The fourth annual Mare Island Dock of Bay Festival boasts a lineup that includes iconic funk artists such as Average White Band, The Commodores, Lenny Williams, and Heatwave. These artists have played a significant role in shaping the funk genre, and their presence at the festival speaks volumes about the event’s musical caliber.
The festival has been gaining momentum over the years, with attendance numbers skyrocketing from 1500 to 4500 in just one year. This surge in popularity is helping to put Vallejo back on the map as a vibrant music hotspot. Jeff Trager, one of the organizers behind the festival, has been in the music industry for decades and has seen firsthand the power of music to bring communities together.
Vallejo has a rich musical history, with artists like E-40, Sly and the Family Stone, and H.E.R. hailing from the area. Trager believes that there has always been a wealth of talent in Vallejo, but a lack of venues may have hindered its growth. Events like the Mare Island Dock of Bay Festival are helping to showcase the city’s musical heritage and bring it back into the spotlight.
The festival takes place at the Mare Island Coal Sheds, a picturesque outdoor venue with stunning views of the Napa River. This unique setting adds to the festival’s appeal and helps draw in larger crowds. Trager is optimistic about the future of Vallejo’s music scene and is actively looking for bigger venues to host more events.
The lineup for the festival caters to an older African-American demographic, with artists like Lenny Williams and Heatwave bringing a sense of nostalgia to the stage. Trager acknowledges the importance of appealing to a diverse audience and is open to including younger artists in future lineups.
Overall, the Mare Island Dock of Bay Festival is just one piece of Vallejo’s musical renaissance. Trager hopes to continue expanding the city’s music scene and showcasing its talent to a wider audience. With events like this, Vallejo has the potential to become a major player in the music industry, alongside cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York.
If you’re interested in experiencing the magic of the Mare Island Dock of Bay Festival for yourself, mark your calendars for September 7th and head to 860 Nimitz Ave. in Vallejo. Tickets are available online at ftpresents.com, with general admission starting at $120 and VIP tickets at $187. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to witness some of the greatest funk artists of our time in a stunning waterfront setting.
