Friday Nights at OMCA with Oakland Rising
2026-06-05 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | OMCA campus
Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

Live Music by Oakland Rising, Night on the Town with Alameda County Community Food Bank, DJ Set by FELA KUTCHii, Drag Storytime with Per Sia, and Gallery Chats

This Friday Night at OMCA, Oakland Rising takes over the Garden Stage with a dynamic live set rooted in the city’s cultural legacy. Known for lush harmonies, original music, and soulful reinterpretations of classics, the collective brings together some of Oakland’s most exciting emerging voices in a celebration of collaboration and community.

Keeping the rhythm alive, FELA KUTCHii delivers a genre-fluid DJ set blending soulful grooves, global influences, and feel-good energy. Her sound invites guests on a vibrant journey designed to move both body and spirit, creating a shared sense of joy on the dance floor.

Throughout the evening, Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB) hosts Night on The Town, featuring interactive experiences for all ages that center community and food justice. From a hands-on art corner and game zone to resource-sharing and special activities, this lively space invites guests to connect and engage with meaningful local initiatives.

Families can also gather for a joyful Drag Storytime with Per Sia, reading The Rainbow Parade by Shane Jordan and Rick Hendrix. Through colorful storytelling and themes of acceptance and self-expression, this uplifting experience celebrates the power of community and inclusion.

Alongside an exceptional event experience, Friday Nights at OMCA also features Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Moving beyond the traditional museum tour, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in conversation, ask questions, and connect with OMCA facilitators who blend content expertise with lived experience to spark meaningful dialogue and new perspectives. Gallery Chat facilitators can be found in OMCA’s Great Hall Special Exhibitions and the Core Galleries of California Art, History, and Natural Sciences. Gallery Chats are included with Museum admission. Facilitators float between galleries throughout the night and can be seen wearing a blue “Let’s Chat” shirt.

Program Schedule:

5–8 pm ACCFB Night on The Town | Garden

5:15 pm Drag Storytime with Per Sia | Garden

5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries

6:30–7:30 pm Live Music by Oakland Rising | Garden Stage

6:45–8:45 pm DJ Set by FELA KUTCHii | Oak Street Plaza

Join our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!

About Friday Nights:

The Town’s favorite block party, Friday Nights at OMCA, is back for the 2026 season, inviting the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family, friends, or neighbors. From April–October, join us every Friday at 5 pm for a free evening of live music, interactive activities, Off the Grid food trucks, and, with a Museum ticket, 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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.

Performers

Oakland Rising

FELA KUTCHii

Drag Storytime with Per Sia

Alameda County Community Food Bank

Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup

Performer BIOS

About Oakland Rising

Oakland Rising is a collective of standout emerging artists from Oakland committed to sharing the stage, honoring the city’s rich cultural legacy, and channeling their energy into bringing light to this world. In the eighteen months since launching, they have performed at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, The Kennedy Center, The Mountain Winery, and more, supporting artists ranging from Rhiannon Giddens to Sheila E. Oakland Rising is led by three artists—August Lee Stevens, B DeVeaux, and Naima—who headline their own shows and write their own music. The band often features cameos from other rising artists from Oakland.

About FELA KUTCHii

Rooted in Oakland, FELA KUTCHii is an award-winning DJ and soundscape curator, as well as the official DJ for Oakland Soul SC. Her work centering Black sonic traditions and radical joy grounds sound in memory, identity, and emotional connection. Through genre-fluid, intention-driven sets, she bridges time and space to cultivate community and move bodies and spirits.

About Per Sia

San Francisco’s current Drag Laureate, Per Sia, is a first-generation Trans Mexican American drag artist raised in South Central Los Angeles, with drag roots in San Francisco’s Mission District. Her multidisciplinary practice spans performance, curation, television, and storytelling, presented in spaces ranging from local bars to major museums, including the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the Oakland Museum of California. A graduate of the University of California, Santa Cruz, she is a co-founder of Drag Story Hour and an educator with Children’s After School Arts, with work featured on KQED Arts, National Public Radio, and CNN.

About Alameda County Community Food Bank

Alameda County Community Food Bank’s mission is to partner with the community to end hunger and its root causes. They believe that food is a basic human right and envision an Alameda County where all people are nourished and thriving. They are committed to providing food with dignity and choice right now, while also working to re-imagine the system that has created food insecurity in the first place.

Sponsors

Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid is sponsored by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and Bank of America. Additional support provided by OAKLAND ROOTS AND SOUL SC, Donahue Fitzgerald LLP, and Townsend Public Affairs.

Learn more about becoming a Friday Nights at OMCA sponsor.

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Gallery Chats at OMCA
2026-06-06 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-13 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-20 13:00 - 15:00, 2026-06-27 13:00 - 15:00 | OMCA campus
Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

Join us for Gallery Chats, an opportunity to chat with and ask questions of our enthusiastic and knowledgeable OMCA Facilitators. Gallery Chats put a twist on the traditional museum tour by encouraging meaningful conversations and fresh interpretations to connect with the artwork, artifacts, and stories in our galleries.

Gallery Chats take place in our Special Exhibitions every Saturday from 1 to 3 pm and are included with Museum and Special Exhibition admission. No reservation necessary.

GET MUSEUM ADMISSION TICKETS

OMCA Members have access to special Member Tours every second Saturday of the month from noon to 1 pm.

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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.

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OMCA Architecture Walk and Talk
2026-06-07 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-07-05 13:00 - 14:00, 2026-08-02 13:00 - 14:00 | OMCA campus
Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

Walk through OMCA’s landmark building and gardens with members of the Council on Architecture, and learn about the history, design, and evolution of this award-winning structure with guides who are passionate about OMCA and Oakland.

No reservations or tickets are required. Walk and Talk begins near the Mid Level ticketing desk and lasts approximately one hour.

If you’d like to visit OMCA’s Galleries or Special Exhibitions, please purchase a ticket online in advance or at the ticketing desk on the day of your visit.

GET Museum Admission TICKETS

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Member Preview Hours for Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory
2026-06-11 11:00 - 16:00 | California
Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

Member Preview Hours

You’re invited to the Member Opening for OMCA’s newest exhbition! Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory is the first major museum exhibition to celebrate the work of beloved Bay Area artist Mildred Howard. Spanning Howard’s five-decade practice, Poetics of Memory brings together her renowned collages, found-object sculptures, and immersive installations that explore memory, identity, and the African American experience. New and never-before-seen pieces punctuate the exhibition, while archival materials from Howard’s Oakland studio illuminate the cultural currents and lived experiences that shape her practice.

RESERVE MEMBER TICKETS

Don’t miss the opening celebration on Thursday, June 11, 6-9 pm. Join us for an evening of celebration with live music, delicious bites, and festive refreshments—an inspiring preview honoring the vital knowledge of Native California communities that you won’t want to miss! RSVP required.

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Sponsors

Major support for Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory is provided by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Additional support is provided by Ann McKeever Hatch, Polaris Fund, Rosemary Chang in memory of Ted Buttner, F. Noel Perry, and the Sanger Family Foundation.

*Header image: Mildred Howard, Blackbird in a Red Sky, 2002. Plate glass, blown elements, stainless steel flashing, and wood. Installation view, Museum of Glass, Tacoma. Photo by Duncan Price. Courtesy of Museum of Glass.

Member Preview Opening Celebration for Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory - SOLD OUT
2026-06-11 18:00 - 21:00 | California
Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

Member Preview Opening Celebration

Due to popular demand, our evening celebration is at capacity. We are thankful for the overwhelming support and excitement around this new exhibition. We still have availability for the Daytime Preview Hours from 11–4 pm, or join us at Friday Nights for the public opening!

Be among the first to experience Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory—the first major museum survey of the beloved Bay Area artist whose five-decade practice powerfully explores memory, identity, and the African American experience. Join the artist, curators, and community for an opening celebration with live music, bites, and refreshments—an inspiring evening honoring Mildred Howard’s enduring impact.

Spanning Howard’s five-decade practice, Poetics of Memory brings together her renowned collages, found-object sculptures, and immersive installations that explore memory, identity, and the African American experience. New and never-before-seen pieces punctuate the exhibition, while archival materials from Howard’s Oakland studio illuminate the cultural currents and lived experiences that shape her practice.

RSVP required for the evening celebration. Capacity is limited and we are unable to accommodate a wait list. QUESTIONS? Email membership@museumca.org or call 510-318-8520.

member tickets sold out

Can’t make the Member Preview Evening celebration?Join us for our Daytime Preview Hours from 11–4 pm and experience OMCA’s newest exhibition before it opens to the public!

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Sponsors

Major support for Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory is provided by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Additional support is provided by Ann McKeever Hatch, Polaris Fund, Rosemary Chang in memory of Ted Buttner, F. Noel Perry, and the Sanger Family Foundation.

*Header image: Mildred Howard, Blackbird in a Red Sky, 2002. Plate glass, blown elements, stainless steel flashing, and wood. Installation view, Museum of Glass, Tacoma. Photo by Duncan Price. Courtesy of Museum of Glass.

Friday Nights at OMCA with Kim Nalley Band
2026-06-12 17:00 - 21:00 | OMCA campus
Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

Live Music by the Kim Nalley Band, DJ Set by LEXAPEEL, Haitian Folkloric Dance Lesson with Portsha T. Jefferson, and Gallery Chats

Friday Night at OMCA comes alive during the opening week of OMCA’s latest Special Exhibition, Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory, with a lineup inspired by the artist’s deep connections to music, movement, cultural memory, and public engagement. On the Garden Stage, the Kim Nalley Band delivers powerhouse vocals that blend jazz, blues, and soul. Known for captivating audiences from intimate clubs to global concert halls, Nalley brings warmth, wit, and commanding presence to every performance.

Behind the turntables, LEXAPEEL sets the tone with a genre-spanning mix of global sounds, R&B, Hip-Hop, and house. With a seamless style and sharp instinct for reading the crowd, she builds an infectious energy that keeps the dance floor moving all night.

Guests are invited to move with purpose in a Haitian folkloric dance lesson led by Portsha Terae Jefferson. Centered on the celebratory rhythms of the carnival dance known as RARA, this all-levels workshop blends cultural tradition with joyful expression, offering a chance to connect and honor Haiti’s rich living heritage through movement.

Alongside an exceptional event experience, Friday Nights at OMCA also features Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Moving beyond the traditional museum tour, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in conversation, ask questions, and connect with OMCA facilitators who blend content expertise with lived experience to spark meaningful dialogue and new perspectives. Gallery Chat facilitators can be found in OMCA’s Great Hall Special Exhibitions and the Core Galleries of California Art, History, and Natural Sciences. Gallery Chats are included with Museum admission. Facilitators float between galleries throughout the night and can be seen wearing a blue “Let’s Chat” shirt.

Program Schedule:

5–7:30 pm Community Tabling: Lake Merritt Institute | Garden

5:30–6:30 pm Haitian Folkloric Dance Lesson with Portsha T. Jefferson | Amphitheater

5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries

6:30–7:30 pm Live Music by the Kim Nalley Band | Garden Stage

6:45–8:45 pm DJ Set by LEXAPEEL | Amphitheater

Join our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!

About Friday Nights:

The Town’s favorite block party, Friday Nights at OMCA, is back for the 2026 season, inviting the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family, friends, or neighbors. From April–October, join us every Friday at 5 pm for a free evening of live music, interactive activities, Off the Grid food trucks, and, with a Museum ticket, 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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.

Performers

Kim Nalley Band

LEXAPEEL

Portsha Terae Jefferson

Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup

Performer BIOS

About Kim Nalley Band

Awarded “Most Influential African American in the Bay Area” in 2005 and “Best Jazz Group” in 2013, vocalist Dr. Kim Nalley is already being called “legendary” and a “San Francisco institution.” Nalley was discovered by Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT) singing to packed audiences live with no amplification. MTT recorded her singing live and invited her to sing with the San Francisco Symphony. Subsequently, she became a Rounder Records recording artist and went on a worldwide tour, gracing concert halls from Moscow to Lincoln Center and festivals from Umbria Jazz to Monterey Jazz, garnering effusive international press, awards, and high ranking on the Jazz charts and the Gavin Report for her many albums.

About LEXAPEEL

LEXAPEEL is an LA-born, Oakland-based international DJ whose sound has moved crowds from Atlanta, New York, the Bay Area, London, Tokyo, and beyond. With over a decade behind the decks—and the last five years cementing her as a crowd favorite—LEXAPEEL is known for transforming any setting into an unforgettable dance floor. Her love for music is the driving force behind her eclectic, genre-spanning sets that flow seamlessly between Hip-Hop, R&B, baile funk, jersey club, afrobeats, and other global sounds. Combining sharp scratching, transitions, and an open-format approach, she has a rare ability to read a crowd and elevate its energy.

About Portsha Terae Jefferson

For over 25 years, Portsha Terae Jefferson (Zetwal Ashade Bon Manbo) has been a dynamic force in the world of African Diasporic arts. She has been celebrated for her work as a choreographer, performer, researcher, filmmaker, and cultural practitioner. She is the visionary founder and Artistic Director of Rara Tou Limen, a cultural institution connecting the Bay Area to the spiritual heart of Haiti.

Sponsors

Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid is sponsored by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and Bank of America. Additional support provided by OAKLAND ROOTS AND SOUL SC, Donahue Fitzgerald LLP, and Townsend Public Affairs.

Learn more about becoming a Friday Nights at OMCA sponsor.

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Juneteenth! at the Museum
2026-06-19 11:00 - 16:00 | OMCA Great Hall, 1000 Oak, Oakland, California, 94607
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Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

Juneteenth! at the Museum

GA Tickets—SOLD OUT

Member and VIP Tickets—Still Available

Limited tickets will be available at the door.

OMCA X Black Freedom Fund present Juneteenth! at the Museum—a vibrant, full-day celebration of Black culture, creativity, and community. Guests can expect a dynamic campus filled with live performances and DJ sets from boundary-pushing artists, delicious offerings from standout Bay Area Black chefs and food vendors, and hands-on activities that invite visitors of all ages to move, make, and connect in celebration of Black culture.

From live music and soul line dancing to Juneteenth fan-making and community art projects, the day brings together joy, creativity, and reflection across OMCA’s campus. The celebration also features OMCA’s latest Special Exhibition, Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory, alongside special programming that invites guests to engage with Black memory, identity, and artistic expression in new ways. Join us at OMCA for this joyful, can’t-miss tribute to Black heritage, resilience, and community.

General admission tickets are sold out. Member and VIP tickets are still available online. Limited tickets will be available at the door.

GA TICKETS SOLD OUT

GET VIP TICKETS

$10 for all-inclusive festival and gallery access | $110 for VIP access

MEMBER TICKETs

Free, all-inclusive festival and gallery access

Limited tickets will be available at the door.

ASL Interpretation for OMCA Garden stage will be provided.

Festival access starts at 11 am. Event parking is available at Alco Park (165 13th Street) for the day rate of $7. We encourage guests to take BART, rideshare, or other alternative transportation when possible.

Schedule of Events

FOOD AND BEVERAGES

10TH STREET | LOWER LEVEL11 am–4 pm Enjoy a delectable variety of Pan-African and Black diasporic cuisine from Bay Area chefs including Mela Bistro, alaMar, Cocobreeze, Town Fare Cafe, Pound Bizness, and more!

TOWN FARE CAFE | MID LEVEL – VIP TICKET REQUIRED11 am–4 pm Chef Michele McQueen of Town Fare and Lucy Blue, in collaboration with Maker’s Mark, presents Juneteenth Jubilee VIP. VIP tickets are $110 and provide an all-inclusive Juneteenth experience featuring a catered buffet, indoor and outside lounge seating, a specialty welcome cocktail, a live DJ, Spades and dominoes games, hand-printed Maker’s Mark merch, a Wine Alley presented by Black Vines, a complimentary photo booth, and more.

PERFORMANCES AND DJ SETS

GARDEN STAGE | LOWER LEVEL11:00 am–12:00 pm Music Set by DJ LadyRyan12:00–12:10 pm Formal Welcome 12:10-12:20 pm Black National Anthem by August Lee Stevens12:30–1:00 pm Music Set by DJ Red Corvette1:00–1:15 pm Live Performance by Ian Kelly1:20–1:45 pm Live Performance by Red Lotus1:45–2:15 pm Music Set by DJ KenZo2:15–2:40 pm Live Performance by Madison McFerrin2:50–3:20 pm DJ Set by Daghe3:20–3:50 pm Live Performance by Saba3:50–4:00 pm DJ Set by Daghe

AMPHITHEATER STAGE | LOWER LEVEL11:00 am–12:30 pm Music Set by DJ Kream3:00–4:00 pm Music Set by DJ Kream

ACTIVITIES

MID LEVEL TERRACE | MID LEVEL11:00 am-4:00 pm Shop and enjoy artisanal goods from local Black creatives, including Melanin Gang, Prideful Patches, Unified Pieces, Belle Noire, Avocurl, and Hella Charged & Lit.

12TH ST PLAZA | LOWER LEVEL11:00 am-4:00 pm Join the Golden State Valkyries and Warriors for hands-on activities, merch giveaways, and team excitement. Also, connect with Sons of the Sweet Science, a community storytelling project by filmmaker Renee Moncada that explores fatherhood, mentorship, and legacy. Visit the interactive activation to learn about the documentary series, engage with community stories from Oakland and the East Bay, and share your own reflections through filmed storytelling prompts.

KORET PLAZA | LOWER LEVEL12:00-4:00 pm Make a folding paper fan and a wearable button inspired by Juneteenth!

12:30-3:30 pm AfroComicCon and Oakland Technology and Education Center (OTEC) is bringing flair and fun to Juneteenth! at the Museum. Celebrate the themes of freedom and boundless imagination with AfroComicCon/OTEC collaborating artist Eugene R. Young. Use acrylic paint pens and paper to invent original characters, creatures, and things never seen before. Show your support for this non-profit by taking a photo in front of their backdrop, snagging some super cool merch, and hearing about some of the amazing projects that AfroComicCon/OTEC is bringing to the community!

AMPHITHEATER | LOWER LEVEL12:30-1:30 pm Join Telice for an all-ages Turf Dance Lesson celebrating Black liberation.2:00–3:00 pm Get moving with a Soul Line Dance Lesson hosted by Chocolate Platinum!

JAMES MOORE THEATER | LOWER LEVEL*2:15-3:15 pm Watch the premiere of the short documentary Memories in Motion: Selected Stories of Mildred Howard, written and directed by Lamar “MYL3Z” Brown and Delency Parham, with cinematography by Kevin Kumar and Tristan Custodio. Following the screening, join Mildred Howard, MYL3Z, and Delency Parham for a conversation moderated by Dr. Ameer Hasan Loggins, professor of Black Studies at UC Berkeley, on intergenerational relationships, the role of the archive, and their experiences as interdisciplinary artists.

About Memories in Motion:

This film traces the spaces, moments, and relationships that have shaped artist Mildred Howard across eight decades of life rooted in the East Bay. Moving from her Berkeley childhood home to the neighborhood where she raised her twins, and through the cities that now hold her public works, Memories in Motion: Selected Stories of Mildred Howard shows how Howard’s art grows directly from the communities, places, and experiences that surround her. In doing so, the film places Howard within a lineage of Black women whose everyday lives form a vital artistic and intellectual tradition. By revealing how Howard’s personal life is foundational to her artistic practice, the film resists drawing a line between Mildred the artist and Mildred the person—showing how her roles as mother, grandmother, food connoisseur, music lover, and mentor are essential to the creative life she has built.

GALLERY ACTIVITIES

KORET PLAZA | LOWER LEVEL12:00–4:00 pm Pick up a Juneteenth gallery guide and explore our galleries to learn more about Black changemakers and collectives from the Bay Area.

GREAT HALL | MID LEVEL*1:00-2:00 pm Join us for a special edition of Gallery Chats inside Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory led by author and Professor of African American and African Diaspora Studies, Leigh Raiford. In this informal conversation, Raiford will draw from her personal and professional experiences with Howard’s life, art practice, and this unique exhibition. The first major show to celebrate the artist’s work, this project explores memory, identity, and the African American experience. Raiford will interweave her own in-depth knowledge and background in teaching, researching, curating, and writing about Black visuality. This Gallery Chat will invite visitors to reflect on how personal memory and collective history shape the broader stories that define us through the lens of this beloved Bay Area artist.

ALL GALLERIES | LOWER, MID, UPPER LEVELS1:00-3:00 pm Moving beyond the traditional museum tour, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in conversation, ask questions, and connect with OMCA facilitators who blend content expertise with lived experience to spark meaningful dialogue and new perspectives. Gallery Chat facilitators can be found in OMCA’s Great Hall Special Exhibitions and the Core Galleries of California Art, History, and Natural Sciences. Gallery Chats are included with Museum admission.

* Limited seating. Doors will open 15 minutes before start time.

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About the performers and partners

DJ LadyRyan

DJ LadyRyan is a defining voice in Bay Area nightlife, with a twenty year career as a DJ, curator, and community leader. A Bay Area favorite, she inspires a sense of safety, joy, and belonging through her deep musical intuition and grounded presence. Her passion for music can be felt throughout the region and beyond, whether she’s serving as the official DJ for the WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries, hosting her celebrated Soulovely or Sweetspot parties, or gracing the airwaves of 91.7 KALW in San Francisco.
Guided by a love of music and connection, LadyRyan has shaped dance floors through public radio, nightlife, and major cultural events while building a reputation for intentional, community-driven curation. A cofounder of Golden Ratio, she continues to cultivate spaces rooted in queer joy, creativity, and community. Recognized for her impact on the Bay Area music scene, she was voted Best DJ in the Bay Area by the Bay Area Reporter in 2023 and 2026, previously earned Best of the Bay from the East Bay Express, and was honored by the City of Oakland in 2023 for her leadership in the LGBTQ music and arts community. She has shared stages with icons including Diana Ross, George Clinton, Erykah Badu, Journey, Indigo Girls, and Anderson .Paak, bringing deep musical knowledge and an instinctive ability to move any room.

Red Corvette

Red Corvette, from San Francisco, is a DJ, Music Director, and one half of the brilliant minds behind Women Sound Off. With a 10-year journey as a top-tier DJ, she’s rocked at many festivals, nightclubs, and branded events leaving her mark across Cali and NYC’s hottest spots. From spinning for top-tier artists like Rayana Jay + Zyah Bell, to curating DSP playlists with Tidal, Apple, and Spotify, to dazzling brands and platforms like Springhill, Will Packard Media, YouTube, and most recently Essence Festival of Culture – Essence Stage, Red Corvette’s music direction game is pure fire. Red thrives in the chaotic environments of the DJ world and is a true multi-format DJ with real-time troubleshooting skills. With Red Corvette at the helm, an unforgettable musical experience can always be expected.

Ian Kelly

Ian Kelly is a rapper and storyteller from Oakland, known for his soulful lyricism and commanding stage presence. His project KELLS IS D.E.A.D. was named one of KQED’s Top 10 Bay Area Albums, followed by Soulful Of It, which led to appearances on Sway in the Morning, Ebro’s Apple Music show, and performances alongside artists like Robert Glasper. His music has also been featured on Madden 22 and Hulu’s Homeroom.
His EPs ART, A Summer Pack With Love (2024) , Concrete OCEAN with DJ D Sharp (2025), along with standout singles like ‘Okay’ and ‘What The Lick Read’ with Dr. Clips, continue to solidify his reputation as one of the Bay Area’s most compelling voices in Hip-Hop today!

Red Lotus

Red Lotus is recognized as one of the most versatile voices in today’s music landscape. Coming from Vallejo, he has transformed the narrative around Bay Area music. With breakout records such as “Built Different” and “Hello Darlin’,” Red Lotus has built strong momentum and a rapidly growing fanbase, standing out for both his range and message.
Known for high-energy, emotionally charged performances, Red Lotus gives a live experience that connects deeply with audiences on a human level and leaves a lasting impact.

DJ Kenzo

Kenivah Bockari, widely known as DJ Kenzo, was raised in Stockton by his parents, Martha and Sam, who immigrated from Sierra Leone, West Africa. Drawing inspiration from his rich cultural roots, Kenzo began carving out his path in music in 2016. Since then, he has built a powerful presence—touring with LaRussell, serving as the official DJ for both the Stockton Kings and Sacramento Kings, and opening for major artists like Snoop Dogg, Common, Leon Thomas, and Anderson .Paak. His signature “Kenergy” and deep African influence shine through in every set, fueling his journey as both a dynamic DJ and a skilled music producer.

Madison McFerrin

Maybe life on Earth, with all its miniature, momentary deaths and rebirths, really does have something to do with our zodiac signs. Singer-songwriter Madison McFerrin thinks so. Her sophomore album, SCORPIO, takes its name from her sign and its three phases (scorpion, eagle, and phoenix) which parallel her personal evolution since her 2023 debut, I Hope You can Forgive Me.
For Madison, love—specifically self-love—is a revealer of truths. It’s this album’s inspiration: “I truly believe that I went through it because I’ve created art that’s going to change my life.” SCORPIO is what it sounds like when the stars align.

Daghe

DAGHE is a multi-hyphenate creative, cultural strategist, music producer, DJ, and visual storyteller. His work moves across sound, media, community, and outdoor culture, held together less by category and more by instinct. He understands how people gather, move, and connect, and that shapes how he works.
His approach to DJing carries that same instinct into real time. Tempo awareness, cultural fluency, a feel for the room’s energy and where it needs to go. He finds the through line between sounds from different eras, different cultures, and different corners of the world, and makes it all make sense.

Saba

A successful independent artist, Saba has rooted his career in an authenticity and musicality that’s made him one of his generation’s most important and unique voices in rap. Saba’s most recent career highlights include performing at the United Center arena for Chance the Rapper’s Acid Rap Anniversary, playing two weekends at Coachella, and touring the US, Europe and Africa in support of his album Few Good Things. This year, Spotify has included Saba’s critically acclaimed CARE FOR ME album amongst its “Spotify Classics: Hip-Hop & R&B Albums of the Streaming Era” campaign (which includes Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, Tyler the Creator and more) with billboards across LA and NYC.
Making music from a young age, Saba and a group of neighborhood friends built a recording studio in his grandmother’s basement on Chicago’s West Side and formed the Pivot Gang collective. Since then, he’s been tapped by J. Cole for Revenge of the Dreamers III (2019), earned an RIAA Gold certification for “Sacrifices,” and joined Noname and Smino to launch the Midwest supergroup Ghetto Sage with “Häagen Dazs.” In 2022, Saba earned his second RIAA Gold certification for his 2016 single “Photosynthesis.”
In 2025, Saba and super-producer, executive, and mentor No ID will drop their highly anticipated collaboration album. On the album, Saba flexes his vivid story-telling, radiating confidence, self-reflection, and self-made success over No ID’s illustrious production.

DJ Kream

Hailing from Oakland, DJ Kream is a community organizer, creative, and event producer known for her genre-bending DJ style. In 2016, as part of her DJ debut, Kream co-founded the Oakland-based entertainment company Oakhella, curating tunes at the inaugural festival. Since then, Oakhella has grown from a music festival to full-scale entertainment company marketing, curating, and producing events for clients like Black Joy Parade, REI, Goldenvoice, Oakland Museum of California, The Battery Club (SF), The Life is Living Festival, and many more.
DJ Kream has gone on to curate the vibes at music festivals, nightclubs, weddings, day parties, brunches, drag shows, corporate events, and spaces coast to coast, from Portland and NYC to Mexico City. DJ Kream’s resume includes sharing marquees with legends old and new like Black Coffee, Moodymann, Joe Kay, TxC, Kevin Saunderson, Carl Cox, Channel Tres, Coco & Breezy, Cypress Hill, 112, Next, Sango, and Durand Bernarr.

Telice Summerfield

Telice is an incredible Turf dancer, educator, and community leader who is passionate about bringing people together. She weaves together relationships of dance, identity, and community by connecting and uplifting movement artists everywhere she goes. Her goals include cultivating consistent shared spaces for meaningful creative movement through which every person can be empowered, inspired, and celebrated.

Chocolate Platinum

Patricia Lowe, aka Chocolate Platinum, is the dynamic CEO and founder of The Chocolate Platinum Soul Line Dancers, established in 2012. An award-winning choreographer and a Certified Master Line Dance Instructor, Patricia has made a lasting impact on the world of soul line dancing through her creativity, leadership, and passion for the art. Her contributions have been recognized at the highest level—earning her a place in the U.S. Library of Congress, a testament to her cultural influence and dedication to the dance community.

August Lee Stevens

August Lee Stevens is a masterful young singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose work encompasses elements of soul, jazz, and modern folk. Possessed of a velvet-smooth voice and an innate gift for lyrical expression, Stevens is an artist whose profile is destined to rise. From singing at open mics, to Warriors Playoff games to opening for artists such as Seal, Smokey Robinson and Sheila E, August is on a trajectory that can’t be stopped.

Sponsors

Juneteenth! at the Museum is made possible in part by the generous support of the Black Freedom Fund. Additional support is provided by Golden State.

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Spotlight Sundays: Land as Body—A Community Ritual with Puri Arts
2026-06-21 13:00 - 16:00 | OMCA Lecture Hall, 1000 Oak, Oakland, California, 94607
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Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

Spotlight Sundays: Land as Body—A Community Ritual with Puri Arts

This Spotlight Sundays, we are excited to welcome back Dohee Lee and Puri Arts with their project Land as Body: Belonging, a powerful community ritual that interweaves ceremony, storytelling, and drumming. This spirited offering provides a ceremonial bridge for healing between ancestors and the people of all lands that have endured ruptures due to deportation, incarceration, and all forms of colonial violence.

In collaboration with Asian Refugees United-Connect-Reflect-Enact (ARU-CRE) and Asian Prisoner Support Committee (APSC) (including members inside and out of San Quentin Prison), Land as Body cultivates a collective of immigrants, refugees, and settlers on the Indigenous lands of Turtle Island where they live and belong. Please join us for this potent expression of healing and connection.

Program Schedule

1–1:30 pm | Welcome Ceremony1:30–3 pm | Traditional Jeju Island Ritual – Storytelling and Offerings3–4 pm | Community Circle – Drumming and Dance

This program is free and open to the public (no tickets required)

About Dohee Lee

Born on Jeju Island, Corea, Dohee trained in Corean traditional music and dance, deeply rooted in Corean Indigenous practice (shamanism), especially that of Jeju Island. In 2002, Dohee immigrated to Oakland and founded Puri Arts in 2004 to create a new art form. Since then, she has contributed to both traditional and contemporary arts. She emphasizes the mythical, experimental, ritualistic, historical and healing aspects of performance and installation, catalyzing new relationships between identity, nature, spirituality, and the political. Dohee is Artistic Director of Dohee Lee Puri Arts, Director of Art and Healing with Asian Refugees United, and is faculty at Tamalpa Institute.

About Puri Arts (PA)

PA is an art organization that practices cultural and ancestral ritual performances rooted in Corean indigenous practice and contemporary arts for healing justice.

About Asian Refugees United (ARU-CRE)

ARU-CRE is a non-profit organization centered on art, healing, and social justice leadership for immigrants and refugees in the Asian diaspora.

About Asian Prisoner Support Committee (APSC)

APSC provides direct support to Asian and Pacific Islander (API) prisoners and raises awareness about the growing number of APIs being imprisoned, detained, and deported.

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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.

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Friday Nights at OMCA with The Seshen
2026-06-26 17:00 - 21:00 | OMCA campus
Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

Live Music by The Seshen, DJ set by Nikki Diamonds, Country Line Dance Lesson by Nora Gomperts and Leo Orringer, and Gallery Chats

Friday Night at OMCA brings The Seshen to the Garden Stage with their signature blend of R&B, synth-pop, and electronic sound. Powered by lush synth layers, live percussion, and magnetic vocals, the six-piece crafts a fluid set that shifts between intimate moments and full-bodied sonic lift.

As the evening unfolds, Nikki Diamonds keeps the floor in motion with a vibrant, genre-hopping mix of house, R&B, funk, disco, and more. Her sets move effortlessly between eras and moods, shaping a dance floor that feels communal, alive, and impossible not to get swept into.

Guests can also step into the rhythm with a beginner-friendly country line dance lesson led by Nora Gomperts and Leo Orringer. Designed for all levels, this easygoing session breaks down accessible moves you can pick up quickly and bring straight to the dance floor.Alongside an exceptional event experience, Friday Nights at OMCA also features Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Moving beyond the traditional museum tour, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in conversation, ask questions, and connect with OMCA facilitators who blend content expertise with lived experience to spark meaningful dialogue and new perspectives. Gallery Chat facilitators can be found in OMCA’s Great Hall Special Exhibitions and the Core Galleries of California Art, History, and Natural Sciences. Gallery Chats are included with Museum admission. Facilitators float between galleries throughout the night and can be seen wearing a blue “Let’s Chat” shirt.

Program Schedule:

5:30–6:30 pm Country Line Dance Lesson with Nora Gomperts and Leo Orringer | Amphitheater

5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries

6:30–7:45 pm Live Music by The Seshen | Garden Stage

6:45–8:45 pm DJ Set by Nikki Diamonds | Amphitheater

Join our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!

About Friday Nights:

The Town’s favorite block party, Friday Nights at OMCA, is back for the 2026 season, inviting the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family, friends, or neighbors. From April–October, join us every Friday at 5 pm for a free evening of live music, interactive activities, Off the Grid food trucks, and, with a Museum ticket, 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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.

Performers

The Seshen

Nikki Diamonds

Nora Gomperts and Leo Orringer

Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup

Performer BIOS

About The Seshen

The Seshen is a San Francisco Bay Area-based six-piece band led by singer/lyricist Lalin St. Juste and bassist/producer Akiyoshi Ehara. To create their multidimensional music, St. Juste and Ehara are joined by four remarkable bandmates: drummer Chris Thalmann, keyboard/synth player Mahesh Rao, percussionist Mirza Kopelman, and sampler Kumar Butler. They take inspiration from across the musical spectrum; their individual influences range from recognizable artists (Erykah Badu, Jai Paul, James Blake, Radiohead, and Broadcast) to genres and eras that don’t initially appear to fit together (Hip-Hop, indie rock, early electronica, and 70’s dub). Their unique alchemy of seemingly disparate sounds has led fans and critics alike to describe the band as defying categorization.

About Nikki Diamonds

Nikki is a proud queer Nicaraguan/Samoan DJ, born and raised in the San Francisco Mission District. Her core memories are wrapped around listening to music with her nana and mom—those moments that shaped everything they know about the power of a good song. For Nikki, community means everything. The joy she feels being surrounded by family and friends, listening to music, and dancing, is what freedom looks like to them.

About Nora Gomperts and Leo Orringer

Nora Gomperts and Leo Orringer met each other on the dance floor at Sundance Saloon two days after Nora got to town, and later found themselves teaching line dance together at Scuff. They recently started their own community event in Oakland to offer more opportunities for advanced line dance learning and practice. Nora is currently on the board of Starlight Strut, and both Nora and Leo are in a performance group called The Heartstompers.

Sponsors

Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid is sponsored by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and Bank of America. Additional support provided by OAKLAND ROOTS AND SOUL SC, Donahue Fitzgerald LLP, and Townsend Public Affairs.

Learn more about becoming a Friday Nights at OMCA sponsor.

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Friday Nights at OMCA with MXKA
2026-07-10 17:00 - 21:00 | OMCA campus
Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

Live Music by MXKA, DJ Set by Louie El Ser, Cumbia Wepa Dance Lesson with Mireille Ruiz, Community Activation with NIAD Art Center, and Gallery Chats

Kicking off the summer season of Friday Nights at OMCA, MXKA takes over the Garden Stage with a captivating blend of regional Mexican music and R&B. Through soulful vocals, heartfelt storytelling, and genre-bending sounds, the Bay Area artist reflects her Blaxican identity while creating a space for connection, self-expression, and celebration.

Keeping the energy flowing, Louie El Ser delivers a dynamic DJ set blending emerging Latin sounds with alt-pop experimentation. Her dreamy soundscapes and infectious rhythms create an immersive, uplifting atmosphere that invites guests to embrace curiosity and joyful movement on the dance floor. Guests can also jump into the rhythm with a lively Cumbia Wepa dance lesson led by Mireille Ruiz. Rooted in the vibrant traditions of cumbia sonidera, this energetic class introduces playful footwork, upbeat movement, and cultural connection in a welcoming, beginner-friendly environment.

Throughout the evening, NIAD Art Center joins the festivities in the Garden with a community activation celebrating Disability Pride Month with creativity, inclusion, and artistic expression. Visitors can participate in an art-making activation led by artist Jason Powell-Smith, browse and purchase original artworks and special-edition pieces, meet other artists and staff, and learn more about the organization’s work supporting professional artists with disabilities while fostering connection through the arts.

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:

5–7:30 pm Community Activation: NIAD Art Center | Garden

5:30–6:30 pm Cumbia Wepa Dance Lesson with Mireille Ruiz | Amphitheater

5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries

6:45–7:45 pm Live Music by MXKA | Garden Stage

6:45–8:45 pm DJ Set by Louie El Ser | Amphitheater

Join our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!

About Friday Nights:

The Town’s favorite block party, Friday Nights at OMCA, is back for the 2026 season, inviting the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family, friends, or neighbors. From April–October, join us every Friday at 5 pm for a free evening of live music, interactive activities, Off the Grid food trucks, and, with a Museum ticket, 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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.

Performers

MXKA

Louie El Ser

Mireille Ruiz

NIAD Art Center

Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup

Performer BIOS

About MXKA

MXKA is a Blaxican artist from the Bay Area who creates a unique blend of Regional Mexican music and R&B. She brings together both sides of her culture through music, visuals, and storytelling. Through emotionally driven songwriting and genre-blending sounds, MXKA explores identity, love, culture, and self-expression while building a distinct artistic world rooted in authenticity.

About Louie El Ser

Louie El Ser is a multi-instrumentalist, producer, and composer from the Bay Area. From self-produced hits to DJ sets, Louie has spent the majority of her life studying sound design and sonic reconnaissance. Having played around the world in metropolitan music hubs like Paris, Los Angeles, and México City, she’s been on bills with top artists such as Isabella Lovestory, La Goony Chonga, Los Eclipses, and more.

About Mireille Ruiz

Mireille Ruiz, born and raised in Mexico City, grew up dancing and listening to Latin music as part of her culture, including cumbia. She learned her first following techniques dancing with her father at every family fiesta. She has a Mexican folklore, jazz, tap dancing, and gymnastics background, and grew up performing since the age of four. She is also a percussionist, drummer, and Montessori teacher. A Bay Area bachata, cumbia, and salsa dance instructor, Mireille has been teaching, performing, and leading dance teams around the USA since 2010.

About NIAD Art Center

Founded in Richmond in 1982, NIAD Art Center is a groundbreaking disability arts organization that promotes creative expression, independence, dignity, and community integration by, with, and for people with disabilities. More than 75 artists practice across our 23rd Street studio in Richmond and in their Virtual Studio, building professional careers as contemporary artists. Visit niadart.org to explore and collect original artwork, join their mailing list, and learn more about their work.

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.

Learn more about becoming a Friday Nights at OMCA sponsor.

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Mutiny at Port Chicago: Black Resistance and Redemption
2026-07-11 13:00 - 15:00 | OMCA Lecture Hall, 1000 Oak, Oakland, California, 94607
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Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

Mutiny at Port Chicago: Black Resistance and Redemption

Step back in time and explore the pivotal story of the East Bay’s Port Chicago Sailors at Mutiny at Port Chicago: Black Resistance and Redemption at the Oakland Museum of California. This special event commemorates Oakland’s officially designated Port Chicago Remembrance Day. It features a screening of the historical drama Mutiny, produced by Morgan Freeman, followed by an engaging discussion with featured guests Congresswoman Lateefah Simon, Antwanisha Williamson, and Cynthia Adams, moderated by Dayvee Sutton. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon of film, dialogue, and historical insight, hosted in partnership with the Port Chicago Alliance.

get tickets

member tickets

About Congresswoman Lateefah Simon:

Congresswoman Lateefah Simon represents California’s 12th Congressional District and has spent more than 30 years advancing civil rights, public service, and community advocacy throughout the Bay Area. A nationally recognized leader, she has worked on issues ranging from criminal justice reform and housing to transportation and economic opportunity. Her connection to Port Chicago is deeply personal—her grandfather survived the 1944 disaster, was denied survivors’ leave, and was assigned to help clear the devastated site. This family history gives her a unique perspective on the tragedy’s lasting impact and the generations-long pursuit of justice that followed.

About Antwanisha Williamson

Antwanisha Williamson is a Navy veteran, scholar, and advocate whose work bridges military service, education, and systemic change. A retired U.S. Navy leader with 18 years of service, she earned her doctorate researching the lived experiences of women Veterans and now applies that work through leadership in education and national advocacy. Williamson also led efforts to pass a national NAACP resolution supporting the exoneration of the Port Chicago 50, reflecting her commitment to historical justice, equity, and empowerment. She brings both lived experience and academic insight to conversations about resilience, advocacy, and transformative change.

About Cynthia Adams

Cynthia Adams is President of the Oakland NAACP and a distinguished educator and civil rights leader. A retired Oakland Unified School District educator with 35 years of service, she dedicated her career to advancing educational opportunity and student achievement in Oakland. Originally from Dermott, Arkansas, Adams has called Oakland home for more than four decades and has been an active leader within the NAACP since 2006. Her longstanding commitment to civil rights, voting rights, and educational equity continues to shape her leadership and service to the Oakland community.

About Dayvee Sutton

Dayvee Sutton is a multi-Emmy Award-winning journalist and documentary filmmaker dedicated to the art of cultural storytelling. As the founder of Dream Network Media, she has built a distinguished career exploring the intersections of history, heritage, and systemic power. Known for her sophisticated, modern approach to visual journalism, Sutton’s work goes beyond the headlines to uncover the deeper narratives that shape our world. An esteemed voice in the media industry, she specializes in using travel and investigative research as a lens to preserve and honor complex histories.

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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.

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Friday Nights at OMCA with Óskar Ly & Rumbalú and Asociación Cultural Kanchis
2026-07-17 17:00 - 21:00 | OMCA campus
Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

Live Music by Óskar Ly & Rumbalú, Folkloric Dance Performance by Asociación Cultural Kanchis, Music Set by dj tuMadre, Community Tabling by Bike East Bay and Lake Merritt Institute, Live Figure Drawing with Sketchboard Co., and Gallery Chats

In honor of both Peruvian and Colombian Independence Day, this Friday Night is alive with celebration as Asociación Cultural Kanchis shares the beauty of Peruvian folkloric dance through a vibrant performance honoring the rich cultural heritage of Peru and the generations who keep these traditions thriving.

Continuing the festivities, Óskar Ly & Rumbalú deliver a lively musical performance inspired by the rhythms and sounds of Peru, Colombia, and the Afro-Caribbean diaspora. Blending salsa, cumbia, Latin jazz, and global flair, the ensemble creates an infectious atmosphere that invites guests to dance, connect, and celebrate community together.

Keeping the energy high, dj tuMadre spins an eclectic mix of sounds rooted in culture, community, and movement. Blending genres, eras, and unexpected musical discoveries, her vibrant set creates a colorful atmosphere designed to bring people together and keep the dance floor buzzing.

Throughout the night, guests can connect with local organizations, including Bike East Bay and Lake Merritt Institute, offering interactive activities, community resources, and opportunities to learn more about building a healthier, more connected East Bay. With gallery admission, guests can also join Sketchboard Co. in the Gallery of California Art for live figure drawing sessions.

We welcome all skill levels, including those who have never drawn before and want to try drawing. Art supplies and clipboards will be available for use, and your artwork will be yours to take home or exchange with others. A costumed model representing the diversity of the Bay Area will be posing in the Gallery of California Art for times ranging from 2 to 20 minutes. Since drawing will take place in the galleries, please be mindful of space and bring only the following media from home: sketchbooks (max size 9×12 inches) and pre-sharpened enclosed graphite, charcoal, or conté pencils.

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:

5–7:30 pm Community Tabling: Lake Merritt Institute | Garden

5–7:30 pm Community Tabling: Bike East Bay | Garden

5:30–6:15 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing | Gallery of California Art, gallery admission required

5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries, gallery admission required

6:15–6:40 pm Dance Performance by Asociación Cultural Kanchis | Garden Stage

6:45–7:30 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing | Gallery of California Art, gallery admission required

6:45–8:45 pm Music Set by dj tuMadre | Amphitheater

7–8 pm Live Music by Óskar Ly & Rumbalú | Garden Stage

Join our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!

About Friday Nights:

The Town’s favorite block party, Friday Nights at OMCA, is back for the 2026 season, inviting the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family, friends, or neighbors. From April–October, join us every Friday at 5 pm for a free evening of live music, interactive activities, Off the Grid food trucks, and, with a Museum ticket, 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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.

Performers

Asociación Cultural Kanchis

About Óskar Ly & Rumbalú

dj tuMadre

Sketchboard Co.

Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup

Performer BIOS

About Asociación Cultural Kanchis

Asociación Cultural Kanchis is a non-profit Peruvian cultural association founded in 1995. Its goal is to preserve and promote Peru’s rich and colorful culture through its most popular expression, the folkloric dance. With dancers spanning three generations, Kanchis showcases music and dances from all regions of Peru.

About Óskar Ly & Rumbalú

Óskar Ly & Rumbalú is a vibrant musical ensemble bringing together Afro-Caribbean rhythms—such as rumba, salsa, cumbia, and bomba—blended with jazz, R&B, and world music in a bilingual project celebrating love, freedom, and exploration. Led by Colombian pianist, composer, and arranger Óskar Ly, Rumbalú has brought their love to audiences at SFJazz, San Jose Jazz Fest, New Mexico Salsa Congress, Bayview Opera House, and many more, delivering an irresistible groove that gets bodies moving.

About dj tuMadre

dj tuMadre is a Latina hailing from the Bay Area. A playful music selector with a knack for eclectic fusion, she mixes sounds you didn’t know you needed. Her style is rooted in rhythm, cultura, y comunidad—blending genres, eras, and vibes to create sets that bring people together and keep the dance floor alive.

About Sketchboard Co.

Sketchboard Co. is a BIPOC figure drawing collective, curating eclectic, diverse, and affordable events in the Bay Area over the last 10 years. Their mission is to feature the bodies of people at the intersection of multiple identities, offer living wages to our art models, and create an inclusive environment for the artists in our community.

About Bike East Bay

Bike East Bay mobilizes by bike to build thriving communities that are joyful, safe, and inclusive. They are building a movement for safe streets and connected, thriving communities where people come first, not cars.

About Lake Merritt Institute

Lake Merritt Institute is a community-based, non-profit corporation that works with volunteers, schools, and the City of Oakland in a cooperative, positive relationship.

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.

Learn more about becoming a Friday Nights at OMCA sponsor.

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Gallery Chats at OMCA
2026-07-17 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-07-24 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-07-31 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-08-07 17:30 - 19:30, 2026-08-14 17:30 - 19:30 | OMCA campus
Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

Gallery Chats puts a twist on the traditional museum tour by encouraging meaningful conversations and fresh interpretations of the artwork, artifacts, and stories in OMCA’s galleries. This informal drop-in experience is an opportunity for visitors to share their personal reflections with and ask questions of our enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteer facilitators.

Visitors can find Gallery Chatters—wearing their blue “Let’s Chat” shirts—and floating between OMCA’s Galleries of California Art, History, Natural Science, and the Great Hall during Friday Nights (April-Oct), ThursDates (Jan-March), and our community celebrations, including Lunar New Year, Día de los Muertos, and Juneteenth (hours vary).

Whether you’re curious about something on view or excited to reflect on your own experiences, Gallery Chatters are here to help spark conversation and connection. Your stories matter at OMCA—just say hello to start exploring together.

GET MUSEUM ADMISSION TICKETS

OMCA Members have access to special Member Tours every second Saturday of the month from noon to 1 pm.

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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.

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Spotlight Sundays: Mildred Howard in Conversation with Nashormeh Lindo and Essence Harden
2026-07-19 13:00 - 14:15 | James Moore Theater, 1000 Oak St,, Oakland, California, 94607, United States
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Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

Spotlight Sundays: Mildred Howard in Conversation with Nashormeh Lindo and Essence Harden

Join us this Spotlight Sundays for an in-depth conversation with beloved Bay Area artist Mildred Howard, who is featured in OMCA’s current special exhibition Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory. Howard will exchange stories and reflections on a lifetime of art, practice, and living in the Bay Area with her longtime friend, fellow artist, and art advocate, Nashormeh Lindo. The conversation will be moderated by Senior Curator of Art at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Essence Harden, whose own prolific curatorial career spans multiple California art institutions. Don’t miss this special opportunity to hear these insightful creatives share their inspiring stories.

Spotlight Sundays ticket is $10 and includes access to all of OMCA’s galleries! OMCA Members have first access to tickets!

A limited number of signed copies of the exhibition publication will be available for purchase after the program.

GENERAL TICKETs

MEMBER TICKETS

This program is a part of our exhibition programming for Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory, on view through October 18 2026. This program received support from The David Ireland House, 500 Capp Street Foundation and the Kenneth Rainin Foundation.

About Mildred Howard

Mildred Howard began making art influenced by textiles and African Diasporic dance as early as the 1970s. Howard’s studio became a space for experimentation, where her work has referenced both personal history and collective, generational experiences—from World War I to her family’s roots in the Great Migration. Howard’s monumental public artworks—found across the Bay Area—have highlighted often overlooked histories, from the Black shipworkers of Hunters Point to the musicians who defined San Francisco jazz. OMCA’s exhibition Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory brings together Howard’s renowned collages, found-object sculptures, and immersive installations that explore memory, identity, and the African American experience.

About Nashormeh N.R. Lindo

Nashormeh N.R. Lindo is an artist, educator, curatorial consultant, and arts advocate. She received a B.A. in Art from Penn State University, an M.S. in Museum Leadership, and is currently a PhD candidate in Art Education and African American and Diaspora Studies at Penn State University. Lindo’s artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally. In addition to her art practice, she has served as adjunct instructor of African American Art History at CCSF, Educational Programs Manager at the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Exhibition Program Consultant for the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the Oakland Museum of California, and served as Chair of the California Arts Council.

About Essence Harden

Essence Harden is Senior Curator at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. Harden has organized exhibitions at the CAAM, Orange County Museum of Art, Art + Practice, the MoAD, and OMCA, among others. Most recently, Harden curated the Focus section of Frieze LA from 2024 to 2026, the Expo Chicago 2026, and co-curated Made in L.A. 2025 at the Hammer Museum. Harden’s writing has appeared in Frieze, Gagosian Quarterly, Art21, Artsy, and Cultured. Harden is a 2018 recipient of the Creative Capital, Andy Warhol Foundation Arts Writers Grant, and a 2020 Annenberg Innovation Lab Civic Media Fellow. Harden previously served as Visual Arts Curator at the CAAM and has worked as an art consultant for film and television.

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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.

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Friday Nights at OMCA with NOODLES
2026-07-24 17:00 - 21:00 | OMCA campus
Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

DJ Sets by NOODLES and DJ Fasho, Tutting Dance Lesson with Hector “Intricate” Ascencio, and Gallery Chats

This Friday Night at OMCA, NOODLES takes over the Garden Stage with an electrifying set that blends Hip-Hop, R&B, electronic music, and global sounds. Known for her genre-spanning style and magnetic presence, the Bay Area DJ creates an energetic atmosphere that celebrates creativity, connection, and movement.

Keeping the vibes flowing, DJ Fasho delivers a high-energy mix of R&B, Afrobeats, reggae, pop, and reggaeton throughout the evening in the Amphitheater. Rooted in Oakland and inspired by music’s power to bring people together, his set keeps the dance floor moving with crowd-pleasing rhythms and feel-good energy.

Guests can also step onto the dance floor themselves during a tutting dance lesson led by Hector “Intricate” Ascencio. This interactive lesson introduces the fundamentals of the dynamic street dance style, exploring precise lines, angles, and expressive movement while offering participants a chance to learn from one of the Bay Area’s most accomplished dancers.

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:

5:30–6:30 pm Tutting Dance Lesson with Hector “Intricate” Ascencio | Amphitheater

5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries

6:45–8 pm DJ Set by NOODLES | Garden Stage

6:45–8:45 pm Music Set by DJ Fasho | Amphitheater

Join our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!

About Friday Nights:

The Town’s favorite block party, Friday Nights at OMCA, is back for the 2026 season, inviting the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family, friends, or neighbors. From April–October, join us every Friday at 5 pm for a free evening of live music, interactive activities, Off the Grid food trucks, and, with a Museum ticket, 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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.

Performers

NOODLES

DJ Fasho

Hector “Intricate” Ascencio

Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup

Performer BIOS

About NOODLES

NOODLES is a Bay Area DJ whose eclectic sets seamlessly blend Hip-Hop, R&B, electronic, and global influences. With roots in both club culture and fashion, she’s built a distinct lane—touring with Kehlani, headlining her own shows, and moving festival crowds worldwide. Her performances radiate confidence, creativity, and real connection. NOODLES curates music with intention and a pulse on what’s next.

About DJ Fasho

DJ Fasho a.k.a Craig Vick was born and raised in Oakland. His love for music came at a young age, listening to his mom’s jukebox and turntable in the 70s and 80s. DJ Fasho was drawn to DJing because of how music brings all types of people together.

About Hector “Intricate” Ascencio

Hector “Intricate” Ascencio from Hayward has been a tutting and T.U.R.F. dancer for 19 years and is the founder of @xmtsturfsession & @tuttersoutlet. He is the champion of several dance competitions, including World of Dance (2x), Red Bull Dance Your Style Oakland (2023), and Vans In The Circle (2023). Hector has also served as a judge for Fusion Concept (2024) and Freestyles Session, and was a finalist at Just Dance It Out in Bali, Indonesia. Over the years, he has worked with artists such as G-Eazy, Kendrick Lamar, and TroyBoi, and represents multiple crews, including Assassins Crew, Rock Force Crew, Tutgodz, and ERC.

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.

Learn more about becoming a Friday Nights at OMCA sponsor.

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Friday Nights at OMCA with The Whoadees and Special Guests
2026-07-31 17:00 - 21:00 | OMCA campus
Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

Live Music by The Whoadees with Special Guests, DJ Set by Jaymeebaaby, and Gallery Chats

The Whoadees take over the Garden Stage this Friday Night at OMCA with an immersive live set that pushes the boundaries of Hip-Hop, funk, and experimental sound. Blending their backgrounds as producers, engineers, and musicians, the collective creates a dynamic, interactive experience and is joined by special guests Grand Nationxl, 3lise, Detahjae, and Nef the Pharaoh for a powerful showcase of Bay Area talent.

Keeping the energy in motion, Jaymeebaaby delivers a high-impact DJ set packed with throwbacks, current favorites, and crowd-moving hits across genres. Known for her fast-rising career across major venues, sports events, and radio, the Bay Area DJ brings a vibrant mix designed to keep the dance floor active and the vibe all the way up.

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:

5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries

6:30–7:30 pm Live Music by The Whoadees with Special Guests | Garden Stage

6:45–8:45 pm DJ Set by Jaymeebaaby | Amphitheater

Join our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!

About Friday Nights:

The Town’s favorite block party, Friday Nights at OMCA, is back for the 2026 season, inviting the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family, friends, or neighbors. From April–October, join us every Friday at 5 pm for a free evening of live music, interactive activities, Off the Grid food trucks, and, with a Museum ticket, 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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.

Performers

The Whoadees

Grand Nationxl

3lise

Detahjae

Nef the Pharaoh

Jaymeebaaby

Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup

Performer BIOS

About The Whoadees

The Whoadees are a dynamic music collective. Blending their talents as producers, engineers, and musicians, they create a unique sound rooted in Hip-Hop, funk, and experimental production. Each member brings years of experience in sound design, mixing, and performance, making The Whoadees not just a group, but a movement dedicated to pushing creative boundaries and delivering music that connects deeply with listeners.

About Grand Nationxl

Blending the essence of East Oakland and North Richmond, Grand Nationxl emerges as a powerhouse collective, transcending Hip-Hop boundaries with eclectic beats and introspective lyricism. Founding members Kevin Allen (formerly Erk Tha Jerk), Mani Draper, Brookfield Duece, and Passwurdz each add their unique flavor. Rooted in the Bay Area’s music scene, they unite for authentic expression.

About 3lise

3lise is an artist whose love for music began in her family’s church choir and at Oakland sideshows, where her passion for Neo-Soul first blossomed. Raised between Oakland and Richmond, she carries the grit, resilience, and creativity of both cities into her work. Her exploration of metaphysical instruments has expanded her sound, infusing mystical and ethereal textures into contemporary R&B and rap. Shaped by the soulful experiences of life, 3lise channels emotion into her art with a mission to stretch the heart and push emotional boundaries, guiding listeners to embrace their shadows and uncover transformative power.

About Detahjae

Detahjae is a 22-year-old visionary artist from the Section 8 neighborhoods of Oakland. Born into a family of musicians who never got their big break, Detahjae picked up where his parents left off—starting his own musical journey at just seven years old. In November 2024, he released his breakout single “Janice,” a deeply creative and emotionally charged record that put him on the map. With a raw voice, sharp storytelling, and an otherworldly visual imagination, Detahjae quickly captivated a global audience through a series of compelling, self-developed music videos that blurred the line between underground art and viral genius. Detahjae is not just an artist—he’s a movement from the trenches of Oakland, proving that real creativity always finds a way to rise.

About Nef the Pharaoh

Born Tonee Hayes in 1995, the proud Vallejo native started rapping before the age of five, honing his craft as a freestyling teenager influenced by Mac Dre, E-40, and DJ Mustard. His local hit, “Bitch I’m from Vallejo,” landed in 2014. The track helped catch the ear of E-40, who signed Nef to his Sick Wid It Records label. After issuing the early mixtapes Rich by 25 Two (2014) and Neffy Got Wings (2016), he released his 2015 self-titled debut EP, featuring his second local hit, “Big Tymin’,” which was picked up by indie blogs and publications.

About Jaymeebaaby

Born and raised in the Bay Area, Jaymeebaaby started her DJ career in 2021 and has quickly gained momentum, leading to bookings with big venues in and out of the Bay, local radio stations, notable companies, and even for professional sporting events. She was the tournament DJ for the 2023 LPGA International Crown, DJ for the Oakland Athletics, and she is currently a mixshow DJ for The Bay’s Hit Radio Station 99.7NOW (KMVQ) on Saturday Nights.

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.

Learn more about becoming a Friday Nights at OMCA sponsor.

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Friday Nights at OMCA with seiji oda
2026-08-07 17:00 - 21:00 | OMCA campus
Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

Live Music by seiji oda with Special Guests, Music Set by DJ Benet, Community Tabling with Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul Soccer Club, Bookmark Making, and Gallery Chats

This Friday Night at OMCA, seiji oda takes over the Garden Stage with a dynamic live performance celebrating “A Renaissance in the Town.” Blending his signature “lofi-hyphy” sound with ambient textures and Bay Area influences, the Oakland rapper and producer delivers a vibrant set that highlights the next generation of local music while honoring the artists who paved the way.

Keeping the energy flowing, DJ Benet brings an eclectic mix of Hip-Hop, R&B, rock, pop, and more to the Amphitheater throughout the evening. Known for his versatility as a DJ, producer, and recording artist, the Oakland native creates an engaging soundtrack that keeps guests moving while showcasing his passion for boundary-pushing musical experiences.Guests can also connect with the community by visiting the Oakland Roots and Soul Soccer Club in the Garden, where they can learn more about the teams, browse merchandise, enjoy a fun game of Plinko, and enter for the chance to win raffle prizes. Families and visitors of all ages are also invited to kick off back-to-school season with a hands-on bookmark-making activity, creating a personalized keepsake to take home.

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:

5–8 pm Community Tabling: Oakland Roots and Oakland Soul Soccer Club | Garden

5:30–7:30 pm Bookmark Making | Garden

5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries

6:30–7:45 pm Live Music by seiji oda with Special Guests | Garden Stage

6:45–8:45 pm Music Set by DJ Benet | Amphitheater

Join our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!

About Friday Nights:

The Town’s favorite block party, Friday Nights at OMCA, is back for the 2026 season, inviting the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family, friends, or neighbors. From April–October, join us every Friday at 5 pm for a free evening of live music, interactive activities, Off the Grid food trucks, and, with a Museum ticket, 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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.

Performers

seiji oda

DJ Benet

Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup

Performer BIOS

About seiji oda

seiji oda is a Japanese-American rapper and producer from Oakland. His signature sound “lofi-hyphy” combines ambient soundscapes with his Bay Area hyphy roots. This juxtaposition represents seiji’s unorthodox approach to creating music that feels both familiar and futuristic.

About DJ Benet

DJ Benet is an Oakland-based DJ, audio engineer, producer, and recording artist known for his versatility and passion for music. With a diverse musical palette, he captivates audiences with his eclectic mix of genres. DJ Benet has collaborated with esteemed artists such as Kevin Allen, Detahjae, Mortal VIP, Caleborate, Passwordz, and Nef the Pharaoh. Additionally, he is a member of the band, The Whoadees. As an engineer and producer, he helps artists bring their creative vision to life, while his work as an artist blends elements of Hip-Hop, R&B, rock, and pop. Whether behind the decks, in the recording booth, or creating original music, DJ Benet is dedicated to pushing boundaries and building authentic musical experiences.

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.

Learn more about becoming a Friday Nights at OMCA sponsor.

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Semi-Annual Member Shop Sale
2026-08-14 11:00 - 2026-08-16 17:00 | OMCA Great Hall, 1000 Oak, Oakland, California, 94607
Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

It’s sale time! Join us onsite and online for the semi-annual Member sale at the OMCA Shop. Starting Friday, August 14, through Sunday, August 16, OMCA Members enjoy double their regular discount on regularly priced items in our Shop–that’s 20% off!

Explore our full range of gifts available at the OMCA Shop and show your Membership card at check-out. The OMCA Shop is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm and Friday Nights until 8:30 pm.

For our online shoppers, be sure to check your Member emails for exclusive coupon codes that unlock your discounts when you shop online.

Oakland PrideShow your Oakland love with locally made art, exclusive branded beanies, hoodies, and tees—rooted in community pride.

Mildred Howard: Poetics of MemoryCelebrate our newest exhibition with thoughtfully curated books, prints, and gifts that honor Black legacy, presence, and memory.

Summer VibesAdventure awaits! Discover field guides, birding books, and summer reads perfect for exploring Oakland’s neighborhoods and beyond.

LET’S SHOP

BECOME A MEMBER

Join us for our Special Member’s Lounge at Friday Nights on August 14 from 5:30-7:30 pm, and shop the Member sale while you’re here!

Not a Member? Learn more about membership.

*20% off applies to regularly priced items only. A limited number of items are available online. For the full collection of OMCA products, please visit the OMCA Shop onsite during regular Museum hours.

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Friday Nights at OMCA with Ashley Mehta
2026-08-14 17:00 - 21:00 | OMCA campus
Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

Live Music by Ashley Mehta, DJ set by BRIIZA, Locking Dance Lesson with Chaz, and Gallery Chats

Friday Night at OMCA comes alive with a captivating live performance from Ashley Mehta on the Garden Stage. Blending powerhouse vocals, infectious pop melodies, and emotionally honest songwriting, the rising singer-songwriter delivers a dynamic set that moves seamlessly between intimate storytelling and high-energy anthems, creating an unforgettable connection with the audience.

Bringing even more energy to the evening, BRIIZA takes over the Amphitheater with a vibrant DJ set that weaves together Latin music, Bay Area classics, house, and global electronic sounds. Renowned for her fearless, genre-spanning approach and electrifying presence behind the decks, the Salvadoran producer and DJ keeps guests dancing with an upbeat, family-friendly soundtrack.

Guests can also step onto the dance floor during a locking dance lesson led by Chaz. This interactive experience introduces the eight foundational movements of the iconic street dance style while exploring rhythm, groove, and technique, offering participants of all levels the opportunity to learn from a seasoned artist.

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:

5:30–6:30 pm Locking Dance Lesson with Chaz | Amphitheater

5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries

6:45–7:45 pm Live Music by Ashley Mehta | Garden Stage

6:45–8:45 pm DJ Set by BRIIZA | Amphitheater

Join our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!

About Friday Nights:

The Town’s favorite block party, Friday Nights at OMCA, is back for the 2026 season, inviting the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family, friends, or neighbors. From April–October, join us every Friday at 5 pm for a free evening of live music, interactive activities, Off the Grid food trucks, and, with a Museum ticket, 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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.

Performers

Ashley Mehta

Chaz

DJ BRIIZA

Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup

Performer BIOS

About Ashley Mehta

Ashley Mehta is a rising pop artist and songwriter known for her emotionally honest songwriting, infectious melodies, and dynamic live performances. She has built momentum through major brand campaigns with NYX, Toyota, McDonald’s, and AT&T, while also touring internationally in support of artists like Thuy, Lyn Lapid, Emei, and BINI. Blending vulnerability with confidence, Ashley continues to establish herself as a compelling voice in modern pop with music that resonates deeply with a global audience.

About Chaz

Chaz has been locking since 1982 and has never stopped. In doing so, he has created evolved forms of the dance while retaining its original and standard forms.

About BRIIZA

BRIIZA (Bree-sah) is a queer Salvadoran music producer, DJ, and finger drummer with a no-holds-barred approach to blending and producing electronic music influenced by sounds from around the world. She’s known for her high-energy creative sets that are fast-paced and built to move packed dance floors.

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.

Learn more about becoming a Friday Nights at OMCA sponsor.

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Friday Nights at OMCA Special Members Lounge
2026-08-14 17:30 - 19:30 | OMCA Garden, 1000 Oak Street, Oakland, California, 94607, United States
Semi—Annual Member Shop Sale

Join us Friday, August 14 for our Special Member Lounge!

Calling all Members! You’re invited to a special Member Lounge on the Upper Level Terrace, overlooking our Garden, in celebration of you! Mingle with fellow OMCA enthusiasts while enjoying light refreshments, games, and bingo, where we’ll be giving away some amazing items from the OMCA Shop. Bring your friends and family, and enjoy Friday Nights together!

Friday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid

Friday, August 14 | 5-9 pm

Friday Night at OMCA comes alive with a captivating live performance from Ashley Mehta on the Garden Stage, featuring powerhouse vocals, infectious pop melodies, and emotionally honest songwriting. Bringing even more energy to the evening, BRIIZA takes over the Amphitheater with a vibrant DJ set that weaves together Latin music, Bay Area classics, house, and global electronic sounds. Guests can also step onto the dance floor during a locking dance lesson led by Chaz, introducing the eight foundational movements of the iconic street dance style. Throughout the evening, Gallery Chats invite visitors to join meaningful conversations with OMCA facilitators, offering fresh perspectives on the museum’s exhibitions. It’s not just a Friday night—it’s your Friday night at OMCA.

EVENT DETAILS

Visiting the Friday Nights Member Lounge? You’re in luck—the semi-annual Member sale runs the same weekend! You can shop onsite at the OMCA Shop or online. Starting Friday, August 14 through Sunday, August 16, OMCA Members enjoy double their regular discount on regularly priced items in our Shop–that’s 20% off!

Not a Member? Learn more about membership.

Return to Events
