Dance, paint, and skate your way towards spring
It’s been a cold and soggy few weeks, and the allergy-relief aisle at the grocery store is looking a little sparse. But if you can scrounge up a bit of energy for a fun local event, we’re sure that you’ll find a little bit of sunshine. On Friday, February 27, head to the Alameda Main Library for an afternoon with the Black Banjo Reclamation Project. Turn back your calendars on Saturday, February 28, for some old-fashioned fun with the Roller Derby & Radios Fundraiser at the California Historical Radio Society. The same day, spend some time painting with other artists at Frank Bette Center for the Arts at Come Paint With Me. On Sunday, March 1, join fellow treasure hunters at the famous Alameda Point Antiques Faire. And on Monday, March 2, try something new with the Bhangra Fundamentals Dance Class at Rhythmix Cultural Works. Now, get out there!
Black Banjo Reclamation Project
Friday, February 27
Join Hannah Mayree, Seraphina Perkins, and Azere Wilson of the Black Banjo Reclamation Project for a Black History Month event at the Alameda Main Library, 1550 Oak Street, on Friday, February 27. The event is scheduled from 1 until 3 p.m.
The Black Banjo Reclamation Project is a group of musicians and performers who “curate musical, cultural, and land-based healing opportunities for Black, Afro-Diasporic communities around the world to work with the banjo as a tool for reclaiming ancestral wisdom and creating Afro-futures,” according to the library’s event description. Each artist will perform a set, then enjoy some jamming, and take audience questions.
This event is free, and no registration is required. Head to the Stafford Room on the first floor of the library to join the fun.
Roller Derby & Radios Fundraiser
Saturday, February 28
Kick it old school on Saturday, February 28, with the Roller Derby & Radios Fundraiser at the California Historical Radio Society (CHRS), 2152 Central Avenue. Festivities are scheduled from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
CHRS has teamed up with the Bay Area Derby (BAD) for this day of retro fun. BAD is an Oakland-based, full-contact, gender-inclusive flat track roller derby league that’s been around since 2004. Watch the exciting competition beginning at 11:30 a.m., and enjoy free skating from 2:30 until 4 p.m. A vintage radio auction will be held at 2 p.m.
All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to local nonprofit organizations. Entry to the event is free. Please RSVP to [email protected].
Come Paint With Me
Saturday, February 28
Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru Street, invites the community to bring their projects to Come Paint With Me. The open studio time lasts from 2 until 4 p.m. on Saturday, February 28.
If you have drawings or paintings that you’ve been meaning to finish, bring them on by! Enjoy community amongst other artists, designated time to work, and creative inspiration. All skill levels and mediums are welcome.
Come Paint With Me is scheduled every second Wednesday and fourth Saturday of the month. No RSVP is required. A $5 donation is requested to use the space.
Alameda Point Antiques Faire
Sunday, March 1
It’s the first Sunday of the month, and you know what that means—the famous Alameda Point Antiques Faire! The largest antiques show in Northern California is right in our backyard, and it happens every first Sunday of the month at 3900 Main Street. Shop 800+ booths and enjoy culinary offerings from a wide selection of food trucks.
The Faire uses a tiered ticketing system for entry into the venue:
- VIP Shopping: 6-7:30 a.m. | $20
- Early Buy: 7:30-9 a.m. | $15
- Morning: 9 a.m.-noon | $10
- Afternoon: Noon-3 p.m. | $5
All tickets are available on the day of the Faire at the Box Office, and must be purchased with cash only. Children under 12 may attend for free with a parent. Please leave pets at home.
Parking is free, and a shuttle is available between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to transport attendees from the parking lot to the Faire entrance. The shuttle will make occasional stops at the Main Street Ferry Terminal. More information is available online.
Bhangra Fundamentals Dance Class
Monday, March 2
Looking for a fun new dance class? Stop by Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Avenue, for Bhangra Fundamentals Dance Class on Monday, March 2, from 6:30 until 7:30 p.m. Your first class is free with sign-up!
Vina Verman of Rooted Bhangra is ready to show you the ropes in a welcoming, beginner-friendly class. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Punjabi, India, while you learn the fundamentals of bhangra, an energetic folk dance.
Drop-in classes are $15, and a monthly package is $50. Classes are held each Monday. Check out Rooted Bhangra on Instagram and use the online form to sign up. If you don’t have an Instagram account, email Vina Verman at [email protected] to get started.
What else is going on in Alameda?
All these events and more, in Alameda and beyond, are always posted on our online Events Calendar. Post yours, too, for free!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Amanda-Laird. Reach her at [email protected].
