AE Source: Askari's Place to present Juneteenth and Father's Day event

For those planning to celebrate Juneteenth and Father's Day, Mz. Askari Sowonde plans to combine both holidays for a night of culture, live jazz and community.

Askari's Place will host a Juneteenth and Father's Day Smooth Jazz Celebration featuring the New CREW Jazz Band on Friday, June 19 at the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum.

The New Crew Jazz Set Band will be joined by special guests saxophonist Sonny Fairley and youth poet Noa Sanna.

This will mark the second event presented by Askari's Place.

While Askari's Place is not a new concept, it debuted its first event, "Mother's Day: A Soulful Experience," last month.

"The Mother's Day event was so special. People came from Modesto, San Francisco, Oakland, Fairfield, and other places. Can you imagine that? It put a smile on this old sista's face. It reminded me that I have made a difference in this community, and that people see my talent and what I can bring," said Sowonde.

Sowonde added that the New CREW Jazz Band performed under a different name with Greg Ballard for last month's event.

"While I was listening to them, I turned to my daughter and said, 'I think they would make a great group for the second event.' She agreed," Sowonde said.

Askari's Place is not limited to one genre. Rather, she intends to explore all genres ranging from jazz, R&B, and blues to "maybe even" reggae, comedy, and poetry in future events.

"These events will only happen every other month. I'm not trying to do something every week. I want each one to feel special," said Sowonde.

Sowonde feels grateful for the support she has received from the community, including Trevor Allen from the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, along with community members Lisa Gutierrez-Wilson, Lakethia Lake Pascual, and Steve Landaker.

"I always say you can't do anything by yourself. You may have the vision, and you may put things together, but you still need people to help bring it to life," Sowonde said. "My daughter, my glam babies, and a few people who are like family have always been there to assist me so I don't fail."

Trevor Allen, executive director of the Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum, said that Sowonde has been a guest curator on several exhibits with the Vallejo Museum and has hosted her Kwanzaa celebration during the holiday season for many years.

"Her latest endeavor follows her very successful Mother's Day musical event. She is a community treasure, and she has a real ear for talent. To be clear, it's a rental, not a museum event, but we are very proud to have "Askari's Place" back for Father's Day weekend and Juneteenth. We invite folks to come on down and listen to some smooth jazz. We love having music at our museum," said Allen.

Noting that Askari's Place events take place every other month, Sowonde said community members could think of the admission cost as an investment in a unique and memorable experience.

"Put aside $20 a month and come support something special. The experience is worth it," Sowonde said.

She added, "At the end of the day, music is my life. It is the essence of my mind and soul. With that, Askari's Place allows me to bring something to this community that is different, intimate, and meaningful."

Doors open at 7 p.m. The event is scheduled from 8 to 10 p.m.

General admission tickets are $44.52 and VIP tickets are $65.87, with fees included.

To purchase tickets, visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/askaris-place-presents-a-juneteenth-fathers-day-smooth-jazz-celebration-tickets-1990145100569

Copyright 2026 Tribune Content Agency. All Rights Reserved.