Upcoming Vallejo Events — Port Chicago Weekend to honor legacy of Naval desegregation

VALLEJO — Two events commemorating an explosion at Port Chicago and push for safer working conditions at the Mare Island shipyards will be held in Vallejo this weekend. You can also attend a hip-hop show presented by the Free Music Collective and Thou Wow Studio, a showcase of Filipino pop music and R&B at the Empress Theatre, or a free magic show at the McCune Collection.

Port Chicago Weekend is a four-day festival of music, art, cuisine, theater, exhibits, and entertainment that commemorates the 80^th anniversary of a massive explosion at Port Chicago Naval Magazine in Concord that killed 320 people, of whom 202 were Black American sailors working in racially-segregated divisions. 

Fifty Black survivors made history weeks later when they were charged with mutiny for refusing to work under unsafe and dangerous conditions loading munitions at Mare Island Navy Yard. Their protest contributed to the desegregation of the United States military.

A free lecture and tour “Absorbing the Shock of Port Chicago: Losing Weapons Transshipments Across the Pacific Theater” will be held at St. Peter’s Chapel midday on Friday.

Then on Sunday afternoon, the free Port Chicago Weekend HarborFest celebrates the history with live music, food and vendors on the Mare Island Promenade.

Check the Port Chicago Weekend website for related events in Oakland, Concord and Pittsburg.

On Saturday night you can catch some electrifying vibes at “Summer Daze - a Keep it a Thou Wow Summer” at Carnalito’s Customs. Hip-hop, R&B, Latin and Reggaeton artists include: Mami Mia, J Moon, Lanuola, TaeDaBoi, Solar Six, Crenshaw, Brenda Tapia, Big Tz, Coca Kitty, Trapps The Nomad, Nia Long Stackz, and iGoSpiritual.

The Emerge event at the Empress Theatre on Saturday night features Alisah Bonaobra, a recording artist who was first runner up on season 2 of the Voice of The Philippines and an X Factor UK finalist. Special guests are Jay R, Divo Bayer, Bryan Termulo, Mark Mabasa and Armand Mandia. 

Chris Herren as Faust performs a free magic show at the McCune Collection this Sunday afternoon. A magician for the curious adult, Faust re-creates a magically curated experience, reminiscent of 19th century parlor performances. Enjoy whimsical pantomime magic, storytelling, interactive magic, and mysteries of the bizarre.

The McCune Collection at the lower level of the John F. Kennedy Library has resumed free monthly Sunday presentations after a four-year hiatus. These had been a staple of free public events from the 1990s until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

These are just some of the highlights of this week’s events. Be sure to check the list below for more live music, baseball, art and recreational activities.

Wednesday, July 17

Free Middle School Summer Digital Storytelling Camp

This immersive workshop is designed to provide young storytellers with the tools and techniques needed to develop and hone their stories. Participants will gain a framework to craft compelling narratives, understand their audience’s needs, and achieve their storytelling goals.

• Wed, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Global Center for Success, Mare Island, CA
• 1055 Azuar Dr.

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.

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

Jon Lawton and The Orphans

Jon Lawton writes songs saturated with feeling. Whether a finger-picked blues or a claw-hammer banjo, the song is true, insightful, and personal. With either a 12-string guitar, National steel guitar, banjo, 6-string electric, or acoustic, Lawton can get some excellent sounds and textures.

• 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, July 18

Free Middle School Summer Digital Storytelling Camp

This immersive workshop is designed to provide young storytellers with the tools and techniques needed to develop and hone their stories. Participants will gain a framework to craft compelling narratives, understand their audience’s needs, and achieve their storytelling goals.

• Thurs, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Global Center for Success, Mare Island, CA
• 1055 Azuar Dr.

Art Beat Radio Show – Literary Interview

Literary interview by local author Nina Serrano.

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

Organic Groove Lounge

Featuring curated music sets by local DJs, including talent from the Free Music Collective of Vallejo, this is the ultimate summer hangout for adults aged 21 and over. Sip on artisanal cocktails inspired by the Farmer’s Market while you relax in our gallery space transformed into a chill oasis. Plus, enjoy special exhibits and explore the rich history of Benicia in a whole new light.

• Thurs, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Museum of History Benicia Downtown Gallery
• 900 E 2nd St.

Friday, July 19

Art In the Park

Angels with Heart Presents Art In the Park. Let's paint, let's play! Let's do art at the park this is a free family fun event.

• Fri, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Fairmont Park
• 227 Edgemont Ave.

Big Messy Art Day

Join us at the Springstowne Library for big messy art day. We supply the materials, you supply the creativity!

• Fri, 10 a.m. to noon
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave.

Free Middle School Summer Digital Storytelling Camp

This immersive workshop is designed to provide young storytellers with the tools and techniques needed to develop and hone their stories. Participants will gain a framework to craft compelling narratives, understand their audience’s needs, and achieve their storytelling goals.

• Fri, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Global Center for Success, Mare Island, CA
• 1055 Azuar Dr.

Absorbing the Shock of Port Chicago: Losing Weapons Transshipments Across the Pacific Theater

Attend this free lecture/tour program to learn more about criticality of Port Chicago to the fight in the Pacific, and the role that Mare Island played in both the refusal of black sailors to return to work under unsafe working conditions and their vital role in supplying desperately needed ammunition to those at the point of the spear.

• Fri, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• St. Peter’s Chapel
• 1181 Walnut 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.

California Blue Runners Trio

"We are a trio of experienced Cajun/Zydeco players known as the California Blue Runners Trio. We are a high energy trio. We play zydeco and Cajun music in its original French form. Our leader, and accordion player, singer is Andrew Carriere. Andrew is widely known in the Cajun/zydeco music community as an exceptional accordion player and, an authentic Creole / Cajun  singer."

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

Clairdee & Ken French Trio

Clairdee has performed around the world as an internationally touring artist collaborating with some of America's most celebrated jazz masters, including Dick Hyman, Bucky Pizzarelli, Houston Person, Cyrus Chestnut, Russell Malone, and Ken Peplowski.

• Fri, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
• Empress Theatre Lounge
• 324 Virginia St.

Vallejo Seaweed VS Martinez Sturgeon

Vallejo Seaweed battle Martinez Sturgeon

• Fri, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
• Wilson Park
• 1007 Solano Ave.

Dakota Linn

Dakota Linn rocks the Town House Cocktail Lounge starting at around 7 p.m. Great music, tasty new beers, and no cover charge.

• Fri, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St.

Saturday, July 20

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

Community Coffee Tasting with music by Sobre Cuerdas

Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes while listening to the smooth sounds of Sobre Cuerdas.

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

Exotic Bird Mart & Expo

Learn about exotic birds or take home a new pet.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Dr.

Free Family Day

Free museum admission all day the third Saturday of every month. Children's story-time at 11 a.m. brought to you by  First 5 Vallejo, Alibi Bookshop and Angels with Heart.

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

Paper Shredding

The City of Vallejo and VALCORE Recycling sponsor shredding events on the 3rd Saturday of each month. Watch while your paper is shredded on site. Cost: ~$.50/lb with a $10 minimum charge, cash or check only.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• VALCORE Recycling
• 38 Sheridan St.

Vallejo Reptile and Oddity Expo

The Reptile and Oddity Expo offers a large selection of snakes, lizards, tortoises, amphibians, isopods, scorpions, tarantulas, and more for you to purchase right here at the Expo! You can buy all the supplies you need to set up any cage, including live plants, bowls, logs, hides, tanks, and other habitat essentials.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Dr.

CoalShed3 Photography Exhibit

The group exhibit CoalShed3, in the Little Galley  features the work od three Bay Area photographers: Philip Krayna, Tim Passaro and Desi Baytan. Their images explore color and the unexpected in our urban environment.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Form & Flow - Art Show

Experience a captivating collection by talented artists Lony Maya Neubauer, Melissa Taylor, and Susan Lane. Dive into a realm of mid-century vibes and abstract creativity, featuring ceramic functional ware and sculptures, drawings evolving into paintings, and fiber art.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Embracing Earth: Emil Yanos Artist Talk 3 to 4 p.m.

NY2CA Gallery is delighted to host "Embracing Earth: Allen Birnbach & Emil Yanos," an extraordinary exhibition showcasing the synergy of art and nature through the eyes of two remarkable artists. The exhibition will run from June 27 thru August 11 with gallery hours from Thursday to Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Artist talk by Emil Yanos at 3 p.m.

• Sat, noon to 5 p.m.
• NY2CA Gallery
• 617 First St., Benicia

Community Drum Circle

Bring your favorite drum or borrow one of ours. Bring a beverage, maybe a snack if you like, most importantly, bring your smile!

• Sat, 1 to 3 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St.

Tom Browne - Funkin for Jamaica

Multi-gold album artist and Billboard “Best Of” awards recipient Tom “Jamaica Funk” Browne has an unstoppable passion for new music. Browne is perhaps best known for what music icon George Benson said of his “believably in any musical style; his ability to communicate!”

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

Summer Daze - a Keep it a Thou Wow Summer event

Free Music Collective and Thou Wow Studio present: Summer Daze, a Keep It A Thou Wow Summer Event. We’ll have some of the dopest artists in the Bay Area showing up for some electrifying vibes from Hip-Hop & RnB to Latin & Reggaeton including: Mami Mia, J Moon, Lanuola, TaeDaBoi, Solar Six, Crenshaw, Brenda Tapia, Big Tz, Coca Kitty, Trapps The Nomad, Nia Long Stackz, and iGoSpiritual! We’ll have the illest DJs from the V pullin up to spin as well including: Eve 6, Big Vince, and SoFresh. Our Masters of Ceremonies will be V-Town’s greatest broadcasters Podcast Bri & Son Of The Waves.

• Sat, 6 to 11 p.m.
• Carnalito’s Customs
• 905 Tennessee St.

The Voltones

The Voltones are a Bay Area band, performing original and retro- “Surf-a-Delic" music from 1987 to the present.

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

Joyce Grant

For the past 10 years, Joyce Grant has been the lead vocalist for City Swing, an 18- piece big band based out of San Francisco, and is a frequent participant in the West Coast Ragtime festival. As a songwriter she has put lyrics to several of Scott Joplin’s pieces and released the CD In The Morning, a collection of original songs ranging in style from jazz to blues to R&B. She performs regularly throughout the Bay Area, bringing her sensitive and powerful vocal interpretations to appreciative audiences that keep coming back for more.

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

Vallejo Seaweed VS Dublin Leprechauns

The Vallejo Seaweed square off against the Dublin Leprechauns.

• Sat, 6:30 to 10 p.m.
• Wilson Park
• 1007 Solano Ave.

Emerge

The evening features one of Philippines’ most powerful female vocalists, Alisah Bonaobra. Special guests are Jay R, Divo Bayer, Bryan Termulo, Mark Mabasa and Armand Mandia. Also featuring some of the Bay Area’s amazing local talents, Jazzell Jao Smith, Michael Reyes Lobo, Maggie Alcantara, CJ Moreno, and The Zumbadorees.

• Sat, 7 to 10 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St.

Bryson Musiq & Caribbean Soul

Bryson Music and the Caribbean Soul present authentic Roots Rock Reggae like you have never heard before. This band turns things up with an eclectic playlist of Roots Rock Reggae music. Get in early and don't miss a thing! $10 Cover after 10PM

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

Sunday, July 21

Cleanup Day at Dan Foley Park

Let's get together and clean up the Park. It takes a village to keep our home clean come out with, and help pick up trash. we will have donuts for breakfast and water. please bring gloves if you have any we have a limited supply. Event by Angels with heart

• Sun, 9 a.m. to 11:00 am
• Dan Foley Park
• 1499 North Camino Alto

Mare Island Mindful Movement Series

Immerse yourself in a tranquil journey of movement and sound through our Mindful Movement Series, offering invigorating yoga and mat Pilates sessions, accompanied by a blissful sound bath amid the historic waterfront coal sheds on Mare Island. Spend your morning on Mare Island. Enjoy one class, or two or even three.

• Sun, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Mare Island Promenade
• 850 Nimitz Ave.

Vallejo Reptile and Oddity Expo

The Reptile and Oddity Expo offers a large selection of snakes, lizards, tortoises, amphibians, isopods, scorpions, tarantulas, and more for you to purchase right here at the Expo! You can buy all the supplies you need to set up any cage, including live plants, bowls, logs, hides, tanks, and other habitat essentials.

• Sun, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Dr.

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. Donations accepted.

• Sun, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• Lake Chabot
• Dan Foley Park, 1461 N Camino Alto

CoalShed3 Photography Exhibit

The group exhibit CoalShed3, in the Little Galley  features the work od three Bay Area photographers: Philip Krayna, Tim Passaro and Desi Baytan. Their images explore color and the unexpected in our urban environment.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Form & Flow - Art Show

Experience a captivating collection by talented artists Lony Maya Neubauer, Melissa Taylor, and Susan Lane. Dive into a realm of mid-century vibes and abstract creativity, featuring ceramic functional ware and sculptures, drawings evolving into paintings, and fiber art.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Sugartown Festival 2024

Fun for the whole family. Great food vendors, arts and crafts, vendors, beer and wine garden. Live music by the Steve Snyder Big Band (Jazz), Planting Seeds (Reggae), Puro Bandido (Latin) and The UnAuthorized Rolling Stones.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• 850 Pomona St.
• Crockett

Port Chicago Weekend HarborFest

Celebrate the Port Chicago Sailors and the desegregation of the Navy at HarborFest. Enjoy delicious food, live music, and vibrant vendors along the Mare Island waterfront – the historic site where the Port Chicago Sailors initiated the integration of our Armed Forces. This event is free.  

• Sun, noon to 3 p.m.
• Mare Island Promenade
• 850 Nimitz Ave.

The BodyLove Method: Free Dance Healing Workshop

This movement-based healing experience embodies mindful, soulful, spiritual, and functional practices, transforming your body to higher frequencies. Through breathwork, yoga, nervous system reset, limbic brain retraining, and JOY Journaling, this dance healing class will leave you feeling grounded, empowered, energized, connected, and overjoyed.]

• Sun, noon to 2 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St.

Ariel Marin Funkin Fantastic Dance Party!

Known as “Sade of The Bay" Ariel Marin is a refreshingly eclectic powerhouse songstress on track to be the next global superstar. A recording artist with a 5 octave range, and angelic pipes, she is a force of nature. Ariel’s award-winning multi-genre band features multi-platinum (Mc Hammer) producer James “Jae-E” Earley.  They play it all from Fleetwood Mac to Motown, Sade to Lynyrd Skynrd, Journey to The Eagles, Chaka Khan to top 40 radio hits, classics….Funk, Rock, Soul, Pop, Folk, Country, [...]

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

Magician Chris Herren

Chris Herren will perform a magician's act inspired by Victorian seances and period books on the supernatural. As seen at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, Chris Herren as Faust. Award-winning magician, storyteller, and séance performer. A one-time only performance at the McCune Collection. Finger food & light refreshments will be served.

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

Vallejo Seaweed VS Dublin Leprechauns

The Vallejo Seaweed battle The Dublin Leprechauns.

• Sun, 2 to 5 p.m.
• Wilson Park
• 1007 Solano Ave.

Monday, July 22

Commission on Culture and the Arts monthly meeting

The Commission on Culture and the Arts supports and promotes Vallejo’s visual and performing arts

• Mon, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Vallejo City Hall
• 555 Santa Clara St.

Movement with Mary Jane

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.

Tuesday, July 23

"I Need A Mic" writing workshop

Ray Davis @poetdavis hosts the I Need a Mic Writing Workshop at the JFK Library in Vallejo at 505 Santa Clara on select Tuesdays from 11 AM to 12:30 PM. Writers of all genres welcome.

• Tues, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

The Flavor Town Tuesday's

Join us on Tuesday evenings at Children’s Wonderland Park throughout the summer for dinner. Let the kids play while you enjoy food, desserts, cocktails and more from local businesses.

• Tues, 4 to 8 p.m.
• Children’s Wonderland
• 360 Glenn St.

Public Hearing on Scotts Valley Casino

The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs is now accepting public comments on the environmental impact assessment for the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians proposal for a Casino and Tribal Housing Project located in Vallejo. Comments can be mailed or emailed to the bureau.

• Tues, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Online
• Register for Zoom access here

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.

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

City Council Regular Meeting

City Council meetings are hybrid in-person and on Zoom. The agenda will be posted on the City Agendas & Videos web page a minimum of 72 hours in advance of the meeting.

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