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Music: A Wordless Language of Expression and Emotion
Feb. 17, 2026
Beni Shinohara is a classically trained violinist whose artistry is defined by warmth, refined
technique, and a deep sensitivity to musical nuance. Drawn to the violin from an early age, Beni
approaches the instrument as a voice - capable of conveying emotion, memory, and quiet
intensity beyond words. Her musical style emphasizes deep listening, elegant phrasing, and an
authentic connection with the music, the other musicians, and the audience - a multidimensional
conversation.
Beni’s repertoire is rooted in the classical tradition, with a particular affinity for works that
balance architectural clarity with emotional freedom. Whether performing as a soloist or with an
ensemble, Beni values musical dialogue and shared breath, allowing each performance to
unfold naturally and with emotion.
Originally from Japan, Beni now lives in Marin County. She is actively engaged in the local arts
community, supporting and participating in cultural activities at the 142 Throckmorton Theatre.
For well over 8 years, Beni has curated the popular, free Noon Concert series, offering once a
month, bringing a range of talented musicians to play cross-genre music. Beni has raised funds
for ongoing relief efforts in Japan following the Fukushima tsunami and for other charitable
causes over the years. Beni is devoted to refining her craft and sharing music, bringing people
together, without words, to listen to sound waves - a deeply unifying language for all to enjoy.
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Raised in the shadow of the bomb: Children of the Manhattan project
Mar. 03, 2026
A daughter and niece of two scientists that worked on the Manhattan Project, the secret undertaking to develop the first atomic weapons; she grew up with the knowledge and shadow of the cold war, and the long-term effects it had for herself and others with the same legacy of being so close to the origins of the creation of the bomb. A shadow followed the author throughout her life and was the motivation to find others who had this personal history with a parent who worked on the project and discuss their experiences and feelings around this shared history. |
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Heath De Fount-Haberlin Band
Mar. 17, 2026
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Talking About Death Won’t Kill You
Apr. 07, 2026
By sharing some of the many stories Jim has heard from his personal experiences hosting Death Cafés and volunteering with Final Exit Network, he hopes attendees will be inspired to become more comfortable discussing this stigmatized topic. He spent much of his life not realizing that he was death ignorant, likely in death denial, and desperately in need of death education. He has learned that the more conversations and the more planning, the greater solace one can achieve, the deeper appreciation of life’s preciousness, as well as leaving a generous gift to our grateful, grieving loved ones. |
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An Assassin in Utopia: The True Story of a 19th-Century Sex Cult and a President's Murder
Apr. 21, 2026
From 1848 to 1881, a small utopian colony in upstate New York—the Oneida Community—was known for its shocking sexual practices, from open marriage and free love to the sexual training of young boys by older women. And in 1881, a one-time member of the Oneida Community—Charles Guiteau—assassinated President James Garfield in a brutal crime that shook America to its core. Sharing fascinating research from her latest book, New York Times bestselling author Susan Wels will weave together these explosive stories in a tale of utopian experiments, political machinations, and murder. |
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San Francisco's DNA
May 19, 2026
Alec Scott will speak about the institutions that have helped make San Francisco San Francisco. The remit of his book, Oldest San Francisco (Reedy Press) was to identify the oldest businesses, cultural organizations, charities in the city -- and to try to tell the city's story through those. Here are potted histories of some Gold Rush-era businesses and non-profits -- the oldest restaurant (Tadich Grill), bakery (Boudin), hardware store (Center) and children's charity (Edgewood). The city's longtime obsession with food is reflected in short profiles of San Francisco's oldest chocolate maker (Ghirardelli) and on the taquerias that helped introduce and popularize the Mission Burrito. Here are the stories of America's first non-sectarian free clinic (the Haight-Ashbury), its first proper senior center, and the oldest (and now last remaining) cable car. A short talk about some of the institutions that have given San Francisco its distinctive feel. |
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