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!
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