Upcoming Vallejo Events — Ella Fitzgerald tribute at the Empress

VALLEJO — A tribute to Ella Fitzgerald, a comedy by a local youth theater, and fundraiser galas are the highlights of this week’s Vallejo events.

Saturday night at the Empress Theatre Lounge, two powerhouse vocalists will unite to celebrate the First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald. Joyce Grant and Kellie Fuller will be backed by the Mike Greensill Trio to present an elegant night of Fitzgerald's greatest hits and hidden gems. Grant is the great-great-niece of ragtime composer Scott Joplin and has been singing since her early childhood. Fuller is a formally trained singer from Napa with a versatile repertoire. 

Bay Area Stage, for one weekend only, presents a youth production of “Eight Hangry Jurors,” a comedic parody of a courtroom drama where the young jurors debate about what to have for lunch. Justice cannot be served on an empty stomach!

Two fundraisers for worthy causes are coming up. The first annual Maria Guevara Gala will celebrate the legacy of the late founder of Vallejo Together by raising funds to support the unsheltered on Friday evening at the Moose Lodge. The Hawaiian-themed event will feature keynote speakers, raffles, drinks and dancing.

Then on Saturday evening, Friends of Loma Vista Farm is holding a pasta feed and auction at the Florence Douglas Center to celebrate 50 years since the founding of the educational farm and raise money for a new cow habitat.

A Vallejo mayoral candidates forum will be held at Emmanuel Temple Church on Wednesday evening, and the mayoral candidates and the lone candidate for Vallejo City Council District 3 will also appear at the Glen Cove community meeting on Thursday evening at the Glen Cove Elementary School.

On a less serious note, you can have dinner with waterfront views and live jazz by the Bryan Girard trio at Manny’s Steakhouse on Saturday, or laugh and howl along with drag queen Ava LaShay at the Townhouse Cocktail lounge late into Saturday night.

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

Wednesday, September 25

Storytime at Children's Wonderland

Join us for storytime at Children's Wonderland Park at every Wednesday. Admission to Children's Wonderland is free to all Vallejo residents.

• Wed, 11:15 to 11:45 am
• Children’s Wonderland
• 360 Glenn St., Vallejo

Anime Cafe for Kids and Teens

Socialize, snack, and do one-piece themed activities/ This month: One Piece Make a Snack based on the show. Create a button, and craft a boat. Can you make your boat float?

• Wed, 2 to 4 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., 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 to 7:20 p.m.
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Vallejo Mayoral Candidates Forum

Come and join the community and meet the Vallejo Mayoral candidates. Open to the public, audience Q&A. Hosted by AAA African American Alliance, NAACP and BWOPA

• Wed, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Emmanuel Temple Church
• 900 6th Street, Vallejo

Evan Thomas Blues Band

Evan Thomas’s classic, electric blues guitar style, is influenced by some of the great guitar players of our time. The Evan Thomas Blues Band also features Wally Schnalle on drums, George Franklin on Bass and Noel Catura on Sax. The Band is experienced and packs a potent performance, full of style and tone.

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

Poetry by the Bay

Spoken Word! Poetry! Open Mic! Join us live at the Mira Theatre every 4th Wednesday of every month. This is the spot where poets gather to share their work and to hear the work of others. Tickets are free, but seating is limited so reserve yours today.

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

Wednesday Night Open Mic

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

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

Thursday, September 26

Art Beat Radio Show – Poetry Hour

Former Benicia Poet Laureate Thomas Stanton hosts this live show featuring readings by local poets. Spoken word artists wishing to share their original poetry on the radio are welcome to join the live studio broadcast. Arrive by 10:15 a.m. to sign up on the list.

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

Glen Cove Fall 2024 Community Meeting

Join your neighbors and Vallejo political candidates for Mayor and City Council District 3 to talk about issues that are important to Glen Cove neighborhoods and our community as a whole. Arrive early and stay late to enjoy a delicious menu from locally-owned Vallejo food truck.

• Thurs, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Glen Cove Elementary School
• 501 Glen Cove Pkwy., Vallejo

Sizzle

Sizzle has become a vibrant and dynamic force on the music scene, being hailed as one of the hottest bands around. The five-piece band delivers a soothing mixture of jazz, R&B, blues, and rock.

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

September Book Club: "The Wind Knows My Name" by Isabel Allende

Please join Alibi Bookshop's Book Club discussion of "The Wind Knows My Name" by Isabel Allende. "Timely, provocative . . . emotionally satisfying . . . [a story about] the kindness of strangers who become family." --The New York Times Book Review

• Thurs, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• Alibi Bookshop
• 624 Marin St., Vallejo

Friday, September 27

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 10:35 am
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave., 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 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

1st Annual Maria Guevara Gala

Vallejo Together is excited to invite you to attend our “First Annual Maria Guevara Gala” to celebrate Guevara’s legacy and raise funds to provide support to our neighbors without shelter who are being moved from campsite to campsite.

• Fri, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Vallejo Moose Lodge
• 337 Nebraska St., Vallejo

September Sip & Paint - The Change of Seasons

Local artist Jena Webber will guide you as you paint your very own masterpiece! Your "Change of Seasons" themed image will be done on a 16x20 canvas. The class will be held inside The Great Room of the mansion. Your first glass of wine is included with admission. All art supplies will be provided.

• Fri, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
• Vino Godfather
• 1005 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

8 Hangry Jurors - BAS Junior Presents

After hours of heated deliberation, eight jurors struggle to come to a consensus… on what to order for lunch. This parody of the classic courtroom drama will have audiences rolling in the aisles and asking all the tough questions, like ”Are there vegetarian options?” 8 Hangry Jurors has a gender-flexible ensemble cast, where actors will have a blast putting their own spin on their characters and quest to satisfy their culinary cravings! Justice cannot be served on an empty stomach.

• Fri, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St., Vallejo

Fright Fest

Experience the transformation and prepare for nights of frights into a realm of haunted horrors and eerie entertainment. With haunted mazes, terrifying scare zones, and hair-raising shows, it's a scream-inducing extravaganza for thrill-seekers. Enjoy the park's rides in the dark, making it the ultimate destination chills of the Halloween season. *Some attractions and events require additional costs for admission

• Fri, 6 to 10 p.m.
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
• 1001 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo

Saturday, September 28

Free Fall Clean up Day

Sponsored by Recology and the City of Vallejo. This event is open to Vallejo Residents only and proof of residency will be required to participate. No commercial businesses or contractors allowed. For more information please call (707) 552-3110 or (707) 648-5346.

• Sat, 7 a.m. to noon
• Temporary Free Dump
• 100 Solano Ave., 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.

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

Community Coffee Tasting

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

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

Farmers' Market

Shop here for a great selection of California-grown greens, fruits & veggies, 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

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

Youth Connection Resource Fair

The Vallejo Police Department is thrilled to partner with Project Home to present the Youth Connection Resource Fair. This incredible event will feature Fillmoe Mike and DJ Tay from 106.1 KMEL as your MCs, with tons of fun activities lined up. Join us for good music, delicious food and refreshments, on-site barbers and hair stylists and exciting raffle prizes! Open to youth aged 16-24.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Fright Fest

Experience the transformation and prepare for nights of frights into a realm of haunted horrors and eerie entertainment. With haunted mazes, terrifying scare zones, and hair-raising shows, it's a scream-inducing extravaganza for thrill-seekers. Enjoy the park's rides in the dark, making it the ultimate destination chills of the Halloween season. *Some attractions and events require additional costs for admission

• Sat, noon to 11 p.m.
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
• 1001 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo

Kitty Meet and Greet - Pet Adoptions

Come meet your next best friend! All cats and kittens who are adopted out through Community Cat Advocates have been dewormed, treated for fleas, tested for Felv and FIV, vaccinated to age appropriate levels, microchipped and spayed or neutered. Evening appointments also available.

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

Papa Joe & The New Deal

Papa Joe and the New Deal will entertain you with feel good music that you are sure to recognize and love. They will move you with soul, R&B, reggae, old school funk and Latin rock. 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., Vallejo

"CIVIL: The World of Bayard Rustin" Book Signing

Volume 2 of the graphic novel series "CIVIL: The World of Bayard Rustin" is here. Join author Anna Bergman for discussion and book signing

• Sat, 2 to 4 p.m.
• Ethnic Notions Gallery and Book Store
• 930 Marin St., Vallejo

Bryan Girard Jazz Trio

Saxophonist Bryan Girard will be joined by Greg Sankovich on keys and Dave Bell on guitar. Manny's has turned out to be a great spot for jazz, with a lot of regulars coming by to soak up the music and the ambiance. Manny's offers good food at reasonable prices and, of course, a full bar. Buy dinner and get listen to a live jazz show, free. Advance dinner reservations recommended.

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

Friends of Loma Vista Farm - Pasta Feed & Auction

Join us as we celebrate 50 years and raise money for our new cow habitat with delicious pasta, dessert, and silent and live auctions.

• Sat, 5 to 7 p.m.
• Florence Douglas Center
• 333 Amador St., Vallejo

For the Love of Ella

Join us for a captivating evening as two powerhouse vocalists unite to celebrate the First Lady of Song, Ella Fitzgerald! Joyce Grant and Kellie Fuller backed by The Mike Greensill Trio present an elegant night of Ella's greatest hits and hidden gems, each with its own personality and flair. Let the golden era of Jazz come alive at this celebration of a true legend!

• Sat, 6 to 9:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre Lounge
• 324 Virginia St., Vallejo

8 Hangry Jurors - BAS Junior Presents

After hours of heated deliberation, eight jurors struggle to come to a consensus… on what to order for lunch. This parody of the classic courtroom drama will have audiences rolling in the aisles and asking all the tough questions, like “Are there vegetarian options?” 8 Hangry Jurors has a gender-flexible ensemble cast, where actors will have a blast putting their own spin on their characters and quest to satisfy their culinary cravings! Justice cannot be served on an empty stomach.

• Sat, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St., Vallejo

The Hired Guns Band

All sights are set on the dance floor with the Hired Guns Band. Get in early, get your drink and a piece of the dance floor. Hired Guns is a country cover band that plays everything from country, to classic rock, to blues. $10 cover after 10 p.m.

• Sat, 9 p.m. to midnight
• Gentleman Jim’s
• 1324 Lincoln Rd. E, Vallejo

Serve it to 'Em Saturdays

Ava LaShay hosts Serve it to 'Em Saturdays drag show with Queera Nightly and Avery Night.  

• Sat, 10:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St., Vallejo

Sunday, September 29

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, 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

Fright Fest

Experience the transformation and prepare for nights of frights into a realm of haunted horrors and eerie entertainment. With haunted mazes, terrifying scare zones, and hair-raising shows, it's a scream-inducing extravaganza for thrill-seekers. Enjoy the park's rides in the dark, making it the ultimate destination chills of the Halloween season. *Some attractions and events require additional costs for admission

• Sun, noon to 10 p.m.
• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
• 1001 Fairgrounds Drive, Vallejo

Yoga and Begonias

Join us for a relaxing and rejuvenating Sunday of yoga and your favorite slow jams. Come connect with self, nature and the rhythm of music. Yoga Session -12:00 p.m. Mixer with free mimosa - 1 p.m. You will have the opportunity to connect with yourself, nature, and the rhythm of soulful R&B music. The event will be led by experienced and certified yoga instructor.

• Sun, noon to 2 p.m.
• Neighborhood Plant Dealer
• 419 Georgia St., Suite 10, Vallejo

8 Hangry Jurors - BAS Junior Presents

After hours of heated deliberation, eight jurors struggle to come to a consensus… on what to order for lunch. This parody of the classic courtroom drama will have audiences rolling in the aisles and asking all the tough questions, like ”Are there vegetarian options?” 8 Hangry Jurors has a gender-flexible ensemble cast, where actors will have a blast putting their own spin on their characters and quest to satisfy their culinary cravings! Justice cannot be served on an empty stomach.

• Sun, 3 to 4:30 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St., Vallejo

Family Fun Night and Clean Air Day

Free fun for the whole family, featuring Magical Moonshine Theatre puppet show. Pedal-powered smoothie stations, balloon art, face painting, food, seeds, plants, giveways and more. Sponsored by Vallejo Citizen Air Monitoring Network, Bay Area Air Quality Management District and Touro University.

• Sun, 3 to 6 p.m.
• St. Vinnie’s Community Garden
• Marin and Ohio Streets, Vallejo

Libra 70’s Bash - A Libra's Best Life 70’s Party

Come on out for this 70's themed concert - all zodiac signs are welcome. 70's themed attire is optional, but highly encouraged. DJ Sidesho (Vinnie McGhee Sr), and live entertainment by Lolita Sweet's pop, rock and soul, and old school R&B and classic soul by Top Shelf Classics.

• Sun, 3 to 7 p.m.
• Vino Godfather
• 1005 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

Monday, September 30

Movement with Mary Jane

We are excited to welcome you to Movement with Mary Jane. 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

Tuesday, October 1

"I Need A Mic" writing workshop

Ray Davis @poetdavis hosts the I Need a Mic Writing Workshop at the JFK Library. Writers of all genres welcome.

• Tues, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St., Vallejo

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

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, Vallejo

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

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