Optimistic Pessimism aka Holding Out For The Good

I've been waiting for the new year to roll out before I start being optimistic about the new year. Last year was challenging for everyone: Even Mr. Oakland had to tighten that belt up to make it through. With that in mind, I have been slow to jumpin' on that band wagon of new year positivity.

Here we go!

Speaking of Missed Opportunities...
Don't know why you missed The Kenny Hawkins Groovin' Deep Music Project hosted by Charles Blades Barber Spa on December 30th. (See my last dispatch cause I told ya 'bout it!) What was there not to love about this set? Great food, slammin' jazz, special guest violinist and Oakland Public Conservatory faculty member Sandra Poindexter, and a beautiful slice of Oakland Goodness (Oakland folk) ready to soak up the holidays. Oh, did I mention that it was only $10? Standing Room Only! Oakland's jazz traditions are based in the jazz clubs (not ONE club). Look out for intimate venues and rich performances springing up all over The Town. Big Ups and many thank yous to Charles Blades for knowing what's up! www.charlesbladesbarberspa.com


Tuff(y) and Kuhl!
After reflecting on 2010, I realized that I missed some great positive jump off. One missed opportunity was Lil Tuffy's 2nd Annual "Showprints and Art" @ Kuhl Frames + Art. There was no way I was gonna miss the 3rd annual show!

Lil Tuffy is best known for his gig posters. Artists from MC Chris, Maus Haus, Thomas Dolby, Oakland's own Digital Underground, WuTang Clan, and Pavement. His aggressive use of color and space make for some thought provoking and humorous imagery. And because he is a self described member of the "attention deficit disorder generation" (Why is it so easy for me to relate to that?), he has created a prolific body of work influenced by, "1960's Russian matchbooks, Old West WANTED posters, National Park postcards, cocktail napkins, '70s strip club newspaper ads, the history of steel in Pittsburgh, and the atom bomb". The show has over 200 posters.

This KRS One joint was a dream acquisition. Been coveting that one for over 5 years. Big Man Lil Tuffy pointed me in the right direction and I was able to swoop this one up for myself. I know where the last available one resides. If you want it, I can hook that up for you. If you're astonished, don't be. I'm Mr. Oakland!

Since I Love Value
Most posters are in the $40 range. Consult with Travis about custom framing. Archival quality work is the rule. The highest quality and craftsmanship is how Travis does it. There are ready-fit frames to precisely fit the majority of Tuffy's formats as well. Or you can keep running to Ikea and Z Gallery for that mass-produced garbage all your friends keep copping. If more value is required, Tuffy and Travis will be hosting a closing reception January 29th from 5-9 PM. Does free PBR mean anything to ya? Limited edition poster, custom framing, and a free beer? Hmm...just go!

Located right @ the top of Franklin. You know that s-curve that ends @ Broadway?
Travis Kuhl's shop is open and bright; tucked between steel & glass modernity and brick & mortar classic Oakland architecture. Very unexpectedly cool. BTW that's how you pronounce Kuhl. Tell Travis and Tuffy who sent ya!

www.kuhlframes.com
412 22nd Street

Mon-Fri : 10:30 - 6:00

Sat : 11:00 - 4:00

Sun : Closed

House of Paradiso: Just RELEASE
The Oakland house music scene just received another shot in the arm this past Thursday. Legendary local spinnas DJ fflood and DJ Cecil are at it again with a new weekly lovefest @ Paradiso (2272 Telegraph Avenue). RELEASE promises to satisfy in the tradition of The People, Soulful Sundays, Magic Milkcrates, and New Life. A two-level party with soulful house upstairs and dance hall downstairs. These DJs are skilled, diverse, and eclectic. Look for the dynamic duo to tag team on the sets throughout the evening. Every Thursday from 9PM-2AM RELEASE should satisfy your midweek dance jones. www.disolounge.com

Don't forget to tell the DJs and Mesfin Mr. Oakland sent you!

Until next time,

Oakland Stand Up!

Mr. Oakland

Contribute to Oakland Public Conservatory http://opcyouth.chipin.com/music-scholarships-for-youth

Parking Ticket Trip

Hey Oakland,
Recently I had to deal with a parking ticket. No big deal except that I just couldn't bear the thought of paying to park so I could address a parking ticket. That just seems so wrong. So in classic Oakland fashion, I revolted!

I parked near Jack London Square within the warehouse district (4 hour limit) and decided to take The Free B up Broadway. I have to say that I truly love the "f" word. There's just something about the way the word just rolls off the tongue and makes me feel so good. Go ahead. Say it with me: Free. Electric!

My first stop was Charles Blades Barber Spa http://www.charlesbladesbarberspa.com/ @ 180 2nd St for positive conversation about jazz, Oakland politics and the Arts. While there he turned me on to this holiday jazz event taking place on December 30th. http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=136746066378978&index=1

I missed the last show. Not this time.

For a crazy creamy killer cappuccino made from coffee roasted on premise, I made my way to Blue Bottle Coffee @ 3rd & Webster Speaking of BBC (sorry Pharrell), next time you stop in, have a latte made with Ethiopian Amaro Gayo. You can taste hints of blueberry muffins. For real? For real! Also hit them up for a (say it with me again) free cupping (think wine tasting, but with coffee) on Tuesdays and Sundays @ 2 PM-my biz partner LaShan and me are attending on 12/21...come with us.

I was ready to hit The Free B and head up Broadway, except that Roli Roti http://www.roliroti.com/ (divine) decided to set-up shop on the curb out front serving roasted meat creations. Could this be a divine sign? Fresh roasted coffee and fresh roasted meat? Given the flexibility offered me by my 4 hour parking window, I deduced the following: 1. Buy a sandwich 2. Walk it off by skipping the B & head up Broadway to Frank Ogawa by foot. "Hmmm", ...so I had the Roast Pork Loin w/Crispy Pork Belly Sandwich. Back Story: I grew up in a household that deemed pork as an abomination. You know, the usual. High blood pressure, cholesterol, and the "unclean" meat thing. That may all be true, but damn! Ok pork is bad except this sandwich and, of course, bacon. Put one of these sandwiches on your bucket list. It won't kill you. I'm just sayin'! Divine intervention indeed!

After making a quick stop @ RiteAid for some much needed H2O, I headed across Broadway to the parking office. I was greeted by the sweetest security attendant in THE WORLD City of Oakland Oak sticker. Branded swag? I thought we were in the midst of a recession? Do it Oakland! With my stickr proudly pasted on my jacket, I headed up to the parking office where I was promptly serviced. I was back @ the bus stop on 14th and Broadway within 10 minutes. It was a happy ride back to JLS on The Free B. Beautiful!

The best $10 I've spent on parking in many years. And no ticket!

Stuff like this happens to me cause I'm Mr. Oakland. It can happen for you too. Just keep reading my inconsistent dispatches and I'll keep you up on game...see you in the streets!

For Free B schedule and a route map visit Aunt Clara via the attached link.
http://www.actransit.org/maps/schedule_results.php?quick_line=B&Go=Go

Oakland Stand Up!

Mr. Oakland

Aima The Dreamer/Jazz Mafia Hookup for Tomorrow Friday 12/3

Alright now Oakland!!!

Mr. Oakland here to share what we love the most in life: A Damn Good Hookup!!

The Show:
Jazz Mafia featuring (Oakland's own) Aima The Dreamer
The Craneway Pavilion
1414 Harbour Way South
Richmond, CA 94804

Been noticing the buzz on Jazz Mafia for over a year and had a hard time believing what I was hearing: A 43 piece hip hop big band? That's right, a Hip Hop BIG Band performing an original hip hop symphony "Brass Bows and Beats".

Just downloaded some free music from their website: Yessir!! I have been dying for an epic hip hop production that involved live music for a long time. No offense to the Kev Choice Ensemble, but 43 pieces? Come on! You know Ellington, Basie, and Hampton wish they could come back for this!

So when my girl Aima The Dreamer informed me that she was on the bill I knew I was done.

About Aima:
I first saw her perform @ DJ Black's Halloween party. Is it possible to turn a party out with just two songs? Well she rocked it and I'm in love with her music! Her latest release "The Dreamer Mixtape" , produced by J Boogie, is NICE NICE NICE. J Boog put his foot in it.


Mr. Oakland has some Oakland love to share with YOU!

I have limited guest list privileges to share, courtesy of Aima. so hit me up by MIDNIGHT TONIGHT with names to add. Just send an email with "AIMA THE DREAMER/JAZZ MAFIA" in the subject to mrkevinskipper@gmail.com and you're in!

Get with it and get there. This will be a holiday show NOT TO BE MISSED!

For more on Aima The Dreamer visit http://www.aimathedreamer.com/

Check out Jazz Mafia at http://www.jazzmafia.com/

For info on The Craneway Pavilion visit http://www.craneway.com/

To prove that there is no such thing as an overnight sensation, here is a video featuring Aima, J Boogie, and Jazz Mafia from 2008. Ya mean?




Oakland Stand Up (& Sign Up)!

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