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solano a&e scene shows signs of life for second fall season of pandemic
Downtown Theatre
Solano A&E scene
shows signs of life for second fall season of pandemic
Solano County, positioned as it is roughly equidistant from both San Francisco and Sacramento, offers easy access to top-flight entertainment venues while also offering a wide array of activities close to home.
Is live theater your passion? It’s here. Live musical and comedy entertainment? You betcha. Love art? Solano County has that as well – in abundance.
Be sure to check with each venue as they reopen for access restrictions related to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
downtown theatre
playing host to hundreds of community events each year including concerts, festivals and seminars and performances, the Downtown Theatre is the cultural hub of the Fairfield area. Also home to an art gallery, new works are shown each month at the
center. Admission to the gallery is free during hours of operation. The award-winning, 360-seat theater received an exterior facelift in August 2018 with the addition of a state-ofthe-art lighted marquee. The theater and other facilities can be rented out to host your special event as well. Location: 1035 Texas St., Fairfield
More inforMation: 707-940-0700, www.downtowntheatre.com
Vacaville performing arts theatre
The Vacaville performing Arts Theatre offers an attractive setting for performances, meetings and other special events. A spacious courtyard entrance, two-story lobby and private patio create an airy and inviting atmosphere. it’s centrally located between San Francisco and Sacramento in the Vacaville Cultural Center, the Vacaville performing Arts Theatre is convenient to interstate 80. Numerous restaurants and exciting shopping experiences are just a few minutes away. The theater boasts an 80-foot by 40-foot stage with 40-foot by 20-footproscenium. Acclaimed for the quality of its world-class acoustics and excellent sightlines, the theater is equipped with professional sound and lighting systems, a full orchestra pit for 32 musicians, two large dressing rooms and a professional height fly system to accommodate full-size scenery. The theater also offers a 9-foot Kawai concert grand piano, a Baldwin upright grand piano, 75 musician chairs, music stands, a conductor’s podium and lecterns to support business, educational or performance needs. Location: 1010 Ulatis Drive, Vacaville
More inforMation: 707-469-4013, https://vpat.net
empress theatre
Vallejo’s Empress Theatre opened in February 1912, hosting a vaudeville act. it was re-opened in 2008 after nearly 20 years of non-use due to damage from the 1989 loma prieta earthquake. The one-room movie house has undergone complete renovation and seismic retrofit. Operated as a nonprofit, it now shows movies, hosts live performances and is rented for private events. Tours and sales of old movie posters also are offered. Location: 330 Virginia St., Vallejo
More inforMation: 707-552-2400, www.empresstheatre.org
harbor arts theater
The Harbor Arts Theater is part of the Harbor Arts Center and is run by the Creative Arts Collection. The Creative Arts Collective fosters community involvement through creative arts educational programs and family friendly activities. The goal of the organization is to enhance cultural appreciation and enliven the surrounding community with extraordinary creative works projects. it is its mission to ensure access to the arts for each individual within the community. Location: 720 Main St., Suisun City
More inforMation: 707-435-3800, www.suisunharbortheatre.org
Winters opera
house
The Winters Opera House dates back to the 19th century and is one of the state’s oldest theaters. it’s now home to The palms playhouse. The brick building was constructed in 1876, originally as a grocery store. it later served as a merchandise store. The restored opera house is on the second floor and has hosted various entertainment and civic events over the years. The schedule for coming weeks can be found at its website. Location: 13 Main St., Winters
More inforMation: 530-795-1825, www.palmsplayhouse.com
uc davis mondavi center
Robert and Margrit Mondavi gave $10 million in 2001 to help build the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the performing Arts, which opened in 2002. it is now recognized as a regional performing arts landmark. The Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the performing Arts presents nearly 200 performances each year, making it one of Northern California’s premier arts destinations. performances include some of the best talent from around the world and performances by both professional and student artists in music, dance, theater and spoken word. The Mondavi Center’s main performance space, the 1,800-seat Jackson Hall, features nextgeneration theatrical equipment and superb acoustics, making it a favorite for the world’s greatest orchestras, jazz bands, and dance and theater companies. The center’s 200-seat Vanderhoef Studio Theatre provides high-tech space for rehearsals, film screenings and intimate musical experiences. Location: One Shields Ave., University of California, Davis Harbor Arts Theater
www.mondaviarts.org
solano symphony orchestra
The Solano Symphony Orchestra is in the midst of its 34th season, with performances this season thus far offered virtually. performances are scheduled March 28 (World’s Greatest Classics) and May 2 (Annual pops Concert). The symphony was founded in 1987 to provide an avenue for local musicians to perform and expand their musical talent. it has grown into the distinguished orchestra we enjoy today. Maestro Semyon lohss became the music director and conductor in the 1992-1993 season, leading the orchestra to an ever-higher standard of excellence. like diamonds and pearls, the Solano Symphony Orchestra is timeless in its transcendent interpretation of classical music. This season’s 2021-2022 season is scheduled to begin in October.
More inforMation: 707-455-7211, www.solanosymphony.org
Vallejo symphony
The Vallejo Symphony continues its run as one of the oldest in the state. The symphony, which performs at various venues, was formed when a group of community leaders determined that local musicians
needed a showcase for their talents. At the same time, community members could be enriched by attending live performances. On Feb. 21, 1931, a 60-piece orchestra, under the direction of Julius Weyand, made its debut in the auditorium of the city’s newly dedicated Veterans Memorial Building. For several years, the concerts took place at the Hogan High School auditorium. The symphony moved to the Empress Theatre for the 2017-18 season. A performance to close out the 2019-2020 season and performances throughout the 2020-2021 season were canceled due to lockdowns that were put in place to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes Covid-19. The 2o21-2022 season remains in flux.
More inforMation: 707-643-4441, www.vallejosymphony.org
Benicia plein air gallery
The Benicia plein Air Gallery specializes in the work of local artists who capture the outdoor scenes in and around Benicia, the Carquinez Straits and the San Francisco Bay Area. The open-air gallery, which closed as a result of lockdowns to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus, showcases the works each month of one of its many artists, with creations that range from classical landscapes to saturated pastels. The featured artist for April is Michael Dadasovich. The featured artist for May is Kathleen Gadway. Location: 307 First St., Benicia
More inforMation: 707-297-5903,
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707.447.2494
glashoff’s Studio
www.beniciapleinair.com
fairfield‑suisun Visual arts association
The Fairfield-Suisun Visual Arts Association is a nonprofit organization of visual artists and friends of the arts working in collaboration with the community to promote artistic creativity, education, and expression. The association
More inforMation: 707-688-8889, www.fvaa-arts.org
glashoff’s studio
Home to an eclectic array of art and sculptures, phil Glashoff’s farm in Suisun Valley also shows off the agricultural side, with a seasonal fruit stand and pumpkin patch. One of the area’s most prominent artists, Glashoff’s works can be toured by appointment. Those in the area can visit for produce in October. Much of the art is made up of salvaged rusty machinery, fire extinguishers, compressor covers, motorcycle tanks and other items that had been abandoned and scattered around the farm. The sculptures have brought Glashoff attention from around the world. Those who appreciate art find there is goodwill and humor in each piece. Location: 2489 Rockville Road, Suisun Valley
More inforMation: 707-427-8060, glashoffgallery@aol.com DS
