It’s a rainy week in Oakland. If you don’t mind getting out in it, the Black Joy Parade will be taking over downtown this Sunday with a parade, a music performance by Mýa, plus lots of Black-owned businesses to support.
Beyond that, we are mostly showcasing indoor events this week — engaging events that will shield you from the downpours forecast through mid-next week. If you like jazz, the New York Kelly Green Quartet will be playing at The Sound Room. If you are into astronomy, head up to the Chabot Space and Science Center for the immersive show “Astronomica.”
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.
‘Enero Zapatista’ poetry night with open mic
The EastSide Arts Alliance in East Oakland is known for its book shop, Bandung Books, and for its political and social justice exhibits. Through Saturday, Feb. 28, the arts organization is hosting the exhibit “El Común: Nuestra Lucha es por la Vida.” The exhibit is inspired by the Zapatista movement, which fights to end labor exploitation and the extraction of natural resources. A poetry night will celebrate the exhibit’s final week.
Saturday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m., free, 2277 International Blvd.
Kelly Green Quartet at The Sound Room
The Kelly Green Quartet is transforming The Sound Room into a Greenwich Village-style jazz club for this special Oakland performance. The quarter features pianist and vocalist Kelly Green, drummer Evan Hyde, bassist Luca Soul Rosenfeld, and flautist and composer Elijah J. Thomas.
Saturday, Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m., $39.19, The Sound Room, 3022 Broadway
9th annual Black Joy Parade
For the past decade, the Black Joy Parade, an event celebrating Black culture, has evolved from a one-day parade into a week of festivities throughout Oakland, highlighting Black artists and vendors. This year, the festival will include over 200 Black vendors selling food, clothing, handmade items, and more. Singer-songwriter Mýa is headlining the main stage. The parade will kick off at 12:30 p.m. on 14th Street and Broadway. Keep an eye on the event’s Instagram for a map that breaks down where everything will be located.
Sunday, Feb. 22, 12:30 p.m., free (donations encouraged), RSVP online, 14th Street and Broadway
Bay Area trivia at Sante Adairius Oakland Arbor
The bar in Old Oakland known for its rustic ales is hosting a trivia night where participants will be tested on their Bay Area knowledge. According to the organizers, expect a “who’s who of Bay Area focused breweries.”
Monday, Feb. 23, 7 p.m., free, 460 8th St.
Lit talk: ‘Why Fly’
San Francisco-based author Caroline Paul will be at Clio’s in conversation with author and political activist Courtney Martin to discuss Paul’s latest release, “Why Fly: Seeking Awe, Healing, and Our True Selves in the Sky.” In the book, which is part memoir and part journalism, Paul discusses being a pilot of experimental aircraft for the past three decades and takes readers on a journey into the science of aeronautics and why people are so interested in flight.
Tuesday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m., $7.18 and up, Clio’s Books, 353 Grand Ave.
The Kelly Green Quartet is bringing its New York jazz vibes to The Sound Room in Oakland. Credit: courtesy of Kelly Green
Hot Ticket in The Town this week: James Hood’s ‘Astronomica’ at Chabot Space and Science Center
Award-winning composer James Hood has a new immersive experience at Chabot Space and Science Center’s full-dome digital planetarium that’s running for one more night only. The show explores the infinite beauty of the cosmos, accompanied by Hood’s symphonic score. It invites audience members to “drift through auroras, dance among the stars, and explore worlds both cosmic and internal.”
Sunday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m. and 7:15 p.m., $39.90, 10000 Skyline Blvd.
Coming soon to The Town: J. Cole at the Oakland Arena
Rapper J. Cole just released his seventh studio album, “The Fall Off,” on Feb. 6. Cole told fans that this project is a “double album made with intentions to be my last.” He’ll be launching his world tour in July in Charlotte, North Carolina, and will come to Oakland for back-to-back shows in August. Tickets go on sale on Friday, Feb. 20.
Saturday, Aug. 29 and Sunday, Aug. 30, sign-up for the presale, 7000 Coliseum Way
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