Peep At The Newest Oakland Resident

The city of Oakland has become a ‘prime' destination for foodies, art lovers and nightlife aficionados. It is not surprising that it was ranked one of the top five places to visit – as noted by the New York Times. VOGUE also mentioned Oakland in one of its ‘culture' articles as a city to visit.

With so much buzz surrounding what is flourishing around the city, savvy peeps are taking note, and in the blink of an eye there are new business ventures opening up. The downtown & uptown neighborhoods have especially been attractive to business owners – there is an abundance of restaurants, bars, boutiques, and art galleries. With so many options, there truly is something for everyone's taste.

One of the newer businesses that graced Oakland is Pure, an apparel-rare-to-find-kicks store. The business is already causing a stir all throughout social media – with over a 1,000 ‘likes' on facebook, a growing following on both Instagram & Twitter, and glowing reviews; Pure is shaping to be a new favorite. A satisfied customer wrote on Facebook: "Dope people and customer service was immaculate."

Photo Courtesy Of: PURE

Pure is located in the heart of downtown, a few blocks away from the 19th Street BART station, right off 17th Street & Webster. The GRAND OPENING is happening this Friday August 1st – with such a busy location, the ‘First Fridays' festivities are the perfect opportunity to introduce the newest Oakland resident to Oaklanders and Pure's counterparts.

So, ‘sneaker heads' of the Bay REJOICE! This First Friday when you are out and about checking out the art shows, and walking around deciding where to eat and what to drink – stop by Pure and score yourselves some fly new kicks.

Check out Pure's facebook, Instagram & twitter.

Sponsored Post

An Electropop Night With Belanova

All Photos Courtesy Of: Claudia Guzman

It has been four long years since Belanova toured in the Bay Area. And, this past weekend, they more than made up for the time lost by having three shows, two in San Francisco and one in Oakland. Belanova performed at a gay club in San Francisco this past Saturday night, and they were the headliners of the latin stage at Pride festival on Sunday.

But, their three day stop did not end in San Francisco – on Monday, the band had an unbelievable show at Oakland’s The New Parish. Fans gathered at the venue, anxious to finally see the return of Belanova to the stage.

Lead singer Denisse Guerrero looked flawless when she got on stage – dawning a crop top, high waisted shorts, and a retro bandana inspired hairstyle. The fans went wild! There was a cluster of people who had been standing in the front of the stage for about two hours, while others chose to take a view in the upstairs part of the venue.

The curiosity was increasing, what song would start off the show? And, the opening song did not disappoint, as Belanova decided to go with "Rosa Pastel" – and, if you are a true Belanova fan, well, you most certainly know the lyrics by heart.

Denisse engaged with the audience, she talked about how certain songs of the repertoire for that night’s show were of significance for the band, and put them on the music map. One of those songs was “Me Pregunto” from their 2006 album Dulce Beat.

The concert at The New Parish was an absolute success, and it did not matter that it was a Monday night. The setlist also had a vast variety from Belanova’s discography. Some of the songs included: “Mariposas," “Cada Que," “Tus Ojos," “Aun Asi Te Vas," “Baila Mi Corazon'" and  “Por Ti.”

Credits: Jaffe Events

Somos - Spain And Oakland Under One Roof

All Photos Courtesy Of: Claudia Guzman

Jarabe De Palo made a triumphant return to Oakland, and there was no better place for the band to introduce their new album Somos than The New Parish.

And with a sold-out crowd, Pau Donés and company made the crowd sing-along to classics such as "Depende", "Lado Oscuro", "Dejame Vivir", "Agua", "La Flaca", "Bonito." And, since the tour is promoting the new album, the fans got a first listen of songs such as "Hoy No Soy Yo", "Tu No Sabes Quien Soy", (my personal favorites), "Bala Perdida", "A Donde Vas", and many more. The concert went on well past midnight, and it was worth staying up late on a workday.

Prior to the show, I had the opportunity to chat with Pau Donés, we talked about the new album, the band’s almost two decades in the music industry, and much more.

My interview (in Spanish) below, for more on Jarabe De Palo, check out the band’s twitter, website, or facebook. The album Somos is out now and you can find it on amazon & itunes.

 

Credits: Nacional Records

Bangerz Tour – Oakland Edition

If a few years ago, someone would’ve told me that Hannah Montana would be out on a tour called Bangerz, and would slide out to the stage from a gigantic tongue… well, I would’ve laughed!

And yet, that is exactly what she did! The Oakland Arena witnessed all of Ms. Cyrus’ craziness, and whether you think she is a hot mess, or the next princess of pop, there is no denying that all of her antics from the past year are paying off – BIG TIME!

Photos Courtesy Of: @RRS415

Miley Cyrus brought along on tour her LA singer-songwriter pal Sky Ferreira, and Swedish Electro Pop duo Icona Pop (whose album This Is… is out now.)

During the Oakland show, there wasn’t a shortage of "OMG!!!" moments, from the gigantic screens with Miley's face plastered on them, her revealing outfits, the variety of what her dancers looked like. And, undeniable, the best part was Miley belting out "Landslide", and "Jolene." Miley has some vocal pipes, but, she knows that sex & controversy is what sells, and she is pulling off that card and taking full advantage.

And what a better way to continue on the controversy train, than to ride a gigantic hot dog, yeah, she sure did!

The Bangers tour continues tonight, and San Jose, get ready because you are next!

This Is The REAL Oakland

Yesterday I came across a rather disturbing piece posted on KQED’s website whose author’s “opinion” about Oakland, disagreed with what real Oakland residents, “Oaklanders” if you will feel about Oakland.

You see, there are Oakland newly transplants, and there are those like myself, who are Oakland, whose families have been residents of this great city for many generations, or perhaps families of immigrants who call Oakland HOME.

We know the real Oakland, we breathe Oakland, and we have been part of the community since before Oakland became “hipster.” The author of the KQED piece clearly has never set foot outside of the Piedmont & Temescal area, and believe me when I tell you, that those areas, don’t even comprise a miniscule part of this gorgeous town.

I, like many of the real Oakland residents, know my way around it, know the real great spots whether it is to get food, a bar, where to shop. You see, we knew Oakland was “cool” before transplants and outsiders came on board. While I am all up for people coming into Oakland, and help our economy and the community; I don’t appreciate those like the author over at KQED to look down on other neighborhoods or areas around Oakland… just the other day, I was driving around downtown with a friend of mine, and we were reminiscing on how downtown Oakland was nothing like it is now… that friend and I grew up in East Oakland. He has lived in the “murder dubbz” pretty much his entire life. I have lived there too, Dimond district, Laurel, 79th & MacArthur, the Oakland Hills, you name it.

Let’s talk about places to eat… “Miss KQED Piedmont Temescal” named delis, and that is great, but HELLO! Her sheltered little soul has never heard of Mill’s Hoagie & Deli Shop over by Seminary & MacArthur (ohhh scary East Oakland), or Ike’s in Downtown. For Chinese food, did she ever consider heading over to Chinatown? I don’t know, seems to me like that would be a GREAT area to find Chinese food… may I suggest New Gold Medal, or Jade Palace over by the Dimond District, or perhaps Chopsticks on 39th & MacArthur Blvd. And now, moving on to the BEST taco trucks… that author mentioned “the truck by the lake by East 1st(?)” and she clearly doesn’t know any better. Personally I grew up on Tacos Sinaloa *eyyyy, let’s go get tacos by 22nd*… Sinaloa is beyond famous! You have not experienced tacos de asada or burritos heaven till you devour theirs… oh, and an extra red salsa… YUMM!!!!! Or, how about El Grullense by 28th and International, now, those are some bomb tacos!


When it comes to “sweets” and coffee shops, there is nothing more glorious than some pan dulce from Peña’s Bakery, or how about a cup of coffee from World Ground Café on MacArthur, and yes, both located in East Oakland. 

Best Bars… the list is never-ending! Lounge 3411 on MacArthur and 35th Avenue, The Rock Steady on San Pablo Avenue, Make Westing on Telegraph, as well as SoMar, Beer Revolution, etc, etc…

Where to buy “weird” stuff… I don’t know about you, but I used to go to “La Pulga” aka The Flea Market over by the coliseum, it was a family affair, and you can find all sorts of cool stuff for dirt cheap.

Where to buy groceries… according to Miss KQED Piedmont Temescal, she only shops at Piedmont Grocery… WOW! Well, I buy my groceries at several different stores, Mi Pueblo & Mi Tierra both on High Street, Mi Ranchito on Foothill & Fruitvale, the farmer’s market over by Laney College, Foodmaxx at Fruitvale Station, heck even Maxx Value, there is no shame in my game! A girl is on a budget sometimes.

Where to go…. That author mentions a cemetery, really a cemetery? I will hold back from commenting on such travesty, but I will say this…. The Oakland Hills have some of the best trails, and breathtaking views, and run around the lake is always refreshing…

This long blog post clearly does not list ALL of the superb places that Oakland has to offer, this list is pale in comparison to all of the places around town; really there is no way to fit them all in one post. My intention is rather simple, if new-comers don’t venture out to really get to know Oakland, and choose to stay closed-in their “hipster” bubble, they will never fully take in how beautiful & diverse Oakland really is. Why undermine the cultural aspect of the town? Look down on those who make Oakland such a diverse, rich and welcoming community? 

Pictures Posted On My Instagram & Facebook Page