Upcoming Vallejo Events — Black History Month closes with a bevy of activities

VALLEJO —  February comes to a close with several more fun and educational Black History Month events in Vallejo this week. 

Black History Month Poetry Night at the John F. Kennedy Library Thursday evening will feature renowned poets from around the Bay Area, including Vallejo’s first Poet Laureate Dr. Genea Brice, current Vallejo Co-Poet Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne and Stephen Sharpe, Poet Laureate of Richmond.

Author Sharon McGriff-Payne will be joined by former museum board president Liat Meitzenheimer in "Black History, Vallejo History, Our History: A Conversation." On Friday evening at the Vallejo Museum. McGriff-Payne was named resident historian of the museum earlier this month.

Children’s Wonderland will host a Black History “Homecoming” block party on Saturday afternoon, with DJ music, drumming, art, food trucks, a kid zone and more.

Back at the Vallejo Museum on Saturday evening, “Black History Month – a Conscious Experience” will be hosted by Lerecia Davis and feature local artists, poets and musicians. 

This is the last weekend to participate in the Black History Month-themed educational activities at the Immersive Learning Center. Keyz STEAM Society presents an exploration of genealogy, Black Science icons, media, documentaries and science labs on Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

In addition to the Black history events, theater fans can attend two funny plays this weekend. 

David Mamet’s comic play “A Life in the Theatre” at Bay Area Stage opens on Friday. Two actors run through missed cues, wardrobe malfunctions, dropped lines and broken props. The play features powerful performances by Micheal Cawelti and Patrick Atkinson.

The play “Art” by Yasmina Reza is in its final weekend at the Vallejo Museum. This comedy  presented by On the Fringe Visual and Performing Arts raises questions about art and friendship. 

And speaking of art, the “Winged Beings” art show opens at the Mare Island Art Studios on Saturday afternoon. Artist JeanCherie was struck by how much of her artwork depicts wings, and invited other artists in her circle to contribute winged artwork to the show.

Re:Sound Migration is an immersive experience of sound, vision, and space, in which an empty Mare Island warehouse is transformed to an alternate environment. Performances by Sholeh Asgary, Angst Hase Pfeffer Nase and LEXAGON. Saturday afternoon in Building 34, near the Mare Island Ferry Terminal.

This is only a sampling of the many events and activities coming up in Vallejo this week. See the list below for more activities and live music.

Wednesday, February 21

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.

Howell Devine - Triple Threat Blues

Triple threat talent, Joshua Howell on gutar and vocals, percussion savant Pete Devine, and veteran upright bassist Joe Kyle Jr., deftly mix rural blues with wildly syncopated rhythms to create a rollicking sound that stands in stark contrast to the typical blues heard these days.

• 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 22

Art Beat Radio Show – Poetry Hour

Former Benicia Poet Laureate Thomas Stanton hosts local poets live on the radio.

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

Black History Month Poetry Night

The JFK Black History Month Poetry Night will feature poets and poets laureate from around the Bay Area, presenting masterfully-crafted pieces around the night’s theme: Renewal. Featuring: Jacalyn Eyvonne, Current Co-Poets Laureate of Vallejo Dr. Genea Brice, Inaugural Poet Laureate  of Vallejo Stephen Sharpe, Current Poet Laureate of Richmond, and E. Spoken (Elaine C Brown).

• Thurs, 6 to 7:30 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Friday, February 23

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.

"Black History, Vallejo History, Our History: A Conversation."

The Vallejo Museum's Living History Speakers Series presents: "Black History, Vallejo History, Our History: A Conversation." Come hear our resident historian Sharon McGriff Payne, in conversation with former museum board president Liat Meitzenheimer

• Fri, 6 to 8 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St.

"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.

A Life in the Theatre - a play by David Mamet

Two actors run through missed cues, wardrobe malfunctions, dropped lines and broken props. Great fun – unless you are an actor and it is happening to you. The play features powerful performances by Micheal Cawelti and Patrick Atkinson.

• Fri, 8 to 10 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

James Garner Tribute to Johnny Cash

The show is a fun, toe-tapping trip down memory lane honoring Johnny Cash's life and music, and the boom-chicka-boom sound of his longtime backing band, the Tennessee Three.

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

Saturday, February 24

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 local honey at  down-to-earth prices.

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

2024 VGMS Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show

Jewelry, beads, fossils, lapidary specimens, lapidary books and tools, gemstones and much more. Vallejo Gem and Mineral Society will have the infamous Wheel of Fortune, geode cutting, grab bags, kids zone, hourly drawings, demonstrators, and silent auction.

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

 Black History Month Quilting Lesson

Learn about fabrics in the US that made an impact and have passed down from generations of descendants of slaves. Participants with be able to create art inspired by traditional quilting patterns or create their own story quilt.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to noon
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave.

Black History Month @Keys STEAM Society

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.

Black History Month "Homecoming" Block Party!

A free celebration of Black History Month. Enjoy entertainment, food, vendors, and more! I

• Sat, noon to 5 p.m.
• Children’s Wonderland
• 360 Glenn St.

Kitty Meet and Greet - pet adoptions

Community Cat Advocates has cats and kittens at the Vallejo Petsmart on every 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. Come meet your next best friend!

• Sat, noon to 3 p.m.
• PetSmart
• 952 Admiral Callaghan Ln.

Winged Beings - opening reception

Winged Beings Opening Reception Invitational Art Show by JeanCherie and friends.

• Sat, 2 to 6 p.m.
• Mare Island Art Studios
• 110 Pintado St.

Re:Sound Migration

Come join us on Mare Island in Building 34 for an afternoon of sound, vision, and space with three performances by Bay Area artists.

• Sat, 4 to 6 p.m.
• Building 34, Mare Island
• 1024 Nimitz Ave.

Groovy Judy Band

Groovy Judy is one of the Bay Area's top female guitarists, songwriters and performers. Heavily inspired by Jimi Hendrix and the sounds and colors of the late 60's and early 70's, she uses her musical talents and artistry to spread peace, love, and positive vibes.

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

This Black History Month - a Conscious Experience

This Black History Month Celebration lineup includes Vallejo Poet Laureate Jacalyn Eyvonne, Keith Thompson, Leila Steinberg, Louis King, Stu Summerville, Courtney Mims, Keki Dexter, Verlannia Manchester, Erica Rose, Lori Herrera, Myla J, and Sharday Botts. Hosted by Lerecia Davis. An Askari Sowonde production.

• Sat, 6 to 8:30 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St.

Live Music with Matt Jaffe

Jaffe marries literary lyrics with the undeniable urge to dance

• 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.

A Life in the Theatre - a play by David Mamet

Two actors run through missed cues, wardrobe malfunctions, dropped lines and broken props. This comic play features powerful performances by Micheal Cawelti and Patrick Atkinson.

• Sat, 8 to 10 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St

The Town House Divas - Drag Show

Every 2nd & 4th Saturday at the Town House, with Holotta Tymes, Vicodonia Knightingale and Charity Kase.

• Sat, 10:30 to 1:30 am
• Townhouse Cocktail Lounge
• 401A Georgia St.

Sunday, February 25

2024 VGMS Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show

Jewelry, beads, fossils, lapidary specimens, lapidary books and tools, gemstones and much more. Vallejo Gem and Mineral Society will have the infamous Wheel of Fortune, geode cutting, grab bags, kids zone, hourly drawings, demonstrators, and silent auction.

• Sun, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• McCormick Hall, Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Dr.

Birth Justice

Black and brown women face alarming maternal mortality rates, with black women being more than three times as likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than their white counterparts. In Solano County, these disparities persist. Birth Justice is not just an event but a response to a critical healthcare challenge that demands our collective commitment.

• Sun, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Touro University – Lander Hall
• 105 Owen Dr.

Black History Month @Keys STEAM Society

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

Jazz Sunday with Laura Dorais

Song stylist Laura Dorais and keyboardist Bob Johns will play three hours of jazz and American Songbook standards. No cover with meal.

• Sun, noon to 3 p.m.
• Bambino’s
• 301 Georgia St. #122

Winged Beings Art Show

Winged Beings Invitational Art Show by JeanCherie and Friends Regular hours Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. through March 30.

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

A Life in the Theatre - a play by David Mamet

Two actors run through missed cues, wardrobe malfunctions, dropped lines and broken props. This comic play features powerful performances by Micheal Cawelti and Patrick Atkinson.

• Sun, 3 to 5 p.m.
• Bay Area Stage Theatre
• 515 Broadway St.

Monday, February 26

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, February 27

Campanelli Youth Chorus after-school class

Students gain a foundation in the choral arts: • musicianship • sight singing • pitch & vocal training • recital experience To register, visit: www.vallejochoral.org/youth For questions, email: info@vallejochoral.org Drop-ins are welcome. Scholarships are available, through GVRD and from Vallejo Choral Society. For details, email: info@vallejochoral.org. 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. The youth chorus [...]

• Tues, 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• Vallejo Community Center
• 225 Amador St.

Books on Tap - Fantasy Books

Join the Springstowne Library for their monthly book club. This month's theme is fantasy books. So pick any fantasy book and come prepared to discuss it with others. We will meet at Mare Island Brewery: The Coal Shed.

• Tues, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Mare Island Brewing Co. – Coal Shed Brewery
• 860 Nimitz Ave.

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 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.

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