Oakland's Own Don't Miss of the Week - 5/27/13

Don't miss these great events coming up this week.

Bookmark the Oakland's Own Calendar for a curated list of events.

Thursday
May 30th
7th Annual Oakland Indie Awards at Kaiser's Rooftop Garden

Thursday
May 30th
Bilal at Yoshi's Oakland

Friday
May 31st
Friday Family Pack A's Home Games: A's vs. White Sox

Saturday
June 1st
ReWrite Oakland at HUB Oakland/Popuphood

Saturday
June 1st
Dave Brubeck Tribute Concert at the Paramount Theatre

Tweet me your picks of the week!

Oakland's Own Photo Story: Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival

The East Side Art Alliance's 13th Annual Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival has become a premier festival in Oakland. One of the last remaining free festivals, it brings Oaklanders together in the San Antonio District community to enjoy a day meeting neighbors, supporting the arts and local vendors.

The vibe is always loving and joyful with all ages utilizing every part of San Antonio Park to the fullest, from the basketball courts, playground and grassy knolls.

The Mainstage showcased an eclectic line up of local jazz bands and performance arts groups from the Howard Wiley Trio to Baba Achebe's South African Boot Dance Group.

The Kathrine Dunham Dance stage let Oakland's creative youth shine. Check out Mix'd Ingrdnts Dance Crew performance joined by a few kids from the audience!

Some of the best artistic vendors in the bay area were present selling beautiful art, jewelry and clothing.

The food selection was just as diverse as the entertainment and included Cameroonian cuisine, Jamaican jerk favorites and vegetarian Filipino dishes just to name a few.   

Peppered between the entertainment, revolutionary proclamations blasted from the speakers with the consistent message "Power to the People, ALL People!"

I love this festival not only because it's in the neighborhood I grew up in, but it reminds me of the Oakland festival's of old that represented the historic culture of the city. The festivals that focused on community, encouraged the philosophy "For the People, by the People," showcasing the best and brightest of the city and supporting Oakland's local small business. This festival is an Oaklander best kept secret!

Memorial Day Weekend in Oakland!

Sticking around this weekend? Below are some recommendations for enjoying Memorial Day Weekend in Oakland. Like the Oakland's Own Facebook Page for the latest updates on happenings in Oakland. Details for all of these events can be found on the Oakland's Own Calendar!

OUTDOORS

Moonlight Kayaking

California Canoe & Kayak

Jack London Square

Friday 5/24, 7:30p - 10p

Kayak the calm Oakland Estuary and see it in a different light

Hot Rod and Custom Car Show

Jack London Square

Saturday 5/25, 10a - 4p

Auto mecca for car lovers of all ages

Oakland Carnival Parade

Mosswood Park

Monday 5/27, 11a - 6p

In the tradition of Carijama, jam to live carnival drums, DJs, food, drinks, youth games, sports and parade of cultures

FOODIES

Memorial Day Pig Roast

Rumbo Al Sur

4239 Park Blvd.

Sunday 5/26, 5:30p - 10p

Classic BBQ alternative! Pig roast with South American comfort food to compliment

4th Annual Jamaican Jerk Cook Off

Linden Street Brewery

3rd & Linden Street

Monday 5/27, 1p - 5p

Bay Area connoisseurs offer up unlimited Jerk tastings (if you dare!), $4 Linden Street Beers, raffles, DJ's and it all benefits a great organization, My Yute Soccer Camp

KID FRIENDLY

MUSE Oakland East Bay Symphony Concert

Fairyland

699 Bellevue Ave.

Saturday 5/26, 12p - 1p

The Oakland East Bay Symphony's MUSE (Music for Excellence) student's spring concert

Battle of the Bay Oakland A's v. SF Giants

O.Co Coliseum

6000 Coliseum Way

Monday 5/27, 1p - 4p

Cheer on the A's for Bay Area bragging rights

Oakland's Own Don't Miss of the Week - 5/20/13

Don't miss these great events coming up this week.

Bookmark the Oakland's Own Calendar for a curated list of events.

Check back soon for Memorial Day recommendations!

Monday
May 20th
Hubba Hubba Burlesque at The Uptown Nightclub

Wednesday
May 22nd
Flamenco Downtown at Disco Volante

Friday
May 24th
Moonlight Kayaking in the Oakland Estuary

Saturday
May 25th
Hot Rod & Custom Car Show at Jack London Square

Saturday
May 25th
MUSE Oakland East Bay Symphony Performance at Fairyland

Tweet me your picks of the week!

Oakland's Own Who's Who List on Twitter

Hey Oaklanders,

If you follow Oakland's Own on Twitter then you've probably seen the "Who's Who Oakland" list. If not, what are you waiting for??? I've compiled a list of notable Oaklanders (natives or transplants) who rep Oakland. You might be surprised at some of the members on the list! New members are being added regularly. Subscribe to stay up on what these high profile Oaklanders are saying!

Subscribe to Oakland's Own Who's Who List on Twitter

Follow Oakland's Own on Twitter for the latest updates on happenings around The Town!

Oakland's Own Don't Miss of the Week - 5/13/13

Don't miss these great events coming up this week.

Bookmark the Oakland's Own Calendar for a curated list of events.

Monday
May 13th
Hubba Hubba Burlesque at The Uptown Nightclub

Wednesday
May 15th
Oakland Chamber Young Professionals Networking Mixer

Thursday
May 16th
API (Asian Pacific Islander) Youth Promoting Advocacy and Leadership May Arts Festival

Saturday
May 18th
8th Annual Walk to End Poverty

Saturday
May 18th
13th Annual Malcolm X Jazz Arts Festival

Saturday
May 18th
Free Boat Rentals at Lake Merritt

Sunday
May 19th
Bike Tour | Oakland on Two Wheels

Tweet me your picks of the week!

Mother's Day...Are You Ready?

Choose to celebrate Mother's Day with your special honoree in Oakland! There are some really cool events, places to dine and shops to get something special. Below are a few recommendations. Support your local businesses and ENJOY!!! Love you Mom :-)


Spend Time
Check the Oakland's Own Calendar to add these events and more to your calendar!

Mother's Day Champagne Brunch Cruise on the Bay
USS Potomac
540 Water Street
11:30a - 1:30p
Celebrate with your honoree cruising the beautiful Bay over a catered brunch and mimosas

Mother's Day Movie and Brunch
The New Parkway Theater
474 24th Street
11a - 3p
Make it a Joan Crawford kind of day with a screening of Milred Pierce and Mommie Dearest

Mother's Day High Tea
Dunsmuir Mansion
2960 Peralta Oaks Court
12p - 4p
A fancy traditional tea on the beautiful lush grounds of the Dunsmuir estate. Another reason to wear that Kentucky Derby hat!



Give Gifts
Pimlico Place
4168 Piedmont Ave.
Mon-Sat 11a - 7p; Sun 11a - 5p
Unique pieces from all over the world, cleverly curated in this small boutique. There is something for every sophisticated honoree. Gift Certificates available

Collage Clothing Lounge
3344 Lakeshore Ave
Mon-Fri 11a-7p; Sat 10a-7p;  Sun 11a-6p
Quality clothing and accessories for a trendy honoree and the staff is extremely helpful

Bells & Whistles
2011 MacArthur Blvd.
Tues-Sat 11a - 6p; Sun 12p - 5p
Artistic gifts by local artists

The Oakland Chocolate Co.
3228 Helen Street (mailing address)
638 2nd Street (kitchen, by appointment only)
Their non-traditional Jamaican chocolate confections can be found at the Old Oakland Farmers Market on Fridays, Mandela Foods Coop and the Montclair Farmers Market on Sunday.

Moonstar Florist
288 11th Street
Mon-Fri 9a - 5p; sat 9a - 4p; Sun 10a - 2p
Get advice and amazing customer service on all of your flower needs for celebrating this weekend.


Wine & Dine
Reservations HIGHLY recommended for all locations below


Mother's Day Champagne Brunch
The Terrace Room
1800 Madison Street
11a - 4p
Fantastic view of Lake Merritt and buffet brunch

Mother's Day Dinner
Marica Restaurant
5301 College Ave
5:30p - 9:15p
Exquisite seafood dining experience. Smaller parties are more likely to get a reservation.

Mother's Day Brunch & Dinner
Pican Restaurant
2295 Broadway
11a - 8p
Sophisticated southern soul food prix fixe dining in celebration of the mother in your life.

Oaklander Spotlight: Carlo Medina & Geneva Europa

Want to know who's who in Oakland? Oakland's Own will spotlight Oaklanders who are making moves and making a difference. Get to know them in their own words and support them in their upcoming endeavors!

Carlo Medina and Geneva Europa

Owners, Savor Oakland Food Tours

Home Town:

We both grew up in the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, CA.

Current Town: 

West Oakland, CA.

What keeps you busy: 

Growing Savor Oakland Food Tours, LLC. A lot of work goes into promoting a business that does not have a storefront. We do a lot of online marketing and outreach. As well as hitting the streets talking to vendors, hotel concierges, restaurant owners, etc. We try to be not only a small business in Oakland, but a business that promotes all things Oakland. We live in the city and we have a vested interest in its success and perception.

What's up next: 

Launching our Chinatown/Old Oakland food tour. Setting events for our Savor Oakland Food Tours group on Meetup. Planning other Savor Oakland events this year that will be awesome! Stay tuned!

Your favorite Oakland neighborhood: 

We love West Oakland. We know the neighborhood has been going through a lot over the years but within the 4 years we've lived here, we've seen so many people come together to help make the neighborhood a better place to live. A lot of work still needs to be done but everybody from small businesses, community orgs, to home owners have put in a lot of meaningful work to help facilitate change. 

Your favorite view in Oakland: 

Jack London Waterfront and the Port of Oakland cranes.  

Your Oaklander insider tip: 

The Jack London Square/Historic Warehouse wineries: Urban Legend Cellars, Cerruti Cellars, Dashe and JC Cellars. No need to go to Napa for great wine. There is also Redwood Regional Park that is not usually associated with Oakland. Great park that is a great get-away from the hustle and bustle of the city.  

Your ideal day spent in Oakland:

Riding a bike along the waterfront is fun then eating, drinking your way through all the great Jack London Square restaurants. 

Your Oakland Heroes/Heroines:

Derrick Johnson: Owner of Home of Chicken+Waffles. We admire his commitment to the community and to Oakland. We also admire all the small business owners in the culinary scene that started last year. We admire how open minded and how supportive they've been of us and our endeavors.  

I'm a proud Oaklander because:

I'm a proud Oaklander because of the diversity, culture and history of the City. We were ranked the #5 place to visit in 2012 by The New York Times and proud Oaklanders know why. 

Savor Oakland Food Tours

Jack London Square Tour

Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday

10:30a - 1:30p

$49 (all tastings included)

Upcoming:

Chinatown/Old Oakland Food Tour will launch in Summer 2013

Feature on Cooking Channel's Road Trip with G. Garvin in June

Feature in Southwest Airline's Spirit Magazine June Issue

For more information contact Savor Oakland Food Tours:

Savor Oakland Food Tour Links

Check the Oakland's Own Calendar for more from Savor Oakland Food Tours!

Oakland's Own Don't Miss of the Week - 5/6/13

Don't miss these great events coming up this week.

Bookmark the Oakland's Own Calendar for a curated list of events.

Wednesday
May 8th
Lunch Beat at Era Art Bar & Lounge

Thursday
May 9th
Bike to Work Day Breakfast celebration at Oakland City Hall

Thursday
May 9th
Bike Happy Hour Block Party in Old Oakland

Sunday
May 12th
Mother's Day! Check back for recommendations for Mother's Day events in Oakland

Tweet me your picks of the week!

Cinco de Mayo in Oakland

Calendar update for Cinco de Mayo events in Oakland! Bookmark the Oakland's Own Calendar for more information and to add these events and more to your calendar!

FOR THE FAMILY

Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Fairyland
Children's Fairyland
10a - 4p
Launch of the new Spanish-language storybooks and Cinco de Mayo performances!

2nd Annual TacoConf 2013
Various locations in Oakland
11a - 4p
Bike around to Oaklander mexican food favorites. Tacos Mi Rancho and La Broinquena are on the schedule to name a few!

Cinco de Mayo Festival in the Fruitvale District
35th Ave at International Blvd
12p - 4p
Festival with performances and DJ. Patronize the local businesses in the area!

FOR THE ADULTS (21+)
Cinco de Mayo at Somar Bar
Somar Bar
6p - 1:30a
Tequila and food specials

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
Era Art Bar & Lounge
12p - 10p
Fiesta! Drink specials all day, DJ and live music

Cinco de Mayo at Tamarindo
Tamarindo & Miel
12p - 8p
Mexican cuisine and tequila bar!

ENJOY!!!
How do you plan to spend Cinco de Mayo? Tweet Oakland's Own your pick of the day!