Upcoming Vallejo Events — Bands and Brews free concerts begin at Blue Rock Springs Park

VALLEJO — A bevvy of live music is happening around Vallejo this week. The first of four free “Bands and Brews” live music shows at Blue Rock Springs Park will launch on Friday evening, when the Neon Playboys will play dance hits of the ‘70s & ‘80s. 

Two upcoming shows in July will feature Groove Ride on July 12 and Papa Joe and the New Deal on July 28. The final “Bands and Brews” show on Aug. 10 will be a celebration of the Greater Vallejo Recreation District’s 80th anniversary, with two surprise bands to be announced.

El Barbas Restaurant and Bar will feature Hispanic music all weekend, with Tex-Mex band Los Caminantes on Friday night, Grupo Black Knight‘s hard rock on Saturday, and Grupo Extoria Norteño on Sunday evening. 

The highly popular blues guitarist Kid Andersen will perform at the Empress Theatre Lounge this evening, accompanied by his band the Allstars. Then the acclaimed saxophonist Ric Alexander will perform at the Lounge on Thursday evening.

The art show MyLuckyEars at Mare Island Art Studios closes this weekend. Artist Pricila Soares explores her challenges as a hard-of hearing person with bone anchored hearing aids through a collection of paintings, sculptures, and illustrations centered around this theme.

Bay Area Stage Theatre will perform “Alice by Heart” on Friday and Saturday night, and a matinee on Sunday. The musical by Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik tells the story of two teenagers who escape the London Blitz of World War II by falling down the rabbit hole into Wonderland.

The City of Vallejo will hold the first two community meetings about recruitment of a new police chief this week, with a Zoom meeting on Thursday evening, and an in-person meeting on Saturday morning at City Hall. The third and final meeting will take place next month on July 25. Vallejo’s new City Manager Andrew Murray and executive recruiters Bob Hall & Associates will facilitate the search to relieve Jason Ta, who has served as interim police chief since Shawny Williams stepped down in 2022.

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

Wednesday, June 26

Matinee: Mayor Humphrey of Minneapolis

Hubert H Humphrey became the youngest mayor in the history of Minneapolis in 1945. With little administrative power against a corrupt and uncooperative city council, Humphrey brought the fight directly to the people by forming citizen committees to the confront the discrimination of minorities, restructure the police department, and solve dozens of other municipal problems.

• Wed, noon to 2 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum
• 734 Marin Street, Vallejo, CA 94590

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

Kid Anderson & The Allstars

Chris “Kid” Andersen is known as the guitarist for Rick Estrin & The NightCats, and has 3 Blues Music Awards nominations for guitarist of the year.

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

Vallejo Seaweed VS San Rafael Pacifics

The Vallejo Seaweed play the San Rafael Pacifics

• Wed, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
• Wilson Park
• 1007 Solano Ave.

Poetry by the Bay

Poets gather to share their work and to hear the work of others. Vallejo’s longest running poetry open mic since 2008. Tickets are free, but seating is limited so reserve yours today!

• Wed, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Mira Theater
• 51 Daniels Ave.

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, June 27

Art Beat Radio Show – Poetry Hour

Listen to local poets live, on air.

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

Ric Alexander

This event showcases the talents of the Bay Area’s beloved saxophonist, Ric Alexander, alongside his musical companions. Earlier in the year, Ric unveiled Ric Ashea, his venture into a wine-tasting journey of esteemed local vineyards to his performance venues. Enjoy exclusive tastings of Delicato Family Wine & Champagne, courtesy of Ric Ashea. The evening is brought to you by the gracious hosting of Ms. Kim Pruitt from KP Entertainment Connections and Mark Elliott of The A-List Musiq Circle.

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

Vallejo Police Chief Recruitment Community Meeting

Join Executive Recruiters Bob Hall & Associates and City Manager, Andrew Murray to discuss what you would like to see in Vallejo’s next Police Chief. This is the first of three community meetings and will be held over Zoom. The next meetings will be in person, Saturday, June 29, 10:30 a.m. at Vallejo City Hall, 555 Santa Clara St. and July 25, 6:30 p.m.at the Vallejo Room, 505 Santa Clara Str.

• Thu, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Zoom link

Vallejo Seaweed VS Marysville Drakes

The Vallejo Seaweed vs. the Marysville Drakes.

• Thu, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
• Wilson Park
• 1007 Solano Ave.

Dynamite Dave & The Detonators

Prepare to be entertained by the wonderful sound of the R&B, Classic Soul Cover Band, Cali-Groove Association. This Bay Area band will take you on a trip down memory lane and have you dancing all night long. Get in early, get your drink, dance and repeat! $10 cover after 10pm

• Thu, 9 to midnight
• Gentleman Jim’s
• 1324 Lincoln Rd. E

Friday, June 28

Little Explorer's Petting Zoo

Meet a variety of cute and cuddly farm animals like sheep, chickens, bunnies and a potbelly pig!

• Fri, 10 a.m. to noon
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave

Henna Art with Rachel Palacios

Henna art is more than a fashion statement. Learn about it's history and get sample tattoo.

• Fri, noon to 1 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave

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.

Bands and Brews - The Neon Playboys

Live Music in the Park with free lawn seating, food, and beverages for sale. The Neon playboys is a 4-piece group of seasoned music industry professionals playing dance hits of the ‘70s & ‘80s.

• Fri, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Blue Rock Springs Park
• 650 Columbus Parkway

Live Music with Matt Jaffe

Jaffe has co-written with Chuck Prophet and Tom Higgenson of Plain White T’s, crisscrossed the country opening for Blues Traveler and Alejandro Escovedo, and recorded half a dozen albums alongside luminaries of the Bay Area music scene. Inspired by the great lineage of rock n’ roll, he marries literary lyrics with the undeniable urge to dance.

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

Alice by Heart

Tony® and Grammy® award-winning playwrights, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, reunite for their new musical “Alice by Heart.” In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer’s budding teen life is turned upside down, and she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland.

• Fri, 8 to 10 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

Los Caminantes

Por primera vez en vivo, Los Caminantes, de Agustín Ramírez. DJ Fernando Mezclando en vivo. 21 & over. Preventa por medio de ticketon, reservaciones vip a: (707)-862-9673

• Fri, 9:30 to 1:30 am
• El Barbas
• 444 Broadway St.

Saturday, June 29

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 with live music by Duo Gadjo

Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes while listening to live music. Coffee cupping, or coffee tasting, is the practice of observing the tastes and aromas of brewed coffee. Join us to sample coffees from around the world side-by-side, develop your palate and discover coffees you LOVE that you never knew existed! Duo Gadjo’s music is largely inspired by the sounds of the 20's and 30's, when jazz was [...]

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

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

Celebrating One-Year of Afro-BodyLove Dance Healing

Thriving With Lyme will celebrate one year of Afro-BodyLove: Dance Healing for Body Liberation and Empowerment, bringing visibility to Lyme disease and other chronic illnesses in black and brown communities using movement as medicine, community as care, and joy as healing.  Please RSVP for this free community event for all abilities, ages, races, ethnicities, genders, sexuality, and religions.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Park
• 301 Mare Island Way

Doris Fish “Ego as Artform” Exhibit

Closing date June 29

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval & Historical Museum
• 734 Marin Street, Vallejo, CA 94590

Vallejo Police Chief Recruitment Community Meeting

Join Executive Recruiters Bob Hall & Associates and City Manager, Andrew Murray to discuss what you would like to see in Vallejo’s next Police Chief.

• Sat, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Vallejo City Hall
• 555 Santa Clara St.

Youth Poetry Writing Workshop

Facilitated by Vallejo’s Co-Poets Laureate Kathleen Herrmann and Jacalyn Eyvonne, this workshop offers a unique opportunity for young poets to explore the beauty and wonder of the environment and the world around us.

• Sat, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St.

MyLuckyEars - Priscila Soares Solo Art Show

Soars said she has poured her heart into a collection of paintings, sculptures, and illustrations centered around the theme of deafness and hearing loss. The show will feature the launch of her illustrated children’s book titled “Cesaria Feels the Beat.”

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

Papa Joe & The New Deal Ultimate Family Dance Party!

Papa Joe and the New Deal will entertain you with feel good music that you are sure to recognize and love.  They will take you from the sixties to today with an effortless passion that might just touch your soul.

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

Live Music with 2 Track'n

You're favorite duo is gracing our stage again for a fun filled evening of live music, covering all of the best hits from the 70's, 80's and 90's. No cover with dinner.

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

Joyce Grant

Joyce Grant has been the lead vocalist for City Swing, an 18- piece big band based out of San Francisco, and is a frequent participant in the West Coast Ragtime festival. As a songwriter she has put lyrics to several of Scott Joplin’s pieces and released the CD In The Morning (co-produced with Doug McKeehan , 2010), a collection of original songs ranging in style from jazz to blues to R&B.

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

Alice by Heart

Tony® and Grammy® award-winning playwrights, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, reunite for their new musical “Alice by Heart.” In the rubble of the London Blitz of World War II, Alice Spencer’s budding teen life is turned upside down, and she and her dear friend Alfred are forced to take shelter in an underground tube station. When the ailing Alfred is quarantined, Alice encourages him to escape with her into their cherished book and journey down the rabbit hole to Wonderland.

• Sat, 8 to 10 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

Grupo Black-Knight

Grupo Black-Knight “El Villano del Sabor.” Sonido Sensación poblana “De Pako Villa.” Celebrando el 8 aniversario de Sonido Saiko No falten! 21 & over. $15 cover antes de las 10:00 p. m. Reservaciones vip: 707-862-9673

• Sat, 9 to 1:00 am
• El Barbas
• 444 Broadway St.

Skip Coldwel & FunkTown

Skip Coldwel’s soulful voice, backed up by his funky R&B band, will have you tapping your feet and dancing all night long. Get in early, get your seat, your drink and claim your spot on the dance floor! $10 Cover after 10 p.m.

• Sat, 9 to midnight
• Gentleman Jim’s
• 1324 Lincoln Rd E

Sunday, June 30

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. Bring your kayak, PFD, and gear, or we will provide you with what you need free of charge to help you decide what is best for you.

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

MyLuckyEars - Priscila Soares Solo Art Show

Soars said she has poured her heart into a collection of paintings, sculptures, and illustrations centered around the theme of deafness and hearing loss. The show will feature the launch of her illustrated children’s book titled “Cesaria Feels the Beat.”

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

Whiskey & Honey

Whiskey & Honey has been performing Country hits along with a dash of classic rock for well over ten years. Their music gets people moving and dancing.

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

Vallejo Seaweed VS San Rafael Pacifics

The Vallejo Seaweed battles the San Rafael Pacifics.

• Sun, 2 to 5 p.m.
• Wilson Park
• 1007 Solano Ave.

Alice by Heart

A new musical from the composers of “Spring Awakening!” Alice by Heart - A New Musical! Tony® and Grammy® award-winning creators of Spring Awakening, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik, reunite for their new musical Alice by Heart, inspired by Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and co-written by Jessie Nelson.

• Sun, 3 to 5 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

Grupo Extoria Norteño

¡De música en vivo! presentado por: Grupo Extoria Norteño Aquí los esperamos a disfrutar de nuestra rica comida, ricas bebidas y el mejor servicio y ambiente. ¡A pasar un rato algo bien! Los esperamos.

• Sun, 4 to 7 p.m.
• El Barbas
• 444 Broadway St.

Monday, July 1

Community Drum Circle

This a monthly gathering of community drumming and friends meets the first Monday of every month. Drumming is a great way to release stress, boost immunity, brighten mood, and have tons of fun. All ages, cultures, genders, and abilities are welcome. Bring a drum, shaker, or other instruments, and a beverage or snack.

• Mon, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Mira Theatre
• 51 Daniels Ave.

Movement with Mary Jane

Movement with Mary Jane is aguided 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 Street

Speak Easy Expressions Poetry Night

Poetry for the soul - open mic every other Monday at Chris' Club.

• Mon, 7 to 11 p.m.
• Chris’ Club
• 656 Benicia Rd

Townhouse Ramblers

Acoustic Evening of Americana, Folk and Blues featuring Don Bassey, Pato Milo, Jeff Campitelli, Rich Adams, Mark Reed, Eric Wood, Erin Bakke, plus some very special guests - now 1st & 3rd Mondays

• Mon, 7 to 10 p.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St.

Tuesday, July 2

The Flavor Town Tuesday's

Let the kids play while you enjoy food, desserts, cocktails and more from local eateries and get your groove to the DJ.

• Tues, 4 to 8 p.m.
• Children’s Wonderland
• 360 Glenn St.

Family Friendly Comedy

Bay Area Comics - Family Friendly comedy and Italian inspired cuisine - first and third Tuesdays at Bambino's. No cover with dinner.

• Tues, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• Bambino’s
• 301 Georgia St. #122

Editor's note — this story was updated to add events at the Mare Island Brewery Taproom