The skies are cloudy, but sunnier days will emerge heading into the weekend. So, if you want to hang out at the lake, there isn’t a better event to check out than 510 Day. And if you’re into fashion, OSA students have a two-day showcase for their creations.

Have an event you’d like to see included here? We do our best to stay on top of what’s happening in our community, but we love a tip. Send us a note 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: jazz pianist Larry Vuckovich at Yoshi’s

The Bay Area jazz pianist fuses Balkan ethnic folk music with American jazz and has collaborated with artists like the late Tony Benett and Pete Escovedo. Vuckovich is teaming up with a full band for a special show to celebrate the centennials of jazz icons Miles Davis and John Coltrane.
Wednesday, May 13, 7 p.m., $26-$49, 510 Embarcadero West

Merritt Dialogues: On Iran

Historian Behrooz Ghamari and feminist journalist Fatemeh Jamalpour will be in conversation with cultural critic and host of “Notes from the Edge” on KALW, Jeff Chang, to talk about the US‑Israel war on Iran, dissent, how regimes attempt to silence witnesses, and how revolutions are remembered. Tickets are available for the conversation in person and virtual as well.
Tuesday, May 5, 7 p.m., $12 to $16, The New Parkway Theater, 474 24th St.

10th annual ‘We Are Oakland’ community benefit concert

Since 2017, the Trinity Lutheran Church has hosted “We Are Oakland,” benefit concerts where a variety of local artists come together to sing for a good cause. Expect classical, pop, jazz and Broadway works from Mozart, Milhaud, Billie Martin, Bobby Hebb, Jacob Collier, Rodgers and Hammerstein. While the concert is free, every show has a brief break to collect donations. This time around, all proceeds will benefit SOS Meals on Wheels, and there will be a reception following the show. To date, these free shows have raised over $100,000 for various organizations who help the community.
Friday, May 8, 8 p.m., free, Trinity Lutheran Church, 650 Alma Ave.

Singers participating in a “We Are Oakland” benefit concert. Credit: courtesy of Jon Gallo

Fashion Show: ‘Deconstruction: Turning Fashion Inside Out’

19 student designers grades 9 through 12 from the Oakland School for the Arts Fashion Design Pathway are hosting a two-day fashion show. The runaway will show off 19 original collections with over 70 garments designed and constructed by the budding designers.
Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, 6:30 p.m., $16 to $66, Sweets Ballroom, 1933 Broadway

510 Day

Now in its 11th year, an event that began as a way to resist the gentrification of Oakland has transformed into a community gathering that not only continues to fight gentrification, but uplifts Oakland culture and raises awareness of social justice issues affecting The Town. Recently, the founders: lifelong Oaklanders and friends Leon (DNas) Sykes, Jordan Warren, and Needa Bee released a statement saying that the grassroots event is not to be co-opted by brands or the city. “What began as a potluck with a jam session, a sound system, and double dutch was built by Oaklanders for Oaklanders. No permits. No sponsors. Just The Town showing up for itself,” the founders said in the press release. This year, the event will include a marketplace to get a gift, a photobooth, and a special altar to celebrate moms who are no longer with us. Follow 510 Day on Instagram for day-of updates.
Sunday, May 10, 12 to 8 p.m., free, Lake Merritt

Coming soon to The Town: Kacey Musgraves ‘Middle of Nowhere Tour’

Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter, Kacey Musgraves just released her 6th studio album “Middle of Nowhere.” She’ll begin touring in August, and will stop in Oakland in October. Fans can register now for early access for the North American dates. Presale begins Wednesday, May 6 at 10 a.m. through Thursday, May 7 at 10 p.m. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, May 8.
Friday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m., see website for tickets pricing, Oakland Arena, 7000 Coliseum Way

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