Well, this month's calendar is on the music-heavy side... but that's a good thing, right? There are a lot of great shows coming up, whether you're into rock or pop or folk music.
As always, if you know of something that deserves a place on the calendar (or on a future month's calendar, for that matter), send me an email or post about it in the forum!
1. The Alameda County Fair
When: Through July 8Where: The Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton
What: July is here, but you haven't missed your chance to visit the Alameda County Fair! It's open daily (except Mondays) through July 8th. Enjoy horse racing, various exhibits, tasty food, live music, kids' activities and so much more at the fair. Check out the 100th anniversary exhibit for a glimpse into the fair's long history!
2. Family Fun Festival
When: July 4Where: Jack London Square
What: Looking for something fun to do with the family on the 4th of July? Check out Jack London Square! Kids will enjoy the magicians, petting zoo, jugglers and other fun activities. Don't worry, adults – the festival isn't just for kids. According to the Jack London Square website, there will be local artisans offering various wares for sale. The whole family can also enjoy the live music by two bands.
3. So You Think You Can Hoop
When: July 7-8Where: The Oracle Arena
What: Local basketball players of all ages and abilities take part in this two-day event. With divisions based on age, skill and height, the games range from fun and casual to intense and semi-professional. While the deadline for registration has passed, you can still attend (for free!) as a spectator. If you want to participate next year, watching the games can give you a sense of what to expect from the event – and from your future competition.
4. The Mess Fest
When:July 8Where: Oakland Metro Opera House
What: Described as “a little punk, a little glam, and a whole lotta rock,” the Mess Fest will be an evening featuring eight bands. If you want to hear Prima Donna, Fever Charm, Kepi Ghoulie and several others, this is your chance! If just one show just isn't enough, make the 4-ish hour drive to Reno the next day for another show featuring some of the same bands.
5. Temescal Street Fair
When: July 8Where: Telegraph Ave. between 42nd St. & 51st St.
What: If you're looking for something to do on Sunday the 8th, look no further. The 9th Annual Temescal Street Fair offers fun for people of all ages. Kids can enjoy carousel rides, magic shows, clowns and more. For adults, the booths by local craftspeople and artisans are sure to yield unexpected treasures. While you're there, don't forget to grab some pizza at Lanesplitter, ranked #8 on my list of pizza places in the East Bay.
6. Woody Guthrie's American Song
When: July 11 through July 22Where: The Freight and Salvage
What: Woodie Guthrie would have turned 100 on July 14 of this year. In celebration, the Freight and Salvage is hosting 10 days of performances of Woodie Guthrie's American Song. This musical chronicles the American legend's experiences all over the country. You can expect to hear his songs blended in with the stories portrayed in the musical. No performances July 16 and 17.
7. Brave New Voices Finals
When: July 21Where: The Fox Theater
What: If you're a poetry fan, don't miss this event. This is the finale of a week-long festival for teenage poets. The four final teams will compete in this poetry slam at the Fox Theater, letting you hear the best of the best. This year's theme is “Hear the Future,” so you can expect to hear these young people's perspective on the world in which we've found ourselves and where to go from here.
8. Rolling Stones Tribute Show
When: July 26Where: The Stork Club
What: If you're a big fan of the Rolling Stones, you doubtless already know that July 26. 2012 is Mick Jagger's 69th birthday. Celebrate in appropriate style at the Stork Club. The evening will be devoted to a Rolling Stones tribute show. Featured bands include Black Angel, the Steve Bonham Group and the Skifflin Boys.
9. Dirty Projectors
When: July 27Where: The Fox Theater
What: The Fox Theater is offering a strong weekend of music! If the Dirty Projectors show on Friday isn't enough, you can catch Fiona Apple on Saturday. The Dirty Projectors, an American rock band, are doing one Bay Area show on this tour, and it's at Oakland's own Fox Theater. Their music has been described as “avant-garde,” “boundary-pushing rock.”
10. Fiona Apple
When: July 28Where: The Fox Theater
What: Unlike the Dirty Projectors, Grammy-winning Fiona Apple is generously giving us three Bay Area shows this summer: Oakland at the Fox Theater on July 28t, San Jose on September 9, and San Francisco on September 11. In other words, if you love the first show, you'll have two more chances to see this East Coast songstress.
