The Rebirth of West Oakland's 16th St. Train Station

Photo Credit: Chris Willis

One of Oakland’s many gifts is its architecture. There are art-deco gems like the Paramount, the Baghdad-inspired Fox Theater, the flat iron building, Tribune Tower, Preservation Park and The Dunsmuir House, just to name a few local landmarks, but our building prowess doesn’t end there. In fact, given the architectural diversity of Oakland, if our film department stepped up, we could be known for shooting movies just as much as we’re known for shooting people. 

Want a modern down town? Got that. Need a fully operative 19^th century historic district? Done. An expansive waterfront? A bustling port? Beautiful Victorians? Tasteful craftsmen bungalows? Gentrified lofts? Destitute slums? urban lakeside splendor? Ethnic enclaves? Oceans, bays, mountains or rivers? You name it, we got it.

One such Oakland jewel that needs some polishing however, is the now defunct terminus of the Transcontinental Railroad, Southern Pacific’s 16^th Street Train Station.  This building was once the hub of all western travel, but now stands as a shell steeped in neglected history. A developer is looking to open hundreds of homes in the area, and though he has pledged to keep the train station as a focal community place, we all know how "inclusive" development in West Oakland has been in the last decade. 

Thankfully, there is an opportunity for community members to contribute their ideas of how this once glorious space should be repurposed. I'm skeptical of the degree to which community voices will be heeded, but if we don't participate in the process, then our voices will just be apathetic "Monday morning quarterback" ramblings. Before you put in your two cents however, come check out the space in the flesh!

Check out this Channel 7 news piece (above) for details on how you can contribute your ideas and come to check it out live in the flesh on Thursday from 5:30-8pm. You can tour the station, record memories of the station, listen to live music and spoken word, dine at local sustainable food trucks, taste East Bay wines, do kids' activities, and more.

As the juxtaposing photos below illustrate, the station was once quite spectacular, help us return in its former grandeur.

Thursday, July 28th 2011; 5:30-8 p.m.
16th Street Station, 16th and Wood Streets

Cheap Date: Exploring Oakland's Art Scene

Look at the side bar. Now back at this post. Sidebar. Back at this post. Sidebar... Ok I'm done. Word to the Old Spice Guy. He's on a horse. Swag. Ok no really, I'm done. I just wanted you to peep that there are two art events in the "Featured Events" section. Yes, I know you read section all of the time, but I decided to point it out anyway. (Ahem, if you still don't know what I'm talking about, it's below the Bay Abridged Mixtape covers that you click every month to download our favorite songs from Bay Area artists.)

The first is Oakland Art Murmur. Every first Friday folks walk around checking out the galleries (map pictured above), sipping wine, and having seemingly impromptu jam sessions in the middle of the street (info on how to perform is here). It's a certain kind of awesomeness. There's even the Great Wall of Oakland (West Grand Ave. betweeb Broadway and Valley St.) which shows different films every month. Here's a bit of what to expect from the newest feature, Change in Perspective:

The second event is Stand Tall Pt. II It's presented by Old Crow Tattoo and Art Gallery. You can swing by Friday or Saturday from 8pm to 1am for the two-part opening reception. Live music plus the work of 64 artists, all right by the Lake (362 Grand Ave.). Hey now.

I can't guarantee that you won't run into the other person you're talking to, but I can guarantee it's in your budget.

Enjoy.

The Mix: NPR's Beyond California Dreamin'

NPR just compiled a mix of California songs that explore the musical terrain beyond the cheesy classics we've come to know and love. It turns out there is music as diverse as the terrain and temperatures we have out here. Granted, because it's an NPR mix, they skimped a bit on the hip-hop side of things and the mix panders more to the SCO than the O, but it's still definitely worth checking out! So without further ado, welcome to the land of opportunity, sin, sun, heartbreak and rebirth. We just call it Cali for short.

NPR's Beyond California Dreamin'

Ticket Give Away: Zion I at The New Parish!

Are you following us on Twitter? Great, because we've got a pair of tickets to giveaway for the Zion I concert tomorrow night. Here's how it works: We will tweet Zion I trivia questions from @38thNotes throughout the day. Tweet us back with your answers. If you win we will DM the information on how to claim your tickets.

Now if you've seen Zion I perform before, you know that the shows are always on point. And if you've heard the ridiculously dope new album Atomic Clock, then you already know what's up. The lineup includes Foreign Legion and Do D.A.T., so you really need to hit that follow button and try to win these tickets. This is definitely an event you do not want to miss. Checkout this video from Zumbi below and their interview with Mr. Davey D.  See you tomorrow.

ZION I interview w/ Davey D for Hip-Hop.com from OpenLineMedia on Vimeo.

Purchase tickets to Zion I at The New Parish  Here.

Event: Resistance Through the Arts

Friday, January 7 musicians, artists, models, designers and activists will gather at Madrone Studios in San Francisco for Resistance Through the Arts (R.T.T.A.). Described as "an expose of alternative identities in Bay Area fashion, art, & politics, the event will feature an Art Exhibit & Mixer, Fashion show, live performances, and dancing.

Featured designers include Bedlam Accessories (who have a pair of glasses named after Samm's song "Rider"), Punky Couture, and Urban Vintage. And the ladies of Head Banger Accessories are scheduled to speak on the panel. Performers set to rock the stage that night include Siaira Shawn, Vital, and Hottub Music.

For more information you can check R.T.T.A.'s event page. Pre-sale tickets are $12.00 and the event is $15 at the door before 9pm. 

Madrone Studios

1417 15th St. 

San Francisco, CA

7pm

Video: Turf Dancing on ABC Nightline News

38thnotes writes all the time about how frustrating it is that the Bay Area doesn't get regnognized or renowned for our contributions to the creative arts and pop culture, so seeing a nationally-televised segment on an indigenous art form feels pretty damn good! Not to say that others elsewhere won't see it, mimic it and win America's Got Talent because of it, but then again, who cares? Hip-hop culture recycles, trends spread and pop culture copies and commercializes. We can't control these things.

What we can do however is toast to the fact that Oakland has been recognized as the birth place of the next "latest craze" (Late train all aboard!), and YAK Films, The Turf Fienz and Youth UpRising are a big reason why. Clap for 'em. Dance styles are always collages of existing inspirations, but the way turf dancing has evolved has a particular flavor that is undeniably Oakland. Check out what the bodies and minds of East Oakland's finest have conjured up. There is brilliance here, and there are bodies more articulate than the mouths of most. Respect it. 

Below are a couple performance art pieces from the Turf Fienz. The first being the one that built their viral buzz, and the second a new video the crew has just put out.

Event: HB-N-3D Fashion Show

Last year the ladies behind Head Banger Accessories hit the Kaiser Rooftop for their annual fashion show. Mother nature rained on their White Fantasy Party, but this weekend they are back and bringing the fire with HB-N-3D. The debut of their newest collection is this weekend at The Crucible (1260 7th Street, Oakland). I had a chance to interview Tasha, Tiffany, and Shayla for 38th Notes' media partner Oakland Local. Check out what the ladies say here. You can also check their Streets is Talking Radio interview for more info. 

HB-N-3D starts of with a mixer at 7pm which leads into the fashion show. And after the show it's the afterparty (Jay-Z Voice). There will be surprise performances and two of our favorites DJ Jack and DJ D-Sharp are spinning throughout the night. There are a limited number of tickets left. You can purchase them now or try your luck at the door.

Music Video: Rafael Casal: "Up Your Sleeve"

Originality is king, and this offering from Rafael Casal is chillin in the throne. Though "Up Your Sleeve" isn't my favorite song to date from The Getback Crew, it is an effective vehicle to help tell an amazingly theatrical story. When Casal enters an abandoned warehouse, suspiciously circles his unmoving girlfriend and sits down with her over a game of cards, we gather that this is a showdown of sorts for them. They then each pick up half of a split deck and begin to play a game of War with cards that read, LOVE, NEGLECT, COMMITMENT & JEALOUSY, among others.

The writer in me was blown away by the 'love as war' metaphor at the heart of Casal's video.  His artistic vision and Nathan Lee's directing and editing triumph as the story unfolds–the song now merely a backdrop to the state-of-the-relationship showdown unfolding before us. The acting is also superb as Casal and Christine Doelling of Lunch Box Theory fluctuate between calculated poker faces and raw reactionary emotions. I won't give away the ending, but it's definitely worth watching.

"Up Your Sleeve" is the first of a series of video songs The Getback Crew will be releasing, perhaps best described as musical made-for-TV movies. In other words, the videos aren't visual aids to hit singles, but rather collaborative projects from inception that showcase both the audio, video and storytelling abilities that the crew has in spades. This offering from them is a great example of what to expect.

They are also in the midst of another audio visual web series that will showcase local Bay Area acts. The Getback band is backing local emcees and singers in a professionally filmed and edited MTV Unplugged-like experience that will provide the featured artists, the band and the film crew with great exposure via a dope end product. The inaugural edition will be shot this Saturday featureing R&Bay diva Netta Brielle and raucous Oakland crew League510. If you would like to be a part of the exclusive in-studio audience, please email 38thNotes@gmail.com.

Mixtape: Young Gully: The Grant Station Project

Though he was a resident of Hayward, Oscar Grant has come to symbolize the injustice, violence and distrust that has long defined police-community relations in Oakland, CA. Much has been said and written about Oscar Grant's murder and Officer Mehserle's subsequent misdemeanor charge, but not much has been done. In the spirit of activism, rapper Young Gully and journalist Pendarvis Harshaw have spearheaded the Grant Station Project, a campaign to rename the Fruitvale BART station after the late Oscar Grant. This movement may seem more like a matter of semantics than justice to some, but getting the systems that endorsed his execution to recognize him, would be a step in the right direction.

Toward this end, and in the hopes of remembering the legacy of Oscar Grant, Young Gully has penned an entire mixtape about the festering issues between the community and the police. He speaks from experience, enlists poets, family members and even channels Oscar himself to help tell the story that Oakland has had on the tip of its collective tongue for far too long. This mixtape is an amazing showing for Young Gully–adding depth to an already vicious mouthpiece. Whether you like hip-hop, the community or both, this is a must have. Support Young Gully, the Grant Station Project and long overdue justice in Oakland.

DL: Young Gully: "Black Killa" feat. Jaz Hudson

DL: Young Gully: The Grant Station Project



Previously:
Oakland's Not for Burning (Oscar Grant)
Stand Up For Oscar Grant
Kev Choice song about Oscar Grant
Dead Prez speaks on Oscar Grant and Lovell Mixon
Coolhand Luke interviews Mistah FAB for The Nation

Review: Dave Chapppelle Live at The New Parish

It was another around the block line at Oakland's The New Parish to see the most regular famous person of our generation. The skateboarding, bart-commuting, aloof, shit-talking Dave Chappelle was in The Town again–his second home it seems.

Just last year he camped out at The New Parish for a couple weeks doing two shows a night till 4am, weekend or not. He did a few bits, but mostly just riffed off the audience, gave love, talked shit, rubbed the legs of beautiful women, played the piano, super-manned invisible hoes, chain-smoked, philosophized on the meaning of life and sipped coffee until we all fell asleep.

If my description doesn’t make it clear, it was awesome. I went twice during that run in fact. And due to his improvisational prowess, I saw two very different shows. I cashed out, laughed out loud and struggled not to pass out at work the next day. It was totally worth it.

This time around, skater and guitarist Tony Guerrero lead off the evening by playing amplified latin country blues while the audience waited. Then, after a few tunes, Dave hit the stage “dressed like an athletic dyke” (his words), and started the evening by bringing up the lighthearted topic of male-on-male rape, at the expense of a table full of dudes. He explored the lack of male rape hotlines, white people’s proclivity to call the police for such an (and any) affront, versus black people’s probable decision to revenge rape the perpetrator instead, and finally the Bosnians use of rape as a successful torture tactic.  It may seem like a painful way to start a date, but as Chappelle said, “There’s a real way to look at things, and then there is the funny way.” Chappelle’s way is definitely the funny way.

"Have you ever been to China? (to audience member) So you've seen the Great Wall then? It is a great wall. In fact, they say it's the only man made thing you can see from space, and though I can't verify it, I believe it. It's just crazy to me though, because I didn't think they had Mexicans like that. (laughter). Now of course I'm not suggesting that Mexicans built the Great Wall. That would be ridiculous! I just didn't know that they had Mexicans to keep out! That's a very advanced concept." -Dave Chappelle

He had more prepared bits this go around than he did for last years run, but he also freestyled with ease as he worked the crowd. Perhaps his greatest gift is his ability to arrive at a prepared bit in an interactive roundabout way that seems completely off the top. I only picked up on this by seeing several of his shows and noting a few repeat jokes. His delivery does not tend to tip his hand however, and his routes to the jokes vary, often using the audience as a vehicle.

The audience is his favorite muse. Last night’s star of the early show was an Indian woman named Albihna who he revisited often, using her as a gateway to access a host of topics and channel a little flirtation. Then, to end the show, he had her come on stage to hug his leg as he pretended to be a ‘70s pimp riding on a speed boat, with Tony Guerrero playing blaxploitation riffs in the back ground.

It was the perfect way to end a raucous evening that was more of an experience than a comedy show. Dave’s pursuit of the ultimate cosmic joke, his random stories and his hysterical ad-libs paint a stark contrast to most comedians pre-packaged conveyor belts of random jokes half-heartedly strung together. Dave’s act is more of a conversation than a routine, and all in attendance were honored and giddy to be a part of it.  As one of the guys I met at my table said before the show, “Some people want to see the second coming of Jesus, I just want to see Dave Chappelle.” Amen.

Event: Best of the East Bay Party

Although the musical lineup might not be as well known to 38thNotes viewers as last years East Bay Express party, this year looks to be as good if not better. For those of you who have been living under a rock, the East Bay Express does a Best of The Best East Bay edition every year that features everything from Best Pizza, Zachary's, to Best Place To Buy A Hacky Sack, REI.  It's a local love celebration–a big party that offers music, food, art, and much more.

Hip-Hop, Rock, Pop, Electric, Blue-Grass, and Soul are just some of the musical genres that will be featured on the main music stage tonight. Since 38thNotes is constantly trying to expand its musical palate, this will be the perfect night to hear some new Bay Area groups. One of the only Hip-Hop acts performing is The Mighty Underdogs, which is a group that features The Gift of Gab, Lateef, and Headnodic from Crown City Rockers, all great talents in their own right. The other group I am looking forward to watching is Bang Data which features one of the slickest MC's in the bay, Deuce Eclipse. He always puts on a great live show, and with his band behind him it should be on a different level. Check out both The Mighty Underdogs and Bang Data music videos below.

Come out and show your support for a great Oakland/Bay Area event. Grab some food, check out the local talent, and mingle with great people. Hope to see you there.

What: East Bay Express Best of The Bay Party
When: Friday August 6th, 2010
Where: Jack London waterfront
Time: 5pm-11pm




Bang Data : Pressure from Miguel A. Osorio on Vimeo.

Sports: Remembering Raider Jack "The Assassin" Tatum

"I was paid to hit, the harder the better. And I hit, and I knocked people down and knocked people out."
-Jack Tatum

Jack Tatum embodied this quote and more. One of the fiercest hitters to ever play the game, Jack Tatum (aka The Assassin) passed away a couple days ago after suffering a heart attack. Tatum was the epitome of an old school Raider- ferocious, hard-nosed, and obsessed with winning.   His play was a big part of the reason why the Raider teams of the 1960s and 70s were as hard-nosed as the city they represented. Tatum, along side George "The Hitman" Atkinson,  Skip "Dr. Death" Thomas and "Old Man" Willie Brown, comprised "The Soul Patrol," one of the best and most feared secondaries to ever play the game.

If you caught a pass over the middle, you could count on Jack Tatum gunning for your head as soon as the ball hit your hands. As a result, some of the nastiest hits in the history of football were perpetrated by Jack Tatum. In Super Bowl XI, he demolished the Minnesota Viking's Sammy White after he caught a pass across the middle, sending his chin strap flying one direction and his helmet another. That hit epitomized his menacing presence, but it was the punishment he layed on Darryl Stingley that weighs the heaviest. That collision left Stingley paralyzed, changing both of their lives forever.

He has been painted as a villain and a criminal, as many of those Raiders teams were, but the majority of his hits were legal (at the time at least). Tatum can be criticized, but his approach was simple; to drive through his targets so that they felt the pain the rest of the game. That approach is actually just textbook football with some added ferocity– a mentality some current Raiders should adopt.

He stuck around the Bay Area after his playing career and continued to help younger Raiders who played after him. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends and The Raider Nation.

Rest In Peace Jack The Assassin– A real Raider In Paradise

Event: Monday Soul Special Edition: Joi (6/21)

Monday Soul at The New Parish (579 18th Street, Oakland) is where you want to be at the top of next week. Without fail Mr. JE and Jareem present some of the best artists in the Bay and DJ D- Sharp spins the records that will keep you moving all night. A $15 membership gets you free weekly access to Oakland's dopest weekly showcase, or you can pay $5 for each show.

This week, Samm headlined and rocked a packed house with the likes of Erk Tha Jerk, London, J. Myers, Tony Vic and CASH RULES. Next week (6/21) however, will be the first time Monday Soul welcomes outside talent to grace the dope New Parish crowd. That traveling talent is Joi, the solo artist and former member of Lucy Pearl, who hopes to a hit a stage with her signature brand of funky (and sometimes freaky) soul. Special event pricing for this particular evening of soul is $5 for members and $10 for non-members. Doors open at 10pm.

Here's a little something sweet and longing to get you ready:

Video: Youth UpRising Center Unveils New Skate Park

Youth UpRising (YU), the state-of-the-art youth center next to Castlemont High School, has recently opened a skatepark on the premises, presumably deep East Oakland's first.  The new outdoor digs adds yet another dimension to an already existing slew of amenities. Equipped with recording studios, film editing suites, job services, a health center, cafe, dance studio and amphitheater, YU epitomizes everything youth centers should look like and provide.

Now with a skate park, the center will hopefully attract a more diverse population of youth to the center, while also turning members of their core community on to a new activity.

As a founding member of YU, it's existence and evolution always makes me proud. As a high school student it seemed improbable that something of such scale was really going to be born into an old Safeway on 88th and MacArthur. But, it was not only born, it has grown too! Just last week in fact, YU celebrated its 5th anniversary in grandiose fashion.

Executive Directors, MacArthur geniuses, judges, politicians, founders, funders, families, rappers, dancers, organizers artists and youth were all there to toast the success of the center. Such a well-rounded turnout demonstrates what a gathering place it is thanks to the work of the great staff and the grind of the hardest working hustler in Oakland, Executive Director Olis Simmons.

Now we'll add some skaters to that stew. How appropriate for a place so used to the grind.



And I'd also like to give a shout out toYouth UpRising for their award winning film, "Youth Jail Chronicles." The documentary notes how rampant incarceration is in our communities by talking to local youth who have spent time locked up. It's definitely depressing, but they crown the experience by sharing advice on what others can do to avoid their fate. It's sad that Oakland youth often know the prison industrial complex so intimately, but it's also sad that we more often read about these young people than listen to them. Here is our chance to start.

Event: Stilettos & Cinema

Carrie Bradshaw has sparked obsessions with Louboutins and Louis Vuitton, prompted women to refer to the on again off again love of their lives as Mr. Big, and more than likely inspired your favorite relationship blogger. Friday, May 28th Carrie, Miranda, Charlotte, and Samantha are back in Sex and the City 2 and I'll be celebrating the friendship, love, and glamour at "Stilettos & Cinema."

Organized by the ladies of Eleven20, Stilettos & Cinema is a charity event benefiting A Safe Place, Oakland's domestic violence center. There will be goodie bags, women in fabulous shoes, and fun all for a great cause. Pre-order your tickets here (there are no tickets at the door), put on your "sophisticated & cosmopolitan" gear, and kick off Memorial Day weekend by getting carried away.

Friday, May 28, 2010
6:30pm and 9:30pm
$20 (before 5/26) $25 (after)
No Tickets at the Door
Jack London Cinemas
100 Washington Street

Sports: Ice Cube Premiers "Straight Outta LA" and The Raiders Cut Bo Russell

There is so much to talk about, but to start, Ice Cube's documentary Straight Outta LA will be premiering tonight at 8pm on ESPN. The documentary chronicles the impact that the Raiders had on N.W.A. and the overall culture of LA while the team was there. 

Cube, a life long Raider fan, sheds light on how N.W.A. transformed the Raiders logo into a global brand, and how the city of LA connected to the bad boys of the NFL. One of the highlights of the video is Ice Cube's sit down interview with our geriatric owner, Al Davis, who rarely grants one-on-one interviews. Check out the documentary below, as well as an interview he did with the AP for the movie a little farther down.

Given that Al Davis looks like a cross between the Crypt Keeper and The Bruce's deteriorating father from Brave Heart, that the Raiders got rid of Jamarcus Muscle and that we had a good draft, could it be that Al Davis has finally died and someone else is running the team? Think about it. Have you ever seen The Raiders make this many sensible moves in the course of a couple weeks? Al Davis has done a lot of great things for the Raiders in his career, but recently he has only run our team into the ground.

Is a Super Bowl title in the cards for this year? I think so, but that's because I have said that every year since Coolhand got a full Raiders uniform for Christmas (unfortunately, I got stuck with the 49ers uniform. Thankfully that didn't last long). Realistically it's not going to happen, but the fact that the Raiders are starting to get better and finally cut Muscle Head aka Sir Syrup aka Jamarcus the Jeweler, is a huge heavy step in the right direction. Lets face it, the kid couldn't hit Al Davis if he was walking across the field with his walker. 

And as I have said before, if he would have had a decent personality and attitude he would still be on the Raiders because lets face it, we didn't give him much to work with. We had a sub-par offensive line, young/injured receivers, and a trio of running backs that didn't do their job. BUT Russell chose to say that he always thought he was doing a good job and wouldn't take any blame himself, so the fans turned on him and now he has been enveloped by the black hole.

He is probably in the same place he was before he got cut...the club with a Styrofoam cup of Sprite and Robitussin in his hand. So, to your departure, we all raise our glasses of our cough syrup of choice and bid you farewell. I am sure Darren McFadden and Darrius Heyward-Bey are shaking in their cleats now because they are the next players who will feel the wrath of the toughest football fans in the country.

It looks as if the sun might be starting to shine on the Raiders a bit, especially with the wall of Russell knocked down. Jason Campbell will be an improvement at QB over the cast of characters we had last season, and our first pick of the draft this year, Rolando McClain, has a good chance of being the real deal at linebacker. I realize we are talking about the Raiders and Al Davis, so you never know what they will do to screw things up, but this is certainly a start back up the mountain of excellence.

Let us know what you think of the recent transactions by the Dark Side or the best Jamarcus Russle jokes you can conjur up.

Music Video: Nova Boy: "We Eatin"

I tend to enjoy a late night snack here and there, and thanks to Nova Boy The Hitman, I have a song to slap as I indulge myself. Ok, so perhaps "We Eatin" is not the new anthem for your childhood fat camp, but the video is filmed in a liquor store. 

In reality, this cut from Nova speaks to a subject that a lot of up and coming artists have trouble with, making money. You don't need me to tell you that it is getting harder and harder to make a living off music, but it is good to see that Nova and his whole A.P.B. family are hustling and eatin (at least allegedly so).

If you want to see Nova perform "We Eatin" as well as his local banger "Betta Chick," then come to The New Parish on Friday May 7th for his album listening party.  Not only will you see Nova, but also performances by the whole A.P.B. gang and 38thNotes favorite, Nio Tha Gift. 

In the meantime, check out the video for "We Eatin." Maybe you'd like some Hostess cupcakes, maybe some Now & Laters or maybe the misplaced snow bunny. Totally your call.

Ticket Give Away: Freeway, Freddie Gibbs, Jake One & DaVinci

If you're a hip-hop head, chances are you are a fan of at least one of the emcees on this bill. And lucky for you, we here at 38thNotes have some a couple pairs of free tickets to give away.

Former Roc Boy, Freeway might be the most recognizeable name on the line-up, but the Northwest's white van musician Jake One, XXL Freshman of the year Freddie Gibbs and the Bay's own DaVinci, Jern Eye, J-Billion and Street Media together comprise a show you won't want to miss.

I am personally juiced to see what blog darling and purveyor of all things gangster, Freddie Gibbs is all about. The Geary, Indiana native has often been likened to Slauson savage Nipsey Hu$$le, and if this comparison is apt, I'll be sure to love dude.

I may be most excited, however, to see the stage show of San Francisco's J. DaVinci. The Day The Turf Stood Still was, in my humble opinion, an extension of the foundation Fashawn recently built with his Boy Meets World debut, and his forthcoming Idle Mind LP promises more of the same. Fillmore may not be the black arts mecca it once was, but it has at least one remaining hopeful to call it's own. 

To find out more about DaVinci, check out 38thNote's review of The Day The Turf Stood Still and download the album there too. For further information, check out DaVinci speaking on his Idle Mind project and watch his  Under The Bay interview with The Thizzler (all below).

Most importantly, the first two new followers of @38thNotes on Twitter will win a pair of tickets to Friday night's Top Billin SF show at Mezzanine. Ready. Set. Go! 

And of course a little background music while you get your follow on.

DL: J. DaVinci: "Gettin' Money in My Sleep"

Event: A Special Night: Fundraiser 4 Kids with Sickle Cell

In today's world it's quite easy to get wrapped up in your day-to-day. Tonight at The New Parish (579 18th Street, Oakland), you'll have the chance to take a break, party with cool people, and give back to the community by helping kids with Sickle Cell attend camp.

"A Special Night," is the brainchild of Jareem Gunter (Monday Soul, Forever, The Living Room) and is hosted by Prentice Powell (Hotwater Cornbread). The event features a date auction (to see the guys before hand check the event section here), and performances by Netta B., R.O.D., and London. Once the bidding is over and R&B's rising stars have graced the stage, DJ Scotty Fox is turning the spot in to a full out party. Grab your tickets at http://specialnight.eventbrite.com/. Doors open at 9pm.

Review: Kid Sister Gets Physical and Nails Full Set of Dance Songs

Kid Sister was determined to break Oakland off with a piece of Chicago — and by the looks of the ladies directly in front of The New Parish stage who attempted her hometown’s signature juking style, the mission was accomplished. 

Before Kid Sister hit the stage, members of the Bay Area’s Honor Roll crew got the crowd going with the collective’s first lady and emcee Josie Stingray, producer Trackademicks, and singer 1-O.A.K. who offered his take on the Cure’s “Lovecats.” Together, the crew offered doses of traditional hip hop that were sprinkled with rock-influenced R&B and genre-bending emceeing.

Kid Sister (aka Melisa Young) was next and came to the stage rocking a black shirt, black and white striped leggings, boots, and (of course) her signature, decorative full set which was appropriate for the introduction of “Right Hand Hi,” the opening track from her long-awaited debut Ultraviolet (Downtown). The stage had just enough space for the DJ table, which was lined with water bottles for much-needed breaks between uber high-energy dance songs, and for Melissa to rock out and drop it low enough to make Chicago’s South Side proud.

After only the second song, you wondered if Young had to endure fitness training in order to pull off her physically-exhausting show multiple nights in a row. For the average person, jumping up and down, rapping, keeping the crowd going, and dancing up a sweat without hype men or band members would wear a body out. But then again, Kid Sister is far from average — a fact she proved as she ran through renditions of “54321,” “Control,” and “Step” with the smile of a cheerleader, the confidence of a learned emcee, and the friendly charisma of the girl next door.

The lessons of Chicago music made a mark with Young’s remake of the Jungle Brothers’ “I’ll House You,” a track that was released last year as part of Reebok Classic’s remix project. Young also schooled the crowd on the art of juking with track “Switchboard.” Though the comparison to Oakland’s “hyphy music” didn’t go over so well with a few of the people desperately trying to detach from the image, everyone in the crowd got it: Juke music is the stuff crazy, hyped club nights are made of.

With no lights, no backup dancers, and an intimate crowd, the show had more of a club performance than a concert vibe — but the lack of flash did not equal a lack of energy. In the end, there was left a bunch of sweaty concertgoers who even enjoyed the perks of a post-show juke with Kid Sister. Way to get fresh. 

This story was originally written for and published by www.venuszine.com