Dirty Cello cellist, Rebecca Roudman and guitarist, Jason Eckl will perform in El Sobrante next Tuesday night. 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 p.m. and the gardens will be open at 6:00 p.m. for visitin’ and pickin’.
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.
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
Antioch 2025 Independence Day – July 4th Celebration. All photos by Allen D. Payton
To celebrate signing of Declaration of Independence and nation’s 249th birthday
Parade winners announced,U.S. Senator makes appearance, SWAT’s presence explained
By Allen D. Payton
Hundreds of Antioch residents lined the streets of historic, downtown Rivertown on Independence Day, during the annual celebration Friday afternoon, to enjoy the July 4th Parade, Kids and Family Zone, food from local restaurants and food trucks, live music by “Sade of the Bay”, the Ariel Marin Band, and The Purple Ones – Prince Tribute Band who ended their performance with a solid rendition of Purple Rain to the delight of the crowd in Waldie Plaza, as the fireworks show over the river began about 9:20 p.m.
During a break in the music, Mayor Ron Bernal thanked those who gathered for the celebration.
Thousands gathered on the Promenade and Uril E. “Compy” Compomizzo Fishing Pier along the Antioch waterfront to enjoy the show shot from the barge on the river. It floated too far east and had to be called to head back west just in time for the spectacular grand finale. (See video)
Source: City of Antioch Recreation Department
2025 Antioch Independence Day – July 4th Parade Winners
The three Antioch Independence Day – July 4th Parade Judges, Assistant City Manager Brad Helfenberger, former Antioch School Board Trustee Alonzo Terry, and Rivertown Treasure Chest co-owner and Downtown Antioch Association leader Debbie Blaisure, determined the following winners in each category:
“Three very deserving winners!” Blaisure said. “The crew did a great job working together,” Terry added.
Antioch 2025 July 4th Parade judges, Brad Helfenberger, Alonzo Terry, and Debbie Blaisure.
In a post on the Antioch Recreation Department’s Instagram page City staff wrote, “Thank you so much to every single one of our parade participants!”
U.S. Senator Adam Schiff made an appearance in the parade while Antioch Police SWAT members watch along the route.
Senator Schiff Shows Up, SWAT’s Presence Seen
During the parade, U.S. Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA) participated, waving to the crowd while walking with a group holding signs with his name on them.
Some people speculated he was the reason for the Antioch Police Department SWAT Team’s presence along the parade route and throughout the celebration. However, according to Lt. Mike Mellone, that wasn’t the case.
More politicians plus, some protesters participated in the parade. (Upper left) Antioch District 3 Councilman Don Freitas, (top right) one side of the protest sign in red pants is District 1 Councilwoman Tamisha Torres-Walker, (bottom left) Assemblywoman Anamarie Avila-Farias (D-Martinez) and (bottom right) District 4 County Supervisor Shanell Scales-Preston.
“We had planned for a tactical presence at the parade well before we were made aware of Senator Schiff’s attendance. This decision was based on the elevated threat environment tied to ongoing world events, as well as adherence to best practices for securing large-scale public gatherings,” he shared.
“There were no specific or credible threats made in advance of the event. Our department worked closely with regional and federal partners to monitor for any potential risks and ensure the safety of all attendees,” Mellone added.
The grand finale. Video screenshots by Allen D. Payton
Best seats for view of the Antioch fireworks show over the river!
Got no 4th of July plans?
Head to #monicasriverview Monica’s Riverview for a star-spangled night of food, music, and fireworks! Brunch and lunch in the Dining Room until 5pm.
Cuco’s Tacos outside on the water 4-9pm.
Bar Open All Day. Plus, Pour Up Wine Bar.
Entertainment by DJ AP – Anthony Perez 1-5pm, DJ AG Beats 5-9pm.
Fireworks show expected about 9:30pm.
Adults $10 (includes beverage ticket), Children $5
Monica’s Riverview is located at 1 I (Eye) Street on the pier in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. See their complete menu at www.visitmonicas.com.
See for free Ariel “Sade of the Bay” Marin Band and The Purple Ones Prince Tribute band
Enjoy live musical performances by two Bay Area bands for free, on the stage in Waldie Plaza, during this year’s Antioch Independence Day Celebration this Friday, July 4th in historic, downtown Rivertown. Following the parade at 4:00 p.m. Ariel Marin Band will perform at 5:00 p.m. followed by The Purple Ones – The Insatiable Tribute to Prince.
Source: City of Antioch
Ariel Marin Band
Performance Time: 5:00pm-6:30pm on Waldie Stage
Also known as Sade of the Bay, the Ariel Marin Band is an award-winning multi-genre band featuring 5-octave powerhouse Ariel Marin and multi-platinum (MC Hammer) producer James “Jae-E” Earley. They play it all from Fleetwood Mac to Motown, Sade to 80’s hits, Journey to Lynyrd Skynrd, and your favorite classics! Funk, Rock, Pop, Folk, Country, R&B, Motown, Soul, they do it all. They are known for their incredible SADE tribute concert, popular Sha’Motown epic Motown tribute, and Funkin’ Fantastic.
The Purple Ones – The Insatiable Tribute to Prince
Performance Time: 7:15pm-9:15pm on Waldie Stage
Since 2012, Oakland California’s The Purple Ones treat the music and patented vibe of Prince’s legacy with the utmost respect. The musical dexterity of The Purple Ones – with 10-12 pieces on stage (including a 3-4 piece horn section and 3 vocalists that trade off lead vocals) – delivers their own spin on Prince’s (and other Prince related artists such as The Revolution, The New Power Generation, Sheila E., Morris Day & The Time and the general Minneapolis Sound) live onstage, as this funk machine, dance party has to be experienced to be believed!
The Purple Ones is a group of world-class musicians that carries out the Purple Legacy of the MUSIC. TPO brings the energy to the audience with the electricity Prince brought on his iconic live shows, something that no other Prince tribute out there can do. No karaoke studio arrangements here! TPO is NOT a typical tribute band. There is no impersonator or look- a-like, nor do they dress up in goofy costumes or wigs.
Waldie Plaza is located between W. 2nd Street across from City Hall, I (Eye) Street and the river.
Thank you to your July 4th Sponsors: All Phase Brokers, Republic Services, Ironworkers Family Health and Marathon Health.
For more information about Antioch’s July 4th Celebration events and activities, including the parade details and fireworks over the river, click here.
In historic, downtown Rivertown; fireworks show over the river!
Join the City of Antioch in celebrating Independence Day in our historic downtown Rivertown on Friday, July 4th. Visit Waldie Plaza to experience live entertainment and enjoy local restaurants, food vendors and trucks. Have an exciting time with friends and family during the parade, in the Kids & Family Zone and the Dunk Tank fundraiser located at City Hall, before picking your spot to see the big fireworks show over the river.
Parade Route
The parade will begin on July 4, 2025, at the intersection of W. 2nd and E Streets in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown at 4:00 PM. The Judge’s Station will be located at the center of Waldie Plaza. A second parade performance stop will be on W. 3rd Street next to City Hall. We will finish the parade on W. 3rd Street at the corner of D Street.
Celebration Site
The main celebration site will take place in Waldie Plaza and the parking lot of City Hall, encompassing W. 2nd to W 3rd Streets and G to I (“eye”) Streets. There are many occurrences within the celebration site including a live entertainment stage, local vendors, food trucks, Family Zone, DJ stage and much more.
Schedule of Events
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Parade
4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Kids/Family Zone
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM Dunk Tank Fundraiser – Kids Zone
5:00 PM – 6:30 PM Live Entertainment | Ariel Marin
5:00PM – 9:00 PM Kids Zone Stage | DJ Melly Mel
7:00 PM Announcement of Parade Winners
7:15 PM – 9:15 PM Live Entertainment | The Purple Ones – The Insatiable Tribute to Prince
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
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 Antioch-based 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.