THE NORTH BAY ALL STARS WILL HOST the monthly gathering of musical friends known as The Wednesday Night Ramble at the historic Empress Theatre in downtown Vallejo on Aug. 15, with featured guests Tracy Blackman (pictured), Paul Branin, Willy Jordan and Mike Rinta.

In celebration of summer, children 17 and under will be admitted free for the special “Family” Ramble.

Rinta has played with Sly & The Family Stone, Carlos Santana, Jerry Garcia and many others. Singer-songwriter Blackman offers a blend of folk, rock and blues spiced with funky, soulful flavor. Branin has worked and toured with Levon Helm and backed up Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and others. Jordan returns as a crowd favorite after wowing the audience at the June Ramble with his rendition of Sam Cooke’s “Bring It Home To Me.”

The Ramble was inspired by Helm, founding member of The Band who hosted a “Midnight Ramble” out of his Woodstock barn. The Empress events are by invitation only pro jams, or as organizer and bass player Don Bassey says, an evening of “organized chaos” as unannounced guests take the stage.

For tickets and information call 707-552-2400 or visit empresstheatre.org.

Tom Dellinger photo

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