Upcoming Vallejo Events — Black History Month begins

VALLEJO — Tomorrow is the first day of Black History Month, and several related activities are happening around Vallejo. 

Springstowne Library’s Black History Month “Tiny Art Show” will be on display during open hours for the entire month. The show will feature artwork by community members of all ages who made use of the library’s free mini-art kits that were distributed in January. 

The Immersive Learning Center at 250 Georgia St. will celebrate Black History Month every Saturday and Sunday in February. Activities include genealogy searches, culinary demos, and the screening of the PBS documentaries “Celebrating Black Scientists,” and “Black in Latin America: Mexico & Peru.”  A community conversation about “The State of Black Vallejo – Education” will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday.

Mira Theatre will hold open auditions on Saturday at 10 a.m. for “Leontyne & Me," a new musical drama based on the life and impact of legendary African American soprano Leontyne Price.

On Sunday at 2 p.m., Ethnic Notions Bookstore and Gallery will hold an Artist Reception for their current show “The Art of the African Diaspora.” 

For music, the notable jazz vocalist David Gonzales will celebrate his 80^th birthday with an all-star lineup of jazz musicians at the Vallejo Museum. 

Gonzales was the founder and executive producer of the first San Francisco Latino Jazz Festival in 1997 and was one of the celebrants in the historic picture in front of San Francisco City Hall featuring the “Bay Area Giants of Jazz” featured in Downbeat Magazine in 1999. 

Politically active folks may wish to attend the official launch of Solano Together at noon on Sunday in Suisun City. Solano Together was formed to push back against the Flannery Associates proposed California Forever development. Speakers will include Suisun City Councilmember  Princess Washington, U.S. Rep. John Garamendi and Solano Farm Bureau President Will Brazelton.

Check the list below for event details and more community activities, recreation, live music and comedy.

Wednesday, January 31

Black History Month Tiny Art Show - Pick up art supplies for Feb. show

This is the last day to pick up a free mini-art kit. Create a work of art that honors and celebrates Black History Month. When completed, return your art to the library to be part of the Black History Month Tiny Art Show. Open to all ages, while supplies last.

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

Alabama Mike and The Mighty Revelators

Alabama Mike is a hard-driving blues singer who will remind you of the early original blues legends. He can blaze up a good old blues shuffle and have you moving and grooving, then effortlessly transport you through his unique style, offering a soulful gospel tinged ballad, and his jovial style of storytelling will send you through a range of exhilarating emotions.

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

Wednesday Night Open Mic

Every Wednesday at the Townhouse. A welcoming space for both beginning and seasoned musicians. Comedians and poets also welcome.

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

Thursday, February 1

Genealogy Society Meeting and speaker event
“Funeral Customs and Traditions”

John Passalaqua from Passalacqua Funeral Chapel has guided families of all walks of life during their darkest days. In this talk, Passalaqua will discuss the importance of honoring the dead to affirm the relationship and to heal after loss. Find out how it was done in the past, and how different cultures say good-bye to their family and friends.

• Thurs, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St.

Friday, February 2

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.

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

SoFresh Pizza Party

Are you ready to bring back nostalgic vibes of a 90s pizza party with your friends? Thou Wow Studio is putting an adult twist to it with DJ SoFresh, DJ J Spade, JP Breganza and Brandon James. Also party games and food and drink.

• Fri, 7 p.m. to Sat, 1:00 am
• Carnalito’s Customs
• 905 Tennessee St.

Reflection Goth Night

Goth Night with DJ Owen Owington Owensford presented by Its Danse Macabre. Classic Goth - Nu Goth - Industrial - Goth Metal - EBM - Synth Pop - CyberPunk - Dark Wave - New Wave - Post Punk - 80s - 90s and more. All ages, no cover

• Fri, 9 p.m. to midnight
• IntegriTea Art + Event Space
• 717 Marin Street

Saturday, February 3

Vallejo Run Club Weekly Run

Vallejo Run Club meets each Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m., rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal and runs one to three easy miles. Beginners to ultra marathoners welcome!

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

Farmers' Market

Great selection of in-season California-grown fruits & veggies at down-to-earth prices. You can also find honey, homemade soap and other goodies.

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

Exploring Vallejo's Rich Character and Culture:
A Conversation at the Vallejo Museum

This event will center around the captivating images showcased in Vallejo Project’s 2024 calendar, which will serve as inspiration for a thought-provoking conversation.

• Sat, 10 to 11:00 a.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St.

Open Auditions for "Leontyne & Me"

Come be a part of a new musical drama based on the life and impact of legendary African American soprano Leontyne Price, which tells a twofold story of a young African American violist and opera’s greatest Prima Donna overcoming racial barriers.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Mira Theatre
• 51 Daniels Ave.

Fireside Chat with California State Senate Candidate Councilwoman Dr. Rozzana Verder-Aliga

Join us for an exciting fireside chat with Councilwoman Dr. Rozzana Verder-Aliga, a candidate for California State Senate. Citizens have the option of attending via Facebook LIVE or in-person.

• Sat, 10:30 to 11:00 a.m.
• Sir Winston Business Center
• 515 Broadway St.

Black History Month @Keys STEAM Society

This wide-ranging event takes place weekends through the month of February, and includes activities from genealogy research to culinary demonstrations to documentary films to poetry readings.
Saturday-only, a community conversation about the state of Black Vallejo starts at 4 p.m.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Immersive Learning Center
• 250 Georgia Street

First Saturdays Fitness - Yoga

On first Saturdays enjoy a fitness class at the JFK Library! Yoga is a great way to de-stress, build up strength, and increase flexibility. Instructor Amy Raupach will guide the group through a beginner/intermediate-friendly session. No yoga mat? No problem! We have one you can borrow!

• Sat, 11 a.m. to noon
• JFK Library – Joseph Room
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Meet State Senate candidate Christopher Cabaldon

Town Hall for Christopher Cabaldon, candidate for State Senate in District 3 (Solano and Napa Counties). This will be an opportunity to meet Cabaldon and learn about him and his policies. Cabaldon is the former Mayor of West Sacramento.

• Sat, 1:30 to 3 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

The Coach Sarna League 2nd Annual Crab Feed Fundraiser

Come join us for all-you-can-eat crab and spaghetti in support of The Coach Sarna League and our mission to never turn a child away due to finances. There will be incredible raffle items, 50/50 raffle, and auction items. Proceeds go to our 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

• Sat, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Vallejo Veterans Memorial Building
• 420 Admiral Callaghan Ln.

Live Music with Idlewild West

Enjoy dinner, drinks and dancing while Idlewild West shares the music of the Allman Brothers.

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

Live Music Saturday with Tori Roze

Tori Roze is the founding member of original funky soul-jazz band Tori Roze and The Hot Mess. Likened to that of Amy Winehouse plus Janis Joplin with a slap of Jennifer Holiday, this woman’s voice truly invokes a sonic catharsis that ignites the heart and soul of the listener.

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

Gone Too Soon

"GONE TOO SOON" is a reflection of the incredible career of Michael Jackson in his prime, with all the massive hits and signature stage moves including an incredible cast of musicians. This mind-blowing production takes you back in time with an Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Artist delivering a theatrical event that is the next best thing to seeing Michael himself.

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

Sunday, February 4

Black History Month @Keys STEAM Society

This wide-ranging event is taking place weekends through the month of February and includes activities from genealogy research to culinary demonstrations to documentary films to poetry readings.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Immersive Learning Center
• 250 Georgia St.

Bringing Solano Together - Coalition Launch

The official launch of the Solano Together Coalition, which is driven by an alternative vision for Solano County in the face of Flannery Associates’ claims about California Forever’s benefits. Mayor Pro-Tem of Suisun City, Princess Washington, Congressman John Garamendi, Solano Farm Bureau President Will Brazelton, and more will address the audience and share their concerns about California Forever’s sprawl development plans and their vision for Solano County. Space is limited so registration is required.

• Sun, noon to 2 p.m.
• Joseph A Nelson Community Center
• 611 Village Drive, Suisun City

The Art of the African Diaspora Exhibit #1 Artist Reception

Featured artists: Stephen Bruce - acid on copper, Kelvin Curry - soft pastels, Jimi Evins - original mixed media, Zhane' Gaybird – photography, Stacy Mootoo - paper sculpture, Atiba Sylvia Thomas, assemblage, and Lawrence Bufort sculpture.

• Sun, 2 to 5 p.m.
• Ethnic Notions Gallery and Book Store
• 930 Marin St.

Jazz at the ValMuse with David Gonzalez

Come and join David as he celebrates his 80th birthday and 7 decades of musical performances with a sensational lineup of jazz musicians performing music you can tap your feet to or just get up and dance to! Featuring: Larry Dunlap on piano, Robb Fisher on bass, Curt Moore on drums, Tommy Kesecker on vibraphone, and percussionist Michaelle Goerlitz.

• Sun, 3 to 6 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St.

Bryan Girard Jazz Trio

Saxophonist Bryan Girard, Tim Campbell and Paul Aubert will play facing a spectacular waterfront view. Manny’s is popular, so advance dinner reservations are recommended. 

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

Monday, February 5

Community Drum Circle

Monthly gathering for community drummers and friends. Release stress, boost immunity, brighten your mood, and have tons of fun. All ages, cultures, genders, and abilities are welcome. What to bring: a drum, shaker, or other instruments. Drums available to borrow with advance notice.

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

Valentine Card Making

Drop in at the Springstowne library February 5th through 9th and make Valentine's Day cards for your friends and family. All ages. Supplies provided.

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

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 special guests – first & third Monday nights

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

Tuesday, February 6

Valentine Card Making

Drop in at the Springstowne library February 5th through 9th and make Valentine's Day cards for your friends and family. All ages. Supplies provided.

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

Campanelli Youth Chorus after-school class

Campanelli Youth Chorus is an after-school class that offers an enriching choral education and performance experience to school-age children, ages 7 and older. No audition or previous music experience is required.

• Tues, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• Vallejo Community Center
• 225 Amador 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 Fireside Chat with State Senate Candidate Rozzana Verder-Aliga