Upcoming Vallejo Events — Artiszen’s Art of Community Exhibit opens on Mare Island

VALLEJO — Outdoor concerts and celebrations abound this weekend, and a new gallery show featuring artists from Vallejo’s 2013 arts renaissance opens on Mare Island.

The Art of Community Art Exhibit by Artiszen Cultural Arts Center opens this Saturday at noon at Mare Island Art Studios. Artiszen opened its doors in downtown Vallejo in 2013 and quickly became a beloved space for art, theater, music, dance and self-expression. 

This month-long exhibit will showcase the talents of local artists and celebrate our vibrant Vallejo art community. Although Artiszen closed in 2018, its legacy lives on. Come and meet familiar artists from Artiszen’s past shows, exciting new talents, and the artists who call Mare Island Art Studios their creative home.

Thursday's August Summer Nights will feature songstress Ariel Marin’s eclectic blend of folk, rock, R&B, gospel, classical, and pop on the Georgia Street stage, and DJ Trish and Jay De La Cruz on the Marin Street stage. This free party in downtown Vallejo every Thursday night in August also offers food trucks, street performers and handcrafted wares by local artisans.

Vallejo’s Second Friday Art Walk will fill the same downtown intersection at Georgia and Marin Streets the following evening. Local artists will have their wares on display, and Anchor Pantry, Alibi Bookshop, The Joint and other retailers will be open late. 

The Second Saturday community marketplace on the Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Green Begins at noon. The small business pop-up will feature food and drinks, treats, trends, designers, craft makers, artists and collectors. This family friendly event also offers fun and free kids activities. Enjoy bands, guest DJs, community dance groups curated by the local Vallejo music organization Free Music Collective. 

The Greater Vallejo Recreation District celebrates their 80^th anniversary on Saturday afternoon with the Bands and Brews event at Blue Rock Springs Park. This free event features the Micheal Jackson tribute band Neverland, and Prince tribute band The Purple Ones. Food trucks, adult beverages, retail vendors and a kid zone round out the experience. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets to fully enjoy the show.

On Sunday afternoon at St. Peter’s Chapel, Verismo Opera will perform a concert version of beloved opera choruses from great works such as La Traviata, Norma, and Carmen, as well as pieces from less well known gems. The ambiance of the historic chapel and its Tiffany stained glass windows is a great venue for this show.

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

Wednesday, August 7

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 9am 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 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

Steve Freund Blues Band

Guitarist, producer, and bandleader Steve Freund, praised by Rolling Stone for his "masterful, no-nonsense guitar work" He spent two years working with Big Walter Horton and Floyd Jones, learning the deep blues and the idiosyncrasies that are part of the art.

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

Wednesday Night Open Mic

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

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

Thursday, August 8

August Summer Nights with Ariel Marin

August Summer Nights is a free party hosted in Downtown Vallejo every Thursday night in August. Ariel Marin will perform on the main stage this week. Enjoy dancing in the street, food trucks, street performers and other surprises!.

• Thurs, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin Streets

Adult Craft Club - Make It Together

Come join us for a guided start-to-finish craft night at the Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library every second Thursday of the month.

• Thurs, 6 to 7 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Friday, August 9

DBC Retirement Sale & Mini Pop-up

Come to Dillon Bread Company for sweets, savories and preserves along with vintage goods too. We’ll have vintage kitchenware, vintage cookbooks, vintage barware, vintage entertaining items, vintage garden and of course an assortment of vintage oddments. Dillon Bread Company will close after their 30^th anniversary popup in September.

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

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.

2nd Friday Art Walk

The Vallejo Art Walk takes place all over the downtown area and includes local merchants, street vendors, musicians and galleries.

• Fri, 5 to 9 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin Streets

Art Reception During Art Walk

Artists Sally McFlores, Jose Martinez, and Mark Martin are showing art works commemorating Emiliano Zapata, a hero of the Mexican Revolution. Visit Moschetti Cafe for excellent coffe, fine food, and an artist reception.

• Fri, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Moschetti Café
• 925 Marin St.

Adrian West Trio

The Adrian West Trio is an Oakland-based acoustic rock ensemble. Think Paul Simon meets Dave Matthews. A fun mix of originals, covers and instrumentals spanning acoustic rock, jazz & classical styles. Vocal harmonies, acoustic guitar, electric violin, upright bass, percussion & live looping. Ever the realist, West takes a peculiar delight in setting serious topics to joyful music.

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

80's Night with DJ Zero Effs

DJ Zero Effs takes you back to the 80s every second Friday after Art Walk

• Fri, 8:30 to 11:45 pm
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St.

Saturday, August 10

Benicia Paddlers Faire

Shop local and support small business Saturday with over 300 vendors, food trucks, kids activities and more.

• Sat, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Downtown Benicia
• First and D Streets
• Benicia

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

Community Coffee Tasting

Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes.

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

DBC Retirement Sale & Mini Pop-up

Come to Dillon Bread Company for sweets, savories and preserves along with vintage goods too. We’ll have vintage kitchenware, vintage cookbooks, vintage barware, vintage entertaining items, vintage garden and of course an assortment of vintage oddments. Dillon Bread Company will close after their 30^th anniversary popup in September.

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

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

2nd Saturday’s Vallejo

Come experience what waterfront parks were made for and support a local small business or maker here. Enjoy great food trucks, dance along to the market beats, shop back to school clothing, pick up essentials for home and office too! Free kid activities.

• Sat, noon to 5 p.m.
• Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Green
• 301 Mare Island Way

Artiszen's Art of Community Exhibit

Mare Island Art Studios and Artiszen Cultural Arts Center are joining to celebrate the Art of Community, featuring guests from Artiszen’s past shows, along with some exciting new artists and a sneak peak at Erin Bakke’s beautiful upcoming book. Embracing the old school Artiszen 'Art of Community' style, we aim to bring the community together and celebrate that magical "Vallejo Art Renaissance" that began 10 years ago, while looking forward to a future filled with even more community art.

• Sat, noon to 5 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Kitty Meet and Greet - pet adoptions

Community Cat Advocates has cats and kittens at the Vallejo Petsmart on every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month from noon to 3 p.m. Come meet your next best friend! All cats and kittens who are adopted out through Community Cat Advocates have been tested, vaccinated to age appropriate levels, microchipped and spayed or neutered.

• Sat, noon to 3 p.m.
• PetSmart
• 952 Admiral Callaghan Ln.

Top Shelf Classics

Top Shelf Classics consists of five dynamic vocalists, exciting background singers, dancers, and a set of award-winning musicians that can perform smooth jazz funky soul, and everything in between.

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

Bands and Brews - GVRD 80th Anniversary

The Greater Vallejo Recreation District is turning 80 years young and you're invited to celebrate with us! Free Event and Free Parking. Klive music by Micheal Jackson tribute band Neverland at 3 p.m. and Prince tribute band The Purple Ones at 6 p.m. Food trucks, brews, retail vendors, kids zone, raffle and more!

• Sat, 3 to 8 p.m.
• Blue Rock Springs Park
• 650 Columbus Parkway

Bryan Girard Jazz

Saxophonist Bryan Girard will be joined by some terrific musicians this Saturday. Manny's has turned out to be a great spot for jazz, with a spectacular waterfront view and lots of regulars coming by to soak up the music and the ambiance. Buy dinner and get listen to a live jazz show free! Advance dinner reservation recommended.

• Sat, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Manny’s Steakhouse
• 295 Mare Island Way

Faith You Can See - Musical Play

As the spiraling storyline of “Faith You Can See” unwinds this dramatic ministry promises to uplift every soul one way or another. Local thespians from the community of faith have come together to show you what faith looks like. Brian Lee Finley plays "Sammy Harrington '' a family person and gospel crooner, whose troubles are many. He features the opening song of yuletides and performs alongside a cameo appearance of the acclaimed musical group “Best Intentions”.

• Sat, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St.

Live Music Saturday with Kiel Williams

Kiel Williams is a multi-instrumentalist performer, composer, producer and music educator based out of the east San Francisco Bay area. His attention to detail and careful musical ear has also made him a sought after player to backup accomplished songwriters such as Willy Tea Taylor, Jimbo Scott and Grover Anderson.

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

D'Groove Band

D'Groove's simple concept of playing the latest dance tunes, classic old school, and favorite standards assures a good time for all on the dance floor. Get in early, get your drink, seat & get ready to dance! $10 Cover after 10pm

• Sat, 8:30 p.m. to midnight
• Gentleman Jim’s
• 1324 Lincoln Rd. E

Holotta Tymes Drag Show

Come join Vicodonia Knightingale, Charity Kase and Holotta Tymes every 2nd and 4th Saturday night at the Townhouse Cocktail Lounge! These are the Divas you want to see!

• Sat, 10:30 to 1:00 am
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St.

Sunday, August 11

Kayak Practice and Fun

Paddle around Lake Chabot, weather permitting. Kayak provided if you don’t have one. $10 suggested donation. Check the Facebook Kayaking Biking group for updates. Dates and times may change because of weather or volunteer availability.

• Sun, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Lake Chabot
• Dan Foley Park
• 1461 N Camino Alto

St. Peter's Chapel Historic 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.

Artiszen's Art of Community Exhibit

Mare Island Art Studios and Artiszen Cultural Arts Center are joining to celebrate the Art of Community, featuring guests from Artiszen’s past shows, along with some exciting new artists and a sneak peak at Erin Bakke’s beautiful upcoming book. Embracing the old school Artiszen 'Art of Community' style, we aim to bring the community together and celebrate that magical "Vallejo Art Renaissance" that began 10 years ago, while looking forward to a future filled with even more community art.

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

Embracing Earth: Allen Birnbach & Emil Yanos

“Embracing Earth: Allen Birnbach & Emil Yanos,” is an extraordinary exhibition showcasing the synergy of art and nature through the eyes of two remarkable artists.

• Sun, noon to 5 p.m.
• NY2CA Gallery
• 617 First St.
• Benicia

Sweet Marie & The Suspects

Featuring the dynamic vocals of Ke Marie Bordeaux, get ready to move to a delicious blend of funky beats and soulful melodies. Don’t forget to bring your dancing shoes. Food byGaga's Rollin Diner. Minors welcome, kids 12 and under are free.

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

"COLORS" Abstract Art for Mindfulness

Learn about Color theory, a concept using arts and design that explains how colors interact with each other and how they can be combined to create certain feelings, moods, and reactions. This class is full of playful fun and color experiments. Come let your inner child play in the world of colors.

• Sun, 2 to 4 p.m.
• Vino Godfather
• 1005 Walnut Ave.

Tea House Poetry Open Mic

Join Co-Poets Laureate Jacalyn Yvonne and Kathleen Herrmann for a poetry open mice every second Sunday at IntegriTea.

• Sun, 2 to 4 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St.

Voices of Verismo Opera Summer Showcase

This performance features highlights from great works such as La traviata, Norma, and Carmen, as well as pieces from less well known gems. From the drama of Dido and Aeneas to the wit of Pirates of Penzance, you will find joy, sorrow, and inspiration in this delightful program.

• Sun, 3 to 4 p.m.
• St. Peter’s Chapel
• 1181 Walnut Ave.

Monday, August 12

Movement with Mary Jane

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.

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

Tuesday, August 13

Vallejo Doodle and Draw Night

Open to all ages and skill levels. This is a free event. Donations appreciated. All donations go to the 717 Integrity Project to keep the doors open at this community art space.

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

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.

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

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Editor's note — this story was updated to add the Bryan Girard Jazz event on Saturday.