VALLEJO — Love is in the air in Vallejo this week as Valentine’s Day-themed events begin today and spill over into the weekend.
The San Francisco-based Lucky Losers invite you to “fall in love with the blues” tonight at the Empress Lounge as they visit Vallejo on their national tour to deliver a blend of soul, blues, rock, gospel, and country, with impassioned vocal performances by lead singer Cathy Lemons.
On Saturday, Vino Godfather is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a daytime art, jewelry and craft fair. Live music will be delivered by Ké Marie, who specializes in a wide array of musical genres including rock, pop, soul, funk, jazz, Motown and R&B.
Then on Saturday evening, salsa band La Nueva Era will bring out the hearts and roses at Bambino’s restaurant.
Plenty of other live music events this weekend aren’t explicitly Valentine-themed, but still would make a great night out.
On Saturday, the widely celebrated jazz singer Joyce Grant will perform at the Mare Island Brewery Taproom, or you can catch DW Edwards and Lighting up the Soul at Gentleman Jim’s.
On Sunday you can listen to the Benicia Chamber Players play the music of Dvořák, Novák and Pejačević during their “Salvic Rhapsodies”show, or catch Bryan Girard’s Jazz Trio at Manny’s restaurant on the waterfront.
This Friday is the launch date for On the Fringe Theatre’s production of “Art,” by Yasmina Reza at the Vallejo Museum. Art is a funny but deep play that explores the complexity of friendships. Performances will be held Friday and Saturday evenings through Feb. 24.
Two comedy shows are coming up. Vallejo’s own OG Vicc will perform at the John F. Kennedy Library on Sunday evening, and Bay Area Comics will be back at Bambino’s restaurant on Tuesday night.
Check the list below for details and more events and activities.
Wednesday, February 14
Valentine's Day Dance (Adaptive Recreation)
Make a valentine card, show us your best dance moves, and enjoy snacks and refreshments. Also a photo opportunity, games, and prizes. This is an adaptive activity and is designed specifically for individuals with disabilities as well as their friends and family.
- Wed, noon to 2 p.m.
- North Vallejo Community Center
- 1121 Whitney Ave.
The Lucky Losers
The Lucky Losers play a hybrid of soul, blues, rock, gospel, and country with impassioned vocal performances, electrifying musical interplay, and powerful harmonica.
- Wed, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Empress Theatre Lounge
- 324 Virginia St.
Wednesday Night Open Mic
A friendly 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, February 15
At Beat Radio Show - Literary Interview with novelist James W White
Interview with James W. White, author of “Giants”
- Thurs, 10:30 a.m. to noon
- Ozcat Radio
- 89.5 FM KZCT
Sip & Paint - Floral Love!
Local artist Jena Webber will guide you through, step-by-step, as you paint your very own "Floral Love" themed image, on a 16x20 canvas. The class will be held inside The Great Room of the mansion.
- Thurs, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
- Vino Godfather
- 1005 Walnut Ave. @ Kansas St.
Friday, February 16
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.
Laura Dorais sings the Great American Songbook
Laura Dorais will sing the "Great American Songbook" with Bob Johns on keyboard. Come join us for live music & dancing! Great atmosphere, food, and cocktails
- Fri, 6 to 9 p.m.
- Bambino’s
- 301 Georgia St. #122
"Art" play by Yasmina Reza
On The Fringe Visual and Performing Arts performs this Tony-award winning comedy that raises questions about art and friendship. Three long-time friends, Serge, Marc, and Yvan, find their previously solid 15-year friendship on shaky ground when Serge, indulging his penchant for modern art, buys a large, expensive, and completely white painting.
- Fri, 7 to 10 p.m.
- Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
- 734 Marin St.
Saturday, February 17
Vallejo Run Club Weekly Run
Vallejo Run Club meets each Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m., rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal and runs one to three 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
Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes while listening to live music.
- 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, 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
Tyson Snow and Steve Gordon Art Exhibition
This is the closing weekend for the Tyson Snow and Steve Gordon art exhibit. The Vallejo Center for the Arts has not posted the event’s open hours, but it’s a good bet they’ll be open during Farmers Market.
- Sat, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Temple Art Lofts Gallery
- 340 Virginia St
Black History Month @Keys STEAM Society
This wide-ranging event is taking place weekends through the month of February and includes activities from genealogy research to culinary demonstrations to documentary films to poetry readings.
- Sat, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Immersive Learning Center
- 250 Georgia St.
Valentine's Celebration with Ké Marie
Whether you're a fan of rock, pop, soul, funk, jazz, Motown, R&B, or alternative, Ké Marie has got you covered! Enjoy the music, shop for jewelry and unique art pieces while sipping on your favorite Vino Godfather wines.
- Sat, noon to 7 p.m.
- Live music 2 to 5 p.m.
- Vino Godfather
- 1005 Walnut Ave. @ Kansas St.
Candidates Forum California State Assembly District 11
Dive deep into the policies and visions of the candidates who aim to shape the future of District 11. Featuring Assemblymember Lori D. Wilson, David Ennis and Wanda Wallis.
- Sat, 2 to 3 p.m.
- Sir Winston Business Center
- 515 Broadway St.
Joyce Grant and The Perfect Blend
Grant has been singing jazz in Bay Area venues for over 20 years. A mezzo-soprano with a voice like dark honey, her unique shows consist of a blend of jazz, blues, country western, Rhythm and Blues, and funk.
- Sat, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
- Mare Island Brewing Co. Taproom
- 289 Mare Island Way
"Art" play by Yasmina Reza
On The Fringe Visual and Performing Arts performs this Tony-award winning comedy that raises questions about art and friendship. Three long-time friends, Serge, Marc, and Yvan, find their previously solid 15-year friendship on shaky ground when Serge, indulging his penchant for modern art, buys a large, expensive, and completely white painting.
- Sat, 7 to 10 p.m.
- Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
- 734 Marin St.
“La Nueva Era” salsa band Valentine's Day celebration
“La Nueva Era” salsa band Come join us for live music & dancing! Great atmosphere, food, and cocktails
- Sat, 8 to 11 p.m.
- Bambino’s
- 301 Georgia St. #122
DW Edwards & Lighting Up The Soul
DW Edwards & Lighting Up The Soul bring on the funk through true soul music.
- Sat, 9 to 11:45 pm
- Gentleman Jim’s
- 1324 Lincoln Rd E
Sunday, February 18
Black History Month @Keys STEAM Society
This wide-ranging event is taking place weekends through the month of February and includes activities from genealogy research to culinary demonstrations to documentary films to poetry readings.
- Sun, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Immersive Learning Center
- 250 Georgia Street
Slavic Rhapsodies
Piano chamber music by Dvorak, Novák and Pejačević. "Slavic Rhapsodies" presents emotionally charged works that exude drama and evoke a sense of Slavic nationalistic pride through uses of nostalgic folk melodies.
- Sun, 3 to 5 p.m.
- Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
- 734 Marin St.
Bryan Girard Jazz Trio
Saxophonist Bryan Girard plays with Greg Sankovich on keyboard and Dave MacNab on guitar. No cover charge. Advance dinner reservations recommended.
- Sun, 5 to 8:00 p.m.
- Manny’s Steakhouse
- 295 Mare Island Way
Marty Malin author event
Marty Malin author, of “Transit, a Journey of Transfiguration,” will be reading the novel and talking about his writing process. Presented by Benicia Literary Arts.
- Sun, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
- Bookshop Benicia
- 636 First St.
Comedy starring OG Vicc
Hailing from Vallejo, California, OG Vicc will have you cracking up from the start to the end.
- Sun, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
- John F. Kennedy Library
- 505 Santa Clara St.
Monday, February 19
President's Day
Many government facilities will be closed
- Mon, All Day
- National Holiday
- Most government offices will be closed,
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 - now 1st & 3rd Mondays
- Mon, 7 to 10 p.m.
- Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
- 401A Georgia St.
Tuesday, February 20
Reptiles and amphibians show
Celebrate leap year by learning about frogs and other reptiles from JNW Reptile Rescue! Pet the critters and take lots of photos. No scorpions or spiders at this event - only reptiles and amphibians.
- Tues, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Springstowne Library
- 1003 Oakwood Ave
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. No audition or previous music experience is required.
- Tues, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
- Vallejo Community Center
- 225 Amador
Alibi Bookshop Artist's Way Group
“The Artists Way” teaches techniques and exercises to assist people in gaining self-confidence in harnessing their creative talents and skills. This will be a check in and accountability group so we can share our progress, frustrations, tips and tricks as we do The Artist's Way together and answer the questions the book poses. Meetings will be every other week.
- Tues, 6:30 p.m.
- Alibi Bookshop
- 624 Marin St.
Family Friendly Comedy
Bay Area Comics - Family Friendly comedy and Italian inspired cuisine - first and third Tuesdays at Bambino's. No cover with dinner.
- Tues, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
- Bambino’s
- 301 Georgia St. #122
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Gretchen Zimmermann
Gretchen Zimmermann founded the Vallejo Arts & Entertainment website, joined the Vallejo Sun to cover event listings and arts and culture, and has since expanded into investigative reporting.
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