On The Town: February 1, 2026

MICKEY AVALON GETTING GREAT VIBES ON TOUR

WILL C. WOOD TEEN TO PERFORM WITH SOLANO SYMPHONY plus

BACK IN THE DAY: THEATRICAL MEMORIES IN FAIRFIELD BELFRY

Will C. Wood teen to perform with Solano Symphony

DAILY REPUBLIC STAFF DRNEWS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

Ajunior at Will C. Wood High School, not yet 16 years old, will perform with the Solano Symphony Orchestra in March.

Aria Mehta, 15, won first place in the 2026 Solano Symphony Orchestra Young Artists Competition for classical voice.

“Mehta, a soprano, captured top honors with her operatic performances of arias by Mozart and Bach at the Young Artists Competition on Dec. 13 ... demonstrating exceptional technical excellence, musical expression, and stage presence,” a press release on the achievement stated.

The orchestra’s “Salute to Youth” concert will begin at 3 p.m. March 22 at the Vacaville Perform ing Arts Theatre, 1010 Ulatis Drive. The concert will showcase Mehta’s talents and celebrate the next gen eration of classical musicians.

“I’ve only sung with piano accom paniment before, so I’m humbled and honored for this incredible opportunity to sing solos with an entire orchestra,” Mehta said.

The Young Artists Competition is known for its high standards and selectivity, drawing talented musicians, 12 to 21, from across Solano and Yolo counties.

In addition to this achievement, Mehta’s voice experience includes the Classical Voice Intensive at Interlo

Publishers: Foy S. McNaughton, T. Burt McNaughton

Editor: Todd R. Hansen

Contributing Writers: Amy Maginnis-Honey, Todd R. Hansen

Project Manager: Nancy Meadows

“Living, learning, and performing opera in the country that opera was born in was an incredible experience,” Mehta said. “I also realized that I would love to pursue a study abroad program in the future.”

Mehta is in her second year of intensive classical voice and opera study at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music Pre-College Academy, under Professor Eun-Mee Ko.

In addition to singing opera, Mehta has also trained as a classical pianist for more than 10 years, achieving the coveted Certificate of Merit Piano Level 10-Advanced by the Music Teachers’ Association of California.

“This dual musical background has contributed to Mehta’s artistry, interpretive depth, and musicianship,” the statement said. Mehta teaches piano and voice lessons, too.

“For as long as I can remember, I’ve been drawn to classical music,” said Mehta, an interest that sparked when she was just a toddler reading notes and clapping beats.

She thinks opera, particularly with her generation, is under-appreciated.

“Most people are familiar with choirs and musical theater, but many people haven’t seen or heard opera before. It’s so rich with history and meaning, and since opera isn’t performed with a microphone, it’s physically quite demanding,” she said.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the VPAT website at www.vpat.net.

This THINGS

DO week

TO

I Fairfield

7 p.m. Friday

2026 ICHSA West Quarterfinal 3 Downtown Theatre, 1035 Texas St. www. downtowntheatre.com.

I Suisun City

2 p.m. Sunday

‘Lines Broken: The Story of Marion Motley’ Kroc Center, 586 E. Wigeon Way. www.eventbrite. com/e/lines-broken-thestory-of-marion-motleyfree-public-screeningtickets-1979240648058.

8 p.m. Friday Nacho and the Dollar Menu

True Symmetry, 315 Marina Circle. https://truesymmetry. beer/events.

7 p.m. Saturday Emo Night with Warp Tour

True Symmetry, 315 Marina Circle. https://truesymmetry.

beer/events.

I Vacaville

4 and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday

K-Pop Stars – Live Show

Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, 1010 Ulatis Drive. www.vpat.net.

6 p.m. Wednesday

Omni Dance Academy –2026 ODA Company Showcase

Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, 1010 Ulatis Drive. www.vpat.net.

7 p.m. Friday

Mickey Avalon

Journey Downtown, 308 Main St. https://journey downtown.com/events.

2 and 6 p.m. Saturday

Elevate Dance Center presents Crave Team Showcase

Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre, 1010 Ulatis Drive. www.vpat.net.

I Benicia

1 p.m. Sunday

Richard March

First Street Taphouse, 440 First St. www.mare islandbrewingco.com.

2:30 p.m. Sunday

Garageland Rodeo Lucca, 439 First St. www. luccabar.com/new-page.

6:30 p.m. Thursday

Jeffrey Halford & The Healers

Lucca, 439 First St. www. luccabar.com/new-page.

6:30 p.m. Friday

Radio Bobcat

Lucca, 439 First St. www. luccabar.com/new-page.

I Vallejo

3 p.m. Sunday

Vallejo Symphony: ‘The Clock’

Empress Theatre, 330 Virginia St. www. empresstheatre.org.

6:30 p.m. Wednesday

The Bobby Young Project

Empress Theatre, 330 Virginia St. www. empresstheatre.org.

6:30 p.m. Thursday

Maurice Tani

Empress Theatre, 330 Virginia St. www. empresstheatre.org.

7 p.m. Friday

2nd Planet

4th Corner Speakeasy, 431 Georgia St. https://4thcorner speakeasy.com.

8 p.m. Friday

Greg Rahn

Empress Theatre, 330 Virginia St. www. emprestheatre.org.

8 p.m. Saturday AZ/DZ

Empress Theatre, 330 Virginia St. www. empresstheatre.org.

COVER STORY

Mickey

Avalon getting great vibes ON LATEST TOUR

AMY

MAGINNIS-HONEY

AMAGINNIS@DAILYREPUBLIC.NET

Take a musical journey with rapper Mickey Avalon as he brings his show to Journey Downtown on Friday. The audience can expect a high energy, no-holds barred performance, Avalon shared. The first half is Avalon’s first album in it’s entirety. It was released in 2006. The second will include “other bangers of mine,” he shared. “I have my dancer with me and my DJ, DJ Mackey, who DJs and plays guitars.”

The audience’s reaction to Avalon playing his first album in it’s entirety has been extremely positive, he said.

“There are songs from that album that I don’t normally play, so they were very stoked to hear ’em,” he added.

Born Yeshe Perl in Hollywood on Dec. 3, 1975, his life, often shared in his lyrics, is marred by personal tragedy, triumphs and immense pain.

Raised by his heroin-addicted father, he began selling pot at a young age, a trade he acquired from his mother. In an attempt to clean up his act, Avalon converted to Orthodox Judaism in his late teens.

Then, family tragedy intervened. At 19, he made the decision to take his father off life support.

He headed to Portland, Oregon, a few years later. His past followed. His drug-addled Hollywood lifestyle caught up with him in the form of a heroin addiction.

Avalon soon found himself broke and turning to prostitution. He moved in with his sister and the pair started on the road to recovery. She relapsed and died from a heroin overdose.

See Vibes, Page 5

7 p.m. Friday

Journey Downtown, 308 Main St. https://journey downtown.com/events https://mickeyavalon.com

Vibes

From Page 4

He returned to Los Angeles. Shortly after his return, Avalon was befriended by ex-MTV VJ Simon Rex (aka Dirt Nasty), who encouraged Avalon to pursue his passion of hip-hop. Dirt Nasty began passing out his demo at Hollywood clubs. Avalon was signed to Interscope Records and released his self-titled debut album, with lyrics inspired by his experiences on the streets with drugs and prostitution. He was soon on the road and performing sold-out shows alongside the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Travis Barker and DJ AM, and Snoop Dogg.

His music has been featured in countless movies and television series including the animated series “American Dad” and “Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay.”

Fans heard it most recently in the trailers for the Cameron Diaz film, “Bad Teacher.”

“Having my songs in movies and TV shows is cool, cuz it gets people who may have never heard of me, to discover me,” he shared in an email.

“There’s no specific show I’d like my songs to be featured in, but obviously, I’d prefer something cool.”

He’s hoping for a quieter year. Life in 2025 was action packed with a crazy tour schedule. Avalon flew 67 times for shows.

Avalon just got a dog, Prince Chuey Avalon. “He’s the best and we love each other,” he shared.

The 50-year-old emphasizes he’s not sober and has never been. He just stopped doing hard drugs. Some red wine works for him. Avalon strives to stay healthy and try to keep a positive outlook on life.

In his spare time, Avalon continues to write new music and paint. See his artwork at www. facebook.com/mickeyavalon.

Dave’s Giant Hamburger, a local staple for classic American burgers since 1963. T he restaurant was founded by Dave Heim, a n Army veteran and accountant who realized his dream of ow ning a rest au ra nt He was g iven t he oppor tunity to purchase the North Texas Street location in Fair eld Today, si xt y-four years later, the business continues to t hrive under t he ownersh ip a nd operation of his daughter, Lesa Gonza lez.

As a multi -yea r winner of the Da ily Republ ic’s Readers’ C hoic e aw ar d for B es t Ha mb ur ge r, Gonzalez remai ns ded ic ated to her father ’s legac y of providin g customer s with a qua lity produc t.

and t hick-sliced c he ese, a longside

and milk sh akes It i s th is s te ad fa st c om mitment to a cl as sic, qua lity produc t and c ustomer serv ice th at conti nues to de ne the rest au ra nt a nd keep customers comi ng bac k.

1055 Nort h Te xas Street , Fair field 707- 425-1818

GOHEAR Music, comedy on tap in February

Myriad music finds its way to local venues this month. There’s some comedy in the mix, too.

Vacaville

Journey Downtown welcomes Mickey Avalon at 7 p.m. Friday.

It’s been written his life plays out like an episode of VH1′s “Behind The Music,” marred by personal tragedy, triumphs and immense pain.

His music has been featured in countless movies and television series. Learn more at https://mickeyavalon.com.

Party like its 1999 at 90’s + Y2K After Dark Ft. DJ Deks on Feb. 13. Doors open at 6 p.m. Dancing gets underway at 7 p.m.

Stars Go Dim, a moniker for Christian singer Chris Cleveland, performs at 7 p.m. Feb. 20.

Over the past 15 years, he has toured, written and performed alongside some of the biggest names in pop and Christian music, including Justin Bieber, John Mayer, Elton John, Billy Joel, for King & Country, Bethel Music, Maverick City and many more.

His 2022 release, “Grace In The Wilderness,” produced another international No. 1 with the single “Yes He Does.” Visit https://starsgodim.com.

On Feb. 21, Zepparella, a female tribute band to Led Zeppelin, stops by the venue.

The band was formed in 2005 in San Francisco. The group released a self-titled 10-song studio album in 2014 and has produced several videos.

Learn more about the band at www.facebook.com/Zepparella.

The venue is at 308 Main St. For more information visit https://journeydowntown.com.

The Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre kicks February off with K-pop and wraps with an ABBA tribute band.

The K-Pop Stars – Live Show is performed

See Hear, Page 7

at 4 and 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The audience can expect to hear tunes from BTS and Blackpink to a name a few. Professional dancers and real costumes and special effects are included.

The performers are KND Project, winners of Best K-Pop Cover Group at the KCDF World Champions 2025 in South Korea.

Local dance groups showcase their talents in two shows. The Omni Dance Acad emy Showcase is 6 p.m. Wednesday.

Cassie Daley is the owner and artistic director. She has been dancing more than 30 years, and teaching for 25 years.

The Elevate Dance Center’s 2025-26 Crave Team will take the stage 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday. The company will debut its competition-ready dances.

One dollar from each ticket sold at all Elevate Shows is given to Dancers Against Cancer.

Hear the greatest hits of ABBA at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 28 as Summer Night City performs.

The family friendly show will feature tunes such as “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo” and “Fernando,” to name a few.

Based in California, Summer Night City, includes Gro Bondevik as lead singer Agnetha, and Sonya Dis tel-Fernandez as lead singer Anni-Frid.

The Vacaville Performing Ars Theatre is at 1010 Ulatis Drive. For more information, visit www.vpat.net.

Fairfield

LaRoy Wainwright with serenading solos from Claude Barnett and Tim Taylor.

Get ready to chuckle with Jinky Oda and Justin Rivera as they perform at 8 p.m. Feb. 27.

Oda is known for her bold physical comedy, expressive storytelling and unforgettable stage presence. With sharp humor and fearless authenticity, she delivers laugh-out-loud performances that connect instantly with audiences everywhere.

Rivera delivers smart, relatable comedy rooted in everyday experiences, relationships, and self-awareness. His clean, confident style connects with audiences of all ages through honesty and charm.

Vallejo

The Empress Theatre kicks the month off with the Vallejo Symphony presen3 p.m. Feb. 1.

Doors open at 2 p.m. and the music begins at 3.

The concert features Symphony No. 101, “The Clock,” by Joseph Haydn, known for its elegant precision and sparkling spirit. The program also includes Ravel’s delicate Le Tombeau de Couperin and Berlioz’s ravishing song cycle

Les Nuits d’été, featuring the warm, expressive mezzo-soprano voice of Nikola Printz.

Learn more at https://

The Bobby Young Project drops by at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. It’s fronted by veteran guitarist and vocalist Bobby Young and backed by a powerful rhythm section.

PLATINUM SPONSORS

Thank

Downtown Theatre fill their February calendar with a capella, soul and laughs.

The West Quarterfinal of the International Championship of High School

A Cappella, an a cappella tournament exclusive to high schools around the world, gets underway at 7 p.m. Friday.

The groups placing first, second and third in this event will move on to the Western Semifinals in Redwood City in March.

Rosalin Pugh is bringing another soulful event full of oldies but goodies at 7 p.m. Feb. 13.

She will be joined by saxophonist

Maurice Tani brings a distinctive blend of roots, Americana, soul and blues at 6:30 p.m. Thursday.

A longtime favorite on the West Coast roots scene, Tani’s writing is honest and human: stories of love, change, resilience and everyday moments – set to grooves that feel as good as they sound.

Greg Rahn will perform 8 p.m. Friday for his “Side Hustle” CD release party.

It’s the second album from the Bay Area keyboardist, composer and jazz musician. Five years after his debut, “Rent Party,” Rahn returns

GO

READ

Solano’s favorite books Hear

Harry Potter, The Housemaid and The Hunger Games are tops among Solano County readers utilizing the Solano Library system.

Most popular

ADULT TOP 10

• “The Housemaid,” Freida McFadden

• “Brimstone,” Callie Hart

• “The Housemaid’s Secret,” Freida McFadden

• “Great Big Beautiful Life,” Emily Henry

• “Quicksilver,” Callie Hart

• “The Housemaid is Watching,” Freida McFadden

• “The Housemaid’s Wedding,” Freida McFadden

• “Say You’ll Remember Me,” Abby Jiminez

• “The Wedding People: A Novel,” Alison Espach

• “The Let Them Theory,” Mel Robbins

• “The Women: A Novel,” Kristin Hannah

TEENS TOP 10

• “Sunrise on the Reaping,” Suzanne Collins

• “A Court of Thorns and Roses,” Sarah J. Maas

• “The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes,” Suzanne Collins

• “The Hunger Games,” Suzanne Collins

• “Throne of Glass,” Sarah J. Maas

• “The Assassin’s Blade,” Sarah J. Maas

• “Powerless,” Lauren Roberts

• “Crown of Midnight,” Sarah J. Maas

• “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire,” Suzanne Collins

• “Heir of Fire,” Sarah J. Maas

KIDS TOP 10

• “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” J.K. Rowling

• “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban,” J.K. Rowling

• “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Partypooper,” Jeff Kinney

• “The Wild Robot,” Peter Brown

• “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets,” J.K. Rowling

• “The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street,” Karina Yan Glaser

• “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” Jeff Kinney

• “The Lightning Thief,” Rick Riordan

• “The Titan’s Curse,” Rick Riordan

• “Dog Man; Big Jim Begins,” Dav Pilkey

Coming soon

Adult: https://splash.na2.iiivega.com/ library-list/showcase/3779fee9e9be-4a76-b3ef-85f39d479a85

Teens: https://splash.na2.iiivega. com/library-list/showcase/ fe567b55-8423-48b9-a19bb1da96a718b4

Kids: https://splash.na2.iiivega.com/ library-list/showcase/a8d154b60475-4752-b1a4-a34004ade73d. Visit www.solanolibrary.com for suggested titles for itsw Heritage Months. February will be both Black History Month and Lunar New Year. The website also features a variety of events happening at the different branches throughout the month.

From Page 7

with eight original compositions that honor the musical icons.

AZ/DZ, an AC/DC tribute band, stops by at 8 p.m. Saturday. The group performs the entire “Highway to Hell” album plus another set of high voltage rock ‘n’ roll.

Formed in 2010, AZ/DZ has been delivering packed-house, high-energy shows for more than 15 years.

A.C. Myles is next up with a Feb. 11 show at 6:30 p.m. He’s a California-based artist known for fiery guitar work and soulful vocals. He’s built his reputation through years of touring, recording and live performance.

Hear from Revelation at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12. The show also features Marla Goody and Alan Revelo.

Goody brings a captivating vocal performance – warm, expressive and full of heart. Revelo adds depth and drive with polished musicianship and a strong musical foundation.

Revelation blends soul, rhythm and uplifting band energy.

Ariel Marin & Band plan a pre-Valentine show at 8 p.m. Feb. 13.

She is a powerhouse songstress known for her soul-soaked vocals and captivating stage presence. The evening’s theme is “Love Songs, Chocolate, and Bubbly.”

Featuring in the band is James “Jae-E” Earley – a multi-plat inum producer and music director whose experience spans major artists and world-class stages.

Jay King and Shawn Raiford are the Valentine’s Day headliners at an 8 p.m. show.

Jr. DeVille is on tap Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m. He’s a powerful blues guitarist and vocalist known for fiery live performances, soulful vocals and guitar work that blends classic blues tradition with modern blues-rock intensity.

Inspirations include Jimi Hendrix, B.B. King and Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Next up is the Road Dog Revue with Randy McDonald at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 19.

King is the founding member, producer and cre ative force behind Club Nouveau, the legendary R&B group known for timeless hits like “Lean on Me,” “Why You Treat Me So Bad” and “Situation #9.” Raiford is one of today’s rising voices in smooth jazz and contemporary soul.

Top Shelf and Talk of the Town will deliver a classic evening of soul at 8 p.m. Feb. 21. Top Shelf, named after founder Johnny “Top Shelf” Trotman, is truly a one-of-a-kind party band.

Marina Crouse appears 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25. She is known for a powerful, expressive voice and performances that feel personal and unforgettable. Pair that with Garth Webber, a true first-call player with deep blues feel, world-class tone, it should be an evening for listeners who love real musicianship.

JazSynergy at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25. Band members are Wilson Brooks, drummer and vocalist, Paul Branin, guitar and saxophone, and Simon Russell, keyboardist and vocalist. The venue is at 330 Virginia St. Learn more at https://empresstheatre.org.

BACK IN THE DAY

Theatrical memories in Fairfield’s belfry

Note: The Vacaville Museum’s current exhibit, “Center Stage,” celebrates the history of Solano County performing arts.

The Fairfield-Suisun Little Theatre Guild started in 1955, performed a number of productions and inspired the birth of another troupe, the Belfry Players.

The driving force of the new theatrical company was popular Fairfield dentist Philip Rashid. In addition to his dentistry degree, Rashid majored in dramatics and speech in college and was, in modern parlance, a theater geek.

bound with many moved to tears.

Rashid’s office, the Fairfield Dental Clinic, was located at 1000 N. Texas St. next to his parish, Holy Spirit Catholic Church. His opulently decorated apartment was on the second floor. Dr. Rashid’s dental skills, coupled with his gregarious personality, helped make his practice so successful that he was often booked six months in advance.

On Groundhog Day 1961, the first meeting of the Belfry Players took place at the Holy Spirit cafeteria. Fifty locals, an assemblage of on-stage and behind-the-scenes talent, showed up.

The first production by the Belfry Players, on March 18-19, 1961, was the passion play – a dramatic performance representing Jesus Christ’s passion from the Last Supper to the Crucifixion, called “The Upper Room.” It was a local sensation.

A review in the newspaper raved about it, and here are some highlights: Direction: “Inspired.”

Actors: “Incredibly believable.”

Scenery: “Realistic and substantial.”

Sound effects (specially made in New York for the production including a thunderstorm and the sounds of Jesus nailed to the cross) “Indescribably vivid.”

The audience was said to be spell-

The Belfry Players’ venue of choice was the 800-seat Armijo High School auditorium that was on the corner of Texas Street and Union Avenue next to the old Armijo High School building. After the success of the heavy passion play, the Belfry Players pulled a Monty Python-esque “now for something completely different” approach for their sophomore effort. It was the Roaring ’20s comedy, “The Boy Friend,” famous for being the Broadway debut vehicle for Julie Andrews. Despite the company getting off to an impressive start, by 1962 they received a review with serious criticism for their production of “Cradle Song.” The reviewer cited the main issue as being with the script, but letters to the editor protesting the review and those supporting it filled the Daily Republic for days afterward.

One of the main criticisms of the critic was, to paraphrase, “Hey! This ain’t Broadway, buddy!” They were volunteers whose productions raised money for local charities. Those who agreed with the critic said performers should welcome criticism to improve.

They presented “The Upper Room” again in 1962, and in 1963, began a tradition of having an annual “Fairfield Follies” variety show. But a problem that vexes many community theater companies today was present then: Getting butts in seats.

In 1965, the secretary of the Belfry Players wrote a letter to the editor that, in a rather whiny way, explained how hard it was to put on productions and said, “Surely out of more than 22,000 people more than 260 are interested in this type of activity.”

The following years, 1966 and 1967, were particularly rough patches for the Belfry Players. They tried to pump up interest for a production of “Arsenic and Old Lace” by making it one night only. A review said it “needed more time for preparation.” Then after

“Fairfield Follies ’66,” Rashid retired from the company he’d founded.

In 1967, they staged a play called, ironically, “Critic’s Choice.” The following is from the review: “Folks, the play, truly in the spirit of Thanksgiving, was a turkey. The actors could not be heard. The leading man wore tuxedo trousers and a sports shirt, a strange combination. There were long, slow spots and others which were longer and slower. Lighting was eccentric. And folks, that ancient auditorium is COLD. But then shivering kept us awake too. The only redeeming thing, which did little good, was an attractive set. Audiences want to be entertained, not tranquilized.” Ouch.

But in 1968, they course corrected and the company staged a “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” which was such a hit they added another performance by popular demand.

Fairfielder Betty McFadden saw it twice, was fascinated by the show

and immediately joined the group. Within no time she was the secretary, then president and brought acting chops and seamstress skills to the company. She also brought her theater-loving daughter, Barbara. They performed children’s shows at local schools and, in 1971, staged “Blithe Spirit” starring then Vanden High teacher and later mayor of Fairfield, Harry Price. The Belfry Players faded away in the 1970s, but there are echoes. There was an unsuccessful effort to name the Fairfield Center for Creative Arts (now the Downtown Theatre) after Rashid, but his name is on a plaque in the lobby. And Barbara McFadden carries on as an actress/singer/dancer/costumer/director/producer for numerous companies in Solano and beyond.

Fairfield freelance accidental local historian Tony Wade is the author of six books. Reach Wade at toekneeweighed@gmail.com.

GOSEE Visual arts

Local galleries and museums are a great choice to visit as winter continues.

Admission is free. Some ask for a donation.

Fairfield

The Fairfield-Suisun City Visual Arts Association current exhibition, “The Great Outdoors,” continues until Feb. 22.

The fifth Children’s Art Show, featuring work from first through eighth-graders, can be viewed at the Solano Town Center gallery and Common Grounds Coffee Shop. It runs from February 25 through March 8.

Parents wishing to have their children enter the show may contact their child’s teacher or deliver their artwork to the Solano Town Center Gallery from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 22.

All are welcome at a student poetry reading at 11 a.m. Feb. 28.

The gallery is in the Solano Town Center mall, 1330 Travis Blvd. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.

Fairfield Arts, 710 Jackson St., has a new show for the month and is welcoming artists, Ezekiel Robles and Danielo Charles

Fairfield Arts also welcomes the mixed media artwork of local jazz artist Carl Bradford III. The gallery will host a reception and poetry reading for his work from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 20.

Vacaville

The Vacaville Art League Gallery, 718 E. Monte Vista Ave, is home to “The Red Thread,” Feb. 7 through March 14. Hours are noon to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

The gallery rotates exhibits every four to six weeks with show types ranging from member exhibits to juried and open exhibitions by guest artists.

The Vacaville Museum is paying tribute to the performing arts in Solano County with “Center Stage,” running through June 27 at 213 Buck Ave.

The museum is open 1 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

Saturday,Februar y7,2026 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm

See

From Page 10

Benicia

“Everyday Life,” at the Marilyn Citron O’Rourke Art Gallery inside the Benicia Public Library, runs through Feb. 22.

Bruce Pope’s exhibit offers an invitation to engage with the overlooked beauty of daily scenes, encouraging personal interpretations and emotional responses.

“A Library of Ideas” from Linda Fleming, opens March 1 at the gallery.

The library is at 150 E. J St. The gallery is open during library hours, which are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and noon to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Arts Benicia will host the California Watercolor Association’s 56th International Exhibition, through March 16, at 1 Commandant’s Lane.

Vallejo

The Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum brings the area’s history to life with its exhibits. “Vallejo Collects!” reveals local artifacts, while the Saginaw Gallery delves into Mare Island’s Navy legacy. The South Gallery narrates Vallejo’s stories, and the Heritage Chamber celebrates influential women.

The ground level houses the Vallejo Sports Hall of Fame, honoring local athletes and teams.

Special event: Black History Month Special Presentation: Charles Blatcher III, author, publisher, founder/chairman and principle advocate for the National Coalition of Black Veteran Organizations will take place at 1 p.m. Feb. 21 at 734 Marin St.

NEIGHBORS

little known trivia fact.

“Way back when, there was a band called Country Joe & The Fish. In 1968, Country Joe McDonald married his second wife, Robin, at my church - St. John’s Episcopal Church at 1661 15th St. in San Francisco. Their album

‘Together’ is a photo taken on that day outside the church. Look closely and you will see the red and white church emblem and the number 1661 on the wall. I was 14 at the time and star struck!! Little did I know that five years later, I would marry my husband in the same church.”

The Solano Workforce Development Board

Marion Aiken, the agency’s Workforce Services director, who retired on the 33rd anniversary of his first day with the organization when it was known as the Private Industry Council. He was hired as a temporary employment training assistant in June 1992 and became a permanent Employment and Training Specialist in January 1993. Over the years, he was promoted into multiple departments and higher level positions. He was named Workforce Services manager in 2004 and became the director of the department in 2020.

Nancy Hopkins, left, was honored by former Soroptimist International of Central Solano County by Annie Vogelpohl. The first Soroptimist of 2026. Hopkins was cheered for her enthusiasm and willingness to step in wherever needed.

Christina Villanueva, a Women’s Re-entry Achievement Program participant, is the latest Soroptimist International of Vacaville Dream Maker honoree. She is shown here with, from left, co-president Yvonne Thrasher, club member Marsha Lucas, Cathia Sanchez, case manager with WRAP, and WRAP intern Mikayla Cabillan

Dinner Plates: Chile Relleno • Enchiladas • Fajitas

Weekend Plates: Plates: Birra & Menudo – Sat. & Sun. only

Scares, chairs, wine country COMING TO THEATERS

The February box office is a potpourri of flicks. Friday’s openings have two movies on screens across the country.

Kevin James stars in “Solo Mio.” He is jilted at the altar and decides to embark on his Italian honeymoon alone, immersing himself in the country’s culture, food and beauty. The movie also features Alyson Hannigan. The film is rated PG.

“The Strangers: Chapter 3” is the final film of The Strangers trilogy, with Maya facing the masked killers one last time in a brutal, full-circle reckoning of survival and revenge. The film is rated R.

Opening in limited release Friday are:

“Pillion,” which follows a wallflower letting life pass him by. Enter a handsome leader of a motorbike club who takes him on as his submissive. The film is not rated.

“Dracula,” the story of a 15th century prince who sees the brutal murder of his wife and is reborn as Dracula to wrench his lost love back from death, no matter the cost. Luc Besson, Caleb Landry Jones and Christoph Waltz star. The film is not rated.

“The Huntsman,” which is based on Judith Sander’s novel that follows an ICU nurse who volunteers to assist a coma patient believed to be the brutal killer of six young women. What begins as an act of compassion spirals into a dark maze of deception, obsession and buried secrets. The film is not rated.

“Buffalo Kids,” an animated picture about two orphaned sib-

lings who arrive in New York City in the late 1880s, and embark on a wild cross-country journey aboard a transcontinental train. The film is rated PG.

“Whistle,” which centers on a misfit group of unwitting high school students that stumble upon a cursed object, an ancient Aztec Death Whistle. They discover that blowing the whistle and the terrifying sound it emits will summon their future deaths to hunt them down. As the body count rises, they investigate the origins of the deadly artifact in an effort to stop the horrifying chain of events that they have set in motion. The film is rated R.

“The Roaring Game,” an underdog story of a down-on-hisluck janitor who recruits a curling team of misfits to win back the love of his life and sweep his way to glory. Mickey Rourke is featured.

The film is not rated.

“The Infinite Husk,” which centers on an alien consciousness trapped in the human body of a young Black woman on Earth. She is sent on a treacherous mission to spy on one of her own kind to uncover the potential threat of a new and dangerous type of science.

“Scarlet,” an animated flick from filmmaker Mamoru Hosoda that centers on a medieval-era, sword-fighting princess on a dangerous quest to avenge the death of her father. After failing at her mission and finding herself gravely injured in the Otherworld, she encounters an idealistic young man from the present day who not only helps her to heal but shows her the possibility of a future free of bitterness and rage. The film is rated PG-13.

“Jimpa,” which centers on a filmmaker, played by Olivia Colman, who takes her trans nonbinary teenager to Amsterdam to

visit their gay grandfather, Jimpa, played by John Lithgow. The teen expresses a desire to stay with Jimpa for a year abroad. Mom is forced to reconsider her parenting beliefs and the stories she has long told about her family. The film is not rated.

“Calle Málaga,” the story of a woman who finds herself at odds with her adult daughter. The controversy begins when the daughter, without asking her mother, begins selling the family home where her mother still lives. The film is not rated.

“My Father’s Shadow,” a semiautobiographical film following a father and his two estranged sons as they travel across the chaotic metropolis while political unrest threatens their homeward journey. The film is not rated.

Feb. 13 brings a dash of romance to the silver screen.

Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi

star in “Wuthering Heights,” based on the 1847 novel with the same name. It tells the tale of a doomed romance between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw as jealousy, obsession and class divide spiral into a cycle of revenge that haunts their families for generations. The film is rated R.

“Goat” follows a small goat with big dreams who gets a oncein-a-lifetime shot to join the pros and play roarball – a high-intensity, co-ed, full-contact sport dominated by the fastest, fiercest animals in the world. Patton Oswalt and David Harbour lend their voices to the animated flick. The film is rated PG.

“Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die” centers on a man claiming to be from the future who takes the patrons of an iconic Los Angeles diner hostage in search of unlikely recruits in a quest to save the

Movies

From Page 13

world. The film is rated R.

“Crime 101,” with Chris Hemsworth and Halle Berry, is set against the sun-bleached grit of Los Angeles, and weaves the tale of an elusive thief whose highstakes heists unfolding along the iconic 101 freeway have mystified police. When he eyes the score of a lifetime with hopes of this being his final job, his path collides with a disillusioned insurance broker who is facing her own crossroads, forcing the two to collaborate. The film is rated R.

“Cold Storage,” with Liam Neeson, is the tale of a mutating, highly contagious fungus that escapes a sealed facility. Two young employees – joined by a grizzled bioterror operative – must survive the wildest night shift ever to save humanity from extinction. The film is rated R.

“Nirvanna: The Band - the Show - the Movie” is about two unemployed musicians who hatch an elaborate plan to book a gig at Toronto’s legendary Rivoli club. When their scheme goes awry, they find themselves transported back to 2008, stranded in the past with no clear way home. The film is rated R.

“Hunting Jessica Brok” is the tale of a former elite Black Ops

soldier who has left her violent past behind in rural South Africa. When an old ally betrays her, she’s captured by a ruthless warlord she once hunted. The film is not rated.

“The Observance” is the story of a woman who awakens from a five-year coma after a terrible car accident to find her world drastically altered. An enigmatic religious leader has taken over her home, and her husband and daughter have fallen completely under his control. The entire town is under the influence of his insidious cult. The film is rated R.

“Mimics” is the tale of a down-on-his-luck impressionist who makes a pact with a wicked strings-attached puppet that holds the promise to propel hum to stardom, unleashing a nightmare that threatens the safety of those he holds dear. The film is rated PG-13.

“By Design,” with Juliette Lewis and Melanie Griffith, is the story of a woman who swaps bodies with a chair, and everyone likes her better as a chair. The film is not rated.

“Broken Bird” follows a quiet and lonely mortician’s assistant who finds solace among the dead and through performing poetry at her local pub’s open-mic nights. When her employer begins grooming her to inherit the funeral parlor, she clings to this fragile sense of belonging. The film is not rated.

See Movies, Page 16

Movies

Feb. 20 will hoist four new movies on screens across

“How To Make A Killing” stars

Ed Harris and Topher Grace in the story of a man who has been cast aside by his phenomenally wealthy family and will go to any lengths necessary to ensure his inheritance. The film is rated R. stays true to its name as a nameless, masked murderer leaves a trail of victims across the U.S. In a chance encounter on the plains of Nebraska, he kills a highway patrolman. The only witness to the crime, the patrolman’s young wife, a fellow officer, sets out to hunt the killer down.

“I Can Only Imagine 2” features Dennis Quaid and Milo Ventimiglia in the story of MercyMe’s Bart Millard who is living the dream – sold-out arenas, a devoted fanbase and a thriving career. His world begins to shift under the weight of devastating challenges, including a life-changing diagnosis for his young son, Sam. As he works to keep his family together, his wife becomes the steady anchor. The is set in Nagasaki, 1964. After the death of his father, the leader of a yakuza gang is taken under the wing of a famous Kabuki actor. the actor’s only son decides to dedicate himself to this traditional form of theater. Across decades, the two young men grow and evolve together –from acting school to the grandest stages – amid scandals and glory, brotherhood and betrayals, as each pushes to become the greatest living Kabuki master.

Opening in limited

“Baz Luhrmann’s EPiC: Elvis Presley in which features long-lost footage from Presley’s legendary Vegas residency in the 1970s, woven together with rare 16mm footage from Elvis on Tour

and 8mm film from the Graceland archive. The film is rated PG-13.

“The Dreadful,” which features Sophie Turner, Kit Harington and Marcia Gay Harden in medieval England. Anne and her domineering mother-in-law struggle to survive on the outskirts of society. When a man from her past returns from war, a curse begins to take shape through a mysterious knight and threatens to destroy them all. The film is rated R.

“Midwinter Break,” a meditation on faith, commitment and the enduring power of love as a longtime couple takes a life-changing trip to Amsterdam. The film is rated PG-13.

“A Magnificent Life,” an animated flick set in 1955 about 60-year-old Marcel Pagnol, a well-known and acclaimed playwright and filmmaker. When the editor-in-chief of Elle magazine commissions a weekly column about Pagnol’s childhood, he sees this as a great opportunity to go back to his artistic roots: writing.

Realizing his memory is failing him and deeply affected by the disappointing results of his last two plays, Pagnol starts doubting his ability to pursue his work. That is until Little Marcel – the young boy he used to be – appears to him as if by magic. The film is rated PG-13.

The month ends with one movie opening on screens across the country.

In “Scream 7” a new Ghostface killer emerges in the quiet town where Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) has built a new life, her darkest fears are realized as her daughter (Isabel May) becomes

the next target. Determined to protect her family, Sidney must face the horrors of her past to put an end to the bloodshed once and for all. The film is not rated.

Opening in limited release are:

“Dreams,” which follows Fernando, a young Mexican ballet dancer who longs for international recognition and to build a new life abroad. He comes to the United States hoping to be supported by his girlfriend Jennifer (Jessica Chastain), an upper-class philanthropist. The film is not rated.

“Umamusume: Pretty DerbyBeginning of a New Era,” which focuses on young Jungle Pocket, who is inspired to become the fastest horse girl alive. Training alongside Fuji and her veteran trainer, Pocket’s goal looks to be within reach – right up until she encounters Agnes Tachyon. In the face of Tachyon’s impossible speed and polar opposite personality, beating Tachyon becomes an obsession. But all too soon, that obsession becomes a looming specter – the final barrier that stands between Pocket and her dream. The film is not rated.

“Undercard,” the story of Cheryl “No Mercy” Steward – a legendary boxer, recovering alcoholic and mother making amends with her estranged son. Wanda Sykes stars. The film is not rated.

“The Napa Boys,” the latest installment of The Napa Boys “franchise” is described as Wet Hot American Summer meets Sideways as a mysterious individual known as “The Sommelier” leads a group of friends on a raucous road trip through wine country. The film is not rated.