Upcoming Vallejo Events — Panamanian dancehall music at Vallejo street festival Thursday

VALLEJO — Live music will fill the air in Vallejo’s downtown streets and beyond this week, and several fundraisers will provide opportunities to spend your money on good causes while having fun and staying informed.

August Summer Nights on Thursday evening on Marin and Georgia streets in downtown Vallejo features live music and DJs on two stages. The headliner this week is Los Rakas, a Panamanian duo that plays a fresh mix of hip-hop, plena, reggae and dancehall music. Food trucks, street performers, vendors and kids activities round out the event.

At Mare Island Art Studios on Saturday afternoon, Artiszen's Art of Community show is hosting a special celebration that features live music by local songstress Ariel Marin, food and beverages from local chefs, brewers and vintners, and community, steampunk and educational arts. 

On Sunday afternoon Mare Island Art Studios will shift to spoken word art. Poetry by the Bay founder Kyrah Ayers will read his poem ”12 Rounds: Kyrah Ayers vs. The Visitor” about his journey through chemotherapy. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to appendix cancer research.

More live music offerings this week begin tonight at the Empress Lounge with Organ-ized, featuring Eamonn Flynn on organ and vocals, Anthony Paule on guitar and vocals, and Willy Jordan on drums and vocals. The trio has a diverse background in R&B, gospel, blues, soul, rock and jazz.

Mónica María mixes her Californian roots with traditional and contemporary sounds of Latin America on Friday evening at the Coal Shed Brewery on Mare Island. 

Saturday’s music offerings begin early at Moschetti Coffee Roasters in South Vallejo during their free coffee tasting event, with the Sobre Cuerdas duo blending notes of Venezuela with pop sensibilities in an eclectic mix of original tunes and covers.

The Billy Martini Show will play vintage rock, funk, R&B, and disco at Vino Godfather on Saturday afternoon, then King Bizcuit will play rock and blues at a dinnertime show at Bambino’s restaurant, and songwriting duo Cosmo & Leslie will play a mix of folk, rock, blues, and country at the Mare Island Brewing Co. Ferry Taproom.

Later-running Saturday night shows are Keep It A Thou Wow: Summer Madness at Carnalito’s Customs, with live rap and DJ music by Mista Lieutenant, Cr8zy Rae, Troy Hennessy, Dom Dada and many more. Namorados Da Lua will play funky Brazilian rap rhythms with an American flair at Gentleman Jim’s.

On Sunday afternoon, International rocker Stef Burns will shake it up at Vino Godfather. Burns has played with many renowned musicians including Peppino D’Agostino, Joe Satriani, Robert Fripp, Huey Lewis and Sheila E.

Several fundraisers aim to raise money for causes this week. Touro University’s Mosaic Gala on Thursday evening supports their diversity scholarship and features live music by Midtown Jazz, live and silent auctions, a raffle and a hosted bar. 

Saturday’s pancake breakfast and fireside chat with Vallejo City Manager Andrew Murray, Assistant City Manager Gillian Haen and Solano County Supervisor-Elect Cassandra James will take place at the Sir Winston Business Center and raise funds for Voters Voice of Solano County. 

The Vallejo Sister City Association will host a dinner and auction on Saturday evening at the Filipino Community Center to honor the 35th anniversary of their sister city relationship with La Spezia, Italy. Then the Sunday daytime Vallejo Together Car Show Fundraiser will happen at the Vallejo Moose Lodge to raise money for the Basic Needs Mobile Program that brings food and medical services to Vallejo’s unhoused population.

These are just some of the highlights of this week’s events. Be sure to check the list below for more educational, literary, theatrical and recreational activities.

Wednesday, August 21

Storytime at Children's Wonderland

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

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

STEAM with Miss Christine

Miss Christine presents a STEAM activity that sparks curiosity and creativity.

• Wed, 3 to 4 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave.

Lawyers in the Library

The Vallejo JFK Library offers the Lawyers in the Library program on the first and third Wednesdays of every month. Each meeting is 15 minutes. Space is limited and slots fill up on a first come, first serve basis. Please call 866-572-7587 or come in-person at 9am 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.

Community Conversations: Lessons from the National Memorial for Peace and Justice

Ms. Waters will review the history of anti-Black attacks in the USA and ask the critical question – where do we go from here? In this talk and slide show, you will have the opportunity to explore how the South, despite having lost the Civil War, relied on unrestrained lynching to maintain the racial hierarchy and how throughout America, violent resistance to Black progress persists to this day.

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

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 pm to 7:20 pm
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way

Organ-ized

Three talented musicians from diverse backgrounds met in a bar and decided to form a trio called Organ-ized — Eamonn Flynn on organ and vocals, Anthony Paule on guitar and vocals, and Willy Jordan on drums and vocals.

• 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, August 22

Art Beat Radio Show – Poetry Hour

Former Benicia Poet Laureate Thomas Stanton hosts this live show featuring readings by local poets.

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

August Summer Nights - Los Rakas

August Summer Nights is a free party hosted in Downtown Vallejo every Thursday night in August. Get ready for live music, DJs, dancing in the street, food trucks, street performers and other surprises. The Georgia Street stage will feature DJ Durt and Los Rakas, a Panamanian duo with a fresh mix of hip-hop, plena, reggae and dancehall music. The Marin Street Stage will feature DJ Jack Nas and Shari.

• Thurs, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Downtown Vallejo
• Georgia and Marin Streets

Mosaic Gala

Live Music by Midtown Jazz, live auction, silent auction, raffle and hosted bar. The event raises money for Touro University’s Mosaic Diversity Scholarship Fund to help students from different backgrounds. Visit https://tu.edu/mosaic to discover how the Gala supports diversity on TUC campus!

• Thurs, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Touro University, Farragut Inn Lawn
• 1750 Club Dr.

August Sip & Paint - Summer Nights

Local artist Jena Webber will guide you as you paint your very own "Summer Nights" themed image 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.

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

Friday, August 23

DBC Retirement Sale & Mini Pop-up

Come to Dillon Bread Company for sweets, savories and preserves along with vintage goods such as kitchenware, cookbooks, barware, entertaining items and an assortment of vintage oddments. Dillon Bread Company will close after their 30^th anniversary popup in September.

• Fri, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Dillon Bread Company
• 451 Ryder St., Suite B

Family Storytime

Family storytimes are great for screen-free families. Have children of different ages? Bring them all! These stories and activities are for everyone.

• Fri, 10 a.m. to 10:35 am
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave.

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 pm
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Live Music Friday with Mónica María

Mónica María's music reflects her Californian roots mixed with traditional, earthly and contemporary sounds of Latin America. Her songs are innovative and expressive of a world where cultures coexist, where fear is transformed by compassion, where we learn to truly love ourselves, and where we view the world from an empathetic and holistic state of mind.

• Fri, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Co. – Coal Shed Brewery
• 860 Nimitz Ave.

How to Survive an Apocalypse

An apocalyptic romantic comedy by Jordan Hall, directed by by Matthew Goff. A young and successful urban couple becomes convinced that their lifestyle is coming to an end. They become “preppers,” hoarding supplies and learning to hunt. But their obsession takes its toll, and they are both forced to imagine the apocalypse without the love of their life.

• Fri, 8 to 11 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

Saturday, August 24

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

Pancake Fundraiser with City Manager Andrew Murray

This pancake breakfast will raise funds for Voters Voice of Solano County. Start your morning with a hearty breakfast and conversations with City Manager Andrew Murray, Assistant City Manager Gillian Haen and Solano County Supervisor-Elect Cassandra James.

• Sat, 8:30 a.m. to noon
• Sir Winston Business Center
• 515 Broadway St.

Community Coffee Tasting - Live Music by Sobre Curedas

Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes while listening to live music. Sobre Cuerdas plays an eclectic mix of original tunes and covers that bring notes of Venezuela with pop sensibilities to Vallejo.

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

DBC Retirement Sale & Mini Pop-up

Join us for sweets, savories and preserves along with vintage goods too. We’ll have vintage kitchenware, vintage cookbooks, vintage barware, vintage entertaining items, vintage garden and of course an assortment of vintage oddments.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Dillon Bread Company
• 451 Ryder St., Suite B

Farmers' Market

Shop here for a great selection of California-grown greens, fruits & veggies at down-to-earth prices.

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

Ida Tyer 34th Annual Flea Market

Huge flea market with fun, bargains, and food. Visiting vendors welcome.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Vallejo Yacht Club
• 485 Mare Island Way

Filipino Fruits and Veggies Class

Learn about the variety of fruits and veggies that grow in both the Philippines and here in Solano County. The event will include an introduction to specialty crops used in Filipino dishes, some “show and tell” with fruits in the garden, and the dishes those crops are used in.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to noon
• Vallejo People’s Garden
• 1055 Azuar Dr.

Bilingual Family Storytime

Swing by and dive into a whirlwind of tales in English and Spanish, spiced up with a dash of singing, dancing and playtime! Disfruta de los cuentos, canciones, y rimas con tu familia.

• Sat, 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 am
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave.

Storytime - “Cesaria Feels the Beat”

Priscila Soares, Vallejo artist and illustrator, will be reading her fabulous children’s book, “Cesaria Feels the Beat” at storytime! A special opportunity for kids to hear a story read by the awesome illustrator, who can sign copies for you.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to noon
• Alibi Bookshop
• 624 Marin St.

Artiszen's Art of Community Exhibit - Celebration Day

An extravaganza of delectable food and crafted cocktails, live music by Ariel Marin, and community, steampunk and educational art displays. The Citizen Air Monitoring Network will give away air purifiers to those who qualify.

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

Kitty Meet and Greet Pet Adoptions

Come meet your next best friend! Evening appointments also available. 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.

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

The Billy Martini Show

Journey back in time with the best of vintage rock, funk, R&B, and disco. Get ready to dance, groove, and rediscover the magic of classic tunes with a fresh twist.

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

"Do You Think I Cried Too Long" Book Signing

Elaine Kelliher is a first-time published author of the new novel, Do You Think I Cried Too Long? She was a finalist in the Essence Magazine Maya Angelou's Award in Creative Fiction in 1989 for her short fiction, Brown Sugar. "Do You Think I Cried Too Long?" is a story of heartache and suspense will keep you guessing until the very end.

• Sat, 2 to 4 p.m.
• Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery & Multicultural Bookstore
• 930 Marin St.

Music at the Chapel: An Intimate Musical Afternoon with Viola and Guitar

This varied program will feature works by Franz Schubert, Astor Piazzolla, and Gabriel Fauré.‍ The doors will open at 2:30pm, giving you time to enjoy the luminous Tiffany stained glass windows in the chapel.

• Sat, 3 to 4 p.m.
• St. Peter’s Chapel
• 1181 Walnut Ave.

Keep It A Thou Wow: Summer Madness

We doing it big in the V! Pull up on the gang for good time cause we ain't here for a long time! We got food drink and dope vendors! Performances by Mista Lieutenant, Cr8zy Rae, Troy Hennessy, Dom Dada, Jessella, D1B Ja, Excaliber, Sa Lanea, DJ Bigvince and DJ Sofresh. Presented by Free Music Collective and Thou Wow Studio

• Sat, 6 to 10:30 p.m.
• Carnalito’s Customs
• 905 Tennessee St.

King Bizcuit

Join us for an evening of wondrous Rock & Blues music brought to you by King Bizcuit. It is their first time on our stage so we hope to see y'all there to welcome them in!

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

Vallejo Sister City's 18th Annual International Dinner & Auction

Join the Vallejo Sister City Association in your best cultural attire for a celebration honoring the 35th year anniversary of our sister city relationship with La Spezia, Italy. Enjoy regional foods from each of our seven sister cities, entertainment, silent auction, raffles, no-host bar and door prizes.

• Sat, 6 to 10 p.m.
• Filipino Community Center
• 611 Amador St.

Live Music Saturday with Cosmo & Leslie

Cosmo & Leslie are a songwriting duo from Napa that play a mix of folk, rock, blues, and country. Their music is rooted in acoustic guitar and vocal harmonies, with occasional percussion, keyboard, and live looping.

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

How to Survive an Apocalypse

An apocalyptic romantic comedy by Jordan Hall, directed by by Matthew Goff. A young and successful urban couple becomes convinced that their lifestyle is coming to an end. They become “preppers,” hoarding supplies and learning to hunt. But their obsession takes its toll, and they are both forced to imagine the apocalypse without the love of their life.

• Sat, 8 to 11 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

NDL - Namorados Da Lua (Moon Lovers)

Brazilian music with an American flair. Think Sergio Mendez meets the Black Eyed Peas. This energetic group promises to rock you on the dance floor with their funky cultural Brazilian/rap rhythms. Come early, get your drink and prepare to be entertained! $10 cover after 10pm.

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

Serve it to 'Em Saturdays

Ava LaShay hosts Serve it to 'Em Saturdays drag show, 4th Saturdays, with Queera Nightly and Avery Night.  

• Sat, 10:30 to 1:00 am
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St.

Sunday, August 25

Vallejo Together Car Show Fundraiser

Join us at the Vallejo Together Car Show Fundraiser for a fun evening of classic cars, music, while supporting a good cause. Get ready to admire some of the coolest rides in town, mingle with fellow car enthusiasts, and enjoy delicious food and drinks. All money raised goes toward supporting Vallejo Together’s Basic Needs Mobile Program.

• Sun, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Vallejo Moose Lodge
• 337 Nebraska St.

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

Coffee and Collage

Come join us for a relaxing and creative morning filled with coffee and collage making! All materials provided — all you need to bring is your creativity! We will sip on delicious coffee and create beautiful collages together. This event is perfect for anyone looking to unwind, socialize, and get crafty. No experience necessary — just come ready to have fun! See you there!

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Autonomous Gallery
• 419 Georgia St., Suite 8

Artiszen's Art of Community Exhibit

Mare Island Art Studios and Artiszen Cultural Arts Center are joining to celebrate the Art of Community, featuring guests from Artiszen’s past shows, along with some exciting new artists and a sneak peak at Erin Bakke’s beautiful upcoming book. Embracing the old school Artiszen 'Art of Community' style, we aim to bring the community together and celebrate that magical "Vallejo Art Renaissance" that began 10 years ago, while looking forward to a future filled with even more community art.

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

12 Rounds: Kyrah Ayers vs. The Visitor

A spoken word event featuring Poetry by the Bay founder Kyrah Ayers as he tells of his journey through 12 rounds of chemotherapy.

• Sun, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Wag, Wine & Dine

Treat your furry friend to a day of indulgence while you savor delicious bites and sip on wine. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy good food, great company, and wagging tails all around! Proceeds benefit the Waggin’ Trails Rescue Foundation.

• Sun, 1 to 5 p.m.
• Meritage Resort & Spa
• 875 Bordeaux Way
• Napa

Heritage Roses

Rose expert Darrell Schramm will give a presentation on heritage rose varieties.

• Sun, 2 to 4 p.m.
• McCune Room, John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Stef Burns and Friends

International rocker and local rock star Stef Burns is coming back to Vino Godfather with Jeff Campitelli and Jim Funk, plus some very special guests.

• Sun, 2 to 5 p.m.
• Vino Godfather
• 1005 Walnut Ave. @ Kansas St.

How to Survive an Apocalypse

An apocalyptic romantic comedy by Jordan Hall, directed by by Matthew Goff. A young and successful urban couple becomes convinced that their lifestyle is coming to an end. They become “preppers,” hoarding supplies and learning to hunt. But their obsession takes its toll, and they are both forced to imagine the apocalypse without the love of their life.

• Sun, 3 to 6 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

Monday, August 26

Movement with Mary Jane

Movement with Mary Jane is 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.

Speakeasy Expressions Poetry Open Mic

Come share your spoken word poetry on stage to a live audience, or just grab a few drinks and watch the show. This open mic is a friendly, casual atmosphere for you to expand your poetic horizons. No cover charge, drinks available for purchase. 21+ venue.

• Mon, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Chris’ Club
• 656 Benicia Rd.

Tuesday, August 27

Back to School Resource Fair

It's back to school time! Connect with community organizations and find resources that will help your student succeed. Celebrate literacy and library joy with social media superstar, Mychal Threets. Free school supplies from Angels with Hearts while they last

• Tues, 4 to 7 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave.

Vallejo Doodle and Draw Night

Open to all ages and skill levels. This is a free event. Donations appreciated. All donations go to the 717 Integrity Project to keep the doors of this great community space open.

• Tues, 6 to 8 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St.

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

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Editor's note — this story was updated to add Saturday's Music at the Chapel event.