This week the Town celebrates an epic anniversary: the iconic Grand Lake Theater turns 100. If you want to check out some oldies on the big screen, or take a tour of this magnificent landmark, this week is your chance.
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.
Grand Lake Theater centennial celebration
The Grand Lake Theater is kicking off its 100th birthday with free screenings of classic films including “The Wizard of Oz,” “Singing in the Rain,” “Fantasia,” and “Snow White.” Space is limited, and it is first-come, first-served. The theater will also offer tours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Free screenings on Wednesday, March 4; tours on Friday, March 6, through Sunday, March 8, see website for details and times.
3rd annual ‘Women of the Avenue’
The Piedmont Ave Merchant Association is celebrating International Women’s Day on March 8 by inviting locals to check out all the women-owned businesses along the commercial strip throughout the weekend. Each participating business will offer discounts and giveaways; some have planned special events.
Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8, see website for business hours, Piedmont Avenue
The photos of Howard Harawitz
On May 20, 1969, documentary photographer Howard Harawitz took a photo of a young child wearing a gas mask and holding a small daisy. The iconic photo was taken at a demonstration protesting President Ronald Reagan’s decision to order the tear-gassing of student protesters at UC Berkeley, where Harawitz was a graduate student at the time. This and other works of his, including other protest photography and images of farm workers in the Central Valley, will be on display through March 29.
Artist’s reception, Saturday, March 7, 1 to 5 p.m., free, The Grand Gallery, 560 2nd St.
Music critic and cultural historian Greil Marcus (top left) will be in conversation with Oakland Tony and Grammy-award winning actor, writer, and producer Daveed Diggs. Credit: Courtesy of Penguin Publishing Group
Lit talk: 50th anniversary of ‘Mystery Train’
Legendary music critic and cultural historian Greil Marcus is celebrating the 50th anniversary of his book, “Mystery Train: Images of America in Rock ’n’ Roll Music,” recognized as one of the most influential books ever written about popular music and American culture, with an event in Oakland. Marcus will be in conversation with Oakland’s Daveed Diggs, the Tony and Grammy-award winning actor, writer, and producer, best known for originating the roles of Thomas Jefferson and the Marquis de Lafayette in “Hamilton” and for his Oakland-based film and TV series, “Blindspotting.”
Saturday, March 7, 6:30 p.m., $27.24 and up, Oakstop California Ballroom, 1736 Franklin St.
Hot Ticket in The Town this week: Fans Fest
The definitive Oakland sports fan group the Oakland 68s stepped up to fill the void left by the Athletics when they left town — along with the team’s yearly fans fest. For the past four years, the 68s have teamed up with sports organizations and local businesses to put on this event featuring food, music, and appearances by beloved athletes who played with Oakland’s former teams. This year, the 68s have teamed up with clothing company Oaklandish, and they are taking the celebration to Fruitvale. Check out the Oakland 68s Instagram page for updates on which athletes will show up.
Sunday, March 8, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free, Fruitvale Village, 3301-3451 E. 12th St.
Coming soon to The Town: Gorillaz at the Oakland Arena
The British virtual band led by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett rose to international fame with their 2005 album “Demon Days.” That band, Gorillaz, is now heading out on tour to promote its new album “The Mountain.” Tickets for the Oakland Arena show go on sale on Friday, March 6. Sign up by Thursday, March 5, at 10 a.m. Eastern, to access the presale.
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m., see website for ticket pricing, 7000 Coliseum Way
“*” indicates required fields