By Zach Chouteau
When it comes to local warm-weather traditions the whole family can enjoy, the Point Richmond Summer Music Festival—now in its 18th year—is as lively as any.
That was certainly the case during its initial concert of this summer season on Fri., June 14, when hundreds of event-goers of all ages took over the Point Richmond downtown for food truck fare, eclectic vendors, and live tunes that began with hopping Cajun-Zydeco (from Gator Nation) and finished with funky West African Fusion (Pascal Bokar Afro Blues Grazz Band). A late afternoon sun broke through the clouds as kids rode skateboards and indulged in water fights and young and old alike danced and clapped to the music.
As always, the event was overseen by the Point Richmond Music Association (PRMA), hosting a large central booth selling swag and raffle tickets to raise money for their nonprofit efforts. Among the prizes being given away by local sponsors were gift certificates and other items from the Hotel Mac, R&B Cellars, Starbucks and Brezo—which also hosted a food/snack table outside their popular Point Richmond restaurant. Popular fare here included Gumbo w/Rice and tasty baked goods like brownies and chocolate chip cookies.
Other booths and vendors were highlighted by the presence of the Friends of the Richmond Public Library, face painting for the little ones, and adult beverages on tap raising money for the PRMA; a vintage vehicle customized with beer taps was a bonus here and included some draft brews from the nearby East Brother Beer Co.
Another big hit was the Maya Taqueria food truck, serving up their affordable and authentic gamut of Mexican delights. This reporter particularly enjoyed the Tacos al Pastor, while a friend indulged in a delicious Carnitas Burrito.
If you’ve never been to the Point Richmond Summer Music Festival, it truly is an easygoing, free and fun outing that brings the entire community together. And have no fear if you missed Friday’s fling, as the four-part festival offers a trio of remaining events spread throughout the summer.
Next on the agenda is a Fri., July 12 evening featuring Dirty Cello (Blues & Bluegrass) from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m., followed by Deep Blue Jam (Americana Roots Rock) from 6:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. Subsequent celebrations in the series are slated for Fri., Aug. 9 and Fri., Sept. 13.
You can find out more at www.pointrichmondmusic.org.
