Korean Culture Festival was a part of Oakland's June First Fridays,…read more same as last year. located far end of telegraph ave, next to 27th St. makes sense $$ wise, lowers costs. locale: First Fridays, Oakland,(6/1/18) usual speeches by poiticians, invited dignitaries highlights: korean senior choir korean traditional dance performance taekwondo korean fan dance kpop: Korus, In the Groove, Eclipse, Androit College Ensemble Hip Hop: KG Raps, DJ set: BUJA "comfort women statue" exhibit notes: -parking not good.

I love this! It was a great event and I missed some of the speakers, but it's very spread out and…read morefinding people and events can be hard. This has gone from a "I can't miss this" to a "I can take it or leave it" event for me and that's sad because I love books. I did run into an acquaintance and that was nice. And the food wasn't as great as it has been in the past. And running alongside the farmer's market may not be the best idea either. I don't know if I'll come back because I was a bit underwhelmed with the selection. Also, a swag bag would be good. How can you have an event where people are buying books and not have a bag for them to carry them home in? Just some questions. I'm sure Berkeley won't have answers.

Really cool event! And really glad it's an annual thing (Bay Area Book Festival,…read morewww.baybookfest.org). I went in 2018, and it was its 4th year. Located in downtown Berkeley, really nice place with many shops and restaurants in walking distance as well. The festival had tons of vendors, $3-5 books for sell, food trucks and ice cream, a fun art pop-up blow up, activities for kids, speaker events, and book signings! Got some freebies as well :) here's to all the book lovers out there (:

So glad I made it to ASD in its first year. Paid $15 to get into the best bars in North Beach and…read morehear every breed of music I could ask for (rock, blues, hip hop, electronic, acoustic, latin, international, etc.), including great local acts and national headliners. My favorite show by far was Neon Indian, who put on a performance that I have to count as one of the best I've seen in SF to date. Great energy, great crowd, great setting in the historic streets of North Beach. I also had a great time at Mojito for some funk and soul, and loved Tiny Television at Savoy Tivoli. Unlike the typical free street festivals, ASD was not too crowded. Moreover, it had very positive energy, unlike many street fairs that often descend into useless drunken agitation. And because the shows were outside as well as in every corner bar, it felt like everywhere you turned there was new music to explore in a colorful new venue. Kind of like when you go to the ice cream shop and there's such an abundance of deliciou choices at your fingertips, you don't know where to begin. Was great that so many streets were just blocked off to traffic entirely. Next year I wouldn't be surprised if they raise ticket prices. But even if they do, we can always catch the main stage acts for free -- maybe the best treat of all. One question I have is, why would anyone pay VIP? Again, some of the biggest acts you could watch for free outside. And even though the main stage had a little area supposedly reserved for VIPs, there was no actual barrier or bouncer preventing anyone from just walking right up to the front of the stage.

My first fun event in San Francisco!!…read more A few days after arriving here from England not knowing a sole within 6000 miles I went wandering in North Beach and stumbled upon the All Shook Down stage. I ventured in listened to some music drank some beer and had a great time. By the end of the I festival had some great new friends who I still hang out with. At the time I did not realise but the closed streets and drinking in the street are quite a treat for SF. Neon Indian were great although amazingly load! A perfect Sunday in my eyes, sunny, outdoor daytime drinking with some live music thrown in for good measure! The only problem is Monday comes all to fast... Maybe it was not quite 5 star but it was a great welcome to the city for me so its getting 5 stars!

We have been listening to the Silver Bell Jazz Band play at Lindy Hop events for many years and…read morethey never fail to live up to high expectations for good traditional Jazz music that swings hard and is great for dancers, while also great for listening. All the musicians are incredibly talented and if you get a chance to see them in person - you should. As dancers they were a swing band that brought my husband and I together, so we recently hired then to play at our wedding, which was extra special. Ryan was very easy to work with and coordinated the playlist and event with us fluidly. They were punctual, professional and accommodating. They added the perfect fun and lively atmosphere to the evening. Many guests had never heard jazz live before and were mesmerized by it the whole evening. They elevated our wedding to that next level of amazing.

Silver Bell Jazz is a classical New Orleans jazz band. I have danced to their tunes at the…read moreWednesday Night Hop. The band leader is a Lindy Hop instructor, and his understanding of he dance shines in the music that is full of beautiful variations and breaks; leading a dance to the sounds of the band is a pure delight. The quality of the sound is excellent, the energy is great. One of the very few must-dance-to bands in the SF Bay Area. Note to the lead: sometimes the pieces end very abruptly; you have to be on your toes towards the end of the song in order to nail that final accord. Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/pg/silverbelljazzband

My chica Erin is the brainchild behind the whole Oakland Unwrapped/Indie Award concept. I met her a…read morefew years ago when all of this was only a beautiful idea and just her business card. The ironic part is she wasn't born here but has hella love for the place she now calls home. Oakland Unwrapped recently merged with OneCalifornia Foundation which also provides local community banking. The future is truly bright for this organization and ongoing event! I'm happy that the first to review named tons of the vendors present since I didn't get a chance to really roam the event. Not complaining, just that I was drawn to the aroma of my own tamales and wound up working the La Borinquena table while checking on the community information table with the groups I volunteer for: oldoaklandneighbors.org, 10000stepsoakland.org and the Oakland Merchant Leadership Forum omlf.org. I have to say first that the renovations at Sweet's Ballroom are coming along on a scale that is impressive to say the least. Steve S. and co are close to completion of the major work and I know as the word spreads there will be more events that I will need to attend there! I also need to give a massive shout out to the chicas de Yelp who all volunteered to work the event including Berna Diva, Pookie W, Jill K (who worked my food table with me) and Lupe M. I gotta give mad props to Consuelo J. for being the food coordinator for this too. There was also a Yelp table and I had the pleasure of meeting Cathrine O. and Natalie G. The event after it's initial rocky start, was an amazing snapshot of what Oakland has to offer. A diverse crowd of people, delicious food (there was an egg roll I'm still thinking about), drinks including Laotian beer from Champa Garden, lager from Linden Street Brewery and raspberry vodka sodas from Hanger One. Apparently, my dinner was mostly liquid that night, no wonder I had so much fun! The award presentation was an eye opener to how many different types of indie businesses are adding to the mix of commerce here. The night ended with a tight band that got folks moving and a chance for those of us working/volunteering to make Oakland an even BIGGER and more shiny jewel to chat about what's next. The positivity about Oakland is swelling and contagious. If you haven't caught it already... WATCH OUT, Oakland Pride is gonna to get you next!

I am a little late to write this review but I had to back track for a moment in time and commend…read morethe Oaklad Indie Awards. They really know how to throw an event. Between the free drinks and food, to the great goodies different companies were handing out, everything was well organized and people were excited to be there. By far the highlights: tamales from Tina Tamale, Numi tea, and Champa Garden with there yummy sausages and beer. I would make the trip back to Oaklnad just to go to Champa Garden! My favorite above all was the band. It was called the BCO Band and they covered a ton of older songs. People were up out of there seats dancing and it really was a great finale to a fun night!

I feel a smidge guilty for reviewing this place. Because I fully support the artsy little guys, I…read moreswear. And despite the 3 stars, I encourage you to support them as well. I just figured I'd give you a heads up before you do... The theater is a great size- smallish but not cramped and has good acoustics. Parking wasn't a problem for us. The actors were great. *Special shout out to Jay Kiecolt-Wahl. He was stellar in The True West. Now for the recommendations- wrap yourself in scarves, wool, mittens, beanies, long underwear, blankets and perhaps even a hot water bottle. Because this place is C-O-L-D. Bring an extra blanket or if you're from Berkeley, your yoga mat, because you'll bruise your poor little behind. The seats are like old-school movie theater seats but without ANY padding. That means your tushie is right up against some cold, hard wood. And not the kind of hard wood that you want your tushie to be up against. So puhleeze, go support the artsy little guys. Just be prepared.

I was in need of a good laugh so I headed for Berkeley in my Weekend Whip tuned to 98.1 Disco…read moreSaturday Night Jams. I rolled to the Live Oak Theater on Shattuck for the Live Oak Laughs Stand up Comedy Show . This show featured 5 Stand up Comedians - MC -Marc Abrigo, Sandy Stec, Jeff Applebaum,Chris Burns and Headliner Reggie Steel fresh from appearances on Americas Most Wanted and Trauma. The parking is all street so I parked a few blocks away and hiked in to the theater. The show is a Bargain in itself ,It was a Paltry $8 . The Live Oak Theater is a Small Intimate venue with theater seating and great acoustics. The Comedians where Funny as Hell . Topics ranged from Homeless People , White Guilt, Interracial Dating , In Breed Family's ,Dating and the Police. It was a very laughed filled evening . Great Show . After wards I headed to Triple Rock to get my drink on LOL.

A festival to check out at least once or to give it a go! It is a yearly festival, so if you have…read moretime and in the city, you mind as well don't want to miss it! It is Chipotle themed and I was digging the Chipotle beer while strolling around the park! Whether it is to grab food, sample some sponsored booths or to get your stamps on, the lines are reasonably long and it was at least moving for each booth! Grab some company and go on to venture out some exhibits! Collect 4 stamps from each exhibit and you get a free Chipotle burrito - redeemable at any Chipotle store and not at the festival itself! The music was pleasant and they had Neon Trees performing for the evening at 6ish!

I went to the FREE Cultivate Festival because I wanted to try Big Gay Ice Cream Truck. They have…read moretrucks & a store in NYC, read they got a truck from LA & drove up to SF to serve their ice cream. I got there late because I couldn't find the festival for the longest time, it's the old Speedway Meadow on the park map, there's only 1 sign for Hellaman Hollow when you're right on it, NOT on park map. Got there around 12noon & it was already very crowded. Got the Stamp card in the booklet you get in the Info Booth. Got in the Big Gay Ice Cream Truck line because it was already long, I think I waited over 30 min for a $5 soft serve Salty Pimp - it was ok, nothing really special. Heard a little bit of the music, I didn't know any of the acts so didn't care about that. Guac Mashup line - too long Avocado Line - long line, but stood in it. They gave out free plastic avocado cutter. Got stamp. Tacos - 2 for $5 I think, I didn't get it. Looked pretty good. Fresh vs Processed - line was kinda long, but it moved. looked quickly got a stamp. Dogs shouldn't be allowed because it's so crowded. Got my 4 stamps & the coupon gotta use before 6/22/13. Went to eat in on Irving near 22/23rd. That was way better.

"I seriously need a break from grocery-shopping in Chinatown!"…read more Whether the genre of music is jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, heavy metal, country, and sub-zero and maybe squeeze in an opera tune, depending on my mood, I still love music. Whenever any part of San Francisco hosts a music festival, I'm there. Local bands and performer(s) play the mastery jazz session to attract locals and visitors. Although I'm not too familiar with any of the unknown local performer's music or materials, but still I love to listen the music and wish them a future success. With the recent complaints of drunkenness from past festivals, the inside section of the park is alcohol free, but the Union Street side sell alcohol and must be drank on the street, before you enter the park. The festival wants everybody to enjoy the music and have a fun time without any misfortunes. There are booths, some from neighboring businesses selling souvenirs, clothing, foods and other odds and ends. With the charcoal grill being cooked by the vendors, you can't leave the festival without the smell of the smoke. I had lunch from elsewhere prior to my appearance to the festival. And there is a booth that sells beignets for $2.00 each. The same booth also sells a unique item that I couldn't deny to try: Frozen Cheesecake with Chocolate sauce on a stick. For $6.00, you get a slice of frozen cheesecake dipped in a chocolate sauce on a skewer. No kidding, that cheesecake was frozen and I suffered a mild brain-freeze after results, but still it was a one of a kind treat. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/7CfGUlfLG8X4v8sBACMxDQ?select=gNHl424OD7oaUkovwTMGFw The event is "free" and plays through the nice sunny weekend.

An annual (although almost canceled in '06) event for San Francisco showcasing the city's rich…read morehistory of jazz and blues. Events go on for a week with different jazz acts in different venues around North Beach. The fest caps off at Washington Sq Park on the weekend with several stage acts performing for the neighborhood. Flanked by St. Peter and Paul Church and Coit Tower in the distant, this is a perfect way to enjoy a summer day. Enforcements have been stepped up so be wary of outside alcohol, but nothing a camelbak cant solve. ;) Bring a dirty towel or a mat or simply get your pants moist, grab a spot on the lawn, and enjoy the mellow tunes. Food is available in the park, but with a variety of delis, restaurants, take out places in both NB and Chinatown, just find a cheapy slice of pie or dim sum. Gfs and I got slices from Golden Boy nearby and got drunk off of my backpack of sangria. Good times! $6 ripoff beer, wine, and other booze available within the park. Everyone tends to be in a good mood either naturally or from their backpack/baggy of fun! We had a creepy old dude stare at us. The stage was toward his back and he much rather enjoy the entertainment of the 4 of us talking about boys and us complaining over earshot about "Creepy Old Men Staring At US!" Grab friends, grab booze, grab a picnic, listen to good music.