Ozcat Radio, celebrating 20 years on the airwaves, is inviting listeners to step out of Vallejo and into the Emerald City with Saturday’s Emerald Ball at Red Men’s Hall.
The Emerald Ball is both a celebration and a way to thank the community, says Ozcat Radio co-founder Katie Martinelli, who founded the station in 2006 with her then-husband, David Martin.
“It’s a thank you to all who have been listening, to our DJs and crew who have been volunteering for all these many years, and to our artists who have submitted music and done local events,” said Martinelli. “It’s a celebration of gratitude for the station and for Vallejo.”
Proceeds will go toward purchasing a new audio mixing board, allowing the station to control and adjust sound from microphones, music, and other audio sources. Martinelli is confident the station will reach its fundraising goal.
“We had a channel board break down a couple of years ago,” Martinelli said. “This way, we can have the new one and have a backup and hopefully be set for 20 more years.”
Light refreshments will be available, along with a no-host bar operated by The 4th Corner Speakeasy. A Jamaican dinner featuring a choice of jerk chicken or fish will be served around 8 p.m. for $20 per plate.
Musical entertainment will feature Anitra Sharon, King David and the Royal Rhythmics, Gianna Biagi, Bluestatic, Jordan Jade, and Ozcat, with host Frankie Fe’arri. Additional performers include George “DaPlumma” Flazer, DJ Flashback, and DJ Hugh Man.
King David will also serve as stage manager.
Martinelli said the event is semi-formal, with guests encouraged to wear green.
“If you have a green formal dress shirt, wear that. If you’ve got a green cocktail dress, wear that. You don’t need a floor-length dress or tuxedo,” she said.
Although the dress code is “Emerald Elegance” and guests are encouraged to wear green, Martinelli said those without green attire are still welcome to attend.
“If you don’t have green, don’t stay home because you don’t own a green dress or tuxedo,” she said with a laugh. “Come as you are. We’re not kicking anyone out for being improperly dressed.”
The Emerald Ball has been in the works for about a year, with active planning underway for the past six months.
“It’s going to be really fun. The people who support and volunteer for Ozcat Radio are some of the most interesting and unique individuals in our town. Like our town, it’s going to be diverse. There will be people of all ages, all economic backgrounds, and ethnicities. But we will be united in a love for music and a love for local, independent radio,” said Martinelli.
“In a world where there is so much AI, Ozcat Radio is something real. Something really (and) truly real.”
Parking is available behind Red Men’s Hall. The three-level venue features a ballroom, a meeting room, and a speakeasy floor, with elevator access to all levels.
The Ozcat Emerald Ball will take place Saturday, at 7 p.m. at 431 Georgia St. in Vallejo.
Tickets are still available at 4thcornerspeakeasy.com/ozcat-emerald-ball/