510Arts.com

Easy to get to and inspiring for all, the East Bay arts scene reflects our unparalleled diversity in everything from edgy industrial to fine arts, hot galleries to eclectic open studios, hip-hop to ballet, symphony to soul and acclaimed music, dance, theater, spoken word, design, film, public art and hundreds of cultural events and festivals. And you can get the 4-1-1 on the East Bay arts scene and world culture at 510Arts.com.

510Arts and The East Bay Culture Corridor is a collaboration between the cities of Berkeley, Emeryville, Oakland and Richmond. The forward-thinking partnership reinforces the role of the arts in each community as both a proven catalyst for economic development and as a model for improving quality of life and community sustainability. A chief goal of the four cities is to increase the visibility, accessibility and sustainability of arts communities. The EBCC helps to foster relationships between the diverse arts communities of each city by leveraging new audiences and resources for the arts as well as new resources for each partner city. Local business also benefit locally through partnerships with the arts.

You might ask Is there a lot of arts activity in the East Bay? Well here are some facts…

Together, the East Bay communities boast:
• One of the highest per capita artist populations in the country with more than 6,000 professional artists calling it home.
• More than 150 languages spoken and many times that number of culturally specific art forms practiced.
• One of the nation’s largest per capita collections of public art.
• For decades East Bay communities have consistently ranked at the top of national city diversity figures and their arts reflect this depth and variety.
• Hundreds of non-profit visual arts, music, dance, theater, culturally specific, multi-disciplinary and innovative organizations from the internationally known to neighborhood programs, education programs and offerings for youth, seniors and others.
• Alameda and Contra Costa Counties are home to 5,532 arts-related businesses that employ 21,477 people according to a 2007 study conducted by Americans for the Arts.

And if you didn’t know, The arts drive economies. As Americans for the Arts note in their report Arts and Economic Prosperity III, investment in the arts translates to positive economic impact on restaurants, retail stores, hotels and other businesses frequented by arts patrons. The average amount spent on such businesses by local arts audiences is $27 above the price of admission to the art event; cultural tourists from outside the area spend an average of $19 to $40. For Example, you should visit the next First Fridays in Oakland next time to see what were talking about. Creating sustainable arts communities is good business.

They also provide links to other art resources within the four East Bay cities for your next excursion. And as a local artist , you can even get your organization/work/event listed on the website. Visit 510Arts.com for more information on the latest happenings in our community.

So it was the most romantic day of the year, and I was walking into the Fox Theater to “Let Love Rule”.

Well who better to do that with than Lenny Kravitz, who made an appearance on V-Day to support his ninth album, “Black and White America,” which debuted at No. 17 on the Billboard 200 this past September. And yes, you heard it right… I had a date with Lenny.

The show was sold out, and people came ready to rock. The opening set was by R&B sensation, and from Tony! Toni! Toné! Fame – Oakland’s own Raphael Saadiq. He set the house up for Lenny with a performance that got the crowd hyped up and ready to get wild.

There was a multi-ethnic crowd that you would expect from the recent renaissance of the East Bay, but also a diversity of ages that is a testament to the career Kravitz has had for the past 25 years. The packed house was electrified by his performance and showmanship. With all of the Lip-synching, and modified voice tracks that are out in the industry now, it’s always refreshing to hear an artist that sounds as accurate as one does on their album. His vocals were on-point. Lenny brought it, and brought it hard in true rock-n-roll fashion.

He brought a suaveness, savvy, and genuine sex appeal to the show, flirting with the crowd, his instruments, and his band – and driving the women in the crowd absolutely nuts. “I don’t know of a sexier place to be on Valentine’s than in Oakland,” he said early in the show. “Lord, have mercy!”

But there was something for the rest of us as well… Lenny just isn’t rock-n-roll. He also has incorporated roots of soul, pop, funk, r&b, and even techno throughout his unique career and style of music. This renowned singer-songwriter, record producer, and guitarist has been inspired by such music icons as David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix, and John Lennon. Like Prince and Sly Stone before him, Kravitz uses a multi-ethnic, mixed-gender backing band.

He also added a three-piece horn section to his entourage, bringing a new level of soul to this performance. Throughout the two-hour set, he ran through a mix of old favorites and new album tracks. Highlights came with classic singles like “Fly Away”, “American Woman”, and “Are You Gonna Go My Way” that embraced us all. He also shared a campfire moment sitting down with the crowd performing an acoustic version of “Push” (see video below), one of the new tracks.

The concert ended in Kravitz fashion as he closed the house down with his first hit, 1989′s “Let Love Rule“, extending the number out 20 minutes, jumping into the crowd and singing from behind the floor sections, and running up to the balcony to touch those fans as well. All things aside, Oaklands (and my own) date night with Lenny was a phenomenal success.

Visit the East Bay Loop Photo Gallery Now to view Photo’s

Cinnaholic
2132 Oxford Street in Berkeley, CA
Cinnaholic-berkeley.com

About: Cinnaholic is not your typical cinnamon roll shop. They are proud to be 100% vegan and have a very unique and large selection of non traditional treats all made with the highest quality of ingredients. All of their products are also:
• Dairy/lactose-free
• Egg-free
• Cholesterol-free
• Lower in saturated fat
• Made with heart-healthy soy
• Sweetened with beet sugar

C.R.E.A.M. (Cookies Rule Everything Around Me)
2399 Telegraph Avenue in Berkeley, Ca
Creamnation.com

About: C.R.E.A.M. business model is based on four principles:
• Premium products. Top notch Sandwiches made with superior ingredients.
• Keep our product affordable, thus shattering the old business rule of high quality equals high prices.
• Wants every consumer to leave delighted not only with our product, but with our service. C.R.E.A.M employees treat every customer with unconditional respect and gratitude.
• Lately Atmosphere. We wanted to have a very relaxed and fun environment. Don’t be surprised if on your visit to C.R.E.A.M you encounter some of the team members joyously singing and dancing to the music played on the sound system.

Powderface
3411 east 12th Street, ste. 134 in Oakland, CA
Powderface.us

About: When Powderface was just a twinkle in its mother’s eye (we later discovered that the twinkle was actually a speck of powdered sugar), the determination was made to bring the fun of the french donut to the Oakland area. As fans of the beignet ourselves, we knew that nothing less than our best efforts would suffice in this introduction.

Are you ready for The B.ay A.rea D.erby Girls 2012 season opener?!

The Richmond Wrecking Belles will defend their title and city from the Oakland Outlaws on February 25th at the Craneway Pavillion.

The road to B.A.D. Championships is long and treacherous… can the Wrecking Belles hold their title or will the bloodthirsty ladies in red & black start the season with an upset?

6pm: Doors Open
8pm: Richmond Wrecking Belles vs. Oakland Outlaws

The Craneway Pavillion
1414 Harbour Way South
Richmond, CA 94804

Good eats and cheap drinks aplenty! The best local businesses and organizations in the Bay Area sling their goods in our amazing Vendor Village, including: A Spoonful of Sugar, Schulzie’s Bread Pudding and don’t forget to bring your cash, and get your Girl Scout Cookies.

Exclusive B.A.D. merchandise will be available so you can show your support all-year long and, of course, at the after-party at The Up & Under!

Join us to see the action first hand while supporting your local, skater-owned roller derby league!

Seating Options:
-General admission: $13 online; $15 at the door — arrive early to pick your favorite spot!
-VIP tickets: $25 — ensuring you a bleacher seat and a beer!
-Children under 5: FREE
-Purchase raffle tickets to win a VIP sofa with trackside seating, and a round of beers!

For tickets go to

42011 Boscell Road
Fremont, CA 94538
510.979.0477
thesaddlerack.com
Map and Directions

The Bay Area’s Premier Country Night Club. If music, dancing and being thrown off of the mechanical bull are your thing, this is your new favorite spot.

The Saddle Rack originally opened on Aug 13, 1976 in San Jose, CA. Originally the building was The Sweden House, an all-you-can-eat smorgasbord. Guenther’s club joined the rest of the country & western bars, including Cowtown in San Jose, the Horseshoe Club in Santa Clara and the Silver Saddle in Morgan Hill, the Rio Grande in Mtn. View, and Cheers in Sunnyvale. All have since closed. The Saddle Rack closed its doors in San Jose on August 5, 2001. Getting an offer he couldn’t refuse, Gary Robinson purchased the rights to the Saddle Rack name from Mr. Guenther and along with Andy Buchanan reopened The Saddle Rack in Fremont, CA in April 2003.

A large open area is surrounded by bars, a mechanical bull, Red Bull Specilialty Bar, food service and a “Margarita Chair.” A large stage with impressive sound and sophisticated lighting is the focal point for stage shows that often highlight well-known musicians and vocalists as well as future superstars. Huge video screens perch on perimeter walls. The main dance floor is used for dancing, lessons or seating while a smaller area serves as a line dancing haven.

On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday nights (7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.), the main dance floor fills with a happy crowd of almost any age (over 21) stepping and twirling and sashaying to the voice of a patient dance instructor teaching line and couples dance to the beat of good country music. There is no charge for lessons.

Every night there is live music and on Saturdays there are two live bands who perform. Robinsons idea was to create an environment where people can have a good time.” There is no way to confuse the Saddle Rack with a hip hop club; this is a fun and orderly high energy crowd that enjoys a good show, country-style dancing and music – and maybe a session with a spirited mechanical bull.
“Each night takes on its own environment,” says Robinson. The dance floor is always popular while some people gather at the pool tables or by the mechanical bull or just watch many of the large screen TV’s in the club. “It’s amazing to see the energy on the dance floor, especially on a Friday or Saturday night when house band Diablo Road featuring Nashville Star Alumni Jewels Hanson gets the crowd going.”

Robinson’s dream of an active nightclub where people come to meet, relax, dance and have a lot of fun has been realized. He credits much of the success to Partner/General Manager Andy Buchanan who has been with The Saddle Rack for 30 years and much of the staff who moved with the Saddle Rack as well. “I am very proud of the culture of our club and the clientele it attracts,” says Robinson.

Now that Gary, Andy and The Saddle Rack staff have done their part, the only question remaining is, “When will you visit The Saddle Rack?”

Hours and Cover Charges:

Wednesday- 7:00pm-12:30am
$5 All Night

Thursday- 7:00pm-12:30am
$5 All Night

Friday- 7:00pm-1:45am
$10 7:00pm-9:00pm
$15 After 9:00pm

Saturday- 7:00pm-1:45am
$10 7:00pm-9:00pm
$20 After 9:00pm

We Have the Largest Selection of Nicole Miller Wedding Dresses in the SF Bay Area.

Lilac Dress Boutique bringing 11 years of experience to guide you through the most important dress purchase of your life.

Pilar, owner of Lilac Dress Boutique, was born in England and brought up on three continents before moving to California. After graduating from UC Berkeley, she began her career in retail. This included being a buyer for Cartier in New York and Nicole Miller in San Francisco; Merchandising at Tiffany; and managing at Bloomingdales. She began working at Jennifer Croll nine years ago as a bridal consultant and buyer and realized this was where her passion lay.

It has been her long-time ambition to have her own place and her move to Alameda provided this unique opportunity. In February 2009, she opened her own dress boutique–’Lilac’–named after her two children, Leila and Isaac.

‘Lilac’ is a boutique specializing in special occasion dresses with an emphasis on contemporary and destination wedding gowns. We also carry a collection of dresses perfect for cocktail and engagement parties, prom, rehearsal dinners and that upcoming trip or honeymoon.

Get your tickets to the California Music Industry Summit 2012 at: cmis2012.eventbrite.com

CMIS is a national and international conference that is “The Ultimate Platform for all Genres of Music!”. Geared towards the education of both established and emerging artists as well as music industry professionals, CMIS is an opportunity for professional development and education on the newest trends in the today’s music industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to experience two activity filled days of workshops and panels lead by top experts in the entertainment industry. Each workshop or panel is tailor made for the specific concerns surrounding the entertainment industry and independent artist, leaving each attendee armed with the knowledge to take their own careers to the next level.

The California Music Industry Summit also opens the stage to independent artists who wish to expand their fan base and network with fellow musicians and industry executives. Both days of the conference will conclude with exciting music showcases national and international, which are open to all genres of music. Artists, managers, agents, producers, engineers, stylists, photographers, music journalists and all other industry professionals will directly benefit from attending this conference! The California Music Industry Summit is where creative people connect and cultivate professional relationships that can last a lifetime.”

“The California Music Industry Summit is presented by TraMaí Entertainment, Inc.”

Get your tickets to our next mixer at: cmisspring2012.eventbrite.com

Conference Pictures: Flickr.com
Facebook: Facebook.com/californiamusicindustrysummit
Linkedin: Linkedin.com/in/californiamusicindustrysummit
Twitter: Twitter.com/cmis2012
WordPress: Californiamusicindustrysummit.wordpress.com

“NEWS FLASH: GRAMMY Award winner Leslie Ann Jones, Director of Music Recording and Scoring at Skywalker Sound A LucasFilm Company to speak at CMIS 2012.”

Based out of Oakland, California and serving the entire East Bay Area, A Monique Affair is one of the leading boutique event planning businesses in the area. Specializing in event coordination, party planning, and with a focus on weddings, A Monique Affair offers creative vision that adds unique touches and custom elements to a variety of party events. Its specialized services cater to the fashionista wife looking to plan a signature birthday, the contemporary nonprofit organization looking to use event design to inspire, or the modern LGBT couple looking to celebrate their union with style. Chanda Monique Daniels brings over 15 years of event design and coordination experience to each of her event commitments. A Monique Affair combines innovative industry skill with imagination to bring to life the most daring design ideas.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, East Bay Loop caught up with A Monique Affair to explore some fun design ideas surrounding the color most associated with the big day, red of course. When a bride, for example, chooses red for her color palette it immediately classifies her as sexy, alluring and confident, especially in love. While somewhat of an unconventional color for weddings or events, it can add some major drama, romance and glamour that will draw your guests into the essence of it all. With A Monique Affair’s guidance, we explore combinations which create a variety of different effects.

RED +RED – You may be thinking red on red, really?!? What you may be failing to realize is that this combination is a trend setter, and oozes confidence. To get the most out of this palette consider using Black Magic Roses in combination with a variety of red roses. Use feathers to add an element of sexy sassiness. Create more drama using red lights to highlight the venue. Keep the Moulin Rouge movie set in mind and run with your red-on-red creativity.

RED+SPARKLE GLAM – This color palette channels the essence of Hollywood glamour. One way to highlight the best of this combination is to use a rhinestone wrapped centerpiece or a candle votive set against some deep red linens. There are a variety of specialty linens that incorporate red and sparkles, so there are a lot of options. Use the right combination and your venue will scream, “Hello Gorgeous!”

Courtesy Adeline & Grace Photography

RED+TANGO TANGERINE – This particular color combination is rare and off the scale. The color tango tangerine is sophisticated and seductive. Mix it with the allure of sexy red and spark a fire at your event. To get the most out of this color combo use a wide variety of exotic flowers, and be open to incorporating fruit, like blood oranges, in your centerpieces. Tango tangerine is an up and coming color and a new trend for 2012. Because it’s early in the season, you won’t find many examples of this combination, so it’s a good option for those natural trendsetters.

RED+PINK – This more traditional color combination can be used to raise the romance factor of your event. Different shades of pink soften the strength of a bold red, giving it a dreamy enchantment. There are a variety of shades of color for both pink and red that you can combine, especially because they belong to the same color family. Use the delicate pink of peonies or play with a variety of carnations that come in all different shades of pink and red to create a lush floral ball.

Courtesy Nyn Lynn Tho Photography

Mostly remember to stay in tune with your personality and so what you love. Those interested in contracting services from A Monique Affair, can visit the website amoniqueaffair.com ,for a detailed look at the services offered and booking details. The website also offers event design ideas, suggestions and inspiration boards on A Monique Affair’s blog.

Has the economy left you with lint balls in your wallet? Well, worry not East Bay Loopers – I can assure that you will still have something to do on Valentine’s Day even if all you’ve got is love.

But if this holiday makes you a little queasy because you don’t have hundreds of dollars to profess your love to your mate, there are still tons of frugal and romantic things you can do to woo. To get a head start and way your options for inexpensive Valentine’s Day date ideas this year… read below

FOR THE DINING OUT CROWD

Impress that special someone with a special Valentines Day Dinner. Most restaurants have prefix menus set at $40 – $50 per person. And there are plenty of restaurants all around the East Bay to visit. I still swear by our friends at opentable.com, go visit them and do a search for San Francisco/East Bay region to find all the best places for a unique dining experience. Some of our East Bay favorites that have availability and are running special menus include Five restaurant, The Blackhawk Grille, The Boilerhouse, Bocanova, Ozumo, and Zephyr Grill, to name a few. And if you have a OpenTable account, you also get the benefit of earning dining points for future dining experiences.

FOR THE LOW KEY COUPLE

Planning on staying in? Make your significant other swoon with flowers. Order in advance from your local flower shop, and if you need to find one, go visit our friends at findaflorist.com to search that East Bay location.

Go to the nearby Redbox or local rental place and rent some movies for a buck a piece. Try adding some extra special treats like chocolate covered gourmet popcorn or some gourmet hotdogs to make it a home-theater “experience.” Stick to the Romantic Comedies like “How To Lose a Guy In 10 Days” or “The Holiday” (2 of my favorites..lol) to keep things light and fun.

Making a delicious and romantic dinner for two at home is a great way to make Valentine’s Day special and affordable ( I know… I’m also a chef) – not to mention it’s an excellent way to avoid all of the restaurant hustle and bustle. The key however is that you want to share the experience and make the meal together. And if you both don’t know how to cook, that even makes the experience more fun, encouraging contact and communication.

FOR THE CASUAL COUPLE

Do something out of the ordinary this year and report to Venice right here in Oakland, East Bay style. Enjoy a truly magical gondola ride on beautiful Lake Merritt with Gondola Servizio, located at the Lake Chalet restaurant. Have a couple of cocktails and go take a ride with your sweetie. Call 510.663.6603 to make a reservation.

If the weather permits, take your meal to go and have a picnic at the park. Or you can simply pack up a French baguette, some cheese, strawberries and wine and lay out on a blanket and canoodle with your honey for hours.

IF YOUR SWEETHEART HAS A SWEET TOOTH

If your sweetheart has a sweet tooth, Miette (miette.com) in Jack London Square is the perfect place. Sure you can always buy some chocolates, but the real reason to come is for the desserts. Miette’s desserts are great for sharing. Order the Chocolate Tomboy or the Valentines Princess Cake for a tableside show that will literally flame your desires.

Cream in Berkeley is also a great low budget option to go have some gourmet ice-cream sandwiches. There is always a line out the door, but well worth the wait. Plus, they are open late on most nights, up until 2am! You can’t beat homemade cookies and delectable flavors!

Hopefully these low-cost options help you to plan something fun and budget-friendly. However you decide to spend Valentine’s Day, be sure to tell your Valentine how much you care whether it happens to be your favorite girl, guy, best friend, secret crush, or even your mom! And remember, for the special people in your life, everyday should be Valentines Day! Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!!!

Lamont Perriman
Guest Writer

Valen-tini
(Hangar one raspberry and mandarin, fresh lemonade)

BroilerHouse
1414 Harbour Way S
Richmond, CA 94804
(510) 215-6000
Boilerhouserestaurant.com

Aphrodite
(vodka, fresh pressed pomegranate juice, ginger, mint)
Pomegranate fruit graces the pages of many a script. Shakespeare, religious writings, and multiple Greek mythology tales utilize pomegranate to describe wealth, everlasting life, the coming of spring, and our personal favorite: the cunning trickery of Aphrodite in coaxing romantic encounters between strangers.

FIVE Restaurant
2086 Allston Way Suite #5 Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 225-6055
Five-berkeley.com

January is the first month of a brand new year. We often analyze what we’ve accomplished, our trials and tribulations, and make resolutions for the next year to come. Many of us swear off booze, make promises to be more fiscally savvy, and spend more time with loved ones. Most of us (myself included), don’t make it past the first week before slipping up on one or two of those resolutions.

However, there are those rare birds who are extremely focused and intentional about their goals and resolutions. East Bay’s own Netta Brielle is one of those uniquely focused individuals. She is no stranger to creating a vision and following through to make her dreams a reality. It’s been about a year since I last interviewed Netta for East Bay Loop, so it seemed only fitting we caught up with her to talk about her experiences in 2011 and what’s to come for the songstress in 2012.

Apart from 2007, when the tragic murder of her sister occurred, 2011 was the “biggest year” of Netta’s life. 2011 wasn’t only monumental because she signed with the record label, Atlantic Records, but because she had extreme highs and lows throughout the year, testing her determination to become an international superstar.

2011 started with a vision; a vision board to be exact.

Every year Netta focuses and creates a visual document to represent all that she aspires to be and do within the next 365 days. Luckily for us, “everything came to life” in 2011 which she put on her vision board for that year.

In 2011, Netta was signed by Atlantic Records, a company which celebrates her Bay Area sound while allowing her to explore her unique style. She saw one of her favorite artists, Prince, perform, as well as met one of her idols, Mary J Blige. She flew to Atlanta and hunkered down in the studio; ultimately she created 30 songs in 30 days in Atlanta, GA. She “found herself in the studio” and developed as a recording artist. She put her health and loved ones first. All of which was on her vision board for 2011. Clearly nothing can stop this young woman with a vision.

However, 2011 wasn’t without struggles. Netta had low moments when she had to question her path and second guessed her dreams of being a successful recording artist. She struggled financially. She cut herself off for a few months from performing, and connecting with people via Facebook and Twitter, to focus on her sound and the direction that she was headed. A difficult task for a woman who is always connected to her fans via social media and holds those relationships closely. All of the challenges, doubt, and alone time was worth it though. She has no regrets from 2011. And her fans are behind her even more than before. Throughout the months that she took a hiatus, her fans continued to send her supportive messages and currently celebrate her recent success of being signed with a major label.

Thus it’s no surprise that she considers her fans when making her vision board for 2012. Netta aims to continue staying “very connected” to her fans via social media, as well as never “getting to big for her britches”; she always wants to stay humble. It’s also no surprise that she wants to pay homage to the Bay, aspiring to “bring more light to the Bay Area music scene”; and continue working with her “solid team” around her; a team which was instrumental in getting her where she is today.

We expect big things from Netta Brielle and cannot wait for her to achieve everything on her vision board for 2012. We also can’t wait for the rest of the world to celebrate her sound along with us!

Pamela Neher, East Bay Loop Editor

colormemine.com

Color Me Mine is the Paint-Your-Own Ceramics studio where you can discover “The Art Of Having Fun”… They are the industry leader of ceramic art for children, schools, and families throughout 10 countries! Not only does CMM provide wholesome fun within our communities to enhance the growth and development of the children living there, but they also make concerted efforts to partner with non-profit organizations to help each fulfill their mission and purpose.

Color Me Mine is a fun, fresh idea that will appeal to everyone. Whether you want to create your own gifts, are looking for a unique party idea or just want to escape the stress of modern living, getting some artistic expression and creation in your life may be just the ticket. Step into a Color Me Mine and one enters a relaxing, inviting space with warm, natural wood furniture and shelves, contemporary music, providing an intimate environment.

The popular Color Me Mine “The Art Of Having Fun” concept has expanded internationally to 11 countries and is supported by a knowledgeable and friendly corporate staff that is dedicated to the success of every studio. They serve to promote a great artful and relaxing experience.

They run a large range of public and private events from Birthdays, Anniversaries, Bridal Showers, Team Builders, Office Parties, Bachelorette Parties, Baby Showers, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Reunions, and Housewarmings – just to name a few. Its also a great place to take a date, or create some new family bonding time! And if youre looking to run your own studio, Color Me Mine also offers franchise opportunities!

Check out these great East Bay Area locations for your next arts and crafts experience!

Alameda
Fremont
Lafayette
Pleasanton

As Valentines Day is around the corner we bring you our TOP PICK in the East Bay for adult novelty products for that special evening of romance!

Feelmore510 has resided in Oakland’s uptown district since February 2011, One year ago this month. Since then Feelmore510 has become a neighborhood special for adult retail novelty products of all kinds. We are thrilled to share with you this special love boutique this valentine’s day in hopes that it will help you find that unique gift for that special someone.

Owner Nenna Joiner does her best to create a comfortable environment for Feelmore510 for her visitors by displaying Buddha statues in the windows, stylish décor and a friendly smile with a mature helpful demeanor.

“Located in Downtown Oakland’s Uptown District, Feelmore510 is open and available for business.”