Category — politics

For some it’s the High Holy Days. For others it’s Fleet Week. In Oakland, we call it First Friday. Here are the highlights of this weekend in the DTO.

To celebrate Fleet Week, photographer Eric Murphy honors the humanitarian work of active servicemen at Old Oakland’s Sticks + Stones gallery, 831 Broadway. Nearby, Oaksterdam Tattoo hosts live music at 811 Washington St.

The author of novel WTF Moment will read and sign copies of his book at Paradiso Lounge with music by Maya Songbird and art by Joanne Ludwig.

The Cathedral of Christ the Light is one stop on a roving tour of the Mobile Plant Ambassador, an artist terrarium known as the Wonderarium. Eventually the artists behind this project hope to plant a large terrarium in the middle of Lake Merritt. Find out more on Facebook.

Era Artbar hosts LA-based soul group Chicano Batman with DJ Joe Quixx, and Foxtail Brigade plays a free show at the Uptown. The Starline Social Club, an new music venue from Adam Hatch of the Hatch Gallery, holds a post-Murmur show featuring Shock, Range of Light Wilderness, and Antonian.

Saturday in Uptown

Saturday sees more action in Uptown. The Art Murmur continues to promote its quieter gallery stroll on Saturday afternoons, with extended hours into the evening. Several bars and restaurants will participate in the second annual Uptown Block Party to raise money for Oakland schools – check out East Bay Loop for more information.

http://www.eastbayloop.com/featured/2nd-annual-uptown-oakland-block-party-oct-8th/

And a bit further up town, the Gardens at Lake Merritt hold their annual Bonsai show for fans of the diminutive trees.

On a more academic note, the City Auditor released a report this week criticizing Fox Theater project – but developer Phil Tagami and the City of Oakland fiercely contest every one of its conclusions. In the end, one can’t argue with success – the Fox has sold out every show since it opened. Go to TheFoxOakland.com for a list of upcoming shows.

The month of July, despite heralding the much-delayed introduction of summery weather, bore mostly bad news for downtown Oakland’s economic development. But there is good news on the horizon, as well as a full plate of cultural experiences for your DTO weekend.

Economic revitalization attempts

Mayor Quan vowed not to give up on keeping the Metropolitan Transportation Commission in Oakland.

Bay Area chain Faz announced it will be taking over the old Verbena space in 1111 Broadway.

Civic leaders pushed for locating the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab expansion near downtown, as part of the Oak-to-Ninth development.

And in cultural news…

OaklandNorth tells legends from Oakland’s oldest bar, Heinold’s First & Last Chance Saloon.

Jack London Square will teach you the foxtrot as part of Dancing Under the Stars, tonight.

Upscale Southern-inspired eatery Pican celebrates Georgia’s peach with signature dishes, desserts and drinks.

The Lake Merritt Hotel’s Terrace Room hosts swing dancing with dinner, on Saturday.

Miss Pearl’s Jam House hosts stand-up comics tonight and Saturday, and on-going.

The new Art Murmur event, called Saturday Stroll, is now every Saturday – so you don’t have to wait a month to get your art on!

The Oakland Museum and its revamped cafe host a Happy Hour with late-night gallery hours.