Music
Off of 19th and San Pablo in downtown Oakland lies an unassuming two-story building; if it’s a quiet night, the only giveaway that something is going on inside is a big bouncer with an ear-piece standing out front and a small black and white sign that says “The New Parish.” But inside, the New Parish is Oakland’s newest music venue.
It’s been a little over a year since the Fox Theatre in downtown Oakland reopened, and since then it has gained a reputation for front-lining all the top rock bands touring today: Wolfmother, Monsters of Folk, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Decemberists, just to name a few. On Wednesday night, the crowd lined up early to come see the National, a melodic indie band that has been steadily building a loyal audience over the past few years and now is capturing mainstream attention.
For those women who always wanted to unleash their inner Patti Smith or Grace Slick, last weekend’s Ladies Rock Camp in downtown Oakland offered a weekend of concentrated rock.
Shannon and the Clams is an Oakland-based band that turns life’s awkward moments into damaged pop gems.
Welcome to Oakland North Radio, our new podcast! Ever wonder what happened to all those 60s radicals? Reporter Sam Laird has the story of one activist and freedom singer who’s still spreading the message of love and peace — albeit to a much younger audience.
A sustainable garden, hip-hop and multimedia production — the Green Youth Arts and Media Center opened on January 14th in Oakland. It’s mission: to connect environmental sustainability to cultural practices and to mentor Oakland’s future leaders. Jun Stinson reports.
After the earthquake, Haitian dancers Portsha Jefferson and Colette Eloi were hearing from loved ones in Haiti who needed help. So they came together with other artists in Oakland, California to perform at a benefit concert. The money they raised was sent directly to friends and family in Haiti, where it will be distributed in their communities. Kate McLean reports. Photos courtesy of Congo SQ West, Rita Daniels and Rara Tou Limen.
On Sunday evening in Oakland, approximately 3,700 miles away from devastated Haiti, more than 180 Bay Area musicians got together to deliver the sound of hope to the Haitian people.
The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir performed its annual Christmas concert on December 23 at the 12th Street City Center.