Alex Valle did not expect date night to begin blindfolded and on a stage. She sat across a divider from a potential match, a man who introduced himself as “Dennis,” as a lively audience listened to them banter. The experience was “exciting and abnormal,” Valle reported after removing her blindfold, and also short-lived — lasting just five minutes. But that was the plan. Each dater had a dozen or so other meetups scheduled for later that night. As young people…
The Oakland Comedy Festival returns this weekend for its sixth year, featuring dozens of up-and-coming and established talent. Mike E. Winfield, a comic who has been featured on “America’s Got Talent” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” will headline the event Sunday. Shoshanna Howard, Oakland Comedy Festival host and founder, said the event is all about bringing people together. With Bay Area comedy venues like Alameda Comedy Club, Cal Shakes, and San Francisco’s Milk Bar shutting down, Howard said…