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