There are lots of hot ticket events in Oakland this week, starting with the Alysa Liu celebration at Frank Ogawa Plaza on Thursday — though the free tickets for that have all been claimed — and the Oakland Roots season opener on Saturday at the Coliseum, where legendary Vallejo rapper E-40 will play the halftime show. Another must-see event is rapper Kamaiyah headlining a hometown show at the Fox Theater. 

Other events this weekend celebrate the end of Ramadan, West African dance, Trans Day of Visibility, and immigrant and refugee artists.

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.

Diamano Coura West African Dance festival

Diamano Coura West African Dance Company has been sharing the sounds and cultural traditions of West Africa for over five decades. This week the group launches its annual festival, which runs for four days starting on Thursday, March 12. The company is hosting a series of 17 dance workshops and three drum workshops at Westlake Middle School as well as a dance festival in Berkeley on March 14. 
Thursday, March 12, to Sunday, March 15, $12.51 and up, see website for schedule, workshops will be held at Westlake Middle School, 2629 Harrison St., the festival will be held at Martin Luther King Middle School, Berkeley

Ramadan night hours at Jerusalem Coffee House

Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, comes to an end on March 18. From March 13 to 15, the Jerusalem Coffeehouse is hosting extended night hours and a special menu. On Saturday, March 14, the coffeehouse is teaming up with Bakesale Betty for a menu that includes sumac aioli fried chicken and za’atar fries, served with a side of pomegranate ketchup. For dessert, iced strawberry shortcake matcha.
Friday, March 13, to Sunday, March 15, 6:30 p.m. to 12 a.m., 5443 Telegraph Ave.

OMCA Spotlight Sundays: Trans Ancestors in History and Creative Practice

The Oakland Museum is celebrating Trans Day of Visibility with programming that includes a talk with San Francisco-based Black trans archivist and historian Andrea Horne and workshops by “Queer Ancestors Project” teaching artists Mason J. and Ajuan Mance where participants can explore stories of trans ancestors and connect to their personal, collective and political lineages. Capacity for the workshops is limited; OMCA is prioritizing space for trans and genderqueer people to attend. 
Sunday, March 15, 1 to 4 p.m., $1 to $30 (sliding scale), 1000 Oak St.

Artwork part of the exhibit “Where Are You From?” Credit: Sarah McClean
ARTogether exhibit ‘Where Are You From?’

From now until Friday, March 27, ARTogether, an Oakland arts nonprofit that provides arts programs for immigrants and refugees, is hosting the work of 11 artists. The exhibit includes photos, letters, painting and other mediums, work in which artists reclaim their migration stories and explore their own definitions of home and belonging.
Wednesdays, 12 to 4 p.m., or schedule an appointment, 1200 Harrison St.

Hot Ticket in The Town this week: Kamaiyah at the Fox Theater

East Oakland rapper Kamaiyah will be celebrating the anniversary of her debut mixtape “A Good Night in the Ghetto” with this significant hometown show. Kamaiyah is the first Bay Area female rapper to headline at the Fox.
Saturday, March 14, 7 p.m., $37.25 and up, 1807 Telegraph Ave.

Coming soon to The Town: Jill Scott at the Paramount Theatre

Grammy-award-winning singer songwriter Jill Scott kicks off her world tour to support her new album “To Whom This May Concern” in Nashville this June. The tour will stop in Oakland for two nights in August. Ticket presale begins on Tuesday, March 10, at 10 a.m. General sales open Wednesday, March 11, at 10 a.m. 
Thursday, Aug. 6, and Friday, Aug. 7, see website for time and ticket prices, Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway

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