Working Out
Almost 20 years ago, Sean Garvey's dad, Pat, led a cross-section of concerned citizens in constructing temporary housing for Napa Valley workers. This Friday, musician Sean Garvey will be doing his own bit for Valley workers, hosting the first annual June Bug Dance at the Tucker Farm Center, just off Highway 29 near Calistoga. The event's proceeds will benefit St. Helena's Work Connection.
According to Work Connection director Nora Selina Garcia, her nonprofit helps match day laborers with employers at their location just south of downtown St. Helena six days each week. Summer being the busiest time of year, Garcia says about 200 people are presently working through their service. Jobs range from vineyard and winery labor to landscaping, gardening and various forms of construction and odd jobs. Additionally, Work Connection offers its clients classes in basic English skills. While Work Connection doesn't set a minimum wage, Garcia encourages employers to pay workers as least $10 an hour.
The June Bug Dance features three roots and folk-rock ensembles, including straight-from-Nashville headliner Kevin Gordon, the Riff Raff Ramblers and the event's organizer, Sean Garvey.
The June Bug Dance gets underway on Friday, June 26, at the Tucker Farm Center. 1201 Tucker Road, Calistoga. 7pm. $25. 310.313.6374.
Art For Peace
The following day, at the other end of Napa Valley, the world's first Human Draw-In will take place. The Draw-In is inspired by "the spirit of the be-in, sit-in, bed-in (and) love-in." It's hosted by Napa's Brown Street Gallery, a nonprofit art space and day program of Napa Valley Support Services, providing services for adults with developmental disabilities. The co-sponsor of the event is the Napa Nest, whose mission is to "live creatively and give generously."
The Human Be-In showcases 60 artists working simultaneously in three one-hour shifts. Once complete, the final works will be hung on the gallery walls, available to purchase for $50 each. Snacks, refreshments and music by Five Cent Coffee and friends fill out the event.
The Human Draw-In is Saturday, June 27, at Brown Street Gallery. 2225 Brown St., Ste. 102, Napa. 6-10pm. $5. 707.255.8523.
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