One of the most exciting things about covering arts and culture in the Town is its thriving visual arts culture. From Oakland Art Murmur, to the incredible muralists who paint the Town’s walls in rich imagery, to galleries, art museums, and shows mounted at unexpected venues. While many are in your typical gallery settings, others take place at smaller museums, and even at unsuspected venues like the ice rink in downtown which will open its very first show this weekend featuring visual artists who have had a connection to the rink. 

We want to know what kind of events you want to hear about. If you would like us to consider an event for this weekly list, please email me at azucena@oaklandside.org. You can also use the self-submission form on our events page to add it to our calendar for free.

‘Happy Heavenly Birthday, Oscar’ exhibit at the Black Panther Party Museum

Oscar Grant would have turned 40 on Feb. 27, but he was shot and killed on New Year’s Day in 2009 on the platform of the BART Fruitvale station by former BART cop Johannes Mehserle. He was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for fatally shooting Grant and sentenced to two years in prison. A new exhibit at the Black Panther Museum on display through Feb. 28 asks, “Have you ever wondered who Oscar Grant would have been today?” The multimedia exhibit, which includes voice recordings by family members and loved ones, is part of a larger series called “1-800 Happy Birthday” that celebrates the birthdays of Black and brown people who lost their lives to police violence. Filmmaker and artist Mohammad Gorjestani created the project in collaboration with surviving families.
Wednesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., free,1427 Broadway

Baby Grendel at Stay Gold Deli

Portland’s indie-punk band Baby Grendel will be playing a show in Oakland in support of their latest release, “Everybody Hates Me in the House.” Bands Paperface, Hearing Loss and Star Eyes join the lineup.
Thursday, Feb. 5, 6 p.m., $5-$10 at the door, 2635 San Pablo Ave. 

‘World of Sports’ exhibit at the Sneaker Museum

Sneakerheads and sports aficionados have a place of their own at the Sneaker Museum in Old Oakland. This weekend, the museum unveils a new exhibit of sneakers and memorabilia that maps how sports and hip-hop have intertwined to shape each other’s looks and lingo and contribute to Black culture.
Friday, Feb. 6, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., free, 902 Washington St.

‘Edgework’ the Oakland Ice Center’s first community show

Bay Area sculptor and California College of Art associate professor Mia Feuer collaborated with the Oakland Ice Center’s general manager Glenn Martin to turn the walls of the ice rink into an unconventional exhibit space. Forty artists from all over the Bay Area submitted paintings, drawings, sculptures, film, and other artwork inspired by their connection to the downtown rink. The exhibit will be on display through Feb. 27.
Opening, Friday, Feb. 6, 5 to 9 p.m., free, 519 18th St.

The Lion Dancers are one of the favorite performances at the Lunar Year event. Credit: courtesy of Brent Simon
Lunar Year and Black History Month

The Oakland Asian Cultural Center is celebrating “Asian and African American solidarity” at the 4th annual family-friendly event. According to the center, over 1,000 people attend every year. Expect drumming and lion and folk dancing on the main stage, along with storytime and a marketplace. 
Saturday, Feb. 7, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free, register online, Pacific Renaissance Plaza 388 9th St.

Hot Ticket in The Town this week: Mandy Patinkin at HJK Center for the Arts

The Tony and Emmy Award-winning Broadway legend is bringing his new concert “Jukebox” to Oakland, which features a handpicked collection of classical musical numbers and reflections from his 40-year career on the stage and screen.
Thursday, Feb. 5, 8 p.m., $93.70 and up, 10 E. 10th St. 

Coming soon to The Town: Kamaiyah’s ‘A Good Night in the Ghetto’ 10th Anniversary Show at the Fox Theater

East Oakland rapper Kamaiyah will be playing a hometown show to celebrate the anniversary of her debut mixtape that includes the track “How Does It Feel,” which helped to catapult her to stardom.
Saturday, March 14, 7 p.m., $37.25 and up, 1807 Telegraph Ave. 

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