The Oakland Weekend

A Contemplative Angel on the Crocker Tomb (Photo Mountain View Cemetery)

Friday

King Kong
It’s been remade twice in the last 75 years, and both versions failed to match the original RKO masterpiece of 1933. See King Kong the way the great ape was meant to be seen, on a huge screen in one of the nation’s great Art Deco film palaces. Watch Kong swat biplanes from atop the Empire State Building at the Paramount Theatre Friday night. The doors open at 7 pm.

What: King Kong
When: Friday, July 9, Movie Starts at 8 pm, Mighty Wurlitzer at 7:30 pm
Where: Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway
How Much: $5

Hairspray
The Woodminster Summer Musical series opens with Hairspray. Woodminster favorite Greg Carlson takes his first turn in drag as Edna Turnblad in the musical based on John Waters’ 1988 film. As always, champagne will be served on opening night.

What: Hairspray at Woodminster Amphitheater
When: Friday, July 9, 8 pm
Where: Woodminster Amphitheater, Joaquin Miller Park, 3300 Joaquin Miller Road
How Much: $25-$45

The Princess Bride
Angry apes not your thing? What about The Princess Bride, The sweetly goofy fairytale beloved by gentle nerds everywhere? See it for free at the Redwoods Heights Recreation Center.

What: Princess Bride
When: Friday, July 9, 8:15 pm – 10:15 pm
Where: Redwood Heights Rec Center, 3883 Aliso Avenue
How Much: Free

Sun Ceremony
Here’s the pitch: Come to drum and stare at the sun. Oakland-based artist David Wilson in collaboration with artist Chris Duncan, opens the Berkeley Art Museum to a “fully participation-based drum and light orchestration” Friday evening. There will be “light projections and visual guidance from Jeffrey Manson (Misto Reef Lights), a Chladni singing performance by Meara O’Reilly (Avocet), and SUN choir.”

What: L@TE: Friday Nights
When: Friday, July 9, Doors open at 6, Ceremony starts at 7:30 pm
Where: Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way
How Much: $5, free for members and UC Berkeley students, faculty, and staff

Some Kinda
Dwele blends neo-soul, hip-hop, and jazz the way few musicians can. The sly musician and songwriter will be at Yoshi’s in Jack London Square all weekend. His new album is called “Some Kinda,” which gets it just about right.

What: Dwele at Yoshi’s Oakland
When: Friday, Saturday & Sunday, July 9, 10 & 11, 8 pm – 10 pm, 7 pm – 9 pm Sunday
Where: Yoshi’s. 510 Embarcadero West
How Much: $28

Saturday

Walking Tour of Mountain View Cemetery
One of the loveliest spots in our city is Mountain View Cemetery. It’s also fairly described as “California’s most historic” boneyard. Meet some of the legendary figures from our state’s past who made this corner of the Oakland Hills their last home on a walking tour sponsored by the Oakland Heritage Alliance. Barbara Smith and Michael Crowe are the tour leaders.

What: Walking Tour of Mountain View Cemetery
When: Saturday, July 10, 10 am – 12:30 pm
Where: Meet at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Avenue
How Much: $15, $10 OHA members

Comics and Islam
G. Willow Wilson is an American author who lived in Cairo for four years. When she was there,  she met her husband and converted to Islam. She also wrote the graphic novel “Cairo.” Wilson will be at the Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California Saturday night to talk about her new book, “The Butterfly Mosque.”

What: G. Willow Wilson
When: Saturday, July 10, 6 pm – 7:30 pm
Where: Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California, 1433 Madison Street
How Much: $7, $5 for students

Sunday

Rowing Races on Lake Merritt
For the second year in a row the Lake Merritt Rowing Club is hosting the United States Rowing Association’s SW Masters Regionals on Lake Merritt. More than 800 rowers are expected to be racing 1,000 meter sprints. There is excellent viewing along Lakeshore Avenue, at the City Sailboat House, as well as the grounds near the remodeled Lake Merritt Boathouse on Lakeside Drive (the start line). Or have a drink at Lake Chalet while watching the races.

What: Rowing Club Hosts USRA Masters Regionals
When: Sunday, July 11, 7:30 am – 5 pm
Where: Lake Merritt
How Much: Free 

Justa Space Queen
We’re excited about our next show at Art@TheOakBook. Two women artists who have been inspired by the cannabis movement have joined forces to install “Justa Space Queen” at our Jack London Square location. Come to the opening to see the work ofMonika Lea Jones and Smokie of Guns and Brushes.

What: Justa Space Queen
When: Sunday, July 11, 12 pm – 3 pm
Where: Art@TheOakBook, 423 Water Street
How Much: Free

Your Oakland Weekend

Friday

Hidden and Lost Gems

From the ghostly traces of 1920s advertisements on downtown buildings to the neon of 1050s motels, Oakland is a trove of old signs.Hidden and Lost Gems, a photo exhibit showing the work of seven artists unearths some of these treasures we so often overlook.

What: Art Opening: Hidden and Lost Gems of Oakland
When: Friday, June 18, 6 pm – 9:30 pm
Where: Woody’s Café, 1841 Park Boulevard
How Much: Free

Kaiser Garden Series

Speaking of hidden treasures. It’s not exactly a secret garden, but the rooftop garden at the Kaiser Center remains one of Oakland’s more undiscovered assets. Visit the garden Thursday at noon for live salsa music. The summer concert series is a great way for downtown workers to break out of the lunch rut on Thursdays. Tito o y su son de Cuba inaugurates the series on Friday.

What: Kaiser Garden Series
When: Friday, June 18, 12 pm – 1pm
Where: Kaiser Center Roof Garden, 300 Lakeside Drive
How Much: Free

Oakland Underground Film Festival

The Oakland Underground Film Festival continues with a showing of nine short films from local talents, including “Traditional Indegenous Values” by the Dimond District’s own Ruth Villasenor. Her film looks at the damage done by Proposition 8 and the ballot initiative to colonization. Andrew Levy, the author of the blog Inhman Eating Machine, takes us on a culinary tour of Oakland. With luck the 9 minute documentary by D. Silva will be as engaging and disturbing as Levy’s blog.

What: Oakland Underground Film Festival
When: Friday, June 18, Doors open at 7:30 pm, movies at 8:30 pm
Where: 98 Broadway, the Jack London Square Pavillion
How Much: Free

Saturday

A Transformative Experience opens at Art@theOakBook Saturday. This show features work from eighteen artists reflecting the eclecticism and inventiveness of the Bay Area and takes place June 19th at Art@theOakbook in Jack London Square. Sales of work from the show will raise money towards funding a student to attend UWC Atlantic College – an international school where students age 16-18 from all parts of the world, and all social and economic backgrounds live and study together. Read more here.

Laurel Books

Karin Kallmaker, author of Stepping Stone and other works of Lesbian beachreading, will join Cliffi Henderson, the author of Spanking New at Laurel Books Saturday evening.

What: Karin Kallmaker and Cliffi Henderson
When: Saturday, June 19, 7 pm
Where: Laurel Books, 4100 Mac Arthur Boulevard
How Much: Free

Juneteenth

Stop by the hidden orchard in thee Fruitvale known as Charcoal Park for delicious Everett and Jones bbq, music from Oakland’s The Missin’ Cousins, Luther Monday, and The Magic Hammer, plus lemonade and Juneteenth tales.

What: Juneteenth in Charcoal Park
When: Saturday, June 19, Noon – 9 pm
Where: 2727 Fruitvale Avenue
How Much: $5 suggested donation

Sunday

Molly Giles at the OPL

Another author event: Hear Molly Giles, prize winning author of “Seeking Moments of Authentic Life,” this Sunday at the Oakland Public Library’s main branch as she discusses her book “Nobody’s Friend.”

What: Molly Giles, presented by The California Writers Club
When: Sunday, June 20, 2 pm – 4 pm
Where: Oakland Library, West Auditorium, 125 14th Street
How Much: Free

San Francisco Choral Artists

The 25 singers of San Francisco Choral Artists will celebrate their 25th anniversary with a selection of world premieres. As she has for the past 15 years, Magen Solomon directs the choral artists Sunday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church.

What: 25 by 25
When: Sunday, June 20, 4 pm
Where: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito
How Much: $10 student, $25 senior, $30 general  (Discount withadvance purchase)

Long Oakland Weekend

You’ve got three days to salsa, spit the truth, start a business, and discover the legend of the Junk Pirate.  Go!

Friday, May 28

The 8th Annual Small Business Symposium

Councilmember Larry Reid and Oakland’s Community and Economic Development Agency have put together the a free symposium for small businesses, where entrepreneurs are invited to  attend workshops and discussions on a range of subjects like growing a business, opening a restaurant, getting a green certification and urban farming.

During the luncheon, remarks will be made by Linda Marmolejo, Regional Director of the San Francisco National Enterprise Center. Since beginning her tenure with the Minority Business Development Agency in 1978, she has been a leading advocate for minority-owned small businesses.

Friday, May 28, 8am – 5pm
Oakland Marriott City Center
FREE (advance registration required)
www.oaklandsmallbusiness.com
510-986-2855

Drop Your Knowledge

Come “Spit your Truth” Friday at the Oakland School of the Arts’ open-mic poetry night.  Enter on 18th Street between Telegraph and San Pablo.

Friday, May 28, 6 pm-8pm
Student Center Fox, 18th Street between San Pablo and Telegraph Avenues
Adults $5, Students $3, Under 8 Free

Salsa Social

Salsa with Juan Friday night at the Lake Merritt Dance Center. Don’t have a partner, don’t know how to bachata? Don’t fret. Every fourth Friday it’s a fun, no-pressure scene at the Veteran’s Memorial Building on Grand Avenue. Admission is only $10, and that includes lessons and refreshments.

Friday, May 28, Lessons start at 7 pm, the dancing goes until Midnight
Veteran’s Memorial Building, 200 Grand Avenue
$10

The Original Sin

These are real women with real lives and real figures to show ladies everywhere that the sexiest thing a woman can wear is a smile. This burlesque troupe is affiliated with a lingerie store in the east bay and is very popular with women. There will be live music by Fromagigue.

Original Sin Burlesque
Friday May 28, Doors open @9 p.m.,
Uptown, 1928 Telegraph Avenue www.uptownnightclub.com, 510-451-8100
Cover $10

Saturday, May 29

Durufle’s  Requiem

Jonathan Dimmock will fire up the 5,298-pipe organ at the Cathedral of Christ the Light Saturday night to accompany the Cal State East Bay Singers and Oratorio Society as they perform Maurice Durufle’s “Requiem.”

“The program will include the Oratorio Society singing Benjamin Britten’s “Rejoice in the Lamb,” and the Baker University Chamber Choir from Kansas singing William Byrd’s a cappella, “Mass for Five Voices.” The concert will conclude with all singers and the organ performing, “I was Glad,” by Sir Hubert Parry.
Buddy James, associate professor of music, and Matthew Potterton, of Baker University, will jointly conduct the concert.”

Saturday, May 29 8 pm (Cathedral tours start at 7 pm)
Cathedral of Christ the Light, 2121 Harrison Street
$7, $5 for seniors, Free for students

Indian Jazz

Vidya and Rina Mehta, the new artists in residence at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center mix Indian classical music with jazz. It makes more sense than you might think.

Saturday, May 29, 8 pm – 10 pm
OACC 388 9th Street, Suite 290
$12 Adults, $9 Seniors and Students

Opening Night: Junk Pirate Found Art Exhibition

“The Compound Gallery in Oakland will exhibit Pete Glover’s Junk Pirate Found Art Exhibition, a collection of collections. In this solo show, assortments of commonplace items such as board game money, antiquated video game controllers, classroom pencil sharpeners, honey-bear bottles, or even found personal ephemera are exploited for their aesthetic, as well as nostalgic, properties.”

Saturday, May 29 6 pm – 9 pm
Compound Art Gallery, 1167 65th Street
Free

Sunday,

Sunday, May 30

Benny Green Trio with Peter Washington and Kenny Washington

Jazz Pianist Benny Green, who has a recorded more than a 100 sessions with a range of people that reads like a who’s who of jazz, is playing at Yoshi’s this weekend.

In 1993, Oscar Peterson chose Benny as the first recipient of the City of Toronto’s Glen Gould International Protégé Prize in Music. That year, Green replaced Gene Harris in Ray Brown’s Trio, working with the veteran bass player until 1997. From 1997 on, Benny resumed his freelance career, led his own trios, and concentrated on his solo piano performances.

Here’s his approach to his music: “… for myself and a lot of musicians I admire, the main focus is to just swing and have fun, and share those feelings with the audience … and, if I’m able to convey that, then I feel like I’m doing something positive.”

Benny Green Trio
Friday, May 28-Sunday, May 30
Friday and Saturday, 8pm & 10pm shows $16
Sunday, 7pm & 9pm shows $16
Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero West (Jack London Square), 510-238-9200
yoshis.com/oakland

05/21: The Oakland Weekend

Friday, May 21

People’s Grocery Open House

People’s Grocery is having an Open House to celebrate its new office and to spread the word about its programs, partners, friends, and neighbors.

They’ll have delicious food, drinks from Honest Tea, music from the Western Whistleblowers, and a great opportunity for the community to meet the staff and each other.

Friday, May 21st, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
909 7th Street (94607)
Free
For more info, call 510- 652-7607/ jonathan@peoplesgrocery.org

The Uncomfortable Zones of Fun

Frank Moore, shaman performance artist, “will conduct improvised passions of musicians, actors, dancers, and audience members in a laboratory setting to create altered realities of fusion beyond taboos. Bring your passions and musical instruments and your senses of adventure and humor.”

For more information Call: 510-526-7858 email: fmoore@eroplay.com

Friday, 21 May, 8 PM onwards
Temescal Arts Center
511 48th St. (at Telegraph)
Free, but donations accepted

The Empty Tomb + Tongues of Fire: Easter to Pentecost in East and West

“Celebrating the Feast of Feasts and the foundation of the Church, Artistic Director John Michael Boyer leads the Josquin Singers on a journey from Easter to Pentecost and from East to West. The holidays of Pascha (Easter) and Pentecost have yielded some of the most joyful and profound music in both the East and the West. This Pentecost weekend, the Josquin Singers will perform repertoire from this joyful season taken from the chant and polyphonic traditions of Rome, England, Moscow and Constantinople, sung in their original languages of Latin, Greek and Slavonic.”

Friday, 21 May, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700 Lincoln Avenue
$25 suggested donation

Saturday, May 22

Fashion Expo

Oakland is known to be fashion forward. Here’s your chance to take in some fashions from Oakland and beyond at the Urban Couture Fashion and Art Expo in Jack London Square this weekend. The expo will present art showcases, exhibits, workshops, and a fashion show. And of course, there’ll be all kinds of world music in the house.

The expo is free during the day (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) In the evening, the event morphs into a 21+ event. The fashion show will feature the work of designers like Alexandria von Bromssen, Skylier Wear, Rag Doll Designs, Swati Couture, and Heather Guevarra Arcega.

Urban Couture Fashion and Art Expo
Saturday, May 22, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.
Free

An Evening of Fashion & Art

Saturday, May 22, 7 PM Onwards
$10 Admission, 21+
Jack London Square

Mystery Talk

Head over to Montclair library on Saturday for its final anniversary program of the month, 80 YEARS OF MYSTERY with Mark Coggins, the author of “The Big Wake,” which is set in Oakland. Coggins will discuss Dashiell Hammett’s “The Maltese Falcon,” which was published in 1930, also the year the Montclair library opened. Expect Coggins to also discuss his own novel.

Saturday, May 22, 1 p.m.-2 p.m.
1687 Mountain Boulevard

UniCann

Do you sometimes feel like a sucker for going into any line of work other than medical marijuana grower? If you’re interested in the nascent pot business (it’s more than just growing), then stop by iGrow, the world’s largest “hydroponic superstore” for an outdoor expo celebrating the debut of UniCann – the Yale to Oaksterdam University’s Harvard. In addition to lots of pot-oriented business ideas, you’ll be able to enjoy food, music, and drink.

Saturday, May 22 9 AM – 5 PM
70 Hegenberger Loop
Free

Salsa Battle

Join Project Peace East Bay for its 2nd annual Battle of the Salsa Bands! Dance the night away to celebrate the volunteers and partnerships that cultivates more sustainable East Bay communities. Featuring the music of Orquesta Borinquen, Julio Bravo y su Orquesta Salsabor. Powered by Digit Sound and Mauricio Acevedo.

Saturday, May 22, 2010 6:30 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Veterans Memorial Building, 200 Grand Avenue, Oakland
$20

Walk to End Poverty

The City of Oakland and United Way of the Bay Area are hosting the 5th Annual WALK TO END POVERTY Saturday morning. “Multi-Cultural Entertainment with D’Wayne Wiggins and his Pop Lyfe band (and others) and awards hosted by Miranda Wilson plus a Community Fair offering services and help to those in need. Join the “Power of Ten” this year and walk the lake to show your support in ending poverty in Oakland.”

Saturday, May 22 Registration 9 a.m.
At the Lake Merritt Bandstand, across from 666 Bellevue
Free

Sunday, May 23

Frisbie Street

Mirror Image: An Art Show about Body (Mis) Perceptions is curated by Becky Jaffe, Carrie-Andrea Kaye and Lanell Dike. It is a one-weekend event with live music, spoken word, and art activities for kids and adults. It’s being held at Frisbie St., a volunteer-run alternative art space.

Exhibiting artists include Myles Boisen, Bruce Temuchin Brown,  Mercy Calman, Carrel Crawford, G.M.M. Coghlan,  Lauren Davis,  Deanne Emmons,  JJ Fryzel, Evert Grobbelaar,  CJ Grossman,  Maia Huang,  Becky Jaffe,  Molly Kate Taylor, Frank King,  Abby Kojola,  Matthew Kowalski,  Linda Shanti McCabe,  Courtney McCutcheon,  Diane Rosenblum Althoff,  Elisa Salasin,  Michael Slack, Mollee Weaver, Gary Wilson,  Scott D.S. Young.

Address: 204 Fribie Street

Show Schedule:

Friday, May 21
6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m
Show Opening, Spoken Word & Live Music by Vanessa and Her Many Moons

Saturday, May 22
2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Art Activities for kids/adults, Spoken Word & Live Music by Waste Band and Ryan James

Sunday, May 23
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m
Show Closing, Art Activities for kids/adults

Tonight: Poetry Reading by Geoff Bouvier @ 7 p.m.

Tonight, poetry lovers need to head over to Mercury 20 Gallery for a reading by award-winning poet Geoff Bouvier.

For the uninitiated, Geoff Bouvier was the Roberta C. Holloway visiting poet at the University of California, Berkeley in the fall of 2009. His first book, Living Room, was selected by Heather McHugh as the winner of the 2005 APR/Honickman Prize. His second book, Glass Harmonica, is due out next year from Quale Press.

In the fall of 2010, Geoff Bouvier will curate a reading series at Mercury 20 Gallery, featuring some of the most prominent poets in the country.

Poetry Reading
May 20, 7 p.m.
Mercury 20 Gallery
475 25^th St. (at Telegraph), Oakland, CA 94612
510-701-4620
www.mercurytwenty.com

05/14: Your Indie Weekend

It’s a very busy Oakland weekend, and there’s got to be something in this mix to get you excited about living here — the best of Oakland, jazz and wine, urban agriculture, stage shows, elephants, music from Zimbabwe, the Greek festival, mystery writers, documentary screenings, the Symphony’s closing show and so much more.

FRIDAY, May 14

The Indies

The annual celebration of all things Oakland and indie moves to Jack London Square this year. The Oakland Indies will be held in the Pavillion (You know it as the old Barnes and Noble) Friday night to bestow its awards: Pillar, Newbie, Greenie, Neighborhood Dynamo, and our favorite, Oakland Soul (we won two years ago).

What: Oakland Indie Awards
When: Friday, May 14, 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: 98 Broadway, Jack London Square
How Much: $20

Rockridge Jazz and Wine Stroll

Merchants along College Avenue are having a jazz and wine stroll Friday evening, which will be pretty much what it sounds like along with nice discounts at some of your favorite stores like Jan Christensen Heller Gallery and Fit.

What: Rockridge Jazz and Wine Stroll
When: Friday, May 14 May 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: College Avenue between Claremont and Broadway

City Slicker Farms Fundraiser

Care about urban agriculture? Care about West Oakland? If you answered yes to either of these, then you’ve probably heard about City Slicker Farms, a community-driven group in West Oakland that grows fresh produce for the area’s residents. Friday night, they’re doing some fund-raising at an event where you can learn more about — and celebrate — their work. There will be a potluck, live music, demonstrations and fermented product tasting. Let them know what fermented treats you’re taking at info@fermentchange.org.

What: Ferment Change 2010 – Fermented Food Feast and Celebration of Urban Agriculture
When: Friday, May 14^, 7 p.m.– 10 p.m.
Where: 390 27th Street
How Much: $10-$30, sliding scale, No one turned away for lack of funds. Email info@fermentchange.org to find out about work-trade.
For more info, cityslickerfarms.org

Into the Woods at Mills College

Curtain Call Performing Arts, an outfit committed to keeping ticket prices low and performance quality high, brings its production of Steven Sondheim’s Into the Woods to Mills College’s Lisser Theatre this month. Directed by Catherine Heck, the musical debuts Friday night. It’s a spooky retelling of the Grimm Brothers, but it’s still safe for kids.

What: Into the Woods
When: Friday and Saturday May 14 and 15, 8 p.m.
Where: The Lisser Theatre, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Boulevard
How Much: $12

Chinyakare and the KTO Project play UTunes Coffeehouse

The Chinyakare Ensemble & the KTO Project celebrate the music of Zimbabwe with mbira (a wooden musical instrument) player Musekiwa Chingodza from Harare, Zimbabwe.

Under the direction of Julia Tsitsi Chigamba, the Chinyakare Ensemble will perform traditional dance, mbira, drums, marimba and songs from tribal groups from around Zimbabwe.

The KTO Project, led by Kelly Takunda Orphan Martinez, is a blend of music with ethnic sensibilities from Africa, the Middle East and the Americas.

What: UTunes Coffeehouse, a concert series (with coffee)
When: Friday, May 14, 8 p.m.- 10 p.m.
Where: First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th Street
How Much: $18 for Adults, $5 for Children ages 6-15 (kids under age 6 are free).

SATURDAY, May 15

While you’re in Jack London Square, stop by our gallery to check out the second iPhontography show. Art@TheOakBook will be showing the winners from the art of the iPhone contest, a subgenre of photography that is perhaps best summed up in two quotes (The second quote is from iPhontography’s founding father): “Aim well, shoot fast, and scram.”—Henri Cartier-Bresson. “Aim well, shoot until you get it, and app that bitch until it sings.” —Knox Bronson.

What: Pixels at an exhibition
When: Saturday, May 15, 4 PM – 8 PM
Where: 423 Water Street, JLS
How Much: Free

Learn How to make Buttons

If you think buttons make great small gifts and promotional materials, this all-level class is for you. This is your chance to use a professional grade button maker and circle cutter to make 30 buttons of your design. Take clippings, photos, drawings, reused paper, and other images to make your original art. Saskia, who is passionate about creative reuse, will be teaching the class.

What: Button making class
When: Saturday, May 15, Noon to 3 p.m.
Where: Rock Paper Scissors Collective, 2278 Telegraph Avenue @ 23rd Street
How much: $5 class fee to cover materials
Register online rpscollective.com

Mysterious Women

Seven women mystery writers of the Bay Area will be discussing their work at the Oakland Public Library Main Branch. Meet and listen to authors Rhys Bowen, Diana Chambers, Lucha Corpi, Susan Dunlap, Priscilla Royal, Susan Sherrell, and Kelli Stanley talk about why and how they do what they do.

What: Panel of Women Mystery Writers at the Oakland Library
When: Saturday May 15, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Main Library, 125 14th St.
Contact: Main Library Reference Services, 510-238-3138
How Much: Free

Elephants at the Zoo

The Zoo’s got a busy Saturday mapped out for you. Circus Finelli, an animal –free circus will have acrobats and clowns performing at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
The zoo’s hosting an elephant day. There will be elephant information stations throughout the zoo, teaching fascinating things about the zoo’s pachyderms. Pick up your binocular and data sheet and become an elephant researcher at Oakland Zoo’s elephant research camp.  The elephant keepers will be taking people for a behind-the-scenes tour of the elephant barn for a $5 donation. All proceeds go to the Amboseli Elephant Research Project.

Saturday, May 15th 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
The Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd. oaklandzoo.org

Oakland Underground Film Festival/ Jack London Square Summer Film Series

The Oakland Underground Film Festival will presentRemembering Playland at 7:30 p.m. and Special When Lit at 9:15 p.m. for the May installment of the Jack London Square Summer Film Series.

Director Tom Wyrsch has resurrected San Francisco’s now-extinct Playland at the Beach, a 10-acre amusement park located next to Ocean Beach, in Remembering Playland.Playland at the Beach was established in the 1880s and dismantled in 1972.

Co-presented by Pacific Pinball Machine of Alameda, Special When Lit is the definitive story of the rise and fall of pinball as told by hardcore fans, collectors, designers, and champion players from across the globe.  A product of the mechanical and electrical age, this American invention swept the world and defined cool. A game, a sport, a lifestyle, pinball made more money than the entire American movie industry through the 50s and 60s. Brett Sullivan’s film retraces the passion of pinball followers, and also revealing the demise of pinball to the new era of video games. Rediscover the lure of the lost pop icon-Pinball.

What: Summer Movies
When: Saturday, May 15, 7.30 p.m. onwards
Where: Jack London Square Pavilion Theater, 98 Broadway (inside Jack London Square)
How Much: $10, no one turned away for lack of funds. Tickets at  brownpapertickets.com.

SUNDAY, May 16

Culture Fest

The Koreatown-Northgate neighborhood is holding a party Sunday, which promises to be worthy of the diversity along that stretch of Telegraph Avenue. Called Culture Fest the event will have food (look for gyros from the folks at Oasis), music (on three stages), martial arts demos, and a neighborhood swap meet.

What: Culture Fest
When: Sunday May 16, 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Where: Telegraph Avenue between 23rd and 25th Streets
How Much: Free

Greek Festival

The Oakland Greek Festival has been treating the town to Hellenic hospitality, food, and music each spring for nearly 40 years. This weekend, visit the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Acension for spinach pie, lamb, and other treats from the cradle of Democracy. The weekend-long event will feature all sorts of Greek music and dancing from pop to classical. Visit the website for a coupon that brings the admission down to $5.

What: Oakland Greek Festival
When: Friday-Sunday, May 14-16, 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Fri & Sat) 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Sun)
Where: Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension, 4700
How Much: $6

Ode to Joy

The Oakland East Bay Symphony ends its season with Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. It’s been more than a decade since the OEBS performed the “Choral” symphony. This time Maestro Michael Morgan will lead tenor Thomas Glenn on Friday and Adam Flowers on Sunday. Baritone Bojan Knezevic will lead off with one of the most amazing moments in classical music, “Freude, schoner Gotterfunken…” John Kendall Bailey will lead pre-concert talks before both performances.

What: Ode to Joy
When: Friday and Sunday, May 14 and 16, 8 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Where: Paramount Theatre,
How Much: $20 to $65

05/07: Your Mother’s Day Weekend’s Here

Our picks for this month’s Art Murmur are here. And don’t forget that only suckers pay for taxi rides downtown on First Fridays.

The Peralta in Bloom Cakewalk

Friday

Beards and Bellies

One of our favorite downtown cafes is opening a show Friday called Beards and Bellies: Urban Collage Paintings on Gender. Farley’s East is showing work by E. Morrow Howe, which delves into “gender, ladyness, sexuality, race, secrets, heartaches, and identity in 2010.”

What: Beards and Bellies
When: Friday, May 7, 7PM – 9PM
Where: Farley’s East, 33 Grand Avenue
How Much: Free

Peace about Life

Claudine Naganuma has been an innovator and an iconoclast in the world of dance since she founded dNaga in 2001. This weekend, her company will perform Peace about Life: Dancing with Parkinson’s at Laney College.  As always, the cast represents all ages, genders, races, and sizes, and the performance promises “a powerful experience that will nourish your mind and stimulate your heart.”

What: Peace about Life: Dancing with Parkinson’s
When: Friday and Saturday, May 7 and 8, both shows at 8 PM
Where: Laney College Theater, 900 Fallon Street
How Much: $20

Feria Urbana

As you head out for the art walk, consider making a stop at Feria Urbana. It’s an excellent place to pick up locally made gifts from for both you and your mom. Usually, this cool urban fair brings together artists and designers selling jewelry, artwork, home accessories, ceramics, fashion accessories, baby items and more.

This Friday, expect to see the work of Aiko Designs, Cookie and the Dude, By Nieves, King Bag Company, Found Jewelry, Eristotle, SuperSugarRayRay, Estilo Clothing, note•ify, Mangosteen, Honeycomb Jewelry, Tidal Ware, Georgie Be,  Ruby Roxanne Designs, Ichi-V, Rock N Socks, Isla Corbett,  Birdy Botanicals, Cutthroat Sewing, Bright Light Designs, Nneka, Rosemary Dudley Designs, and others.

Get additional info at feriaurbanasf.com

When: Friday May 7, 6 P.M. – 9:30 P.M.
Where: The New Parish – 579 18^th Street @ San Pablo
(510) 444-7474, www.thenewparish.com/
How much: Free admission

Saturday

Tear Down the Walls

The United States has more prisoners than any other country in the world. Yet abuses in our prisons rarely see the light of day. There is far more public outcry for what has happened at Gitmo than the everyday torture and mistreatment that is part of our broken corrections system. The Prison Activist Resource Center seeks to expose these abuses, and act as an advocate for prisoners. Uptown Body and Fender Shop (a great place to have a party, and get your car fixed) is hosting a fundraiser for the grassroots, volunteer organization Saturday evening. There’ll be live music, bellydancing, and a DJ.

What: Music and Performance for the Prison Activist Resource Center
When: Saturday, May 8, 7 PM – Midnight
Where: Uptown Body and Fender, 401 26th Street
How Much: $1 to $10 suggested donation

Peralta in Bloom

The Peralta in Bloom festival benefits one of Oakland’s greatest elementary schools. The North Oakland public school boasts great test scores for its entire student body. It’s one school where you can watch the achievement gap disappear. If the cup of organic edible dirt doesn’t grab you, then have a sno-cone, a pulled-pork sandwich, or scale the 30-feet high climbing wall. The proceeds go to one of the most committed parent teacher groups in the city.

What: Peralta in Bloom
When: Saturday, May 8, Noon – 4 PM
Where: 460 63rd Street

Back to the Rancho

It used to be that every California school kid had to make an adobe brick as part of learning the state’s history. But with the state’s disastrous finances and the relentless emphasis on testing, straw and dirt are probably no longer in school district budgets. Happily, the Peralta Hacienda is opening up its school tour to the general public Saturday afternoon, so everyone will be able to make an adobe brick, play Ohlone games, and sample a test of life on the ranch back before California became part of the United States. Back to the Rancho will also include coffee, tea, homemade snacks, and a nice excuse to see what’s new in the Fruitvale, if you’re not from the neighborhood.

What: Back to the Rancho
When: Saturday, May 8, 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Where: Antonio Peralta House, 2465 34th Avenue
How Much: Free

Behind the Bellows

Quick! What musical instrument was patented in 1829? If you answered, “Everybody knows the accordion,” then this event is for you. The Fishtank on Piedmont Aenue is screening “Behind the Bellows,” a documentary film by Steve Mobia. No accordion event would be complete without live performances, and well-known local accordionists (Dackmandu, Salane and Friends) will perform before the movie. Even if your not a Bellowshead, the doc promises to be loaded with all sorts of interesting things you didn’t know you wanted to know.

What: “Behind the Bellows”
When: Saturday, May 8, 8 PM – 11PM
Where: The Fishtank, 3405 Piedmont Avenue
How Much: $5 to $15

Hot Tub and  Friends

If you haven’t seen the diabolically entertaining band Hot Tub, you should. The fine gals will be at The Uptown Saturday night with Isis G and Party Effects.

What: Hot Tub and Friends
When: Saturday, May 8, 9 PM – 2 AM
Where: Uptown, 1928 Telegraph Avenue
How Much: $10

Sunday

Brazzissimo

After brunch, or a visit to the Sweet Shoppe, take mom to see Brazzissimo, a ten-piece Bay Area brass band playing music from all over the world. As their name suggests, there’s a strong Latin American influence, but they are still as likely to play Bach as they are a Bossa Nova. Brazzissimo will be at the Park Boulevard Presbyterian Church Sunday afternoon for a spring concert which will include jazz favorites, classical, and Latin music.

What: Brazzissimo Spring Concert
When: Sunday, May 9 1 Pm – 3PM
Where: Park Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 4101 Park Boulevard

Your Oakland Weekend

Whatever else you do or don’t do, you can’t miss the Oakland Museum’s grand re-opening this weekend. The museum is hosting a 31-hour-long free extravaganza from Saturday through Sunday evening. But you don’t have to spend all 31 hours at the museum — there’s a lot more going down in Oaktown this weekend.

Friday, April 30

The Coup

In these frustrating political times it’s cathartic to hear voices like Oakland’s Coup, one of the most lucid producers of socially conscious hip hop since 1993. Boots (nee Raymond Riley) and DJ Pam the Funkstress will be at New Parish Friday night. The fire on the stage just might even restore your belief in democracy.

What: The Coup with Katdelic Featuring Ronkat
When: Friday April 30, 8:30 p.m.
Where: The New Parish, 579 18th Street
How Much: $20

The Secret Society

This is the Oakland Museum of California’s big reopening weekend, so we feel a little unfaithful mentioning an artsy thing in Berkeley, but The Secret Society at the Berkeley Art Museum sounds awfully interesting, if only because L@TE’s taking the secret part seriously. Joseph del Pesco (The man who turned moonshining into art) has programmed the evening and all we’re told to expect are parachutes, speakeasies, and a secret “porchlight” event somewhere in the museum. And don’t worry about hitting the hometown party, too. The Oakland Museum of California is going to be free and open for 31 hours straight all weekend. You can do both.

What: L@TE
When: Friday, April 30, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way, Berkeley
How Much: $5

Saturday, May 1

Brew for the Beautiful Game

The brewmasters over at Linden Street have whipped up a special batch of suds for a fundraiser at the brewery Saturday afternoon. For $25 dollars you can drink the specially crafted Unity Lane Lager, enjoy wine from Periscope Cellars and taste the entries from a Jamaican jerk cook-off. The best part is that it’s all for a worthy cause. The proceeds will go to My Yute Soccer Camp, which runs a one-week, absolutely free summer soccer camp for 60 kids in Oakland.

What: First Annual Jamaican Jerk Cook-Off
Where: Linden Street Brewery,
When: Saturday, May 1, 1 p.m. – 6 p.m.
How Much: $25

Walking in Jane’s Name

Join Annalee Allen, historian and director of Oakland’s walking tour program, through a 90-minute-tour of Old Oakland. Walk through what was once the western terminus of the Transcontinental Railroad. Formerly Oakland’s bustling downtown district in the days of railroads and streetcars, this area’s restored brick and Victorian buildings now live on as offices, galleries and eateries. Visit the historic Washington Inn, G.B. Ratto & Co. International Grocers, Swans Marketplace and the “Friends of the Library” bookstore. The tour will end at La Borinqueña Mex-icatessen at 582 Seventh Street.

This walk is meant to be Oakland’s Jane Walk and will launch the 2010 Walking Tour program. Jane’s Walk is an international day of city walks in honor of the late urban theorist Jane Jacobs.

The 10,000 Steps team will join Annalee Allen to share some of the stories they have collected for their Walking the Invisible City tour.

What: Jane’s Walk
When: Saturday, May 1, 10 a.m.
Where: Meet in front of Ratto’s Deli, 821 Washington Street in Old Oakland
Free

Opening of the 57-33 store

The people behind Fiftyseven-thirtythree, those popular and stylish handmade-in-Oakland tee shirts that you’ve probably seen at local street fairs and night markets, are moving on up to their own store. It’s a store where you might go just to look at the cool art, thanks to artist Eddie Colla’s work on the walls. The grand opening party’s this Saturday.

What: 57-33 Opens.

When: Saturday, May 1. Store hours: Noon to 6, the party begins at 7.
Where: 4125 Piedmont Avenue (2^nd floor)
First 50 guests get free shirts.
fiftyseventhirtythree.wordpress.com

Keep Oakland Beautiful

If you care about how Oakland looks and want to do your bit to keep it beautiful, you get your chance this Saturday.  From 9 a.m. to noon, Keep Oakland Beautiful’s board members, volunteers and local residents will be working to clean up and beautify 42^nd Avenue, between International and Foothill.

What: Keep Oakland Beautiful/the 2010 Great American Cleanup, a national campaign organized by nonprofit Keep America Beautiful.
When: Saturday, May 1, 9 a.m.
Where: Volunteers are to meet in the FAMSA furniture store parking lot at 4215 Foothill Blvd., www.keepoaklandbeautiful.org,

Second Kids Otter Read Around the Bay Day

Take your kids to Laurel Bookstore and meet four authors of books for kids, ask them your questions, and find out about some new books. The bookstore will be hosting Rachel Rodriguez (Building on Nature: The Life of Antoni Gaudi), Madeleine Dunphy (Here is Antarctica), Debra Sartell (Time for Bed, Baby Ted), and Sara Kahn (Opus and the Red Chair.)

What: Kids Otter Read
When: Saturday, May 1, 1 p.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Laurel Bookstore, 4100 MacArthur Blvd.

Sunday, May 2

Lag BaOmer Picnic

In Israel, Lag BaOmer is a holiday for bonfires. On Sunday, the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay andWilderness Torah are hosting a picnic at Lake Temescal. Expect barbecue, arts and crafts, hikes, and games. The JCCEB will have kosher hot dogs, veggie burgers, and drinks.

What: Lag BaOmer
When: Sunday, May 2, 12 PM – 4 PM
Where: Lake Temescal, 6500 Broadway
How Much: Free

The Deconstruction Orchestra

Sax master Josh Allen returns for a four-week residency at East O’s own Flux 53 with his monster avant-improv ensemble, and the word is they’re bigger and badder than ever.

This Sunday, Allen opens at 8 p.m. playing with drummer Kjell Nordeson. At 9 p.m. the Orchestra goes on, featuring well known local musicians, such as Henry Kaiser, Darren Johnston, Ava Mendoza, Tom Djll, Ron Heglin, Damon Smith, and Roberto Haven of the Church of Coltrane.

What: Allen and the Deconstruction Orchestra
When: Sunday, 2 May, 8 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Where: Flux 53 Theater, Foothill & Fairfax
$10 suggested donation

Tonight: Khalil Shaheed benefit

Don’t forget the Khalil Shaheed benefit at Yoshi’s tonight. The well known Oakland trumpeter is suffering from cancer, and his friends and fellow musicians have put together a great show to honor him. The money raised will go towards his treatment.

If you’d like to read some more about him and his work, read the OakBook story here.

A Tribute To Khalil Shaheed with an All-Star Line-up with Bobby Hutcherson, John Handy, Dayna Stephens, George Cables, Najee, Eddie Gale, John Santos, Winard Harper and others.

Tuesday, April 27, 8 p.m.
$20
To buy tickets, click here
Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero West
khalilshaheed.com

04/23: Your O-Scene Weekend

Art, fresh food, jazz, plants and gardens, clothing swaps, classical music, underground cinema and more to take in this Oakland weekend. FRIDAY, APRIL 23 Underground Cinema The Oakland Underground Film Festival gets underway Friday night in Jack London Square with a screening of “Everyday Black Man,” a feature film by Oakland’s own Carmen Madden. Even if the admission weren’t free, and there weren’t well-priced beer, booze, and food to enjoy instead of the usual $10 popcorn, Madden’s Oakland-grown movie would be worth checking out. Screening of Everyday Black Man, with the director in attendance Friday, April 23, 7.30 p.m. The Jack London Square Pavilion, 98 Broadway Free oakuff.org The Legacy of the Quran: The Beauty of Words The opening reception is Friday, April 23, from 7 to 9 pm. This exhibit features paintings, photographs, and calligraphy by 31 artists on the theme of nature and ecology. This is a diverse group, including both adults (21 artists) and children (eleven artists). This exhibit is the first attempt to unite the diverse Bay Area Muslim community around an art exhibit. The inclusion of children artists, along with works by professional artists, is a way to bring together both families and the nascent Bay Area Islamic arts community. The theme of Qur’anic teachings n nature appeals to contemporary interests in ecology and nature spirituality. Friday, 23 April, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Islamic Cultural Center of Northern California 1433 Madison Street, 510-219-2431, islamicartexhibit.com/ Free (donations accepted) Jazz Fest: Bay Area Musicians’ Healthcare Fundraiser This is a San Francisco event, but involves many musicians who call Oakland home. In celebration of Jazz Appreciation Month, trumpeter Eddie Gale and Friends present the second annual Jazz Fest Bay Area Musicians Self-Help Healthcare Fundraiser on Friday April 23 & Saturday April 24, featuring live performances, free workshops & instrument giveaways and free health screenings. Performing artists and legends include Donald Duck Bailey, Calvin Keys, John Handy, Valerie Mih and many more. The mission of the Jazz Musicians’ Healthcare Fundraising Project is for musicians to perform and raise money for healthcare while providing a model for upcoming musicians. Portions of the proceeds will be donated to the California Jazz Foundation for Musicians Healthcare. Friday, April 23, 8 p.m. onwards Saturday, April 24, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Velma’s, 2246 Jerrold Avenue in San Francisco Tickets available on line at brownpapertickets.com, $5 students/$10 general For more about the Jazz Fest visit eddiegale.com or call 408-395-6598 or 415-846-2426. SATURDAY, APRIL 24 People’s Grocery’s California Hotel Garden Plant Sale West Oakland’s food activists at the People’s Grocery are selling tomatoes, tomatillos, peppers, Sea Kale, herbs, squash, cucumbers, and much more. They’ll have plants from City Slicker Farms, and a presentation by one of People’s Grocery’s cooking demonstrators. Saturday, April 24, 10 a.m – 3 p.m. 3501 San Pablo Avenue (in the back, around 35th and Chestnut) For more info, contact Max Cadji at max@peoplesgrocery.org Swap, Not Shop The highlight of this weekend is a West Oakland event that celebrates Earth Week as well as fashion. This Saturday, Homeygrown, a group of artists who create artwear from recycled, salvaged, and irregular material, will host Swap! Not Shop! Since 2006, Homeygrown has held two swaps a year, moving from an intimate ladies-only event to a co-ed, all-ages party. Swap-goers also have the opportunity for fashion design and customization. For example, if someone finds a dull t-shirt that needs a boost, $1 will slap on a custom hand-printed silkscreen design from a homey. For the party animals that stick around, clothes will keep coming, and a “Fugly Fashion Show” will encourage people to dig through the piles and model something that they wouldn’t be caught dead wearing otherwise. Leftover clothing will be donated to charity. Saturday, April 24, 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Soundwave Studios, 2200 Wood Street Admission: $5 and a bag of clean clothes/shoes/accessories $1 drink donations For more info, call 510-206-8072 or email yo@homeygrown.org SUNDAY, APRIL 25 Lauda Jerusalem The advanced performing groups of the Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir present great Early Music and Baroque works. Enjoy Carissimi’s great oratorio Jephthah, along with works by Michael Haydn, JS Bach, Henry Purcell, Nicola Porpora, Johann Adolph Haase, Antonio Vivaldi and WA Mozart. The choir will be accompanied on the period-accurate instruments of Jubilate Orchestra. Performing groups include Ensemble, Ancora, and the Alumni Choir, conducted by Artistic Director Robert Geary; Ecco, conducted by Clifton Massey; and Concert Choir, conducted by Andrew Brown. Sunday, 25 April, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison Street @ 27th $12 for children, $18 general admission, $25 premium reserve (Premium seats via advance purchase only) piedmontchoirs.org, 510-547-4441, presented by Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir 24th Annual Secret Gardens of the East Bay Tour Eleven of the finest gardens of the East Bay will open their gates the last weekend in April in a flourish of vibrant spring colors, with a focus on green. The 24th Annual Secret Gardens of the East Bay tour will be held, rain or shine, on Sunday. The self-guided tour, along with a companion program of gardening and design workshops, will benefit the academic and financial assistance programs at Park Day School in Oakland. Sunday, 25 April, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Park Day School, 360 42nd Street $45 Closing exhibition for Kaleidoscape WE Artspace will be holding a closing reception for Kaleidoscape, its first solo exhibition with works and an installation by artist Chris Vogel. Kaleidoscape is the visual exploration of dissected space and collaged geometric forms positioned in natural environments. This exhibit will on display until May 2. Sunday, April 25, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Opening Reception at WE Artspace: 768 40th Street, weartspace.com, (415) 297-8869 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.: Music by 9th Floor Radio.com Free