Entertainment

Oakland Welcomes Prince And His Piano

Published

9 years ago

March 5, 2016

Oakland, CA – If we have to credit the heroics of Stephen Curry to have one of the greatest artist of all time add another show to his schedule. Than thank you! Prince held two back-to-back shows last weekend at the Paramount Theatre. While many raved about his performance, Prince raved about Golden State Warriors reigning MVP.

He was so moved by the rising star, that he made a bold appearance at the Warriors game Thursday night when they hosted the Oklahoma City Thunder. Prince donned a navy blue pant suit, a perfect afro and a blinded out cane while walking to his seats behind his lovely girlfriend.

Prince’s Piano & a Microphone tour captured the Bay Area by storm, literally. While the rain feel down in Oakland on Friday afternoon, the buzz about Prince at Oracle Arena was still talk of the town. A rare appearance by the genius left Curry in “awe” after Friday’s 121-106 win over the Thunder. Golden State lit the tunnel purple just for his arrival.

“It was pretty special,” Curry said. “It shows what we’re kind of doing here at home that he wanted to watch us play.”

But last night was his time on the court and he did not disappoint. Prince rode a blinged out bike through the tunnel and graciously walked on stage to a purple piano surrounded by four lit candles in each corner of the stage. Ten jumbotron screens above displayed various images from a kaleidoscope and then the music began.

“WOW” kicked the set off, followed by “Baltimore” a song dedicated to the loss off black lives. Prince’s new song off his new album “HitnRun Phase Two” is a tribute to the death of Freddie Gray and the resulting protests and violence. The lyrics call for peace and suggest gun confiscation as the means to that end.

The sellout crowd repeatedly gave a standing ovation after his big hits like “Little Red Corvette,” “I Would Die 4 U,” “How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore” and “KISS”. It was one of the most entertaining, revealing, intimate and personal performances the artist has ever done. Without a band, guitar and back up singers, Prince let his hands do the talking.

Songs from his vast 39-album catalog captivated an audience who watched in amazement as he delivered an astounding show. Authentic, acoustic and daring are three words to describe the night. Three encores included thirteen more hits which included “Beautiful Ones” where Prince embodied the same emotions just as he captured in the movie “Purple Rain.

Encore two was solely dedicated to “Free Yourself” where he managed to slip in a shout out to Curry. The last set began with “Thieves in the Temple” followed by “I Wanna Be Your Lover,” “Do Me, Baby,” and the final song was the classic “Adore,” from Prince’s Sign Of The Times album.” His performance offered a little Liberace, jazz and classical medley’s covering all of his original songs. Definitely a must see show.

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Activism

Richmond Seniors Still Having a Ball After 25 Years

The Senior Winter Ball is a symbol of the Commission on Aging’s broader mission of providing enriching life experiences to the local senior community, particularly those in need of them. “Besides the social activities, we focus on issues such as housing, transportation and health,” said Michelle Hayes, the commission’s chairperson. “We get things done for our senior population.”

Published

3 days ago

November 24, 2024

Oakland Post

Myrtle Braxton (l-r), Byran H. Harris, and Michelle Hayes. Photo by Mike Kinney.

By Mike Kinney
The Richmond Standard

For a quarter century, seniors in the local community have had a prime location in the heart of the city to gather and celebrate the holidays.

That is courtesy of the annual Senior Winter Ball, which will mark a milestone this year when it takes place for the 25^th time. The gala will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Richmond Memorial Auditorium.

The holiday tradition was started by the City of Richmond’s Commission on Aging in 1999 to entertain and celebrate seniors. The event also raises funds for local senior causes. Attendees wear their finest attire and enjoy dinner and dancing.

“It’s so exciting to see all of the gala attendees all dressed up and seeing their lifetime friends and making new friends as well,” said Bryan M. Harris, secretary for the Commission on Aging. “They will reminisce about old Winter Ball memories and at the same time create new ones.”

Richmond’s very own Chef Josephine Orozco of El Sol Catering will serve at this year’s anniversary dinner. The gala will also feature the band Top Shelf Classics, which plays hits from the 50s through the 80s and has been the gala’s annual performer for the last decade.

The Senior Winter Ball symbolizes the Commission on Aging’s broader mission of providing enriching life experiences to the local senior community, particularly those in need of them.

“Besides the social activities, we focus on issues such as housing, transportation and health,” said Michelle Hayes, the commission’s chairperson. “We get things done for our senior population.”

Myrtle Braxton, 97, has served on the commission for 17 years and is its current vice president. She says her goal is to increase the quality of life for seniors through safe social events.

“So many seniors are isolated and are sometimes forgotten by society,” Braxton said. “So, our commission is their advocate and makes sure they are not left behind.”

Tickets to the 25th Silver Anniversary Annual Senior Winter Ball are $45 per person or $360 for a table of eight. They are available in person via the Main Recreation office at 3230 Macdonald Ave., via email at csdregistration@ci.richmond.ca.us or by phone at 510-620-6793.