This week in Oakland, locals have a variety of exciting events to attend, highlighting culture, community, and the arts.
One of the standout events is the screening of the documentary “Wood Street,” which is currently under development by Oakland-based journalist and filmmaker Caron Creighton.
Creighton, a graduate of UC Berkeley, focuses on homelessness, displacement, and culture in her work, which has been featured in several local publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle.
The documentary spotlights the once-larger-than-life encampment community of Wood Street, which closed in 2023, and follows the stories of community leaders John and LaMonté.
This screening is particularly special as it serves as a fundraiser aimed at raising funds necessary for post-production costs to finalize the film by this fall.
The screening is set for Wednesday, July 16, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Oaktop, located at 1721 Broadway. Attendees can RSVP online for the free event and have the opportunity to donate during the screening or through a dedicated crowdfunding campaign.
In addition to the documentary screening, the San Francisco Mime Troupe will perform “DISRUPTION – A Musical Farce” at Lakeside Park.
This political musical, staged in an outdoor setting, explores the ramifications of systemic authoritarianism in the United States.
The performances will take place on Wednesday, July 16, and Thursday, July 17, both starting at 6:30 p.m., with free admission and a suggested donation of $20.
Moreover, the aerial dance troupe Bandaloop will present their unique show, “Somewhere to Oakland,” at Oakland City Hall and the Rotunda.
Starting Thursday, July 17, and running through Saturday, July 26, audiences can experience a mesmerizing blend of aerial dance and rock climbing as the dancers bring to life a poetic narrative about migration.
The performances will take place on Thursdays and Saturdays, with specific locations and times available on their website.
Families with children residing in Alameda County should not miss the upcoming Safe Kids Day: Health and Wellness Fair.
Hosted by the AEG Oakland Community Foundation in collaboration with the Alameda County Emergency Medical Services Agency, this free event will provide essential resources for families.
On Saturday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oakland Arena, attendees can receive free diapers, over 300 booster seats, and 400 bicycle helmets, alongside children’s activities and wellness information for parents, including tips on emergency preparedness.
Another highlight this week is the performance titled “I Was There Too: A Performance by Meres-Sia Gabriel, Child of the Black Panther Party Revolution,” which will be held during Spotlight Sundays.
Meres-Sia Gabriel, the daughter of notable Black Panthers Emory Douglas and Gayle Dickson, will share her personal insights and narratives from the era following the establishment of the Black Panther Party in 1966.
This impactful performance will take place on Sunday, July 20, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at OMCA, with ticket prices set on a sliding scale from $1 to $30.
In entertainment news, fans of musical icon Barry Manilow should note that the legendary performer will be gracing Oakland for the last time in the East Bay this Friday, July 18, at 7 p.m.
Tickets for this concert start at $26.15 and are available for purchase at the venue located at 7000 S Coliseum Way.
As a final note, music enthusiasts should mark their calendars for an upcoming concert featuring Angeleno bands X and Los Lobos at the Paramount Theater on Saturday, November 8, at 8 p.m., with tickets priced between $53 and $241.
This week promises a vibrant array of events that celebrate Oakland’s rich culture and community spirit.
image source from：oaklandside
