Three new directors have joined the board of Calistoga's Brannan Center, the northern Napa Valley’s newest destination for community gatherings, performing arts and private events, according to a news release.
Former Calistoga Mayor Chris Canning, St. Helenan Braulio Muñoz and Santa Rosa financier Gregory Newhall were appointed this month.
“Our founders have shepherded Brannan Center from concept to construction to near completion,” board chair Edward Kozel said. “Braulio, Chris and Gregory bring a new set of skills to our board as we move toward our grand opening this fall, and we could not be more thrilled to have them on board. Over time, we anticipate further additions as we focus now on sustainable operations and service for the Upvalley community.”
Canning served as Calistoga mayor from 2012 to 2022 and as executive director of Calistoga’s Chamber of Commerce for eight years. He is principal at CJC Solutions, which aims to bridge public-private partnerships at the local government level.
“My strength lies in recognizing challenges and opportunities, offering a steady hand in navigating complex landscapes,” said Canning, who recently returned to Calistoga after several years living abroad. “I take pride in my ability to foster consensus among diverse constituencies, believing that progress is best achieved through collaboration and understanding.”
Muñoz has served in the vestry at Grace Episcopal church in St. Helena and is a board member at the UpValley Family Centers. His wife, Melissa Muñoz-Matheny, is a teacher at St. Helena High School. Along with their two sons, Robert, 12, and Rafael, 8, they are active members of the St. Helena community, volunteering with youth sports and area activities, according to the Brannan Center's statement.
“The call for public service has always been part of my life,” said Muñoz, a native of Saltillo, Mexico, who has worked as an investigator for the California State Bar for the past 12 years. “My family, spirituality, community service and sports are my passion in life. I also love music, dancing and all art expressions.”
Newhall serves as a senior vice president and market leader for the private bank division of Umpqua Bank, where he is dedicated to supporting individuals, families and businesses across wine country. Prior to joining Umpqua Bank, Newhall spent more than 18 years at First Republic Bank in a similar leadership role.
“I am committed to making a positive impact in the communities I serve,” he said. “My passion for fostering strong community connections has been a driving force throughout my career.”
Nearly 150 donors have contributed more than $11 million to fund construction and initial operating costs for Brannan Center, with $1.5 million to go. Pending successful completion of its fundraising campaign, Brannan Center is on track to open this fall at 1407 Third St. in Calistoga.
Bel Canto Napa Valley, the region’s chamber ensemble known for its blend of voices and dynamic programming, presents “Heart and Soul: A Celebration of Music to Delight and Inspire” — the grand finale of its 10th anniversary season, a news release states.
There are two performances scheduled:
Friday, May 2 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 1917 Third St., Napa
Sunday, May 4 at 3 p.m. in the Chapel at Mont La Salle, 4405 Redwood Road, Napa
“This uplifting concert features a stirring mix of a cappella and accompanied works — ranging from the purity of Renaissance madrigals and motets to the rhythmic joy of an isiZulu hymn,” according to the news release. “Audiences will also be treated to a rich tapestry of African American spirituals, folk melodies, and beloved ballads that celebrate love, joy, faith, and justice. It’s music that speaks to the soul and transcends time.”
Founded in 2015 by artistic director and conductor Ted von Pohle, Bel Canto began as a small gathering of dedicated singers who shared a passion for singing in beautiful, acoustically rich spaces. What started as a simple dream has grown into a thriving nonprofit vocal ensemble praised throughout Napa Valley for its artistry, inclusivity and community spirit, according to the news release.
“When I was encouraged to create Bel Canto,” von Pohle said, “I imagined weekly rehearsals and performances for friends and family. I didn’t anticipate forming a nonprofit just to rent rehearsal space — but that challenge became an opportunity to think bigger. How could Bel Canto not only perform, but give back?”
That vision blossomed in the ensemble’s third season, as Bel Canto began partnering with local nonprofits to present benefit concerts supporting organizations like Abode Services, Napa Wildlife Rescue, Community Action Napa Valley and the Napa Land Trust. In 2023, Bel Canto launched its StAR Scholarship program, offering financial support and mentorship to high school students pursuing music.
This spring, the StAR Scholarship has been awarded to three students: Tahlia Smith and Monica Suhr (St. Helena High School) and Lawren Slack (Pacific Union College Preparatory School). Each has shown both talent and dedication and now has the opportunity to further develop their artistry — some even choosing to intern with Bel Canto, the news release states.
“Heart and Soul: A Celebration of Music to Delight and Inspire” tickets and more information are available at belcantonv.org/tickets.
Expanded collections exhibition opens May 3 at di Rosa
di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art’s new, expanded collections exhibition, The Incorrect Museum, opens Saturday, according to a news release.
Viola Frey, Seated Figure with Vase, 1998, will be featured at di Rosa in Napa.
Courtesy of di Rosa
di Rosa will host a reception celebrating the opening of the exhibition on May 3. di Rosa members are invited for a special members hour from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a public reception from 6 to 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for the general public; admission for members is free.
The Incorrect Museum celebrates the “rascality” and irreverence of Northern California art since 1960, taking its title from a sing-along, “The Incorrect Museum,” penned by Rene di Rosa for the occasion of the institution’s opening in 1997:
Come on out and let go.
To return again while getting to know
that here the art invites a titter
from the free admitter.
Because art here is a healthy remedy
with a laugh at rascality not posing as ponderosity.
Periodic updates and rotations of artworks will occur throughout the exhibition’s run, showcasing the full breadth of di Rosa’s permanent collection of Northern California art, the news release continued. Highlighted artists include William T. Wiley, Robert Arneson, Roy de Forest, Viola Frey, Mildred Howard, Enrique Chagoya and David Best.
The Incorrect Museum will be on view to the public Thursday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Beginning July 1, admission will be by reservation only.
Festival Napa Valley announces Taste of Napa lineup
Taste of Napa, the signature tasting event presented by Festival Napa Valley, is set to take place Saturday, July 12, from noon to 3 p.m. at The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa.
A scene from last year's Taste of Napa event at The Meritage.
David Ortega/Chrome Visual Company
Sponsored by J.P. Morgan, this year’s grand tasting will feature more than 90 wineries, restaurants and culinary artisans, music by LMR Jazz Orchestra and DJ Lady Ryan, interactive games, and more, according to a news release.
“Taste of Napa is a celebration of everything that makes this region extraordinary: world-class food and wine, natural beauty, and the generous hospitality of the vintner, craft beverage, and culinary community,” said the festival's president and CEO Rick Walker. “It’s a rare opportunity to experience the best of Napa Valley all in one place.”
Participating wineries include Ackerman Family Vineyards, Almacerro, Alpha Omega Winery, Aperture Cellars, Appellations Cellar, Arrow&Branch, Bella Union Winery, Benessere Vineyards, Bevan Cellars, Blackbird Vineyards, Bouchaine Vineyards, Bread & Butter Wines, Clif Family Winery, Darioush, Del Dotto Vineyards, Diamond Mountain Vineyard, Etude Wines, Ghost Block Estate Wines, Grape Culture, Grgich Hills Estate, Jaffe Family Wines, JaM Cellars, Kale Wines, Knights Bridge Winery, La Sirena Winery, Levendi Winery, Mancini di Lucca Winery, Marciano Estate, Markham Vineyards, Materra | Cunat Family Vineyards, Maxville Winery, McKenzie-Mueller Vineyards & Winery, Miner Family Winery, Moone-Tsai Wines, NEOTEMPO Wines, Perchance Estates, Phifer Pavitt Winery, Priest Ranch, Quixote Winery, Rutherford Hill Winery, S.R. Tonella Cellars & Maxenti, Salvestrin, Somnium, Spottswoode Estate Vineyard and Winery, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, Sterling Vineyards, Stolen Owl Wines, The Vice Napa Valley, Tomorrow Cellars, TOR Wines, Tornabene Wine, Trefethen Family Vineyards, Trujillo Wines, Turley Wine Cellars, Turnbull Wine Cellars, V. Sattui Winery, Vineyard 29 and Weather Wines.
Breweries and beverage artisans include Culture Pop Soda, Griffo Distillery, HenHouse Brewing Company, Holistic Spirits, Mommenpop, Napa Valley Tea Company, Rationale Brewing, S.A.C.R.E.D. Agave, Shikohin and Trade Brewing.
This year’s restaurants and culinary artisans include Brigachero, Community Action of Napa Valley, Cooked by Gio, Ember Steak, Empress M, Farming Hope/Refettorio San Francisco, Fi & Me Baking Company, Foodshed, Gio Gelati, Goddess Noir Cakes, Grão Cuisine, House of Better, KG Food Company, La Saison, Love Park Pretzels, Nobunaga’s Blue Ribbon, Oakville Grocery, Olive & Hay, Ollie’s Artisan Baking Co., Oxbow Cheese & Wine Merchant, Peaches Patties, Pepita, Salute Santé! Grapeseed Oil, Scarlata Farms, Skyhill Napa Valley Farms, Sonoma Syrup Co., Sugar Chef Shel, Sun Runner, Sumo Dog, Sushi Monkey, The Kitchen at Priest Ranch, The Q Restaurant & Bar, Tsar Nicoulai Caviar and West Won Bread.
General admission tickets are $150. Guests can elevate their Taste of Napa experience by purchasing Reserve Tasting Salon tickets ($295), providing early admission starting at 11 a.m. and access to boutique winery tastings and culinary offerings in a private setting. The Reserve Tasting Salon is also part of the Festival’s Patron Experience.
All guests must be 21 or older. Attendees are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to donate to the Community Action of Napa Valley Food Bank.
Friends and family of Berryessa's Turtle Rock bar collected the money pined to the ceiling of the cafe to donate to UCSF and celebrate the 15-year 'cancerversary' of Elijah Leung.
Most of Napa’s River Park Shopping Center tenants cater to locals, not wine country visitors. Now a handful of tenants have left the center, or plan to. What's up at River Park?
Protests will take place in Napa and across the Bay Area on Thursday as part of what are expected to be over 900 nationwide demonstrations for May Day.
