Here are five things that should convince you to change out of your sweatpants this weekend:
Ippo Ramen Popup
Slippery, sinuous, satisfying, soupy noodles are popping up at the Commonwealth Cafe & Public House on Sunday, January 20. Mobile Oakland outfit Ippo Ramen features Japanese-style ramen in broth with eggs, vegetables, seaweed, pork, and other toppings. And yes, steaming-hot ramen pairs perfectly with the Commonwealth’s diverse draught and bottled brews from the East Bay and the UK. 11 a.m., prices vary. 510-663-3001 or CmonOakland.com — Anneli Rufus
Credits: Cathy Mcauliffe Credits: Cathy Mcauliffe
Aesop Rock
Not to be confused with A$AP Rocky, a 24-year-old African-American rapper from Harlem, San Francisco-based, New York-bred Aesop Rock is a thirtysomething white rapper who came up in the early Millennium. He’s a master of wordplay, and everything else — including beats — takes a backseat to his frenetic flow. While his style might not fit the mold of modern hip-hop, his message does: Long before Death Grips attempted hip-hop anarchy, Aesop Rock spit truths about capitalism and corporate America on his seminal 2001 album Labor Days. On last year’s Skelethon, Aesop Rock sounds a little less angry, but no less heady — his imagery still surreal and his mood still manic. He’ll be joined by fellow Gen X rappers Busdriver and Rob Sonic plus DJ Big Wiz at The New Parish on Saturday, Jan. 19. 9 p.m., $18, $20. TheNewParish.com — Whitney Phaneuf
