In the historic Rivertown District

Click for the meeting agenda and for more information about the Downtown Antioch Association visit downtownantioch.com.

411 donations received to Keep the Arts Alive in Antioch; Dance Gala benefit April 18

By Sharon Sobel Idul, Board President, El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation

As announced at the Antioch City Council meeting, last night, March 24, 2026, the El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation’s recent GoFundMe campaign has not only reached, but exceeded, its $50,000 fundraising goal. 

The Keep the Arts Alive in Antioch campaign was launched in late fall to supplement the 2026 operating costs of the historic El Campanil Theatre. The El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation extends heartfelt gratitude to every donor and supporter who made the campaign’s success possible and invites the community to continue being part of this important work.

As of March 25, 2026, a total of $65,190 has been raised from 411 gifts.

“This achievement is a testament to how much El Campanil Theatre means to our community,” said Sharon Sobel Idul, Board President. “The overwhelming support shows that people believe in preserving this historic venue and ensuring it continues to serve as a home for the arts for generations to come. The work is not done and we’ll continue to apply for grants and diversify our programming, but we are elated to see a renewed sense of excitement and energy around this theatre,” Idul said.

Building on this momentum, El Campanil Theatre and Black Diamond Ballet invites the community to attend our upcoming benefit, City of Stars – A Dance Gala to Keep the Arts Thriving in Antioch, in collaboration with Black Diamond Ballet, Saturday, April 18th. Proceeds will benefit El Campanil Theatre to ensure a vibrant hub for future performances, concerts, dance, and community events for many years to come.

For more information about El Campanil Theatre and tickets to City of Stars and all other upcoming events, please visit www.ElCampanilTheatre.com or contact our box office at 925-757-9500.

While monthly donations provide the most sustainable support, one-time gifts are just as impactful and play a critical role in maintaining this historic theatre, funding new productions, and expanding arts access across East Contra Costa County. Continued contributions are welcome.

How to Help:

● Visit donate.elcampaniltheatre.com

● Choose “Monthly” for sustainable support

● Or choose “One-Time” to make an immediate impact

● Share the link with friends, family and neighbors

El Campanil Theatre is an asset to the community and has stood as long as it has because of community support. By becoming a recurring donor or by making a generous one-time gift, you ensure that the crown gem of Antioch continues to inspire audiences and nurture creativity for generations to come.

The theater is located at 602 W 2nd Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown district.

About El Campanil Theatre Preservation Foundation

The El Campanil Preservation Foundation is the nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining and operating El Campanil Theatre, a historic performing arts venue in downtown Antioch, California. Originally opened in 1928, the theatre is a cherished cultural landmark presenting live performances, films, and educational programs for audiences of all ages. The Foundation relies on community donations to preserve this beloved institution and keep the arts thriving in East Contra Costa County.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a fun way this Saturday and Sunday, March 14 & 15, while you stop, dine and shop in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown.

Presented by the Downtown Antioch Association. For more information visit www.downtownantioch.com.

By Allen D. Payton

Join owner Gladys Torres for the ribbon cutting to officially open her new Timeless Elegance Vintage Store on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 11:00 A.M. The store is located at 204 G Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

Debbie Blaisure of the Downtown Antioch Association said, “Please come meet her and her amazing crew and welcome them to G Street! It looks like she has been there for years. Gladys owns Alliance Estate Sales and the shop, so she has a constant stream of new treasures. What a great asset to our downtown. Hope to see ALL of the downtown businesses and residents to support Timeless Elegance!”

For more information visit their Facebook page or call (925) 978-4159.

Featuring magician and mind reader

By Nicole Holmes, Founder & Owner, The Lemon Tree Antioch

On Saturday, Feb. 28, The Lemon Tree will host an evening of live magic and illusion, perfect for families, couples, and anyone who enjoys creativity and surprise. Guests can expect an engaging performance filled with incredible illusions, interactive moments, and plenty of “How did they do that?!” reactions.

Illusion & Intuition is an intimate, family-friendly evening of magic and mystery featuring magician Michael Nguyen and mind reader Dennis Thompson. Guests will experience engaging illusions, mind-reading moments, and interactive surprises in a welcoming atmosphere. Complimentary lemonade and popcorn will be available throughout the evening.

The show, presented by The Girl Gang Tribe Pop-Up Events, begins at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:30 PM and will last until 9:00 PM. Popcorn and lemonade are included with admission, creating a fun and welcoming night out for the community.

Whether bringing the kids, planning a date night, or gathering friends, this promises to be an unforgettable evening of wonder.

Tickets are $25 each or $40 for two, plus fee and available on Eventbrite.

The Lemon Tree is “A Creative Community Built on Connection, Culture & Care” offering a space for unique experiences including drop-ins, curated events and retail finds. We’re located at 514 W. 2nd Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown. For more information visit www.thelemontreeantioch.com.

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By Nicole Holmes

Introducing the Bloom Project – for entrepreneurs who don’t want to build alone.

You go into business for yourself…

but you’re not meant to do it by yourself.

That’s why Bloom was created.

Bloom is a community-centered project for entrepreneurs, creatives, and visionaries who have passion and purpose—but may not always have the bandwidth, support, or systems to fully thrive on their own.

Our goal by June is simple and intentional:

• Connection
• Build skills and confidence
• End with visibility and opportunity

We’re kicking things off with a Bloom Network Mixer on the 11th—a space to meet other entrepreneurs, share what you’re building, and feel less alone in the process.

From there, Bloom will continue with:

• Skill-set based workshops

• Learning together (not competing)

• Real community and collaboration

• And we’ll close the project with a market, giving entrepreneurs a chance to showcase what they’ve been working on

I see so many people who are great at what they do—but don’t always have the support, structure, or encouragement to fully step into entrepreneurship. Bloom exists to help bridge that gap.

If you’re:

• Building something
• Thinking about starting
• Or craving community, accountability, and support

We would love to have you.

Let’s bloom together.

The mixer will be held at The Lemon Tree, 514 W. 2nd Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.

For more information about the Downtown Antioch Association visit www.downtownantioch.com or www.facebook.com/downtownantioch.

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By Allen D. Payton

Join Studio B Dance Company for an unforgettable afternoon of celebrating artistry, passion and performance as they present their 4th Annual Grand Recital entitled, “Raising The Barre”, on Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026. This special showcase celebrates their dancers’ dedication and growth through high-energy routines, beautiful choreography and inspiring moments on stage. From the youngest performers to the studio’s advanced dancers, each piece reflects a commitment to excellence, creativity and the joy of dance.

The show at El Campanil Theatre in historic, downtown Rivertown begins at 10:00 AM.

According to Wikipedia, a barre is a stationary handrail that provides support for people during various types of exercise. Barres are used extensively in ballet training and warm up exercises, where such exercises are commonly referred to as barre work. In a ballet class, barre may also refer to the part of the class that involves barre work. Barres are also used for warm up exercises in other types of dance, as well as in general fitness programs.

In ballet, barre work includes both slow and fast exercises, which both serve to strengthen muscles. Slow exercises are typically performed first, to stretch and warm up muscles, and to focus on proper body form, whereas fast exercises condition dancers to maintain precise ballet technique while moving. Each exercise has a specific purpose, such as to strengthen feet and legs, increase extension, improve flexibility and develop ballon, the appearance of being lightweight and light-footed while jumping. Proper form (posture, positions of feet and arms) is strived for in all exercises.

Tickets for the Grand Recital are $35 for Adults and $25 for Children ages 3-12, and are available at Raising the Barre – El Campanil Theatre. The theater is located at 602 W. 2nd Street.

Studio B Dance Company is located at 314 G Street in Antioch. For more information about classes visit www.studiobdancers.com or call (925) 434-6659.