The holidays are upon us, a time when our calendars are filling up with party invitations, holiday celebrations, and more. If you’re planning to attend indoor gatherings with friends and family and aren’t sure if it’s safe to do so, our conversation with Alameda County’s top health official, the Dr Nicholas Moss, can help guide you.

The “Haul Out the Holly” event with the Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus, featured in this week’s recap, is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the party mood.

As a reminder, the events listed here all require proof of vaccination, and the wearing of a mask is also required.

If there’s an upcoming event that you think we should feature, email me at azucena@oaklandside.org, or fill out the form at the bottom of this page.

UMBER – A Toast to the Celebration of Abundance

It has been almost five years since Mike Nicholls successfully launched his print magazine, UMBER. In all, UMBER has published nine issues, all focused on showcasing black and brown artists from various creative fields, under the thoughtful direction of Nicholls (who also designed The Oaklandside logos for our various verticals and our anniversary event). This week Nicholls is saying goodbye to the eye-catching black and brown print version of UMBER with a good shipment. The party will commemorate the latest issue of UMBER, titled RICHNESS, and thank the readers and contributors who have made the mag a success over the years. But this is not Nicholls’ last night. Last March he launched Umber Publishing with two new print publications, YOUR, which targets “avant-garde” black men, and SLEEP, exploring sensuality and eroticism from a black and brown perspective. Stop by the newly opened Mushin Sports Lounge to toast the latest printed issue of UMBER and talk to Nicholls about what’s next with Umber Publishing.

Wednesday December 8, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., free access, must RSVP (or donate $ 5, there is also a VIP option), Mushin Sports Lounge, 1814 Franklin St. # 5G

Oakland Roots end of year party

Barely in their second season, our community-minded local football team, Oakland Roots, moved to the United Soccer League and made their first-ever playoff appearance in the USL Championship. Although the team were knocked out in the Western Conference semi-finals, the club are excited about what’s to come and look forward to continuing to build a fan base in Oakland. The team is hosting a party and silent auction to celebrate the season. Proceeds will go to the Oakland Roots Justice Fund, a charitable fund dedicated to supporting causes at the intersection of racial justice and gender justice. The party will include live music, food, and the chance to mingle with the players.

Friday December 10, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., free access, must RSVP, The Loom, 2220 Livingston St.

Girl Gang Craft Holiday Craft Festival

With Christmas less than two weeks away, people all over the world are looking for gifts for loved ones. The female-owned and operated online platform Girl Gang Craft is hosting a holiday fair where more than 100 female-owned vendors will have their items for sale. In addition, local DJ Trippy Toya will be behind the decks to entertain buyers with her mixes. The event has a handy map to see the full list of suppliers and where inside the venue they will be located. At the Holiday Fair, you can find ceramics, vintage clothing, clothing from local boutiques like Taylor Jay of Oakland, jewelry, prints, and more.

Saturday December 11 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., free access, please RSVP

A first look at Painting the Streets: The Oakland Uprising During the Rebellion

This online event will be broadcast on the Nomadic Press Facebook page and provide an overview of the book’s planned release, Painting the Streets: The Oakland Uprising During the Rebellion. The book contains essays, poetry, interviews, and photos of over 1,000 murals that were erected during the 2020 summer uprising in downtown Oakland. The book, due out in February, includes an introduction by civil rights activist and co-founder of the Black Lives Matter movement, Alicia Garza. Virtual attendees will hear from book designer Jevohn Tyler Newsome and artist Rachel Wolfe-Goldsmith, whose work is featured on the book cover. You can pre-order the book here.

Saturday December 11 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., in line.

Take out the holly!

Choirs everywhere rejoiced to be able to come together again in person to delight audiences by singing live. The Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus is set to perform holiday classics this weekend at First Presbyterian Church. Besides classics like long live the wind and Let it snow, the choir will also perform Sing softly, a brand new piece by composer Eric Whitacre dedicated to all the singers who have been isolated from their choirs over the past year due to the pandemic and the shelter in place.

Sunday December 12, 4 p.m., $ 15 to $ 60, Oakland First Presbyterian Church, 2619 Broadway.