Upcoming Vallejo Events — One year of Bay Area Comics Uncensored

VALLEJO — Bay Area Comics celebrates the first anniversary of their “Uncensored” comedy shows at the Empress Lounge on Thursday, with founder Guile Mosher headlining for the first time. 

Mosher started the monthly comedy shows at the Empress, plus other more family friendly shows at Bambino’s, after he moved to the area in 2022. Other featured comedians this week will be Jonny Rios, David May, Nathaniel Webb and Dana Olney.

A trio of fun poetry events are also happening this week. The monthly Poetry by the Bay open mic at the Mira Theatre tonight will be followed by OZCAT radio’s live poetry show on Thursday morning. A Poetry Slam event at Chris’ Club on Monday night, when poets will compete for a cash prize, is bound to be entertaining and lively. You don’t need to be a poet to enjoy the art of spoken word!

For music lovers, Johnny Cats Blues and Soul Revue play at the Empress Lounge this evening with a virtuoso cast of musicians fronted by the amazing vocals of San Jose native Lijah .

Saturday comes with several musical options. David El 3-oh brings “jazzy hip-hop Latin rock funk” to Bambino’s, singer-songwriter Richard March will play at the Coalshed Brewery Taproom, two bands from Sianola –  La Adictiva and Banda Los Sebastianes – will play at the Solano County Fairgrounds, and dance band D’ Groove will rock out at Gentleman Jim’s.

Two live jazz shows are happening on Sunday. First a lunchtime event at Bambino’s with singer Laura Dorais, then Ron McGee and Stan Hitchcock perform at Manny’s Steakhouse on the waterfront in the evening. There’s no cover charge for either of these shows – admission is included with your meal.

The Vallejo Springstowne Library is getting ready for February’s “Black History Month Tiny Art Show.” They’re distributing free mini-art kits during the month of January. Pick up your kit anytime during the library’s open hours and return your completed artwork to the library for display in the Black History Month exhibit.

Check the list below for event details and more community, recreational, and artistic activities.

Now through the end of January

Black History Month Tiny Art Show -
Pick up art supplies for February show

Visit the library during January open hours to pick up a free mini art kit. Create a work of art that honors and celebrates Black History Month. Return your art to the library by January 31. Open to all ages, while supplies last. The art show will be displayed during the month of February.

• Mon – Wed, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thurs, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fri – Sat 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave.

Wednesday, January 24

Johnny Cats Blues and Soul Revue

Johnny "Cat" Soubrand has developed a national reputation as one of the top guitarists in old-school blues and soul styles. His stellar revue features a virtuoso cast of musicians including the amazing vocals of San Jose native Lijah.

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

Candidates Forum - Assembly, Senate and Congressional District 8

Join us for an in-person event where you can meet and engage with the candidates running for Assembly, Congressional District 8, and CA State Senate. Organized by the Solano County California Black Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee.

• Wed, 6 to 9 p.m.
• Solano Community College
• 4000 Suisun Valley Rd., Fairfield

Poetry by the Bay

Vallejo’s longest running poetry open mic since 2008! This is the spot where poets gather to share their work and to hear the work of others. Come experience what’s been created, curated, and aged for nearly two decades. Tickets are free, but seating is limited so reservations are recommended.

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

Wednesday Night Open Mic

Every Wednesday at the Townhouse. A welcoming space for both beginning and seasoned musicians. Comedians and poets also welcome.

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

Thursday, January 25

Art Beat Radio Show – Poetry Hour

Live poetry readings by local poets.

• Thurs, 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Ozcat Radio
• 89.5 FM KZCT

Virtual Bingo - Arc-Solano Fundraiser

How does Virtual Bingo work? After you purchase your cards, you'll receive an email with the Zoom link. We'll open the event at 5:30 and begin our first game at 6 pm sharp.  We will play three rounds of bingo, with prizes for all the winners.  Proceeds go toward ARC-Solano’s mission to empower people with developmental disabilities.

• Thurs, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• Online

January Book Club: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Please join us for Alibi Bookshop's January Book Club discussion of Paulo Coelho's classic, "The Alchemist." Alibi Bookshop owner Karen Finley said “I like to start the new year off with stories of journeys and set ting good intentions, and this one, so beloved by so many, fits the criteria perfectly.”

• Thurs, 7 p.m.
• Alibi Bookshop
• 624 Marin St.

Comedy Uncensored - One Year Anniversary

Bay Area Comics founder Guile Mosher is headlining and filming his performance to celebrate bringing laughter to Vallejo for one year and many more to come! Mosher will be joined on stage by Jonny Rios, David May, Nathaniel Webb and Dana Olney.

• Thurs, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre Lounge
• 324 Virginia St.

Friday, January 26

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.

Saturday, January 27

Vallejo Run Club, Weekly Run

Join the Vallejo Run Club on our weekly Saturday morning runs. Our group meets each Saturday at 8:00 am, rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. We run 1-3 easy miles. Beginners to ultra marathoners welcome!

• Sat, 8 a.m. to 9:00 am
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way

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

Free Women's Self-Defense Class

This free community event is designed to provide essential self-defense techniques tailored for women of all ages. Taught by experienced and certified instructors. No previous martial arts experience required. All participants will receive exclusive offers for future classes!

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 11:30 am
• Woody Sims Kajukenbo
• 609 Carolina St.

Leaven Kids Family Resource Fair

Find out about local family resources. Participants include Leaven Kids, Broken By Violence, Sane/Sart, SafeQuest Solano, Senator Bill Dodd’s office, Assembly member Lori Wilson’s office, the Tim & Jeannie Hamann Foundation, Voices Youth Programs and more.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Norman C King Community Center
• 545 Magazine St.

Open Photography Studio

Explore our well-equipped photography studio with dedicated photography stations, each offering a unique perspective and setting. Perfect for the seasoned photographer or “Selfie Slayer”. Our open studio provides the perfect space for you to experiment, create, and commune with others looking to grow.

• Sat, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Neighborhood Plant Dealer
• 419 Georgia St., Suite 10

The Three Questions - The Letting Go Art Experience

Make art in a safe environment, surrender to the process of being in a state of flow, embrace the unknown, the unexpected, and the wonders of doing art without expectation or judgment. This session will include meditation, journaling and painting. All materials included. Must be at least 18 years old. No art experience necessary. Materials used: acrylics and primed canvas cloth.

• Sat, 2 to 6 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Live Music with David El 3-oh!

Jazzy hip-hop Latin rock funk in a fun family friendly restaurant environment. David El, vocals and guitar, David Bell-bass, AC Lewis-traps. No cover with dinner. Arrive early to get a seat near the stage.

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

Live Music with Richard March

March’s Bay Area upbringing is indelibly etched in his evocative lyrics, and his storyteller songwriting. His breezy roots-based musicality recalls the heart-on-your-sleeve tradition of Jason Isbell, Patti Griffin, Tom Petty, Paul Simon, and Jackson Brown.

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

La Adictiva and Banda Los Sebastianes

Get ready for a night full of music this with two bands from Sinaloa - La Adictiva and Banda Los Sebastianes together on one stage. Kids under 10 are free.

• Sat, 7:30 to 11:00 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Dr.

D' Groove Band

Get your dancing shoes polished because this Saturday the Bay Area's "D' Groove Band" will be performing at Gentleman Jim's Vallejo. No cover.

• Sat, 9 to 1:00 am
• Gentleman Jim’s
• 1324 Lincoln Rd. E

The Town House Divas - Drag Show

Every 2nd & 4th Saturday at the Town House, with Holotta Tymes, Vicodonia Knightingale and Charity Kase.

• Sat, 10:30 to 1:30 am
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St.

Sunday, January 28

Jazz Sunday with Laura Dorais

Laura Dorais is a song stylist who has been performing all over the Bay Area for over 20 years. She’ll be joined by keyboardist Bob Johns to bring us 3 hours of jazz and American Songbook standards. No cover with brunch/lunch.

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

Jazz at the waterfront with Ron McGee and Stan Hitchcock.

Live jazz with Ron McGee and Stan Hitchcock. Along with a spectacular waterfront view and free parking, Manny's offers excellent food at reasonable prices and, of course, a full bar.  Advance dinner reservations recommended.

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

Monday, January 29

Financial literacy workshop for teens - with special guest Mayor McConnell

This workshop will focus on introductory financial literacy skills tailored for teens. Mayor McConnell will make an appearance.

• Mon, 4 to 5 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

It's a Slam - Poetry Slam and Open Mic

Queen Nubian presents It's a Slam, hosted by Aaron_T, with Ori Cle', Upside Down Ghost, Pap1 Grand3, 7Aura, Misty, Remo Valentino, Charley Ban Dogh, Lee Lee Ain't Misbehavin'. Open mic signup starts at 6 p.m. There will be a cash prize for the poetry slam winner.

• Mon, 7 to 10 p.m.
• Chris’ Club
• 656 Benicia Rd.

Tuesday, January 30

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. Students gain a foundation in the choral arts: musicianship, sight singing and recital experience. No audition or previous music experience is required. Scholarships are available through GVRD and from Vallejo Choral Society.

• Tues, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• Vallejo Community Center
• 225 Amador St.