Upcoming Vallejo Events – Hispanic heritage, cats and dogs, Mare Island history

VALLEJO – This week kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with two events in Vallejo and lots of Latin music to help celebrate. Plus, there’s a big Humane Society Gala and Fundraiser at the Empress Theatre, and three days of Mare Island history to explore.

The opening reception for the “Our Ancestral Roots” Hispanic Heritage month exhibit will happen Friday at the Vallejo Museum, followed by the Fiestas Partrias celebration on Georgia Street downtown on Saturday.

Bambino's and Vino Godfather both feature Latin-themed live music on Saturday, with Barrio Funk and Los Cochinos. The Bombshell Group’s Salsa Saturday will have a free dance party and dancing lessons at the Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Park.

For animal lovers, the Humane Society of the North Bay is holding their first gala fundraiser since the COVID-19 shutdown with a cowboy-themed fête that will sprawl across both the theater and the lounge. The event will feature live music by the California Cowboys, food by Provisions, and a live auction hosted by former Vallejo Times-Herald columnist Richard Freeman.

The Mare Island Historic Park Foundation is celebrating Founders Day over three days, starting with a speaker panel at St. Peter’s Chapel on Thursday, historic bus and walking tours of the island on Friday and Saturday, and culminating with a big party at the Admiral’s Mansion on Saturday.

Or you can tour Mare Island and the river on a river cruise with tour guide and Mare Island Heritage Trust President Myrna Hayes.

The annual Kids’ Book Fest will be held at Children’s Wonderland on Saturday, with live readings, free books and live entertainment.

Sunday’s entertainment rounds out the week with the popular band Kalimba performing rock classics by Earth, Wind and Fire, and a punk rock show at the Townhouse with Eric Core and Swamp Thing from San Francisco, joined by the sonic adventure of local band AJAR.

A new call for art has been announced by the Greater Vallejo Recreation District for Lake Dalwigk Park improvements. The submission deadline is Sept. 21.

Touro University launches their Social Justice in Public Health webinar series tomorrow with “New Jim Code? Innovation, Imagination, and Inequity in the Digital Age” featuring speaker Ruha Benjamin, an associate professor of African American Studies at Princeton University.

The Vallejo Police Department is holding a town hall meeting to discuss its plans to stop responding to many alarm calls because of its staffing emergency at the Vallejo Room in the John F. Kennedy library.

Check the listings below for more art and music.

Wednesday, September 13

Andy Santana and the West Coast Playboys

Veteran West Coast musician Andy Santana is a smooth, dynamic vocalist and harmonica player with a sophisticated urban style. The West Coast Playboys have been chosen as the house/backup band for many Blues legends.

• Wed, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre Lounge
• 324 Virginia St.

Thursday, September 14

Art Beat Radio Show – Live Poetry

On 2nd Thursdays Art Beat features Literary Dialogues with Nina Serrano.

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

Storytime at Children's Wonderland

Join our friends from the Solano County Library for storytime, a free program offered to the community.

• Thurs, 11 to 11:45 am
• Children’s Wonderland
• 360 Glenn St.

Social Justice in Public Health Series

The first of Touro University’s Social Justice in Public Health Webinar Series is “New Jim Code? Innovation, Imagination, and Inequity in the Digital Age.” Speaker: Ruha Benjamin, PhD.

• Thurs, 5 to 7 p.m.
• Webinar registation

Mare Island's Founders Day: "Standing Together" Speaker Series

A panel of speakers will explore how Mare Island, the jobs it offered, and the exigences of war combined to draw one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the nation to Vallejo. Speakers: ‍Marian Hopwood, ‍Brendan Riley, ‍‍Helen Zajac and Jake Sloan.

• Thurs, 6 to 8 p.m.
• St. Peter’s Chapel
• 1181 Walnut Ave.

Sip and Paint - Turtles at Sea

Local artist Jena Webber will guide you step-by-step, as you paint your very own  "Turtles at Sea" themed image. Your first glass of wine is included with admission.

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

Vallejo Police Department - Town Hall Meeting

In an effort to provide efficient services to the community, VPD is proposing to no longer respond to selected unverified alarm calls.

• Thurs, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Vallejo City Hall – Vallejo Room
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Friday, September 15

"Our Ancestral Roots" Hispanic Heritage Month exhibit Opening Reception

Honoring Hispanic and Latino heritage, art, culture, and traditions. Exhibit guest curated by Marisela Barbosa and Mario Saucedo.

• Fri, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St.

Guitarist Ken Maffeo

Enjoy dinner, drinks and dancing while guitarist Ken Maffeo plays FM classic country, Motown and soul.

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

Mare Island's Founders Day: "Behind the Fences" Bus Tour

The Bus Tour is currently sold out. Send an email to landerson@mihpf.org to be placed on the wait list. This tour is a deep dive into history that will take you into locations and buildings that are not otherwise open to visitors.

• Fri, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Savage & Cooke
• 1097 Nimitz Ave.

Saturday, September 16

Community Coffee Tasting

Mingle with friends and neighbors while sipping free coffee samples. There’s a new cafe at the roasting site with an espresso machine and an outdoor grill offering 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 greens, fruits and veggies, as well as some nice specialty booths with baked goods and honey at down-to-earth prices.

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

Fiestas Patrias

Fiestas Patrias are traditional celebrations of Mexican national pride, independence, and culture that  coincide with National Hispanic Heritage Month. Live entertainment, Mexican food

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Sacramento Streets

Free Family Day

Free museum admission the third Saturday of every month. Join us at 11:00 am for story time recommended for children aged 8 and under.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St.

Napa River Cruise

Expect to see shorebirds and waterfowl on this cruise with tour guide Myrna Hayes up the Napa River.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Vallejo Municipal Marina
• 42 Harbor Way

Vallejo Kid's Book Fest

Readings, live entertainment, crafts, and one free new book for all kids (while supplies last). Used books for all ages, and more.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Children’s Wonderland
• 360 Glenn St.

Mare Island's Founders Day: "Open Island" Self-Guided Walking Tours

Grab a map, and wander through history from location to location where Mare Island Historic Park Foundation docents will be stationed to share history with you.‍

• Sat, 10:30 a.m. to noon
• Quarters Coffee House
• 1015 Walnut Ave.

Create from a word with clay - The Letting Go Experience

You will be led through a brief meditation and will be given a word to explore what comes up to you with the use of your hands and simple materials on wet clay. No experience necessary. All materials included. 18 yrs old and older.

• Sat, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Los Cochinos

Los Cochinos’ sound has been described as similar to that of Santana, El Chicano, War and Tower of Power.

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

Mare Island's Founders Day Main Event: Family Festival

Bring the family, some chairs, and a picnic and enjoy awesome tunes on the lawn at the Admiral’s Mansion. Bounce house and face painting for the kids, beer and wine for sale for the adults, and history exhibits for all. A silent auction and a raffle will raise funds for the Mare Island Historic Park Foundation.

• Sat, 1 to 4 p.m.
• The Admiral’s Mansion
• 1065 Walnut Ave.

Salsa Saturdays

Join us every 3rd Saturday with a free salsa lesson. Come in your tropical best attire Salsa instruction 4:30 p.m. Free style/public salsa

• Sat, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Barbara Kondylis Waterfront Park
• 301 Mare Island Way

Barrio Funk

Live Latin rock, funk, R&B, salsa and cumbia. Food, drinks and dancing.

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

Humane Society Gala and Fundraiser

Country music will be performed by the California Cowboys. Enjoy line dancing lessons by Heidi Dee and an adoptable dog parade. Heavy appetizers, or dinner with a VIP ticket. Live auction hosted by MC Richard Freedman and auctioneer Michael Wilson.

• Sat, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St.

Live Music with Hannah Jern-Miller

Hannah Jern-Miller has been bringing her smooth blend of folk, blues, bluegrass, and vintage rock music to the world for over 15 years.

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

Sunday, September 17

Community Garage Sale

One man's trash is another one's treasure! De-clutter your home today and bring your items to sell, or find gifts, update your home decorations, or just indulge in a one of a kind item just for you.

• Sun, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Children’s Wonderland
• 360 Glenn St.

Causing Cultural Anarchy V - ForbHidden

The theme for this show is “Our hidden sex, sexuality, gender and identity in art.” These daring pieces threaten the norms of our own beliefs, as well as culture in general.

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

Kalimba Fall Dance Party

This "Spirit of Earth, Wind and Fire" show returns to Vino Godfather for an experience so satisfying it transports audiences back to the excitement of the first time they heard these unforgettable songs.

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

Erik Core, Swamp Thing, and AJAR

Off-track rock, punk, psychedelic, sonic adventure by local band AJAR, joined by San Francisco punk staples Eric Core and Swamp Thing

• Sun, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St.

Monday, September 18

Blue Oak Landing Grand Opening Celebration

Grand opening of 75 units of supportive housing in north Vallejo. Lunch will be served to registrants

• Mon, noon to 2 p.m.
• Blue Oak Landing
• 2118 Sacramento 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.

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

Tuesday, September 19

Sew September: Cross Stitch

Cross stitching is a fun, meditative and relaxing craft. In this beginner class we will learn how to create mini cross stitch designs from start to finish.

• Tues, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Ongoing through September 21

Call For Artists! Lake Dalwigk Park Improvements Project

Greater Vallejo Recreation District & City of Vallejo invite emerging and established artists from all backgrounds and disciplines to submit a proposal to design up to 2 art pieces at Lake Dalwigk Park.

• Apply online