Upcoming Vallejo events — Summer hip-hop shows come to a climax Saturday night

VALLEJO — There is always plenty to do in Vallejo, and this week is no exception. Hip-hop, Latin rock, R&B and other musical offerings abound. Bid adieu to Dillon Bread Company at their final retirement sale by taking home a vintage kitchen souvenir, or have fun while supporting a worthy cause at the Angels With Heart Masquerade Ball.

The last of the summer concert series by Thou Wow Studio and the Free Music Collective, “Summer Climax” will happen this Saturday evening, with over a dozen hip-hop artists performing at Carnalito’s Customs. K Rollin’, Red Lotus, Brenda Tapia & Labworx, Juni Speaks, Hof Jae and 415 JohnJohn are at the top of the ticket. 

Other live music offerings in Vallejo this week are Marina Crouse on Wednesday evening at the Empress Theatre Lounge. On Saturday afternoon, Latin rock band Los Cohinos will play at Vino Godfather. On Saturday evening, singer/songwriter Micah Hammac will play at the Mare Island Brewing Co. Taproom and Niecey Living Single will perform the hits of Stephanie Mills and Chaka Khan at the Empress Theatre.

Playing later into the wee hours on Saturday night, hip-hop artists Tooch Magooch & Jet Black Jess James will play at Chris’ Club, and DW Edwards & Lighting Up the Soul will perform at Gentleman Jim’s.

Dillon Bread Company is holding their final bakery pop-up retirement sale this Friday and Saturday morning after 30 years in business. In addition to sweets, savories and preserves, they’ll have vintage cookbooks, kitchenware and entertaining items for sale. The food sells out fast, so arrive early or place an order on their Facebook page.

The Angels With Heart Masquerade Ball will take place on Friday evening at the Vallejo Moose Lodge. This fundraiser will help support the nonprofit’s programs, such as free laundry days, playdays in the park, trash pick-ups and a food program that provides meals to the unsheltered community. Come in costume and be part of the fun!

An opening reception of the art show “Slipper” will happen on Sunday at the artist-run gallery Personal Space, with live music by the dub duo abracadabra, and a presentation by the founders of the famed counterculture Re/Search Publications. 

The “Slipper” exhibit will be open Sundays 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will run through Nov. 10. It features the works of local artists David Bayus, Lemia Monet Bodden, Kari Cholnoky, Ximaps Dong, Erik Frydenborg, Jacqueline Kiyomi Gork, Albert Herter, Catalina Ouyang, and Elina Vainio.

A little further afield in Benicia on Sunday afternoon, will be another gallery opening reception for the “Reinventing Reality” show by painter and collage artist Sonia Gill.

Also “Porchfest Benicia!” on Saturday afternoon will feature live music by 16 Bay Area bands across vintage homes and venues near Benicia City Park. Six music-themed VIP lounges will offer wine, beer and appetizers.

These are just some of the highlights of this week’s events. Be sure to check the list below for more live music, art, educational and recreational activities. 

Wednesday, September 18

STEAM with Miss Christine

Join us for a STEAM activity where we explore different projects that spark curiosity and creativity. Every 3rd Wednesday of the month at 3:00 PM.

• Wed, 3 to 4 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Lawyers in the Library

The Vallejo JFK Library offers the Lawyers in the Library program on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. Each meeting is 15 minutes. Space is limited and slots fill up on a first come, first serve basis. Please call 866-572-7587 or come in-person at 9 a.m. on the day of the program to reserve a spot.

• Wed, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Vallejo Run Club

Join the Vallejo Run Club on our weekly Saturday morning and Wednesday evening runs. Our group meets, rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. We run 1-3 easy miles. Beginners to ultra marathoners welcome.

• Wed, 6:20 pm to 7:20 pm
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Marina Crouse

Marina Crouse is one of the most notable talents on the San Francisco/Bay Area music scene. Her early classical training is reflected in her powerful and versatile vocal style that creates genuine excitement in every performance. Blessed with an incredibly expressive voice early in life, Crouse applies her distinctive talents to a wide range of material while delivering an emotional authenticity that consistently cuts deep.

• Wed, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre Lounge
• 324 Virginia St., Vallejo

Wednesday Night Open Mic

A friendly space for both beginning performers and seasoned musicians. Comedians and poets also welcome.

• Wed, 8 to 11 p.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St., Vallejo

Thursday, September 19

Art Beat Radio Show – Literary Interview

Author and activist Nina Serrano interviews a local writer.

• Thurs, 10:30 a.m. to noon
• Ozcat Radio
• 89.5 FM KZCT

Friday, September 20

Family Storytime

Our screen-free storytimes are great for families. Have children of different ages? Bring them all! These stories and activities are for everyone.

• Fri, 10 to 10:30 a.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

DBC Retirement Sale & Mini Pop-up

This Friday and Saturday is the final sale of DBC’s sweets, savories and preserves. Vintage kitchenware, vintage cookbooks, vintage barware, vintage entertaining items, and other vintage oddments will be for sale too. Pre-order food at DBC’s Facebook page.

• Fri, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Dillon Bread Company
• 451 Ryder St., Suite B, Vallejo

The Makery: Open Use Hours & Make it Fridays!

The Makery! Equipment includes: 3D printer, vinyl cutter, digital production equipment, and much more! Drop-in and discover what we have, or make an appointment to use specific equipment. Don't know what to make? Check out 'Make it Fridays!' we will have a special activity to get your creative muscles working.

• Fri, 2 to 4:45 pm
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Arriane Del

Singer, dancer & guitarist Arriane Del, is a financial professional by day and a musical performer by night. Arriane commands the stage with an unmatched energy and charisma that sets her apart as the ultimate performer.

• Fri, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Co. – Coal Shed Brewery
• 860 Nimitz Ave., Vallejo

Angels With Heart Masquerade Ball

This is second annual Masqurade benefit ball is a fundariser for Angels with Heart’s various community events such as free laundry days, children’s playdays in the park and a food program that provides meals to our unsheltered community.

• Fri, 7 to 10 p.m.
• Vallejo Moose Lodge
• 337 Nebraska St., Vallejo

Dakota Linn

Dakota Linn rocks the Town House Cocktail Lounge starting at around 7 p.m. Come for great music, tasty new beers, and no cover charge.

• Fri, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St., Vallejo

Saturday, September 21

Vallejo Run Club

Join the Vallejo Run Club on our weekly Saturday morning and Wednesday evening runs. Our group meets, rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. We run 1-3 easy miles. Beginners to ultra marathoners welcome!

• Sat, 8 a.m. to 9:00 am
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Catch up & Color - Family Coloring Session

Join us at the library to color and relax in a calm environment. We will provide coloring sheets, and coloring supplies, but if you prefer your own that's fine! All ages welcome.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Coastal Cleanup Day

Each year, the Vallejo Wastewater District, VALCORE Recycling and the Solano Resource Conservation District work together to manage 19 cleanup sites in Vallejo. Please sign up in advance to If you would like to volunteer for this event.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to noon.
• Multiple Locations, Vallejo
• Register here

Community Coffee Tasting - Live music by Sobre Cuerdas

Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes while listening to live music. Sobre Cuerdas plays an eclectic mix of original tunes and covers and brings notes of Venezuela with pop sensibilities to Vallejo.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Moschetti Coffee
• 11 Sixth St. (Curtola Pkwy. & Solano Ave.), Vallejo

DBC Retirement Sale & Mini Pop-up

This Friday and Saturday is the final sale of DBC’s sweets, savories and preserves. Vintage kitchenware, vintage cookbooks, vintage barware, vintage entertaining items, and other vintage oddments will be for sale too. Pre-order food at DBC’s Facebook page.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Dillon Bread Company
• 451 Ryder St., Suite B, Vallejo

Farmers' Market

Shop here for a great selection of California-grown greens, fruits & veggies, ethnic varieties, as well as some nice specialty booths with baked goods and such at down-to-earth prices.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin Streets, Vallejo

Free Family Day

Free admission all day the third Saturday of every month. With children's story-time at 11 a.m. brought to you by First 5 Vallejo, Alibi Bookshop and Angels with Heart

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St., Vallejo

Visions of the Wild Art Exhibit

Experience a juried exhibit on the theme of Re•Generation featuring award-winning artists from Solano County: Sarah Barsness, Helen Cates, Steve Davis, Lou Fitzsimmons, Deanna Forbes, Diana Krevsky, Larryian-Marie, Carol Levin, Jeanne Lorenz, Alex LaRoche, Sally Mack, Penny Olson, Susan Schneider, and Chris Thorson.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Temple Art Lofts Gallery
• 340 Virginia St., Vallejo

Herencia Viva: Past to Future – Opening Reception

In honor of Hispanic Heritage month we are proud to present our new exhibit, Herencia Viva: Past to Future. Honoring the contributions of Hispanics and Latinos in Vallejo. Guest curated by Marisela Barbosa-Cortez. Guest artists: Mario Saucedo and Jaime Esparza. Open Sept. 21 - Oct. 12

• Sat, noon to 2 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St., Vallejo

Community Drum Circle

The community drum circle is back on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Bring your favorite drum or borrow one of ours. Bring a beverage, maybe a snack if you like, most importantly, bring your smile.

• Sat, 1 to 3 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St., Vallejo

Los Cochinos - The Ultimate Latin Rock and Soul Experience

Los Cochinos is an established Latin rock and Soul band, said by many to have been “passed the torch” from Carlos Santana as one of the only original, Latin rock and Soul bands that continue to create and perform original music in the style of Santana.

• Sat, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Vino Godfather
• 1005 Walnut Ave. @ Kansas St., Vallejo

Porchfest Benicia!

16 fantastic Bay Area bands, six music themed VIP lounges, wine, beer and appetizers! Porchfest Benicia will be staged at vintage homes, as well as businesses and restaurants. The music is diverse and ranges from country to rock, pop, reggae, blues, jazz, Latin, R&B, folk and many others. The lineup of musicians to take the “stage” on porches and First Street venues will range from local favorites to talent from all over the Bay Area

• Sat, 1 to 5 p.m.
• First Street @ Benicia City Park
• 150 Military West, Benicia

Re:Sound VIBRATION

Re:Sound is an experimental music series that explores the relationship between forgotten spaces, sound abstraction, and the natural environment. Artists ILIOS and Lori Goldston will perform. ILIOS explores the extremes of sound art in variations from subsonic frequencies to domestic electronics to field recordings of bell foundries and pachinko parlors. Lori Goldston is a classically trained and rigorously de-trained cellist, composer, improvisor, producer, writer and teacher from Seattle.

• Sat, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Building 34 (across from Savage and Cooke)
• 1024 Nimitz Ave., Vallejo

Sustainable Solano's 25th Anniversary Celebration!

Sustainable Solano will be honored if you join us in celebrating this significant25-year milestone. The evening will start with a pre-dinner wine, appetizers, live music and good company. Dinner will be locally sourced and created by an extraordinary local chef, served family style. Guests will also enjoy a special anniversary presentation, a silent dessert auction, live music, and dancing under the stars.

• Sat, 4:30 to 8 p.m.
• BackRoad Vines
• 2221 Julian Lane, Fairfield

Helios

Helios brings a fun, energetic music experience to the Bambino’s stage, with covers from the 60's to current era with a Latin vibe. Get ready for an evening of dancing with us!

• Sat, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Bambino’s
• 301 Georgia St. #122, Vallejo

Summer Climax

Party the night away with the Bay Area’s hottest hip-hop artists. Live performances by K Rollin'n Red Lotus, Brenda Tapia & Labworx, Juni Speaks, Hof Jae • 415 JohnJohn, Los Tones, Daughty, DJ Cicada, DJ Big Vince, DJ SoFresh and more.

• Sat, 6 to 10:30 p.m.
• Carnalito’s Customs
• 905 Tennessee St., Vallejo

Live Music Saturday with Micah Hammac

Vallejo artist and singer-songwriter Micah Hammac, hits the Ferry Taproom with original songs wandering through grief, growth and a life full of stories.

• Sat, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Co. Ferry Taproom
• 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Niecey Living Single

Join us for an unforgettable night of classic R&B and Soul music, featuring Bay Area’s own soul sensation and recording artist, Niecey Living Single. She will perform hits from Grammy Award-winning divas Stephanie Mills and Chaka Khan.

• Sat, 8 to 10:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St., Vallejo

Beauty & the Beast - Tooch Magooch & Jet Black Jess James

@jamezgangmusicgroup firin’ up at the Chris Club with @toochmagooch_ and y’all know when she pop out its a time to be had. She headlining in the 707 w/ @lgfromthabay and other poppin artists for another magic moment at the Chris.

• Sat, 9 to 2:00 am
• Chris’ Club
• 656 Benicia Rd., Vallejo

DW Edwards & Lighting Up the Soul

Get ready to be "Lit Up" with Singer, songwriter DW Edwards & Lighting Up the Soul at Gentleman Jim's. Get in early, get a seat and get ready to dance. $10 cover after 10pm

• Sat, 9 to 11:59 pm
• Gentleman Jim’s
• 1324 Lincoln Rd. E, Vallejo

Sunday, September 22

California Public Health Program Racial Justice Act Symposium

This symposium, hosted by Touro University’s Health Equity and Criminal Justice Concentration, aims to highlight the critical role of the California Racial Justice Act in public health. By tackling systemic racism and discrimination in the criminal justice system, the Act paves the way for better health outcomes in communities of color, reducing trauma, and promoting well-being.

• Sun, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Touro University, Farragut Inn
• 1310 Club Drive, Vallejo

St. Peter's Chapel - Self-guided Tour

A museum by itself, St. Peter's Chapel, built in 1901, is known for its large collection of stunning Tiffany windows, vaulted ceilings with exposed redwood beams, and historic plaques. You’ll find yourself in awe of the craftsmanship on display. Docents will be available to answer all your questions. All we ask is a $5 donation toward the chapel maintenance fund.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• St. Peter’s Chapel
• 1181 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

Causing Cultural Anarchy VI

This annual event is the one show where the studio posts a warning about potentially offensive content on the door of their otherwise family-friendly gallery. The theme this year is book arts and censorship, with themes that incorporate the written word with collages, constructions and abstracts, and/or allusions to personal narratives.

• Sun, noon to 4 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St., Vallejo

Laberinto y Los Destructores

Jaripeo Baile en Los Terrenos de La Feria de Vallejo con Grupo Laberinto, Los Destructores de Memo Ocampo, La Ventaja, y mas. Edad/Age: Todas las edades/All ages.street name abbreviations APm Menores de 10 años entran gratis / Children age 10 and under enter for free.

• Sun, 1 to 8 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo

Next Episode

Imagine sipping on a glass of Vino Godfather wine while enjoying the beautiful outdoor stage and being serenaded by the smooth grooves of Next Episode, a Bay Area party band that specializes in energetic dance, pop, and smooth grooves that appeals to both older and younger generations.

• Sun, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Vino Godfather
• 1005 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

"Slipper" Art Opening

The opening reception of this show includes a performance by Vallejo’s own dub duo abracadabra , a presentation by V. Vale and Marian Wallace of the legendary Re/Search Publications, and beverages generously provided by Village. "Slipper" features works by: David Bayus, Lemia Monet Bodden, Kari Cholnoky, Ximaps Dong, Erik Frydenborg, Jacqueline Kiyomi Gork, Albert Herter, Catalina Ouyang, and Elina Vainio.

• Sun, 2 to 5 p.m.
• Personal Space Art Gallery
• 1505 Tennessee St., Vallejo

Artist Reception “Reinventing Reality” by Sonia Gill

The Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Gallery at the Benicia Public Library is proud to present an exhibition of paintings by artist Sonia Gill. Using her bowls and cups as metaphors for human relationships Gill takes liberties within the outlines of the forms using hundreds of pieces of magazine paper chosen for color, value and pattern. Bold and complex compositions highlight these paintings or collages that make innovative use of reflections and distortions.

• Sun, 2 to 5 p.m.
• Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Gallery at Benicia Public Library
• 150 E. L St., Benicia

Julie Stratton Celebration of Life

December 8, 1943 – June 30. Julie Stratton lived in Vallejo since 1952. Stratton contributed to over 20 charities focused on world hunger, animal welfare, the environment, and the community of Vallejo. She had a long career at the Vallejo Springstowne Library and volunteered at the McCune Room.

• Sun, 2 to 4 p.m.
• McCune Room, John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Monday, September 23

Halloween Cookie Decorating

Learn how to decorate Halloween themed cookies. Registration required. Recommended for ages 9 & up.

• Mon, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., Vallejo

Commission on Culture & the Arts monthly meeting

The Commission on Culture and the Arts serves the city of Vallejo as the official voice for the arts in the community

• Mon, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Vallejo City Hall
• 555 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

Movement with Mary Jane

Movement with Mary Jane is a guided movement flow to enhance the mind, body, spirit connection. Let’s conspire to inspire. This is an infused experience for people 21 and over, unless you have a doctor’s recommendation. IntegriTea Art Space fundraiser

• Mon, 6 to 9 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St., Vallejo

Speakeasy Expressions Poetry Open Mic

Come share your spoken word poetry on stage to a live audience, or just grab a few drinks and watch the show. 21+ venue. This open mic is a friendly, casual atmosphere for you to expand your poetic horizons. Free—No cover charge, drinks available for purchase.

• Mon, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Chris’ Club
• 656 Benicia Rd., Vallejo

Tuesday, September 24

Vallejo CreativiTea Club

Vallejo CreativiTea Club (previously called Doodle and Draw) is now every Tuesday night. Get together with your downtown arts community to work side by side on art projects while sipping tea and listening to music. Bring a project you're working on, or get inspired to start something fresh. We will have some art supplies available. This free event is open to all ages and skill levels.

• Tues, 6 to 8 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St., Vallejo

City Council Regular Meeting

City Council meetings are hybrid in-person and on Zoom. The agenda will be posted on the City Agendas & Videos web page a minimum of 72 hours in advance of the meeting.

• Tues, 7 to 11 p.m.
• Vallejo City Hall
• 555 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

‌A more detailed list of upcoming events can be found here.

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Editor's note — this story was updated to add late-breaking events