Independently owned, organic grocery store. Our Annex serves prepared foods and offers a selection of wine and beer. Our florists are here to help you with fresh local cuts and dried bouquets.
We have a lot of really great local breweries that will be pouring tastes on Sunday, August 20, 2023 at The Annex. If you are interested in expanding your knowledge of what local folks are bringing to the table, stop by and discover your new favorite beer or cider. It’s only $10 to taste and we are offering 10% Off on all beer & cider purchases that day at The Annex, 10387 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito, CA. (510)526-5150
Wednesday, August 16, 2023, 6-8:30pm will continue our music series held at El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex (The Annex) – “The Annex Sessions”
Andre Thierry & His Accordion Soul Music!
Although born and raised in Richmond, California, Andre’s French-Kreole heritage is deeply rooted in Louisiana. He embarked on a path with specific knowledge and extraordinary talents at a very young age. True to his culture and love of music, he has crafted a career well beyond his years as an artist.
Andre grew up experiencing the French Kreole (La-La) dances his grandparents held at their church parish, St. Mark’s Catholic Church. The best Zydeco musicians Louisiana had to offer traveled to California to play at these dances. The exposure allowed him to develop his love for traditional French Kreole music. Andre regularly played with visiting bands, such as the late John Delafose and many local Zydeco and Cajun bands, including the late Danny Poullard (California Cajun Orchestra). By age twelve, Andre formed his band, “Zydeco Magic.” Andre is self-taught and constantly increases his repertoire.
In his 30’s, he had already been deemed a legend. There is widespread agreement that he is an exceptional, multi-dimensional musician with a finely honed ability to merge his accordions with musical mastery.
The Washington Post called Andre “A master at pumping out fast, funky rhythms on an instrument not usually associated with earthy syncopation. A versatile student of the music, Thierry can’t be lumped into Zydeco’s old-school R&B-influenced camp or its nouveau, rap-inspired one: He and his band lay down both soulful, traditional slow-dances and bottom-end-booming kinetic groovers.”
Michael Tisserand, author of The Kingdom of Zydeco, considered the definitive book on the history of Zydeco music, wrote,”In America, great migrations produce great music. Just as Delta musicians took Highway 61 to Chicago and electrified their blues, so did the Kreoles and Cajuns migrate to California and establish vital dance communities. Now the California scenes rival anything back home in Louisiana, and that’s due to players like Andre Thierry, a standard-bearer for the new generation. Thierry is among the best of both the West Coast and the Gulf Coast, and he combines youthful vigor with a mature appreciation for his inherited tradition.”
Andre’s style isn’t conventional; he and his accordions provide a signature sound by creating magnetic, sonic landscapes. The rhythmic songs drive an atmospheric blend, giving his band a powerful edge, naturally building a dedicated following through performing, touring, and a string of album recordings like “It’s About Time,” “A Whole Lotta Somthin” and “Are You Ready To Learn”.
Thierry leaves his musical imprints on recordings like “Live! At the Woodshop”, “Kreole United, Non-Jamais Fait” and “Kreole United, Tu Kekchause A’ Korrek”, even when singing, songwriting, and producing with a collective of artists, while their contributions are discernible,
In his “Bouncin With The Blues” album, Thierry performs songs written or popularized by music legends: Howlin Wolf, Muddy Waters, Albert King, and Clifton Chenier. Breaking all accordion stereotypes, unforgettable performances with Sammy Hagar (gritty hard Rocker) and David Hildago (influential Latin singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist) showcased fabulous fusion with Andre in his musical zone and pumping genre-bending sounds.
The Accordion defies all national and continental borders. Andre Thierry was the first American artist to perform in the Akkordeonale, International Festival (Program 2016). Representing the USA — Impelling Blues with Kreole Roots- Andre celebrated with audiences touring Germany, delivering awe-inspiring performances, coming together with musicians in a vivid interchange. Though the musicians came from different cultural backgrounds and musical styles, they shared the language of music, creating a thrilling coexistence on stage.
Forthcoming about his journey, Andre Thierry’s music creations are intoxicating and timeless. Enjoy the unfolding of this charismatic artist as he vibrates Accordion Soul, raising the frequency with stimulating beats, attracting any music lover to the dance floor!
Andre Thierry Accordion Soul Music | Award Winning Kreole Musician
The Natural Grocery Company is proud to present this series in partnership with SunJams and Javier Navarrette Music Productions.
SunJams is committed to funding children’s music education in underserved public elementary schools. Your donation will help support this ongoing program.
All of the proceeds will go directly to our network of local musicians, each of whom have been severely impacted by the lack of events during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whether you donate $10, $100, or $1000 – any amount helps and will allow us to keep bringing music to our community! As always, your donation to SunJams 501(c)3 may qualify as tax exempt.
Javier Navarrette Music Productions continues to bring live music to several venues around the Bay Area. Javier has been a professional musician and music educator in the Oakland Unified School District for the past 20 years. Over the past few years Navarrette has produced outdoors events that have proven instrumental in enabling musicians to deal with some of the fallout of the pandemic and shutdown that followed.
COVID RELATED SAFETY MEASURES
Please be safe. Feel free to wear a mask if you prefer.
TICKETS
Tickets are NOT required for this venue, you can simply come in, order food and beverages at the Annex counter and pay at the registers.
Keeping Kale Relevant
The darling of superfoods for decades after languishing as a salad bar decoration, kale is a somewhat divisive vegetable. People typically love it, or they hate it. One reason for the naysayers is the texture. Kale is fibrous and can be difficult to munch compared to other greens like romaine lettuce or spinach. One way to overcome this and enjoy tender kale salads? Massage!
That’s right, getting your hands in there and rubbing or kneading the greens—after you’ve removed the large stems, of course!—breaks down some of the tough fibers. Add a bit of acid and salt, and you’re well on your way to a bowl of tender, well-seasoned greens. With the addition of creamy avocado, it’s like a perfect bowl of guacamole that helps make sure you’re getting a full serving of veggies.
Think of this recipe as the perfect canvas. You can enjoy the subtle nuttiness of sunflower seeds and hemp hearts. Add it to wraps or sandwiches that could use a boost. Top with your favorite protein for a more substantial meal. Grilled tofu will keep things plant-based. You can also add some grilled shrimp, cotija cheese, diced ripe mango, and a bit of your favorite salsa for a shrimp taco salad. The canvas can take anything you throw at it, so don’t sleep on this superfood kale salad!
Superfood Kale Salad
Serves 2-4
Total time: 15 Minutes
Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Vegan
1 bunch green kale
1 large ripe avocado, peeled and pit removed
2 large garlic cloves, minced
⅓ cup nutritional yeast
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon sea salt
¼ cup roasted sunflower seeds
2 tablespoons hemp hearts
This is an excellent opportunity to sample beverages from local craft breweries and find your new favorite!
$10 to taste samples from 16 different Beer & Cider Vendors, over 30 different beers styles and several Cider styles
10% discount on any Beer and/or Cider no minimum required.
Northern California Brewers that we expect to be represented:
Hen House, Laughing Monk, Buck Wild, Original Pattern, Ghost Town, East Brothers, Morgan Territory, Far West Ciders, Oakland United, Mare Island, Ale Industries, Fort Point, 2 Towns Cider, Del Cielo, Lassen Ciders, Headlands Brewing
If you are 21+, please come join us from 2pm to 5pm at The Annex, 10387 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito!
During the summer, it’s easy to get carried away at the store or farmers market. The riot of colors, flavors, and smells can sway you to stock up on more peak season bounty than you can possibly eat while it’s fresh. Another summer tradition is taking the time to preserve some of that bounty. Whether it’s canning tomatoes or drying herbs, there are plenty of ways to stretch the season and make those flavors last. Another benefit of the peak of the season is that produce is typically less expensive when it’s in season. You get the highest quality product at the best price—what’s not to love?
While stone fruit season runs throughout the summer months, August is National Peach Month. If you’ve got a glut of peaches, try making this peach-thyme compote. With just four ingredients and a bit of water, you can make an elevated spread that captures the essence of summer. Thyme adds complexity while the acidity of lemon juice tames the sweetness. You can switch different herbs and get creative. Since you’re not canning a jam, you don’t need to worry about straying from the recipe basics. Want to mix stone fruit or other seasonal goodies? If it grows together, it goes together!
Use the compote in sweet or savory applications. Grilled cheese sandwiches, as a glaze for roasted pork, with crepes, on a biscuit, or as an ice cream topper, this compote will complement your meals for the rest of the summer!
Peach-Thyme Compote
Makes 2 cups
Total Time: 30 minutes
Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Vegan
2 pounds ripe, firm peaches
¼ cup organic sugar
¼ cup water
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 thyme sprig
Wednesday, August 2, 2023, 6-8:30pm will continue our music series held at El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex (The Annex) – “The Annex Sessions”
Kai Lyons’ Lucid Botanical Changüí and Rumba!
Featuring:
Kai Lyons- tres
Einar Leliebre (Tito)- vocal, percussion
Tobiah Gaster- percussion
Javier Navarrette- percussion
Rumba and Changüí are two distinct and vibrant genres of Cuban music, each with its own unique characteristics and cultural heritage. When these two styles meet, it can lead to an exciting fusion of rhythms and sounds that showcase the richness of Cuban musical traditions.
Rumba is a rhythmic and percussive genre of Cuban music that originated in the Afro-Cuban communities during the colonial era. It is deeply rooted in African rhythms and traditions brought to Cuba by enslaved Africans. Rumba typically involves complex polyrhythms, call-and-response vocals, and dynamic dance movements. There are three main styles of Rumba: Yambú (slow and solemn), Guaguancó (more energetic and flirtatious), and Columbia (fast-paced and virtuosic).
Changüí is another Cuban music genre that emerged in the eastern region of the country, particularly in Guantanamo and Santiago de Cuba. It has rural origins and is considered one of the foundational styles of modern Cuban music. Changüí features a combination of African and Spanish influences and is often played by small groups consisting of guitar-like instruments called tres, maracas, bongos, and güiro. It has a lively and danceable character, with a repetitive and syncopated rhythmic structure.
When Rumba meets Changüí, we can expect a blend of these two distinct rhythmic traditions. The polyrhythmic complexity of Rumba might merge with the syncopated patterns of Changüí, creating a fascinating interplay of percussion and instrumentation. The call-and-response vocal elements of Rumba could also intertwine with the melodic lines of Changüí, adding a layer of vocal interaction to the music.
Moreover, the fusion of Rumba and Changüí may lead to the creation of new dance styles or variations, as both genres are deeply connected to dance forms. The resulting music would likely be infectious, rhythmically engaging, and evoke a sense of celebration and cultural heritage.
It’s important to note that Cuban music is incredibly diverse and continues to evolve through various fusions and influences. The meeting of Rumba and Changüí is just one example of how Cuban musicians continually explore and experiment with their musical heritage. The outcome of such a fusion would depend on the creativity and artistry of the musicians involved, adding their own unique touch to the blend of these two remarkable Cuban music styles.
The Natural Grocery Company is proud to present this series in partnership with SunJams and Javier Navarrette Music Productions.
SunJams is committed to funding children’s music education in underserved public elementary schools. Your donation will help support this ongoing program.
All of the proceeds will go directly to our network of local musicians, each of whom have been severely impacted by the lack of events during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whether you donate $10, $100, or $1000 – any amount helps and will allow us to keep bringing music to our community! As always, your donation to SunJams 501(c)3 may qualify as tax exempt.
Javier Navarrette Music Productions continues to bring live music to several venues around the Bay Area. Javier has been a professional musician and music educator in the Oakland Unified School District for the past 20 years. Over the past few years Navarrette has produced outdoors events that have proven instrumental in enabling musicians to deal with some of the fallout of the pandemic and shutdown that followed.
COVID RELATED SAFETY MEASURES
Please be safe. Feel free to wear a mask if you prefer.
TICKETS
Tickets are NOT required for this venue, you can simply come in, order food and beverages at the Annex counter and pay at the registers.
When it comes to summer treats, it’s easy to get carried away with sugary and calorie-dense options. But who says you can’t indulge in something sweet and refreshing that’s also healthy and affordable?
That’s where these Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Pops come in. Made with whole ingredients like lemon yogurt, fresh blueberries, and a crunchy granola topping, these pops are tasty and nutritious. Plus, making your own summer treats at home can be a lot more affordable than buying them at the store.
Not only are these pops healthy, they’re also easy to make. Simply combine the ingredients with a hand mixer, pour into popsicle molds, and let them freeze. In just a few hours, you’ll have a batch of delicious and refreshing treats that you can enjoy guilt-free all summer long.
The next time you’re craving something sweet, skip the store-bought options and make your own Lemon Blueberry Cheesecake Pops. Not only will your taste buds thank you, but your wallet and your body will too!
Lemon-Blueberry Cheesecake Pops
Makes 8
Total Time: 20 minutes prep plus 4 hours cooling
Vegetarian
1 pint fresh blueberries
½ cup cane sugar, divided
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon lemon zest, optional
16 ounces softened cream cheese
1 cup lemon-flavored yogurt
½ cup granola
8 paper cups and 8 wooden popsicle sticks or small reusable popsicle molds with sticks
Whether you’re hitting the trails or embarking on a summer road trip, having a convenient and nutritious snack on hand is a must! That’s where these Chocolate Trail Mix Bars come in.
Packed with all the goodness of trail mix, including nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, these bars are the perfect fuel for any adventure. Plus, they’re super easy to make and can be customized to your liking. One of the best things about these bars is their portability. Simply pack them in a reusable container or wrap them in wax paper for a grab-and-go snack that’s perfect for hiking, camping, or any outdoor activity. And because they’re made with whole ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruit, you’ll feel satisfied and energized for hours.
Not only are these bars convenient and nutritious, but they’re also affordable. Making your own snacks at home is a great way to save money, and these bars can be made in large batches to last you through multiple adventures. You can also get most of the ingredients from the bulk section, so you can avoid the single-use packaging that normally comes with granola bars.
Next time you’re gearing up for an outdoor adventure, don’t forget to make a batch of Chocolate Trail Mix Bars!
Chocolate Trail Mix Bars
Makes 8
Total time: 35 Minutes
Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
½ cup trail mix
½ cup mixed roasted nuts, roughly chopped
⅓ cup chocolate chips
½ cup roasted sunflower seeds
¼ cup sesame seeds
¼ cup currants
½ cup honey or brown rice syrup
⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
2 ounces chocolate, chopped
¼ teaspoon avocado oil
Wednesday, July 19, 2023, 6-8:30pm will continue our music series held at El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex (The Annex) – “The Annex Sessions”
“Coastal Music of Peru” / “Música Costeña del Perú”
Marina Lavalle – vocals
Marcelino Santiago “Coco” Linares Zegarra – Guitar
Pedro Rosales – Cajon
When enslaved African populations were brought to work in coastal agricultural areas of Peru during colonial times, they brought along their musical traditions. In Peru, those traditions mixed with Spanish popular music of the nineteenth century, eventually growing into what is commonly known as Afro-Peruvian music. The Marinera, festejo, landó, tondero, zamacueca, and contrapunto de zapateo musical genres, among others, involve rich dance and ritual traditions.
The atajo de negritos and yunsa dance forms are traditional Afro-Peruvian expressions from the southcentral coastal department of Ica. This predominantly rural area harbors one of the largest concentrations of Afro-Peruvians in the country. These dances are cultural manifestations of their locally developed identity, memory, and musical and ritual knowledge.
MARINA LAVALLE
Afro-Peruvian singer Marina Lavalle is one of the most distinctive performers in the Bay Area and one of the great voices of modern Peruvian music. An important figure in the resurgence of Afro-Peruvian music, Marina nurtures a carefully crafted blend of contemporary and traditional sounds. Accompanied by guitar, base and Peruvian cajón, she renders a soulful and vibrant interpretation of an array of rhythms in her musical heritage such as: Landó, Festejo, and Zamacueca, just to name a few.
MARCELINO SANTIAGO “COCO” LINARES ZEGARRA
He was born in San Luis de Cañete in 1955. He graduated from the National Conservatory of Music specializing in Classical Guitar and is considered one of the most outstanding guitarists, composers, arrangers and musical directors in Peru.
He has been deserving of various distinctions such as the one received in 1978 as Best Young Arranger. Throughout his professional career, he has been in charge of conducting important orchestras in Peru and abroad, including the National Symphony Orchestra of Peru, of which he was guest conductor in 1993.
As an arranger and musical composer, Coco Linares has written more than 40 symphonic music orchestrations; His arrangements of El Cóndor Pasa for the Lima Philharmonic Orchestra stand out. He has also orchestrated the Chabuca Granda Creole Mass for the Archbishopric of Lima. In addition, he has written various musical arrangements for television programs such as “Mediodía criollo” and “Una y mil voces”.
He has participated in various musical productions with artists such as Eva Ayllón, Cecilia Barraza, Cecilia Bracamonte, Los Zañartu, Las limeñitas, Jesús Vásquez, Óscar Avilés and Arturo “Zambo” Cavero, among others.
The Ministry of Culture recognizes Marcelino Santiago “Coco” Linares Zegarra as a Meritorious Personality of Culture 2015 for his outstanding contribution to Peruvian musical culture.
PEDRO ROSALES
Proyecto Lando director Pedro Rosales is a renowned cajon player celebrated for his fierce, energetic playing, his expressive vocal interpretations, his sensitivity as an accompanist, and his creative and prolific compositions.
Born in Lima, Peru, Pedro discovered his passion for the cajon at the age of fourteen, taking classes with maestro Ernesto Sandoval at the Museo de Arte de Lima. By 1989, he had joined folklorist Julio Casanovas’ Tradiciones Peruanas ensemble as a percussionist. In 1992, Pedro moved to San Francisco, where he co-founded the experimental ensemble Malambo Kombo with pianist Jorge Molina. In 1995, he co-founded De Rompe y Raja Cultural Association, who released four albums under his musical direction through 2013: “El Retorno” (2001), “Diaspora Negra” (2009), children’s album “Huaranguito” (2011) and Marina Lavalle’s “Sutil” (2010). In 2009, Pedro founded Proyecto Lando, releasing a number of original compositions in collaboration with arranger Felipe Pumarada, and performing extensively throughout Northern California.
Pedro’s skills as a cajon player developed under the guidance of his mentors, master Afro-Peruvian percussionists Manuel “Manguey” Vasquez, Eusebio “Sirio” Pititi, Braulio Barrera, and “Lalo” Izquierdo (founder, choreographer, percussionist/dancer of Peru Negro Cultural Association). Pedro is honored to have accompanied many of the most celebrated Peruvian singers and artists, including Pepe Vasquez, Jesus Vasques, Luis Abanto Morales, Arturo Zambo Cavero, Oscar Aviles, Lucia de la Cruz, Lucila Campos, Peru Negro, Bartola, Jorge Luis Jasso, Manuel Donayre, Rosa Flor, Carlos Hayre and Elizabeth Panchano, among others.
Pedro is well-known in the Bay Area music scene as a collaborator, sharing his knowledge and curiosity with musicians immersed in a variety of Afro-latin traditions.
The Natural Grocery Company is proud to present this series in partnership with SunJams and Javier Navarrette Music Productions.
SunJams is committed to funding children’s music education in underserved public elementary schools. Your donation will help support this ongoing program.
All of the proceeds will go directly to our network of local musicians, each of whom have been severely impacted by the lack of events during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Whether you donate $10, $100, or $1000 – any amount helps and will allow us to keep bringing music to our community! As always, your donation to SunJams 501(c)3 may qualify as tax exempt.
Javier Navarrette Music Productions continues to bring live music to several venues around the Bay Area. Javier has been a professional musician and music educator in the Oakland Unified School District for the past 20 years. Over the past few years Navarrette has produced outdoors events that have proven instrumental in enabling musicians to deal with some of the fallout of the pandemic and shutdown that followed.
COVID RELATED SAFETY MEASURES
Please be safe. Feel free to wear a mask if you prefer.
TICKETS
Tickets are NOT required for this venue, you can simply come in, order food and beverages at the Annex counter and pay at the registers.
