Accoridng to Wikipedia, today is a) Funkmaster Flex’s 43rd birthday, b) the 54th anniversary of the debut of American Bandstand and c) International Beer Day. In other words, this weekend is destined for greatness. Herewith, the top five events going down over the next three days in the East Bay.
Attaboy
The latest project from local artist, animator, toy designer, game-maker, and all-around wild-minded Rennaissance man Attaboy is the kind of children’s book kids might have to explain to their parents. You Might Be a Monster is dark and colorful at the same time, narrated by a talking worm and jam-packed with poetry, stories, zombie clowns, hugging cacti, hamster-faced children, and more. The ‘boy himself will read and project images at a launch party on Saturday, Aug. 6, at Escapist Comics (3090 Claremont Ave, Berkeley). 6 p.m., free. 510-652-6642 or EscapistComics.com — Stefanie Kalem
Oaksterdam Tattoo Grand Re-Opening Party and Art Opening
If you have yet to join the tattooed majority and find the bright lights and buzzing guns of the area’s many tattoo shops simultaneously alluring and intimidating, consider Oaksterdam Tattoo‘s grand reopening party on Friday, Aug. 5, a chance to check out a part of the local tattoo scene. The downtown Oakland shop, staffed by artists Enrique Gutierrez and Chris Klein, is moving to a larger space (811 Washington St., Oakland) only two doors from its original location. Held in conjunction with the First Friday Oakland Art Murmur, the shop’s opening celebration includes libations, live music by the Funk Revival Orchestra, and new work on display by five artists. 6 p.m.- midnight, free. 510-465-4004.— Cassie Harwood
