Super Bowl Weekend

It’s the Super Bowl weekend, and there are a bunch of Oakland destinations where you can head over to watch and cheer your favorite team. But before and after the Super Bowl, there’s enough to keep you entertained, stimulated and busy: art, music, citizen journalism, puppet shows and glitzy opening parties. It’s also the First Friday weekend, so get ready to take a walk in the rain. We’ll be posting our art picks on the site Friday morning.

Friday, February 5

Getting There

If you haven’t pedaled over to Actual Café yet, Getting There, a photography exhibit by Christopher Hall, represents the perfect excuse to visit the bike-friendly neighborhood spot. The show opens Friday evening.

Friday, February 5, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Actual Café 6334 San Pablo (at Alcatraz)
Free

Cometbus

1-2-3-4 Go! Records is holding a reception for “author/artist/muscian type” Aaron Cometbus. Steve over at the popular record store writes: “It’s a retrospective of past work and possibly some surprises. Show runs through the end of February.”

Friday, February 5, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
423 40th Street
Free

Era Opens

Old Oakland’s heavy hitters are venturing into Uptown. The people behindTamarindo Antojeria, B Restaurant and Bar, and Air Lounge have teamed up to launch Era Art Bar and Lounge at Grand@Broadway. It opens to the public Friday evening and offers art, two bars, and music in a 5000 sq. foot space.

Friday February 5, 4.30 p.m. to 1.30 p.m.
Era Art Bar and Lounge’s grand opening
19 Grand Avenue @ Broadway, oaklandera.com

Dream Benefit

Ten years ago, one of the biggest names in the Bay Area’s graffiti world was murdered. Mike “Dream” Francisco helped create the visual aesthetic of Oakland’s Hip Hop culture, say his admirers. The artist, who was also celebrated in his Filipino American community, worked with subjects that promoted tolerance and explored social issues affecting minorities.  To mark his tenth death anniversary, a group of DJs and artists have put together a benefit for Francisco’s son, Akil Francisco, whose mother recently succumbed to breast cancer.

Dream Day: Celebrating the life and legacy of Mike “Dream” Francisco
Friday, February 5
Art Show: 6 p.m.- 9 p.m., all ages, free
Showtime: 9 p.m.-2 a.m., $10 (Donations accepted), all ages (with parent)
The New Parish, 579 18th Street, Oakland
Checks to made out to The Dream Trust Fund or Akil Francisco

Saturday, February 6

Prose and Poetry in West O

The West Oakland branch of the library is going to be busy this weekend. The 20th Annual African American Celebration through Poetry starts at 1 PM on Saturday. Poets of all ages have been encouraged to share work on the theme of the African Diaspora. But it’s prose before poetry. At 11 a.m., the Oakland Tribune debuts its Community Media Access Center inside the West Oakland branch. Here’s an excerpt from the Trib’s press release:

“As part of this program, the Oakland Tribune is looking for West Oakland residents interested in reporting, writing, and taking photos for its community correspondents program. The 6-month program was created to put the power of storytelling in the hands of West Oakland residents.

This creative initiative will train West Oakland residents to become community correspondents and serve as the new voices in coverage of Oakland.”

Saturday, February 6 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
West Oakland Branch, 1801 Adeline Street
Free

Kid-friendly: Children’s Fairyland

It’s black history weekend at Fairyland and storyteller Kirk Waller will present a series of classic African tales with an original flair.
Saturday, February 6 and Sunday, February 7: 1:30p.m. & 2:30p.m.

Puppet Show: The Frog Prince: “Princess Gwendolyn is the sweetest princess in the countyside, until the evil Mizard the Wizard puts a “badness” spell on her.  Now she’s bratty, selfish and pouty. When her heroic prince is turned into a frog, the fun begins.”
Puppets by Lewis Mahlmann, adapted by Lewis Mahlmann
Saturday, February 6 and Sunday, February 7:11 a.m., 2 p.m. & 4 p.m.

Children’s Fairyland,  699 Bellevue Avenue
$7 admission, fairyland.org

The Bitchass Benefit
This is a benefit for local musician/artist/dancer/single mom Vanessa Smith, who has colon cancer.  There’ll be music and a raffle with prizes such as private yoga classes, movie passes to the Red Vic, artwork, clothes, designer bags, gift bags from Good Vibrations etc. The line-up includes: The extra action marching band, Beats antique special d.j. set featuring Zoe Jakes, special performances by members of the Yard Dogs Road Show, the Turks, Sugar Butt Tiger, Cowboy Girls, D.J. Junk Drawer, and Flash Hopkins as master of ceremonies.

Friday, February 5
The Oakland Metro Operahouse
630 3rd Street (just one block from Jack London Square!)
$15 — $100 Sliding scale admission, cash only.
vanessafightingcancer.blogspot.com/

Sunday, February 7

Stupor Bowl

Jack London Square is a destination for folks looking to feast while watching the Super Bowl. The Waterfront Hotel is putting out a spread called Beerunch. For $40, you get swanky brews and brunch fare between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., followed by a Super Bowl viewing party. Down Water Street, at Bocanova, the same $40 buys unlimited appetizers, happy hour drink specials, and the game on two big screen TVs. Nearby Kincaids, which has as many flat screens as beer taps, is dishing appetizers at half price and pouring beer, wine, and margaritas.

Sunday, February 7
Waterfront Hotel, 10 Washington Street, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., $40
Bocanova, 55 Webster Street, Pre-game starts at 2:30 p.m., $40
Kincaids, 1 Franklin Street, 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Kid-Friendly: Chinese New Year – Gung Hay Fat Choy!

A workshop for the whole family where you get to “make lanterns, dragon puppets and traditional tiger hats to celebrate the Year of the Tiger.”

Sunday, February 7, 1 p.m.–3 p.m.
$7 per child/$3 per adult
MOCHA, 538 Ninth Street

Dream Benefit

Ten years ago, one of the biggest names in the Bay Area’s graffiti world was murdered. Mike “Dream” Francisco helped create the visual aesthetic of Oakland’s Hip Hop culture, say his admirers. The artist, who was also celebrated in his Filipino American community, worked with subjects that promoted tolerance and explored social issues affecting minorities.

To mark his tenth death anniversary, a group of DJs and artists have put together a benefit for Francisco’s son, Akil Francisco, whose mother recently succumbed to breast cancer.

The graffiti artist’s former colleagues at the TDK Crew (Those Damn Kids) will be putting up an art exhibit at the event. They’ve also been working on a book on Francisco’s art and life – The Title of My Book Reads: Advanced Vandalism. The proceeds from the sale of the book will also go to his son, Akil, say the event’s organizers.

The music will last a while, thanks to DJs Apollo, ShortKut, Sake One, Fuze, Myke One, Platurn, Namane, and Willie Maze. There will also be live performances — Equipto, F.A.M.E., the Bangers, and drums by Big G of the 808 Band.

Dream Day: Celebrating the life and legacy of Mike “Dream” Francisco
Friday, February 5
Art Show: 6 p.m.- 9 p.m., all ages, free
Showtime: 9 p.m.-2 a.m., $10 (Donations accepted), all ages (with parent)
The New Parish, 579 18th Street, Oakland
Checks to made out to The Dream Trust Fund or Akil Francisco

01/28: Your O-Scene Weekend

There’s comedy, co-housing, knitting, music, performances, beer and a lot more in Oakland this weekend.

FRIDAY, JANAUARY 28

Comedy off Broadway

Bay Area comedians have discovered the charms of Broadway. Stand up comics make their way to downtown Oakland Thursday and Friday nights — and some of them are really, really good. This Friday, head over to Miss Pearl’s Jam  House in Jack London Square to see seven comedians pull out all the stops to make you laugh.

Comedy off Broadway
Miss Pearl’s Jam House (in Jack London Square)
1 Broadway
comedyoffbroadwayoakland.com

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29

NOC for Your Next House

North Oakland Cohousing Oakland has long been regarded as one of the centers of cohousing. If you’re interested in learning more about the many facets of intentional communities, a group called North Oakland Cohousing is holding an information session Saturday afternoon. NOC originally sought to build a cohousing community in Temescal, but are now looking at buying an apartment building. An equity stake is expected to cost between $45,000 and $75,000.

Saturday, January 30, 3 p.m.
Temescal Branch Library, 5205 Telegraph Avenue
Free
510-597-5049

Spin Master

Sit and Spin Knitting with store-bought wool is what they do in Hollywood. In Oakland, we spin our own. Learn to turn raw wool into yarn with Spin Master at Piedmont Yarn and Apparel Saturday afternoon. Bring your own wheel or borrow one from the teacher, Lou Grantham of SF Fibers.

Saturday, January 30 2:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
4171 Piedmont Avenue
$30, includes materials
piedmontyarn.com/

One Year of Fluxation

Flux 53, the eclectic and bold theater in East O, is marking one year since its first show with a pot luck on Saturday afternoon. The event free but all dishes are welcome. It will be a good chance to mingle with past performers and learn more about this excellent space.

Saturday, January 30 3 p.m.
5306 Foothill Boulevard
Free
flux53.com

Pixels at an Exhibition

A first of its kind art show called Pixels at an Exhibition culled hundreds of iPhone images from around the world and is assembling the best for display at a gallery near the Claremont Hotel this weekend.
(Full disclosure: the OakBook was involved in judging the photos in this contest.)

Saturday, January 30, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Avenue
For more, visit giorgigallery.com and pixelsatanexhibition.com

A Winter’s Ale

An afternoon at the end of January is as fine a time for beer as a balmy summer evening. The Beer Network and Oakland’s own Linden Street Brewery are hosting a Winter Brews Festival at the Linden Street HQ near the Port of Oakland. For a highly reasonable $25 you get a glass and the opportunity to choose five drinks from 30 local breweries. This is Oakland, so count on good live music and plenty of varieties of swine to soak up the suds.

Saturday, January 30 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Linden Street Brewery, 95 Linden Street
$25
lindenbeer.com

Haiti Benefit at Oliveto

“This coming Saturday, Oliveto will be hosting a benefit in partnership with the Bay Area Red Cross to raise funds for survivors of the recent earthquake in Haiti. Food and drinks (including wine) provided with your choice of donation from $25 (minimum per adult) to $300+ cash or check payable to “American Red Cross” (write “Haiti Earthquake” in Memo) Featuring guest speakers Blaine Bookey, Bureau des Avocats Internationaux (BAI) Legal Fellow and Institute for Justice & Democracy in Haiti (IJDH) Development Director and Walter Riley, prominent Civil Rights Attorney in Oakland and Chair of the Haiti Emergency Relief Fund in Berkeley.”

Saturday January 30 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Oliveto 5655 College Avenue
Minimum donation $25
oliveto.com

SUNDAY, JANUARY 30

White Elephant Sale

It’s the swankiest, biggest, and best garage sale you’ve ever seen. The Oakland Museum Women’s Board White Elephant Sale boasts 17 departments of everything from old baseball mitts to grandpa’s vintage houndstooth overcoat. You can get admission to Sunday’s preview sale for $12.50.

Sunday, January 31 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
333 Lancaster Street
$12.50

1/21: Your Oakland Weekend

Benefits for Haiti, art, food, shopping, parties – the weather isn’t getting in the way of a busy Oaktown weekend.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 22

Shangri La

Narangar Glover, a talented artist and the co-owner of the popular Oakland art gallery Rowan Morrison, is sharing some of her childhood memories through an installation at MG gallery. Join her at the reception this Friday to learn more about her panoramic drawing installation based on the Shangri-La Girls School in India. The installation will be up until January 30th.

Friday, January 22, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
MG Gallery, 5532 Shattuck Avenue
Free

KID-FRIENDLY: Star Children’s Art School – Pictures from Guizhou

The Museum of Children’s Art presents the artwork of the young children of the celebrated Star Children’s Art School in China’s Guizhou Province. “The works combine brilliant colors, bold lines and modern abstraction to create superb painterly images.” The exhibition ends Sunday, so if your kid enjoys art, get over to Old Oakland this weekend.

Through January 24, noon to 4 p.m.
Museum of Children’s Art, 538 Ninth St., 510-465-8770,mocha.org
Free

Oakland East Bay Symphony: NOTES FROM ARMENIA

The rhythms and instrumentation of music from Armenia are represented by works from Mozart’s Prague Symphony and Khachaturian’s Violin Concerto. Also on the program is Edvard Mirzoyan’s exciting Symphony for Timpani and String Orchestra, and Lazar Saryan’s Panel Armenia, which was inspired by the paintings of the composer’s father, the great Armenian painter Martiros Saryan. Michael Morgan conducts.

Friday, January 22, 8 p.m.
Doors open 60 minutes before show time.
$20 – $65
http://www.oebs.org/page/january22.htm

SATURDAY, JANUARY 23

Bakesale for Haiti

If Haiti’s on your mind, here’s another way to help out: attend a local bake sale. Local food blogger Samin Nosrat has organized, with a little help from friends, bake sales in San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland. All the proceeds will go to Partners in Health. Six hours, three locations and a goal of $7,500. Do-able. If you’d like to be involved by donating baked goods or volunteering your time, write to saminnosrat@yahoo.com

Saturday, January 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
PIZZAIOLO: 5008 Telegraph Ave. (Oakland) GIOIA: 1586 Hopkins St. (Berkeley) BI-RITE:3639 18th St. (SF-Mission)

“Departures” art show reception

Three artists interpret their travels – and all that a photo can’t convey — through their art. Anna W. Edwards, Nanci Price Scoular, and the gifted Martin Webb show their work at Float this month through February 13.

There’s a party Saturday evening to celebrate the art and the artists. Live music by didjeridu artist Outlaw Dervish/aka Travis Wernet.

Saturday, January 23, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Float gallery, Cotton Mill Studios, 1091 Calcott Place

Soja at Second – Grand Opening Party

Oakland must really love martial arts. SOJA, the martial arts studio in Uptown Oakland, is opening up a second location near Jack London Square this weekend. And you’re invited to the grand opening party.

Saturday, January 23, 7 p.m. till late
550 Second Street@ Clay Street.
Free

SHOP: I’m Sure

The holidays may be over, but the shopping doesn’t have to end. This Saturday, head over to Blankspace gallery for the opening of the SHOP, where ten artists present specially commissioned charms that may or may not ward off evil, but will certainly look very charming. Made of paper, wood, plastic, and metal, these charms will be on sale for the next two months through March 14.

Saturday, 23 January, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Blankspace, 6608 San Pablo

MLK Weekend

For some folks it’s a three-day weekend. For all of us it’s a weekend to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy. One of the best MLK events this weekend is “In the Name of Love.”

And if you’re thinking of honoring Dr. King’s legacy, think about Haiti. Here are some ways to get involved. Locally –there’s a fundraiser at Shattuck Down Low in Berkeley on Saturday, 9 pm.

FRIDAY, January 15

Hubba Hubba

San Francisco’s DNA Lounge is closed for most of this month, and that means the Hubba Hubba Revue is homeless, or would be, if the bawdy brigade weren’t coming to the Uptown nightclub Friday night for a special East Bay edition.

Friday January 15, Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Doors $10
Show @10 pm, Doors open @9 pm

Madea Comes to Oakland

Tyler Perry, the man behind Madea, has returned to the road after building a one-man entertainment empire with hits like “Diary of a Mad Black Woman” and “Daddy’s Little Girls.” Perry will be at the Paramount playing the lead in his new play, “Madea’s Big Happy Family.”

Friday January 15, 8pm, Saturday 3pm and 8pm, Sunday 3pm, Paramount Theater 2025 Broadway, $55 – $75

King for a Day

Dr. King’s birthday is a good reason to head over to the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music to celebrate with some strong poetry and jazz. You’ll get to hear beloved local poets like Devorah Major and Raymond Nat Turner and musicians like Lewis Jordan and John-Carlos Perea.

Friday January 15, 8 pm, Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, 1616 Franklin St., $10. For more, go to opcmusic.org/

SATURDAY, January 16

Art Collective

Mercury 20, the 20-member artists collective with its HQ on Grand Avenue in Uptown, hosts the opening of a group show titled “Elemental” Saturday night. The artists will be hanging out at the gallery, so you’ll be able to chat with them about their work. Because Mercury 20 is looking for new members, it’s a good opportunity to check out how the outfit works.

Saturday January 16, noon to 3 pm, Mercury 20, 25 Grand Avenue, Free

Spud Stud

There he is, with his unique talent, his poise, and his ardent wishes for world peace. It’s Mr. Potato Head! MOCHA, the Oakland Museum of Children’s Art, hosts its sixth annual Mr. Potato Head Beauty Pageant Saturday afternoon. It’s your chance to turn a spud into a stud. MOCHA has all the supplies and everyone wins.

Saturday January 16, 1 – 3 pm, MOCHA, 538 9th St., $7 child, $3 adult

SUNDAY, January 17

In the Name of Love

Oakland’s best Martin Luther King, Jr. tribute is In the Name of Love. It’s a jamming, high-energy blast of song and poetry. It looks like Oakland. It sounds like Oakland. Like The Town when it’s at its best, In the Name of Love does the man who had a dream proud. This year Ledisi is the headliner and Brian Copeland (“Not a Genuine Black Man”) is the emcee.

Sunday January 17, 7 pm, Scottish Rite Temple, 1547 Lakeside Drive $12

Tribute to Dr. King: MONDAY, JANUARY 18

Make the Dream Real

In the spirit of making MLK Day a holiday of national service, the Taylor Memorial Methodist Church is hosting its 12th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. National Holiday Celebration – Make The Dream Real. Oakland’s new police chief, Anthony Batts, will be the keynote speaker. “There will also be youth performers: Destiny Knuckles, Winnie Wong and the Chinese Traditional Orchestra, Oakland Interfaith Youth Gospel Choir, Oakland School for the Arts Choir and ArtEsteem Youth Leaders.”

Monday, January 18, 10 am to 12 pm, Taylor Memorial Methodist Church, 1188 Adeline, Free

Got an Opinion on BRT? Share it

If you haven’t read about Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) at a Better Oakland or the Chron’s In Oakland, here’s something straight from the City of Oakland’s Transportation Services Division regarding the planning for the BRT project:

Oakland is preparing its recommendation for an AC Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system running through the heart of the East Bay from San Leandro through Oakland to Berkeley.  The City is seeking the input of Oakland residents and merchants on the proposed design of the Bus Rapid Transit system.  The City has planned seven public meetings throughout Oakland – click here for all dates and locations.

Remaining dates include:

January 12  Eastlake Meeting – TONIGHT!
Eastside Arts Alliance
6-8 PM, 2277 International Blvd.

January 21  East Oakland Meeting
East Oakland Youth Development Center
6-8 PM, 8200 International Blvd.

January 26  Telegraph Ave. Meeting
Faith Presbyterian Church
6-8 PM, 430 49th Street

January 27   Downtown and All Oakland Lunchtime Open House
Oakland City Hall, Hearing Room 2
11 am – 1 pm, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza

January 27  Downtown and All Oakland Meeting
Oakland City Hall, Hearing Room 4
5 pm – 7 pm, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza

January 28  East Oakland Meeting (#2)
St. Louis Bertrand Church
6-8 PM, 1410 100th Avenue
This process will culminate in the submittal of Oakland’s Locally Preferred Alternative to AC Transit to be included in the range of options they consider when they build the BRT system.

What is a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)?

Bus Rapid Transit is set of improvements to Bus service which will make the Bus run like a light rail or street car without rails. This means:

· Level Boarding: No more climbing stairs into the Bus.
· Pre-paid Tickets: Buy your ticket while you wait instead of at the front of the Bus.
· All-Doors Boarding: Board the bus at any door and leave the bus at any door.
· Dedicated Lane in most locations: The bus gets its own lane so no more waiting in traffic on the bus.
· Permanent Stations: The bus stops at a station with a shelter instead of at a pole on the sidewalk. Bus stops won’t move and waiting for the bus is comfortable.
The City has also prepared postcards with the updated meeting information. You can find the English/Chinese language sheet here and the English/Spanish language sheethere.

For more info go to the City’s BRT site here, or call 510-238-3792, or email here.
Bruce Williams
Transportation Services Division
Community and Economic Development Agency
250 Frank Ogawa Plaza, 4th Floor
Oakland, CA  94612
(510) 238-7229
bwilliams@oaklandnet.com

1/8: A Winter Weekend

It’s a chilly weekend: A perfect time to pack into a church basement to hear some bluegrass or seek out some soul-warming Oakland art.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 8

Comedy Nights

Every Friday night, comedians from all across the Bay Area descend on Washington Inn to entertain. They’ve been on Comedy Central, they all seem to have performed at Punchline comedy club as well as various other Bay Area venues. They are Joe Klocek, Mike Moto, Samson Koletkar, Joe Gleckler, Dhaya Lakshminarayanan and others. They may not all be Oakland residents, but together, they’re as diverse as Oakland — not just in how they look, but what they present.

Friday, January 8, 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., doors open at 8:30 p.m.
The Washington Inn, 495 10th Street @ Washington Street
$10/$8 w/ student ID
Reservations online:comedyoffbroadwayoakland.com
(415) 676-1371/comedyoffbroadwayoakland@gmail.com
Ages 18 & up

The Names Project

This project sounds more like a test of artist Renetta Sitoy’s memory than the pleasurable work of art it no doubt is. The artist has created a mixed media installation by collecting, from memory, more than 500 names of people from her past. Her intention is to re-create histories, as well as to explore the extent to which the Internet can aid and extend one’s memory.

Friday, January 8, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Royal NoneSuch Gallery, 4231 Telegraph Ave
Free

Love of Fate

Check out Amor Fati, a thought-provoking exhibit at Joyce Gordon Gallery, which highlights the work of fêted local artists like Favianna Rodriguez, Carlos Villa, Miju, Kwantro-Kantos, and Malaquias Montoya. “The work has a lot to do with the parallel side of history and progress, says Lian Ladia, the show’s co-curator.” This may include politics, chaos; it may include passion.”

Opening reception: Friday, January 8, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The show continues through February 8.
Joyce Gordon Gallery, 406 14^th Street, joycegordongallery.com/

Cool Meets Comfy Bluegrass

The always-excellent Utunes Coffeehouse hosts the Circle R Boys Friday night at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland. Imagine the melding of Greenwich Village folk club circa 1960 with a Lake Woebegon church basement social and you’ll have a sense of the friendly, fun vibe at the Utunes Coffeehouse. The Circle R Boys are 10 year-old Bay Area Bluegrass group. “They are known for their vocal harmonies and solid instrumentation, with not a lot of fancy stuff – ust good, clean pickin’.”

Friday, January 8, 8 p.m.
First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th Street
$18

Marx in Soho

The Flux 53 Theater out in East O is putting on Howard Zinn’s Marx in Soho this Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. “Historian and activist Howard Zinn (best known for his People’s History of the United States) has created a one-man play resurrecting the iconic and controversial historical figure, who returns to clear his name and reject the ideological rigidity of many of his followers with the declaration “I am not a Marxist!” Zinn paints a poignant, funny, and intimate portrait of the man as he was – an impoverished immigrant struggling to survive in London amid family, friends, and enemies – while demonstrating that Marx’s critique of capitalism is more relevant than ever.”

Saturday, Sunday, Monday January 8-10, 8 p.m.
5306 Foothill Boulevard
$15 suggested, $20 on opening night with wine and cheese reception

SATURDAY, JANUARY 9

East Bay Vegan Bakesale

Calling all East Bay vegans! Get over to Issues this Saturday for an all-vegan bakesale. This one’s in front of Issues, the popular Piedmont bookstore. The organizers, Ashley Rowe, Chelsea, and Carolynn Webb, will be putting this together every other month and are looking for bakers and volunteers. The money raised from the sale will go to groups and causes they want to support. This month, the proceeds go to the Bad Rap Pit Bull Rescue and to the Laurel Elementary School to construct and maintain a school garden.

Saturday, January 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Issues, 20 Glen Avenue

Zodiac Death Valley

Zodiac Death Valley, the weird and enigmatic San Francisco band, headlines at Uptown nightclub Saturday night. Also on the bill: Bare Wires, Hot Daxx, Hanna Moriah.

Saturday, January 9, 9 p.m.
Uptown nightclub, 1928 Telegraph Avenue
$10

SUNDAY, JANUARY 10

Memories of Oakland

For this show, local artists have collaborated with Oakland musician and artist Winston Goertz-Giffen’s on his concept: Memories of Oakland. The gallery will showcase original artwork that has gone into the making of an art book devoted to memories of Oakland. The book and the accompanying CD, a compilation of the work of musicians that Winston has worked with while he has lived in Oakland, will be celebrated.

The following artists contributed work for this show: Vanessa Maida, Conor Ottenweller, Sarah Haba, Willey Frick, Ian Huebert, PJ Calihan, Jaden Alexander, Naaman Rosen, Eric Philpott, Priya Ray, Fatimah Guienze, Kristi Holohan, Lexi Babayan, Niki Banffy-Nesbitt, Michael Steffan, Aubrey Ferreira, Rosie Steefy, Cansafis Foote, Dirk Schmidt, Winston Goertz-Giffen, Roberto Miguel, Amanda Stahl, Zach Houston, Luke Judd, Andrew Macy, Aaron Handler, Jon Latimer, Annie Alonzi and Boguslaw Moravec.

The opening reception will feature music by Saything, Trainwreck Riders, The Aimless Never Miss, Anteater Eats Ant, Roberto Miguel, Tyler Wagner, and Tall Grass

Memories of Oakland will be installed at WE Artspace from Jan 10-Jan 31.
Opening reception: Sunday, January 10, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
768 40th Street (on the corner of West Street, two blocks from the MacArthur Bart Station)
Free

Welcome 2010

We’ll leave the decade in review articles to others. Nor will we make any predictions about the decade to come. This is Oakland after all; the town that’s always shocking and never surprising. We’re living in the moment, and there are plenty of options for ringing in the Blue Moon New Year Thursday night. Here are our selections.

Balloon Drop

If you have small kids, and you’re likely to be asleep before 11 p.m. anyway, consider taking them to the Chabot Space and Science Center for the 10th annual New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop. “Kids will have a blast ringing in 2010 without staying up past their bedtime!”

Thursday, December 31, 10:45 a.m. for kids 6 and under, 12:45 and 3:45 for 6 and up
Chabot Space and Science Center 10000 Skyline Boulevard
$4 plus Chabot Admission

Cedric the Entertainer

This one’s not for kids. Sure, some of his act is predictable “women do this, men do that” standup schtick, but Cedric the Entertainer can still whip off a joke that’s funny as hell. When he warms up and has the audience roaring, he earns his name. He’ll be at the Paramount Thursday night starting at 11 p.m.

Thursday, December 31, 11 p.m.
Paramount Theatre 2025 Broadway
Tickets from $45.75 to $85.75

Dance Extravaganza

If you’re looking for a women-only event, and one that’s smoke-, drug-, booze- ,and perfume-free, try the New Year’s Eve Rejuvenation Ceremony & Dance Extravaganza at the Humanist Hall.
“Under the blue moon, in a magical forest the soul and spirit muses celebrate, the dawn of a new decade with songs, dances, rituals, games and spells that invoke the sensuous, the spiritual and the surreal.
Rejuvenation Ceremony: Experiential extravaganza through interactive rituals, games, dance, music, art and worship of the sensual, the spiritual and the surreal – A Rejuvenation Ceremony on the Night of the Blue Moon. A truly magical journey to a fantastical world of joy & hope.”

Thursday, December 31 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Humanist Hall 390 27th Street

Eclectic Fever 2010

The New Parish, one of Oakland’s newest and finest venues, hosts a New Year’s Eve bash that promises to deliver a jambalaya of sound. The line up includes Aphrodesia, the Kev Choice Ensemble, Boca Do Rio, DJ Santero, DJ Jermiah, The People & Energia Do Samba. This is from Kev Choice’s publicist: “Forget all the same old same old NEW Year’s Eve parties…COME NEW FOR 2010!!!! Come celebrate The New Year, at one of Oakland’s freshest NEW venues, The NEW Parrish, with Oakland’s own Kev Choice as he brings NEW music, a NEW band, and a NEW direction. This event, “Eclectic Fever” feature’s a diverse lineup with an array of musical treats for those who want to bring in the NEW Year with a good vibe, good music, and good times. COME NEW for 2010!”

Thursday December 31 8 p.m.
New Parish 579 18th Street
$40 in advance, $50 at the door

Taoist Meditation

And then there’s the complete opposite of entering the New Year with noise and revelry. The Taoist Meditation Center is hosting meditation with with Dr. Alex Feng Thursday evening. A potluck diinner starts at 8:30 p.m. It’s free and ends at 11 p.m., so you can still go crazy after getting your mindfullness on.

Thursday December 31, 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Taoist Meditation Center 3824 MacArthur Boulevard

Open Mic Party

The Eastside Arts Alliance’s Holla Back Thursday falls on NYE, so they’re turning it into a party. A short open-mic session will be followed by a performance by 7Daize. And a DJ will spin past the midnight hour. The event is a fundraiser for Holla Back.

Thursday December 31 8:30 p.m.
EastSide Arts Allliance 2277 International Boulevard
$15

The Nutcracker

Are Nutcracker tickets on your shopping list? Even if you don’t have kids, do consider going for it this year. The Oakland Ballet Company has gone all out to make sure Oaklanders get to enjoy the annual performance of the Nutcracker this year -just as they’ve done for the past 36 years. And it’s our turn to show them some love and support now.

In case you missed it, here’s the story of this year’s Nutcracker — the story of how the ballet company weathered the economy and kept going.

WHEN:

Thursday, December 24 at 11 a.m.

Saturday, December 26 at 2 p.m. *

Saturday, December 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 27 at 2 p.m.*

*The Saturday and Sunday matinees will be followed by a Sweet Dreams party, which will feature light refreshments and Nutcracker characters posing for pictures and signing autographs. Separate tickets are required and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

TICKETS: $15-$50 with student and senior discounts through www.ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000

WHERE:
Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway 510-465-6400, paramounttheatre.com

Are Nutcracker tickets on your shopping list? Even if you don’t have kids, do consider going for it this year! The Oakland Ballet Company has gone all out to make sure Oaklanders get to enjoy the annual performance of the Nutcracker.. as they’ve done for the past 36 years. And it’s our turn to show them some love and support now. In case you missed it, here’s the story of this year’s Nutcracker — the story of how the ballet company weathered the economy and kept going.

WHEN:

Thursday, December 24 at 11 a.m.

Saturday, December 26 at 2 p.m. *

Saturday, December 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, December 27 at 2 p.m.*

*The Saturday and Sunday matinees will be followed by a Sweet Dreams party, which will feature light refreshments and Nutcracker characters posing for pictures and signing autographs. Separate tickets are required and can be purchased through Ticketmaster.

TICKETS: $15-$50 with student and senior discounts through www.ticketmaster.com or 1-800-745-3000

The Pre-Christmas Weekend

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 18

Shopping: Citywide Holiday Open House
As we wrote earlier this week, many Oakland shops, cafes, boutiques and restaurants are staying open late Friday night. Shop Oakland’s festive streets until 8 p.m. tonight. Check out the list of participating businesses at Shop Oakland.

Friday, December 18, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

OLD CLASSICS: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Catch the 1971 adaptation of Roald Dahl’s book about a reclusive chocolate maker, starring Gene Wilder, on the big screen this evening.

The Paramount, 2025 Broadway.
Box Office opens @ 6 p.m., Doors open @ 7 p.m., curtain rises @ 8 p.m.
All Tickets: $5

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19

Animal Christmas
Visit the Oakland Zoo Saturday for Paws and Claus. The zoo will be full of special entertainment all day, including a performance by the Oakland Symphony Chorus (11 am – 11:45 am), and a chance to take photos with Santa. The Island Café will be serving a hot breakfast.

Saturday and Sunday, December 19-20, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
9777 Golf Links Road
Free with Zoo admission

Cozy Caroling
Every year during the holidays, the Dunsmuir-Hellman Historic Estate turns on the yuletide charm with carriage rides, caroling, crafts, and warm drinks. This will be the last weekend this year to enjoy the mansion and the grounds decked out for Christmas.

Saturday and Sunday, December 19-20, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
2960 Peralta Oaks Court
Tickets in advance are $12 for adults (925-275-9490)
Adults admission purchased at the house is $17

Cinderella on Strings
Uptown Body and Fender hosts Zanzibar Fairytale Puppet TheaterSaturday for a performance of Cinderella with what the puppet masters describe as a “more truthful and uplifting message.” Uptown is a great venue for a kids’ event, and Zanzibar’s Cinderella has been getting rave reviews from 5 year olds since the first sold out show in late November.

Saturday, December 19, Shows at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
401 26th Street
$10, kids under two are free

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 20

Oakland in Blue
We love the name. It’s called Oakland in Blue Listening Experience and it promises to “bring an eclectic collection of talent to showcase the ever-growing diversity within the Bay Area music movement.” This month the artist is Siaira Shwan with guest keyboardist Maya Kronfeld and DJ Blacksmith. The venue is Uptown’s excellent Somar Bar.

Sunday, December 20 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
1727 Telegraph Avenue
www.somarbar.com