Special Events & News

Jazz Explosion in the Gazebo!

Fridays, 6-8pm
September 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th & October 4th

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You know them from Thursdays at The Union Hotel, where they played for over 10 years.  Grab a glass of wine and some delicious dinner and join us on the Patio for jazz as the sun goes down. No cover charge. All ages welcome.

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Jazz Explosion has been playing together since 1989, and has played all over the Bay Area, including over 400 shows right here in Benicia. Led by drummer Dr. Russell Hands, Jazz Explosion features a varied assemblage of professional musicians from all over the Bay Area.  You may know them from The Union Hotel, where they played on Thursday nights for over 10 years.  You never know which musicians will be playing, but you always know they’ll be great!  

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The initial 3 band members playing at the Cafe in August will be:

• Dr. Russ Hands has played drums and performed since age ten, including concert, symphonic, jazz, rock and funk bands in high school, college, and med school.  He formed Jazz Explosion in 1989 after moving to Benicia for work in Vallejo.  In addition to the Bay Area, Russ has performed in Brazil, Cuba, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Austria and Morocco.

• Ryan Habegger has had a wonderful music career. A native Benician, Ryan is accomplished in keyboards and trumpet, having trained in college in Los Angeles.  He received his Master’s Degree in Music Composition from San Francisco State.  He plays professionally in the Bay Area, and is the music director of a local church.  Ryan has been the music director of Jazz Explosion since 2007.

• Sam Kennedy - Bio coming soon.

• Dylan Habegger - Bio coming soon.