Sunnyvale, California Since 1994
Community
A Seasoned Bag of Mixed Goods Sunnyvale series spotlights local bands, restaurants and vendors By William Jeske and Jana Seshadri Restaurant waiter Amanda Holland recently changed shifts to work Wednesday nights. If Wednesday evenings weren't already busy at Scruffy Murphy's, they're certainly going to be throughout the rest of the summer. The Sunnyvale Downtown Association is sponsoring it's third annual Music & Market series on Murphy Avenue, where the street is closed to traffic from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday until Aug. 28. This year, the Association is selecting downtown restaurants to be promoted. On July 24, it was Scruffy Murphy's (187 S. Murphy Ave.) turn. "[Business] is pretty steady here during the day," Holland said, "but after [the street vendors] begin tearing down is when people shuffle in and it gets really busy." And that's just how the association likes it.
"We put on this event to help the businesses," said Judy Reed, the association's treasurer. "We want everyone to know that Sunnyvale is still open for business, especially during the downtown construction." Several hundred people were proving that to themselves as they milled around pushing strollers, walking dogs and sampling foods and services from vendors who had driven hours just for this weekly, admission-free event. Joe Antuzzi, owner of Il Postale restaurant and chairman of the Sunnyvale Downtown Association, undertook the responsibility of booking the music groups that will perform at the summer series this year. "We decided to have a theme for the summer series ever since it began three years ago," Antuzzi said. "This year we're going with the high-energy, dance bands." Having owned a nightclub and bar several years ago, Antuzzi said he is familiar with the booking process. "Our goal is to bring people into downtown Sunnyvale," he said. "This is more of a community involvement event." Despite the construction and chaos in the downtown area, the summer series kickoff on July 10 was a smashing success, said Suzi Blackman, president and CEO of the Sunnyvale Chamber of Commerce. She said more than 2,000 people were on hand for the Joe Sharino Band's performance. The regular vendors at the Farmer's Market also set up shop at the Music & Market series.
Sotiria Trembois, a farmer selling fruits and vegetables, comes up from San Juan Batista every Saturday for the Farmer's Market. The Saturday event is only slightly more profitable than the Music & Market. One independent businesswoman is just learning whether the drive from Oakland is worth the effort. Quela Mikell specializes in sewing 100 percent cotton loungewear. "I've been sewing for 30 years, and it was primarily gifts for family and friends," Mikell said. "But I enrolled in a Women's Initiative course and they taught me how to go into business for myself, so now I've been doing this for seven months." She mostly operates out of Jack London Square in Oakland but said she's willing to drive up to 100 miles to sell at events. "I like seeing how different communities react to my loungewear," she said. Mikell was displaying colorful boxers and headbands made of imported African fabrics Wednesday, but said that she also sews complete lounge ensembles. If you aren't a vendor, business owner, or street performer, there's definitely one way to get people's attention, intentionally or otherwise—bring your dog. Like a handful of dog owning participants who brought their leashed companions, Mike Tucci and Michelle Chenault brought along their puppy. "We can't take two steps," said Tucci, sitting on the curb. Too many people, mostly children, just had to meet the over-excited pup. Tucci, a Sunnyvale resident, said he didn't know there was a Music & Market event until last week when traffic was being redirected around Murphy Avenue. The Music & Market series began July 10 and runs Wednesdays until August 28. Some vendors selling alcoholic beverages require tickets be purchased from the Sunnyvale Downtown Association booth. Tickets are $1 each. |
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