Friday Nights at OMCA with Ashley Mehta
Live Music by Ashley Mehta, DJ set by BRIIZA, Locking Dance Lesson with Chaz, and Gallery Chats
August 14 from 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
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
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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 [email protected] at least three weeks before the event. Learn more about our accessibility options.
Performers
Off the Grid Food Truck Lineup
Performer BIOS
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.
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.
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.
