The first time I went to Live Art Wednesdays at Levende East, on 9th and Washington in the heart of "Old Oakland", I was naturally skeptical––Levende East is a touch upscale, and the music selection is not always my thing. A few Wednesdays back, I ditched my negative energy at the door and I was stoked to see what was going on inside...what could be righter? Art, food, cool people, drinks, some live music, and everything at happy hour prices! The cheapskate art lover inside me was overjoyed, and I have since tried to go at least every other Wednesday. The concept was hatched by August Varlack of "Bay Area August Promotions", with his friends, Dirk Kahl, owner of Levende East, and Obi Kaufmann––one of the hardest working, and friendliest persons in art/showbiz. Obi curates each week's starting lineup of artists.
Every Wednesday at 5pm, a different group of 15 artists shows up at Levende East, sets up at a long central table adjacent to the bar, and commences to drawing, painting, scratching, stenciling, brushing, stippling, sculpting, making, churning out stuff, drinking, woodshedding, penciling, gossiping, grooving. Whenever there is this much creativity going on, the vibe is always good. Everyone feeds off of it, people loosen up, meet each other, make new friends and connections. The art is hung up in the bar for purchase, with prices ranging from $5 to $50. As Obi says, "this is the best way to start an art collection for under $50." This is also one of the best, and time honored, ways to build to build a community of artists, and expose them, indeed place them, under the noses of persons interested in what they do. It's kind of an art petting zoo with alcohol.
Along with the art goings on there is usually live music as well. This past week I was in for a treat as the T-Sisters gave the crowd some sweet harmonies. The T-Sisters are indeed sisters and their dad Ramsey is on guitar backing them up. This sort of setup could almost be too cute but they are freakin' good, so I just had to love them. The ladies all live together in olde Jingletown and the band is a natural offshoot of their musical theater background.
Is it too good to be true? Not at all. This is a great place to see some art, have a good bite, and meet some new friends. cheers to Levende East for taking a chance on this. The only minus––and this was almost universally said by patrons interviewed by wtfdto––is the bar service. Sure, it is a busy bar, but not 3 deep. I've seen people leave after one drink instead of waiting to try and get served again. Forgive wtfdto for lecturing, but a good bartender is a consummate multi-tasker and a friendly person. But, don't let it stop you from finding your way to the corner of 9th and Washington in olde DTO some Wednesday soon from 5pm to 9pm. Kids are welcome! For ultra details, including the week's roster of artists please go to: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Live-Art-Wednesdays/154760354572614?ref=ts
wtfdto is a persistent production, a division of the toodleton enterprise network
all photos k. thomson
Well said my friend, I especially like the "Art petting zoo with alcohol" line. Carry on...
ReplyDeleteWe will work on that Bar "situation" as we find our way around this new and unique way of using the restaurant. It's a learning curve for us.
ReplyDeleteBut Thank You for the overall nice comments.
Great blog post, love me some live art wednesday as well!
ReplyDelete