A Night of Music

Last night, the Husband and I attended "A Night of Music" at El Teatro Campesiño in San Juan Bautista. What a joyful night! The event showcased many local musicians.

The evening began with a premiere of Voices, the collaborative works of Emiliano Valdez and Michael Annotti, which they developed in partnership with Mr. O's Academy of the Arts and the San Benito County Arts Council. The songs of Mr. Valdez and Mr. Annotti were inspired by stories of many of the residents of San Benito County. One song, for example, was about working in the canneries. Their CD will soon be released.

Playing out the night was  Mr. O's  Jazz Band, under the direction of Mr. Joe Ostensen. As always, Mr. O's band, composed of teenagers and adults, were grooving and moving the audience away.

Here are some links to check out the sounds of these wonderful local musicians:

• Michael Annotti   
• SoMoS, which features Emiliano Valdez on guitar and vocals and Michael Annotti on keys 
• Mr. O's Jazz Band 

I Like to Ride My Bicycle

Queen sang, "I want to ride my bicycle." And, that's how I feel most days. Hollister is a great place for pedaling around, whether it's up and down the back roads or through the neighborhoods.   Even going up the hills is fun, because eventually you get to coast down. Wheeeee!

If you're interested in finding some long bike trails in the county, check out this page at mapmyride.com

Farming Continues

San Juan Valley

Drought. Or not.

The Old City Hall

The words City Hall are etched into the front of this building. But, it is not the City Hall, although the city of Hollister now uses the bottom floor for some offices.  Today's City Hall is a few buildings to the west—the white, concrete building that was once the Hollister City Library.

The old City Hall was built in 1906 and also housed the fire department. It was designed by the infamous California architect William H. Weeks, who designed many other buildings in town. Here are a couple of older posts about the old City Hall that may interest you:

• Look Up: The Old City Hall
• Postcards of the Old City Hall 

The Gilmore Colony of Cienega Valley

Poster by the San Benito County Historical Society

 In 1888, Daniel Gilmore of Arkansas bought several hundred acres of land in the Cienega Valley where he planned to create a plantation like the one he grew up on. To make it happen, he invited former slaves of his father's to move to San Benito County and work for him. Gilmore was reported to have paid the train ride west for more than 40 men, women, and children who arrived in Hollister in 1889.

So, where did the name Gilmore Colony come from? I have no idea.  But, perhaps, it will be clarified at the presentation this Friday evening, February 21, from 6:30 to 8 PM at the San Benito County Historical Museum Open House on 498 Fifth Street, next to the library.

For more about the Gilmore Colony, check out these links:

• The Gilmore Colony Story by Phil Reader, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History Research Forum
• February is Black History Month | A Look at the History of African Americans in San Benito County, BenitoLink

Some of the original family members who worked
at the Gilmore Ranch are buried in the southeast corner
of the IOOF Cemetery.