Events
First Presbyterian Church Hosts Concert Series
First Presbyterian Church of Oakland will host a concert series, “Arts Under the Spire,” as the church celebrates 100th anniversary of its building.
All concerts will feature the church’s Rosales Opus 16 organ.
The first concert will take place Friday, Oct. 31 at 7 p.m. with resident organist Cyril Deaconoff and local percussionist Breanna Baker. The Halloween family-style concert will feature songs from the Beatles, Bach Toccata and Fugue, Messiaen, Litaize and an arrangement from Phantom of the Opera.
This concert will also be a pre-release party for Deaconoff’s new album, “From Bach to Beatles.” The entire album was recorded on the 140-year-old Johnson Organ at St. John’s in San Francisco.
The second concert will be hosted on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 4 p.m. with German-American organist Karen McKinney. Chamber instrumental and vocal music will be performed and will feature award winning local vocalist Marilyn Reynolds.
On Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m., the “Sing Along Messiah” will serve as a restoration of a tradition at First Presbyterian.
The last concert will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at 7:30 p.m. featuring Grammy-award winning organist Jonathan Dimmock.
Arts and Culture
Richmond Preps for Full Weekend of Cinco de Mayo Festivities
Cinco de Mayo festivities in Richmond and San Pablo are some of the bests in Bay, and organizers say that tradition will be alive and well at this weekend’s annual parade and festival. The action kicks off Saturday, May 4, with the 16th Annual Cinco de Mayo Richmond/San Pablo Peace & Unity Parade. The parade of floats, performances, and community organizations starts at 10 a.m. at 24th Street and Barrett Avenue and Richmond and ends at 12:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 1845 Church Lane in San Pablo.
By Mike Kinney
The Richmond Standard
Cinco de Mayo festivities in Richmond and San Pablo are some of the bests in Bay, and organizers say that tradition will be alive and well at this weekend’s annual parade and festival.
The action kicks off Saturday, May 4, with the 16th Annual Cinco de Mayo Richmond/San Pablo Peace & Unity Parade. The parade of floats, performances, and community organizations starts at 10 a.m. at 24th Street and Barrett Avenue and Richmond and ends at 12:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church, 1845 Church Lane in San Pablo.
The parade’s Grand Marshall this year will be community organizer Diego Garcia, owner of Leftside Printing.
The festivities continue Sunday with the Cinco de Mayo Festival along 23rd Street, which last year drew over 100,000 people, according to the 23rd Street Merchants Association. This year’s festival will again run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. between the intersections of Rheem Avenue and Clinton Avenue. It will feature two entertainment stages, one sponsored by La Raza 93.3 FM at 23rd and Rheem, and another sponsored by Radio Lazer FM at 23rd and Clinton.
Both events are important for the city and the region’s Latino community.
San Pablo Mayor Genoveva Calloway, who co-chairs the parade alongside John Marquez, president of the Contra Costa Community College District Board of Trustees, says Saturday’s festivities are about bringing the Richmond and San Pablo communities together in unity.
“This truly connects the spectators and people in the parade as one,” Calloway said. “The parade showcases the real communities of Richmond and San Pablo – our nonprofits, schools, horse riders, classic cars and trucks, our local businesses. All of these people represent the heartbeat of our community.”
Rigo Mendoza, vice president of the 23rd Street Merchants Association, said that at its heart, Richmond’s Cinco de Mayo Festival celebrates the date the Mexican army’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
But John Marquez started up the popular festival to bring the community together and also to exhibit the community’s businesses and culture to visitors, Mendoza said. The gathering was also a way to promote peace in the community.
Community
Swim to fight cancer
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of May 1 – 7, 2024
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of May 1 – 7, 2024
To enlarge your view of this issue, use the slider, magnifying glass icon or full page icon in the lower right corner of the browser window.
-
Community3 weeks ago
Financial Assistance Bill for Descendants of Enslaved Persons to Help Them Purchase, Own, or Maintain a Home
-
Business3 weeks ago
V.P. Kamala Harris: Americans With Criminal Records Will Soon Be Eligible for SBA Loans
-
Activism4 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of April 10 – 16, 2024
-
City Government4 days ago
Court Throws Out Law That Allowed Californians to Build Duplexes, Triplexes and RDUs on Their Properties
-
Community3 weeks ago
AG Bonta Says Oakland School Leaders Should Comply with State Laws to Avoid ‘Disparate Harm’ When Closing or Merging Schools
-
Activism2 weeks ago
Oakland Post: Week of April 24 – 30, 2024
-
Community3 weeks ago
Richmond Nonprofit Helps Ex-Felons Get Back on Their Feet
-
Community3 weeks ago
Oakland WNBA Player to be Inducted Into Hall of Fame