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If there’s one thing about Oakland during the holidays, it is that it is full of singing. There are countless opportunities to catch holiday concerts by one of the many talented choirs that have shows in December. This week, the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir and Cantare are two that should be on your radar.
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 events to our calendar for free.
Bandaloop presents: “Estuary”
Faith Elder is one of the aerial dancers part of Bandaloop’s “Estuary” show. Credit: courtesy of Jessica Swanson
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Bandaloop, the dance troupe that combines aerial dance and rock climbing, has a new show called “Estuary.” There are two opportunities to check out the show this weekend, which is a collaboration between nine emerging and established artists. The tickets for the show are on a sliding scale, and the proceeds help to pay the performers who donate their time towards each project.
Friday, Dec. 5 to Sunday, Dec. 7, 8:30 p.m., donation-based between $25-$75, 1601 18th St.
Black Cultural Zone Kwanzaa Holiday Mixer
An archival photo from 2009 showing a Kinara at the lobby of Oakland’s YMCA. Credit: courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
Black Cultural Zone will honor African heritage and culture by lighting the kinara that represents the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa: unity, self-determination, collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, purpose, creativity, and faith. The event will also include traditional music, food, and the opportunity to learn more about this holiday.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 3 p.m., free, RSVP online, 2750 73rd Ave.
9th annual Social Justice Children’s Book Fair
Some of the books offered during the 7th annual Social Justice Children’s Book Holiday Fair at Emerson Elementary school in Oakland. Credit: Amaya Edwards for The Oaklandside
This year, the book fair, which began in 2017 to raise awareness of the need for more diversity in literature, will feature over 50 children’s book authors, illustrators, and literacy organizations. There will also be discussion panels, author readings, a musical performance by Alphabet Rockers, and more.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., free, Emerson Elementary, 4803 Lawton Ave.
Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir’s 40th Holiday Concert
The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, comprising semi-professional Black gospel singers, and other ethnic backgrounds is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Like other choir organizations hosting holiday shows that honor resilience, OIGC’s theme is “Hope in Harmony.”
Saturday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m., $24 and up, Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway
Cantare Presents: “Lead with Love” Holiday Concert
Cantare, an Oakland-based nonprofit that builds community through choral music, will hold its annual holiday concert Sunday, accompanied by a full orchestra. The concert will be directed by founding artistic director David Morales and Children’s & Youth Choir Director Julie Haydon. This year’s themes include hope, promise, justice, love, peace, compassion, and unity.
Sunday, Dec. 7, 4 p.m., $20-$44, by phone at (510) 836-0789, or at the door, First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway
Hot Tickets in The Town this week: STOMP 30th anniversary
The theatrical production, which combines percussion, movement, and visual comedy using household and industrial objects like brooms and garbage cans, is celebrating its 30th anniversary. The eight-person troupe is touching down in Oakland for two shows this weekend.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 7, 1 p.m. and 5:30 p.m., $70-$105, Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, 10 10th St.
Coming soon to The Town: 90s Banda Tour at the Oakland Arena
Five of the most popular regional Mexican bands will play at the Oakland Arena next year. Credit: graphic courtesy of the Oakland Arena
If you like regional Mexican music, this is the show for you. Bands like El Recodo, El Mexicano, Banda Machos and others will converge under one roof early next year.
Friday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m., $53 and up, Oakland Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way
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