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September 2018
Visions of the Wild – Napa River Morning Cruise – Discover the Napa River with Myrna Hayes
Enjoy the beautiful scenery between Vallejo and Napa on this morning cruise. While onboard the River Dolphin, Vallejo’s own Myrna Hayes will give you a perspective of the waterway that will inform and delight as only she can. Sights will include an up close view of Mare Island, wetlands, marshes and wildlife.
Please arrive 15 minutes before departure time to meet with your hosts David and Trudie.
Location: Vallejo Marina, K Dock , 42 Harbor Way Vallejo, CA 94590
LORENZO RUIZ, Bayani ng Diyos
This is an Empress Theatre rental event
Tickets: $40
Two showings: Matinee at 1:30PM & Evening at 6:30PM
“LORENZO RUIZ, Bayani ng Diyos” is a glimpse of the life of the first ever Filipino Saint, utilizing drama, music and songs to tell the story of Lorenzo’s martyrdom. Also incorporated into this unique presentation is the use of scenes from the only movie made about the saint in the mid 80’s. The play was first staged at the St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church in Vallejo in 2015 for 2 nights. The play features former Philippine showbiz personalities, Vivian Foz, Joji Isla, Louella Albornoz, and starring Mr. Mat Ranillo III, reprising his role as the Filipino martyr on film, and now, on the intimate stage. The rest of the cast are composed of professionals, mostly from the Bay Area, whose love for the arts has brought them together to help breath life to the story of Lorenzo Ruiz. Also participating is the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Parish choir. The presentation traces the important events in the life of Lorenzo and his family in Binondo in the 1600’s, the unfortunate events that followed, his eventual forced migration to Japan, leading to his death on Nishizaka Hill. It starts with the presentation of life in Binondo through song, the stolen rosary which was blamed on Lorenzo, Lorenzo as a religious and loving family man, the death of the tax collector Sebastian, Lorenzo leaving his family to save himself, Lorenzo joining a group of priests on an overseas voyage, their eventual landing in Japan, eventual capture by the Shogunate, their torture in the hands of their captors, their refusal to renounce their religion, and meeting their deaths in the hands of the Japanese.
Visions of the Wild – Napa River Afternoon Cruise – Beer and Bites with Napa Smith and League of Chefs
Enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Napa River while tasting local food and beer. League of Chefs and Napa Smith Brewery are teaming up to create a flavorful beer and bites pairing sure to please all who like to experience new taste sensations.
Please arrive 15 minutes before departure time to meet with your hosts David and Trudie.
Location: Vallejo Marina, K Dock , 42 Harbor Way Vallejo, CA 94590
Visions of the Wild – Carquinez Strait Morning Cruise – “Water Politics: Who Owns the Rain?” with Kate Sammler
Dr. Katherine Sammler teaches at California State University Maritime. She conducts research at the intersection of science and politics in the the ocean and sky. Herr work considers the role of knowledge, law, and power in defining global commons, access, and environmental justice.
Please arrive 15 minutes before departure time to meet with your hosts David and Trudie.
Location: Vallejo Marina, K Dock , 42 Harbor Way Vallejo, CA 94590
Visions of the Wild – Napa River Afternoon Cruise – Photography Workshop with Brian O’Reilly
Brian O’Reilly will provide tips that make your photos better and taking pictures more fun. Enjoy the experience of what your seeing through the viewfinder, LCD screen or your phone.
Brian O’Reilly was born in Birmingham, England but has lived in California since the early ‘70s. He has worked as a commercial photographer while pursuing his own artistic vision. He serves on the board of the Vallejo Community Arts Foundation and teaches photography in their summer arts camp. His philosophy is to “get it right in the camera.”
Bring your own SLR, point and shoot, or smartphone camera.
Please arrive 15 minutes before departure time to meet with your hosts David and Trudie.
Location: Vallejo Marina, K Dock , 42 Harbor Way Vallejo, CA 94590
Landscape Music: Rivers & Trails
FREE EVENT
Doors open 3:30PM
This event is part of the Visions of the Wild festival
Journey from the Anza Trail in the Bay Area to Sudbury River in Massachusetts in this concert of World Premieres celebrating our national trails and rivers. Citywater, a premier chamber ensemble dedicated to contemporary classical music, performs new works by a collective of accomplished composers from across the country who write music inspired by landscape, nature, and place. Featuring music by Oliver Caplan, Linda Chase, Nell Shaw Cohen, Ben Cosgrove, Libby Meyer, Rachel Panitch, Christina Rusnak, and Ryan Suleiman, this program is part of a nationwide initiative coordinated by the Landscape Music Composers Network to commemorate the 50th Anniversaries of the National Trails System Act and the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act through the creation and presentation of new music.
Mare Island Brewing and Bump City Wine Present: Roger Smith and Friends Spectacular Birthday Concert
VIP re-party in the lounge at 6PM | VIP Doors at 5:30PM
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
Roger Smith is the keyboard player for Tower of Power who will be celebrating his birthday with 9 of his very close musical friends. Not only is it his birthday but it is also the birthday of Bump City Wine his personal wine company. If that is not enough celebration for you then hold onto your seats as his band has been celebrating their 50th anniversary all year and what a year it has been. Joining Roger in this very special celebration will be many close personal friends who also share September birthdays (Randy Haight, Tina Abbaszadeh, and Tracy Turner-Pain).
Wednesday Night Live in the Lounge with JazSynergy
General Admission: $10
Doors open 6:30PM | Show 7:30PM to 10PM
Featuring: Wilson Brooks, Tim Campbell, Paul Branin.
CRSB – HomeGrown
$20 Online | $25 Phone & Box Office | $10 VIP Meet and Greet Add-on
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
CRSB is a musical duo based out of the San Francisco Bay Area who create their own brand of Island Soul-infused Pop. Consisting of members Chris Ramos and Sonny B., CRSB combines honest and memorable songwriting with a heart right out of the islands.
VOENA children’s choir: Voices of Yesterday
$20 Online | $25 Phone & Box Office | Kids 12 Under $10 off | Senior and Military Discount
Doors open 3PM | Show starts at 4PM
It is warm, generous, enveloping and beautifully moving to see children express themselves in a joyous singing dance-like performance. Compelling voices with wow moments that just keep coming, VOENA presents a dynamic, refreshingly intimate show where the audience will experience a supreme new choral experience, bringing audience in and out of songs from our yesteryears...a modern show for the whole family.
October 2018
Wednesday Night Live in the Lounge with Daniel Lucca Parenti Band featuring Cedricke Dennis
General Admission: $10
Doors open 6:30PM | Show 7:30PM to 10PM
Daniel Lucca Parenti, AKA D-Lucca, is a San Francisco Bay Area native who has performed with many jazz legends, including Rosemary Clooney, Michael Brecker, Tom Browne, Ronnie Laws, Fred Wesley and Lionel Hampton. Bass Player Magazine said of D-Lucca, “Aptly handling a variety of basses, including melody-manning piccolo, [D-Lucca’s] material is alternately laid-back and fused-out modern jazz.”
Daniel has performed on “The View”, toured internationally, and at many popular Jazz Festivals, including the Stuttgart Jazz Open, Jazz Trax Smooth Jazz Festival and Westbury Jazz Festivals. Daniel has become one of the top call bassists in the San Francisco Bay Area performing with many well known Bay Area artists such as, Rodney Franklin, Terry Disley (Acoustic Alchemy), Billy Johnson (Santana), Frank Martin (Narda Michael Walden), Joel Smith (Walter Hawkins), and Lorn Leber (Jerry Garcia Band).
Kimiè Miner, featuring Sua Family & Hula Ikaika Ohana O Ka’awai
$20 Online | $25 Box Office & Phone
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
Kimiè Miner, 3x Hoku Hanhano and 1st ever Island Music Award winner
Featuring The Sua Family and a special Polynesian showcase by Hula Ikaika Ohana O Ka'awai ~ E Honu Iti E
John Lennon’s Birthday Celebration and Fundraiser for Education featuring Drew Harrison of the Sun Kings
$15 Online | $20 Phone & Box Office | Kids 12 Under $5 off
Doors open 6PM | Show starts at 7PM
Drew Harrison of The Sun Kings presents a loving, emotionally charged retrospective of the life and career of one of the most popular artists of all time, told through songs, stories, and images from The Beatles through the final recordings of his life.
DaVinci & Michelangelo The Titans Experience Theatre Performance
$35 Online | $40 Phone & Box Office
Kids 12 and under %50 off | Senior and Military discount
$25 VIP Food and Meet n Greet before show
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
DaVinci & Michelangelo: The Titans Experience Theatre Performance. An Awe-Inspiring, Non-Stop, One-of-kind, Multi-Media “Live” Theatrical Performance as seen through the eyes of these two titans.
In this “tour de force” performance...”DaVinci & Michelangelo The Titans Experience, Mark Rodgers will take the audience on an fantastic, awe-inspiring journey through the Italian Renaissance as seen through the eyes of these two, monumental geniuses. The performance is a non-stop, multi-media event featuring movies, videos, 3-D animations, and images of DaVinci and Michelangelo’s inventions, machines, sketches, codices, paintings, and sculptures. Rodgers compares and contrasts the incredible lives of Leonardo and Michelangelo as never before, relating them to our world today with our contemporary geniuses of Les Paul, Van Cliburn, Paul McCartney, Jacques Cousteau and the modern internal combustion engine, as we strive to discover our own “inner” Michelangelo and DaVinci.
Running time: 2 Hours with 15 Minute Intermission
Vallejo Symphony Concert I – Vibrant
Vallejo Symphony Concert I - Vibrant
Doors open 1PM | Pre-concert talk 2PM | Symphony at 3PM
Beethoven, Leonora Overture #1 Leonora Overture #2
Shostakovich, Symphony No. 1
Rachmaninoff, Piano concerto No. 2
Marc Taddei, conducting
David Fung, piano
Sugaray Rayford – Special Wednesday Night
$30 Online | $35 Phone & Box Office
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
When Sugaray belts out a song, you not only hear it, you feel it. The excitement in the room is palpable when he takes the stage. His dynamic voice is as large as the man himself. With his old school vocal style, Echoes of Muddy Waters, Otis Redding and Teddy Pendergrass can be heard. At 6’5” he is a big man, but he moves with grace and energy and his dance steps will remind you of the Legendary James Brown.
The Trouble With Scott Capurro – Comedy Night
$20 Online | $25 Phone & Box Office
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
The Trouble With Scott Capurro Scott Capurro is the one of nature’s great raconteurs. Challenging, sometimes outrageous, but intimate too and most shockingly occasionally full of doubt. In The Trouble With…Scott wrangles with rich friends, worthy yoga and the miseries of home ownership. Capurro shows that every silver lining is attached to a rather imposing cloud, spinning yarns that are meant to resolve issues, but which oddly have the opposing effect.
“Comic equation: Larry Grayson x (Lenny Bruce + Chris Rock) = Scott Capurro.” - The Guardian
Vallejo Jazz Society Presents Steve Snyder’s Big Band
$20 General | $10 VJS Members | Up to two students free with adult ticket purchase
Doors open 5PM | Show starts at 6PM
The Lafayette Studio Big Band is a 17 piece Count Basie, Frank Sinatra Style Jazz Orchestra.
Steve Snyder's Lafayette Big Band Dance Back to Basie and More. Comprised of top notch San Francisco Bay Area Musicians from Hawaii to San Francisco Chicago and New York, steeped in the legacy of big band jazz.
Film Club – The Bride of Frankenstein
Tickets: FREE
Doors open 6:30PM | Film Starts 7:30PM sharp!
The Bride of Frankenstein - with guest speaker Dr. Audrey Shafer
After recovering from injuries sustained in the mob attack upon himself and his creation, Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive) falls under the control of his former mentor, Dr. Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger), who insists the now-chastened doctor resume his experiments in creating new life. Meanwhile, the Monster (Boris Karloff) remains on the run from those who wish to destroy him without understanding that his intentions are generally good despite his lack of socialization and self-control.
Young Frankenstein the Musical
Tickets: $25 GA | $23 Seniors
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
Bay Area Stage Productions Presents:
The New Mel Brooks Musical
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
From the creators of the record-breaking Broadway sensation, The Producers, comes this monster new musical comedy. The comedy genius, Mel Brooks, adapts his legendarily funny film into a brilliant stage creation – Young Frankenstein!
Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced "Fronk-en-steen") inherits his family's estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced "Eye-gore"), and his amply qualified lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. "It's alive!" he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather's. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds.
The Creature – Staged play by Trevor Allen
Doors open 2PM | Show starts at 3PM
A FREE screening of a staged play by Trevor Allen
Recorded before a live audience.
No green skin, no neckbolts--this is an elegant, presentational production based on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Told from the Creature’s point of view and juxtaposing the stark first years of his existence with the scientist’s denial of his creation, THE CREATURE breathes new life into this timeless supernatural tale in a fugue-like cacophony of horror, revenge, and redemption.
Young Frankenstein the Musical
Tickets: $25 GA | $23 Seniors
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
Bay Area Stage Productions Presents:
The New Mel Brooks Musical
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
From the creators of the record-breaking Broadway sensation, The Producers, comes this monster new musical comedy. The comedy genius, Mel Brooks, adapts his legendarily funny film into a brilliant stage creation – Young Frankenstein!
Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced "Fronk-en-steen") inherits his family's estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced "Eye-gore"), and his amply qualified lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. "It's alive!" he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather's. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds.
Young Frankenstein the Musical
Tickets: $25 GA | $23 Seniors
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
Bay Area Stage Productions Presents:
The New Mel Brooks Musical
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN
From the creators of the record-breaking Broadway sensation, The Producers, comes this monster new musical comedy. The comedy genius, Mel Brooks, adapts his legendarily funny film into a brilliant stage creation – Young Frankenstein!
Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced "Fronk-en-steen") inherits his family's estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced "Eye-gore"), and his amply qualified lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. "It's alive!" he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather's. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds.
Haunted Lounge, DJ Dance Costume Contest & Rocky Horror Picture Show
Tickets: $15 Online | $20 Box Office & Doors
Doors open 7PM
7PM - 9PM Haunted Lounge with drink specials and spooky snacks
9PM - 10PM DJ Dance Costume Contest
10PM Rocky Horror Picture Show
November 2018
Jo Awayan & Angelica, with Special Guest Star Garth Garcia and Opener Pia Villa Alegre
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
Jo Awayan & Angelica, with Special Guest Star Garth Garcia.
Opening Act: Pia Villa Alegre
Directed By: Divo Bayer
Jo Awayan Best known in the Philippines as the “Queen of Lounge” and the “Livewire” is a funny and talented lady from Cebu City who is now based here in the U.S. and has made a name for herself in the local entertainment industry as a total performer, singer and comedian.
Angelica Del Carmen, South San Francisco's "Party Diva" Energetic, powerful versatile vocalist. The passion to fulfill her desire for her music was finally achieved when she joined the Side Street Band . She got her wish when she performed regularly at Siete Pecados, Intercontinental Hotel, and practically all the five star hotels in Manila.
Lydia Pense & Cold Blood with opener Soul Fuse
Lydia Pense & Cold Blood with Special Guest Fred Ross
$20 Online | $25 Phone & Box Office
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
Lydia Pense & Cold Blood debuted when the Fillmore was at its peak as one of the nation's musical Meccas. Owner Bill Graham was so impressed with Lydia's voice and the sound of the band that he immediately signed Cold Blood to his new record label. During the span of six original late-60's, early-70's albums, Lydia Pense and Cold Blood helped, along with Tower Of Power, forge their own specific brand of funk/soul and R&B which came to be known as East Bay Grease. That music still holds up today, proving that great music is timeless and will continue to inspire generations to come.
SOUL FUSE is a diverse group of veteran musicians with a common goal of playing live and recording original music that appeals to both dancer and listener alike. SOUL FUSE features strong vocals in the lead & 3 sometimes 4 part harmonies, a somewhat unique horn section of two saxophone's, and one trombone, percussion, guitar, keyboards, bass & drums.
Boney James
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
Boney James, is an American saxophonist, songwriter and record producer. Boney James is a four-time Grammy Award nominee and a Soul Train Award winner. He has also been honored with two NAACP Image Award nominations for Best Jazz Album.
Derrick Oneal Presents: The Very Essense of Luther Vandross Featuring Greg Ballad
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
The Very Essence Of Luther Vandross is a captivating show dedicated to the preservation of the sound and look of Luther Vandross. Sequin costumes great background singers, choreography and Luther's amazing VOICE has always been the cornerstone of what a show represented. A show produced and duplicated from Luther's live video performances, giving any avid Luther fan a shock to their musical senses. Backed by a great live band headed by legendary music director James JAE Earley. You will be amazed at the Luther like abilities of vocalist Greg Ballad as he takes you on a musical time machine from the beginning of Never Too Much to the current with such hits as Dance with My Father, and many more. The very Essence Of Luther Vandross is a show for all ages and walks of life and you will leave with the appreciation of the time and effort put into keeping the sound and look of Luther Vandross alive.
Raul Midon – Sunday Jazz Champagne Brunch
Reserved Seating: $30 - $40 | VIP Champagne Brunch $35
Doors open 11:30AM | Show starts at 12:30PM | Champagne Brunch at 11:30AM
Along with releasing 10 studio albums as a solo artist, Midón – dubbed “an eclectic adventurist” by People magazine – has collaborated with such heroes as Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder and Bill Withers, along with contributing to recordings by Queen Latifah, Snoop Dogg and the soundtrack to Spike Lee’s She Hate Me. A native of New Mexico who was educated in the jazz program of the University of Miami – and who now lives in Maryland after years in New York City – Midón has earned acclaim the world over, with a fanbase that stretches from San Francisco to India, Amsterdam to Tokyo. A rapt critic for the U.K.’s Guardian newspaper wrote: “Midón has a lovely voice, a beautifully controlled tenor that can express anything from tenderness to passion… And the guy can play. His strumming has a flamenco flourish, but after a while, you realize he can do every kind of accompaniment he needs on acoustic guitar.”
Special Aretha Franklin Tribute by Buttah
Doors 7PM | Show 8PM
Nicole Pearson A.K.A "BUT-TAH" is a native of Richmond CA. Her style is soulfully nostalgic, rich and purely sweet to the ears. BUT-TAH starting singing at an early age. By the age of nine she began writing poetry and from poems came songs. The voice you hear will have you reminiscing on days of old soulful sanging. BUT-TAH is a former member of the groups "Patton Letha" & "The Nathan Owens Band", very successful travel bands which has performed in many of America’s largest and highly acclaimed casinos and venues for over 30 years. She's astounded audiences with her performances on “Showtime at the Apollo” episode 302 with Ciara and Petey Pablo hosted by comedian Mo'Nique and American Idol seasons 3, 5 & 6, she has performed all over the U.S. and abroad, entertaining in many parts of Japan including Tokyo's renowned, “Cotton Club” as a featured guest of the “Whispers” under the musical direction of the late Grady Wilkins.
December 2018
Ho Ho Hoey Rockin’ Holiday Tour
General Admission: $25
VIP Ticket Add-on: $25
VIP Party 6-7PM | Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
Guitarist Gary Hoey will bring his Christmas show, Ho Ho Hoey Rockin' Holiday Tour back to the Empress Theatre. This event is a benefit concert for The First Tee of Contra Costa, The First Tee is a proactive youth organiztion serving youth in Contra Costa County AND South Solano. There will be a guitar auctioned off at the event, which will be autographed by Gary himself!
So Many Hats Live DVD Taping Starring Chelle T
$30 Online | $35 Phone & Box Office | VIP Meet and Greet $40
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
Chelle T has entered the building. From being a mother, wife, pastor, writer, entrepreneur, and comedienne, the term "So Many Hats" has never fit better. Now Chelle T will have an opportunity to share with us all just how she juggles all these hats and makes it look so darn easy. Join us for a monumental moment in the life of this phenomenally funny lady. Be a part of history as she tapes her first DVD Comedy Special live. Come out and hear the thoughts and ideas straight from the mind of Chelle T that will bring you side bending laughter that you'll never forget.