and has been called "Super talented!" by Rich Freedman - Vallejo Times Herald. "The Amber Snider Band" plays more than 100 headline shows a year.

"The Pine Dogz", Diana and Steve Wallis, play the kind of music you grew up with, sang along with and remembered special occasions by......music from the 50's through the 90's and their own unique songs too! You and Mom are going to enjoy the show!

Before or after the fair, stop for a delicious brunch or lunch at one of the fine Waterfront District restaurants! The setting is awesome and there are twelve independent restaurants to choose from.....something to please any mom!

Make special Mother's Day memories....... SEE YOU THERE!

For vendor and shopper information: (707) 399-7195 or www.suisunwaterfront.com.

This Weekend in Suisun City

Here are some ideas for things to do this weekend in and around Suisun City, California:

Friday (March 18, 2011)

• "Eurydice" Presented by Solano College Theatre at Suisun City Harbor Theater. 7:30 pm; Tickets $13-20. 720 Main Street, Suisun City
  

Saturday (March 19, 2011)

• Get the Rush and Birds of Prey Workshop at Rush Ranch. 9am-5pm. FREE. Grizzly Island Road south of Suisun City. Hikes, blacksmithing demo, horse-drawn wagon rides, and more for the entire family.
  
  
• Salvation Army KROC Center Construction Kickoff Party. Noon-2pm. FREE. 586 E. Wigeon Way, Suisun City. BBQ, jump house, face painting, family games, info about new KROC Center.
  
  
• "Eurydice" Presented by Solano College Theatre at Suisun City Harbor Theater. 7:30 pm; Tickets $13-20. 720 Main Street, Suisun City

Sunday (March 20, 2011)

• "Eurydice" Presented by Solano College Theatre at Suisun City Harbor Theater. FINAL SHOW 2 pm; Tickets $13-20. 720 Main Street, Suisun City
  
  
• Solano Suzuki Strings presented by the Wednesday Club of Suisun's Young Artists Series. 2 pm; Tickets $10. 225 Sacramento Street, Suisun City
  

Ongoing

• Lawler House Gallery (718 Main Street) Open Noon to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday
• Solano History Exploration Center, now open 12-5 p.m. Friday-Sunday at Lawler House
• The Suisun Wildlife Center Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Daily
• Visit the rustic Suisun Valley wine country
• Western Railway Museum, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday & Sunday
  

For more upcoming events and things to do in Suisun City, go to www.VisitSuisunCity.com

Mother's Day Artisan Fair

SPECIAL EVENT TO HONOR MOM SPONSORED BY WATERFRONT BUSINESSES

Suisun City - Bring Mom to the Suisun City Waterfront District for a very special Mother's Day Artisan Fair to honor her.

More than 40 vendors offering a wide range of unique hand-crafted wares will participate this terrific event almost guaranteed to become a family tradition. A stroll along the scenic Waterfront Promenade to the Artisan Fair before or after that special breakfast or lunch is a perfect way to celebrate Moms of every age.

The Artisan Fair will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday May 9, 2010 at Harbor Plaza in Suisun City. >> Here's a map >>

The event is still open to vendors interested in participating. For vendor information, contact Brenda at 707-399-7195 or ranchoboutique@aol.com.

This event is sponsored by the business members of the Suisun City Historic Waterfront BID.
For general event information, go to www.VisitSuisunCity.com.

Kids & Kites Fest to go on

Rain, Rain, Go Away! The weather forecast shows a 60% chance of no rain showers on our first festival of the year!

We've planned an awesome day on the Suisun City Waterfront with the Kids and Kites Fest. >>Click here for more info>>

But if it's too chilly for your tastes try on of the four performances of 'Emperor's New Clothes' in the Harbor Theatre and Free Comic Book Day at Waterfront Comics!  The Suisun Wildlife Center visitor center also will be open all day for you to check out their displays of native animals and plants. >>Click here for more info>>

Stop by the Waterfront District between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. today!

Reviewers Love "Mr. Ripley" at Harbor Theatre

The reviews are in & they love Solano College Theatre's staging of "The Talented Mr. Ripley" at Suisun City's Harbor Theatre.

The Daily Republic's Tony Wade said:

"The actors were absolutely phenomenal.

Jonathon Grout is an amazing talent. As in other roles he's played on local stages, he embodies whomever he is portraying. Grout infused the character of Ripley with a barely-controlled frenzied rage that bubbled underneath the surface and exploded all over it from time to time.

In short, he completely creeped me out, in a good way."

L. Pierce Carson of the Napa Valley Register said:

"With this staging of “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” Solano College Theatre adds to its well-deserved reputation for presenting first-rate theater in the North Bay.

While this psychological drama may not be everyone’s cup of tea, there’s no denying that it’s well acted, superbly directed and been given a first-class staging.

With so little regional theater available in this neck of the woods, it’s comforting to know that audiences can count on SCT for quality productions."

Don't miss this terrific production running at the Harbor Theatre now through March 22.
Performances are at

• 7:30 p.m. Thursdays
• 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday
• 2 p.m. Sundays

For tickets, call 707-864-7100 or go online to www.solanocollegetheatre.org

DINNER & A SHOW

Eight terrific restaurants in the Suisun City Waterfront District offer dining discounts the night of the show! Just show your play tickets and get a discount at

• La Cabana Restaurant, 325 Main Street
  
• Athenian Grill, 750 Kellogg Street
  
• Padthai Thai Cuisine, 603 Main Street
  
• Puerto Vallarta, 301 Main Street
  
• Tasuke, 314 Spring Street
  
• Main Street Bar & Grill, 627 Main Street
  
• Uncle Bong's Pizzeria, 203 Main Street
  
• Taqueria Tepa, 501 Main Street #D
  

Events with a Purpose

The Daily Republic ran a nice article this morning by Staff Writer Ian Thompson on the expanded events calendar being planned for this spring and summer in the Suisun City Waterfront District.

Last week, we published along with our quarterly newsletter Discovery a pull-out calendar listing the more than 40 dates on which we will sponsor a free family-friendly event in the Waterfront District. No wonder Daily Republic readers recently voted the District as a top Solano County 'staycation' destination! >>Click here to see the full schedule.>>

What Ian's article didn't really touch on was why we put so much time and effort into our community events, and why we are really pushing hard to get more businesses and community organizations involved in the events this year.

All of these events are part of our marketing strategy to expose Suisun City residents and those living throughout the region to all the terrific activity going on in the Waterfront District. We want everyone from Napa to Davis and Danville to know about the unique hideaway we have in Suisun City, and the 12 terrific & unique family-owned restaurants in the Waterfront District alone. Our strategy is for visitors to come fall in love with what we have, come back with friends and family, and help us build the foot traffic necessary to make boutiques, shops and galleries successful in the Waterfront District.

Each of you telling people you know about our great City is a key part to the marketing approach. Subscribe to this News blog or become a fan of the City on Facebook to keep in touch with what's happening in town.

And, when you come to the Waterfront for a free concert or outdoor movie, make sure to check out Main Street Bar & Grill, Bellezza Hair Studio or Waterfront Comics.

Here's the first part of Ian's story:

Bigger is better in Suisun

By Ian Thompson | DAILY REPUBLIC | March 11, 2009 23:30

SUISUN CITY - A bigger, family-friendly kite festival, a new June event called Shore Fest and jet ski racing at night are among the expanded events this year on the city's waterfront.

There is even talk of importing sand to an empty lot near the Suisun Marina during the Shore Fest so the city can hold a beach volleyball contest. The synthetic ice rink was a hit last December, so the city is thinking beach volleyball in June could be one as well.

'We are focusing on kids and families to get them out to enjoy our waterfront,' said Mick Jessop, director of the city's Recreation and Community Services Department.

The Friday Nights at the Waterfront, Saturday Nights at the Movies and The Waterfront Jazz Series are coming back and will start in early July.

The Kids & Kites Festival on May 2 is being expanded to offer activities such as slides, rock walls and a trackless train.

'We are making everything center truly around the children,' said Anita Skinner of the city's Redevelopment Agency who organizes the events. 'We are trying to bring in kite clubs for demonstrations of different kinds of kites.'

To see the full article, visit www.dailyrepublic.com

'Talented Mr. Ripley' Comes to Suisun City's Harbor Theater

Starting on March 5, 'The Talented Mr. Ripley' will begin a nearly month long run at the Harbor Theater in Suisun City's Waterfront District. It's a great play, so plan on joining us.

The Vallejo Times-Herald ran a short interview this morning with Lee Ann D'Amato, one of the leads in the Solano College Theatre production.

Actress plays evil Dottie in 'Ripley,' believe it or not

By RICH FREEDMAN/Times-Herald staff writer
Posted: 02/13/2009 01:01:22 AM PST

There just may be a little Aunt Dottie in Lee Ann D'Amato. And for those familiar with "The Talented Mr. Ripley," that can't be a good thing.

"She's not the nicest person in the world," D'Amato said of her character. "She's really evil. I think she's the reason Tom Ripley became a serial killer."

Though the Vallejo actress has never provoked anyone to murder, "I'm sure I have a dark side," she said.

Not that she needed to look inside herself to bring Dottie to life in the Solano College Theater's production that opens March 5 at the Harbor Theater in Suisun.

"I have a relative who is similar to Aunt Dottie," D'Amato said.

The actress is excited about the role and working again with director George Maguire.

"George is an actor himself, so he totally can relate to what you go through to do a part," D'Amato said.

The director gives direction, "but doesn't direct you to the point where you think it's his vision of the part," D'Amato said. "You feel you're able to explore what you want to do and that the part is truly your own."

Besides, she added, "I think he's hysterically funny. That helps a lot. I giggle all the time during rehearsals. I enjoy a director who's a hoot. He has great stories. I'm having a blast."

The admiration is mutual.

"I've known her for almost 18 years, and she is a kick to be in a room with," Maguire said. "A lot of humor and simultaneous depth, and above all friendship and familiarity."

Whatever the role, the reasons D'Amato takes to the community theater stage hasn't changed in 20-plus years.

D'Amato's fresh off her performance as pirate in "Pirates of Penzance" for the Vallejo Music Theatre last October. She laughed that, as a 48-year-old, "I was a little long in the tooth to play a maiden. So I said I'd do it only if I played a pirate."

"I do it because I love to act," she said. "It's my thing. Everyone has their love. I'd act in my living room if I could get people over. And my friends know this. That's why they say, 'Meet us in a public place.'"

Despite her experience, there's always the jitters no matter what the play, D'Amato said.

"I'm always nervous with every part," she said. "Every single show. I believe that's what gives me energy and hopefully makes me portray roles well. I always feel nervous. I don't care how smoothly it's gone in rehearsals. Until I walk on stage. Then it vanishes."

It's just fine if loved ones are in the audience, D'Amato said, as long as it's not the front row.

"I actually like knowing people come to see me. I like to know friends, family and loved ones care enough to come," D'Amato said. "But I almost prefer not knowing, of course. But that's impossible. They usually call and tell me they're coming. I just want to go ut and do the part and not be thinking about that kind of stuff. As long as they're not in the front row. I try to ask, 'Please don't sit too close.'"

A 26-year Vallejoan, the actress said she might take a shot at directing some day. All the better if it's Steve Martin's "Picasso at the Lapin Agile."

"I if can get a venue and put together the money and cast to do that particular play," D'Amato. "I would kill to direct that."

She thought for a minute. Aunt Dottie, perhaps, would kill to direct.

"I would maim to direct that play," D'Amato said.

'Sylvia' creator to speak in Suisun

Spotted this at TheReporter.com and thought we'd pass it along:

Nicole Hollander, creator of the "Sylvia" comic strip, will be the guest speaker at the 2009 Women's History Month Luncheon March 18 in Suisun City.

In addition to her presentation, Hollander will sign copies of her most recent book, "Tales of Graceful Aging from the Planet Denial."

The event, sponsored by the Solano County Library Foundation, begins at 11:30 a.m. in the Joseph A. Nelson Community Center.

For more information, contact Ruth Begell at 421-8075 or e-mail libraryfoundation@sbcglobal.net

We're working on a new calendar feature to make it easier to share these types of events happening in our community.

'Christmas at the Waterfront' in Pictures

Anyone who has ever tried to take pictures at night of any type of event can appreciate how hard it can be to get decent shots of something like Suisun City's 'Christmas at the Waterfront.'

This year, we actually turned to someone for some professional help. >>Here's a link to a catalog of those shots.>>

ABANDONED TILE GIFTS

During 'Christmas at the Waterfront,' Home Depot sponsored a terrific booth that allowed children to paint a tile as a special holiday gift. They all turned out great and everyone had a lot of fun!

But 16 of them were left behind to dry and never claimed. If yours is one of those, come by City Hall and ask for Anita Skinner or call her at 421-7309 during regular business hours.

Christmas at the Waterfront

HOLIDAY SEASON KICKS OFF DEC. 6

Ring in the holiday season with "Christmas on the Waterfront" in Suisun City. This day-long festival is the most unique holiday celebration in the region with unique features found nowhere else.

The fun gets underway at 2 p.m. when the Christmas Street Faire opens offering a wide array of unique gifts and delicious food. We have an all new gift-making opportunity for children to make a unique present of their very own for that special relative made possible through a partnership with Home Depot.

Also new this year is the special outdoor skating rink! Bring the family down to the Waterfront District for this truly unique and festive opportunity!

Of course, we'll have the Lighted Boat Parade, Christmas tree lighting, spectacular fireworks, a festive bonfire, haywagon rides, and performances by the Dan O. Root II Elementary Chorus, Armijo High School Jazz Band and Solano Youth Theatre's Teen Touring Company.

>>Click here for the day's full schedule>>

You won't want to miss the very special Suisun City Waterfront Christmas Tree Celebration and Auction. Come enjoy and bid on fully decorated Christmas trees trimmed by local nonprofit groups. The silent auction starts at 2 p.m. with bids closing at 6 p.m. All proceeds go to the decorating nonprofit, and you'll get a tree ready for your living room or business.

Come enjoy the holiday season in Suisun City's Waterfront District!

Skate Suisun City's Waterfront District

NEW CHRISTMAS TRADITION STARTS THIS YEAR

Outdoor skating in Suisun City? Absolutely!

Imagine gliding across the slick surface on a pair of ice skates overlooking the beautiful Suisun City Marina and Harbor Lighthouse. Holiday music wafts through the air as festive lights twinkle.

Starting at 6 p.m. Friday Dec. 5, the rink will be open right on the Waterfront Promenade across Main Street from the Veterans Memorial Building at Common Street. The rink will be open during the "Christmas at the Waterfront" spectacular on Saturday Dec. 6 from Noon to 8 p.m. and on Sunday Dec. 7 from Noon to 6 p.m.

A family of four can skate for only $10, with the skates included! Adults are $3 and children (up to age 12) and seniors are $2, all including free use of skates.

We'd like to thank our business partners who made this terrific opportunity available at such an affordable price:

• Jelly Belly
• Anheuser Busch, Fairfield
  
• Solano Garbage
• Main Street West Partners
• Hudson Business Networks, Inc.
• Suisun City Business Group
• Suisun City Historic Waterfront BID

The Daily Republic recently lauded the new skate rink:

"Cheers to Suisun City for once again showing the way when it comes to celebrations across Solano County. The City always seems to be the most innovative when it comes to putting on community events. This holiday season is no different."

Come enjoy the skate rink and help us make this a new annual tradition!

Hiking Rush Ranch

Just southeast of Suisun City is one of the region's real gems: Rush Ranch.

The Ranch is an excellent place to learn and appreciate the history of Solano County, and enjoy the natural wonders that surround us.

The "Hikin' the Bay" blog recently posted pictures and descriptions of the terrific hiking available on the Ranch. (Good news: Our little treasure is becoming a region favorite.)

Offering sweeping vistas of upland hills and the Suisun Marsh, the Ranch's three hiking trails offer varied terrain and degrees of difficulty to suit just about any trekker.

If you've never been to The Ranch, or if it's been a while, you'll want to go on the 3rd Saturday of the month when they have blacksmithing demonstrations and hay-wagon rides from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They also offer a guided nature walk starting at 9 a.m.

Key Link:

• Rushranch.net

Museum Train Ride to Pumpkin Patch

One of the truly terrific local family activities is the annual Pumpkin Patch Festival at the Western Railway Museum on Highway 12 east of Suisun City.

From the museum, you take a ride on an antique electric railway train along an express track 5 miles into the country to pick through hundreds of pumpkins! It's a trip the entire family will love!

The festival runs weekends through Oct. 26, so don't dally. The Hipwaders, a terrific band oriented specifically for kids, and Limber Jim Bartz Band are playing the festival!

I spotted this announcement on the Univision website.

Key links:

• Western Railway Museum
• Pumpkin Patch Event page

OktoberFest early! AugustFest this Saturday

MICROBREWS AND HOT MUSIC IN THE WATERFRONT DISTRICT

The Suisun City Waterfront District will be the place to be for microbrew tasting, great music and watching fast waterski demonstrations 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday (August 2, 2008).

We call it August Fest - a taste of the traditional OktoberFest a couple of months early! As always, admission is absolutely FREE!

So far, we've announced that Lagunitas of Petaluma, Blue Frog and Tri-Eagle Beverage (offering seven varieties) will be on-hand pouring samples. For $15, you will get 8 tastes!

Plus we have The DOC Band and the Used Blues Band playing two sets, and a performance by The Solano Youth Theater.

You aren't going to want to miss any of the fun.