Bikes, Queen of Clubs: DJ Black, Punk Funk Mob, & Speakin' Easy Vulcan

Biking Oakland
During last year's parking wars I got slammed with tickets. I reluctantly parked my girl 'Niti (that's her name) and took to walking and riding public transportation. It was amazing to see how much money I saved and how much better I felt-reduced my waistline and carbon footprint in one fell swoop! Still, riding Aunt Clara and BART most definitely lack spontaneity factor for making impulsive moves. In response, I dusted off my '90s era Bianchi Eros (Baby B), and solicited assistance from my good friend and riding "G", C. Brooks. After a few adjustments- two new tires, an inner tube, and some chain oil-CB got me on the road and I've been pushin' it like a 15 year old ever since.

During our visits to local bike shops to pick up parts and advice, I noticed an overwhelming attitude (not mean) just a look that says, "you don't know what you need, I do. Just shut-up and let me solve your problem!" I'm familiar with this attitude since my riding enthusiast (bike SNOB) of a son deals with me in much the same way. My logic: I need bicycle parts, service, and advice. Maybe I should visit a place that provides parts, service, and advice. I'm just getting reacquainted with biking and if I need to spend the money anyway, why can't I just get some questions answered without that condescending smirk?

While rollin' around on Baby B, I found...Manifesto Bicycle on 40th @ Webster. These folk have managed to create a shop that exemplifies Oakland-inclusivity. I was met with smiles (not eye rolls) and genuine interest in helping me get the right gear for MY NEEDS. My needs? I like that.

"We want you to come in and talk about bikes" explained co-owner Mackay. "We (she and her partner Sam) wanted to create a bike shop that feels like a skate shop." "Sam has been a bike enthusiast and mechanic his whole life and I'm an entrepreneur. When we started riding together it was like "ta da" this makes sense." To top it all off, these partners are Oakland Lovers and the rest is his(and her)story. They offer a nice selection of city rides and accessories as well as a complete mechanic's shop. Check out Bike Church on Sundays from 11-12. "Services" are held to empower riders to fix "your own" and share experiences with the local riding community. There's even coffee, live music, and vegan doughnuts. Hallelujah Baby B!

Visit Manifesto's website for more info and bicycle love.
http://www.wearemanifesto.com/

For more biking fun, peep these Oakland biking originals as well:
http://www.redbikeandgreen.org/blog/
http://www.oaklandyellowjackets.org/

The One Woman (Bicycle) Street Team: DJ Black
Earlier this year DJ Black got clipped by a car while on her bike while promoting Hella Gay or one of the many sets she throws in Oakland. The next day, girl was back on the streets promoting wearing a silk headscarf and some big shades. A true warrior DJ!

Last year Mr. Oakland and DJ Oliver hosted Black's 17th annual Halloween set. All I can say is, damn, damn, damn!! Almost 500 attendees and beautiful fun had by all. This year is Black's 18th Annual Halloween Extravaganza is being held this Saturday October 30th @ The Oasis 135 12th Street. DJ Black's Allstar DJ Crew for the night include Abeldee, Vladamir Computin, Miggy Stardust, fflood, Oliver, and of course, Black as Black! Also Aima the Dreamer http://www.aimathedreamer.com/ will be performing. Be festive because there will be a cash-prize costume contest hosted by Mr.O! Be ready the throw dat!
For more info, see the invite @
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=149531578378

"Welcome To the Freshness"

Punk Funk Mob: New Bar-Raising Video
Oakland based Punk Funk Mob have released the first installment of their latest music video Andie's Flowers. I'm intrigued: Beautiful woman, palpable angst, and a pocket knife? Leila could snap @ any moment. Will this end happily? New pieces to the puzzle will be released everyday @ 11:01 AM until 11/1/10. Can't wait to see how this all plays out. Check out Leila Chapter 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bm-A4-WLIdA The revolution may not be televised, but the web will do just fine. Quincy and Femi: Don't stop! PFM's latest release, Revolution, is available on itunes and @ Amazon. www.punfunkmob.com

Vulcan Blind Tiger Speakeasy November 6th
Think: Interactive dinner theater meets a prohibition-era set. Become a "one-nite member" of the Lucid Dream Lounge and soak up champagne, good food and 12 live acts with talents ranging from a french cabaret singer to an aerialists to 3 live bands to a opera singer (bravo to my girl Michelle Jasso) and more-intimate and flavorful. The stage winds throughout the audience and the menu includes fried chicken and even grilled cheese to exemplify this family home style joint. Real theater that's on the edge. The "donation" is $20 or $10 (if you arrive in a period costume). Attendance has exceeded 125 @ previous productions so get out. It's a speak easy, so you gotta do a little work to connect. Ya mean? Details @ http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=126653270722574653270722574


Until next time...Oakland Stand Up!

Mr. Oakland

Happy Halloween Ya'll!

Oakland Tribune: Kaplan Is Best Bet for Mayor

See It For Yourself
www.insidebayarea.com/opinion/ci_16322277

Oakland Stand Up!

Mr. Oakland

Get Your Vote In

Campaigning For Oakland
Three years ago, a business mentor advised me to "become politically active in Oakland". My response? Dry heaves. Nah, I'm cool with that. During this period we all have experienced frustration and anger (both justified) over all affairs pertaining to our city. Today I concede the validity of my mentor's wisdom.

Oakland is a city built on activism and,therefore, political by nature. This spirit of activism is what makes us look like weirdos on some days and masterfully united on others: It's who we are as a city. Since the city is run by politicians (insert growling stomach sound) isn't it time I took an ACTIVE(ist) roll in improving MY Oakland first?

This past week I witnessed why Oakland is so lovely and special. Oddly enough, our unique political environment shapes our city's beauty. Note: I have no intention of presenting a political head trip in this dispatch. All I can share are my own observations, and (current) conclusions about what I have personally experienced.

Remember This Guy?
Who better to take Oakland to world-class city status than a internationally known son of the city than Ron Dellums? Um....BUST!

I love Ron. Born and raised right here, he is Oakland through and through. Unfortunately, he created a force field between himself and The People. It seems he forgot the value of street credibility while doin' his thang (quite well I might add) in the US Congress. High profile is cool only when the benefits reach the lowest.

As a lame duck mayor, I give him credit for trying to limp out on a high note. Thursday night, he honored Oakland-based Pandora Radio http://www.pandora.com/ CEO Tim Westergren with a city proclamation during InOak's (see Mr Oakland 7/22/10) final meeting of the year at the crazy beautiful Kaiser Bldg Rooftop Garden. The setting was classic Oakland. Unfortunately it felt like too little... Isn't this the type of presence we needed almost 4 years ago? (Sigh)

Walking With Rebecca
On Saturday I volunteered to walk precincts for mayoral candidate Rebecca Kaplan. It was tough taking my activism to the streets. Forecasts called for beautiful Bay Area fall weather and I even considered faking to bask in the glow. The goal: Canvas neighborhoods and get the word out that she was the only candidate presenting a plan for improving Oakland. "Nice!", I thought. What a great way to spend a Saturday in the sun and "do my part".

Oddly, I was perplexed at the number of people who knew very little about an "elected" official who has served Oakland for the past 9 years as a city council member and on the transportation board. On numerous occasions I asked residents, "Are you familiar with Rebecca Kaplan?" Most responses went like this: "Who?" or "I've heard of her, but I don't know much about her." By the end of my shift I had internalized the importance of getting the word out about the candidates most aligned with my vision and goals for what I want for Oakland. Equally important, I saw that we (and I) could WIN!

A 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Choice
Oakland is ready for change. For that change to be effective, we must elect officials that have a history and track record for working with The People of Oakland. In my opinion, there are only two candidates with this type of experience: Jean Quan and Rebecca Kaplan.

This is the first year Oakland will utilize Ranked Choice Voting. How it works: All voters get a 1st, 2nd, & 3rd choice for mayor. I only mention Ms. Quan, current council member for District 4, not as a lesser evil, but as a viable second choice. I make no mention of a third choice simply because there are no other candidates with any real experience effecting positive change for the majority of Oakland's residents.

My Candidate For Mayor
So without further prognostication, here is my choice for mayor: Rebecca Kaplan. I firmly feel that Rebecca Kaplan should be the next Mayor of Oakland for the following reasons:

1. I have personally observed her rally a cross-section of people and causes for the betterment of all of Oakland's residents.
2. Experience serving all of Oakland.
3. A Blueprint for the Future of Oakland. Check it out for yourself: www.kaplanformayor.org/blueprint-future

Some of my closest friends have questioned whether getting openly involved is a good thing for me. I say ABSOLUTELY. Check it, I'm not asking that you agree with me. Just do your damnedest to get what you want by getting involved in the process. Ultimately, we can't judge Ron, Jerry, Elihu or anyone else for our failures or successes. In the end, we are the ones judged by the outcome. You. Me. The People.

Oakland Stand Up!

Mr. Oakland

See the NY Times article on how Oakland's clergy has embraced Rebecca Kaplan as a symbol of positive change for Oakland. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/10/us/politics/10bcoakland.html?_r=2&0agewanted=1

Learn more about Rank Choice Voting from V Smoove at A Better Oakland
http://www.abetteroakland.com/how-your-ranked-choice-voting-ballot-gets-counted/2010-10-07

Barber Spa, The Off-Nites, and Our Lovely Celebrations!

Splitting Hairs
I met Charles Blades about a year ago when he was in search of a location for his new "barber spa". I asked then, "Why a barber spa Charles?" His response: "Men need care too. " He continued, "Besides, people are too busy to sit in a barbershop for hours to get a haircut." Tell me about it! I've endured looking like a mountain goat for way to long in an effort to avoid those crazy waits. "Besides", he continued, "we men need care as well."

Utilizing an approach exampled by the legendary barbershops of Chicago, Charles has created a cozy, low-keyed haven for men to have their grooming needs attended to. The Charles Blades Barber Spa is located in JLS's wharehouse district, CBBS offers haircuts, manicures, pedicures, and a select offering of grooming and shaving products for the man seeking prompt, professional service. "This is an art form...there needs to be a higher quality of service."

The space reflects Mr. Blades' respect for other art forms as well. References to jazz and the visual arts are prominent throughout-keeping the energy level high, yet relaxed. Appointments are gladly set and walk-ins are available for regulars. See the website for a complete list of services.

This Saturday September 4th, the spa will present An Evening of Jazz with the Kenny Hawkins Music Project from 7:00pm-11:00pm. The event will take place @ 247 4th St. Suite 110 Oakland. Admission is $5.00 and includes a glass of sangria and a lovely summer dessert selection. Call Charles to get lined up before the show.

Check out the spa blog for more details on whats good in men's grooming and style.

www.charlesbladesbarberspa.com/blog/

Off Nitin' It
Ah Friday & Saturday Nights: Traditionally, the nights to get out and socialize. Problem is, everybody else has the same idea. Too crowded, too loud, and frustrating. First, I didn't go out to smell dude's cologne. Coulda stayed home for that, right? Secondly, I just don't like when I have to yell to tell her that she looks beautiful tonight. Not sexy!

For me, I enjoy getting out on off nights. In my humble opinion, a "hot spot" is defined by its off nights-days not starting with 'F' or 'Sat' . Here are a couple of my favorite off night spots:

HeyLove-n-Life
MUA http://www.muaoakland.com/seems to be a little of everything to everybody. A great restaurant. A nice open space to see and be seen. Great bar. Good looking wait staff. Interesting, quirky art works. These personality traits are a few reasons why Mua is one of the best spots to head to on Friday or Saturday nights. If you've ever been here on the weekend, you already know what I'm talkin' about; its just packed! That's why midweek trips to Mua are a good look.

Consider Wednesdays: My girl DJ HeyLove spins and her multi-faceted sets are the perfect reminder that the weekend is on the way. Besides, she's cute (uber cute actually) and stylish as hell. She even dances throughout the set. A rare treat: Owner Hi-Suk shaking his immaculately styled hair-that's him on the move. Have some dinner and just kick back and talk to your table mates like you're lounging at home with your own live mix tape. Ya mean? Instant mid-week sexiness for ya.

Don't forget this crew is on this Friday following The Murmur. Midnight Marauders. Hey Love and CROSS DJ take over @ 9:00 and don't relinquish control until 2:00. Don't ask for requests, radio play is played out!

Geisha
Speaking of CROSS DJ aka Chef Eric, rolled me over to Geisha last night for a live art show featuring Jason Macaroni and the DJ, MC, Art collective known as Woke With A Plan get down on canvas. Impromptu and a total surprise for a Wednesday night, I watched this duo transform a stick "lady" figure into a angel of light. http://wokewithaplan.blogspot.com/

The "Sexy" Taco Tuesday Lives Here
Creative tapas and a rare stock of tequila...NICE!!!! No more crowded subpar Taco Tuesdays for Mr. O. since everyone's favorite Downtown Oakland tapas spot, Tamarindo, recently expanded and opened tequila bar extraordinaire, Miel. This space is bright and fun. Lots of light, greenery, and imagery everywhere. Tell the ever ready to serve bar masters Ivan and Adrianne that, "Mr. Oakland said,...the Tamarind Margaritas, Lime and Cactus Margarita, and the Sangria are a MUST." From 5:00-7:00 there are happy hour drink and food specials. $2.00 carnitas tacos, bean and cheese burritos (dreamy good), and if you are lucky, potato. Of course, items from the well loved daily menu are also available . Glow on Gloria!

www.tamarindoantojeria.com/

Image courtesy of Jimmy Kwong of http://www.reef-designs.com/

Not bad for an off night!

Tell Mr. Oakland about your favorite Oakland Off-Nite Spot. Maybe I can roll with ya!

Big Ups!! (aka the indicators that to show that Oakland is rising or as Mr. Oakland says, Know the OIRs before you talk smack about Oakland!)

Congrats to InOak (see Mr. Oakland for July 22, 2010 ) for creating enough buzz to get WSJ to cover the growing tech market here in Oakland. Good to see the techies coming out of their caves and getting some sunlight! The BART extension is cool, but Mr. Oakland's looking for a Silicon Valley extension. Thanks Kim Bardakian for keeping me up on thangs! Check out this link for the complete article. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703467004575463590688048652.html?mod=rss_economy

Oh Man...Oakland
Did you get out to Eat Real in Jack London Square this past Saturday, Sistah's Steppin' in Pride, Chinatown Street Festival or Uptown Block Party? If you didn't, you missed a great opportunity to see Oakland in full bloom. Culture, diversity, crazy good food, and Peace.

A $5 Oakland Pride http://www.oaklandpride.org/ goes down this Sunday September 5th from Noon-6 PM on Franklin between 19th and Broadway. Chaka Khan headlines, but you gotta check out these home town (s)heros: Kymberly Jackson, Valerie Troutt, DJ Olga T, and DJ and vocalist Dana Ryan. Don't miss this one!

I love it here!

Oakland Stand Up!

Mr. Oakland

Art, Art, and More Art!

Sexy Art @ The Guy's General Store
I love to shop for clothing. I tend to seek out those establishments that have a great selection, great service, and a focused, yet eclectic, offering. I wanna look good, smell good, and maybe pick up a heartfelt compliment for my originality along the way. I dig Henri Hubert because I feel like a GUY when I leave. Smell good supplies, masculine jewelry, unique tees, and a crazy selection of accessories galore. English Laundry shirts peeking out of trunks, branded socks stacked high, and antique barber's chair give the store it's cool messy guy's room feel-without the funky sock smell. Peek in every corner and shelf for small surprises: A's bobble heads, old cameras, and comic book figurines. Additional style points to Ree for her layed-back attention that is far, far, far from overbearing. Nice!

Head over to the shop next Saturday, August 14th from 6-9 PM for art & fashion affair featuring the vibrant work of East Bay born painter Atiba Azikwe Andrews. Mr. Andrews loves women. He gives extreme detail to lips, eyelashes, and hair to capture the subtle essence of femininity. If you listen closely, you can almost hear them breathe. Buy a new belt. Buy a new painting. You never know, it could change your life. Visit the store online at http://www.henrihubert.com/ . See more of Atiba Azikwe Andrews' work at his website http://www.azikiweartla.com/

My Stops For This Friday's Art Murmur

It's gonna be a slammin' night for art, music, and Oakland Love tomorrow night. Consider riding the B Line if you plan on drinking, consider taking the new free downtown shuttle. Look for me @ these spots:

R.A.W
Starting @ The Uptown for The R.A.W. show curated by Carly Ivan Garcia. When Carly drops these shows, the people are beautiful, the drinks never stop, and the DJs set it off. From 6-10pm on the corner of Telegraph and 20th. After-set is across the street @ 2022 (2022 Telegraph Ave). Special shout out to Michael Orange of www.toptensocial.com/ who will be showing some of his work.

Best of the East Bay

The East Bay Express is holding their annual Best of the East Bay Party @ Jack London Square. My picks @ that event are for The Dance Battle from 7-9 hosted by The People and Yak Films. Also stop by the Art Stage for live aerosol art If These Walls Could Talk and A Decade With No Name are labors of love presented by the graphic team @ fiftyseven-thirtythree. Pay close attention to longtime Oakland painter RAS Terms. I'm still kickin' myself for not buying that Rooster painting he showed @ Old Crow. BTW thats me in my bad-ass fiftyseven-thirythree original Rickey tee in dijon (that's a cool way to say yellow)! Visit the store @ 4125 Piedmont Ave., 2nd Floor or http://www.fiftyseven-thirtythree.com/ DON'T SLEEP ON THIS!

After the JLS set, The People will move the party to the New Parrish for their official after party. If you have never attended one of their every third Saturday parties, get with it! Visit The People at http://www.thepeopleoakland.com/ Get some Yak @ http://www.yakfilms.com/

Midnight Marauders
Gonna round out my evening at MUA http://www.muaoakland.com/ for Midnight Marauders. Sound Schemes will be presented by DJs CROSS http://www.crossdj.com/ and heyLove of (The People) from 8-2. I usually check out MUA on Wednesday nights when the vibe is mellow; these two are anti-commercial with their sets and I always love the new music they spin. Cerebral partying with sexy grown ups. Any set that has the motto "You like the sound, we can get down" is where I gotta be!

Live On Stage!
New York Times best-selling author, Mary B. Morrison is planning to launch her first stage production right here in Oakland. Word has it that her latest book, "Single Husband" (a poignant and explicit view into the down-low activities of 3 successful men and their wives) is set to premiere @ The Malonga Casquelord Arts Center November 5th in preparation for a potential national tour. All of the original music composed by D'Wayne Wiggins. Her overall literary success and the casting of predominantly local talent makes this a must-follow production. I'll keep you up on thangs!

In the meantime, enjoy this rich slice of Oakland funkiness featuring Mr. Wiggins bringing love. Big ups to DJ fflood (Feel Free, New Life, Transdub Massive) for shooting this!

Oakland Stand Up and...
...be thankful for whatcha got!

Mr. Oakland

Collaboratively Innovating Oakland

INOAK Holds First Meet-Up
This past Thursday INOAK, a community of Oakland-grown tech companies, hosted their first mixer to encourage innovation, exchange best practices, and to network @ Levende East. http://www.levende.com/

You may know about Pandora, but does Skytide ring a bell? Well get ready because that's all about to change. INOAK was created by a handful of innovative new companies based in Oakland to inspire, encourage, and help build a strong tech business sector here in Oakland.

"Oakland is the center of The Bay Area and is a commuters dream.", says Chris Mottau of North Venture Partners http://www.northangels.com/ a angel investment group that helps tech companies gain a foothold in the marketplace. "The City of Oakland, the Community Benefits Districts (CBDs), and local business have been working over the past year to bring INOAK together", continues Chris. "This is truly a community collaboration and we are looking to get the word out."

Well you just did Chris!

The next Meet Up is August 19th in The Den @ The Fox and starts @ 5:00 PM . To learn more, visit INOAK http://www.inoak.org/ or visit their Facebook page.

So I roll out of the INOAK event right into...

The Summer Block Party That Lasts Until October
Akin to Oakland's tech community, Old Oakland has quietly and subtly become the hottest low-keyed neighborhood in Oakland. In an attempt to build neighborhood awareness; a newly formed business coalition is promoting what may be the most picturesque neighborhood in Oakland.

Thursday Night Live (TNL) is produced by The New Old Oakland Entertainment Group; a coalition of Old Oakland businesses formed with the purpose of bringing more people to the neighborhood. By partnering with the CBDs, Eastbay Express, Club One, and Yelp this team of “take charge of our own destiny” business owners refuses to wait around for opportunities to show up. In classic Oakland fashion, they have adopted a "smash and grab” entrepreneurial approach to growing their businesses.

“Residents from all over Oakland love Oakland’s potential,” says Tina Aiyer a member of The Group. “Every nationality is here partying together!” Furthermore, “Promoting social engagement through food, and music events that reflects the cultural diversity of our city is essential.”

Make the rounds and check out The Trappist http://www.thetrappist.com/ , Tamarindo http://www.tamarindoantojeria.com/ , B Restaurant http://www.boakland.com/ , Air Lounge, Blackbird Gallery, Levende East, and get some of Benny B’s Jerk Chicken Wings @Liege http://www.liegeoakland.com/ Hitting all the spots in one evening may be a bit much, but you can always map it out for next time.

Free salsa lessons, hot, hot music, good food, and great friends will keep this bi-monthly concert series running HOT through October. Now that’s a party!

The next TNL takes place August 5th and features Julio Bravo http://www.juliobravo.com/

Check out TNL and TheNew Old Oakland (not a typo) on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=76322072173&share_id=109014769146030&comments=1#!/thenewo

Oakland Stand Up!

Mr. Oakland

The Icon, The Artist, & The Super Hero

They say loss comes in 3s. For the past 2 weeks that has been painfully true for Mr. Oakland. Since July 3rd, 3 people in my life have "moved on". Three people that exemplify for me what it means to live the "Oakland Life". The life that so many people want to hate on and yet, can't help but want to BE US.

Love is Alive in Oakland
Growing up as a church kid, I was condemned to attend church-related functions sometimes 3 to 4 times per week. While I hated going most of the time (sorry Mom), choir rehearsal was one functions I loved. Why? Because we could learn Walter Hawkins songs: One of the benefits of growing up post "Oh Happy Day".

The Hawkins made it cool to be spiritual and funky, funky, funky! By making gospel music relevant to daily life and exposing the "true roots" of popular music, Walter (and his brother Edwin) became musical icons that changed not only gospel, but popular music around the world.

Yeah I said it! THE WORLD!!!

I will miss Walter for performing @ Art and Soul, always being fly (especially the hair), and mostly for reminding me that I live in a culturally relevant city that is ever changing, improving for the better, and influencing the world.

I said it again, THE WORLD!!!

Oakland's Light Chaser
I met Cathy Austin through her photography. Rich, vivid, and sometimes ethereal, the work had a strangely calming effect on me. She would say, "It's the light". "I wait for the light to reveal the true image." No effects. No PhotoShop. Just "the light".

Without fanfare, she came with Karen, her partner for over 20 years, to hang 12 pieces of her Oakland-centric works @ The Golden Bridge Lofts. The two of them worked quietly and in joy: Laughing, encouraging, critiquing until things were just right. Watching these two work, I never imagined that there was a war going onwithin Cathy's body. I only saw love and admiration.

She never let on and she never let her light diminish.

During our brief time together Cathy showed me the art of sharing. Sharing her passion for her art (she was a jazz DJ as well), her love of Karen, her friends, Big Blue, and her love for Oakland. Man she loved her some Oakland.

She was waiting for Oakland's light to be "just right"...
and for her, it is ever perfect.

See Cathy's love for Oakland on her site: click on"Oakland Reflections" and "Black & Whites" http://www.cathyaustinphoto.com/






Wonder Woman Was Here
Christy Freitas wasn't famous. She didn't have one of "those" talents that made everyone stop and notice her. What she was was extremely genuine. Bright, sarcastic, funny, & imaginative she could bend you over with laughter or scold you into submission with a simple glance.

This ability was due to her "magic power". Powers gleaned from her time in Amazonia hanging with Wonder Woman. You remember "The Lasso of Truth", indestructible bracelets, and invisible jet, right? She always claimed to have this gear, but would never show me. "That's only to be used when necessary."

As a mere mortal, she had the power to pour courage, sincerity, generosity, and love on her family and friends.

To top it all off, she was a mad crazy Raider fan.

And that's alright by me!

Oakland Stand Up!

Mr. Oakland

PS Oakland: Think of 3 people in your life that best exemplify the "Oakland Life". I would love to hear about them. MO