Discover a love for sewing, learn about sustainable seafood, attend an open mic night, see a show, and catch a fish
Summertime is just around the corner, and local adventure awaits! Try a new creative hobby with beginner-friendly sewing workshops [1] at The Sewing Room—new classes enroll regularly! On Thursday, May 28, add an educational twist to a night out with the latest Ocean Hoptimism discussion [2] at Faction Brewing. On Friday, May 29, hear powerful stories from the Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander diaspora at the Kwento Across Waters [3] open mic night at Malaya Botanicals. Altarena Playhouse invites the community to the opening weekend of their latest show, ’night, Mother [4], playing on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. And if you’re looking for something in the sunshine, check out Stacked Adventures’ Kayak Fishing Adventure [5] on Sunday, May 31.
[6]Sewing Classes at The Sewing Room
Classes Enroll Regularly
If your “pandemic purchase” sewing machine is still gathering dust in the corner, it may be time for a trip to The Sewing Room [1]. The quaint classroom and shop is tucked away in Park Street Plaza at 1419 Park Street, and offers regular classes across all skill levels.
If you’re a beginner, start with the Machine Basics Class [7]. These 90-minute classes are held regularly at 3:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. on Sundays. Participants will learn the basics, including how to thread the machine, how to adjust machine tension, and which needles to use with which fabrics. Machines will be provided, but students are invited to bring their own machines if they prefer. Reserve your spot in advance [7] for $125. Please note that this class is for ages 8 and up.
After you’ve mastered the basics, consider an Intro to Sewing course. Participants will meet for two or three classes to hone their skills on a small project such as an apron, pajama pants, or a zipper pouch. Tickets [8] range from $140 to $260.
The Sewing Room’s online class schedule [9] promises a world of possibilities as you continue your sewing journey. The school offers plenty of beginner and intermediate opportunities, as well as more advanced classes, such as a Couture Sewing Intensive series [10]. The Sewing Room also offers summer camps and after-school programs for kids and teens. Check them out online [1] to get started.
[11]Ocean Hoptimism: From Water to Plate – The Hard Truth About Sustainable Seafood
Thursday, May 28
How do you know if the fish on your dinner plate was responsibly sourced? Join Chef Laurence Jossel at Faction Brewing [13], 2501 Monarch Street, as he dives into the hot-button issue of sustainable seafood at this month’s Ocean Hoptimism [14] discussion. This event is scheduled from 7 until 8 p.m.
Chef Laurence is the chef and owner of the upscale San Francisco restaurant Nopa [15], as well as the casual Nopa Fish [16], which includes a fish market dedicated to “pristine local fish.” Learn what it takes to get delicious seafood through a tricky supply chain without losing sight of the mission of sustainability. “This is a conversation about aspiration meeting constraint,” the event description states. “About the hidden work behind ‘better choices.’”
Ocean Hoptimism meets every fourth Thursday of the month at Faction Brewing. Entry to the event is free, and attendees are invited to grab a drink at Faction and check out the rotation of local food trucks parked outside. On Thursday, May 28, La Santa Torta [17] will be serving up birria.
[18]
‘Kwento Across Waters’ Open Mic Night
Friday, May 30
Malaya Botanicals is serious about creating community. You may recognize them from a friendly night of mahjong [19], the charming Alameda Point Night Market [20], or the wildly popular annual Filipino Island Fest [21]. Their boundless energy for creating shared experiences continues on Friday, May 30, with an open mic night. Head down to 2350 Saratoga Street #167 from 6:30 until 9 p.m. to participate.
Kwento Across Waters [22] is a literary open mic and performance showcase centering artists from the Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) diaspora. “This event highlights narratives that honor the richness and diversity of these cultures while creating space for authentic, lived experiences,” states the event description. “This month’s theme is RECLAIM — inviting participants to reflect on how they’ve reclaimed something once considered stigmatized or discouraged within their culture.”
If you would like to perform at the open mic night, please fill out the online form [23]. Performances should be no longer than 5 minutes, and speakers will receive an email confirmation. Tickets are $10 [3] plus a small processing fee. Mocktails and snacks will be available for purchase, and guests are welcome to bring outside food.
[24]
Altarena Playhouse Presents ‘night Mother
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays through June 28
Support local theater and spend a night on the town with the opening weekend of Altarena Playhouse’s latest production, ’night, Mother [4]. See the show at 7:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, or 2 p.m. on Sundays, through June 28.
The play features just two characters—an adult daughter on the brink of suicide, and a mother asking her to reconsider. “The mother-daughter bond between Jessie and Mama becomes stronger and lovelier than ever, making it possible for Jessie to end her noisy, cluttered existence, and take a quieter, calmer path with closure and love,” the performance description [4] states. The play won the 1983 Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was nominated for the 1983 Tony Award for Best Play.
The show runs about 90 minutes, and there is no intermission. Guests who require mobility accommodations are encouraged to reach out to the theater in advance [25]. The Sunday, June 14 show at 2 p.m. will offer a live audio description and pre-show Haptic Access Tour provided by Gravity Access [26]. See more on Altarena’s Accessibility [26] web page. Tickets range from $36 to $45 and are available online.
[27]Kayak Fishing Adventure
Sunday, May 31
Looking for a new adventure around Alameda? Join Stacked Adventures for their Kayak Fishing Adventure [5] on Sunday, May 31, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Set sail from the Encinal Boat Ramp, 190 Central Avenue, for this unique experience.
Trawl along the Alameda Rock Wall for seasonal halibut, and explore the local landmarks like the historic USS Hornet. Tours are approximately three hours and include some instruction. Please note that this event is designed for participants who already have some experience with both fishing and kayaking. Your ticket includes a sit-on-top paddle kayak, dry bags, a personal flotation device, paddle, and fishing equipment.
Space is quite limited for these adventures. Reserve your ticket online [5] for $125 plus a processing fee. If you have any questions, please call Stacked Adventures at (415) 294-1972, or email [email protected] [29]. If you can’t make it this week, check out the other fishing adventures scheduled for the season [30].
What else is going on in Alameda?
All these events and more, in Alameda and beyond, are always posted on our online Events Calendar [31]. Post yours, too, for free!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post [32]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Amanda-Laird [33]. Reach her at [email protected] [34].