Latest Events in Oakland(February Updated)

Sign My Name to Freedom: The Lost Music of Betty Reid Soskin Director: Bryan Gibel | Co-Director: AK Sandhu Join local filmmaker Bryan Gibel and members of the film team at the West Oakland Branch of the Oakland Public Library for a FREE work-in-progress documentary film sample of “Sign My Name to Freedom,” a feature documentary about iconic National Park Ranger Betty Reid Soskin, her hidden life as a singer-songwriter, and her family’s experiences confronting Jim Crow-style segregation on the West Coast. The screening will be followed by a Q&A and discussion with Director Bryan Gibel, Outreach Producer Stephisha Ycoy-Walton, a West Oakland Librarian representative, and special guest Photographer Henry Raulston. Betty gained fame as the oldest Park Ranger in the country after starting that job at the age of 85, and she continued working at the Rosie the Riveter National Historic Site as an interpretive oral historian until she retired at 100. Through her experience as a WWII file clerk for an all-black union auxiliary in Richmond, she helped to reshape the national narrative about home front segregation in the workplace, labor unions, and in the armed forces. The documentary takes Betty’s work for the Park Service as its jumping off point, and then it explores lesser-known aspects of her personal story, focusing in large part on her family’s role as the first African Americans to cross the color line into Walnut Creek, and her hidden life as a singer/songwriter in the years that followed. The film also looks at Betty’s journey in her 90s to reexplore the music she left behind fifty years earlier and her collaborations with younger musicians to give her songs life again. The film team is currently raising funds to complete the documentary while Betty is still with us to experience it, which she very much hopes can happen. Their goal is to finish the film by 2025. Although Betty is doing well at 103, the clock is ticking. Support the making of the documentary Documentary Trailer Sign up for the films’ newsletter Read Betty Reid Soskin’s Memoir Information Source: Sign My Name To Freedom | eventbrite

Immerse yourself in the transformative power of intuitive painting during our workshop at Moon Landing Meditative Arts in Oakland, CA. Release your inner artist and infuse meaning into your work through an array of expressive techniques. From journaling to stenciling, texturing, and painting, discover the joy of crafting a unique piece of art. Allow us to guide you through each step, encouraging you to surrender expectations and trust in the creative process. The act of journaling under your painting allows you to pour yourself into the work and bring to light whatever is on your mind. This class is all about the process of creating and how you feel when you do it. This art workshop is suitable for individuals of all experience levels, including those who may doubt their artistic prowess. Our inclusive environment welcomes everyone to explore and experiment without judgment. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a curious beginner, you'll find inspiration and encouragement to unlock your creative potential. Join us for an unforgettable gathering filled with camaraderie, creativity, and connection. All art materials are provided. Let yourself create without judgment in this intuitive painting workshop! Information Source: Sivan Harary | eventbrite

Are you looking to learn a new craft this year? Antonia will help participants create their own coasters made by needle punching. Participants will be provided with all supplies necessary to create their coasters, including premade Peanut character designs, a seleccion of yarns, scissors, monks cloth, punch needles and embroidery hoops. During this two hour and a half workshop, you will learn all the basics of punch needle: stretching your monkscloth, selecting your yarn and creating your pieces. This is the perfect class for beginners, or those who have tried punch needle and would like some creative company. You'll come away from this class with a small coaster in a design of your choice -- and the knowledge to create future pieces of any size! Don't miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, tap into your creativity. ONLY 8 tickets available, so make sure to secure your spot today! ** This event is BYOB Information Source: Piscola Mami | eventbrite

Welcome to the House of Vibes! Get ready for a night filled with good music, great company, and beat drops. Join us on Sat Feb 01, 2025 at 7:00 PM at Quinn's Lighthouse for an evening you won't want to miss. Come to dance not be on your phone and vibe to multiple genres of dance music - house, afro, latin ... all of it! Information Source: Taj Panganiban | eventbrite

Aquafung Workshop - Oaklanda hands on mycology workshop building aquatic-bound projects with fungi led by Phil Ross with Rachel Linzer and Rolando Perez LOCATION: Port Labs, 2044 Franklin St. Oakland, CA 94612 DATE: Saturday, February 1, 2025 TIME: 1 PM - 5 PM MATERIALS FEE: There is a $25 materials fee for a kit provided to each participant. Tea, snacks and sounds will be served! EVENT DETAILS: Open Fung invites you to join us for a deep dive into mycelium’s potential for aquatic applications, while also gaining hands-on experience in creating and making materials made from fungi. The focus on aquatic environments and sustainability will make the workshop relevant and impactful for those interested in applied design for water environments . To explore the potential of Aqua Fung materials, this hands-on workshop will involve participants in creating mycelium-based prototypes for water-related challenges in the form of either boats, buoys and boards. Participants will receive information and links to relevant journals, articles, and tools. Outline of the Workshop: Introduction to Mycelium Materials: Learn about mycelium’s natural properties, sustainability, and potential for use in aquatic applications such as water filtration and erosion control.Exploring Aquatic Case Studies: Discover real-world examples of mycelium used for coastal restoration, floating bio-structures, and marine debris solutions.Hands-On Mycelium Prototyping: Create your own mycelium-based aquatic structures, experimenting with molds to design floating or water-resistant forms for filtration and habitat restoration.Testing in Water: Test your prototypes in water to evaluate buoyancy, stability, and material degradation, simulating real-world aquatic conditions.Material Enhancements: Learn techniques for reinforcing mycelium with organic materials like straw or coconut fibers to improve water resistance and durability in marine environments.Troubleshooting and Adjustments: Analyze and troubleshoot your designs in small groups, working with Phil Ross to address performance issues in water-based applications.Sustainability Discussion: Explore the broader environmental impact of mycelium materials in reducing plastic waste, promoting biodiversity, and supporting sustainable coastal infrastructure.Networking and Future Applications: Connect with other participants and discuss opportunities for future projects, collaborations, and research in the field of mycelium-based aquatic innovations.Materials Kit Provided to each participant will include:Fungal substrate fully grown through with live myceliumMold/form for aquatic structuresOrganic substrates for different applications (e.g., straw, sawdust, coconut fibers)Tools for working with fungiSafety gear (gloves, masks, etc.)ABOUT OPEN FUNG Open Fung is a nonprofit organation that builds collective resources for advancing fungi technology, materials and the arts. Open Fung is building the tools, knowledge, and networks to position fungi as a utility—helping both humanity and the planet to thrive. Information Source: Open Fung | eventbrite

Date: Sat, Feb 1, 2025, Time: 3:00 PM Venue: Oakland Scottish Rite Center Description: Join us for An Evening of Laughter with Comedian Eshetu! Get ready for a night of non-stop jokes, humor, and entertainment. Eshetu is known for his witty anecdotes and hilarious observations on everyday life. This event is in person, so gather your friends and family for a night full of laughs. Don't miss out on this opportunity to lighten up your evening! Information Source: St. John the Baptist Monastery | eventbrite