East Bay dwellers: If you’re wary of those tired “Oakland is Brooklyn” comparisons, you’re not alone. The past few years of city folk landing in the East Bay after getting priced out of San Francisco has naturally led to more than a few breathless stories in the media about Oakland is hip now — check out all these new great bars and restaurants and happenings!
In reality, as we East Bay natives know, our side of the Bay has always been cool. And, as September and October are the Bay Area’s real summer, it’s also hot — at least, about 10 degrees warmer than the city on a given day. Whether you’re on the lookout for thought-provoking theater, literary fetes, or live music that will keep you grooving into the wee hours, there’s something for you in the East Bay. Just keep it on the DL — we don’t need any more people to find out how good it is on this side.
Hiero Day
Sept. 7
3rd and Chestnut, Oakland, CA
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What began as a humble, hip-hop-centric street party four years ago has grown into a behemoth — in the best possible way. Thrown by the guys from homegrown Oakland hip-hop label Hieroglyphics (home to Del the Funkee Homosapien and Souls of Mischief, among others), Hiero Day is one part daylong music festival, two parts celebration of all things Oakland. Family-friendly, with a lineup of independent artists espousing some very Bay Area values (The Coup, Zion I) in addition to national artists pushing the limits of what hip-hop can be (Chicago rapper Psalm One should be as big as Lauryn Hill), it all goes down around 3rd and Chestnut, with sponsor Linden Street Brewery as non-musical epicenter. Last year’s party drew more than 22,000 people — plus an unannounced Deltron set — so come armed with sunblock and ready for anything. (Emma Silvers)
‘Art/Act’: Edward Burtynsky
Opening Sept. 18
David Brower Center
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Photographer Edward Burtynsky, known for his arresting images of altered landscapes, is the recipient of the David Brower Center’s Art/Act Award, an honor bestowed upon established artists devoting their practice to activism through art. In this exhibition, Burtynsky presents aerial photos from his series Water, images of once-wet areas rendered desolate and visually entrancing by drought. Included are photographs of the Colorado River Delta in Mexico, Shasta Lake Reservoir and the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Reservation. Additional images from the series Shipbreaking, Tailings and Oil and Quarries document the devastating effects of humankind’s activities on the natural world. (Sarah Hotchkiss)
Grace Jones
Sept. 26
Fox Theater
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Grace Jones burns in full androgynous Amazonian glory in this 1982 live neo- futuristic funk jam take on The Normal’s deadpan new wave classic “Warm Leatherette.” There’s the trademark glossy dark lipstick, the geometric flat-top, and those eyes, hidden behind sunglasses. Whether as a model, new wave synth-head, disco queen, or lissome foe to Conan the Barbarian and James Bond, there’s no denying Miss Jones power. She’s written about her wildly stylish, iconoclastic, and influential life in a new memoir, out on September 29. Just before the book’s release, on Sept. 26, Jones brings her forceful presence to the Fox Theater. Latex, cigarettey monotone, and lasers shall ensue. (Kimberly Chun)
Three to Infinity: Beyond Two Genders
Oct. 3
The New Parkway
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With gay marriage finally legal in every state, it might seem that things are finally evening out for the LGBT community — until, of course, you consider the discrimination and dangers faced by trans people on a daily basis. Lonny Shavelson’s documentary explores the world of people who “identify as neither male nor female: agender, gender neutral, gender queer, and more.” At this screening, part of the New Parkway’s ongoing “Appreciating Diversity” film series, you might be surprised: viewers of all ages — and, naturally, all genders — will likely find someone in this film whose struggles feel all too familiar. (Emma Silvers)
Gang of Four
Oct. 17
The New Parish
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It’s amazing to think that at one time in our history, a band like Gang Of Four would sell enough records to be a hit today. Tagged with the purposefully non-descriptive genre of “post-punk,” Gang Of Four led the charge of bringing punk out of the rock world and made it more intellectual. Keeping the Do-It-Yourself mindset at the forefront, they incorporated funky bass lines, jagged guitar riffs and aggressively political lyrics into punk, paving the way for other noteworthy bands such as the Pop Group, Delta 5, and The Birthday Party. As angular and in your face as the Gang of Four was, they influenced musicians varying from Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers to R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe. They reunited back in 2004, though nowadays guitarist Andy Gill is the only original member still playing with them. But a quick look at recent performances on YouTube, and it’s obvious that they can still tap into the anger and confidence of their youth. (Kevin L. Jones)
Disgraced
Opens Nov. 6
Berkeley Repertory Theatre
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At a time when Republican presidential candidates like Sen. Ted Cruz seem intent on wielding the phrase “radical Islamic terrorism” like a cudgel, Ayad Akhtar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning one-act drama about identity, assimilation, and the Islamophobia hiding behind the comforts of the American Dream seems more relevant than ever. Amir Kapoor is a successful American-born Muslim mergers and acquisitions lawyer, his white wife Emily an artist whose art is touched by Islamic images and ideas. Distanced by his work from the religion he was raised in, Amir makes an unofficial court appearance in support of a local NYC imam who seems to be unjustly imprisoned for financing terrorist-supporting groups. It’s not exactly the stuff of silkily smooth dinner conversation when Amir invites an African American colleague home to dinner, along with her Jewish art dealer husband and the talk turns to racial profiling, faith, and trust in post-9/11 America. The hope, no doubt, is that the conversation continues beyond the confines of the stage when Disgraced makes its West Coast premiere at Berkeley Rep. (Kimberly Chun)
Other fairs, fests, and events worth a look:
Every Tuesday in September: The Seshen residency at Leo’s Music Club, Oakland
