Introducing the WABA Guest Columnist Series!
I’m this edition’s author, Gene Kahane of the Foodbank Players, and I’m happy to the first guest columnist for WABA’s weekly newsletter. Lots to share, let’s get started!
With all due respect to all parts of this fair island, events-wise, things have been tilting westward of late. Last weekend was the incredible outdoor acrobatic event, Somewhere to Land, starring the remarkable Oakland aerial dance troupe, BANDALOOP, that took place at Alameda Point. Kudos to Tara Pilbrow of West End Arts District and her team for this great success. Twas seen by many thousands who are still telling their friends and neighbors about the magnificent performances. Also on the Westside, was WABA’s final West is Best event, showcasing local artists, live music, and lots of happy dancers.
This coming weekend is going to be a double-header, East meets West, with the 3rd annual Alameda Pride taking place at Chochenyo Park on Saturday, October 5th from 12-6. There will be a Pride 5K Run/Walk for all ages, starting at 8am, music, food and plenty of Everyone Belongs Here love and warmth. Simultaneously, at The Healing Garden, from 11-7, will be the annual Witchfest produced by The Feathered Outlaw and sponsored by the West Alameda Business Association. Come visit the 30+ vendors, sample a witchy cocktail, enjoy live performances and get your Halloween on!
Then next weekend, on Saturday, October 12 at 2pm in the very same Healing Garden, the Foodbank Players will present their 10th play, Shakespeare’s King Lear. As is the tradition of this all volunteer theater company, the play will be presented free of charge, with donations happily accepted after the show to support the good work of the Alameda Food Bank. Lear continues on Sunday, Oct. 13, and then on the 19th, 20th, 26th and 27th. King Lear is perhaps Shakespeare’s most tragic tragedy, about aging and family, and is intended for mature audiences. It’s also a chance to see this very writer bring his 66 years of age to the role of the elder monarch.
Okay, more next time, see you soon at these amazing events! — Gene Kahane
Executive Director Note: WABA would like to thank Gene for contributing to this week's newsletter and for bringing his talent and artists to the West End. If you are interested in writing for our newsletter: an article range from 300 to 500 words that highlights projects, businesses, and ideas that benefit or support activities in the area. Sound like fun? Please send your ideas to me at elissa@westalamedabusiness.com.