Reading
Rory O'Connor on Friends, Followers, and the Future
The award-winning journalist looks at social media's impact on politics, business, and traditional media in his new book published by City Lights.
When: 7 p.m., Tues. 5/1
Where: City Lights, 261 Columbus Ave.
Music
Ed Sharpe, Black Keys, Rosanne Cash, and Steep Canyon Rangers
On Wed. 5/2, Ed Sharpe at the Magnetic Zeroes bring their hippie love fest to the Fox. Then on Fri. 5/4, Steep Canyon Rangers (the band that released their first collaborative album with Steve Martin in March) will impress with their bluegrass blend at Slim's while the Black Keys play from last year's El Camino at Oracle Arena. And if you need a break from Cinco de Mayo madness on Sat. 5/5, get a dose of country with Rosanne Cash at Herbst Theatre.
When: various dates
Where: various venues
Reading
David Sedaris
The best-selling author takes the stage—for an event benefitting CCA student scholarships—with a sidesplitting reading from 2010's Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary.
When: 8 p.m., Thurs. 5/3
Where: Zellerbach Hall, Bancroft Way and Telegraph Ave., Berkeley
Nightlife
Cal Academy's Cinco de Mayo
Saturday's going to be a mess of tequila and Tecate, so you may want to opt for a more civilized celebration of Cinco de Mayo at Cal Academy's Nightlife on Thursday. Learn to salsa while you nosh on Poco Dolce's super chile toffee squares.
When: 6-10 p.m., Thurs. 5/3
Where: Cal Academy, 55 Music Concourse Dr.
Current Events
Occupy Oakland at the Oakland Museum
On Tues. 5/1, the Oakland Museum releases the online video project Portraits from the Occupation by artists Alex Abramovich and Lucy Raven. The film features interviews with 16 individuals involved with or impacted by the movement in an effort to provide a balanced view of the now historic revolution. On Saturday, stop by the museum for an all-day screening.
When: Sat. 5/5
Where: Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland
Fitness
SELF Workout in the Park
Here's your annual excuse to grab your girlfriends, throw on your tennis shoes, and spend the day in Golden Gate Park. Expect classes by Crunch, nutrition workshops, and lots of swag.
When: 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sat. 5/5
Where: Little Marina Green, 800 Marina Blvd. at Baker St.
Art
Martin Machado's "Too Far Gone"
The series of paintings on found objects at this show are centered around a documentary-style video that depicts Machado's recent six-month journey working on a containership.
When: Sat. 5/5 – Sat. 5/26
Where: Gallery Hijinks, 2309 Bryant St.
Fundraiser
Minds Matter
Volunteer nonprofit Minds Matter (remember them from our Charities feature in April?) hosts their first spring gala, a big fundraiser that will help support their work helping inner city high school students prepare for success in college. Do your good deed, and attend this event.
When: 8 - 11 p.m., Sat. 5/5
Where: One Leidesdorff, 344 Pine St.
Shopping
Urban Air Market
The annual Capsule Design Festival just got a makeover (and a whole new name). This year's festival features more than 150 local designers and artists peddling their fashions, accessories, art, home decor, and more.
When: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sun. 5/6
Where: Octavia Blvd. in Hayes Valley
