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.
“The Annex Sessions” Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 6-8:30pm will continue our music series held at El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex (The Annex)
Maestro Jorge Alabê & Friends
Maestro Jorge Alabê – surdo, vocals and percussion
Catia Machado-Lund – vocals and percussion
Brian Moran – cavaquinho and vocals
Abel Damasceno – percussion
Brian Rice – pandeiro
Samba Pagode! Beautiful, danceable, sing along and feel-good!
World-class Brazilian percussionist Jorge Alabê brings the rich musical culture of Brazil to the U.S. as a performing artist and master teacher.
His deep history and skill developed as he grew up playing Afro-Brazilian and samba rhythms in Rio de Janeiro, and took him around the world as director of percussion with the legendary performing company Oba Oba. Jorge is an acknowledged percussion master, and a popular and dedicated performer and teacher now based in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Maestro Jorge Alabê
Master drummer Jorge Alabê grew up in Rio de Janeiro immersed in the rich musical culture of Brazil, becoming a master in samba percussion as well as in the Afro-Brazilian religious tradition of candomblé. He is an “Alabê” connected with the oldest candomblé house established in Brazil, Casa Branca; the title of “Alabê” means that he has obtained the highest level in drumming and leading of rituals in the candomblé religion and signifies deep experience and authority. Jorge played percussion with the highest level samba groups in Rio and was the rhythm director of Minas Gerais Samba School in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. He has performed in recordings with Brazilian stars Milton Nascimento and Martinho da Vila and appeared on Globo TV in Brazil during 1978–1980 on the entertainment program Brasil Pandeiro.
He went on to become percussion director of the internationally known Brazilian performing group Oba Oba in 1980. During 15 years working with Oba Oba, Jorge toured with the group through Europe, Asia, South America, and the United States, including three runs at the Marquis Theater on Broadway in New York. Since 1993, Jorge has conducted workshops on samba and candomblé in the U.S.
Jorge moved to New Orleans in 1996, where he presented a series of workshops on traditional Afro-Brazilian religious drumming and dance, gave workshops in Brazilian rhythms at local universities (Tulane, Loyola, Southern universities, and various elementary schools), and worked with community organizations during Black History month. During his time in New Orleans, he worked closely with the cultural group Casa Samba, under the direction of Curtis Pierre, and built the musical and performance skills of the group, including artistic direction of their yearly participation in Mardi Gras and the New Orleans Jazz Festival and their performances throughout the year. In addition, he worked on the development of an after-school cultural arts program at Eden Park Elementary School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and for four years, 1995–1999, taught Afro-Brazilian culture for the New Orleans Recreation Department’s Teen Camp summer program, with Young Audiences, and was honored by the mayor of New Orleans for his contributions.
Since moving to the U.S., Jorge has given frequent workshops at schools and universities, and with student groups around the country, including New York, Philadelphia, Boston, Washington DC, Chicago, San Francisco, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, Austin, and San Antonio. In 2005, he taught for the fall semester as a visiting artist in the Department of Music at the University of Richmond. He has been the samba director of California Brazil Camp since 1997. Currently, Jorge is based in the San Francisco area and directs the samba group Grupo Samba Rio. He is developing musical and educational projects locally, while continuing to travel throughout the U.S. to perform and conduct workshops.
https://www.jorgealabe.com/index.html
~
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.
“The Annex Sessions” Wednesday, September 4, 2024, 6-8:30pm will continue our music series held at El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex (The Annex)
Chris Trinidad Trio
Chris Trinidad – bass guitar
Bob Crawford – keyboard
Kevin Amos – drums & percussion
The Chris Trinidad Trio plays original tunes written over the course of the past 25 years by bandleader and bass guitarist Chris Trinidad. His compositions take inspiration from jazz luminaries such as Ralph Towner, Pat Metheny, Bill Evans, Jack DeJohnette, Jan Garbarek, Brad Turner, Chris Gestrin, and Chris Tarry as well as disparate genres including Cuban Timba, Original Pilipino Music, English Progressive Rock, and Gregorian Chant. Along for the ride is keyboardist Bob Crawford who has performed with Michael Franti’s Spearhead, Fito Reinoso y su Armonia, and his own group Machina Sol. Rounding out the trio is drummer and percussionist Kevin Amos who has shared the stage with Karamba, Fred Wesley, and Andy Narrell. Together their aim is to inspire the mind, touch the heart, and keep the good grooves rolling!
https://linktr.ee/christrinidad
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 register.
“The Annex Sessions” Wednesday, August 21, 2024, 6-8:30pm will continue our music series held at El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex (The Annex)
“Modupue Wednesday”
-A Javier Navarrette Music Presentation with Special guests!
-Modupue means “Thank You” in Yoruba
This particular group will be performing: Afro Latin Jazz, Charanga and some original music, original arrangements
Raul Navarrette- trombone (NYC)
Anthony Blea- violin
Marco Diaz- piano
Javier Navarrette- percussion
Ayla Davila- bass guitar
And special guests
Musician Bios
Raul Navarrette: Trombone
Originally from Fresno, California, Raul Navarrette started playing trombone at the age of 9, and has been working as a New York City musician for the last 25 years. He has shared the stage with a wide range of artists exploring an array of genres along with artists from around the world in a variety of musical settings, locally and nationally.
Having received his master’s degree at The Aaron Copeland School of Music, at City University of New York’s Queens College in Flushing, NY, Raul has also devoted part of his professional career to being an active participant in the educational field as teacher, private instructor, invited guest speaker for schools in classrooms for young and old students on both the west and east coasts of the USA.
Raul works in the areas of Classical music, jazz, salsa, Broadway/theatre/musicals recordings and as a solo artist and he chooses to utilize top quality equipment for his line of work. In virtually any field required, Raul Navarrette’s extensive background of performing arts programs and involvement as both student and teacher have given way to emboldening his perspective that the importance of arts and the humanities is the true meaning of what’s most important to the growth of the individual. Raul is currently working on a solo latin jazz project currently of his own compositions, he looks to feature musicians from both California and New York and looks forward to continuing his lifetime work as a member of The Denis Wick family.
Anthony Blea: Violin
Anthony Blea began studying the violin at age 8 and was awarded a full scholarship to attend the San Francisco Conservatory of Music at age 11. While a student in Joan Murray’s Aptos Jr. High Orchestra, Anthony discovered the joy of playing chamber music, as well as having solo experience with an orchestra.
Upon completion of his preparatory music studies, Anthony traveled to New York City to continue his musical and academic enrichment at the Manhattan School of Music where he received his Bachelor’s degree. His formidable skill on the violin landed him work with many international legends such as Israel “Cachao” Lopez, Ray Charles, Boz Scaggs and Leonard Bernstein to name a few. Most notably Anthony has played with the San Francisco Opera Orchestra. Anthony’s 8-piece salsa band has been in existence for ten years and their debut CD has enjoyed critical acclaim. Anthony received his Master’s degree from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, concentrating on String Quartet.
Marco Diaz: Piano
Marco Diaz was born and raised in San Francisco and was introduced to the trumpet in the fourth grade at E.R. Taylor Elementary School. His formal training in both piano and trumpet began at the age of 14. He earned a scholarship from the Community Music Center in San Francisco, and began playing professionally at the age of 17 throughout the Bay Area with various Latin Jazz, Salsa, Reggae, and R&B bands. Upon graduating from high school, he continued his studies at San Francisco State University pursing a Bachelors of Arts in Popular Music and a minor in Economics.
In addition to his studies Marco has been influenced by Afro-Cuban music through world renowned musicians, such as, Jesus Diaz, who he played and recorded with for eight years, John Santos, Orestes Vilato, Edgardo Cambon, and Carlos Caro.
Today, Marco is part of the faculty at the Community Music Center in San Francisco and has been a part of the SFJAZZ teaching artist program since 2017. He is an accomplished recording musician who has shared the stage with Grammy Award winning artist, Israel “Cachao” Lopez, Nelson Gonzales, Jimmy Bosch, Pete “El Conde” Rodriguez, Ska Cubano (Europe), Tito Rojas, Nino Segarra, Anthony Cruz, Anthony Blea, Jovino Santos Neto, Joe Santiago, and is an integral member of the John Santos sextet, and the musical director for Bobi Cespedes. Marco has participated in the San Francisco Symphony AIM program since 2000 and currently produces records and performs music throughout the country while also co-leading Vission Latina, an Afro-Caribbean dance band, and director of his own quartet, The Marco Diaz Quartet.
In 2011, Marco Diaz was part of the faculty at Jazz Camp West. He toured the San Juan Islands off the coast of Washington State with Bobi Cespedes, teaching children and adults the roots of Afro-Cuban music. Marco also performed at the San Francisco, Tanglewood, and Monterey Jazz Festivals, and the Smithsonian Museum with world renowned ethno-musicologist, John Santosand his Sextet. In the Fall, Marco began his ninth season with the San Francisco Symphony’s AIM (adventures in music) program.
For more than 25 years, Javier Navarrette has been dedicated to the study and performance of music, specializing in Afro-Caribbean rhythms. Javier has studied with masters in Cuba including Miguel Angá Díaz, Jose Luis “Changuito” Quintana, as well Folklorico Nacional de Cuba. In the San Francisco Bay area, he has studied with John Santos, Michael Spiro and Jesus Díaz.
Javier Navarrette: Percussion
Javier has had the honor to perform with such greats as Poncho Sanchez, Los Van Van, the “Conga Kings” (Francisco Aguabella, Carlos “Patáto” Valdez, Armando Peraza and Milton Cardona), as well as with Jon Faddis, Jerry Gonzalez, Trini Lopez, Nestor Torres, Jimmy Heath, and Bobi Cespedes. In addition, Javier has had the privilege of recording with world-renowned artists Giovanni Hidalgo,Anthony Carillo, Sandy Perez, Jimmy Bosch, José Fajardo, Orestes Vilató, Carlos Del Puerto, Dafnis Prieto, Pedrito Martinez and Andy Gonzalez. He also recorded on three Grammy nominated albums with John Santos’ Machete Ensemble and El Coro Folklorico Kindembo.
More recently, Javier has had the honor to perform on stage with Jerry Gonzalez, at the John Santos Concert, “Not In Our Name” at the Brava Theater in San Francisco. He has also had the opportunity to be a guest musician for the Stanford University Big Band.
Javier is frequently involved in a myriad of projects such as the featured artist in “Proyecto de Congueros” at Yoshis Jazz Club in San Franciso, and organizing Bomba y Plena workshops and performances with Los Pleneros de La 21, Aguacero, and La Mixta Criolla as part of the “Caminos de Mi Cultura” series at the Brava Theater in San Francisco.
Javier’s musical ventures have included touring with Los Mocosos, Bobi Cespedes, Josh Jones’ Latin Jazz Ensemble, Hector Lugo and Cacique y Congo, to name a few. Javier is currently a percussionist with Jesus Díaz y su QBA, Anthony Blea y Su Charanga, Carne Cruda, La Mission Band, Hector Lugo and La Mixta Criolla, The Cuban Cowboys and Los Mocosos. Javier is currently working on a new project, Machina Sol, along with three other San Francisco Bay Area artists. Javier continues to create new musical ideas, in order to expand his musical knowledge. He also enjoys teaching music to the next generation.
Ayla Davila: Bass Guitar
Ayla Davila is a bassist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist from Berkeley, CA. Raised in a musical household, Ayla started playing traditional Guatemalan and folkloric Mexican music as a young child. At age 11, Ayla found her voice in the bass, which remains her primary instrument. She graduated from the Berklee College of Music with a degree in Film Scoring and Bass Performance. She returned to the SF Bay Area in 2002, where she has had the opportunity to work with many of the area’s most talented and distinguished musicians in a variety of musical styles, with an emphasis on Latin Music. Pachuquismo is Ayla’s first collaboration with La Mezcla. With over 25 years of experience as a performer, composer, arranger, teacher, and studio musician, Ayla is thrilled to draw upon her vast musical knowledge to help bring this important story to life.
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.
We have a lot of really great breweries that will be pouring tastes on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at The Annex. If you are interested in expanding your knowledge of what we have to offer, 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
Must be 21+ to participate.
“The Annex Sessions” Wednesday, August 14, 2024, 6-8:30pm will continue our music series held at El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex (The Annex)
Bob Crawford Trio
Bob Crawford- piano
Alcide Marshall – drums
Jason Muscat – bass
This trio of accomplished Bay Area musicians has many years of combined worldwide experience. They will be playing a mix of jazz, funk, afro-cuban and Brazilian grooves.
Musician Bios:
Bob Crawford was born in Long Beach California and raised in the Bay Area with his 12 brothers and sisters. He started playing in bands with his playing twin brother during their college years. After graduating, Bob gained experience in various Bay Area ensembles, playing jazz, funk, Latin and Brazilian music. In 2001 he was offered the keyboard chair in Michael Franti’s band Spearhead. Bob logged multiple tours throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, Europe and Japan. Bob also recorded on several of Spearhead’s albums and appeared on a number of international TV programs with the band.
Bob took a break from extensive touring to spend time with his family, and to pursue his own musical vision. Now residing in the East Bay, Bob has continued to perform with a variety of artists, including Fito Reinoso y su Ritmo y Armonia, John Santos, Pete Escovedo, Mic Gillette (Tower of Power), Pedrito Calvo and Yeni Valdes(of Los Van Van) Richard Bean (Malo), Sam Andrew (of Big Brother and the Holding Company), and more. Bob served as the musical director for the Latin Kings Allstars band, which featured members from Tower of Power, Tierra, Malo, and The Whispers. He has worked with the Alayo Dance Company and the Stagebridge Theatre Group. He has also worked for two years with the San Francisco Symphony’s “Adventures in Music” program, bringing music to every public elementary school in San Francisco. Recently, Bob has appeared on recordings by Pete Escovedo, Ray Obiedo, Taj Mahal and Los Mocosos. Bob teaches at Marin Country Day School, East Palo Alto Center for the Arts, as well as teaching children and adults at his home. Bob also leads his own piano trio, and is a founding member of the latin jazz-funk band Machina Sol.
Jason Muscat is a highly accomplished bass player based in the San Francisco Bay Area, renowned for his versatility and deep groove. Over the years, he has performed and recorded with an impressive roster of musicians, including Tim “Herb” Alexander (Primus), Alex Skolnick (Testament, Michael Manring), Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Atma Anur (Journey), Will Bernard (Motherbug, T.J. Kirk), and legendary producer Roy Thomas Baker (Queen, The Cars). Currently, Jason is a key member of Tainted Love, the premier 80s cover band celebrated as the best in the land. His dynamic playing and adaptability across genres have made him a sought-after musician, earning him a prominent place in the vibrant Bay Area music scene.
Al Marshall aka Alcide has enjoyed a rewarding career as a drummer, band leader and booking agent in the SF Bay area. He has performed and recorded with local and nationally known artists including El DeBarge, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Mary Wilson (of the Supremes), Rich Little, Sly Stone, Bobby McFerrin, NDea Davenport (Brand New Heavies) just to name a few.
The Natural Grocery Company is proud to present this series in partnership with SunJams and Javier Navarrette Music Productions. 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.
“The Annex Sessions” Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 6-8:30pm will continue our music series held at El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex (The Annex)
Lars and In Charge
Lars Tergis – violin
Gregory Masaki Jenkins – clarinet
Chris Reid – steel-string guitar
Joe Rosato Jr. – upright bass
Faisal Zedan – percussion
Sean Tergis – percussion
LARS AND IN CHARGE performs high-energy original and traditional music of Turkey, Greece and beyond. Lars Tergis leads the charge on violin with driving, gritty interpretations of traditional party tunes as well as original compositions based in regional scales and rhythms. Gregory Masaki Jenkins brings his vast experience and soulful clarinet playing and vocals to the mix. Chris Reid adds a touch of ‘West’ with percussive chordal accompaniment on steel-string guitar. Joe Rosato Jr. holds it down on upright bass while Faisal Zedan and Sean Tergis keep the beat popping on derbekki, riqq and davul. Joined on stage by some of the Bay Area’s top dancers and guest musicians, Lars and In Charge brings a big sound and an even bigger party!
https://www.facebook.com/LarsAndInChargeBand
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.
2024 08 August Sales Flyer (larger print)
Calling all chocolate connoisseurs!
Join us for a lecture and chocolate tasting of Auro Chocolate on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 with a presentation at 7:00pm at the Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex, 10387 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530 (510) 526-5150. There is not a charge for this event.
Auro Chocolate is an internationally awarded tree-to-bar chocolate brand that promotes sustainability by working directly with local farmers to create fine Filipino cacao beans, ingredients and retail products with unique and bold tropical flavors.
The lecture will include a tasting of samples.
Learn about sourcing, processing and quality!
“The Annex Sessions” Wednesday, July 31, 2024, 6-8:30pm will continue our music series held at El Cerrito Natural Grocery Company Prepared Food Annex (The Annex)
Julio Bravo & Friends
featuring: Julio Bravo – vocals
with special guests:
Jose Soto – piano & guitar
David Pinto – bass guitar
Alberto Palomino – percussion
Raul Ramirez – percussion
and possibly others!
Salsa from Peru and beyond!
ARRIBA PERÚ 🇵🇪 FELIZ 28!!
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.