We’ll begin this roundup by saying that we cheated a bit, and included an event taking place at the Claremont Hotel. It’s so close to Oakland, we just had to.
Speaking of Oakland, City Council dropped the city’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement for indoor establishments, effective May 18. Keep in mind that individual businesses can still require the use of masks or proof of vaccination. Two of the events we’ve highlighted this week—the We Are Oakland concert at Trinity Lutheran Church, and The Suffers show at Starline Social Club, are requiring both. The latter venue also has a more detailed explanation of its COVID-19 protocols.
We are currently in a surge, and Alameda County Public Health officials are urging the community to use high-quality masks indoors.
Know of an event that should be featured? Email me at: azucena@oaklandside.org
Satya at The New Parish
Singer-songwriter and Oakland School for the Arts alumna Satya has been on our radar since last winter when she released her single, Summertime. Although she now lives in New Orleans, the young up-and-coming star frequently visits the Bay Area. This week, she’ll be headlining her first show at The New Parish and debuting the video for her new song, appropriately titled Oakland. The show will also feature some recent alumni from Oakland School for the Arts.
Thursday, May 26, 8 p.m., $10, all ages, The New Parish, 1743 San Pablo Ave.
6th annual We Are Oakland benefit concert
Since 2017, Trinity Lutheran Church has been hosting We Are Oakland, a benefit concert as a way to give back to the Oakland community. Every concert is used to raise funds for a local nonprofit. This year, the funds will be donated to the Mental Health Association of Alameda County (MHAAC), a nonprofit organization that advocates and supports individuals with mental illnesses, and their family caregivers. Want to watch past performances? Then check out their YouTube.
Saturday, May 28, 7 p.m., donation-based, Trinity Lutheran Church, 650 Alma Ave.
Swim at Lake Temescal
Swimming is back at Oakland’s public pools and at Lake Temescal. While it was originally opened as a reservoir in 1936, Lake Temescal is a popular hang-out spot on sunny days. Despite some recurring issues with sewage spills (the latest occurred in the summer of 2020), the beach is fully reopened once more. Note that kayaks and other types of personal watercraft are not allowed on the lake, and there will be no lifeguard on site. Worried about the water quality? East Bay Regional Park District has a monitoring tool to check.
Daily, see website for closing advisories, $2-$3 plus a $5 parking fee, 6502 Broadway Terrace
Conjuring Wonder at The Claremont Hotel
If you enjoy Las Vegas-style shows, then look no further than this magic event coming to the gorgeous and renowned Claremont Hotel. San Francisco magician Dennis Kyriakos will be bringing his charismatic persona to the East Bay for a night of magic and tricks. Get a glass of wine, a cocktail, or a mocktail, and get ready to be mesmerized.
Wednesday, May 25, 7 p.m., $55, Claremont Club & Spa, 41 Tunnel Rd., Berkeley
Gulf Coast soul band The Suffers at Starline Social Club
If you’re like me, then you’ve been starving for live music. If you’re venturing out to concerts and interested in getting to know new bands, then this soul and funk eight-piece band from Houston is one that should be on your radar. If you’ve never checked out The Suffers’ music, look no further than their NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert. Kam Franklin’s soulful voice and the guitar riffs are sure to blow you away. The Suffers are touring to promote their upcoming LP, It Starts With Love, which will be released June 3 via Missing Piece Records.
Friday, May 27, 8 p.m., $20-$25, Starline Social Club, 2236 Martin Luther King Jr. Way
