Myles Weber, Chelsea Bearce & Matt Larson are coming to town!

Myles Weber is a Comedian on a mission. After taking first place at the 40th Annual San Francisco International Comedy Competition, Weber was the second youngest to win the competition and one of only two comics to ever sweep the whole thing. Myles has appeared on MTV’s Greatest Party Story Ever. He’s found viral success online accumulating over 6 million views on his YouTube channel. Blending together silly mannerisms, honest material, positive crowd interaction and story telling, seeing Myles Weber means you will never see the same show twice!

Important Update: Due to Illness show has been rescheduled to July 25th.

Skynnyn Lynnyrd has committed the past 11+ years building this project, learning, studying, and breaking down the “Classic” Lynyrd Skynyrd songs. Nobody performs them better than “Skynnyn Lynnyrd” The group is committed to carrying on and performing the original music in the exact same manner it was played and performed by the great “Lynyrd Skynyrd” as a “National” tribute band, they are recognized by many of the top promoters as “The Best Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute” in the country.

One of the most versatile Musicians, Singers and Entertainers on the music scene today. He travels the world singing and swinging Jazz standards with Big Bands. He also gallops the globe performing the songs that he sang while working with the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group, The Coasters. When he travels to Russia he is referred to as the “King of the Blues” and the “Ambassador of the Blues”. His love and respect for the American art form is shared by large and enthusiastic audiences the world over.

Harris Symphony No. 3
Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 2

Amalia Hall, violin
Dvořák Symphony No. 8

Premiered by the Boston Symphony in 1939, Roy Harris’s Symphony No. 3 set the bar for a unique American sound, with spacious textures and gorgeous harmonies that evoke our wide-open landscapes. Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2, another masterpiece from the 1930s, features one of the most beautiful slow movements ever composed. I am excited to present international violin virtuoso Amalia Hall as our soloist. We finish with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, deeply inspired by Czech folk traditions. Underneath its sunny and genial nature, a new form of composition takes shape, where melody dictates structure.
– Marc

To purchase VIP add-on tickets click on the Tickets button below

Harris Symphony No. 3
Prokofiev Violin Concerto No. 2

Amalia Hall, violin
Dvořák Symphony No. 8

Premiered by the Boston Symphony in 1939, Roy Harris’s Symphony No. 3 set the bar for a unique American sound, with spacious textures and gorgeous harmonies that evoke our wide-open landscapes. Prokofiev’s Violin Concerto No. 2, another masterpiece from the 1930s, features one of the most beautiful slow movements ever composed. I am excited to present international violin virtuoso Amalia Hall as our soloist. We finish with Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8, deeply inspired by Czech folk traditions. Underneath its sunny and genial nature, a new form of composition takes shape, where melody dictates structure.
– Marc

The Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Ensemble and the grand opening of his art gallery in the Empress Lounge begins on Wednesday March 4th and continues through March 28th. His son Peter Michael Escovedo will be joining his amazing ensemble in the lounge for an incredible musical experience on the first Wednesday in March. This is a month long dedication to “Pops” for his ongoing contribution to latin jazz and art enjoyed by fans all around the world! Come back every Wednesday in the month of March to hear other family members and close friends dedicate a night of music to Pete Escovedo and enjoy his Art Gallery in the lounge cafe, food off the taco truck, and groove to the sounds of all the fantastic musicians joining this month long celebration. Mark your calendar for Saturday, March 28, for the big show featuring the E Family Band and many special guests on the Empress Theatre stage playing some serious latin grooves that will bring this celebration to a triumphant finale!

Vallejo WCS competition will be held every first Thursday of the month in the Empress Theatre Lounge, 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 in August 13th.

Wilson Brooks best known as the drummer for JazSynergy, Beaufunk, and formerly with Soulshine that performed regularly on Wednesday nights at the Empress Theatre, is celebrating his 55th birthday celebration with his band JazSynergy featuring Paul Branin on sax and guitar, and Tim Campbell on Keyboards. Wilson will also be inviting some very special guests to share the stage with him on this exciting birthday celebration.

Keyboardist Steve Carter played with Pete Escovedo for several years as well as playing with Shelia E, Ray Obiedo, and Pete’s brothers band. Between Steve and Billy Johnson on drums there are many ties to the Escovedo family. This is going to be a special tribute to the music and art of Pete Escovedo!

FIVE TEN was born out of the hearts and minds of renowned Oakland musicians: Keyboardist, Composer Steve Carter, multi-Percussionist Marquinho Brasil, and Dennis Smith Bass Guitarist, Composer. Together with internationally known and Grammy nominated Jeff Narell on steel pans, and Santana alumnus Billy Johnson on drums, FIVE TEN is a musical explosion that soothes, excites and electrifies.

“VCS Radio Symphony Orchestra with live music scores: Radio Jazz – Pictures in Jazz — an original jazz suite based on Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition
Thomas Edison’s 1914 Land Beyond the SunsetMax Fleisher – Superman — The Mad Scientist Max Fleisher – Superman — Billion Dollar Limited”

Come spend your unlucky day functioning with DJ Q for a Friday The 13th Turnup!

Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill gives a glimpse inside Billie Holiday’s final concert approximately four months before the singer died. This intimate evening is filled with some of the most inspiring and moving songs ever written and explores the turbulent but extraordinary life of the legendary Jazz singer as she struggles with racism, abuse and addiction. Performing iconic songs like “God Bless the Child” and “Strange Fruit,” as well as several other hits, this soulful play with music is filled with personal stories full of regret and hope. Artist Description: A Michigan native, Doris Bumpus grew up working diligently in the church, but secretly dreamed of a life as an actress on the stage and the big screen. Singing her first solo at the age of five, music became the language that spoke to her heart. She released her debut EP album “He Will Take Care of You” in 2011. Doris credits Terrence Ivory (affectionately known as Bro Director) with helping her discover the world of theater and awakening her dream and passion for acting. She received an Arty award for “Best Lead Actress” as Dorothy in The Wiz. Additional theater credits include Effie White in Dreamgirls, Shug Avery in The Color Purple, Lady in Brown in For Color Girls, When the Rainbow Isn’t Enuf; Camae in The Mountain Top (nominated for Broadway World’s “Best Actress in a Drama Play 2017”), and Ruth Younger in A Raisin in the Sun. Ms. Bumpus is represented by NYLO Talent agency.

Ray Obiedo is an American contemporary jazz guitarist. Obiedo grew up in Richmond, California, and began playing guitar at age 17. Initially he played both jazz and R&B, appearing on record with Herbie Hancock, Julian Priester, and Sheila E. He was the leader of the jazz fusion group Kick and the rock band Rhythmus 21. In 1989 he signed with Windham Hill Records, with whom he released five albums in eight years.

Johnny Rawls is a soul blues legend. In fact, the term “soul blues” was invented to describe his music. With a career spanning more than 50 years, he’s done it all. He’s an internationally recognized recording artist, music producer, and songwriter who tours extensively throughout North America and overseas.

The “Danse Macabre Ball” is an exciting gathering for all those who enjoy and appreciate that which is dark and mysterious.

It’s a night of self-expression that connects a world of diverse identities through dancing, fashion, and community. This is a grand opportunity to bring out the unique Goth within you.

The music will include Post-Punk, Industrial, and Darkwave to be provided by Owen Owington Owensford, a locally loved DJ who also tours nationally, and is the host of The Hanging Garden radio show.

Join us for this enchanting and mystifying experience!

Mio Flores, Born and raised in the Musical melting pot of Oakland California, Has been performing on stage since the early age of eight years old. Throughout his career he’s had the opportunity of Performing and Working with headliners such as Pete Escovedo, Confunkshun, Carlos Santana, The Whispers, and many more. Been in the music industry As long as he has, he’s worn hats as a band leader, MC Host, a musical director, and a Production manager. Mio’s had the pleasure of playing with many, and creating a network of go to musicians. Which at a moments notice can be called upon as fine musical chemistry for any genre venue. Mio has reached a mark that many musicians seek throughout their career, which is Musical Diversity.

Join us for the month end celebration on the big stage featuring Pete Escovedo, his sons Peter Michael and Juan, and some very special guests to pay tribute to his music and art! Shelia is out of town this time but the rest of the family and their amazing guests are going to bring it on this special tribute to Pete Escovedo! This show is going to be a very exciting night of music, art, food and libations. There will be an after party in the lounge featuring Don Pilar tequila and a final opportunity to purchase Pop’s artwork and CD’s. This is your chance to meet a living legend and take home a personalized memento signed by the incredible Pete Escovedo!

Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences around the world for over 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. He is a favorite at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where he has enjoyed twelve years of sell-out success. Louis explores the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized. From square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, fog-filled bubbles, giant bubbles, bubble volcanoes, tornados and trampolines to people inside bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages.

The S.F. Bay Area’s HOUSE OF FLOYD performs the music of Pink Floyd, and has gained a strong following for their unique ability to enthuse both the hard-core fans of the early adventurous Floyd and those who enjoy the songs and soundscapes that later brought them widespread appeal. They capture the essence of each of the various Pink Floyd eras from the formative Syd Barrett days, through the 70’s and the final post-Waters era.  

House of Floyd is a 7-piece band that includes 2 bookend multi-instrumentalists that double on saxophone, keyboards and guitar, and 2 excellent female background vocalists. House of Floyd has been performing in concert venues for over 11 years in the U.S. and abroad including a recent month long tour of India.

In the Pink Floyd tradition, a HOUSE OF FLOYD concert incorporates sound effects, screen projection, moving lights & state of the art laser show. The set lists on any given night might be from an actual Pink Floyd concert, or a custom HOUSE OF FLOYD mix.

Red’s Blues Band is a blues revue, founded in July 2012, veteran musicians playing mighty fine blues with lots of traditional blues, Chicago shuffles, New Orleans-delta, West Coast blues, acoustic and electric. We perform as a four and five-piece band, with a lot of original Americana/Roots music in our repertoire, as well, and are always adding new material. “Red’s Blues has a finger-poppin’ attitude—straight outta the golden years when blues, R&B and swing all meshed together and dance floors every night were filled with snake hips and slow drags. Beth, with her sensual, southern voice and classy behind-the-beat phrasing finds perfect rhythmic support in award-winning (Blues Music Award) bass player and husband RW Grigsby. They are joined by Doug Crumpacker (founder of the Hucklebucks) on guitar and harmonica and Tim Wilbur, on percussion and drums.” Doug, RW and Tim are all members of the Sacramento Blues Hall of Fame. Red’s Blues was nominated for a SAMMIE for best blues band of 2018, as well as nominated by the Northern California Entertainers Music Awards for best blues band in Northern California. They are nominated again this year for a SAMMIE, too. They all know the secret of groove. They have been working hard between shows on their third CD project, full of original music and a few old favorites, some featuring guest Johnny Burgin on guitar and other surprise guests, with a scheduled release date of June 10, 2020. See attached reviews of their first two CDs.

Ives Symphony no. 3 (Winner Pulitzer Prize 1947)
Britten Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31 (1943)

Zhengyi Bai, tenor | Meredith Brown, horn
Dvořák Symphony No. 9

Our closing concert features the most famous symphony ever written— Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World,” composed in the U.S. and inspired by African-American folk traditions. American maverick Charles Ives wrote his Symphony No. 3 just 15 years later, but it was not premiered until 1947, when it won the Pulitzer Prize for Music. Last, it is a great pleasure to welcome one of our orchestra’s own, Principal Horn Meredith Brown, to join Adler Fellow Zhengyi Bai in one of the great song cycles of the 20th century: Benjamin Britten’s Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings.
– Marc

To purchase VIP add-on tickets click on the Tickets button below

Ives Symphony no. 3 (Winner Pulitzer Prize 1947)
Britten Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings, Op. 31 (1943)

Zhengyi Bai, tenor | Meredith Brown, horn
Dvořák Symphony No. 9

Our closing concert features the most famous symphony ever written— Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World,” composed in the U.S. and inspired by African-American folk traditions. American maverick Charles Ives wrote his Symphony No. 3 just 15 years later, but it was not premiered until 1947, when it won the Pulitzer Prize for Music. Last, it is a great pleasure to welcome one of our orchestra’s own, Principal Horn Meredith Brown, to join Adler Fellow Zhengyi Bai in one of the great song cycles of the 20th century: Benjamin Britten’s Serenade for Tenor, Horn and Strings.
– Marc

Skynnyn Lynnyrd has committed the past 11+ years building this project, learning, studying, and breaking down the “Classic” Lynyrd Skynyrd songs. Nobody performs them better than “Skynnyn Lynnyrd” The group is committed to carrying on and performing the original music in the exact same manner it was played and performed by the great “Lynyrd Skynyrd” as a “National” tribute band, they are recognized by many of the top promoters as “The Best Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute” in the country.