VALLEJO — Kids can celebrate Easter this Saturday at one of two sessions with Thumper the Bunny at Children’s Wonderland Park, or at the free celebration hosted by the Boys & Girls Empowerment Program at Richardson Park.
Easter egg hunts and fun-filled games at both events are sure to keep children entertained, and provide great photo ops for parents.
On Saturday evening, the Vallejo Museum will hold a trivia night, one of its biggest annual fundraising events of the year, when teams of eight players will compete to answer questions. The event is filling up fast, so get your tickets soon to be part of the fun.
Bay Area Comics has two upcoming events. “Comedy Uncensored” at the Empress Lounge on Thursday evening will be headlined by Greg Asdorian, with appearances by Ryan Rodriguez, Honatan Ortiz, and hosts Johnny Rios and Guile Mosher.
Then on Tuesday evening, Rios, Mosher, and other guest comics will test their comic skills in a clean, family friendly comedy show at Bambino’s restaurant.
Vallejo loves poetry! The monthly Poetry by the Bay open mic is tonight at the Mira Theatre. OZCAT radio’s monthly Poetry Hour on Thursday morning will feature live readings by local poets.
Then at noon on Saturday, Co-Poets Laureate Kathleen Herrmann and Jacalyn Eyvonne will lead a youth poetry workshop at the John F. Kennedy Library. Participants may be published in an upcoming poetry anthology.
Midday on Tuesday, poet Ray Davis will lead the "I Need A Mic" writing workshop at the John F. Kennedy Library for writers of all genres.
Mare Island Company, the city of Vallejo, and HOK Architects will present the new draft use plan for Mare Island on Thursday evening at the Vallejo Museum. There will be an opportunity for community members to ask questions at the end of the meeting.
This Friday is the deadline for bands, musicians, dancers and other artists to submit an application to perform at the Solano County Fair in June.
Check the list below for many more live music, recreation and art happenings.
Wednesday, March 27
Takezo Takeda, The Soul Man from Japan
Tekada has performed as a rhythm and blues singer/guitarist with artists such as Elvin Bishop, Angela Strehli, Joe Louis Walker, Norton Buffalo, and many others.
- Wed, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Empress Theatre Lounge
- 324 Virginia St.
Poetry by the Bay
Vallejo’s longest running poetry open mic since 2008! Tickets are free, but seating is limited so reserve your space in advance.
- 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, March 28
Art Beat Radio Show – Poetry Hour
Former Benicia Poet Laureate Thomas Stanton hosts this live show featuring readings by local poets
- Thurs, 10:30 a.m. to noon
- Ozcat Radio
- 89.5 FM KZCT
Mare Island Co. Community Meeting
Please join us for a presentation of the DRAFT Land Use Plan for Mare Island. Mare Island Co. The City of Vallejo and HOK Architects will be sharing the plan that has been developed with community input, expert consultant studies, and reflects the economic development goals of the City of Vallejo.
- Thurs, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
- 734 Marin St.
Sip & Paint - Spring has Sprung!
Local artist Jena Webber will guide you, step-by-step, as you paint your very own masterpiece! The class will be held inside The Great Room of the mansion. All art supplies will be provided.
- Thurs, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
- Vino Godfather
- 1005 Walnut Ave.
Comedy Uncensored with Greg Asdorian
Greg Asdorian, a veteran of the Bay's comedy scene headlines this show. Other comedians performing include Guile Mosher, Ryan Rodriguez, Honatan Ortiz and Jonny Rios. The drinks are strong, the laughs are cheap.
- Thurs, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Empress Theatre Lounge
- 324 Virginia St.
March Book Club: My Antonia by Willa Cather
Published in 1918, Willa Cather’s My Ántonia is considered one of the most significant American novels of the twentieth century. The novel is important both for its literary aesthetic and as a portrayal of important aspects of American social ideals and history, particularly the centrality of migration to American culture.
- Thurs, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Alibi Bookshop
- 624 Marin St.
Friday, March 29
Become a performer at the Solano County Fair
Deadline for performers to apply to perform at the Solano County Fair in June. . The Applications for Bands, Musicians, Dance, & Performance are now available online. Applications received after the today will be placed on a wait list
- Fri, all day
- Online
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? 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.
Women's History Month Speaker Panel
Seven panelists will discuss diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility. Genea Brice, first Poet laureate of Vallejo, Yajaira Rubio Machado, Moon Azteca Ballet, Victoria Grace-Barksdale, youth advocate, Jeriann Abigail Guzman, LGBTQIA advocate, Molly James Stats, choreographer and teaching artist, Shantelle Ladybug Brumfield, teacher and youth advocate and Gretchen Zimmermann, journalist and artist.
- Fri, 6 to 8 p.m.
- Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
- 734 Marin St.
Saturday, March 30
Vallejo Run Club Weekly Run
The Vallejo Run Club meets each Saturday morning, rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. 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 Sobre Cuerdas
Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes while listening to the guitar work of Sobre Cuerdas.
- 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 fruits & veggies at down-to-earth prices.
- Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Downtown Vallejo
- Georgia and Marin Streets
Thumper's Egg-stravaganza Egg Hunt - session 1
Thumper's Egg-Stravaganza is back! Entry fee includes face paintings, egg hunt, games, and more. Vendors, concessions, and souvenirs for a nominal fee.
- Sat, 10 a.m. to 11:30 am
- Children’s Wonderland
- 360 Glenn St.
Children's Easter Celebration - Boys & Girls Empowerment Program
Spring is in full bloom, and families are invited to join in the free, egg-citing festivities at the Children's Easter Celebration Event! Hosted by the Boys & Girls Empowerment Program. This joyous event promises a day filled with laughter, games, and egg hunts galore. With separate egg hunts for different age groups, every child will have the chance to discover sweet surprises.
- Sat, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Richardson Park
- 325 Richardson Dr.
Vallejo Gardening Fair
Join us for a community-building event focusing on sustainable food, environmental, and gardening practices. The Vallejo Gardening Fair will highlight gardeners, chefs, beekeepers, farmers, naturalists from around Vallejo, Solano County, and the Bay Area. Featured Workshop with natural food chef and food activist Chef Lisa Núñez-Hancock from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
- Sat, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- John F. Kennedy Library
- 505 Santa Clara St.
The Youth Poetry Letters Workshop
Young writers and creative spirits will explore the intimate world of words under the mentorship of Co-Poet Laureates Kathleen Herrmann and Jacalyn Eyvonne. This is your chance to learn to script poetry letters on any topic, and your letter may be chosen to be a part of our upcoming anthology. Discover your poetry voice today! Project Sponsored By Vallejo Teaching Artists
- Sat, noon to 2 p.m.
- John F. Kennedy Library
- 505 Santa Clara St.
Thumper's Egg-stravaganza Egg Hunt - session 2
Thumper's Egg-Stravaganza is back! Entry fee includes face paintings, egg hunt, games, and more. Vendors, concessions, and souvenirs for a nominal fee.
- Sat, noon to 1:30 p.m.
- Children’s Wonderland
- 360 Glenn St.
Winged Beings Art Show
Winged Beings Invitational Art Show by JeanCherie and Friends.
- Sat, noon to 5 p.m.
- Mare Island Art Studios
- 110 Pintado St.
Soul'd Out
This talented band will take you on a musical journey through the decades with their eclectic mix of genres and styles. From the soulful sounds of Stevie Wonder to the upbeat rhythm of Bruno Mars, they've got something for everyone. Whether you're a fan of pop, rock, hip-hop or R&B, Soul’d Out has got you covered.
- Sat, 1 to 4 p.m.
- Vino Godfather
- 1005 Walnut Ave.
Bryan Girard Jazz quartet
Saxophonist Bryan Girard plays with Mark Rossi on piano, Terry Miller on bass, and drummer/whistler extraordinaire Gerry Kennett. Advance dinner reservations recommended.
- Sat, 5 to 8 p.m.
- Manny’s Steakhouse
- 295 Mare Island Way
Trivia Night at the Vallejo Museum
Our Annual FUN Fundraising Event! How it works: Reserve a table, get your 8 players, pick a team captain, choose a team name, and come prepared to answer trivia questions and have fun!
- Sat, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
- Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
- 734 Marin St.
Live Music Saturday with Zak Fennie
Zak Fennie is an indie/alternative singer-songwriter based out of the Napa Valley. He is influenced by a wide range of musicians including Dashboard Confessional, Elliot Smith, The Police, The Killers, Johnny Cash, and Death Cab For Cutie
- Sat, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Mare Island Brewing Co. Taproom
- 289 Mare Island Way
Git With It Band
Git With It is a Bay Area cover band that ranges from rock, R&B, oldies, and pop. Bring a friend and your dancing shoes!
- Sat, 8:30 to 12:30 am
- Gentleman Jim’s
- 1324 Lincoln Rd. E
Sunday, March 31
Kayak Practice and Fun
Paddle around Lake Chabot, an easy, fun kayaking site that’s safe for beginners. Kayak provided if you don’t have one. $10 suggested donation. Check the Facebook Kayaking Biking group for updates. Dates and times may vary because of weather or volunteer availability.
- Sun, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Lake Chabot
- Dan Foley Park, 1461 N Camino Alto
Monday, April 1
Community Drum Circle
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 if you have a favorite. Let us know in advance if you need to borrow a drum.
- Mon, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- Mira Theatre
- 51 Daniels Ave.
Solano Master plan for Aging - Listening Session
Older adults, people living with disabilities, caregivers, LQBTQ+ individuals, stakeholders, and community leaders are encouraged to participate. Residents will have an opportunity to provide input, confidentially, on what they feel are unmeet needs and proposed solutions to best support residents in the areas of: Awareness and access to services, safety, physical and mental health, affordable housing and transportation options.
- Mon, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
- Florence Douglas Center
- 333 Amador St.
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, April 2
"I Need A Mic" writing workshop
Ray Davis @poetdavis hosts the I Need a Mic Writing Workshop. Writers of all genres welcome.
- Tues, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
- John F. Kennedy Library
- 505 Santa Clara St.
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
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 the Women's History Month Speaker Panel at the Vallejo Museum
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Gretchen Zimmermann
Gretchen Zimmermann founded the Vallejo Arts & Entertainment website, joined the Vallejo Sun to cover event listings and arts and culture, and has since expanded into investigative reporting.
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