08.31.07
Posted in Downtown, News, Events at 7:32 pm by OaklandGoods
image from artandsouloakland.com
Yes folks, this weekend is Oakland’s legendary Art and Soul festival. Music runs the gamut from moms singing out their stresses to punk rockers and soul legends. Visit the Web page for a complete lineup. I’m psyched for the free salsa dance lessons!
On the art side, dozens of craft vendors will be selling their wares, there’s a children’s art gallery with opportunities for kids to creats, and Oaklandish will be out sharing their Folklandish Library collection.
Local food is also showcased, with sponsores including Dashe Cellars, Cosmic Chocolate, Numi Tea and others.
You can’t miss it:
art and soul
downtown everywhere!
Sept 1,2,3

image from Art and Soul Web Site
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08.27.07
Posted in Downtown, Events at 6:55 pm by OaklandGoods
Through September 19, StoryCorps’ GriotBooth, housed in a classy Airstream trailer, will be parked outside Oakland’s City Hall. The Griot Initiative is aimed at collecting the oral histories of African American families from around the country.
According to the StoryCorps Web site, in the West african tradition, a griot is a person charged with maintaining community tradition through story, music, and dance. Being a griot is an honor.
Become a griot by reserving a time top have your own StoryCorps conversation today by calling 800.850.4406 or visiting the Oakland GriotBooth Web Site. You’ll get a c.d. copy of your interview to take home and pass along to future generations.
griotbooth
frank ogawa plaza
14th and broadway
through sept. 19.
www.storycorps.net
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Posted in Old Oakland, Events at 5:47 am by OaklandGoods
Thanks to everyone who came out for the Nite Souk! A fun evening was had by all. Here are a couple of my photos…

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08.21.07
Posted in GoodLife, Glenview at 3:50 am by OaklandGoods

photo from wags and whiskers…
Those folks at Glamour Paws better hurry up and open. It seems pet-related businesses are the hottest storefronts to open in the hills. Hayward’s Wags and Whiskers pet boutique is opening a second spot in the Glenview at 4211 Park Blvd. Indications now are limited to a business card taped in the window and a note on their Web site, but expect business to be booming soon because these cats are fast - the Hayward store opened less than a year ago and they’re already expanding.
www.wagsandwhiskerspetboutique.com
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08.16.07
Posted in Downtown, Old Oakland, Events at 1:49 am by OaklandGoods

My friends at NovoMetro are sponsoring this weekend’s coolest event, the Nite Souk. Taking place in Old Oakland, the nighttime outdoor market runs from 6-11 p.m and promises to be very cool. Many local artisans and performers will be represented, so come by for some Cosmic Chocolate or crafts with MOChA. I personally can’t wait to see the Aztec dance!
At 9 p.m., the City of Oakland will be screening Little Miss Sunshine, so when you’re about to drop from shopping, you’ll be able to kick back for a free flick.
For more information on the Nite Souk visit the Nite Souk Web site.
the nite souk
saturday, august 18
9th and washington, 6-11 p.m.
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08.14.07
Posted in OaklandGoods, Downtown at 11:40 pm by OaklandGoods
On Thursday from 12-3 p.m., Marie of Entrez! Open House has organized a little street fair in her neighborhood. It’s a great time to stop by. Entrez! is also in the middle of its end-of-summer sale.
If you’re driving, Entrez! now validates parking for up to $4 in the Rotunda Garage at 17th and San Pablo.
1645 telegraph ave.
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08.10.07
Posted in Grand Lake, News at 5:56 pm by OaklandGoods

In celebration of its tenth year, Arizmendi on Lakeshore is giving away “treats” (the sign wasn’t specific, but does it matter?) today and tomorrow. Pop by for something tasty and wish the collective bakers a happy birthday!
arizmendi
3265 lakeshore ave.
510.268.8849
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08.07.07
Posted in GoodLife, Montclair at 4:39 pm by OaklandGoods
Anyone out there have any tips about when this Montclair pet groomery is opening? They’ve moved forward from the awning banner to a nice sign on the building, but the windows are still all papered up…
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Posted in GoodLife, Piedmont Ave. at 4:30 am by OaklandGoods

Lireille, a new Piedmont Avenue boutique, is a treasure chest of gorgeous jewelry. Many of the designers they carry are international transplants to the Bay Area, including jewelers from Germany, Israel, and Malaysia. My favorites are a series of sea-inspired pieces by German artist Ina, a Santa Cruz resident. The store also serves as the home base for owners/designers/cute married couple Yan Liu and Steve Robinson.
Along with contemporary jewelry at a variety of price points, Liu and Robinson are part of the First Friday art walk and exhibit a new artist monthly. Currently featured is Mexican artist Dionisio Ceballos. Their light, airy gallery space is perfect for showcasing paintings and wearables. And the collection changes all the time. Liu is constantly looking for jewelry artists whose designs would fit well in the showroom. That makes this a wonderful - if dangerous for the pocketbook - stop on the Avenue for jewelry lovers.

lireille
3980 piedmont ave.
510.547.3455
hours: 10-7 daily
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