Social Eyes: Week of June 19-25

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Social Eyes: Week of June 19-25

THURSDAY, JUNE 19

ROCK

ANUPRASTHA

It’s not every day, or even every summer, that a pioneering Nepali rock band comes to town. Anuprastha is just that, melding traditional Nepali modalities and folk tunes with the distorted guitars of rock ’n’ roll. They began in 2004 in Kathmandu’s underground scene and found breakthrough success with their hit, “Din,” in 2009. Seeing them live is absolutely necessary. Through high-energy performances, their songs ebb and flow in unpredictable and exciting ways. Though that bucket-list trip to the wondrous Himalayan mountains might not have yet happened, this band brings the Nepali spirit with it every place it goes. – ADDIE MAHMASSANI

INFO: Thu, 8pm, Ivy Room, 860 San Pablo Ave., Albany. $40. 510.526.5888.

THURSDAY, JUNE 19

THEATER

BLACKEST WRENCH

This one-night-only Juneteenth version of SF Neo-Futurists’ weekly show, The Infinite Wrench, has been trimmed to near perfection. An all-Black cast presents 30 plays in 60 minutes, racing to fling out stories from searing to silly to stunningly poignant. Identity, family, and chaotic and concrete concerns express the diversity of the Black experience in America. Think of it as the Olympics of Theater and dive into the world of these top athletes—they’ve been doing this fast, fun stuff since 2013. Shows are high-energy, sometimes participatory, and if a one-hour exposure leads to desire for more, check out the troupe’s weekly shows, classes and workshops and the annual “Infinite Pride” events later this month. – LOU FANCHER

INFO: Thu, 7pm, Shotgun Players, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. $25-$50. 510.841.6500.

FRIDAY, JUNE 20

JAZZ

MATTEO MANCUSO

Having learned the guitar at a young age, Matteo Mancuso made a name for himself in the Sicilian jazz scene at the ripe age of 11. By the time he was a teenager, he enrolled in a special high school for musicians to learn how to play classical guitar. Once he graduated, he formed the trio Snips, gaining fame through the internet and his many YouTube videos. He made such a name for himself internationally that the famous Berklee College of Music accepted him in 2017. Today he travels the world, astounding audiences with his lightning-fast fingers, covering an array of world music for fans of greats like Django Reinhardt. – MAT WEIR

INFO: Fri, 8pm, The UC Theatre, 2036 University Ave., Berkeley. $41-$70. 510.356.4000. 

FRIDAY, JUNE 20

REGGAE

BARRINGTON LEVY

Before autotune and algorithm playlists, there was Barrington Levy: a teenager with a clear voice and a growing reputation in Kingston’s late-’70s sound-system scene. Then he blew up, with the lean pulse of “Collie Weed” and swaggery smash follow-up “Shine Eye Girl.” A quick series of singles and an instinct for melody combined with heavyweight riddims helped invent the DNA of modern dancehall. A mainstay of Reggae Sunsplash and a pioneer in global reggae fusion, Levy’s legacy spans decades, genres and generations. Still touring, still vital, his reggae crown is firmly in place. – SONYA BENNETT-BRANDT

INFO: Fri, 8pm, Cornerstone, 2367 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. $48. 510.214.8600.

SATURDAY, JUNE 21

WORLD BEAT

GAMELAN SEKAR JAYA

Based in the Bay Area but rooted in artistic exchange with Bali, Gamelan Sekar Jaya builds on the centuries-old musical tradition of gamelan: interlocking rhythms, metallic shimmer and trance-inducing cycles played on bronze gongs, metallophones, drums and bamboo flutes by four to 20 musicians. There’s no conductor, just trust and timing as each player weaves their part into a collective precision. Paired with Balinese dance, the ensemble’s repertoire spans the fiery and the meditative, the sacred and the playful. – SBB 

INFO: Sat, 1pm, PAL in the Parks, Svendsen Maritime Park, 2315 Stanford St., Alameda. Free. 510.865.5060.

SATURDAY, JUNE 21

AMERICANA

RHIANNON GIDDENS & THE OLD-TIME REVUE

Since her start with the Carolina Chocolate Drops, vocalist, violist and banjo player Rhiannon Giddens has displayed restless curiosity about the deep threads connecting American roots music and the African diaspora. This show features a stellar cast of artists on a similar quest, including Justin Robinson, Dirk Powell, Amelia Powell, Jason Sypher and Demeanor—a.k.a. Justin Harrington. A cultural force who seems to be everywhere these days, Giddens is a master at building narratives out of disparate elements. The revue style of this tour gives every artist a chance to shine, bringing a kaleidoscopic perspective to roots that continue to bear succulent fruit. – ANDREW GILBERT

INFO: Sat, 8pm, Cal Performances at Zellerbach Hall, 101 Zellerbach Hall, Berkeley. $55. 510.642.9988.

SUNDAY, JUNE 22

JAZZ

PAUL G. MCCURDY

A dedicated educator on the piano faculty at the University of San Francisco, Paul G. McCurdy can be found accompanying many of the finest choral ensembles and musical theater companies in the region, including Volti, Sacred & Profane, Sing for America, Songbird City Choir, Lamplighters Musical Theatre, SF Choral Society and Young Women’s Choral Projects. While steeped in the European classical tradition with several albums of Mozart sonatas, he’s focused on writing for his jazz quartet Pesh in recent years, and he’ll introduce new jazz works along with pieces that draw on classical forms. – AG

INFO: Sun, 5pm, Piedmont Piano Company, 1728 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. $20. 510.547.8188.

SUNDAY, JUNE 22

SPOKEN WORD

AJA MONET

Channeling the best traditions of jazz and blues, Monet’s poetry rumbles and digs deep grooves. The narratives speak to Black resistance, revolution, revelation and rejuvenation. A masterful wordsmith with impeccable rhythmic sensitivity, Monet’s first full collection of poems, My Mother Was a Freedom Fighter, tells of the struggles experienced by mothers, women and girls, and was nominated for a NAACP Image Award for Poetry. A new collection of poems, Florida Water, is available from Haymarket Books. Monet has been called by Gen Z-ers “the poet of the people.” If the label rings true, it is due to the lived presence, honesty and clarity in the words. – LF

INFO: Sun, 7pm, The Freight, 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. $39-44. 510.644.2020.

SUNDAY, JUNE 22

HIP-HOP

OLIVER FRANCIS

Trap beats and emo vibes meld splendidly in the creative universe of Oliver Francis. Since the mid-2010s, the Missouri-born rapper has crafted his unique sound, starting with a bedroom studio and building up to a robust cult following. His projects are known for their sleek production, catchy hooks and, most of all, heart-on-the-sleeve emotion. Those seeking a primer should head over to his SoundCloud, which is where his fans have gravitated for new releases and old favorites, including the songs “Aahhyeahh” and “100k.” Both are absolute bops. – AM

INFO: Sun, 7:30pm, Crybaby, 1928 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. $28.

TUESDAY, JUNE 24

K-POP

BIBI

For technical purposes, Bibi can be filed under K-pop. However, her style goes beyond that, drawing influence from hip-hop and R&B. Born in South Korea, she is the older sister of Kim Na-Kyoung, from the girl group TripleS, and she released her debut, Lowlife Princess: Noir, in 2022. Her music contains a pop sensibility that carries a catchy sweetness to it, cute without being corny. More than just a singer and songwriter, Bibi also appeared in the Korean noir-thriller Hopeless, earning her the Best New Actress award at the Baeksang Arts Awards. This is her first world tour, but it won’t be her last. – MW

INFO: Tue, 8pm, Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. $69-$269. 510.465.6400.

Exploring alterna-burger options for Bay Area Burger Week

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Exploring alterna-burger options for Bay Area Burger Week

Bay Area shopping malls are experiencing a renaissance, with a couple of notable exceptions—I’m looking at you, San Francisco Centre. As we’ve returned en masse to gathering in public, the malls that are thriving have been invigorated and anchored by food courts rather than by department stores. Food-on-a-stick novelty restaurants have been replaced by more inventive and fully formed concepts.

Stonestown, where I once worked as a temp in a deserted Emporium, regularly has lines out the door at Marugame Udon. Jagalchi, a super-sized Korean food court and market, recently opened to further complicate parking in Daly City. While IKEA’s Saluhall still seems like it’s a work-in-progress without a star attraction, both of Emeryville’s malls continue to attract talented chefs and restaurateurs.

Just in time for Bay Area Burger Week, a couple of new tenants at Emeryville Public Market are making their own versions of, if not entirely redefining, the hamburger. A black banner under Demiya’s register explains the meaning of the term yoshoku as “Western-influenced Japanese cuisine.” Popular examples include omurice, an omelet filled with fried rice, and the hambagu, or hamburger steak.

At the fifth location of this small Bay Area restaurant chain, the menu notes that it takes 20 minutes for the cooks to make their “tegone cheese in hamburg steak” ($20). When it’s ready, this burger-without-a-bun contains a molten cheese center. When cut open, the cheese oozes out onto the plate and melts down into a traditional Japanese brown sauce. The dish cleverly reinvents the cheeseburger sans a bun.

It really does taste halfway between a hamburger patty and a steak. The outside is crisped up the way a burger gets when it’s grilled. But something about the hollowed-out center filled with cheese keeps the texture tenderized. Demiya offers it two ways: with steamed rice and curry or miso soup. I opted for the latter and really liked the pairing of a heavier protein with a clean cup of broth, flecked with spring onions, and rice.

In another part of the Public Market’s food court, Le Marine, a new seafood restaurant, serves crab and salmon burgers along with fish sandwiches, rice bowls, and fish and chips. The salmon burger comes on a brioche bun and is stacked with fresh arugula, tomatoes and pickles. It comes with a side of fries and tartar sauce. Apart from the not-beef patty, Le Marine deftly simulates the experience of burger eating, if from an ocean-adjacent point of view.

The Korean fried-chicken shop Chimmelier is also a newcomer to the East Bay. Originally from Los Angeles, the company is quickly establishing roots as a fast-food alternative in the Bay Area. I decided to try the Solano Avenue location, which shares the small but comfortable space with Oh G Burger. Banner-sized menus for both restaurants hang above the front counter, immediately facing customers inside the entrance.

Since I wrote about the Oh G Burger experience in Montclair earlier this year, I tried Chimmelier’s K-Chicken Burger. According to the cashier, apart from the difference in toppings, the other burger option, the Buldak, is far spicier. Both cost $15 and are made with thigh meat. The K-Chicken came straight out of the deep fryer piping hot and crunchy. The pickled slaw adds a cooling counterpoint to the heat and the salty, spicy condiments.

Chimmelier makes several “K-Street Food” side dishes, including corn cheese ($10), kimchi fried rice ($13), shrimp toast ($11) and french fries ($6). The kitchen also makes cylindrical rice cakes called tteokbokki ($10). They’re drenched in a tangy red sauce and dotted with sesame seeds. At first glance they look like a cup full of baby carrots, but the texture is soft and chewy like mochi. Also like mochi, tteokbokki is an acquired taste. Its overall sweetness is closer to candy than it is a savory starter.

Although the resurgence of malls must be a positive sign for our local economy, eating at the Chimmelier counter felt like a friendlier and less anonymous place to eat. I felt, even temporarily, like a member of the neighborhood.

Demiya and Le Marine Fish & Grill, Public Market 5959 Shellmound St., Emeryville. Open Sun-Thu 11am to 8pm, Sat-Sun until 9pm. IG: @instagram.com/demiya_inc; @lemarinefishgrill. Chimmelier, 1823 Solano Ave., Berkeley. Open every day 11am to 9pm. 510.559.9313. chimmelierusa.com

Free Will Astrology: Week of June 18

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Free Will Astrology: Week of June 18

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries writer Joseph Campbell was a world-renowned mythologist. His theories about the classic hero archetype have inspired many writers and filmmakers, including Star Wars creator George Lucas. As a young man, Campbell crafted the blueprint for his influential work during a five-year period when he lived in a rustic shack and read books for nine hours a day. He was supremely dedicated and focused. I recommend that you consider a similar foundation-building project, Aries. The coming months will be an excellent time for you to establish the groundwork for whatever it is you want to do for the rest of your long life.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In Japan, komorebi refers to the dappled sunlight that streams through tree leaves. It names a subtle, ephemeral beauty that busy people might be oblivious to. Not you, I hope, Taurus! In the coming weeks, I invite you to draw on komorebi as an inspirational metaphor. Tune in to the soft illumination glimmering in the background. Be alert for flickers and flashes that reveal useful clues. Trust in the indirect path, the sideways glance, the half-remembered dream and the overheard conversation. Anything blatant and loud is probably not relevant to your interests. P.S.: Be keen to notice what’s not being said.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In Finnish folklore, the Sampo is a magic artifact that generates unending wealth and good fortune. Here’s the catch: It can’t be hoarded. Its power only works when shared, passed around or made communal. I believe you are close to acquiring a less potent but still wonderful equivalent of a Sampo, Gemini. It may be an idea, a project or a way of living that radiates generosity and sustainable joy. But remember that it doesn’t thrive in isolation. It’s not a treasure to be stored up and saved for later. Share the wealth.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Tides don’t ask for permission. They ebb and flow in accordance with an ancient gravitational intelligence that obeys its own elegant laws. Entire ecosystems rely on their steady cyclical rhythms. You, too, harbor tidal forces, Cancerian. They are partially synced up with the earth’s rivers, lakes and seas, and are partially under the sway of your deep emotional power. It’s always crucial for you to be intimately aware of your tides’ flows and patterns, but even more than usual right now. I hope you will trust their timing and harness their tremendous energy.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Some jewelers practice an ancient Korean art called keum-boo, in which they fuse pure gold to silver by heat and pressure. The result is gold that seems to bloom from within silver’s body, not just be juxtaposed on top of it. Let’s make this your metaphor for the coming weeks, Leo. I believe you will have the skill to blend two beautiful and valuable things into an asset that has the beauty and value of both—plus an extra added synergy of valuable beauty. The only problem that could possibly derail your unprecedented accomplishment might be your worry that you don’t have the power to do that. Expunge that worry, please.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Some Indigenous cultures keep track of time not by clocks but by natural events: “the moon when the salmon return,” “the season when shadows shorten,” “the return of the rain birds.” I encourage you to try that approach, Virgo. Your customary rigor will benefit from blending with an influx of more intuitive choices. You will be wise to explore the joys of organic timing. So just for now, I invite you to tune out the relentless tick-tock. Listen instead for the hush before a threshold cracks open. Meditate on the ancient Greek concept of kairos: the prime moment to act or a potential turning point that’s ripe for activation.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Botanists speak of “serotiny,” a plant’s ability to delay seed release until the environment is just right. Some pinecones, for instance, only open after a fire. What part of you has been patiently waiting, Libra? What latent brilliance has not been ready to emerge until now? The coming weeks will offer catalytic conditions—perhaps heat, perhaps disruption, perhaps joy—that will be exactly what’s needed to unleash the fertile potency. Have faith that your seeds will draw on their own wild intelligence.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): One of your superpowers is your skill at detecting what’s unfolding beneath the surfaces. It’s almost like you have X-ray vision. Your ability to detect hidden agendas, buried secrets and underground growth is profound. But in the coming weeks, I urge you to redirect your attention. You will generate good fortune for yourself if you turn your gaze to what lies at the horizon and just beyond. Can you sense the possibilities percolating at the edges of your known world? Can you sync up your intuitions with the future’s promises? Educated guesses will be indistinguishable from true prophecies.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarius-born Wassily Kandinsky (1866–1944) earned a degree in law and economics and began a career teaching those subjects at the university level. But at age 30 he had a conversion experience. It was triggered when he saw a thrilling exhibit of French Impressionist painters and heard an enthralling opera by Richard Wagner. Soon he flung himself into a study of art, embarking on an influential career that spanned decades. I am predicting that you will encounter inspirations of that caliber, Sagittarius. They may not motivate you as drastically as Kandinsky’s provocations, but they could revitalize your life forever.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The ancient Egyptians revered the River Nile’s annual flooding, which brought both disruption and renewal. It washed away old plant matter and debris and deposited fertile silt that nourished new growth. In the coming weeks, Capricorn, I suspect you will experience a metaphorical flood: a surge of new ideas, opportunities and feelings that temporarily unsettle your routines. Rather than focusing on the inconvenience, I suggest you celebrate the richness this influx will bring. The flow will ultimately uplift you, even if it seems messy at first. 

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Medieval stonemasons worked not just in service to the immediate structures they made. They imagined eternity, laying foundation blocks in cathedrals they knew they would never live to see completed. I think you are being invited to do similar work: soulful construction whose fruits may not ripen for a while. A provocative conversation you have soon may echo for years. A good habit you instill could become a key inheritance for your older self. So think long, wide and slow, dear Aquarius. Not everything must produce visible worth this season. Your prime offerings may be seeds for the future. Attend to them with reverence.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In the frigid parts of planet Earth, some glaciers sing. As they shift and crack and melt, they emit tones: groans, pulses, crackles and whooshes. I believe your soul will have a similar inclination in the coming weeks, Pisces: to express mysterious music as it shifts and thaws. Some old logjam or stuck place is breaking open within you, and that’s a very good thing. Don’t ignore or neglect this momentous offering. And don’t try to translate it into logical words too quickly. What story does your trembling tell? Let the deep, restless movements of your psyche resound. 

Homework: You know exactly what you need to do next, but are refraining. Why? Do it! Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com.

Ciel amplifies emerging talent

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Ciel amplifies emerging talent

An empty cup invites a drink. A chrysalis is designed to be broken. A blank page awaits the next adventure. This profound sense of potential lies at the very heart of Ciel Creative Space, a sprawling, 50,000-square-foot center in West Berkeley that opened its doors in 2019. Founders Cecilia Caparas Apelin and Alexis Laurent established Ciel Creative Space as a creative hub. Far more than just studios and workspaces for photographers, videographers, podcasters and creatives, Ciel has quickly evolved into a dynamic hub for immersive events, culinary experiences and major brand activations.

Evolving its commitment to unlocking potential, Ciel Creative Space now introduces its new media arm, Ciel Media. Founded by Apelin and her collaborators Bo Carper and RomeDigs, Ciel Media aims to provide a platform for underserved artists. Its flagship offering is Ciel Sessions, a new event series designed to showcase and elevate emerging talent.

“I’ve been telling my friends that it’s an immersive experience so it’s not just a concert,” Apelin said. “It’s an immersive show highlighting up-and-coming BIPOC musicians—it’s a Tiny-Desk-times-MTV-Unplugged version for Ciel.”

Though new in its current form, Ciel Sessions’ roots actually date back to 2020. Amid quarantine mandates and social justice movements, Ciel Creative Space collaborated with Colin Kaepernick’s Know Your Rights Camp for a landmark livestreamed fundraiser.

This virtual concert, designed to “give back and highlight other community members” as Apelin describes it, generated $60,000 in support of The People’s Conservatory, an arts education organization for youth. Much like the immersive events Ciel hosts today, that foundational 2020 gathering highlighted talent from emerging artists, musicians and storytellers.

“What Ciel Creative Space represents in the Bay Area is literally a premier and elite facility for producers and agencies and people in that industry,” Digs said. “And now we’re creating Ciel Media to expand to another community level.”

While Ciel Creative Space boasts a history of hosting significant clients—from tech giants like Logitech, Samsung and Visa to fashion powerhouses such as Levi’s and Stitch Fix, and has welcomed figures like Stephen Curry and around 50 other Olympians—Ciel Media’s core mission is to evolve and provide crucial access to lesser-known artists.

“The idea for the sessions is to really be really intentional about the artist that we choose and kind of the experience that we create,” Carper said.

While Bay Area residency isn’t a strict requirement, artists selected for Ciel Media’s programs must, according to Apelin, possess “a strong sense of who they are as an individual and their culture and how they express that through music.” Essentially, Ciel Media seeks dedicated independent artists with a unique message who are at a pivotal stage in their careers where support can make a significant difference. For now, Ciel Media is focused on musical talent but also merges other talents within the production of events, including culinary.

Ciel Sessions take place inside Studio Zero at Ciel Creative Space in West Berkeley. (Photo by Geno Ramos)

Studio Zero, a roughly 2,600-square-foot venue where Ciel Sessions will take place, lies inside the block-long hub. This space, complete with its own speakeasy-style bar and lounge, was intentionally designed to be large enough to offer early career artists a significant platform, while remaining intimate enough to allow them to powerfully connect with the audience.

“We’re really looking to create a kind of unique experience for each artist,” Carper said. “It’s very costly for someone to develop their own show. The idea that somebody can come here and have a team of dedicated experts develop something special for them that’s going to complement their music and be very intentional and personalized, we think is going to be a great benefit to these artists.”

Artists walk away with more than just a performance experience; they receive essential components for a robust electronic press or media kit, comparable to those from major productions. These assets include professional photography, dynamic live videos, full event production, an updated artist biography, press releases, and potentially critical press quotes and reviews.

“Our hope and our goal is really that these artists are going to roll through here once and come back again,” Carper said, “and by the third time they probably become discovered and signed, and maybe they’re on to bigger rooms, and we want to just be part of that journey.”

On May 22 an audience packed Studio Zero as Ciel Sessions relaunched, featuring opener and returning artist from the 2020 event, Bay Area R&B artist Julissa Leilani, alongside headliner Gayathri Krishnan, a singer-songwriter known for her Carnatic-infused music. The event featured full audio/visual production unique for each artist, and food and cocktails for sale by Little Brothers Catering.

In the long run, Ciel Media and Ciel Sessions build upon the community originally established by Ciel Creative Space.

“We’re tapping our creative community,” Carper said in regards to the production of Ciel Sessions. “It’s going to be like a labor of love for people that care about music. They’re coming together to help us do something special that is really hard to find elsewhere.”

Ciel Creative Space is a one-of-a-kind offering in the Bay Area. Akin to Hollywood’s SoHo House, Ciel Creative Space fosters a local presence, drawing both elite and developing creatives.

“Having spaces like this is essential for bringing the community together,” wrote Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii in a statement to East Bay Express. “It’s especially meaningful that it’s located in West Berkeley, an area that has historically been very industrial. This space transforms a large industrial setting into a place that celebrates art, fosters creativity, and strengthens community connections.”

Jennifer Lovvorn, chief cultural affairs officer for the Berkeley Office of Economic Development, echoed this transformation and community focus. “Cecilia has been such a proactive contributor to our community and always willing to lend a hand,” Lovvorn said. “[She] thinks about creative ways to bring new economic vitality and creative thinking to Berkeley!”

Backed by Apelin’s background in marketing and inherent ability to identify and develop talent, Caper’s decades of music industry experience with tech leadership including his time at Spotify and Emmy-winning producer/director Digs’ 20-plus years in entertainment—including at Paramount—Ciel Media seems well on its way to creating lasting impact in the Bay Area.

Ultimately, Ciel Creative Space and Ciel Media serve as that inviting stage, that unwritten story—the blank canvas for the next generation of artists. Here, the profound sense of potential isn’t just felt, it’s meticulously nurtured into existence, especially for those from underserved communities who often face systemic barriers to opportunity, proving that even the most pristine beginnings are truly meant for vibrant, boundless creation.

Bar owners push back

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Bar owners push back

A longtime Oakland bar owner recently requested anonymity during a phone interview, out of fear of retaliation from the city’s Alcohol Beverage Action Team, known as ABAT. “They’re so aggressive. They come in like the mafia and just free-reign behind the bar,” the bar owner said.

Oakland’s ABAT was created to enforce compliance with alcohol and tobacco laws at bars, liquor stores and other establishments. According to the City of Oakland’s website, the agency initially focused on upholding the state’s indoor smoking ban. Today, however, many bar owners say ABAT operates less like a public safety unit and more like an unchecked enforcement squad—one marked by surprise inspections, citations and what they describe as an intimidating presence. As more business owners speak out about their encounters, concerns mount over the task force’s impact on Oakland’s nightlife and small-bar scene.

Established in 2004 by the City of Oakland, ABAT operates within the Oakland Police Department. It works in collaboration with the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) to monitor alcohol and tobacco license holders for compliance. The program is partially funded by an annual fee charged to licensed businesses. Its enforcement efforts are typically triggered by community complaints or scheduled compliance operations.

In December 2024, for example, ABAT teamed up with CDTFA to seize illegal substances—including cannabis and psilocybin mushrooms—from an unlicensed smoke shop. The department also runs routine “Minor Decoy” operations to test whether clerks at alcohol retailers sell to underage buyers. According to the City’s mission statement, ABAT aims to reduce nuisance activity, educate business owners and improve neighborhood safety.

The anonymous bar owner says he’s experienced ABAT’s tactics firsthand, dating back to when he was a bartender at another longtime Oakland establishment. “I was working one busy Friday night, and they were just standing in our way with smirks on their faces,” he said. “I tripped over this one guy’s shoes and he didn’t even apologize. I was like, ‘Wow, I’m trying to work here just like you guys are!’”

That incident, he said, was tame compared to others. On one occasion, he described an operation he likened to a “drug raid.”

“I was working my shift as usual and all of a sudden four cop cars pulled up and eight cops came blasting into the bar,” he said. “It was excessive for a cigarette smoking violation.”

Now the owner runs his own bar with his wife, and the encounters haven’t stopped. Recently, he was reprimanded by ABAT for a missing human trafficking awareness sign in his bathroom. According to California Civil Code Section 52.6, bars with a Type 48 license—on-sale general public premises—are legally required to post signage with trafficking hotline numbers and resources in visible locations.

The bar owner argued that signs are easy to obtain and should not warrant threats.  “Like, dude, it’s a sign. I literally just have to make a quick order,” he said. “In fact, my sign will probably arrive today or tomorrow.”

The couple says the rules seem inconsistently enforced. They believe ABAT disproportionately targets businesses with Type 48 licenses—bars, lounges and nightclubs—while skipping over Type 47 establishments, which are full-service restaurants that also serve alcohol.

“If both license types are serving alcohol, then why are only one group of us getting inspections like this?” the wife asked.

She also questioned whether ABAT’s role is even necessary, considering that bars are already subject to oversight from the Alameda County Environmental Health Department and the fire marshal. Between the $1,100 they pay annually to the health department and the $1,200 they pay to ABAT, the couple says the fees add up fast.

After two outreach attempts, ABAT responded to this publication stating it could not accommodate an interview request.

“Every year I write my check and I’m like, what is this? I don’t get ABAT, man,” said the husband.

In a May 23 Instagram post, the Oakland Police Department praised ABAT’s recovery of marijuana and flavored tobacco from an unlicensed shop. But public reaction was skeptical. The comment section, now disabled, featured replies like one from user “@1wmzay,” who wrote sarcastically: “I feel so safe now…?”

Still, the bar owners say they aren’t backing down. The wife says she plans to bring her concerns to city officials and push for more transparency about ABAT’s operations. She wants to see regular reviews of the agency’s effectiveness and whether it’s truly serving the public good.

At the end of the phone call, both husband and wife said they were glad to see the issue being covered. But they were also effusively grateful for the promise of anonymity—an assurance they feel they need in order to speak freely.

“They’re very Byzantine,” the wife said. “They would come for us.”

San Francisco Jazz Festival reinvents itself

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San Francisco Jazz Festival reinvents itself

For the casual music fan, the transition at SFJAZZ from the organization’s founder, Randall Kline, to trumpeter Terence Blanchard has been a seamless affair. 

Week by week, the roster of artists performing in the SFJAZZ Center’s 700-seat Miner Auditorium and intimate 107-seat Joe Henderson Lab looks much the same in 2025 as it did in 2023. At least, that was the case until the organization unveiled the radically reimagined San Francisco Jazz Festival (SFJF), an event long overdue for conceptual update.

Running Friday-Sunday, June 13-15, the SFJF is now a proper buzz-generating festival, featuring some three-dozen concerts across multiple stages at the SFJAZZ Center and the Festival Tent covering an adjacent parking lot at Franklin and Oak, with DJs, food, wine and beer vendors, and art-and-vinyl merchants ensconced at each venue.

Showcasing a bevy of top improvisers, from venerable NEA jazz masters and mid-career virtuosos to under-the-radar stalwarts and rising stars, the lineup bristles with talent, including many artists who’ve never previously performed at the SFJAZZ Center.

“We’re trying to offer a variety of artists, but all very much rooted in jazz,” said Burkhard Hopper, who took over as Blanchard’s right-hand man last fall, serving as SFJAZZ’s director of artistic programming. “These days, a lot of festivals call themselves jazz, but move away from the music. It was very important for this festival to be identifiably ‘jazz.’”

Almost as important, the SFJF is now identifiably a goddam festival. For more than a decade after SFJAZZ opened the nation’s first and only stand-alone concert hall constructed with jazz in mind, it continued to produce a “festival” built on a model developed when it was an itinerant presenter without a venue to call home. 

Kline founded the organization in 1983 as Jazz In The City, a concert series that focused on jazz masters living in the Bay Area, particularly tenor saxophonist Joe Henderson, drummer Tony Williams, vibraphonist Bobby Hutcherson, conguero Francisco Aguabella, vocalist Mary Stallings and percussionist John Santos. Sadly, only the latter two are still with us.

By 1992, the rapidly growing organization adopted a new moniker and consolidated its concerts and educational programming as the three-week San Francisco Jazz Festival as part of the milestone 10th season. Presenting in theaters and clubs around the city, the festival was a moveable feast, with the action concentrated on the weekends. But it was always more of a concert series than an overlapping, cornucopian multi-act event, a la the Monterey Jazz Festival or San Jose Jazz’s Summer Fest.

Now SFJAZZ has joined the party with its own particular vision. Each day of the festival is headlined by artists who define the 21st-century scene, while building on hugely consequential contributions from the 20th century, starting with tenor saxophonist and flutist Charles Lloyd.

Friday’s program also includes newly ascendant alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin and the Phoenix Quartet, Grammy Award-winning vocalist Kurt Elling with the SFJAZZ Collective, and bassist Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble—the longtime head of storied Blue Note Records, Was is the honoree at the annual SFJAZZ Gala on June 12.

Saturday’s program features the protean duo of bass star Stanley Clarke and Cuban piano master Gonzalo Rubalcaba, powerhouse vocalist Lisa Fischer, New Orleans trumpet star Nicholas Payton, the Soul Rebels and pianist Jahari Stampley’s Trio. The festival closes Sunday with headliner Patrice Rushen, who’s making her first SFJAZZ appearance as a leader with a combustible jazz/funk combo that includes rising guitarist Enzo Iannello and veteran drummer Rayford Griffin, who has toured widely with Stanley Clarke and Jean-Luc Ponty.

The program also features charismatic Cuban vocalist Cimafunk, who made a brilliant appearance with Chucho Valdés and Irakere 50 at the Paramount in February; the duo of bass-great Dave Holland and Beninese guitarist Lionel Loueke; pianist Orrin Evans; and the duo of Berkeley trumpet star Ambrose Akinmusire and New Orleans pianist Sullivan Fortner. Blanchard, dubbed “artist-at-large,” will roam the festival with his horn throughout the weekend, joining in wherever he sees fit.

That’s a whole lot of exciting music, and it pains me to cast a little rain on this second-line parade. But the absence of Bay Area acts on the program is too conspicuous to go unmentioned. There’s no shortage of East Bay pride in the international success of Akinmusire, but the festival doesn’t get credit for booking him despite his local address. As a trumpeter, composer and educator, he’s a global cat.

So that leaves only one act, Afrofuturist saxophonist/composer Adris Ackamoor and the Ankhestra. He’s also an international creative force, but this is his first SFJAZZ appearance, which speaks to the long-running tensions between the organization and the local scene.

Bay Area artists who have taken SFJAZZ to task about the lack of attention have often been told that it’s a simple matter of ticket sales. It’s hard for a resident artist to fill Minor Auditorium, and even selling out two Joe Henderson Lab shows can take a lot of footwork. But at a festival where there are three or four “small print” acts each program at the bottom of the roster, with no particular pressure to bring out an audience, it seems like a major missed opportunity to present local treasures alongside out-of-town artists.

Adam Theis, the multi-instrumentalist, composer, bandleader and don of the Jazz Mafia collective, has forged close ties with SFJAZZ. For seven years before the pandemic, he led the Monday Night Band at the SFJAZZ Center. And when he first glanced at the SFJF program, “I was in a hurry looking at the lineup on my phone, thinking, there’s probably a page two I didn’t see, a supplemental page that’s got more the local stuff,” he said. “I was wrong, I guess.”

He’s a fan of the organization, one who wants to see it succeed. And he speaks for much of the local scene when he says, “We all want the Bay represented.” As an artist who has booked hundreds of shows and works closely with venues like the Sound Room in Oakland and Keys Jazz Bistro in North Beach, where Jazz Mafia combos hold down monthly residencies, Theis is intimately acquainted with the necessity of selling tickets.

“For a local artist to do a Minor show is a big push,” he said. “It’s ambitious, but it’s a tall order for a jazz artist. Then Joe Henderson Lab is too small for some groups. This would have been a nice medium, playing before some of these bigger names. It seems like a missed opportunity. But it’s the first time they’re doing it, and it was probably overlooked.”

Rather than flaming the organization, local artists will probably be better served by building bridges. After relocating from Los Angeles for the SFJAZZ position, Hopper is new to the Bay Area and still getting to know the local music landscape. He points out that the organization continues to book many Bay Area artists in the Joe Henderson Lab, and that the plan is to expand the festival if all goes well.

“Ultimately, this first year is an experiment,” he said. “We’re going to learn a lot from this experience. We’ll use this information for the next one. There are various models on how to enlarge it. This was the conservative version. We’re looking at other venues we could use, presenting other styles and more. We’re extremely optimistic about this.”

Lord knows we need opportunities for bliss and celebration. For now, I’m holding onto the hope that next year will see more San Francisco in the San Francisco Jazz Festival.

San Francisco Jazz Festival, 201 Franklin St. and 110 Franklin St., San Francisco. Fri June 13, 2-9pm; Sat-Sun June 14-15, 1-10pm. sfjazz.org

Relocation Hangover: How Vegas Looms Over Every Oakland A’s Betting Line in 2025

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Relocation Hangover: How Vegas Looms Over Every Oakland A’s Betting Line in 2025

Published in cooperation between VegasSlotsOnline and the East Bay Express

2025 sees the Oakland Athletics covered by a shadow of doubt and wistfulness, as they play their final season. As Las Vegas approaches, the Las Vegas concert is more than just saying goodbye or seeing unoccupied seats. This type of betting puzzle is found only in Major League Baseball.

It’s not only about playing field games for the A’s; they have to deal with disruption, problems with the fan base and instability. Because of the instability of the franchise, betting on this team can create valuable betting chances for those in the know.

If you’re interested in sports betting and haven’t yet looked at casino bonuses, now might be the time to do so.

A Team in Limbo

Regarding baseball, the 2025 season in Oakland will be unlike anything anyone has seen. Half of the team is in Northern California, and the other half is in the Nevada desert. More questions about stadium leases and property in Las Vegas are being asked than about batting averages or pitching in the bullpen. This distraction affects how athletes play; it seems like oddsmakers are becoming more aware of this.

At the moment, the Athletics situation is uncertain. Classic stats and metrics are essential but aren’t the only thing that matters. When you travel abroad for a game, you must overcome mental fatigue, the different atmosphere and a place where the fans don’t sway the game much.

They are changing the way sportsbooks set the prices for A bets. If you only look at the numbers, they’re being held back, but a more significant reason is how much the players know the relationship with Oakland may not last.

The Fade May Happen, But It Doesn’t Always Earn You Money

Many might think the A’s will lose every matchup since they seem downtrodden, but that is not necessarily true. Due to their poor bullpen, lack of power-hitters and not much to fight for, the Oakland record is one of the worst in the league. Books certainly know this, and the betting is based on that fact.

Therefore, you must spend more to bet against Oakland and often find the odds aren’t in your favor. One way is to observe when the A’s are less likely to play well, for example, in games that follow a lot of travel or when playing teams with a massive stake in the outcome.

It is possible that Oakland could play spoiler to the Raiders’ plans. They’ve pulled some upsets in recent months against teams trying to secure playoff spots. As a result, A’s hold the potential to outperform their rank in key types of matchups, such as when having to make quick moves.

Home-Field Disadvantage

Backing either the A’s or their opponents when they play at home can also be tricky. The once noisy Oakland Coliseum is now practically quiet compared to other pro ballparks. In most cases, these teams attract fewer fans and the atmosphere often resembles a neutral-site game in the MLB.

Since both teams lack hype and momentum on the same ground, they do not often play as strongly. The games are stretched out, and the day games in the coliseum are usually uneventful, with many underperforming with minimal effort.

While bookmakers have made adjustments, they have not always been quick enough. Experienced bettors may benefit from a delay in total adjustments, especially when a weaker team comes into play. Bettors have found good success when betting the under after the first five innings.

Player Props in a Vacuum

Since the team is out of playoff contention, many might expect players to become less engaged, but that’s not always how it works. Players under 22 and those not yet signed to the franchise can use this season to try to impress for a Las Vegas roster spot or another team.

Because of this, bets on player props like total bases, strikeouts or hits can still yield value. Under-the-radar breakout players usually have less demanding prop lines since their team does not produce big-name players. Noticing someone who is underestimated can help you uncover inefficiencies in the market.

Some pitchers hoping to establish themselves on the team might step up and have better games, especially when competing against their in-division opponents. Baseball props and moneylines on the first five innings depend much on one starter’s dominance.

Rolling out the Spoiler Character Towards the Season Finale

With the regular season ending, the A’s will find themselves going against teams in the running for the playoffs. It makes September betting one of the more intriguing angles to consider. The spoiler dynamic. Even with their bad record, the A’s could look forward to making things challenging for teams fighting for a playoff spot.

Having less to lose, some underdogs have often provided good betting value in the latter stages of a season. A team priced at +200 or higher as an underdog can benefit by winning around every two or three games. This happens often after an opponent has traveled for a game or needs to worry about an upcoming matchup.

Bookmakers can tend to rate teams in the playoffs at higher prices, not factoring in baseball’s unpredictability and the dedication of ballplayers.

It’s Not Just About the Numbers; It’s the Context That Matters

The Athletics of 2025 have shown that non-sports aspects can play a significant role in betting trends. Relocation doesn’t only belong in the news; it impacts how people act and react in financial markets.

In order to bet on the A’s, it’s important to consider more than just the box score. Account for inspiration, tiredness of the mind, energy in the crowd and control from the franchise. Key in on the way others think about Oakland and whether they could be ambushed here. Always keep in mind that betting markets can be irrational. They put their feelings on display, just like the sport does.

The Athletics are in the Vegas team’s shadow, which extends to all their lines. Even so, some smart bettors can use that darkness to make a good profit.

Online betting and online gambling are illegal in California; knowand readers should know the rules of their areas.

Virginia’s Changing Attitudes Toward Online Gambling

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Virginia’s Changing Attitudes Toward Online Gambling

Published in cooperation between KingCasinoBonus and the East Bay Express.

Virginia is known for its serene environment and storied history. Over the years, the state has experienced a massive transformation in its attitude to gambling, from the establishment of more accommodating laws to more people getting interested in casino activities. Now, the state is a hub for online sports betting and online casino activities. Read on to find out more.

What to Expect if Online Casino Becomes Legal in Virginia

Are you looking to start your online gambling journey in Virginia? Are you waiting for online casinos to become legal in the state? Fasten your seatbelt as we discuss what to expect when sports betting sites get legalized in the state. 

The Growing Acceptance of Online Gambling in Virginia

The state of online gambling in Virginia has been quite controversial due to the state’s laws. Its acceptance in recent times is due to changes in the societal and cultural values within the state. Some of these changes include technological innovations, increased accessibility and improved attitude of people toward gambling. Some major factors include:

  • Changes in gambling perception within Virginia: For many years, people refused to normalize gambling for various reasons. But as Virginia sports betting became legalized under state law, its acceptance has increased. Digital trends also have influenced people’s perceptions of casino gaming and the Virginia lottery. 
  • Economic relevance: Most of the gambling problems in Virginia were because the state was unaware of the economic benefits of casino activities. But things have changed in the state. Virginia law allows people to wager on online sportsbooks and land-based casinos.
  • Presence of more legal betting options: The establishment of legalized online casino activities in Virginia since 2021 also has played a significant role in increasing acceptance of online casino gambling laws. Now, sports betting is legal in Virginia and players can wager on their favorite sports. 

The presence of third-party reviewing platforms such as KingsCasinoBonus also has helped with analyzing and rating casino bonuses, such as deposit, promo codes and welcome bonuses.

Challenges and Regulatory Considerations

As the attitude toward gambling in Virginia continues to improve, certain challenges are beginning to arise. To control irresponsible and illegal gambling, there are professional and amateur sports protection acts available in Virginia to solve these problems. Some of the major problems to be addressed include:

  • Gambling addiction: Access to various forms of gambling continues to increase in the state. This has increased the risk of addiction — resulting in financial problems for players. To curb addiction, regulatory bodies and online casino sites work together to create exclusion programs, deposit limits and compulsory gambling sensitization. 
  • Insecurity and unfair gambling terms and conditions: Regulatory bodies need to monitor online casino activities to stop rigged systems preventing players from winning and promote fair play for all users on Virginia lottery platforms. Sports betting platforms collect sensitive data from gamblers during registration processes. Betting apps implement effective cybersecurity and encryption technologies to protect customer’s rights.
  • Fraud and misuse of online platforms: Many online gambling sites foster illegal activities that do not follow the state’s sports betting laws in 2024. The government uses the Virginia Comprehensive Money Laundering Act to curb these activities and promote participation in legalized sports betting markets, such as horse racing. 

What the Future Could Like

Virginia could gain a lot from the acceptance of online gambling activities in the state. The future looks bright for Virginia, from economic and social benefits to a properly regulated online casino market. Benefits that could arise from online gambling in Virginia include:

  • Increased job opportunities: The sports betting industry is on course to provide numerous job opportunities in different sectors, including customer teams, regulatory bodies, marketing and tech improvement. 
  • Tourism attractions: Online gaming is usually a source of tourist attraction because traditional casinos could attract new players from different parts of the world. 
  • Customer-centered services: In a few years from now, online casinos in Virginia will offer customer-oriented services to protect gamers’ rights and create a good environment for people to gamble. 
  • Improvements in technology: Technology improves everything in the gaming industry. Blockchain and cryptocurrency improve financial transactions through encrypted technology and allow gamblers to take advantage of bonus bets. Mobile apps also allow easy access to legal sports betting. Future gaming platforms in Virginia will offer virtual reality and AR experiences. The incorporation of artificial intelligence will also improve gambling experiences in the state. 

Virginia has become a hub for online gambling, with numerous betting sites and players becoming more interested in gaming activities. Sports betting and online casino games are now legal in Virginia. Want to enjoy a profitable gambling experience in the state? Find reputable online sportsbooks and start your journey. Now is your best chance.

Trends That Could Conquer the Online Casino Industry in 2025

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Trends That Could Conquer the Online Casino Industry in 2025

Published in cooperation between CasinoAlpha and the East Bay Express.

Over the years, the online gambling industry has experienced trends that set it apart from other industries in the world. Mobile-first platforms came to the limelight. Now, 2025 may experience more virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence-powered platforms. This article will uncover the trends that could conquer online casinos in 2025. 

The Rapid Evolution of the iGaming Landscape

The evolution of gaming over the decades has been rapid. It can be credited to the influence of technological advancements, player preferences and regulatory bodies. The beginning of online casinos was basic, and it was keenly contested by physical casinos. 

Now, players can play their favorite games anywhere they are and at any time. The wide acceptance of cryptocurrency globally has made operators introduce it as a payment option on online gaming platforms. Online casino developers also cater to the wide gap between land-based casino experiences and online casinos. They offer several casino games such as poker, blackjack, slots and live-dealer games that enable players to interact and enjoy an immersive experience. 

The regulatory framework of the online industry also influences the rapid transformation. It is important that iGaming platforms provide responsible gaming tools for players to help their gaming habits. This has fostered a safer gaming market and enabled players to trust the fairness and transparency of iGaming platforms. 

Emerging Technologies Driving Innovation

The gaming industry has achieved landmark feats in recent years due to emerging technologies. The exploration of AI dealers, virtual reality and acceptance of blockchain technology have contributed to the industry’s growth. The impact of AI dealers is huge, as players can enjoy an online casino experience every day that caters to their needs. 

Blockchain technology also is driving innovation. Apart from personalized interactions that enable a unique and engaging gaming experience, the decentralized payment option’s secure and transparent nature ensures fair gaming. It also is regarded as a reliable medium due to its speed and how it protects players’ data. 

Virtual and augmented reality take players to another realm of realistic gaming. They offer an immersive experience that closes the gap between virtual and brick-and-mortar experiences. 

Personalization and Enhanced Player Experience

Online casinos are fast becoming engaging for players due to personalized promotions and gamifications. Players can now join loyalty programs, tournaments and other competitions that offer rewards on online casinos easily. These promotions attract new players and retain existing players. 

The personalized value of online casinos has been crucial to driving its growth and competitive nature. In terms of rapid payments, more Google Pay casinos are expected to appear, or rather, casinos that are paired with smartphone wallets which are very easy to use. Immediate deposits, very short processing time and comfortable accessibility are among the features that will continue to grow in popularity in the casino space.

Future Payment Methods: Streamlining Transactions

The demand for secure and efficient payment options has catered to by the evolution of online casinos. Players can now take advantage of instant e-wallets and cryptocurrencies on their favorite online casino platforms. 

The likes of bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies ensure anonymity and speedy transactions. This secure payment method is attractive to players of today especially those who already accept it for other transactions. 

Instant e-wallets also offer more flexibility for online casino payments. Players can make secure transactions with ease due to the simplified mode of depositing and making withdrawals.  

These alternative payment methods are becoming more accepted as they offer an added layer of security. Regulatory bodies also recognize this shift toward decentralized finance globally and are creating a regulatory framework that fosters the reshaping of the future in terms of payment methods and streamlining transactions.

The Role of CasinoAlpha in Guiding Players

CasinoAlpha raises the bar among other platform-review platforms. They keep players updated on the latest innovations and the platforms that align with these innovations. 

The reviews are industry standard, and they offer detailed and legitimate reviews using the measures of transparency and fairness of these platforms. This sets the project apart and gives players all the necessary information that helps them understand the casino they are about to explore. 

Anticipating 2025: What Players Should Watch For

Players and operators can look forward to more rewarding experiences in the online casino industry. Players should anticipate more responsible gaming tools in 2025 alongside a regulatory framework that aids cryptocurrency transactions, AI and personalised experience. 

Innovative technologies will continue to evolve. Players and operators will need to work hand in hand and must be able to adapt to stay ahead of the curve. The need to get up-to-date information from review platforms like CasinoAlpha is crucial to navigate 2025 and beyond.

Social Eyes: Week of June 12-18

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Social Eyes: Week of June 12-18

THURSDAY, JUNE 12

AMERICANA

MARY GAUTHIER

Mary Gauthier’s sophomore album, Drag Queens in Limousines, rocketed the bard of queer tales and tunes into visibility 25 years ago. Moving to Nashville, the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter’s soulful lyrics told stories of outcasts. Gauthier’s newest, Dark Enough to See the Stars, follows 2018’s response to trauma, Rifles & Rosary Beads, a collaborative work with wounded Iraq War veterans. This 25th anniversary tour features a limited edition vinyl reissue of Drag Queens. Be sure to check out the merch table, where CDs, Gauthier’s marvelous and candid memoir Saved by a Song: The Art and Healing Power of Songwriting, and sign-up information about her often-sold-out workshops and private coaching are sure to be available. – LOU FANCHER

INFO: Thu, 8pm, The Freight, 2020 Addison St., Berkeley. $39-$44. 510.644.2020.

THURSDAY, JUNE 12

THEATER

‘BLOODLESS JUNGLE’

Prepare to follow a young state senator into the political battle of a lifetime in playwright Peter Lawson Jones’ riveting play. Adding to the heat is the protagonist’s association with a best friend from high school recently arrested upon suspicion of rape. Secrets and his opponent’s slithery campaign maneuvers make matters murkier on the way to reconciling moral equations and finding resolve to achieve the goal—winning, but at what cost? Cleveland-native Jones is a graduate of Harvard College—magna cum laude in government—and Harvard Law School and served several terms in the Ohio House of Representatives, so expect the details to be pinned tightly. Among his 60-plus plays, Bloodless is a stunner. Performances go until June 22. – LF

INFO: Thu, 7pm, Black Repertory Group, 3201 Adeline St., Berkeley. $20. 510.652.2120.

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

POP

TUNE-YARDS

Tune-Yards (stylized as tUnE-yArDs) is as soulful as it is cerebral. Rooted in Merrill Garbus’ genre-bending vision and gorgeous voice, the Oakland-based band has an illustrious history, including early success signing to the label 4AD in 2009. Their sixth album Better Dreaming, released in mid-May, stays true to Tune-Yards’ Afrobeat-infused, lo-fi origins, featuring lots of looping, rollercoaster-like rhythms and socially conscious songwriting. It also finds Garbus with renewed joy and vulnerability, welcoming a new voice into the mix: her toddler. As Pitchfork reports, these are “songs you can really dance to.” – ADDIE MAHMASSANI

INFO: Fri,  8pm, UC Theatre, 2036 University Ave., Berkeley. $31. 510.356.4000.

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

ROCK

DEAD BOB

Canadian punk legend John Wright rolls into town this weekend in his new solo incarnation, Dead Bob. In a storied career drumming for more bands than anyone can count, Wright’s time with NoMeansNo stands out. Co-founded with his brother in 1979, the band made waves with its dynamic fusion of punk, prog-rock and jazz over the course of 11 albums. They were inducted into the Western Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2015 and “retired” shortly thereafter, but John Wright simply cannot put the drumsticks down. His solo album Life Lack is, as he says, “not to be listened to quietly!” – AM

INFO: Fri, 8pm, Thee Stork Club, 2330 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. $22.50/adv, $25/door. 510.859.8709.

FRIDAY, JUNE 13

PUNK

CALI KICKS PRE-SHOW

Before the chaos of emo/screamo/punk/DIY California Kicks Fest breaks loose for its second year, the fuse is lit at the Cali Kicks Pre-Show; a five-act firestarter. February will deliver pure L.A. screamo, while Clay Birds blends ’90s gut-punch emotional hardcore into a melancholic, melodic bloom. Holder brings Western Mass emo/hardcore, and newcomers Caesura and Alyvia round out the program. This isn’t just a warm-up, it’s a pressure valve release for the Bay’s most ungovernable fest. Happy screamo summer. – SONYA BENNETT-BRANDT 

INFO: Fri, 6:30pm, 924 Gilman St., Berkeley. $15. 510.525.9926.

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

METAL

ACID BATH

From 1991 to 1997, Acid Bath was one of the first heavily influential Louisiana sludge-metal bands that laid the groundwork for the NOLA metal scene along with Eyehategod and Crowbar. However, Acid Bath tragically ended after the death of bassist Audie Pitre in a car crash. Since then, they have become a thing of legend, with members such as Dax Riggs having successful careers after the band. It became a known thing that whenever a metalhead saw another person wearing any Acid Bath merch, there was an instant bond. After years of reunion rumors, Acid Bath finally played their first show in 27 years at Sick New World in Las Vegas last year. – MAT WEIR

INFO: Sat, 8pm, Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. $78-$179. 510.302.2250. 

SATURDAY, JUNE 14

ROCK

BLOC PARTY

One minute it’s 2005, and the cool kids are popping their collars and buying skinny jeans. Then, in the blink of an eye, it’s 2025 and British indie-rock act Bloc Party is celebrating the 20th anniversary of their debut album, Silent Alarm—an album which went platinum, hit No. 3 on the U.K. album charts and was named album of the year by NME (New Music Express). This weekend, take a time-trip back to the days of “bling,” “crunk” and “that’s hot” with Bloc Party at the Greek Theatre as they rock out with fellow friends from New York, Blonde Redhead and Family Dinner. – MW

INFO: Sat, 7pm, Greek Theatre, 2001 Gayley Rd., Berkeley. $78. 510.871.9225. 

MONDAY, JUNE 16

JAZZ

DEE BRIDGEWATER & BILL CHARLAP

There’s simply no other artist in jazz like Dee Dee Bridgewater, an NEA Jazz Master as versed in Kurt Weill as she is with Horace Silver. Bridgewater is a creative force who has triumphed in every creative field she’s entered. But she’s at her best onstage with fellow improvisers, responding in the moment to the ebb and flow of energy coursing through a club. Keeping company in recent months with Bill Charlap, she’s got a superlative partner in swing. Sharing a vast repertoire ranging across the Great American Songbook, they’re an inimitable duo who keep each other, to say nothing of lucky audiences, dazzled and entertained. Goes until June 17. – ANDREW GILBERT

INFO: Mon, 8pm, Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. $44-$99. 510.238.9200.

MONDAY, JUNE 16

HIP-HOP

MC FRONTALOT

MC Frontalot is the glitch in the Matrix, the boss fight at the end of the broadband tunnel and the godfather of Nerdcore hip-hop. Coding by day and rhyming by night, Frontalot emerged from the dot-com primordial ooze with bars about TIFF files, side quests and existential dread. Two decades later he’s still rapping like a terminal window with social anxiety. With seven albums, cult documentary Nerdcore Rising and a loyal legion of comic convention-goers, he turns awkwardness into armor and HTML into heat. Prepare to be debugged. – SBB

INFO: Mon, 8pm, Ivy Room, 860 San Pablo Ave., Albany. $18. 510.526.5888.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18

SOUL

CHERYL RUCKER’S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Oakland-native Cheryl Rucker, the soul-steeped vocalist and longtime driving force in Melvin Seals and JGB, celebrates her birthday at Ashkenaz. She came into contact with the world of the Grateful Dead through one of the Jerry Garcia Band’s backup vocalists, Gloria Jones, a close friend from church. She ended up replacing Jones in the JGB, immersing herself in the band’s vast and varied repertoire. She’s been part of numerous Jerry-related bands and projects, including Like A Rose, the Maykers and Steely Dead. She’s put out the call to heads of all vintages to celebrate her journey and the JGB’s songbook with a cast of friends she’s played with along the way. – AG

INFO: Wed, 7pm, Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. $20-$25. 510.525.5099.

Social Eyes: Week of June 19-25

Social Eyes: Week of June 19-25
THURSDAY, JUNE 19 ROCK ANUPRASTHA It’s not every day, or even every summer, that a pioneering Nepali rock band comes to town. Anuprastha is just that, melding traditional Nepali modalities and folk tunes with the distorted guitars of rock ’n’ roll. They began in 2004 in Kathmandu’s underground scene and found breakthrough success with their hit, “Din,” in 2009. Seeing them live...
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Exploring alterna-burger options for Bay Area Burger Week

Exploring alterna-burger options for Bay Area Burger Week
Bay Area shopping malls are experiencing a renaissance, with a couple of notable exceptions—I’m looking at you, San Francisco Centre. As we’ve returned en masse to gathering in public, the malls that are thriving have been invigorated and anchored by food courts rather than by department stores. Food-on-a-stick novelty restaurants have been replaced by more inventive and fully formed...
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Free Will Astrology: Week of June 18

Free Will Astrology: Week of June 17
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries writer Joseph Campbell was a world-renowned mythologist. His theories about the classic hero archetype have inspired many writers and filmmakers, including Star Wars creator George Lucas. As a young man, Campbell crafted the blueprint for his influential work during a five-year period when he lived in a rustic shack and read books for nine...
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Ciel amplifies emerging talent

Ciel amplifies emerging talent
An empty cup invites a drink. A chrysalis is designed to be broken. A blank page awaits the next adventure. This profound sense of potential lies at the very heart of Ciel Creative Space, a sprawling, 50,000-square-foot center in West Berkeley that opened its doors in 2019. Founders Cecilia Caparas Apelin and Alexis Laurent established Ciel Creative Space as...
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Bar owners push back

Bar owners push back
A longtime Oakland bar owner recently requested anonymity during a phone interview, out of fear of retaliation from the city’s Alcohol Beverage Action Team, known as ABAT. “They’re so aggressive. They come in like the mafia and just free-reign behind the bar,” the bar owner said. Oakland’s ABAT was created to enforce compliance with alcohol and tobacco laws at bars,...
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San Francisco Jazz Festival reinvents itself

San Francisco Jazz Festival reinvents itself
For the casual music fan, the transition at SFJAZZ from the organization’s founder, Randall Kline, to trumpeter Terence Blanchard has been a seamless affair.  Week by week, the roster of artists performing in the SFJAZZ Center’s 700-seat Miner Auditorium and intimate 107-seat Joe Henderson Lab looks much the same in 2025 as it did in 2023. At least, that was...
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Relocation Hangover: How Vegas Looms Over Every Oakland A’s Betting Line in 2025

Vegas looms over Oakland A’s betting line
Published in cooperation between VegasSlotsOnline and the East Bay Express 2025 sees the Oakland Athletics covered by a shadow of doubt and wistfulness, as they play their final season. As Las Vegas approaches, the Las Vegas concert is more than just saying goodbye or seeing unoccupied seats. This type of betting puzzle is found only in Major League Baseball. It’s not...
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Virginia’s Changing Attitudes Toward Online Gambling

Virginia's Changing Attitudes Toward Online Gambling
Published in cooperation between KingCasinoBonus and the East Bay Express. Virginia is known for its serene environment and storied history. Over the years, the state has experienced a massive transformation in its attitude to gambling, from the establishment of more accommodating laws to more people getting interested in casino activities. Now, the state is a hub for online sports betting...
Read more

Trends That Could Conquer the Online Casino Industry in 2025

Trends That Could Conquer the Online Casino Industry in 2025
Published in cooperation between CasinoAlpha and the East Bay Express. Over the years, the online gambling industry has experienced trends that set it apart from other industries in the world. Mobile-first platforms came to the limelight. Now, 2025 may experience more virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence-powered platforms. This article will uncover the trends that could conquer online casinos...
Read more

Social Eyes: Week of June 12-18

Social Eyes: Week of June 12-18
THURSDAY, JUNE 12 AMERICANA MARY GAUTHIER Mary Gauthier’s sophomore album, Drag Queens in Limousines, rocketed the bard of queer tales and tunes into visibility 25 years ago. Moving to Nashville, the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter’s soulful lyrics told stories of outcasts. Gauthier’s newest, Dark Enough to See the Stars, follows 2018’s response to trauma, Rifles & Rosary Beads, a collaborative work with wounded Iraq...
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