Upcoming Vallejo Events — Vallejo galleries bloom with three new shows this weekend

VALLEJO — Three gallery spaces are opening fresh new art shows this week.

The ARC Solano celebrates the opening of their new Amy Scopesi Art Gallery on Friday. This will be the organization’s first art show since the pandemic. Their Art@Arc creative arts program provides a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental atmosphere in which people with developmental disabilities can explore their creative voices. The “Reflections from the Studio” show will feature a variety of pieces created by past and current program participants.

The new “Portals” show by Fiber Expressions Art Quilters opens at Mare Island Art Studio on Saturday, and will have an artist reception on Sunday. The show will feature a wide range of fiber arts that include felting, sculpture, quilting, crochet and embroidery. The modern fiber arts medium reaches far beyond traditional craftwork into the realm of fine art.

“The Art of the African Diaspora” artist reception will be held at Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery & Multicultural Bookstore on Saturday. The show celebrates art through the eyes of African American artists. 

The Vallejo Sister City Association will hold a Japanese tea ceremony on Sunday at the John F. Kennedy Library’s Joseph Room to honor the city’s relationship with Akashi, Japan. The association is dedicated to making connections with people around the world to help promote peace through mutual respect and understanding.

City officials will be on site tomorrow at noon for a groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction of the long-awaited Vallejo Navigation Center at 1937 Broadway St. The center will serve the unhoused community with 125 shelter beds, case management services, job training programs and access to social and medical resources.

As always, there’s lots of great live music happening this week, and fun recreational activities that will help keep you in shape. Check the list below for details.

Wednesday, April 3

Lawyers in the Library

The Lawyers in the Library program offers free 15-minute appointments with attorneys. Please come in-person at 9 a.m. or call 866-572-7587 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

The Vallejo Run Club meets each Saturday morning and Wednesday evening, rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. Beginners to ultra marathoners welcome!

• Wed, 6:20 pm to 7:20 pm
• Vallejo Ferry Terminal
• 289 Mare Island Way

Quique Gomez

Born in Madrid, harmonicist and singer, Quique Gomez started playing harmonica at age 18 and assembled his first band, Juan Bourbon, Juan Scotch & Juan Beer at the age of 20. Quique has performed on five continents with artists such as John Primer, Eddie C. Campbell, Bob Stroger, Rockin Johnny, Jimmy Burns, Tail Dragger, Kenny Blues Boss Wayne, Kid Andersen, Little Charlie Batty and Chris Cain.

• 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, April 4

Vallejo Navigation Center groundbreaking ceremony

The City of Vallejo is delighted to announce the start of construction for the Vallejo Navigation Center. Join us and our healthcare partners for the groundbreaking ceremony at the future site. The center will have125 shelter bedsandwill deliver thorough case management services, job training programs and access to social and medical resources.

• Thurs, noon to 2 p.m.
• Navigation Center site
• 1937 Broadway St.

Sip & Paint - Spring has Sprung!

Artist Jena Webber will guide you as you paint your very own masterpiece, step by step. Your "Spring has Sprung" themed image will be done on a 16x20 canvas. The class will be held inside The Great Room of the mansion. Your first glass of wine, of your choice, is included with admission. All art supplies will be provided.

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

A Celebration of Poetic Diversity

A Celebration of Poetic Diversity, with Vallejo Co-Poet Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne, Poet Laureate of Richmond Stephen Sharpe, and Vallejo poet Julie Voice. Another celebration with a different line up will be headed by Co-Poet Laureate Kathleen Herrmann on Thursday April 18.

• Thurs, 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• Alibi Bookshop
• 624 Marin St.

Friday, April 5

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.

"Reflections from the Studio" opening reception

The Arc-Solano is pleased to announce that our Amy Scopesi Art Gallery is open! Our first exhibit since before COVID, this show features a variety of pieces created by past and current program participants. The show runs through the end of September.

• Fri, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Arc-Solano
• 3272 Sonoma Blvd. Suite 4

Kellie Fuller & The Greensill Trio

Kellie Fuller and the Mike Greensill Trio invite you to take a trip back to the glamorous Las Vegas Sands in the 1960s where things got swinging the Rat Pack, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. An optional catered dinner will be served at 6:30 p..m. and the music starts at 7:30 p.m.

• Fri, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre Lounge
• 324 Virginia St.

Reflection Goth Night

First Friday of the month is Goth Night with DJ Owen Owington Owensford, presented by Its Danse Macabre. Classic goth, nu goth, industrial, goth metal, EBM, synth pop, cyberpunk, dark wave, new wave, post punk, 80s, 90s and more.

• Fri, 9 to 11:59 pm
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St.

Saturday, April 6

Vallejo Run Club

The Vallejo Run Club meets each Saturday morning and Wednesday evening, rain or shine, next to the Vallejo Ferry Terminal. Beginners to ultra marathoners welcome!

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

Community Coffee Tasting with live music by Sobre Cuerdas

Sample coffee from around the world, browse crafts and confections by local vendors, or enjoy made-to order crêpes. Sobre Cuerdas plays a smooth mix of rock and reggae covers and original tunes specially selected to wake you up gently.

• 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 at down-to-earth prices. t

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

Breakfast with The Bunny

A Hoppin' Good Time! Hop into spring by bringing your family to enjoy Breakfast with The Bunny at Children's Wonderland Park. Don’t forget to take photos with Mr. Bunny! $8 Vallejo residents, $9 non-residents

• Sat, 10 a.m. to noon
• Children’s Wonderland
• 360 Glenn St.

First Saturdays Fitness - Yoga

Yoga instructor Amy Raupach will guide the group through a beginner/intermediate-friendly session. No yoga mat? No problem! We have one you can borrow!

• Sat, 11 a.m. to noon
• JFK Library – Joseph Room
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Portals - Fiber Expressions Art Quilters

Every stitch tells a story and every quilt unveils a gateway to imagination. Step into a mesmerizing realm of creativity at Portals, where the Fiber Expressions group explores this fascinating and multifaceted theme.

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

Time Bandits

Get ready to experience the ultimate high energy dance party with The Time Bandits, the electrifying dance band that's a favorite around the SF Bay Area. With a repertoire of all your favorite dance hits, ranging from classic to modern, this band will have you on your feet and dancing all afternoon.

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

The Art of the African Diaspora - Artist Reception

The Art of the African Diaspora Satellite Exhibit #2 - Artist Reception. Featured Artists: Beverly Avery, Stephen Bruce, Kimberly Johnson and Bahiya Spaulding.

• Sat, 2 to 5 p.m.
• Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery & Multicultural Bookstore
• 930 Marin St.

The Voltones

Original art-rock by the Voltones. Free show with dinner. Come early to get a seat near the stage

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

Live Music Saturday 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.

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

JazSynergy

JazSynergy, features Simon Russell, Paul Branin and Wilson Brooks. These highly respected Bay Area musicians have combined their individual stylings to create a unique blend of music. Reaching back to the sounds of Ray Charles, Sly & the Family Stone, Miles Davis, Jeff Beck, they seamlessly fuse R&B, jazz, funk and blues to create musical joy.

• Sat, 9 to 11:45 pm
• Gentleman Jim’s
• 1324 Lincoln Rd. E

Spitfire Mobb

Spitfire Mobb grabbed a few artists to put on for their area. We gon find out which AREA rocks the stage the hardest as ambassadors of their cities. 707 and 510 — see who can make this thang shake!

• Sat, 9 to 2:00 am
• Chris’ Club
• 656 Benicia Rd.

Sunday, April 7

Kayak Practice and Fun

Paddle around Lake Chabot, an easy, fun kayaking site that’s safe for beginners. Kayak provided if you don’t have one. $10 suggested donation. Check the Facebook Kayaking Biking group for updates. Dates and times may vary because of weather or volunteer availability.

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

Portals - Fiber Expressions Art Quilters artist reception

Every stitch tells a story and every quilt unveils a gateway to imagination. Step into a mesmerizing realm of creativity at Portals, where the Fiber Expressions group explores this fascinating and multifaceted theme. Artist reception will be held from 3 to 5 p.m.

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

Gud Tymez

No description of the type of music has been posted – all we know is they promise dancing and a hell of a good time!

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

Vallejo Sister City Association Japanese Tea Ceremony

The Japanese Tea Ceremony celebrates one of Vallejo’s beloved our sister cities, Akashi, Japan. Since 1956, the VSCA has been dedicated to connecting globally to help bridge connections with people around the world. Our mission is to promote peace through mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation - one individual, one community at a time.

• Sun, 2 to 4 p.m.
• JFK Library – Joseph Room
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Richard Freedman service and reception

Richard Freedman passed away on Saturday, March 30, 2024. Freedman contributed to the Times Herald Newspaper for many years. He held the position of community editor and wrote an entertaining column. His Service will be held on Sunday, April 7th at 3 pm at Northgate Church in Benicia. A Reception will follow at McCormack Hall, Solano County Fairgrounds, 900 Fairgrounds Dr. Vallejo

• Sun, 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
• Northgate Church
• 2201 Lake Herman Rd.
• Benicia

Monday, April 8

Speak Easy Expressions Poetry Night

Poetry for the soul - open mic every other Monday at Chris' Club.

• Mon, 7 to 11 p.m.
• Chris’ Club
• 656 Benicia Rd.

Tuesday, April 9

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 St.

City Council Regular Meeting

City Council meetings are now hybrid in-person and on Zoom. Agendas can be viewed on the City Agendas & Videos web page a minimum of 72 hours in advance for regular meetings and 24 hours in advance for special meetings. There will be a video link at the left of the agenda page once the meeting begins.

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

Editor's note — this story was updated with the name of the artist for the photo caption and Richard Freedman's service and reception.