Oakland doesn’t do slow weeks. In the next few days, you can catch pole performers and freestyle rappers, watch pro-wrestlers take over a West Oakland market, and find new ways to make Oakland even better at a two-day civic fair. Plus, a great local photographer whose work you’ve seen on our site has a solo exhibit. Whatever experience you’re chasing, Oakland can deliver. 

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.

Hot Ticket in The Town this week: Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus presents ‘Inextinguishable Light’

Since 1999, the Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus has spread cheer at events all over the Bay. This weekend, the chorus has two shows in Oakland designed to amplify queer joy. The repertoire includes songs like “You Can’t Stop the Beat” from the Broadway show “Hairspray” and pop favorites like Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” and Chappel Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.” If you’ve never been to one of their shows, expect incredible vocals and dancing on stage.
Friday, April 11 and Saturday, April 12, 7:30 p.m., $28.52, Valley Center for the Performing Arts, 3500 Mountain Blvd. 

The Ruckus Revival presents: ‘Wild Things’

Originally called Tourettes Without Regrets, founded 28 years ago by Jamie DeWolf, The Ruckus Revival has taken residency at The Continental Club with a different variety show every month featuring pole performances, comedians, burlesque, circus performances and even freestyle rappers. 
Thursday, April 9, 8 p.m., $23.18, The Continental Club, 1658 12th St.

Pro-wrestling Puppet Wars

Prescott Market in West Oakland isn’t just a great spot to get a bite before Ballers games. It has also become a community hub hosting all types of family-friendly events. This weekend, pro-wrestling will take over the market. The matches are expected to be fun and interactive.
Saturday, April 11, 5:30 p.m., $23.18 online, $30 at the door, Prescott Market, 1620 18th St.

‘Night and Day Around the Bay’ photo exhibit

Freelance Oakland photographer Jerome Parmer – whose work you may have seen on our site – will unveil his first solo exhibit featuring some of the countless images he has taken in Oakland, Berkeley and other cities in the Bay. The exhibit is on display through Wednesday, May 13.
Opening reception, Sunday, April 12, 4 to 6 p.m., Rockridge Cafe, 5492 College Ave. 

Photographer Jerome Parmer enjoys going around Oakland to capture the city’s vibrancy. Parmer is having his first solo exhibit showcasing some of his images. Credit: courtesy of Jerome Parmer
Oakland Join-Up two-day civic weekend

Oakland resident Jared Joiner founded JOINERS last year as a civic group to help Oakland residents learn about their community by supporting businesses and sharing the importance of voting in local elections. 

This weekend, the club is hosting a two-day event at Two Pitchers. The first day includes a screening of the documentary “Join or Die,” which examines “how declining community engagement created an American civic crisis.” The next day is a fair where you’ll get the chance to meet over 20 local clubs, community groups, and projects you can partake in.
Screening, Saturday, April 11, 6 p.m., RSVP online, $10 donation, Sunday, April 12, 1 to 4 p.m., RSVP online, Two Pitchers, 2344 Webster St.

Big Mike Hart at Yoshi’s

Michael “Big Mike” Hart Jr. is a guitarist, songwriter, and producer from Sacramento who has performed with artists like Boney James, Kenny Lattimore, and Joe. Hart is bringing his soulful sounds to Oakland next week.
Tuesday, April 14, 6:30 p.m., $53.10 and $108.10, Yoshi’s 510 Embarcadero West

Coming soon to The Town: Ballet Folklórico México Danza’s 35th anniversary at Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts

The México Danza company was founded in 1991 in Hayward by René González, and Martín Romero of Mexico City. It started as an after-school dance program and in the decades since has transformed into a cherished cultural institution that serves kids and adults. The dance organization is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a one-night gala in Oakland.
Sunday, June 14, 3 p.m., $44-$55, Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, 10 E. 10th St.

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