Upcoming Vallejo Events — Hip Hop Empowerment and SOL, the Musical

VALLEJO — A new group called “Hip Hop Empowerment” is having two events in Vallejo on Saturday at Nobel Cinema Studios on Solano Avenue, a hip-hop themed vendor market in the early afternoon, and a launch party featuring a lineup of 20 hip hop artists. 

The organization, founded by finance instructor Anna Glidewell, aims to “empower our community with the financial literacy skills needed for a brighter future,” according to a press release. 

The launch event on March 9 will not only introduce the curriculum but will also feature captivating music performances by San Francisco rapper Black C of RBL Posse, DJHoppa, Cash Lansky, Marley B, Afrikan Tone, and RU. 

“SOL, the Musical” by Benicia singer, songwriter, and playwright Charlene ‘Cher’ Alberto debuts at the Mira Theatre on Friday. The music is a mix of sounds from the 80s and Spanish folk music. The story includes themes of immigration and speaks to Asian-American and people of color representation and empowerment. 

“While creating this project I was able to really get in touch with my roots and create new voices to be heard,” Alberto said in a statement about her work.

This Friday’s Art Walk should be a lively one, with the injection of funding and promotion of the Women's Artist Showcase at California Forever’s downtown Vallejo office. 

The show will feature work by JeanCheríe, Ka'Ala and Hannah Malie Keala, and a fashion show by Claudette Inspired Vintage. V-Town Provísions, Anchor Pantry, Sunshine Smoothies and Everything Cake Company will provide food and refreshments. Live music will be performed by Selena Sobes, Jay Dela Cruz and DJ Flow.

But some artists have indicated they plan to continue protests of the controversial project, which aims to build a new city in rural Solano County.

Among the many other attractions of Art Walk scattered around the downtown is a free screening of TJ Walkup’s film “Generations” at Riverbank on Georgia Street at 7 p.m. “Generations,” is a feature-length documentary about the unique Filipino-American immigrant story in Vallejo. 

There will be live music at IntegriTea, where the event extends late into the night after the official Art Walk activity on the street winds down. 

This is also  the closing weekend for “A Life in the Theatre,” a comic play by David Mamet at Bay Area Stage, with showtimes on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

On Sunday afternoon you can catch the sweet sounds of the Vallejo Choral Society singing verses by Shakespeare set to music. The view from Vallejo's hilltop Masonic Temple, the wine and hors d’oeuvres, will please your eyes and taste buds along with your ears.

You may be able to help steer some public policy decisions on Thursday. 

The Vallejo Passenger Rail Study Community Workshop will take place Thursday afternoon at the Joseph room at the John F. Kennedy Library. The study by the City of Vallejo and the Solano Transportation Authority will develop a conceptual foundation for a new transit service that would provide Vallejo residents, employees, and visitors with new regional mobility .

Later on Thursday evening, a Measure P Town Hall meeting will be held in the Joseph Room below the library to allow people to give feedback on how to spend Measure P money.

This only scratches the surface of what’s going on this week. Check the list below for more live music, art, and recreational activities.

Wednesday, March 6

Lawyers in the Library

The Lawyers in the Library program offers free 15-minute appointments with attorneys. Please come in-person at 9 a.m. or call 866-572-7587 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.

Steve Freund Trio

Guitarist, producer, and bandleader Steve Freund, praised by Rolling Stone for his "masterful, no-nonsense guitar work" continues to share his feeling for the blues wherever he can.

• 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, March 7

Genealogy Society meeting with speaker Brendan Riley on Irish Ancestry

Journalist and historian Brendan Riley has spent many years researching his own Irish Ancestry. Riley has produced two books focusing on the history of Vallejo, Mare Island and other areas of Solano County. He writes the "Solano Chronicles" history column for the Vallejo Times-Herald.

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

Vallejo Passenger Rail Study

The City of Vallejo and the Solano Transportation Authority are partnering to consider rail service that links Vallejo with other North Bay communities such as American Canyon, Suisun City, Fairfield, Napa, and Novato.

• Thurs, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
• JFK Library – Joseph Room
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Measure P Town Hall Meeting

Town Hall Meeting for people to give feedback on how to spend Measure P money. Option to join via the Zoom

• Thurs, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Vallejo Room – Lower level of the JFK Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Friday, March 8

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.

2nd Friday Art Walk

The Vallejo Art Walk takes place all over the downtown area and includes local merchants, street vendors, musicians and galleries. Are you a creative who makes something you want to showcase? bring a table down and set up - it’s free!

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

Live Music with 2 Track'n

2 Track'n performs your favorites from the 70's, 80's  and 90's. No cover with dinner.

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

March Art Walk at IntegriTea

We will have live, original music playing late into the night and art on display from local artists. Music by Common Union 59 Air Lift Undergound Blue Cinema and a late-night set by DJ Ennui Goa.

• Fri, 6 to 11 p.m.
• IntegriTea Art + Event Space
• 717 Marin St.

"Generations" Filipinos of Vallejo documentary

Generations is a feature-length documentary about a cultural group that has enriched the city of Vallejo

• Fri, 7 to 8:45 pm
• Riverbank
• 332 Georgia Street

SOL, the Musical

SOL, the Musical has a mix of sounds from the 1980s along with origins of Spanish folk music. This relatable story of immigration, overcoming family hardships, representing Island life versus American culture, speaks to AAPI and BIPOC representation and empowerment.

• Fri, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Mira Theatre
• 51 Daniels Avenue

A Life in the Theatre - a play by David Mamet

Two actors run through missed cues, wardrobe malfunctions, dropped lines and broken props. Great fun – unless you are an actor and it is happening to you. The play features powerful performances by Micheal Cawelti and Patrick Atkinson.

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

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, March 9

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

• 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.)

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

Fabulous & Fierce Makers Faire

Get ready for a day filled with creativity, innovation, and fun. Explore a wide range of exhibits showcasing the incredible talents of makers from all around. From handmade crafts to cutting-edge technology, there's something for everyone.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Tony’s Cakes
• 418 Georgia St

Give Litter the Boot!

Come out and play your part in keeping our community healthy, safe, and free from litter! Participants will be assisting in a voluntary cleanup to restore the beauty of one our beloved community parks.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Setterquist Park
• 300 Stanford Drive

Drip & Dollars Hip Hop Vendor Pop Up

Discover the ultimate fusion of style, beats, and financial education as we showcase local vendors and their hip hop-inspired creations. But that’s not all! We’re bringing in finance experts to drop knowledge on building wealth and making smart money moves. Learn how to level up your financial game while vibing to the hottest hip hop tracks.

• Sat, 12 to 4 p.m.
• Nobel Cinema Studios
• 1509 Solano Ave.

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. Come meet your next best friend!

• Sat, 12 to 3 p.m.
• PetSmart
• 952 Admiral Callaghan Ln.

Poetry in Notion

Join Vallejo’s Co-Poets Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne and Kathleen Herrmann for Poetry in Notion’s Casual read around poetry circle. Bring some poetry to share or just come and listen!

• Sat, 12 to 2 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Winged Beings Art Show

Winged Beings Invitational Art Show by JeanCherie and Friends.

• Sat, 12 to 5 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Whiskey & Honey Mar 9th 1-4pm at Vino Godfather Winery

Whiskey & Honey performs country hits old and new, along with a dash of classic rock. Enjoy an afternoon of great music and delicious wine with your family and friends. ]

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

Live Music with Strange Brew

Featuring the mixed sounds of Strange Brew. No cover with dinner.

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

A Life in the Theatre - a play by David Mamet

Two actors run through missed cues, wardrobe malfunctions, dropped lines and broken props. This comic play features powerful performances by Micheal Cawelti and Patrick Atkinson.

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

Hip Hop Empowerment Launch Party - It Was All A Dream Showcase

Hip-Hop Empowerment strives to bring financial literacy and business strategies to the art of Hip-Hop within our community. A lot of big hitters on this line up have manifested their dreams through hip-hop and they want to tell their stories.

• Sat, 8 to 11 p.m.
• Nobel Cinema Studios
• 1509 Solano Ave.

Top Shelf Classics!

Top Shelf consists of five dynamic vocalists, exciting background singers, dancers, and a set of award-winning musicians that can perform smooth jazz to funky soul and everything in between! The evening begins with a tribute to the timeless music of the Supremes

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

Townhouse Divas Drag Show

Vicodonia Knightingale, Charity Kase and Holotta Tymes are the Divas you want to see!

• Sat, 10:30 to 11:59 pm
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St.

Sunday, March 10

Touro Demonstration Food Forest Installation Workshop

Get your hands dirty and help us create a food forest on the Vallejo campus. During this first of our exciting three- part Food Forest Installation event, we will learn about the powerful ways landscapes can be designed to save and store water.

• Sun, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Touro University California
• 1310 Club Drive, Mare Island

Bryan Girard Jazz Quartet

Saxophonist Bryan Girard will be joined by Mark Rossi, Karl Hartmann & Gerry Kennett. Buy lunch and get listen to a live jazz show

• Sun, 12 to 3 p.m.
• Bambino’s
• 301 Georgia St. #122

Winged Beings Art Show

Winged Beings Invitational Art Show by JeanCherie and Friends

• Sun, 12 to 5 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Ariel Marin

Ariel Marin is a refreshingly eclectic powerhouse songstress on track to be the next global superstar. Ariel’s award-winning multi-genre band features multi-platinum producer James “Jae-E” Earley.

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

Shakespeare in Song - Concert & Gala

Take in the vista from Vallejo's hilltop Masonic Temple while enjoying live music, hors d’oeuvres, and a glass of wine. Peruse an enticing selection of Raffle and Silent Auction offerings, then settle in for a concert of choral works set to text by William Shakespeare. Conducted by Artistic Director Julia Morris.

• Sun, 2 to 3:30 p.m.
• Springbrook Masonic Temple
• 101 Temple Way

A Life in the Theatre - a play by David Mamet

Two actors run through missed cues, wardrobe malfunctions, dropped lines and broken props. This comic play features powerful performances by Micheal Cawelti and Patrick Atkinson

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

Last day to register for free
"Youth Arts Activist Communications Klass (YAACK)"

Registration for this free youth art class by TJ Walkup of Omnific Pictures closes on March 10. The class will cover Zine making, art, illustration and podcasting. For Vallejo residents ages 13 to 16. Classes will be held at Creative Reuse of Vallejo on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through April.

• Sun, all day
• online

Monday, March 11

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

Tuesday, March 12

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

City Council Regular Meeting

City Council meetings are now hybrid in-person and on Zoom. Agendas can be viewed on the City Agendas & Videos webpage and are posted a minimum of 72 hours in advance for regular meetings and 24 hours in advance for special meetings. There will be a video link at the left of the agenda page once the meeting begins.

• Tues, 7 to 11 p.m.
• Vallejo City Hall
• 555 Santa Clara St.