Friday Nights at OMCA with Kiyomi & Cal Raijin Taiko
Live Performance by Cal Raijin Taiko, Live Music by Kiyomi, Music Set by DJ Dailo Mac, Annual Fall Teacher Night, ScholarMatch, and Gallery Chats
September 18 from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Celebrate the opening week of BeHere/1942: A New Lens on the Japanese American Incarceration this Friday Night at OMCA with an evening of music, culture, and community. The Garden Stage features two dynamic performances, beginning with Cal Raijin Taiko, whose original compositions blend the tradition of Japanese taiko drumming with contemporary influences. Following, Bay Area singer-songwriter Kiyomi brings her soulful alternative R&B sound to the stage, weaving rich harmonies, live looping, and heartfelt storytelling into an intimate performance that invites audiences to slow down and connect.
Keeping the energy flowing, DJ Dailo Mac takes over the Amphitheater with a vibrant, genre-spanning mix of Hip-Hop, R&B, K-pop, Latin, House, EDM, and global rhythms. Her joyful, community-centered sets create the perfect soundtrack for dancing, gathering, and celebrating together throughout the evening.
Teachers and school leaders are specially invited to join OMCA’s Annual Fall Teacher Night for an evening of connecting with fellow educators, discovering museum resources, and exploring the galleries—including an introduction to the Gallery of California History and themes from the newly opened BeHere/1942 exhibition. All guests are also welcome to visit ScholarMatch in the Garden to learn about free college access programs supporting first-generation students while enjoying games, prizes, and opportunities to connect.
Alongside an exceptional event experience, Friday Nights at OMCA also features Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Putting a twist on the traditional museum tour, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in meaningful conversations, share personal reflections, and explore new perspectives on the artwork, artifacts, and stories throughout OMCA’s galleries. Enthusiastic volunteer facilitators can be found floating between all of OMCA’s galleries, including its Great Hall Special Exhibitions, throughout the evening. Look for the blue “Let’s Chat” shirts to join the conversation. Gallery Chats are included with Museum admission.
Program Schedule:
4:30–7 pm Fall Teacher Night Check-In and Lounge | California Room, Lower Level
5–7:30 pm Community Tabling with ScholarMatch | Garden
5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries
6–6:30 pm Live Performance by Cal Raijin Taiko | Garden Stage
6:45–7:45 pm Live Music by Kiyomi | Garden Stage
6:45–8:45 pm Music Set by DJ Dailo Mac | Amphitheater
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About Friday Nights:
The Town’s favorite block party, Friday Nights at OMCA, is turning up the heat for its 2026 summer season. Friday Nights invites the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family, friends, or neighbors—starting at 5 pm with a free evening of live music, interactive activities, Off the Grid food trucks, and, with a Museum ticket purchase, exclusive late-night access to our galleries and special exhibitions.
Fuel your night with a rotating lineup of Off the Grid food trucks stationed along 10th Street between Oak and Fallon Streets, serving up bold flavors and local favorites. Inside, near the Koi Pond, purchase beer, wine, cocktails, and refreshing non-alcoholic options to sip while exploring. In the Garden, picnic tables, blankets, and a dazzling view of Lake Merritt welcome you to settle in with your meal. With games, engaging museum programs, and a vibrant community atmosphere, it’s the perfect setting for making memories marked with unmistakable Oakland energy, week after week.
OMCA also offers a $10 flat-rate parking in the OMCA Garage until 10 pm. Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted, and event details and performances are subject to change.
Accessibility
Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is committed to providing programs that are accessible, welcoming, and inclusive of our community. Wheelchairs, sensory inclusive devices, and additional amenities are available for checkout on a first come, first served basis at the Ticketing Desk. To request other accommodations, like American Sign Language (ASL), Cantonese, Spanish or another language interpreter, please email [email protected] at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.
Performers
Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup
Performer BIOS
Founded in 2005, Cal Raijin Taiko is Berkeley’s premier Japanese drumming performance ensemble. With a repertoire consisting entirely of original compositions, Cal Raijin Taiko performs to spread the knowledge, love, and passion of taiko to both the campus and the surrounding communities.
Kiyomi is an independent singer-songwriter from the San Francisco Bay Area known for her captivating vocals, soulful melodies, and emotionally rich performances. Drawing inspiration from R&B, neo-soul, and pop, she creates music that encourages authenticity, healing, and human connection.
DJ Dailo Mac (she/her) is a seasoned open-format DJ with over 20 years of experience energizing dance floors and curating unforgettable vibes. Known for her genre-blending style and community-centered approach, she has collaborated with artists like Son of Paper and shared stages with icons such as One Vo1ce. Her work bridges music, identity, and celebration—turning every set into a powerful space for connection.
ScholarMatch is a non-profit that offers a free college access program for high school seniors who will be the first in their families to attend college through individualized advising, scholarships, and more!
Sponsors
Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid is proudly supported by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and Bank of America. Additional support provided by Donahue Fitzgerald LLP, OAKLAND ROOTS AND SOUL SC, LaSalle Mortgage, and Townsend Public Affairs.
