Immerse yourself in a soundbath, groove to live music, be wowed with puppet theater, dance the night away, and learn something new about Alameda’s history
Take a moment to enjoy the sights and sounds of local events this weekend in Alameda. On Thursday, August 13, unwind and rejuvenate at Soundbath with Percussion Immersion: Birthday Celebration [1] at Alameda Theatre & Cineplex. If you’re looking for something more upbeat, check out the West End ArtBeats Benefit Concert [2] at The Fireside Lounge instead. On Friday, August 14, get ready to be wowed with a brand-new production by String & Shadow Puppet Theater [3] at Jean Sweeney Open Space Park. Live music and swing dancing awaits you aboard the USS Hornet on Saturday, August 15, at South Seas Swing [4]. And on both Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16, snag a spot at the latest Alameda Post History Walking Tour [5] to learn about the ever-captivating Neptune Beach amusement park.
[6]Soundbath with Percussion Immersion: Birthday Celebration
Thursday, August 13
Take a moment to relax, reset, and celebrate summer birthdays at the Soundbath with Percussion Immersion: Birthday Celebration [1] at Alameda Theatre & Cineplex, 2317 Central Avenue, on Thursday, August 13. The event begins with check-in at 5:15 p.m. and concludes at 7 p.m.
Jessica Catano of Jessica’s Peaceful Journeys [7] will lead the evening with gongs, crystal singing bowls, harp, Peruvian whistles, and Himalayan bowls. Tina “bean” Blaine [8] will perform guest percussion. The rejuvenating and immersive sound experience is designed “to create a safe space for self love, awareness and reflection.”
Participants are invited to enter through the “backstage pass” entrance in between the Cinema Grill and the theatre on Central Avenue, directly next to the barbershop. If you have trouble locating the entrance, theatre staff will be happy to help. Sound bath attendees may use recliners in the room, or lie down on the floor. Please bring your own neck pillow, eye covering, and blanket if you wish. Reserve a spot online [1] for $32.78.
[9]
West End ArtBeats Benefit Concert
Thursday, August 13
Start your weekend early with a trip to one of Alameda’s favorite watering holes, the Fireside Lounge at 1453 Webster Street. Three local bands will take the stage to raise money for a great cause at the West End ArtBeats Benefit Concert [2] on Thursday, August 13. The party starts at 7:30 p.m.
Fabulous events like the Ocean Photographer of the Year [10] exhibit and the Blues, Brews & BBQ [11] festival don’t happen without lots of planning and dedication. That’s where the West End Arts District (WEAD) comes in. Stop by the Fireside concert for a drink and great music, and to support WEAD’s mission to “foster and celebrate the performing and visual arts in the West End of Alameda.”
The concert features Slide Dogs [12] with classic Rock and Blues, The Up Set [13] with Alt Punk Pop Rock, and Ripcord Who with Bluesy, Groovy Punk Rock. No RSVP is required. Please consider a $25 suggested donation.
[14]String & Shadow Puppet Theater
Friday, August 14
Grab your picnic blankets and lawn chairs for an unforgettable night! String & Shadow Puppet Theater [3] returns to Alameda with a brand-new production, Night at the Grand Opera [16], on Friday, August 14, 6:30 p.m., at Jean Sweeney Open Space Park, 1925 Sherman Street.
The production is set in a European opera house during the golden age of Grand Opera. Elaborate cardboard sets collapse and unfold to reveal the many great dramas of the opera house—not all of which happen on stage. The show promises love triangles, converging revolutionary plots, art-loving flies, and “disaffected vermin.”
You don’t need to RSVP for this community performance. A donation of $20 for adults and $10 for children is suggested, but nobody will be turned away for lack of funds. String & Shadow Puppet Theater is presented in partnership with the City of Alameda as part of the Rhythmix in the Parks [17] free family concert and festival series.
[18]South Seas Swing Dance
Saturday, August 15
Put on your dancing shoes! The USS Hornet is hosting South Seas Swing on Saturday, August 15, from 7 until 10 p.m. Board the historic vessel at 707 West Hornet Avenue for a fantastic night of dancing, food, and tiki drinks. Feel free to come as a couple or meet new friends at the dance.
Guests are encouraged to wear vintage clothes and Hawaiian shirts to complete the “WESTPAC steel beach party [19]” theme. In between dances, check out the selection of heavy hors d’oeuvres from Pacific Fine Food [20] catering available for purchase. A cash bar will be serving up delicious tiki drinks all night.
Transport yourself to yesteryear with fabulous live music and social dancing, surrounded by the rich history of the aircraft carrier. “The swing dances on the USS Hornet really feel like a different era,” guitarist Jason Eckl told the Alameda Post. “No AI, no special effects, just real community and real music.” Band Leader Rebecca Roudman added how special it is to perform music from the 1940s on a ship from 1943. “It’s like stepping back in time.”
Get a sneak peak and listen to the lively music online [21]. Reserve your spot in advance [4] for $44.02. Museum members get in for free. Admission to the dance includes General Admission to the museum for the day, so arrive early to tour the ship, then stay for the swing!
[22]History Walking Tour
Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16
The latest Alameda Post history walking tour is set for Saturday, August 15 [23] and Sunday, August 16 [24], beginning at 10 a.m. Join Post historian Dennis Evanosky at the foot of McKay Avenue to start the adventure.
The famous Neptune Beach amusement park, known as the “Coney Island of the West,” once attracted thousands and thousands of visitors from the Bay Area and beyond. The park operated from 1917 to 1939, but generations of Alamedans still remember its name—and daydream about life with an amusement park on the island. Dennis will guide attendees through the footprints of roller coasters, attractions, and fun summer days of yore.
Comfortable walking shoes, sunblock, and water are recommended for this tour. Mobility devices, strollers, and well-behaved dogs are welcome. The tour will end where it began, and is expected to last 90 to 100 minutes, covering one to two miles. Tickets may be purchased online [5], and children under 6 may attend for no charge. Proceeds help support the Alameda Post’s mission to provide local news to our neighbors.
What else is going on in Alameda?
All these events and more, in Alameda and beyond, are always posted on our online Events Calendar [25]. Post yours, too, for free!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post [26]. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Amanda-Laird [27]. Reach her at [email protected] [28].