.Seven Things to do this Fourth of July Weekend

Fat Positive Summer Fest

Virgie Tovar is a legendary fat-positive writer who has been preaching the gospel of body acceptance for years. This season, she’s holding a Fat Positive Summer Fest in partnership with the Berkeley Public Library that consists of three events. The first has already passed, but the second takes place at the library’s Tarea Hall Pittman South Branch (1901 Russell St.) from 7–9 p.m. on June 30, and will be a Fat Positive Shorts mini film festival. The second is called “Freedom from Fat Shame!” and will take place at the library’s North branch (1170 The Alameda) on July 2 from 7–9 p.m. The event will feature readings, discussion, and personal stories from Casey Gilly, Jezebel Delilah X, Baruch Porras-Hernandez, Irene McCalphin, and Dr. Kjerstin Gruys. And, due to popular demand, Tovar is doing an encore of the lecture she presented at the beginning of the fest: “Lose Hate not Weight.” The talk is an illuminating investigation into the history and sociopolitical realities of our cultural obsession with weight loss and will take place at the library’s North branch on July 6 from 6:30–8 p.m. — Sarah Burke

Sat., July 2, 7-9p.m. Free. Berkeley Public Library, 1170 The Alameda, Berkeley. BerkeleyPublicLibrary.org

[jump] Maintenance + Gradient

Dan Grayber’s machine-like sculptures resemble elaborate apparatuses from a futuristic science lab. In actuality, though, the three dimensional compositions of metallic rods, joints, pulleys, and levers are designed solely for the purpose of keeping themselves in place. Each leg of the spidery sculptures holds it weight to form a perfect balance that keeps the others up — but that’s all. Grayber’s work comments on how human life is beautiful and intricate yet is ultimately self-indulgent and pointless. He’s currently showing work at Johansson Projects (2300 Telegraph Ave., Oakland) in the show Maintanence, through August 27. Alongside, Craig Dorety presents Gradient, in which he uses his mastery of LED light displays to mimic the rising and setting of the sun. Dorety’s work investigates perception in relationship to light through geometric wooden sculptures that glow with shifting, colored illumination. Together, the works present a sci-fi collection of works made with technical prowess. — S.B.

First Friday reception on July 1, 6-9 p.m. Through August 27. Free. Johansson Projects, 2300 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. JohanssonProjects.com


Free-throw Contest: Franchise Magazine and Book/Shop

As chain bookstores continue to close down, Amazon’s shipping capabilities become more ridiculous, and physical books seem to slip farther into obscurity as more and more opt to read through a screen, one little shop in Oakland stands in opposition. It’s the You’ve Got Mail dilemma of the 21st century, hopefully with a happier ending. Nestled in the heart of Temescal, Book/Shop (482D 49th St) has adopted a bit of an old-fashioned value system, one which prioritizes the “variety and artistry, the sight, smell, and feel of actual books.” On Friday, July 1, from 6:30-9p.m, Book/Shop is celebrating one physical book in particular, Franchise, a new “art magazine about basketball.” Stop by for the chance to browse Franchise with music, refreshments and the company of a roomful of old-fashioned book lovers. There will also be a free-throw contest and a chance to win signed art prints from Franchise. — Anna Nolan

Fri., July 1, 6:30-9p.m. Free. Book/Shop, 482D 49th St., Oakland. ShopBookShop.com


John Leguizamo’s: Latin History for Morons

You’ve probably seen John Leguizamo in movies or on television — he’s the one playing the token Latino guy. Well, now he’s got his own production, and it’s educational. In the new solo show Latin History for Morons, Leguizamo lays out a hilarious lesson satirizing the historic marginalization of Latinos in the US and the vital roles they play in the economy. That means everything from the Aztecs and the Incans to Latin patriots in the revolutionary war to current day. That’s a lot. But don’t worry, it’s fast-paced, comedic, and sounds genuinely eye-opening. Latin History for Morons will have its world premier at Berkeley Rep’s Peet’s Theatre (2025 Addison St., Berkeley) on July 1 and continue through August 14. — S.B.

Fri., July 1, 8p.m. $35–$60. Berkeley Rep’s Peet’s Theatre, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. BerkeleyRep.org


Rayven Justice

Rayven Justice’s latest album, Do It Justice, is a collection of glossy R&B club bangers, but the project has a somber backstory. Justice penned it as an homage to his brother, Raymen, who was tragically killed in his family’s East Oakland neighborhood when he was a teenager. In the wake of the tragedy, Justice said in a previous interview with the Express that he felt motivated to bring his and his brother’s shared dreams of music stardom to fruition (see “His Brother’s Keeper,” 2/24/2016). Do It Justice is a sleek collection of fourteen sexy, seductive tracks that are perfect for a summer pool party, with features from established Bay Area artists such as Keyshia Cole as well as new talent like Surfa Solo. Justice performs at Brick & Mortar Music Hall in San Francisco on July 1. — Nastia Voynovskaya

Fri., July 1, 9 p.m. Brick and Mortar Music Hall, 1710 Mission St., San Francisco. $20. BrickAndMortarMusic.com


Hennything Is Possible Part 3 

Even though it’s not sponsored by Hennessy, Hennything is Possible is a party where there’s a certain alcohol-fueled magic in the air and people loosen their inhibitions. The young Oakland DJ crew Wav Bros throws the event, and its third edition kicks off Independence Day weekend on July 1. Expect lots of dancing to forward-thinking selections of hip-hop, trap, and hyphy. Wav Bros is composed of Shruggs, Drew Banga, Spencer Stevens, and Mele$Wave, and recently performed at Wine & Bowties’ mini-festival Feels V at American Steel in West Oakland. This event’s location is secret, and you have to RSVP on Wav Bros’ website to find out where the party will be held on the day of. — N.V.

Fri., July 1, 9 p.m. $10. WavBros.com


Oakland Symphony Independence Eve Concert & Celebration

No day of the year rivals Independence Day in its sparkly and celebratory nature. For eight years in a row though, Oakland Symphony, an organization aimed at making “classical music accessible, particularly to those individuals in the community who might otherwise never hear live symphonic music,” has been unable to wait, choosing to celebrate a night early, on July 3rd. This year, both the Oakland Symphony and their Youth Orchestra will perform for free along the waterfront at Richmond’s Craneway Pavilion (1414 Harbour Way South). This will be the last chance to see the Youth Orchestra before their Cuba Tour. Stop by for the food, live music, and beautiful bay views or stay the whole night for a culminating Firework show, sure to get you excited for the following festivities on the 4th. — A.N.

Sun., July 3, 6:30-10p.m. Free. Richmond’s Craneway Pavilion, 1414 Harbour Way South, Richmond. OaklandSymphony.org.


Let the celebration continue through the week, and check out this event on Wednesday as an added bonus!

Queer Art History Trivia Night: Hosted by Kate Rhoades & Maysoun Wazwaz 

When Kate Rhoades is not delicately probing at queer culture and difference through glittery trash puppet videos, she’s hosting the self-proclaimed “Bay Area’s number one arts and culture podcast,” Congratulations Pine Tree, with Maysoun Wazwaz. The pair set out with the goal of interviewing every artist in Oakland when they started their podcast, which recently celebrated its two-year anniversary. Now is your chance to hear their witty banter live. On July 6th, Royal NoneSuch Gallery (4231 Telegraph Ave), which is in the process of transitioning into Royal Production Company (RPC), will let the two take center stage as they stage a playful trivia night on queer art history. Kate Rhoades will also be creating art at the space from June 24 through July 14 as part of a three-week artist residence with RPC and a continuation of her video series Required Skimming. Stop by between 1-4p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays to watch her perform. — A.N.

Wed., July 6, 6:30-9 p.m. Free. Royal NoneSuch Gallery, 4231 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. RoyalNonesuchGallery.com.
   

If your pockets are feelin’ light and you’re still yearning for more suggestions, we’ve got a ton, and these ones are all FREE! We’re Hungry: Got any East Bay news, events, video, or miscellany we should know about? Feed us at [email protected].