Hello Richmondside readers, Here are some highlights of things to do and know this coming week. You can pick up some free school supplies (school begins Aug. 19), celebrate the release of a book by Los Cenzontles’ founder, see a pirate performance and plenty more!
For additional events, check our calendar and be sure to add your own listings as well.
Get free back-to-school supplies Saturday
Students can prepare for the coming school year at Moving Forward’s back-to-school giveaway from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Richmond Museum of History & Culture, 400 Nevin Ave.
The giveaway includes backpacks, pencils, pens and scissors as well as new shoes. Moving Forward expects to supply more than 300 students with classroom essentials.
“It’s hard to go to school confident and ready to learn if you don’t have the proper tools,” says the organization on its website. “This project was born out of the desire to support youth in the city of Richmond. We view this fundraiser as a long-term investment in our community and our goal is to help Richmond kids understand the value of their education and walk into their respective classrooms with the confidence of knowing that they have the community’s support.”
‘Bird of Four Hundred Voices’ book release party Saturday
A special celebration is being held this weekend for a book that chronicles the journey of a nonprofit organization that has helped preserve Mexican-American culture in west Contra Costa County for more than three decades.
“Bird of Four Hundred Voices,” by Los Cenzontles’ founder, Eugene Rodriguez chronicles his journey of starting a barrio youth musical group of the same name in 1989 and developing it into a beacon of cultural preservation and education.
The book release party will be from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Los Cenzontles Cultural Arts Academy, 13108 San Pablo Ave., in San Pablo. There will be live music, beverages and a book signing.
“In a society that tries, in countless ways, to convince us to devalue ourselves, the cultural arts can help our children build resourcefulness and resilience that can protect their sense of self,” said Rodriguez in a statement.
One-woman show on growing up in Black Panther family: Friday and Sunday
This weekend Richmond resident Meres-Sia Gabriel debuts her one-woman show “I Was There Too!” about her complicated childhood as the daughter of Black Panther parents.
Shows are 8 p.m. Friday and 3:30 p.m. Sunday at Airship Laboratories in Richmond.
Benefit flea market Sunday at Veterans Memorial Building
A flea market that raises money for two organizations will be held this weekend.
The flea market will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Veterans Memorial Building, 968 23rd St. More than 20 vendors will be there selling antiques, jewelry, housewares, art, plants and other items.
Proceeds from the event go to Weigh of Life, a nonprofit organization that promotes healthy lifestyles in west Contra Costa County, and the Uncommon Threads Empowerment Boutique that helps lower-income women.
End-of-summer scrapbooking workshop on Friday
Want something to help you remember this summer? Head over to Richmond’s Main Library on Friday for an end-of-summer scrapbooking workshop.
Just bring your favorite scrapbook and best photographs from the summer. Workshop organizers will provide you with all the other materials you’ll need. If you don’t have a scrapbook, you can create a collage of your favorite summer memories.
The workshop will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room at the main library, 325 Civic Center Plaza.
Factory Bar’s fourth anniversary weekend
The Factory Bar, 12517 San Pablo Ave., has a busy four-day weekend of activities planned for its fourth anniversary, starting at 6 p.m. today with Duane Paton playing live music. Friday the Celestial Hotties play from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday there’s a performance by Los Alegres Callejeros from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Sunday enjoy surf-and-turf themed food on the patio from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with Pickles N Smoke and Rocky Island Oysters. More music is on the agenda with Quinn Monteiro from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and DJ Cargo from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
There will also be a raffle with ticket proceeds donated to House of Loving Hands, which helps women and children affected by domestic abuse. Tickets are $2, and the prize drawing is 6 p.m. Saturday.
Senior center puzzle swap Monday
Older adults will have a chance to exchange an old puzzle for a new one at an event early next week.
A puzzle swap is being held from 11 a.m. to noon on Monday at the Richmond Senior Center, 2525 Macdonald Ave.
At the event, adults age 55 and older can swap a puzzle they have already mastered for a new challenge. Participants are allowed to take one new puzzle for every used puzzle they bring in. Puzzles of any size are welcome, but they must have all their pieces.
Former prisoners discuss ‘Taking Liberties’ series Saturday
Have a conversation Saturday with JUST ARTISTS, a group of teaching artists and program alumni from the William James Association’s San Quentin Prison Arts Project.
The artists will discuss their Taking Liberties print series, currently on view in the West Gallery of the Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave.
Visitors are welcome to arrive when the gallery opens at 10 a.m. for an informal reception and to meet the artists. The program starts at 11 a.m. with an artist talk followed by a print demonstration.
Henry Franks reflects on the Taking Liberties project and its support for formerly incarcerated artists saying, “As art was being created, we were giving and receiving support for each other with the challenges and celebrations in each other’s lives. Just like the studio in San Quentin, art was the reason for gathering, but community, compassion, and vulnerability encouraged us to stay.”
Reception for art show representing county districts
A reception will be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. today for an art exhibit representing all regions of Contra Costa County.
The reception is at the County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., in Martinez.
The exhibit, Art Passages, has been organized by Arts Contra Costa County. It features art from all five districts of the county. The works include those from the NIAD Art Center, a nonprofit studio and gallery in Richmond.
The Art Passages exhibit will be on display at the county administration building through Oct. 7. The gallery is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
Arrhhh mateys: Library pirate performances this week
Jack Spareribs will make three appearances at Richmond libraries in the coming week.
Spareribs will put on his first performance from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday at the West Side Library, 135 Washington Ave.. The performance will include magic, comedy and ventriloquism with Maynard the Talking Monkey.
He’ll then be at the Bayview Library, 5100 Hartnett Ave., from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. later that day.
On Aug. 15 catch him at the main library branch, 325 Civic Center Plaza, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
Tonight at Baltic Kiss: A night of femme front bands
Four female-lead musical groups will headline a night of entertainment at Baltic Kiss, a restaurant, bar and music venue in Point Richmond. The doors open at 7 p.m. tonight with performances beginning at 8 p.m. Cost is $12 in advance and $15 at the door. The restaurant is located at 135 Park Place.
The bands for this evening will be Prophet Martian, YY Gray, Some Thing and Jem Sophia.
Purple Glaze live at the Sailing Goat Friday
An East Bay band that specializes in sweet rock, folk and traditional bluegrass will entertain patrons Friday at the Sailing Goat restaurant, 1900 Stenmark Drive at Point San Pablo Harbor in North Richmond.
Purple Glaze will perform from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday. There is no cover charge. Sailing Goat features wood-fired pizza, coastal cuisine and sunset views in addition to live music.
Ongoing events and news: Farmers markets, free Clipper card, Movement Storytime
Every week, local agencies and organizations host a variety of recurring events. See our calendar for more and add your local events there for free.
- The Richmond Public Library hosts a bi-weekly Thursday Night Adult Arts and Crafts Program through August. For its last workshop tonight attendees can look forward to a paint party. Sessions are 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza.
- Two farmers markets are held weekly in Richmond. The Civic Center Farmers Market runs from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Friday in front of the main library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. The Marina Bay Farmers Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday at Marina Bay Park in the parking lot near Regatta Boulevard and Melville Square.
- A farmers market is also held every week in El Sobrante. The market, organized by Planting Justice, is held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5166 Sobrante Ave.
- Visit a museum, get a free transit ride. The Contra Costa Library is offering free $20 Clipper cards to residents when they make a reservation to visit a museum. There are nearly 30 museums in the Bay Area that qualify under the program. Offer is limited to two Clipper cards per household. The program runs through the end of December or while supplies last.
- For seniors, every Thursday the Seniors Network Activity Program hosts free Tai Chi from 11 a.m to noon at Lifelong William Jenkins Wellness Center, 150 Harbour Way. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Sessions are open to both seated and standing participants. For more information call (510) 684-9266.
- Saturdays at the Richmond Recreation Complex, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 3230 Macdonald Ave. Enjoy instructional activities such as Zumba, soccer, basketball, and chess Visit the website to register. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Infant & Toddler Music and Movement Storytime, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. This Richmond Public Library Children’s Room program includes songs, fingerplays and books that are designed for families with babies and toddlers, but all ages of children are welcome.
- Family Storytime, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Wednesdays, Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. This Richmond Public Library Childrens Room program is geared toward families with toddlers. The event is a storytime session with a Richmond librarian.
Be sure to add your Richmond events to our calendar. If you know of an event that you think we should highlight in What’s Up, please email hello@richmondside.org.
