Upcoming Vallejo Events — Miss America competition at the Empress

VALLEJO — A local Miss America competition will be held at the Empress Theater on Saturday for the first time in the region.

The Miss Vallejo/Miss Tri-City competition provides an opportunity for young women between the ages of 18-28 from Vallejo, American Canyon, Benicia or Fairfield to compete for the title, receive a $1,500 scholarship, and compete for the $20,000 Miss California scholarship, and potentially to be Miss America herself. The event starts at 5 p.m. Ticket prices range from $20 to $50.

On Sunday, the Vallejo Arts Fund will have a celebration showcasing the arts grant recipients at the Riverbank. 

The Vallejo Arts Fund launched in February 2023 with funding from Hewlett Packard and distributed grants to Vallejo artists and community organizations, and focused on supporting youth, Black, Indigenous and People of Color artists. Sunday’s gathering will celebrate the grant recipients with performances, an art exhibit, and conversations about the impact of arts funding on the community.

As always there’s great live music in town! Two of this week’s many highlights are Mark Hummel’s Blues Survivors tonight at the Empress Lounge, and The Fifth Element, a hip-hop showcase, at Carnalitos Customs on Tennessee Street on Saturday.

The Vallejo Police Department will hold a Community Town Hall this evening at the Florence Douglass Center to get public feedback on their selection for the Integrated Health and Resource Team (IHART) contract. IHART will be a mobile crisis response unit that provides trauma-informed crisis response and social services-related calls, reducing the role of police and improving outcomes for individuals experiencing crises.

Touro University’s speaker series on Social Justice in Public Health continues on Thursday. The webinar topic is “Techno-solutions that Drive Health Equity and Social Justice” with speaker Caroline Franz, MBA, who has led design research and strategic visioning for projects looking at care in the home, preventing adverse childhood experiences, COVID-19 response, and digital equity at Kaiser Permanente. 

Leaven Kids will hold their first Community Resource Fair at the Norman King Center on Thursday, offering tutoring and homework support, mental health services and emergency assistance. 

A Transgender Day of Remembrance will be held at the Vallejo Museum on Saturday with speakers Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Dr. Jennie L Thomas PhD, and Ms. Bob Davis. Youth singers from On the Fringe will perform. A silent auction and a drag performance by Ms. Koko Chanel and her friends round out the event.

This weekend is your last chance to see Verismo Opera’s production of Luisa Miller by Giuseppe Verdi at the Mira Theatre. Next Tuesday you can catch a family friendly comedy show by Bay Area Comics at Bambino’s.

See the list below for more art, music and community activities.

Wednesday, November 15

Alice Darrow - A love story from World War II

Alice Darrow was a young Navy Nurse in World War II and is now 104 years old. She will share the heartwarming wartime love story of how she met and married Dean Darrow, a Navy fire controlman.

• Wed, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
• Courtyard Marriott
• 1000 Fairgrounds Dr.

Lawyers @ Your Library

Local attorneys offer free legal advice and referrals. Sign up in-person or by phone (1-866-572-7587) starting at 9 a.m. on the day of the program.

• Wed, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Mark Hummel’s Blues Survivors

Harp-playing bandleader Mark Hummel will be accompanied by guitarist Gary Vogensen, who was mentored by Mike Bloomfield, the famed guitarist from the Paul Butterfield Blues Band.

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

IHART / VPD Community Town Hall

The Vallejo Police Department hopes to divert 70 % of mental health-related calls to crisis workers, a social worker, and medical professionals. This town hall gives stakeholders an opportunity to provide input on the final selection for the Integrated Health and Resource Team.

• Wed, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Florence Douglas Center
• 333 Amador St.

Thursday, November 16

Techno-solutions that Drive Health Equity and Social Justice

The last installment of Touro University’s Social Justice in Public Health webinar series -
Techno-solutions that Drive Health Equity and Social Justice, a discussion on increasing digital equity and inclusion in healthcare by through a systematic approach. Speaker: Caroline Franz, MBA

• Thurs, 5 to 7 p.m.
• Online

Community Resource Fair

Free After School Program, K-5th Tutoring and Homework Support, Volunteer Opportunities, Mental Health Services, Alternative Healing, One on one or Group Mentoring, Community Grief Support, Emergency Assistance and more.

• Thu, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Norman C King Community Center
• 545 Magazine St.

Friday, November 17

Faith Food Fridays - Thanksgiving Dinner Box

Thanksgiving Dinner Boxes include frozen turkey and all the fixings. First come, first served. There are no qualifications or requirements to receive a box of fresh and non-perishable food items.

• Fri, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Faith FOOD Fridays
• 826 Solano Ave.

The Makery: Open Use Hours & Make it Fridays!

The Makery! Equipment includes: 3D printer, vinyl cutter, digital production equipment, and much more! 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 pm
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Live Music with Ken Maffeo

Guitarist Ken Maffeo plays FM Classic Country, Motown and Soul.

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

Larry Hernández

¡No te pierdas el increíble concierto de Larry Hernández, la sensación de la música regional mexicana, con Norteño y Banda

• Fri, 8 p.m. to 1:00 am
• The Coconut Grove
• 905 Lincoln Rd. East

Saturday, November 18

Community Coffee Tasting

Sample coffees from around the world and discover coffees you LOVE that you never knew existed! There is 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 & veggies, ethnic varieties, 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

Free Family Day

Free museum admission all day. Join us at 11:00 am for story time in English, Spanish and Tagalog, recommended for children aged 8 and under. Participants under age five receive a free new book and a plush toy. Snacks are available for kids of all ages.

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

Open Auditions for Mira Theater production "Leontyne & Me"

"Leontyne & Me" is a new musical drama based on the life and impact of legendary African American soprano Leontyne Price. Please prepare a monologue, song and bring a headshot.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Mira Theatre
• 51 Daniels Ave.

Thanksgiving Community Dinner

Free delicious meal provided by The Grind Cafe and Revive Ministry. First come, first served.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• The Grind Cafe
• 402 Tuolumne 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. 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. @ Kansas St.

The Switch Game - A Letting Go Experience Art Session

The Letting Go Experience is not a class, there’s no wrong doing, no comparison and no step-by-step lessons. it’s an immersive artistic journey to unleash your inner magic. All materials included. 18 yrs old and older. No experience necessary.

• Sat, 1 to 3:30 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Transgender Day of Remembrance 2023

Speakers: Gwendolyn Ann Smith, Dr. Jennie L Thomas PsyD, PhD, MA, MS, and Ms. Bob Davis. Youth Singers from On the Fringe, Silent Auction, Ms. Koko Chanel and her friends, Drinks and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

• Sat, 4 to 9 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St.

Miss Vallejo Tri-City

Witness some of the most poised, confident, and talented women in Vallejo, Benicia, Fairfield and American Canyon compete for the Miss Vallejo/Miss Tri-City scholarship and crown.

• Sat, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St.

Live Music with Ron McGee

The eclectic jazz of Ron McGee will get you to your feet dancing! No cover with dinner.

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

The Fifth Element - hip-hop

In the heart of the Bay Area’s hidden hip-hop sanctuary, these lyrical titans come armed with rhymes as sharp as daggers and metaphors that could reshape reality. The mic is their scepter, and the stage, their throne, as they take you on a lyrical odyssey through the depths of contemporary expression.

• Sat, 6 to midnight
• Carnalito’s Customs
• 905 Tennessee St.

Live Music Saturday with Yolo Hot Club

‍This violin, guitar, and bass trio specializes in old swing tunes and “gypsy jazz” music of the 30’s and 40’s.

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

Luisa Miller by Giuseppe Verdi

Discover the rare beauty of one of Verdi’s lesser known gems! Follow the pathways of star-crossed love, passion and violent jealousy in a musically glorious opera.

• Sat, 7 to 10:30 p.m.
• Mira Theatre
• 51 Daniels Ave.

Sunday, November 19

Vallejo Arts Fund Fall Gathering and Celebration

The day will include performances by VAF grant recipients, and organizations will speak on the impact of the VAF funding. We come together to celebrate the recipients of VAF Grants and to everyone that did not receive funding for their projects this time.

• Sun, noon to 3 p.m.
• Riverbank
• 332 Georgia St.

Luisa Miller by Giuseppe Verdi

Discover the rare beauty of one of Verdi’s lesser known gems! Follow the pathways of star-crossed love, passion and violent jealousy in a musically glorious opera.

• Sun, 2 to 5:30 p.m.
• Mira Theatre
• 51 Daniels Ave.

The Prompt Game - A Letting Go Experience Session

The Letting Go Experience is not a class, there’s no wrong doing, no comparison and no step-by-step lessons. it’s an immersive artistic journey to unleash your inner magic. All materials included. 18 yrs old and older. No experience necessary.

• Sun, 5 to 7:30 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Monday, November 20

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, November 21

Gobble Gobble Giveaway!

GVRD seeks to provide Thanksgiving dinners to those in need so that no family in our city is left unable to celebrate with friends and family. Registration is required.

• Tues, 3 to 5 p.m.
• GVRD Community Services
• 401 Amador St.

Family Friendly Comedy

Bay Area Comics - Family Friendly comedy and Italian inspired cuisine. No cover with dinner.

• Tues, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• Bambino’s
• 301 Georgia St. #122

Editor's note: This story has been updated with additional events and time corrections