Around the bay in August 2011

Published: August, 2011

Rhapsody in Blue

Join the Exploratorium on Thursday, August 4, from 6 to 10 p.m., for After Dark: Blue. Part of the ColorFest celebration, this After Dark will explore the many manifestations of blue: from blue skies to the creation of indigo dye, the physics of underwater vision – and live blues music! From azure skies to the royal use of indigo blue, spend an evening exploring the science and moods of the color blue. Luxuriate in feeling blue while taking in the cool sounds of local blues musicians Bobby Spider Webb and Fillmore Slim. Watch dye demonstrations, from tie-dye to henna, and find out why the sky and water appear blue, and much more.  After Dark is for adults 18 years and older, and is included in the price of admission to the Exploratorium. After Dark, an adult evening program on the first Thursday of every month, mixes cocktails, conversation and adult-oriented programming in science and the arts. Each night showcases a different theme, which might include live performances, films and new media, or feature cutting-edge technology and unexpected extravaganzas. Programs are playful, unique and content-rich, addressing the science behind topics of adult interest—from gambling, alcohol, fashion and sex to extreme sports and gaming. Not a theater, a cabaret, or a gallery, After Dark involves aspects of all three, with a mood unlike anything else in the city. For more information visit www.exploratorium.edu/afterdark.

The high profile Rotunda Dance Series brings the Bay Area’s most acclaimed dance companies to San Francisco City Hall’s rotunda space for free noon-time performances taking place the first Friday of each month. The August event will feature Parangal Dance Company, a Filipino folk dance group based in the Bay Area. Enjoy this dynamic lunchtime dance performance amidst the grandeur of San Francisco City Hall—Friday, August 5 at noon. This free public performance is part of the Rotunda Dance Series, a partnership between Dancers’ Group and World Arts West with San Francisco’s Grants for the Arts and San Francisco City Hall.

The City of Oakland’s Art & Soul Festival kicks off its second decade on August 20 and 21. A dazzling array of talent, food from all over the globe, more than 150 artisans and the largest family fun zone of any festival in the Bay Area will be featured. Art & Soul will deliver non-stop music as diverse as the city itself. Thanks to its stellar musical lineups, abundant parking, easy BART access and the bargain price of just $10 per day ($15 at the door) general admission, Art & Soul has been named the Bay Area’s Best Festival by East Bay Express for 10 consecutive years. Tower of Power headlines the Art & Soul Main Stage on Sunday and other acts include Five for Fighting, Marc Broussard, Shawn Mullins, Scars on 45 and Bay Area-based the Heavenly States. New to Art & Soul this year is the WomenGig Stage hosted by popular comedienne Marga Gomez on Saturday. This stage is dedicated to promoting rising female musicians to Bay Area audiences. A family paradise, the festival boasts the largest family fun zone of any festival in the Bay Area and free festival admission for ages 12 and under. The family fun zone is jam-packed with interactive activities for children of all ages, as well as kid-friendly carnival games, inflatable bouncers and hands-on activities to create their own art to take home. Every year, Art & Soul Oakland features hundreds of artisan and vendor booths as well as a mouth-watering array of food reflecting the rich cultural diversity found in Oakland. The festival, running from noon to 6 p.m., is centered in Frank Ogawa Plaza and City Center encompassing 10 strollable city blocks. Admission for adults is $10 per day online if purchased by August 19 and $15 per day at the door. Seniors and youth (ages 13-17) are $5 per day online and $8 per day at the door. For more information or advance tickets visit www.ArtandSoulOakland.com or call (510) 444-CITY.

IndyCar revs up for Sonoma as the cars and stars of the Indianapolis 500 invade Infineon Raceway for the seventh consecutive year at the Indy Grand Prix of Sonoma on August 26-28. Drivers like Dario Franchitti, Helio Castroneves and Danica Patrick will reach speeds in excess of 170 mph on the most challenging road course on the circuit. Sparks are sure to fly when these rocket ships blast around the serpentine circuit. Enjoy a full weekend of racing with the Historic Grand Prix, Formula Car Challenge, Star Mazda Championship and SCCA World Challenge. In addition to the on-track racing, fans will enjoy Military Appreciation Day, an autograph session and more. Open-wheel greats Al Unser Jr., Rick Mears and Johnny Rutherford will also be honored as part of the season-long Legends in Sonoma program. For ticket prices and schedule information, visit www.infineonraceway.com.

Get ready for the Fifth Annual Tiburon Art Festival on historic Ark Row in downtown Tiburon. Sixty-four juried artists, live music, family entertainment, wine, beer and champagne, all steps away from the waterfront of the San Francisco Bay. The event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, August 27-28 from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. For more information visit www.tiburon-artfestival.com

Get ready for nightly fireworks and free concerts in Vallejo from August 3-7. The Solano County Fair is a show-stopper with livestock auctions, the Solano Community Showcase Talent Show, Blue Ribbon competitions and a family-friendly, traditional county fair vibe, Solano County Fair is an easy choice for a summer adventure. This year’s entertainment includes Air Supply, Dokken and the Family Stone. The theme is There’s No Place Like Home, so click your heels and head on over to the Solano County Fair. Adults: $8, youth 6 to 12: $4, kids 5 and under: free with a paid adult. Parking is $7. For more information visit www.scfair.com