Photos: The Roots ft. Estelle

There are some bands that no matter their latest album sounds like, no matter what you have going on that particular night, you drop it and get tickets.  The Roots is one of those bands.  For damned near 20 years they’ve been killing the live shows and through all the lineup shifts and sonic changes-from the jazzy, philly soul of Illadelph Halflife to the head scratching abstractions of Phrenology, they’re always kept been on point with the in persons.

Last weekend the Hardest Working Band in Hip Hop brought the show to San Jose State with openers Estelle and Gym Class Heroes.   The Hardest Working Photographer in the Bay Area, Oakbook contributor Seher Sikandar, was on the scene for the shots.

Photos: Aerosoul Art Opening

Joyce Gordon Gallery hosted a special exhibition of urban street art from Oakland’s TCB Crew over this past weekend.  Bay Area aerosol artists, dancers, curators and friends came out to check the canvases, drawings, installations and clothing painted by veteran artists Refa One, Toons One and Chris Herod aka MadHatter. Graffiti and street art have been getting play on the gallery circuit for years but the show was a first for the Gordon Gallery.  There’s talk of similar shows, more involved shows in the future and judging from the reception at the reception, A Joyce Gordon Graffiti Gallery might not be such a bad idea.  Check the photos if you missed it.-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