Photos: San Francisco Black Film Festival Opening Night

The 10th Annual San Francisco Black Film Festival kicked off last Wednesday night with a reception and special screening of the award winning British satire “Shoot the Messenger.” Freelance photographer Nijla Mu’min was there with camera in hand. The festival runs through June 15th at various locations around the city.-kwan

Photos: We Love the Town

All photos courtesy of DJ Zita

Town love? You know we’ve got it. And so do Zita and DMadness. The two Oaktown DJ’s threw down this past Friday at the latest installment of their “We Love the Town” parties- a celebration of all things soulfully musical-from the Toni’s to the Too $hort to Mistah FAB and everything in between. Kick yourself if you missed it and check back here for updates on the next party. Until then check the picks, throw on some Pointer Sisters and vibe out.-kwan

Photos: San Francisco Carnival

The Mission was alive and in full color this weekend for the city’s annual Carnival celebration. Sunday’s parade brought out tons of people who lined Mission St. waving flags, dancing along with the festival music and soaking up the festivities. Check out the pictures from the event.-Kwan

Photos: Up All Night Studio Opening

Oakland musical legends Too $hort and Dwayne Wiggins (Tony! Toni! Toné!) opened a new music studio/mentoring center in downtown Oakland last week. The full service music production center will double as a youth business incubator and education center where youth interested in learning the music business can get some hands on training from an experienced and rotating staff of musicians, producers and artists. Photographer Gene Hazzard took these shots at the release party.

Photos: We Love the Town @ Luka’s

From the Tone’s to The Coup, Club Nouveau to The Hiero Crew, the local audio love stretched far and wide this past Friday night at Luka’s. We Love the Town, hosted by DJ’s Zita and Dmadness was a musical love letter to the city’s Soul, Hip Hop and Funk lovers. Check out some pictures.

Photos: Bill Clinton in Oakland

Former President Bill Clinton made his way through Oakland yesterday, stumping for his wife’s presidential campaign and pressing the flesh with the people. You could have seen him at Everett & Jones on Broadway, thanks to One California, a new community bank in Oakland. If you missed it, freelance photographer Dorice McFadden captured the scene.

Photos: Don Cheadle at Black Dot Artists Fund Raiser

 

Last Saturday, the Black Dot Artists Collective celebrated it’s 11 year anniversary with a fund raiser and dinner featuring actor Don Cheadle and work by Oakland artists including Eesuu Orundide, Keba Konte, and Githinji Wa Mbir. Money raised goes to support the revitalization of West Oakland’s Village Bottoms district and turning it into a new cultural and arts district.

Freelance photographer Dorice McFadden took these shots of the event.

Above photo courtesy of Rachel Capil Photography

Photos: Robots Are Art

If you didn’t make it over to the Float Gallery’s opening reception for Robot’s Are Art you missed a damned fine party. Don’t kick yourself too much though. Just console yourself with these pics and get over there before the exhibit closes on January 17th.

-kwan

Photos: 2007 Dia de los Muertos in the Fruitvale

The annual Dia De los Muertos Festival in the Fruitvale is the biggest in the country. Last Sunday International Ave was teeming with skulls, skeletons, smiling kids and altars to honor loved ones who’ve passed away. Check out the pics-Kwan

Photos-Montclair Arts and Crafts Festival

More than 90 renowned artists lined the streets of the Montclair Business District for the 13th Annual Montclair Fine Arts and Crafts Fall Fest a couple of weeks ago. Families and friends strolled the streets looking for early holiday gifts, new fashions or that perfect piece of jewelry. Check the pics.