Upcoming Vallejo Events — Kawaii cuteness comes to Solano County Fairgrounds

VALLEJO —  The third annual Bay Area Kawaii Festival will celebrate all things charming and lovable in an explosion of cuteness this Saturday at the Solano County Fairgrounds Expo Hall. Guaranteed fun for all ages, cosplay attire is encouraged. If you’re a fan of K-pop, Sanrio, anime, Pokemon, and other things cute and colorful, this is the party for you.

Also at the fairgrounds on Saturday, the Carquinez Quad Squad roller derby competition will feature showdowns between teams from around the region at McCormack Hall.

The Vallejo Festival Orchestra will perform “The Glory and Grandeur of Beethoven” this Saturday evening at the Empress Theatre. Thomas Conlin will conduct three great dramatic overtures: Egmont, Coriolan, Prometheus, and the monumental Symphony No. 3.

On Sunday afternoon you can learn about the history of Mare Island during the Cold War at the historic Saint Peter’s Chapel. Master Chief Bill Linné will give a presentation on the USS Mariano G. Vallejo submarine, the most powerful warship on earth at the time.

“The Jewish People – Stories, Voices, Vision” exhibit will open at the Vallejo Museum on Sunday afternoon. The exhibit includes art by local artists and unique collections from community members and synagogues. 

Sunday’s opening ceremony will include a children’s area, a presentation by the authors of “Jewish Community of Solano County,” and poetry by Vallejo Poet Laureate Emeritus D. L. Lang. The ceremony will conclude in the evening with the film “Who Will Write Our History,” which is not recommended for children under 13.

For literature and spoken word art this week, author and tattoo artist Dustin Kiskaddon will debut his book “Blood and Lightning: On Becoming a Tattooer" at Alibi Bookshop on Friday evening. Poetry by the Bay returns to the Mira Theatre tonight, and the “I Need a Mic” writer’s workshop will be held at the John F. Kennedy Library midday on Tuesday.

See the list below for details, more live music, theater, art exhibits and recreational activities.

Wednesday, February 28

Marina Crouse

Blessed with an incredibly expressive voice, Marina Crouse applies her distinctive talents to a wide range of material. Her work is an unexpected intersection of Soul, Blues, Funk and New Orleans R & B, with a heavy nod to her Chicana heritage.

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

Poetry by the Bay

This is the spot where poets gather to share their work and to hear the work of others. Come experience what’s been created, curated, and aged for nearly two decades. Tickets are free, but seating is limited so reserve your space in advance.

• Wed, 7 to 9 p.m.
• Mira Theater
• 51 Daniels Ave.

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 29

Black History Month Tiny Art Show

Last day to see the art made by community members to celebrate Black History Month..

• Thurs, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Springstowne Library
• 1003 Oakwood Ave.

February Book Club: Nightcrawling by Leila Mottley

Please join us for Alibi Bookshop's February Book Club discussion of "Nightcrawling" by Leila Mottley. A dazzling novel about a young Black woman who walks the streets of Oakland and stumbles headlong into the failure of its justice system.

• Thurs, 7 to 8 p.m.
• Alibi Bookshop
• 624 Marin St.

Friday, March 1

The Makery: Open Use Hours & Make it Fridays!

The Makery! Equipment includes: 3D printer, vinyl cutter, digital production equipment, and much more! We will have a special activity to get your creative muscles working.

• Fri, 2 to 4:45 pm
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

Alibi Bookshop Presents: Dustin Kiskaddon: "Blood and Lightning: On Becoming a Tattooer"

A very special author event with Dustin Kiskaddon, cultural sociologist and former tattoo artist for the debut of his book, "Blood and Lightning: On Becoming a Tattooer." A reception will follow the reading, so come out and make a night of it.

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

Live Music with Richard Abbot

Enjoy the mellow sounds of Richard Abbot while you dine.

• Fri, 7:30 to 9 p.m.
• Bambino’s
• 301 Georgia St. #122

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.

Reflection Goth Night

Goth Night with DJ Owen Owington Owensford presented by Its Danse Macabre. An intimate night with our special guest DJ curating the music and setting the mood for the Club that feels like a house party. Classic Goth - Nu Goth - Industrial - Goth Metal - EBM - Synth Pop - CyberPunk - Dark Wave - New Wave - Post Punk - 80s - 90s and more. All ages, no cover.

• Fri, 9 to 11:59 pm
• IntegriTea Art + Event Space
• 717 Marin St.

Saturday, March 2

Roller Derby Quadruple Header

An all-day roller derby competition featuring teams from around the region. After party at the Mare Island Coalshed Brewery, 7 to 9 p.m.

• Sat, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• McCormick Hall, Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Dr.

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

First Saturdays Fitness - Yoga

Yoga is a great way to de-stress, build up strength, and increase flexibility. 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.

Kawaii Fest

Immerse yourself in the world of Kawaii with a soundtrack of lively Kpop music. A celebration of all things cute and charming, featuring activities and vendors dedicated to Kawaii fashion, art and lifestyle.

• Sat, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Solano County Fairgrounds
• 900 Fairgrounds Dr.

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.

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

Bryan Girard Jazz Trio

Saxophonist Bryan Girard plays with Kevin Johnson on piano and Paul Aubert on bass. Manny’s has a spectacular waterfront view. No cover. Advance dinner reservations recommended.

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

Solano Community College Crab & Shrimp Feed

Enjoy fresh caught Dungeness Crab, extra jumbo sized shrimp, plus pasta, salad and garlic bread. Rotisserie chicken dinner option available. Enjoy enjoy micro brews, mixed drinks and Suisun Valley wine. Dance to DW Edwards rock, blues, funk and jazz. This island-themed event benefits the SCC Educational Foundation and Annual Scholarship Fund.

• Sat, 5:30 to 10 p.m.
• Solano Community College
• 4000 Suisun Valley Rd., Fairfield

Belly Dancing - A Veil in the Wind

A live music and belly dance experience. No cover with dinner.

• Sat, 7 to 8:30 p.m.
• Bambino’s
• 301 Georgia St. #122

Vallejo Festival Orchestra –The Glory and Grandeur of Beethoven

The Glory & Grandeur of Beethoven is conducted by Grammy award-winner Thomas Conlin. Three great dramatic overtures: Egmont, Coriolan, and Prometheus, to set the stage for Beethoven’s monumental Symphony No. 3, Eroica (“heroic”).

• Sat, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
• Empress Theatre
• 330 Virginia 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.

D' Groove Band

Get your dancing shoes polished because this Saturday the Bay Area's "D'Groove Band" will be performing at Gentleman Jim's Vallejo.

• Sat, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
• Gentleman Jim’s
• 1324 Lincoln Rd. E

Sunday, March 3

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.

Speakers Series: "The Cold War: Mare Island's Secret War Beneath the Waves."

Join Master Chief Bill Linné and the Mare Island Historic Park Foundation for the story of Vallejo’s own nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine. Built at Mare Island during the crucible of the Cold War, the submarine was the most powerful warship on earth built and manned under the highest national priority to address an existential threat to our nation.

• Sun, 3 to 5 p.m.
• St. Peter’s Chapel
• 1181 Walnut Ave.

The Jewish People - Stories, Voices, Vision: A multi-media art exhibit grand opening

Learn about and celebrate the art, culture and stories of the Jewish Community of Solano County. This free and family friendly event will feature an exhibit of Solano County artists. It will feature a brief history of the Jewish Community of Solano County by the authors of the book of the same name, delicious food, music, poetry by D.L. Lang, Vallejo Poet Laureate Emeritus, and a children’s area. The evening concludes from 6 to 8 p.m. with the powerful film, “Who Will Write Our History.”

• Sun, 3 to 8 p.m.
• Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum
• 734 Marin St.

Monday, March 4

Community Drum Circle

This is a monthly gathering spot for community drumming and friends. Drumming is a great way to release stress, boost immunity, brighten mood, and have tons of fun. All ages, cultures, genders, and abilities are welcome.

• Mon, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Mira Theatre
• 51 Daniels Ave.

Vallejo Senior Roundtable

Information and Discussion for Seniors on topics relevant to their needs. Our Topic this month will be Solano Mobility with Debbie McQuilkin - Senior Mobility Coordinator with the Solano Transportation Authority

• Mon, 1:30 to 3:00 p.m.
• Florence Douglas Center
• 333 Amador St.

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, March 5

"I Need A Mic" writing workshop

Ray Davis hosts the “I Need a Mic” writing workshop on select Tuesdays. Writers of all genres welcome.

• Tues, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• John F. Kennedy Library
• 505 Santa Clara St.

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.

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

Editor's note — this story was updated to correct the name of the Vallejo Festival Orchestra.