Local Events

Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra: A Wow!

The Montclair Jazz and Wine Festival kicked off today with an amazingly talented group, the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra.  Their erudite brand of jazz truly rates as a wow!

Leader Marcus Shelby burrows into historical subjects and then emerges with jazz masterpieces.  He thinks about his music as educational, story-telling opportunities.  Today in Montclair, we were treated to several finely polished performances, highlighted by a piece honoring Rosa Parks and the civil-rights movement.

Forgive the snapshot quality below, as it’s very overcast today.  First, you see the lucky festival-goers who showed up early enough to hear Marcus and his performers.  The crowd was relatively sparse around noon, but the orchestra was still very focused and doing their thing.

Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra - 1

Next take a look at Marcus Shelby, who’s the band leader as well as guy on the bass.  His back was to the audience and we love how his silhouette frames the other players to the right.  Also you can (sort of) see the players with music on their stands, as the Rosa Parks piece is a relatively new work.

Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra - 2

Finally, check out the orchestra players.  You can see them playing their hearts out, and we wish we had been able to record them because the music was soulful and, well, meaningful.  There was a full contingent of brass, which certainly added to the aural punch.

Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra - 3

We were concerned about the fate of the Montclair Jazz and Wine Festival during the 2009 recession, but organizers have done a stellar job turning this celebration into an Oakland Funds For The Arts fundraiser this year.  The music is obviously top notch, and there are still a few more acts left this afternoon…plus the vino’s getting poured for wanna-be oenophiles.

More info:   Listen to or watch Marcus Shelby on My Space and You Tube.  Read more about Shelby on his web site and the Jazz Examiner.  Check out the reviews for his Harriet Tubman disc (2008) at East Bay Express, SF Weekly and All About Jazz.

Beta On Oakland School Volunteering

You know that sharing time and energy with local Oakland school kids is a mitzvah, a good deed.

Yet you probably have experienced a few internal hurdles like:  I don’t have enough time.  I don’t remember geometry.  I don’t know what to do. Some Montclarions decided to help everyone leap over these hurdles and organized a Volunteer Faire tomorrow – where it’s possible to get all the beta on Oakland school volunteering.

As a preview, we want to share the breadth of volunteer possibilities here and now.  There seems to be something for all would-be volunteers, even after work or on weekends.  Scan all the opportunities below, and get jumping!

Tutor An Oakland Student

Elementary School Opportunities

For younger students, there are many ways to help them improve their literacy.  While you can make an obvious impact on learning, we think the Saturday field trips also sound like fun.

  • Experience Corps Oakland – If you’re 55+ years, then mentor kids one-on-one or in small groups with reading and homework – 2 hours/week – Reach David Moren, dmoren@aspiranet.org
  • Lafayette School Mentoring Project – Get trained in language arts or math tutoring, then tutor or assist teachers in classrooms. – 1.5 hours/week, includes evening sessions – Reach Jessica Bilsky, lsmptutor@yahoo.com
  • Oakland Parents Literacy Project – Help promote parental involvement and literacy, through Family Reading Nights – 2-3 hours/Wed evening events – Reach Denise Geer, dlgeer@comcast.net
  • Reading Partners – Receive training, and then tutor one student who’s struggling with reading – 1 hour/week with semester commitment – Reach Salleha Chaudhry, volunteer@readingpartners.org
  • Super Stars Literacy – Help disadvantaged K-2 students with their reading; Also accompany them on weekend field trips – 3 days/week for three weeks, and/or 4-5 hours/Sat – Reach Erin Drake or Jessica Berry, erin@superstarsliteracy.org, jessica@superstarsliteracy.org

Elementary-Middle School Opportunities

Some organizations reach out to middle schoolers, and there’s a bit more variety for volunteers.  You can help an organization grow, be hands-on with kids, or assist in the school libraries.

  • Brothers On The Rise – Help set up and develop this organization; Also males requested for Speakers Series, to address Fruitvale boys aged 8-14 years old – Reach Jon Gilgoff, info@brothersontherise.org
  • Faith Network of the East Bay – Get training and help kids as a reading tutor or library assistant; Also consider becoming a math tutor or classroom assistant – 1-2 hours/week – Reach Randy Roth or Rebecca Buckley, Randy@faith-network.com or Rebecca@faith-network.com

Middle-High School Opportunities

For older students, the volunteer activities are focused on college prep and even entrepreneurship opportunities.  We are partial to them!

  • AVID – Get middle/high schoolers thinking and preparing for college, based on this socratic curriculum – 1-2  hours/week – Reach Robert Wack, elrwack@aol.com
  • BUILD – Together with another mentor, lead a small group of high schoolers in developing and starting their own business – 1.5 hours/week, at 5:30pm – Reach Hillary Fernandes, hillary@build.org
  • Be A Mentor – Attend a training class, and then mentor kids socially and academically – 1 hour/week – Reach Ryan Gray, rgray@beamentor.org

After all these options, are you still baffled?  Then reach the Oakland Schools’ Family & Community Office and ask for guidance.  Coordinator Risha Riley may be reached at:  Risha.Riley@ousd.k12.ca.us or 510-434-7765.

Or else stop by the Volunteer Faire tomorrow, anytime between 11am – 2pm.  All these school-related organizations will be represented there – and you can really find out what fits you best by chatting with volunteer leaders.

More info:  Volunteer Faire for Oakland operates like a volunteer “trade show,” and takes place at Oakland Main Library’s West Auditorium,  125 14th Street, Oakland, CA.  In addition, Oakland School Superintendent  Tony Smith will speak briefly at 11am, while Council Rep Jean Quan will present a City Council proclamation to the Volunteer Faire Coalition at noon.

dlgeer@oplp.org

Montclarions Put Oakland Schools First

Community action has reached the hills!  Lately, concerned Montclarions have begun “good works” under the Montclair Community Action Group banner, and everyone is welcome to join them.  Their first efforts are focused on working with Oakland public schools, as the most practical way to reach and help disadvantaged kids citywide.

Oakland School Supply

Donate Supplies For School Kids

The group’s inaugural effort, a School Supply Drive, will be held this Sunday, August 23rd.  You may drop off new school supplies or donate money at the Farmers Market, from 9am – 11am; or the Montclair Cultural Arts Center (aka Women’s Club, on Mountain Blvd), from 11am – 2pm.

Organizer Claudia Huttner explained how this drive came about:

The idea came out of a simple desire to create a community service event that would make a difference for kids and provide an opportunity for volunteers to participate, even if they have very full lives and not much extra time.

Many of us are looking for ways to bring change to our community, and it doesn’t have to be monumental or complicated.  Every gesture counts.  School supplies are a basic need for kids and the cost can really add up.  Donating supplies to under-resourced schools takes a little of the economic burden off of already over-burdened households.

The requested supplies fit local student needs well, and include backpacks (any colors except red or blue), pencils, colored pencils, pens, pencil boxes, rulers, erasers, lined notebooks and glue sticks.

On a practical note, these items will be delivered through the Faith Network of the East Bay.  Huttner said this network is “already in the schools supporting kids and families.  They work with some 30 schools in the East Bay, primarily in Oakland, and have a distribution network in place.  The people at Faith Network have been terrific and very supportive.”

Everyone seems hopeful that Montclarions will step up and contribute during this Sunday’s push.  The group has already managed to collect several bags’ worth of supplies plus $550 in cash donations.  Huttner and her fellow volunteers hope this drive will become an annual event, so that disadvantaged kids get on a more level playing field.

Volunteer An Hour Or Two Weekly

Additionally the Montclair Community Action Group has announced a citywide Volunteer Faire for the schools, scheduled for Saturday, September 12th.  Oakland Unified School District Superintendent Tony Smith will kick things off at 11am, at Oakland’s Main Library.  In a prepared statement, Smith declared that:

Strong schools arise not apart from the community, but spring from it through goodwill, hard work and unity of purpose. Volunteers play an essential role in not only filling gaps in the system, but in forging the essential bonds that allow school and community to grow in concert.

At this faire, potential volunteers may discuss and explore opportunities.  Risha Riley, of the Oakland School District’s Volunteer Office, will be on hand to represent volunteer gigs in all of the city schools.  There will also be representatives from Oakland libraries and at least 12 non-profits (see list), who support programs in our schools today.

Since the faire runs until 2pm Saturday, there should be enough time to consider roles such as teacher’s aide, library assistant, student mentor, financial literacy program participant, business & career coach, nutrition program participant, science coach, after school homework helper, playground monitor, or volunteer in school beautification, gardens and art projects.

Volunteering isn’t exactly a full-time occupation, you know.  Even if you only have an hour or two available weekly, the Oakland schools and students would benefit from your time.  According to organizer Carolyn Burd, “there’s an opportunity for everyone who may be interested in becoming a school volunteer.  Many of the organizations participating in the Faire have programs in under-served schools.”

It seems perfect, and we appreciate that Montclarions are doing the legwork.  All you have to do is show up, decide what looks interesting, and make a very minor commitment – and it’s guaranteed that some Oakland child will shine brighter from your attention.

More info:  Montclair Community Action Group – School Supply Drive – Volunteer Faire

Ten Reasons To Try Art & Soul

Don’t trot out that excuse about suffering from summer festival fatigue.

As a proud Oaklander, you surely have heard of the annual Art & Soul Festival and know this mega event caps the official summer season.  With the festival underway today and tomorrow, why not soak up a little downtown ambience for a few hours?

Art Soul Oakland

We think this city-wide event is worth checking out, and here are the top ten reasons you oughta head down the hill.  Drumroll please…

  1. The best crowd mix – People watching is simply terrific around here.
  2. The only time everyone hangs together – Why do we need festivals as an excuse?
  3. Just the right size – You’re part of the action but not drowning, perfect.
  4. Something you don’t usually see – Experience the downtown without any cars.
  5. Not a regular street fair – Well, I found new crafts that weren’t at other fairs.
  6. City of Oakland tradition – Our destination event even draws visitors statewide.
  7. Comfortable for boomers – This is a place where you won’t feel uncool.
  8. Everyone is smiling – It’s so nice to walk around and feel the hella love everywhere.
  9. Jazz, rock, gospel, latin, fusion, hip-hop – The music stages prove we’re a polyglot.
  10. Somethin’ to do – On a perfect day, your family can appreciate Oakland together.

There are some musical headliners as well, which might dictate when you want to try the festival.  On Saturday you can catch BoDeans at 2:30pm, and Shawn Colvin at 4:00pm.  On Sunday, performers include Bobby Caldwell at 2:30pm, and Will Downing at 4:00pm.

But we think there’s enough action to roll downtown anytime, and join the crowd.  Chance are pretty good you are just hanging around, right?

More info:  The Festival runs Saturday and Sunday, 12 noon to 6pm daily.  The music, art, kids zone and food options are scattered throughout downtown Oakland (directions).  You may enter in three places:  14th & Broadway; 16th & San Pablo; or the Promenade beside City Center West Garage.  Tickets cost $10/day for adults, $5/day for youth (13-17) and seniors (65+), and are free for kids.

Join The Crowd, Organize Your Block Party

Did you enjoy your block party or crash someone else’s last August?  Instead of merely mingling on National Night Out, join the crowd and organize your own block party this go-around.  It looks pretty easy to do, by reading the guide and registering online.  Then deliver the news to neighbors with old-fashioned fliers, to let ’em know where and when.

2009 Night Out In Oakland

If last year’s National Night Out is any indication, then Montclarions have been pretty celebratory.  We counted at least 21 parties throughout our streets, and it was a perfect excuse to meet neighbors beyond quick nods “hello” or virtual gatherings like right here.

Check out the latest list of Montclair parties.  From what I have heard, many of these gatherings will feature a little pot-luck dinner – so it’s best to come with some contributions.

  • Balboa at Colton, 5526 Balboa Dr, 7-9 pm
  • Carisbrook Cooperative, 2557 Carisbrook near Chelton, 5-9 pm
  • Castle Park Way MON, 48 Castle Park Way at Castle Drive, 7-9 pm
  • Chelsea Court, 20 Chelsea Ct, 7-9 pm
  • Chelton Drive, 6620 Chelton Drive, 7-9 pm
  • Estates Fountain & McAndrew Drive Group, MacAndrew Drive/Estates, 6:30-9 pm
  • Fernwood Community Club, 1470 Mountain Blvd, 7-9 pm
  • Glenwood Glade, 220 Glenwood Glade, 7-9 pm
  • Holyrood Neighborhood Group, 10 Holyrood  6-8 pm
  • LaMasNA, 2101 Mastlands Drive, 6-8 pm
  • Liggett Neighbors, 6708 Liggett Drive, 7-9 pm
  • Lower Merriewood Drive, 5591 Merriewood Drive, 7-9 pm
  • Melville Drive/Ascot MON, 6425 Melville at Ascot, 6-8 pm
  • Montclair West Neighborhood Association, Pershing Dr & Marsh Place, 7-9 pm
  • Moongate/Skyline Neighborhood near Totterdell, 9393 Skyline Blvd, 7-9 pm
  • Pelham Place, 2340 Pelham near Girvin, 7:30-9 pm
  • 7 Streets A, 6281 Girvin Drive at Thackeray, 7-8:30 pm
  • 7 Streets B, 6161 Westover Drive at Thackeray, 7-9 pm
  • Thornhill Creekside Neighbors & Friends, Alhambra Court off Alhambra Lane, 6:30-8:30 pm

If your Montclair block isn’t listed above, then please register online or call Brenda Ivey at (510) 238-3091.  Council Rep Jean Quan also wants to hear about your party plans, by reaching staffer Michael Johnson at mljohnson-at-oaklandnet.com.

Official registration closes this Monday, July 27th at 5pm – so take action now.

August 1st Update: Eight more block parties have officially signed up for National Night Out, and here are the additions.  If you don’t see one below (or above) that’s literally on your block, then please visit a party that’s nearby.

  • Bruns Court, 5912 Bruns Court, 7-8:30  pm
  • Cortereal Neighbors, 1900 Cortereal Ave at Magellan Drive, no time so try 6pm
  • Montclair Valle Vista Home Owners Association, 6085 Mazuela Drive, 7-9 pm
  • Saroni Drive, 6717 Saroni Drive, 7-9 pm
  • Saroni/Sayre Neighbors, 6920 Saroni Drive, 7-8:30 pm
  • Stockbridge Neighbors, 2430 Stockbridge Drive
  • Trafalgar Place, 2173 Trafalgar Place, 7-8 pm