Ozcat Radio, celebrating 20 years on the airwaves, is inviting listeners to step out of Vallejo and into the Emerald City with Saturday\u2019s Emerald Ball at Red Men\u2019s Hall.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 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,\u201d said Martinelli. \u201cIt\u2019s a celebration of gratitude for the station and for Vallejo.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had a channel board break down a couple of years ago,\u201d Martinelli said. \u201cThis way, we can have the new one and have a backup and hopefully be set for 20 more years.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Musical entertainment will feature Anitra Sharon, King David and the Royal Rhythmics, Gianna Biagi, Bluestatic, Jordan Jade, and Ozcat, with host Frankie Fe\u2019arri. Additional performers include George \u201cDaPlumma\u201d Flazer, DJ Flashback, and DJ Hugh Man.<\/p>\n
King David will also serve as stage manager.<\/p>\n
Martinelli said the event is semi-formal, with guests encouraged to wear green.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you have a green formal dress shirt, wear that. If you\u2019ve got a green cocktail dress, wear that. You don\u2019t need a floor-length dress or tuxedo,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Although the dress code is \u201cEmerald Elegance\u201d and guests are encouraged to wear green, Martinelli said those without green attire are still welcome to attend.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you don\u2019t have green, don\u2019t stay home because you don\u2019t own a green dress or tuxedo,\u201d she said with a laugh. \u201cCome as you are. We\u2019re not kicking anyone out for being improperly dressed.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Emerald Ball has been in the works for about a year, with active planning underway for the past six months.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 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\u2019s 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,\u201d said Martinelli.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn a world where there is so much AI, Ozcat Radio is something real. Something really (and) truly real.\u201d<\/p>\n
Parking is available behind Red Men\u2019s Hall. The three-level venue features a ballroom, a meeting room, and a speakeasy floor, with elevator access to all levels.<\/p>\n
The Ozcat Emerald Ball will take place Saturday, at 7 p.m. at 431 Georgia St. in Vallejo.<\/p>\n