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April 2019
Film Club – Modified
Free Admission for Film Club Members & CCFC Owners | $10 for Member Guests and General Public | $5 for 18 years old or younger
Doors open 6:30PM | Film Starts 7:30PM
Cultivate Community Food Co-op in collaboration with the Empress Theatre Film Club presents ‘Modified, A Food Lover’s Journey Into GMO’s’. About the event: This will be an evening you won’t want to miss. Prior to the movie, we will have food (featured in the movie) for purchase (cash only). Prizes from local food vendors will be raffled off to owners of CCFC.
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Scott Capurro Comedy
$25 Online | $30 Phone & Box Office
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
Offence economy is in overdrive, so Capurro has migrated from “inappropriate” to “problematic”, but his sharp eye for hypocrisy and relentless pursuit of gasp-inducing punchlines has only improved. In Capurro Comes Again!, Scott wrangles with rich friends, worthy yoga, marital improvement and the miseries of home ownership. Certain that every silver lining is attached to a rather imposing cloud, he spins yarns that are meant to resolve issues but oddly seem to have the opposite effect. Challenging and sometimes outrageous, Scott Capurro is a natural raconteur – confessional, intimate and most shocking of all, occasionally full of doubt.
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Vallejo Jazz Society Presents DARIA and Her Trio
$20 General | $10 VJS Members | Up to two students free with adult ticket purchase
Doors open 4PM | Show starts at 5PM
A sizzling evening of Jazz, Pop, Latin and Brazilian rhythms and a sprinkling of originals.
Featuring: Daria, Vocals; Frank Martin, Piano; Daniel Lucca Parenti, Bass; Deszon Claiborne, Drums
| Event Info & Tickets »May 2019
Wednesday Night Live in the Lounge with The Funky Spuds
General Admission: $10
Doors open 6:30PM | Show 7:30PM to 10PM
Funky Spuds is a funk band with something to prove. Created to demonstrate the possibilities of brass, Funky Spuds crafts performances to maximize funkiness; from the extended techniques of the sousaphone, to the dynamic soloing displayed by the band’s veteran leader on both saxophone and guitar.
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An Evening of Romantic Tunes with Megan and the Heartbeats
$15 Online | $20 Phone & Box Office
Doors open 6:30PM | Show starts at 7:30PM
“An Evening of Romantic Tunes” features vocalist Megan, keyboardist Wayne Fettig and upright bass player Marc Levine. Megan has performed numerous gigs with acclaimed Italian guitarist Peppino D’Agostino and is often sought for weddings and funerals. Before relocating from Chicago to California, she toured with her singing sisters. Fettig is a veteran jazz musician based in Concord and plays regularly with popular vocalist Chris Cole. Levine, a former session player for Johnny Rivers, also worked with Barry Manilow, Bette Midler, Dionne Warwick, Rosemary Clooney and former Journey stars Steve Perry and Jonathan Cain. Also an actor, Levine appeared in “The Young and the Restless” and “General Hospital.”
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Cream of Clapton featuring Kevin Russell
$20 Online | $25 Box Office & Phone
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
Kevin Russell guitarist /singer extraordinaire plays EC’s great songbook. From Cream to Slow Hand Kevin is spellbinding as he brings to life these wonderful songs with his all star band!
Kevin Russell – Guitar & Vocals
Matty Pinder – Bass & Vocals (son of Mike Pinder of the Moody Blues)
Steve Brown – Drums
Tortilla Soup – Cinco De Mayo Weekend Celebration
$20 Online | $25 Box Office & Phone
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
Made by combining ingredients such as R&B, Blues, Fund, Soul, Latin, Tex Mex, Salsa, Cumbias, and Oldies until the Sabor is extracted from the talent is the premise on which Tortilla Soup was founded with the idea of playing a variety of music. Created in 2003, Tortilla Soup is a Bay Area band with talented musicians that have toured, recorded, and performed for live audiences worldwide. With over 30 years of combined experience, Tortilla Soup member, Trumpeter/Vocalist, Robert Payne admits, “Tortilla Soup strives to bring to its audience ‘el sabor de la musica’ (The flavor of the music).” As the band continues to perform, it will always combine all the ingredients for its audiences so the “flavor of their music” can be felt.
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Wednesday Night Live in the Lounge with AJ Crawdaddy
General Admission: $10
Doors open 6:30PM | Show 7:30PM to 10PM
AJ Crawdaddy brings the quartet of Baxter Robertson on Keys, Peter Booras on Drums, Greg Jones on Bass and Angelo J Rossi on Guitar to the Empress Lounge in lovely Vallejo, CA! Hope to see some of our North Bay friends in attendance!
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Film Club – Pete Seeger at 100 – Weavers Tribute and Sing-Along
FREE EVENT
Doors open 6:30PM | Film Starts 7:30PM
Pete Seeger was born May 3rd, 1919. This year marks the centennial of his birth. The folk singer and activist died in 2014 but his music and spirit live on. To honor his legacy, the Empress Film Club is presenting a documentary film followed by a community sing-along led by local musicians.
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Yngwie Malmsteen with opener Paralandra and Sunlord
Reserved Seating: $35 – $65
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
Yngwie Johann Malmsteen is a world-renowned guitarist from Stockholm, Sweden. Yngwie Malmsteen’s career has spanned over 40 years with over twenty albums to his name. Drawing influence from classical composers such as Bach, Paganini, and Vivaldi, Yngwie is responsible for birthing the neo-classical genre to the world of rock.
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Funny For Momma Comedy Show
Tickets: $30
Doors open 6PM | Show starts at 7PM
Are you looking for a place to celebrate the mother in your life, well look no further. Bring momma out to laugh and have a great time. With a guest list of comedians seen on HBO, Comedy Central, BET, and more, this is a night she won’t soon forget. Bring her out and get ready for side bending laughter with comedians G-King, Stephen B, and Dennis Gaxiola, along with the amazing storyteller herself Tiffany James. The night gets even better with Chelle T, the Queen of Clean as your host! Get your tickets now!!
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West Coast Songwriters Competition – May 2019
$10 General | $5 Empress Members | Performers are free with WCS membership
Registration open 7PM | Show starts at 7:30PM
West Coast Songwriters (WCS) – Start of Season Three
Vallejo competition will be held every second Monday of the month at the Empress Theatre, 330 Virginia St in downtown Vallejo.
Anyone may attend, but only WCS members may compete for prizes. Online membership registration is available. There are 2 winners of the Songwriting Competition each month for Best Song and Best Performance. Winners receive 3 hours free recording time, generously sponsored by 25th Street Recording in Oakland along with an invitation to compete at the Location Playoffs for Best Song of the Year on August 13th.
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Wednesday Night Live in the Lounge with Groovality
Featuring Simon Russell, Billy Johnson, Rob Watson and Paul Branin
General Admission: $10
Doors open 5PM | Show 7:30PM to 10PM
Blues, Funk, Soul and Jazz are fused together, wrapped into an eclectic, colorful package, and emerge as a funky, yet soulful sound that is called ‘Groovality’.
Groovality is a Bay Area-based group that has its own highly distinctive sound. Each member has a discrete background and set of talents, but they come together with their simple, but absolute, love for music, creating a sound that is raw and honest. Like the name, the music is more than groovy– it has a vitality that expresses joy, blues, passion, and soul all at the same time.
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Film Club – No Small Matter
FREE EVENT
Doors open 6:30PM | Film Starts 7:30PM
No Small Matter is the first feature documentary to explore the most overlooked, underestimated, and powerful force for good in America today: early childhood education. Through poignant stories and surprising humor, the film lays out the overwhelming evidence for the importance of the first five years, and reveals how our failure to act on that evidence has resulted in an everyday crisis for American families, and a slow-motion catastrophe for the country.
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Robben Ford
Doors 7PM | Show 8PM
Watching Robben Ford take the stage is equal parts gratifying, awe-inspiring, and challenging—a perfect storm of creativity and emotion that results in some seriously good music. As soon as he plays his first note, you realize that you’re in the presence of a bonafide guitar master. With five Grammy nominations, a three-decade-long solo career, and a resume that includes Miles Davis, Joni Mitchell, and George Harrison, his accomplishments reflect the versatility and musicality of someone who has pursued their true calling. During a live performance, Robben is acutely tuned in, feeding off of the energy of the audience, and fully prepared to throw you a curve ball at any moment. In other words, it’s an experience not to be missed.
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Wednesday Night Live in the Lounge with Suspects of Soul
General Admission: $10
Doors open 6:30PM | Show 7:30PM to 10PM
Soul-Jazz with a side of blues
Serving up generous portions of Funky Jazz with a side of Blues and a Dollop of Soul.
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Film Club – Rise of the Latin Lover
Tickets: $10 | Free for Film Club Members
Doors open 6:30PM | Film Starts 7:30PM
Rise of the Latin Lover
And other Cultural and Decorative Impacts Resulting from the Good Neighbor Policy
By Veronica Gonzalez-Rubio and B. Todi
From the mid 1930’s until the end of WWII the Office of the Coordinator of Inter-American affairs, which had a motion picture division monitoring references to Latin America in the movies, was instrumental in bringing the markets of Latin America to the door of the average American in an effort to improve the relationship and strengthen the ties to the neighbors on our borders.
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Film Club – Preview: Organized Mayhem: The B.A.T.S. Rugby Club Story
$10 for Film Club Members, Cast, Crew, Vallejo Supporters and Guests | $25 VIP Add-on Ticket includes food catered by Rafael’s Catering
Doors open 3PM | Film Starts 4PM
Preview screening of the film by Vallejo resident Thia Markson for Film Cast and Crew, Vallejo Supporters and Guests.
Rugby is more than a game, it’s a passion that binds a group of athletes together through the joy of winning regardless of injury and hardship, of being part of a pack that gets to explore the world, and sharing a unique sense of humor and singing style. What started in San Francisco during the 60’s cultural revolution as the backdrop was an American team in the old school world of rugby shaking everything up…
Organized Mayhem The B.A.T.S. Rugby Club Story, the first of it’s kind documentary highlighting one of the best amateur rugby clubs in America.
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Wednesday Night Live in the Lounge with Joel del Rosario
General Admission: $10
Doors open 6:30PM | Show 7:30PM to 10PM
Soul-Jazz with a side of blues
“Joel Del Rosario brings the fresh, unique, stylistic, funky, exciting, spiritual music that this genre needs. He is such a humble cat. Look forward to him becoming a legendary musician. He is AWESOME in this new generation of emerging contemporary jazz artists!”- Tony Exum Jr.
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Puscie Jones Revue
$25 Online | $30 Phone & Box Office
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
The Puscie Jones Revue is an LA-based funk/soul band spreading the message of love of yourself and others while providing an environment for you to dance your worries into submission.
Pursuit of the
Uninhibited and
Stimulated
Core
Inside of
Everyone
June 2019
Going, Going Gong Show
$15 Online | $20 Phone & Box Office
Doors open 6:30PM | Show starts at 7:30PM
Back by popular demand, this VCAF fundraiser goes to support the Vallejo Summer Camp, and is a takeoff on the old TV show, living proof that there is a little talent in all of us (some good….some bad) but all fit it to make you laugh. Looking for acts that are funny, clever or simply outrageous (view the old Gong Show on Youtube). Let’s make this show a grand slam.
All proceeds to benefit VCAF’s Youth Summer Arts Camp.
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Sweet Plot
$25 Online | $30 Phone & Box Office
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
Sweet Plot’s genesis began when a late night jam session with best friends led to an epiphany. Behind the group’s upbeat music and thoughtful lyrics is a band working together with the single goal of creating a connection in our world through music.
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Vallejo PAL Boxing
Doors 5PM | Bouts 6PM
Ringside Seats: $100 | Orchestra: $35 | Balcony & Loge : $20 Online / $25 Box Office & Phone
Vallejo PAL Boxing returning to the Empress Theatre
15 Fights • 3 Rounds, if players make weight
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Film Club – “Why Bob Dylan Matters” + Underground 68
Free Admission for Film Club Members | $10 for Member Guests and General Public
6PM Doors – Live music and mixer in lounge
6:30PM to 7:15PM – Talk by Professor Richard Thomas, author of Why Bob Dylan Matters
7:30PM West Coast Premiere of Peter Coonradt film
9PM to 10PM Book signing reception and live music in lounge
M.O.V.E.S. Dance Academy’s 2nd Annual Spring Showcase
Doors 6:30PM | Show 7:30PM
M.O.V.E.S. Dance Academy, located in Benicia is back for their 2nd Annual Spring showcase bringing the hottest youth entertainment in the Bay Area. This year we bring you “It’s Showtime at the Empress”, which will be our rendition of the long time running late night show “It’s Showtime at the Apollo”. This will be a variety show, from acrobatics, locking, magic show, puppet show, comedy and more, put on and performed by our talented students at MOVES, along with feature talents of kids in our community. This is definitely a show you would want to bring the whole family. You don’t want to miss this.
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Nancy Wright CD Release
$20 Online | $25 Phone & Box Office
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
NANCY WRIGHT is one of the most highly respected and in-demand sax players on today’s blues, Americana and R&B scene. Recently receiving her third consecutive Blues Music Award nomination, she is following up her very successful 2016 VizzTone/Direct Hit release, PLAYDATE, with a smoking hot live recording from the legendary San Francisco live music club, The Saloon, featuring her own Rhythm and Roots band: Nancy on sax, and vocals, drummer Paul Revelli, Tony Lufrano on keys and background vocals, Jeff Tamelier on guitar and background vocals, and Karl Sevareid on bass. The twelve-song set features five of Nancy’s original compositions, and showcases the relaxed interplay of veteran musicians.
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Mickel London presents the 10th Annual Music Medicine Benefit Concert for U.C.S.F. Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland
Tickets: $35 General Admission | VIP: $60
V.I.P. Reception from 6PM – 7PM | Doors 7PM | Show 7:30pm
Featuring:
Maxine Jones former Original Member of En Vogue
American Idol Star LaToya London
Soul / R&B recording Artist C.C. Carter
R&B recording Artist Niecey LivingSingle
Plus much more!
All proceeds to benefit U.C.S.F. Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland
| Event Info & Tickets »July 2019
A Night of Spectacular Duo’s with The Young Fables, Handmade Moments & Complicated Animals
$25 Online | $30 Phone & Box Office
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
The Young Fables, Handmade Moments, Complicated Animals
The Young Fables (TYF) are a promising country duo comprised of three-time American Idol vet Laurel Wright and accomplished guitarist and vocalist Wesley Lunsford.
Handmade Moments, Anna Moss & Joel Ludford play jazz, old-time country, blues, soul, hip-hop and rock.
Complicated Animals, Monica da Silva and Chad Alger, melding Indie Pop and Bossa Nova together to form a new genre, one da Silva coined Indie Nova. Featuring songs in English and Portuguese.
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Eric EQ Young & Friends
$25 Online | $30 Phone & Box Office
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
Starring Bass Player Sensation, Eric “EQ” Young & his All Star Funk Band will be bringing you the Funkiest Old School music. Get Ready to Dance!
Eric is a performer with a huge conscience, driven by a passion to help and heal through his music; he has performed overseas for the troops Japan,Germany and countless States. Eric ‘EQ’ Young is a man of honor and integrity as well an incredible showman and talent, in a world of flash in the pan artists and quick fix disposable pop culture; EQ is a solid as they come, a rare musician who connects with his audience on a personal level, putting smiles on faces is what he loves to do.
| Event Info & Tickets »August 2019
Skynnyn Lynnyrd
$20 Online | $25 Phone & Box Office
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
Skynnyn Lynnyrd is: Larry Woodruff, Curt Posthuma, Chris Durham, Jason Miller, Brad Andersohn, Wade Olson, Mike Klepic, Debra Lee Andersohn and Heather Rose. This compilation of outstanding musicians and talented artists have joined forces to play tribute to the Greatest Rock and Roll Band in History, Lynyrd Skynyrd.
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Special Wednesday Night with Rick Braun
Reserved Seating: $35 – $65
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
Trumpet Maestro Rick Braun Invites You To Take a Trip.
Around The Horn & A Journey Into His Diverse Influences.
“I just want to continue to explore the boundaries of what I am capable of as a musician,” declares acclaimed chart-topping trumpeter, composer and producer Rick Braun. Known for his impeccable technical chops, melodic wizardry and keen compositional prowess, the consummate Los Angeles based musician has been thrilling audiences for decades. Braun has made a mark staying true to his own musical voice and eclectic influences that have allowed him to collaborate across genre with some of the biggest names in music including Rod Stewart, Tom Petty, Sade, Natalie Cole and REO Speedwagon.
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D. Patton MY WORLD CONCERT
Doors 7PM | Show 8PM
DUANE PATTON, was born and raised in Richmond California. His incredible love for music started at an early age. At 11 Duane was teaching himself to play keyboard, and joined a Garage Band.
In the late 70s, Duane was blessed with signing a contract with CBS records, and joined as the lead singer of “The Together Band. The band was so fortunate to be produced by the late great Henry Cosby, who’s successes included producing Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. Duane had the exciting pleasure of performing at the CBS artists convention with Barbra Streisand and Earth Wind and Fire.
| Event Info & Tickets »September 2019
Bee Gees Gold and The Sunshine Experience
$25 Online | $30 Phone & Box Office
Doors open 7PM | Show starts at 8PM
John Acosta as Barry Gibb has performed in Bee Gees Tributes all over the world. His portrayal of lead singer Barry Gibb is with a zest for detail, like no other. From the look to the falsetto you will close your eyes and say its Barry! John Acosta’s Bee Gees Gold tribute Is the ultimate salute, and experience of seeing the Bee Gees in their prime, LIVE ONCE AGAIN! With the detailed vocal stylings of John Acosta (Barry) , Daryl Borges (Robin) , Jeff Celentano (Maurice) as the brothers Gibb, there is a sensation that will make you blurt out , Wow.. I just seen and heard the Bee Gees! Backed by a live band, the Vegas Bee Gees tribute recreates the look and sound of the Bee Gees from the 60’s to the late 70’s, with their unique falsettos that made them legends.
The Sunshine Experience is the first and only KC and The Sunshine Band tribute act in the world!It may be hard to believe because KC and The Sunshine Band have had five #1 hits and sold over 100 million records. KC virtually single handedly created the dance revolution of the 70’s and beyond. His music has been played everywhere on the planet, yet he remains unsung in the tribute world, until now…..
| Event Info & Tickets »October 2019
For Folk’s Sake! An itty-bitty, teeny-weeny Music Festival
$15 Early Bird Tickets through June 15th
T-shirt + Ticket = $30
Doors: 1:30pm | Show: 2-10pm
PUDDLE SIREN RECORDS & THE EMPRESS THEATRE PRESENT:
For Folk’s Sake! An itty-bitty, teeny-weeny Music Festival…
Spend your Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the Empress theatre with an eclectic lineup of Folk / Rock / Blues / Country & Soul singer-songwriters and bands.
Guaranteed to keep you moving and groovin’ all day long!
+ Raffle prizes, full bar, snacks.
November 2019
Stanley Jordan and Raul Midon
Doors 5PM | Show 6PM
In a career that took flight in 1985 with commercial and critical acclaim, guitar virtuoso Stanley Jordan has consistently displayed a chameleonic musical persona of openness, imagination, versatility and maverick daring. Be it bold reinventions of classical masterpieces or soulful explorations through pop-rock hits, to blazing straight ahead jazz forays and ultramodern improvisational works—solo or with a group—Jordan can always be counted on to take listeners on breathless journeys into the unexpected.
The New York Times has called Raul Midón “a one-man band who turns a guitar into an orchestra and his voice into a chorus.” Now, with his exciting new album – If You Really Want, to be released via Artistry Music/Mack Avenue on September 14 – Midón’s voice and guitar ride the waves of an actual orchestra: the acclaimed Metropole Orkest, the GRAMMY® Award-winning Dutch ensemble that has collaborated with artists from Al Jarreau and Elvis Costello to Laura Mvula and Snarky Puppy
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