Upcoming Vallejo Events — Art of the African Diaspora

VALLEJO — Black History month events in Vallejo continue this week with an exhibit of works by artists of African descent.

An artist reception at Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery and Multicultural Bookstore on Saturday afternoon will feature the works of eight local artists for the annual Art of the African Diaspora exhibit. This satellite exhibition of a Bay Area-wide show will be up through March 22. 

Founded by the Richmond Art Center in 1997, Art of the African Diaspora continues to express and celebrate the creative achievements of artists of African descent.

On Thursday evening, Comedy Uncensored returns to the Empress Lounge, with the hilarious Louis Cervantez headlining the show. He’ll be joined onstage by social media sensation Bong Robbie and the seriously funny Lordes Ayon.

For live music this weekend, Vallejo singer Joyce Grant returns to the Mare Island Brewing Company's Coal Shed Brewery on Friday evening with her powerful mix of jazz, blues, and R&B.‍ 

On Saturday, you can catch a dinnertime jazz show at Manny’s Steakhouse with compelling music by the Bryan Girard Trio, or listen to the enchanting R&B and jazz singer, Nzuri Soul, at the Empress Theater on Saturday night. Then on Sunday afternoon, LaRussell and Good Compenny will return to the Empress Theatre, this time with guest rapper B-Legit, a former member of The Click.

A combination event at Moschetti Coffee Roaster’s on Saturday morning will offer the usual free coffee tasting and reggae pop fusion music by the Sobre Cuerdas duo on one side of the courtyard, and the San Francisco Bay Flyway Festival pop-up event on the other. The pop-up will feature informational birding exhibits and guest presentations, as well as wildlife-themed books and artwork.

Hear the power of young voices at the Poetry Out Loud Competition at the Vallejo Museum this Friday afternoon, where young poets from across Solano County will compete for coveted spots at the California State Finals in Sacramento.

On Sunday afternoon at the Vallejo Moose Lodge, the MILO Car Show will celebrate the life and legacy of Camilo Blackstone while fostering hope and resilience in our community. The gathering will feature stunning cars, raffles, and delicious food. Proceeds will support mentorship, guidance, and opportunities to empower youth.

And for a rollicking fun time into the wee hours on Saturday night, come see the drag show featuring Holotta Tymes and friends at the Townhouse Cocktail Lounge

These are just some highlights of upcoming events. Scroll down the list below for more music, cultural and recreational activities, and check our events page for late-breaking updates.

Wednesday, February 5

Immigration and Workforce Protections for Employers and Employees

In uncertain times, knowing your rights is essential—whether at work, home, or in the community. TVNPA’s Anti-Poverty Collaborative invites you to a free educational webinar with immigration attorney Spojmie Nasiri, designed to provide critical information on legal rights and protections in the workplace. Learn about your rights in interactions with law enforcement, how to prepare for enforcement actions, workplace protections, and resources for families and communities. This webinar is free and open to all.

• Wed, 3 to 4 p.m.
• Webinar

Timm Walker & Friends

Timm runs a good-time dance band called BeaufunK and plays with one of the longer-lasting Zydeco bands in California. He will perform with drummer extraordinaire William Allums, multi-platinum keyboardist, writer and producer, Michael (Spiderman) Robinson and Larry James, who has a potent and unforgettable performance style featuring outstanding guitar or bass, along with a crystal clear and soulful vocal presence.

• Wed, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Empress Lounge
• 324 Virginia St, Vallejo

Wednesday Night Open Mic

A friendly space for both beginning musicians and seasoned professionals. Comedians and poets also welcome.

• Wed, 8 to 11 p.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St., Vallejo

Thursday, February 6

Genealogical Proof for the Everyday Genealogist

Annette Lyttle will be discussing Genealogical Proof for the Everyday Genealogist. How do we know if the facts we've uncovered about our ancestors are correct? How do we avoid attaching somebody else's ancestors to our family tree? The Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) is our guide to producing reliable research results If you are interested in attending, please send an e-mail to GSVBzoom@gmail.com to request a Zoom invitation. The Zoom meeting time is at 1:30 pm Pacific Time. The event is FREE. All are welcome.

• Thu, 1:30 p.m.
• Zoom

The Makery

Come experience Solano County Library's makerspace- The Makery! Equipment includes: 3D printer, vinyl cutter, digital production equipment, drawing tablets and much more! Drop-in and discover what we have. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

• Thu, 3 to 7 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo

Showcasing local history through art, featuring artist Ron Craig

Join us for an opening reception celebrating artist Ron Craig's striking prints that capture the industrial heritage and historic artifacts of Mare Island. Complimentary appetizers. Cash Bar. Prints for sale.

• Thu, 5 to 7 p.m.
• Mare Island Coal Sheds, Breezeway, Mare Island Brewing Co.
• 860 Nimitz Ave, Vallejo

Comedy Uncensored

Come laugh with us at the only comedy club in Vallejo! Headlining is the hilarious Louis Cervantez, back on our stage for the second time. Louis is a world-touring professional comedian who loves performing in Vallejo so much that he had to return! Also featuring the hilarious Bong Robbie, an Instagram and TikTok sensation. Vallejo is his hometown, so let's show him some love! The show also features Lordes Ayon, a side-splittingly funny comedian from the Bay Area. A professional touring act, she's performed at top clubs like Laughs Unlimited, Punchline, Tommy T's, and many more.

• Thu, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• Empress Lounge
• 324 Virginia St, Vallejo

Friday, February 7

Family Storytime

Our family storytimes are great for the whole family. Have children of different ages? Bring them all! These stories and activities are for everyone.

• Fri, 10 a.m. to 10:35 a.m.
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Avenue, Vallejo

Poetry Out Loud Competition

Witness the power of young voices at this exciting showcase of emerging literary talent! Young poets from across Solano County will compete for coveted spots at the California State Finals in Sacramento. Come support our local youth as they share poetry and demonstrate their creative mastery of language and performance.

• Fri, 1 to 3 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St, Vallejo

The Makery

Come experience Solano County Library's makerspace- The Makery! Equipment includes: 3D printer, vinyl cutter, digital production equipment, drawing tablets and much more! Drop-in and discover what we have. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

• Fri, 2 to 4:45 p.m.
• Vallejo John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo

Live Music Friday with Joyce Grant & Company

Vallejo singer, Joyce Grant returns to the Coal Shed Brewery with her powerful mix of jazz, blues, and R&B.‍ Her vocal interpretations range from sensitive to powerful to cheeky over a broad spectrum of charts.

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

Reflection, Gothique Experience

A Unique Goth night with DJ Owen Owington Owensford curating the music and setting the mood for the night. Classic goth, nu goth, industrial, goth metal, EBM, synth pop, cyberpunk, dark wave, new wave, post punk, classic alternative, 80s, 90s, and more.

• Fri, 9 p.m. to midnight
• Odd Fellows Hall, San Pablo Lodge #43
• 342 Georgia St., Vallejo

Saturday, February 8

Farmers’ Market

Shop here for a great selection of California-grown greens, fruits & veggies, as well as some nice specialty booths with baked goods, tamales and food trucks with down-to-earth prices.

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

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 reggae pop fusion by the documented, law abiding, tyranny fleeing, Venezuelan duo Sobre Cuerdas.

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

Go Wildly Live Outdoors SF Bay Flyway Festival Pop Up

The Flyway Festival Pop Up event celebrates the return of over one million shorebirds and hundreds of thousands of ducks, geese, hawks, songbirds and even monarch butterflies which migrate through or winter in the San Francisco Bay Area. Guest presentations by wildlife experts begin at 11:30am and continuing through the mid afternoon.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Moschetti Coffee Roaster
• 11 6th St, ( Curtola Pkwy at Solano Ave.), Vallejo

Sip n' Thrift Valentine's Day Market

Come join us at 200 Tennessee St. for a fun-filled day of shopping, sipping, and celebrating love! Our market will feature a variety of unique and affordable items perfect for spoiling your loved ones (or yourself) this Valentine’s Day. Indulge in some retail therapy while enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee from our local vendors. With a mix of vintage treasures, handmade crafts, and one-of-a-kind gifts, you’re sure to find something special for that special someone.

• Sat, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Good Neighbor Marketplace
• 200 Tennessee St, Vallejo

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 Lane, Vallejo

Art of the African Diaspora, Artist Reception

Join Ethnic Notions during the months of February and March, 2025, as it exhibits select works by local artists of African descent for the 28th annual Art of the African Diaspora. Artworks by Erika Stitt, Julie Atkinson, Jeff Brown, Irene Bee Kain, Ashlie Kego, Malcolm Ryder, Rutlandra Hodges and Xioneida Ruiz. Exhibit runs Feb. 1 through March 22.

• Sat, 1 to 4 p.m.
• Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery & Multicultural Bookstore
• 930 Marin St., Vallejo

Bath Bombs

Join us for a fun, fantastic smelling afternoon. Get creative with colors and scents to help you unwind in the bath. This program is intended for teens and tweens; all ages are welcome to participate.

• Sat, 2:30 to 4 p.m.
• Vallejo Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Avenue, Vallejo

Byran Girard Jazz Trio

Saxophonist Bryan Girard will be joined by Greg Sankovich on keyboard and Lorn Leber on guitar at Manny's on the Vallejo waterfront. Their music is intense, rhythmic and emotionally compelling. Manny has great views and a full bar. Advance dinner reservation recommended.

• Sat, 5 to 8 p.m.
• Manny's Steakhouse
• 295 Mare Island Way, Vallejo

Glow in the Dark: Family Dodgeball!

Ages 6+ Let's Glow! Come play dodgeball with the family in the new GVRD Sports Gym! Put on something neon, play with family, and get competitive while fully submerged in a cool, glow in the dark ambiance. Dodgeballs provided! *Players 12 & under must be accompanied by an adult.

• Sat, 6 to 8 p.m.
• GVRD Sports Gym
• 501 Starr Ave., Vallejo

Crab Feed Fundraiser

Join us on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, for an evening of great food, community, and live entertainment!

• Sat, 6 to 10 p.m.
• S.C.D.E.S. Portuguese Hall of Vallejo
• 242 Contra Costa Street, Vallejo

DJ Goyo

DJ Goyo still collects records from all over the world and plays many instruments. His specialty is to get the crowd moving. He can do any style of music for any type of event, finding the thread between songs to keep the groove flowing.

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

Love & Harmony Dance

Get ready to groove and feel the love at Love & Harmony Dance, a night filled with music, laughter, and good vibes!

• Sat, 6 to 11 p.m.
• Filipino Community Center
• 611 Amador Street, Vallejo

Nzuri Soul

Nzuri Soul, an enchanting R&B and Jazz singer, hails from Dallas but has flourished in the vibrant music scene of the Bay Area, California. Renowned for her powerful vocals and captivating songwriting, Nzuri has spent over a decade making waves in the industry.

• Sat, 8 to 10 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St, Vallejo

Townhouse Divas Drag Show

Come join Vicodonia Knightingale, Charity Kase and Holotta Tymes every 2nd Saturday night at the Townhouse Cocktail Lounge! These are the Divas you want to see!

• Sat, 10:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St, Vallejo

Sunday, February 9

MILO Car Show 2025: From Adversity to Hope

Celebrate hope and resilience at the MILO Car Show on Feb 9, 2025. Stunning cars, raffles, food-proceeds benefit youth empowerment!

• Sun, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Vallejo Moose Lodge
• 337 Nebraska Street, Vallejo

Go Wildly Live Outdoors SF Bay Flyway Festival Pop Up

The Flyway Festival Pop Up event celebrates the return of over one million shorebirds and hundreds of thousands of ducks, geese, hawks, songbirds and even monarch butterflies which migrate through or winter in the San Francisco Bay Area. Guest presentations by wildlife experts begin at 11:30am and continuing through the mid afternoon.

• Sun, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Moschetti Coffee Roaster
• 11 6th St, ( Curtola Pkwy at Solano Ave.), Vallejo

St. Peter's Chapel, Self-guided Tour

St. Peter's Chapel is open to the public every second and fourth Sunday of the month. If you've never seen the interior be prepared to be astounded by the 29 stained-glass windows and the magnificence of the interior. Docents will be available to answer all your questions. All we ask is a $5 donation toward the chapel maintenance fund. s.

• Sun, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• St. Peter’s Chapel
• 1181 Walnut Ave., Vallejo

La Russell

LaRussell will be joined onstage by B-Legit, a former member of The Click, a rap group formed by his cousin E-40. LaRussell and his independent collective, Good Compenny, are pioneering change within the hip-hop industry. They support independent artists without requiring them to relinquish ownership of their art.

• Sun, 2 to 5 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia St, Vallejo

Poetry Open Mic & Live Music

Let's explore the spoken word as we commune over poetry, music, tea, and community.

• Sun, 2 to 4 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St, Vallejo

Monday, February 10

Movement with Mary Jane

Movement with Mary Jane is a guided movement flow to enhance the mind, body, spirit connection. This is an infused experience for people 21 and over, exceptions made if you have a doctor’s recommendation. 6 to 7 p.m. is the "Inhale Session,” where we vaporize our herbal allies and unwind over freshly brewed tea. 7 to 8 p.m. is the "Exhale Flow", where we center in our breath and find balance in our bodies through a guided series of yoga-inspired movements and stretches, moving into gentle, breath-informed dance.

• Mon, 6 to 9 p.m.
• IntegriTea
• 717 Marin St., Vallejo

Tuesday, February 11

Vallejo CreativiTea Club, Every Tuesday night

Vallejo CreativiTea Club (AKA Doodle & Draw) is now every Tuesday night though we frequently stay later. Open to all ages and skill levels. Get together with your downtown arts community to work side by side on art projects while sipping tea and listening to music. Bring a project you're working on, or get inspired to start something fresh. We will have some art supplies available. This is a free event. Donations are appreciated.

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

City Council Regular Meeting

City Council meetings are now hybrid in-person and on Zoom. Agendas can be viewed on the City Agendas & Videos webpage at www.cityofvallejo.net and are posted 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. This will also serve as a future archive of the meeting. For better live video performance, use the direct Zoom link found in the first paragraph of the agenda window, on the second tab. City Council meetings are also broadcast on Vallejo’s cable channel, VCAT.

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