Whether you like jazz, a live choir, exhibits, or want to drink a cocktail for a good cause, we have something for everyone this week. Also, First Fridays has been rescheduled for this Friday, April 12.
If there’s something you’d like me to consider for this weekly list, email me at azucena@oaklandside.org. And if you want to promote something on our calendar, you can use the self-submission form on our events page.
Ben Rosenblum Nebula Project at Sound Room
New York-based pianist, accordionist, and composer Ben Rosenblum is coming to Oakland for a special show with Nebula Project, a six-piece ensemble featuring a diverse cast of New York City’s jazz musicians. The show is taking place at The Sound Room, aptly, an intimate venue that “presents great music and promote jazz as an art form.”
Thursday, April 11, 7:30 p.m., $25, 3022 Broadway (across from Sprouts)
Oakland Kids First Present: Adults Second Happy Hour
Oakland Kids First, the nonprofit that works with Oakland youth leaders to improve the education system and civic engagement, is hosting a fundraiser happy hour at Amber Lounge (formerly The Layover), where 20% of the bar proceeds will benefit the work the organization does to ensure Oakland youth have a voice in decisions that impact their future. DJ Sake One will be behind the turntables, providing the tunes while you sip on one of the bar’s specialty cocktails like the agave jalapeño margarita, the Oakland mule (cognac and ginger beer), or a drink of your choice.
Friday, April 12, 5 p.m to 9 p.m., RSVP online, 1517 Franklin St.
Closing reception of the Raymond Cooper exhibit
A once-lost archive of photographs of Oakland in the 1970s and 80s by Black photographer Raymond Cooper has been on display at the Oakland Photo Workshop Gallery (East Bay Photo Collective) since mid-February. This is a unique opportunity to step back in time and witness an Oakland that once. And the last chance to check out the exhibit.
Saturday, April 13, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., free to attend, Oakland Photo Workshop Gallery, 312 8th St.
Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus Celebrates 25 Years of Musical Brilliance with ‘What a Wonderful World’ Concert Season
Since 1999, the Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus has strived to build a more inclusive and understanding world through the power of music. This season, the community has two opportunities to see the choir belt out classics like Seasons of Love and True Colors. The choir will also perform the world premiere of Earth Song, composed and conducted by Dr. Marques L. A. Garrett. The song is based on Langston Hughes’s 1925 poem, An Earth Song.
Saturday, April 13, 7;30 p.m., $15-$60, Montclair Presbyterian Church, 5701 Thornhill Drive
Fairyland’s ‘Mad Tea Party’ for adults
Fairyland is letting grownups roam the children’s park. This year, the magical park will host five events for grownups. The first one of the year is a Mad Tea Party theme where attendees can choose to dress up as their favorite Alice in Wonderland characters. Or, other costumes, or none at all. Expect DJ Styles spinning in the Merry Meadow, savory bites from different food trucks around the park, a March Hare’s Madness specialty cocktail, and other drinks. Tickets for admission include two drinks of your choice. Also, live actors will be dressed as the Mad Hatter and March Hare characters to bring the storybook to life. Go and chase the white rabbit.
Saturday, April 13, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., $35, 699 Bellevue Ave.
