Upcoming Vallejo Events — Verismo Opera debuts two one-act operas

VALLEJO — This week in Vallejo, Verismo Opera will debut a new show, the Vallejo Museum will hold their annual trivia night fundraiser, and the Vallejo Sister City Association will celebrate their annual tea ceremony. You can catch a standup comedy show or learn to fish at the annual Fishing in the City event at Dan Foley Park. These are just some of a wide variety of activities this week has in store.

Verismo Opera will perform two one-act operas, Suor Angelica by Giacomo Puccini and Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni on Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons through April 13. Both operas deal with the hardship and social constructs placed on women who do not conform to the rules of society and religion. Several pieces from Cavalleria Rusticana have been featured in movies such as “The Godfather.” The community opera offers affordable ticket prices, making this elite musical art accessible for all.

Other live music options around town include blues guitarist Steve Freund at the Empress Lounge on Wednesday evening and local singer Joyce Grant’s powerful mix of jazz, blues, and R&B at the Mare Island Brewing Company’s Coal Shed Brewery on Friday evening.

The versatile guitarist Nicholas Lefler will perform at the Ferry Taproom on Saturday evening. Lefler uses modern loop technology in his one-man band, combining multiple instruments into a blend of Latin, classical, jazz, reggae, new-flamenco, rock, and folk.

Or if live stand up comedy is your thing, check out Johnny Steele & Friends at the Empress Lounge on Friday evening. Steele is a winner of the prestigious San Francisco Comedy Competition. He will be joined onstage by some special comedian friends and musical guests.

Test your wits and help support the Vallejo Museum at their Trivia Night fundraiser contest on Saturday evening. Show off your knowledge on a variety of topics while enjoying snacks and drinks with friends. Don’t miss out on a chance to win awesome prizes and bragging rights!

On Sunday afternoon, attend the Vallejo Sister City Association’s annual tea gathering to commemorate the 57-year relationship between Vallejo and Akashi, Japan. This free community celebration of harmony and hospitality will be hosted by the wonderful Keiko Perri and performed by the Hagiwara Tea Group.

A fun outdoor recreational activity for the kids will take place on Saturday morning at Lake Chabot in Dan Foley Park. The Greater Vallejo Recreation District’s annual Fishing in the City event, now celebrating its 20th year, teaches the basic fishing skills of casting, knot tying, putting a worm on a hook, safety, and watershed education.

Poetry is a staple of the Vallejo arts community, and this week’s poetry events begin on Wednesday evening with Poetry by the Bay’s open mic at the Mira Theatre’s Black Box stage.

Then on Saturday afternoon, Vallejo Co-Poet Laureates Jacalyn Eyvonne and Kathleen Herrmann will host the Monologues and Poetry Film Screening and Open Mic at the Vallejo Museum. The event will begin with a carefully curated selection of poetic short films from across the globe and conclude with an open mic, where local poetic talents can take the stage. The film collection can also be viewed for free online through April 6.

DEI is alive and well at the Vallejo Museum, where a free panel discussion “Women Who Advocate For Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion!” will take place on Friday evening in honor of Women’s History Month.

Then on Monday evening at the museum, the Solano Serenity Center will host Trans Day of Visibility to celebrate transgender individuals and their accomplishments.

These are just some highlights of upcoming events. Scroll down the list below for more live music, pet adoption, art and recreational activities, and be sure to check our events page for late-breaking updates.