Sorry, there’s nothing fun going on this week. Ha! We’re just kidding, there’s plenty–and about half of this week’s are on Friday, oddly enough, so we hope you cleared your schedule. Apparently, Oakland wants you to play hooky or it wouldn’t have made it so very tempting. Enjoy!
Friday, June 27
Evolution Expo Blasts Off
8 a.m.
Oakland Marriott City Center, 1001 Broadway
The first-of-its-kind Evolution Expo brings science together with science fiction for a three-day event with related exhibits, workshops, and presentations. Sci-fi celebrities, U.S. astronauts and space scientists will join the Expo for panels and autograph signings. Young guests will have a great time exploring Evo-Kids, a section of the Expo dedicated to young, inquisitive minds with activities such as a Think Tank, focused on solving challenges facing human flight to Mars, and hands-on exhibits from the Chabot Space and Science Center. Special Presentations by Mayim Bialik (neuroscientist and star of the hit TV series The Big Bang Theory) and U.S. astronauts Joe Edwards and Wendy Lawrence. Celebrity guests include Jason Momoa, Amanda Tapping, Kevin Sorbo, Tom Skerritt, John Rhys-Davies, Veronica Cartwright, Tim Russ, Garrett Wang, Ty Olsson, and Rod Roddenberry. The expo runs Friday, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Oakland Creative Mornings: Jeff Goodby
8:30 – 11 a.m.
2101 Webster Street, 16th Floor
Jeff Goodby has been incredibly influential in creating some well-known ad campaigns, like the “Got milk?” slogan and the Budweiser lizards. Come hear about what goes into creating marketing that we see every day! This lecture may be particularly inspirational for fellow creatives who are building careers in design and other artistic fields. Creative Mornings is a free morning lecture series on a variety of topics, following a global theme.
Children & Family Play Day on the Plaza
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza
Hands-on activities for this Oakland Parks and Recreation event include rock climbing, relay races, face painting, arts and crafts, prizes, jumpers, bounce houses, popcorn, snow cones, game action video van, double-Dutch tug-of-war, dance and fitness, and more.
Final Fridays Films of Resistance and Solidarity Presents In Motion: Amiri Baraka
7 p.m.
EastSide Cultural Center, 2277 International Boulevard
In Motion: Amiri Baraka is a rare exploration of the writer and political activist formerly known as LeRoi Jones. It follows Baraka from his early days as a poet in New York City’s Greenwich Village to his Black nationalist leadership in the 60s to his Third World Marxism of the 1980s’ literary and political scene. This is a portrait of a man of singular commitment to social change.
Pop-up Talk: Julia Bryan-Wilson on Judy Chicago
7 – 7:30 p.m.
Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak Street
Join art historian Julia Bryan-Wilson for a pop-up talk in the special exhibition Judy Chicago: A Butterfly for Oakland. A scholar of feminist and queer theory, artistic labor, performance, and contemporary art, Bryan-Wilson brings a unique perspective to this discussion of Chicago’s culminating work in her series of “atmospheres,” staged throughout California between 1969 and 1974. This in-Gallery pop-up talk takes place during Friday Nights @ OMCA, featuring half-off Gallery admission, Off the Grid food trucks, live music, and more.
Sunset Kayak Paddle on the Oakland Estuary
7 – 10 p.m.
California Canoe & Kayak, Jack London Square
Sunset kayaking is an enchanting experience. The water often turns glassy and calm on the Oakland Estuary late in the day, and twilight adds to the unique ambiance. We’ll enjoy a leisurely paddling pace as the sun goes down, setting the stage for a beautiful evening on the water. Reservations are available at calkayak.com.
Movies Night on the Parkway: Totoro
7:30 p.m.
1841 Park Boulevard
June movie night features a wonderful Japanese movie, Totoro, directed by legendary animation director Hayao Miyazaki. This is a movie cherished by both children and adults, so everybody will have a great time! Don’t worry about subtitles; the movie is in English. As always, there will be live music 7:30 – 8:45, followed immediately by the movie. Click here for more information.
Bluegrass on Board the USS Potomac
7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Jack London Square Berth, 540 Water Street
Join the Oakland Heritage Alliance for this dockside concert evening featuring Bill Evans. Come early for a guided tour of the historic vessel. 100% of proceeds go toward funding the educational cruises for East Bay schoolchildren. Enjoy snacks and a no-host bar serving wine, beer, water, soft drinks and snacks available for purchase. To learn more and purchase tickets, visit www.usspotomac.org.
Dancing Under the Stars: Single Time Swing
8:30 – 10 p.m.
Foot of Broadway, Jack London Square
From experienced dancers to newbies, everyone is invited to an evening of rhythm, grooving and dancing under the stars! Dancers will kick up their heels and pack Jack London Square for free dance lessons. The lessons begin at 8:30 p.m., followed by a dance party at 9 to try out all the new moves. For more information, visit www.jacklondonsquare.com.
57th Street Gallery Presents RAJA and The Stephen McQuarry Trio
8:30 – 11 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)
5701 Telegraph Avenue
RAJA has developed a unique style of her own, which has been described as, “sultry and intimate, hugging notes and rounding out phrases with dynamic ease.” Musicians are RAJA, vocals; Stephen McQuarry, piano; Ted Burik, bass; and Greg German, drums. For more information and to make reservations (recommended), visit www.57thstreetgallery.com.
Diesel, A Bookstore Presents Avram Siegel & Mike Witcher
9 p.m.
5433 College Boulevard
“Diesel, A Bookstore Presents Avram Siegel &…” is Diesel’s new monthly music series. It gets started with banjo impresario Avram Siegel, joined by dobro guitar player Mike Witcher. Please note: There is a $10 cover charge for this event, and all proceeds go to the musicians, who deserve it. The doors will open at 8:30 p.m. and the show starts at 9.
Saturday, June 28
San Francisco Bay History Cruise on the USS Potomac
10:30 a.m.
Jack London Square Berth, 540 Water Street
The USS Potomac operates narrated 2-hour cruises on San Francisco Bay from May through November on Thursdays and Saturdays. Trained docents are on board to emphasize the effect Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s administration had upon the Bay Area and surrounding landmarks. Guests watch a 15-minute video in the Visitor Center prior to the cruise. The video provides a glimpse of Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s use of the Potomac, emphasizing the impact of his administration on the country and the Potomac restoration story. While on board, guests may elect to take a docent-led tour or self-guided tour. Coffee, tea and bottled water are available. Visit www.usspotomac.org to purchase tickets.
Phat Beets Free Food ‘n’ Justice Workshop
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Feel the Beet! Farmers Market, 970 Grace Avenue
This week’s Food ‘n’ Justice Workshop is about making raw vinegars at home, and includes tastings! Join Francisco from the Phat Beets Produce Kitchen Incubator Program and Tucan Vinegars to learn how to make real vinegars with leftover fruits and vegetables. For more information, visit www.phatbeetsproduce.org.
Talk and Play: Records as Inspiration
1 – 2:30 p.m.
Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak Street
Join David Harrington, founder and artistic director of Kronos Quartet, as he shares vinyl picks from the vast personal music collection he’s built over the last four decades of world tours with Kronos Quartet. Listen to samples of the music that sparked Harrington’s passion for music, the string quartet genre, and the Kronos Quartet repertoire. Talk and Play, a program series in Vinyl: The Sound and Culture of Records, features guest participants from DJs to music journalists, record collectors to experimental musicians. With something different every week, you might find yourself swapping albums with collectors, learning from an expert about the mechanics of pressing an album, or listening to a specially-curated music set.
The Great American Backyard Campout
2 p.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Sunday
Joaquin Miller Park, 3564 Sanborn Drive
Experience fun family activities in the great outdoors! Activities include camping out overnight, hiking, nature talks, learning about the stars, and sitting around a campfire. The cost of this event is $10 per person (children 3 years and under admitted free), which includes dinner, camp snacks and continental breakfast. Families will be responsible for bringing their own camping equipment. No radios, TVs, computers, pets or kerosene lamps. Register online.
57th Street Gallery Presents W. Allen Taylor
8:30 – 11 p.m. (doors open at 6 p.m.)
5701 Telegraph Avenue
Winner of the San Francisco Bay Area’s first Jazz Search West Competition in 2010, W. Allen Taylor is a jazz vocalist from the old school, combining originality with a style reminiscent of the golden age of jazz singing. With vocal influences that include Al Jarreau, Betty Carter, Nat King Cole, Jon Hendricks and Little Jimmy Scott, he explores the classic jazz standards with a fresh approach. He is a former member and featured soloist of the Oakland Jazz Choir, the Jazz Singers Collective and the East Bay Center Jazz Ensemble. Mr. Taylor is currently a frequent featured vocalist with the Yancie Taylor Jazztet, the Noel Jewkes Quartet and the Sharp Five Jazz Band. Equally at home with ballads, bebop and the blues, W. Allen Taylor is a singer blessed with a solid vocal range and a fluid scat that will leave you swinging! Musicians are W. Allen Taylor, vocals; Glen Pearson, piano; Pierre Archain, bass; David Rokeach, drums; and James Bailey, sax. For more information and to make reservations (recommended), visit www.57thstreetgallery.com.
Sunday, June 29
Oakland Contingent in the San Francisco Pride Parade
9:30 a.m. gathering time
Consult contact below for location
A City of Oakland/Oakland Pride contingent will be marching in the San Francisco Pride parade. All Oakland residents are invited to join the contingent, which will include a fire engine, convertible, dance routines, elected officials and lots of pride. For more information, contact Michael Johnson, Special Assistant to Mayor Jean Quan, at mjohnson2@oaklandnet.com.
Noah Levine Discusses and Signs Refuge Recovery
4 p.m.
Diesel, A Bookstore, 5433 College Boulevard
Refuge Recovery is designed for anyone in need of a non-theistic approach to addiction recovery. It includes daily meditation practices and written investigations into the causes and conditions of addiction, as well as advice for finding a community to help you heal.
Tuesday, July 1
Oakland City Council and Oakland Redevelopment Agency Meeting
5:30 p.m.
City Council Chambers, Third Floor, Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza
The City Council is the governing body of the City of Oakland, and consists of eight members who are elected directly by the citizens of Oakland: one representative from each of seven districts, and one at-large representative. The Council sets goals and priorities for the City, as well as approving the City budget, adopting ordinances to help the City serve its citizens, and appointing members to various boards and commissions. The City Council meets 2 – 3 times per month, on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays. A downloadable agenda is available here. For more information, click here or call (510) 238-7370.
Oakland Heritage Alliance Board of Directors Meeting
6 – 8 p.m.
PGA Building, 444 17th Street
For details, please call the OHA at: (510) 763-9218 or visit www.oaklandheritage.org.
Jerry Burgan and Alan Rifkin Discuss and Sign Wounds to Bind
7 p.m.
Diesel, A Bookstore, 5433 College Boulevard
The birth of folk-rock comes alive in this memoir by We Five co-founder, Jerry Burgan. Come for the story, stay for the songs! We Five soared to the top of the charts with their hit song, “You Were on My Mind.”
Thursday, July 3
Oakland City Council Rules and Legislation Committee
10:45 a.m.
Oakland City Hall, 1 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Hearing Room 1
The Rules and Legislation Committee usually meets at this time (although it is recommended to confirm the day and time, as this is subject to change). A downloadable agenda is available here. For more information, click here or call (510) 238-7370.
Longfellow Community Association
7 p.m.
NOOCS (North Oakland Charter School), 1000 42nd Street
This public meeting consists of residents of the Longfellow community working together to enhance its beautiful, dynamic, and diverse community, and nurture a friendly, safe and attractive neighborhood that everyone can be proud of. Committees include Transportation and Land Use, which deals with such issues as traffic calming and speed bumps; and the Neighborhood Safety Committee, which addresses the creation of neighborhood watch groups. For more information, please email longfellowcommunityassociation@gmail.com or visit longfellowcommunityassociation.org.
To list an event for July 4 – 10, send the details to meg@oaklandlocal.com by noon on Tuesday, July 1.