Happy Father's Day

If you are still trying to figure out what to do for that special man (men) in your life this Father’s Day, consider taking them to the BlackBerry Soul Bakery & Café. They will be Celebrating Father’s Day with a special menu that includes Smoked Chicken or Ribs, Baked Beans and Potato Salad. You can still order off of the regular brunch menu which includes their delectable Sweet Potato Waffles, Salmon Croquet, mile-high Homemade Drop Biscuits & Gravy, or a big poppa sized helping of one of their many mouth-watering cobblers and pies. No matter what you chose be sure to stay cool with a tall glass of their enchanting BlackBerry Lemonade.

Keep in mind that a percentage of all sales today will go to support 100 Black Wings, a boys and girls youth track club who are raising money to travel and compete in the 46th Annual International Children's Games which will take place in South Korea this coming July. These games are endorsed by the International Olympic Committee and help to promote global peace and foster cultural exchange through competition and cross-cultural friendship building.  

BlackBerry Soul Bakery & Café is located at the corner of 14th Ave & E. 21st  Street. They are open 10am-6pm today. 

A Call For Dance Studios

As a performer growing up in Oakland I was lucky to have the world at my doorstep through dance. Whether Haitian, West African, or Ballet, I gained a sense of the world through the twinkling of my toes. 

Malonga Center of the Arts courtesy of OaklandNorth.net

Everybody's Creative Dance Center, Mosswood Park, Studio One, Ms. Manduke at Oakland Tech, the Malonga Center, and Shawl Anderson all hold great memories of  dance in my heart and now Oakland's Art & Soul Festival will feature the many dance studios located throughout the city and are looking for performers. For more information call 510-763-5180. 

 The 12th Annual Art and Soul Festival is scheduled for AUG 4th and 5th, 2012. You can check out the following link to find out about this year's line up.  www.artandsouloakland.com/

Dance, Eat, Walk!

Today is the first of the month and it’s also the First Friday of June. As an Oaklander, I really look forward to First Fridays because of Art Murmur and the Art Walk that happens from all points downtown Oakland and throughout the Town. The energy is magnanimous! Yes that’s a mouthful but so is First Friday’s. If you followed me on Foursquare or Twitter last month, you had a chance to see where I like to roam. Whether I’m at Oaklandish checking out the live music, the Betti Ono Gallery to see a new cutting edge local artist, or grabbing a bite from one of the many food trucks parked along the streets, I LOVE IT!  

I will be trying something new tonight and if you are looking for something new you should meet me out at the “Night Market,” at Jack London Square. Debuting originally on May 4^th, this June 1^st event will be the second in the series 3 monthly shopping bazaars. There’s live music, fresh farmers produce, delicious food and libations. There will also be an Interactive Art Exhibit and of course artisans and craftsmen featuring their artistry and handmade goods. If you miss tonight’s event the final bazaar is scheduled for July 6, 2012. The festivities get started from tonight 6:00-10:00pm. Visit http://www.jacklondonsquare.com/night-market for further infomation.

courtesy of www.savvycities.com

Tonight will also mark the first in the series of the annual summer series, “Dancing Under the Stars,” on Jack London Square. You can learn to salsa for free with classes provided by the Linden Street Dance Studio . “Dancing Under the Stars,” will happen each Friday with something new to learn each time. For more information about future classes visit www.savvycities.com/dancing-under-stars-jack-london/ Free dance instruction is from 8:30-10:00pm with a dance party to follow.

If you are looking for an activity with substance join BAY-Peace Youth Leaders, and the Resistance Art Projects for “Poetry Murmur.” The open mic poetry reading will take place at the “Champions for Humanity,” monument located at 19th & Rashidah Muhammad Way. “Poetry Murmur,” is the last event of the school year so come on out and support our youth as they confront militarism and other forms of violence through “youth organizing” and “artistic resistance.” It’s an open mic and you are welcomed to bring a poem of your own that honors the legacy that the monument represents. Food will be served potluck style so feel free to bring a dish to share as well.  For more information about the Bay-Peace organization visit www.baypeace.org “Poetry Murmur,” begins at 7pm.