upcoming Oakland events

It's almost the beginning of March, so it's time for First Friday. After last month's tragic shooting, there will be some changes at this month's, including no alcohol. Let me know about other events by leaving a comment.

Wednesday

What I Hear, I Keep: Stories from Oakland's Griots - Wednesday-Saturday, 2:30-5:30pm. Visual and audio art installation at Peralta Hacienda based on African American stories of modern-day Oakland, with local residents telling about their lives and exploring their identities. (with $5 admission)

Vintage porcelain at the Pardee Home - Wednesdays, 2nd Saturdays, 2nd Sundays. View the historic Pardee Home and the collection of porcelain collected by the globe-trotting Mrs. Pardee. You can take the tour for $5 or have the tour and tea for $25. Read more at World of Mailman. Read about the tea service on the East Bay Express. ($5/$25)

Friday

Off the Grid at OMCA - Friday, 5-9pm. The Off the Grid food truck pod comes to the Oakland Museum for an evening of food and fun.

Art Murmur - Friday, 5-10pm. Dozens of galleries. Lots of artists. Tons of people. It's the monthly chance to check out new art in uptown, eat from food trucks, and more. There are also Art Murmur events in Old Oakland, near Jack London Square, and more. (free)

Cherry Blossoms in Exile: Art and Music - Friday, March 1, 7pm. A new show in March brings the first all female group of artists to Blackball Universe Gallery for "Cherry Blossoms in Exile." The exhibit features the abstract works of Momoko Sudo, Tomo Kamiya and Ashley Adams, blending organic shapes and straight lines to explore themes of nature and of industry.

Titti Trifecta: female artists at MOCO - Friday, March 1. Artists Bobby Jean, Lee Miltier and Maria Yates take center stage at the MOCO gallery on 17th. Show opens on First Friday, March 1. Special events on March 10, 14, and 22.

Saturday

OMCA White Elephant Sale - March 2-3. It's the annual fundraiser for the Oakland Museum of California. It's bigger than big, it's elephantine! There's something for everyone at this enormous sale. (free)

Collage Workshop with Robert Ray March 2, 1-4pm. Join artist / curator Robert Ray for an afternoon of art, wine and cheese at the new Transmission Gallery in Oakland. Event is $25. which includes materials, refreshment, cheese and wine. ($25)

Tall ships tours - Saturday and Sunday, 10am-1pm. Walk-on tour aboard the Lady Washington and Hawaiian Chieftain tall ships that will be at Jack London Square until Wednesday, March 6. No reservation is required, but a donation of $3 is suggested. Read about last year's visit. There are also special "battle sails" where the ships will engage in a mock battle.

Sunday

the life and legacy of Howard Thurman - Sunday, March 3, 2-4pm. Learn about the life and legacy of this inspiring 20th century mystic and visionary. Extended excerpts from the video interview "Conversations with Howard Thurman" and discussions will consider the relevance of his wisdom for the present day. (free)

ongoing events:

• Art Murmur (1st Friday)
• Saturday Art Stroll (Saturdays)
• Mt. View Cemetery Tours (2nd and 4th Saturdays)
• Off the Grid at OMCA (Fridays)

looking further ahead:

The Big Painting Show - Friday, March 8, 6-9pm. See paintings by 8 established Bay Area artists at the Gray Loft Gallery in Jingletown. The Big Painting Show: Layers of Abstraction features the work of Rick Arnitz, Mark Ashworth, Suzy Barnard, Jamie Brunson, Betty Jo Costanzo, Carol Lefkowitz, Simone Simon, and June Yokell. (free)

Oakland Urban Paths - Saturday, March 9, 10am. Join OUP for a walk through Oakland history. We'll be exploring Oakmore Highlands and part of Sausal Creek. (free)

Oakland Grown Card Crawl - Saturday, March 9, 2:30-6pm. A fun afternoon of shopping, exploring, eating and drinking on Piedmont Avenue! (free)

Oakland Running Festival - Sunday, March 24. Whether you're a runner, a volunteer or a spectator, it's a great big blast of Oakland love. There's a 5K race, a 1/2 marathon and a full marathon.