Blues & BBQ BlowoutSaturday, August 1

Back by popular demand after serving up a birds-eye view of pitmasters at work – not to mention nearly 6,000 delectable BBQ samples happily gobbled up by appreciative festival-goers – our 2nd Annual Oaktown Throwdown BBQ Competition is a true crowd-pleaser. More than 40 top professional pitmasters and backyard teams from all over California will bring the savory aromas of beef, chicken, pork and ribs sizzling on the grill. Festival-goers can once again feast on smokin’ samples for a small sampling fee – while supplies last – and vote for your favorite! The Oaktown Throwdown is a fully sanctioned Kansas City Barbeque Society and California Barbecue Association “Team of the Year” competition which means that participants are competing for the attention of accredited judges and cash prizes, in addition to trophies hand-crafted by local artists.

Featured PerformancesSaturday, August 1

West Coast Blues Society Stage In a perfect pairing, Saturday’s Blues & BBQ Blowout jams with non-stop live blues produced by Ronnie Stewart’s West Coast Blues Society. The powerful lineup features former Tower of Power lead singer and legendary soul crooner Lenny Williams. Williams fronted the Oakland super-group during the height of its fame, garnering numerous gold records in addition to ten Billboard hits as a solo artist. The ever-popular Blues Stage will also showcase Roharpo & The Real Deal Blues Band, Big Cat Tolefree & The Hypnotics, and the West Coast Blues Society Caravan of Allstars featuring local blues legends Wylie Trass, Teddy ‘Blues Master’ Watson, Terrible Tom Bowden, and Willie G, with special guests Karl Bracy and Wanda Diamond. Edwin Hawkins’ Gospel ShowcaseAlso on Saturday, the festival continues its tradition of hosting a powerful Gospel Showcase presented by famed Edwin Hawkins and the Community of Unity. A trailblazing force behind the evolution of contemporary gospel, Hawkins is perhaps best known for his 1969 classic “Oh Happy Day,” one of the biggest gospel hits of all time and a major pop radio smash. This year’s lineup features rousing performances by Lawrence Matthews, Demetrius Tolefree, Derrick Hall and Co., Nona Brown, Walter Hawkins Love Center Choir, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir and many more.

BANDALOOP Capping the festival’s amazing Saturday lineup will be a breathtaking performance by world renowned BANDALOOP performing on (and off) the wall of City Hall. Fresh from a widely acclaimed appearance at the Reykjavik Festival in Iceland and recent filming in Yosemite National Park, the Oakland-based vertical dance company’s last City Hall performance garnered 2 million views on YouTube! Founded in 1991 by choreographer and artistic director Amelia Rudolph, the cutting-edge company is known for weaving dynamic physicality, intricate choreography and the art of climbing to turn dance literally on its side.

Professional Teams:Bar-B-Q’s-2-Go, Thousand Oaks; Juicy O’s BBQ Team, San Jose; Chef Rene’s Kitchen, El Cerrito; Butcher’s Daughter BBQ, Alameda; Fat Man Super BBQ, Oakland; Hog Eat Hog BBQ, Martinez; Smokey Luv BBQ, Novato; M.A.C. BBQ Shack, San Jose; Meat Gazers, San Ramon; Old Chico BBQ, Brentwood; Plastered Pigs Can Fly, Placerville; RBQ, Gilroy; Ric’s Righteous Ribs, San Jose; Ring of Fire BBQ, Cameron Park; Salt and Pepper Pork Pullers, Brentwood; Shig Ninja BBQ, Chandler; Slap Yo Daddy BBQ, Diamond Bar; SloDog Q, Stockton; SmOakland, Oakland; Son of Smoke, Tracy; Starvin Marvins Bay Area BBQ, San Francisco; The Art of Barbecue, Oakland; The Porks of Hazzard, Oakland; Too Ashamed to Name, San Jose

Backyard Teams:Just The Tip, Oakland; Stop Play’n BBQ, Oakland; The Wizard is on the Loose, San Francisco; Ribbin’ Ain’t Easy, Truckee; Hello BBQ, San Jose; Pit Bull Bar B Q, East Palo Alto; JW BBQ, Castro Valley; Kdawgs BBQ, Hercules; Smokin J’s, San Jose; Team Five Hundy, Sacramento; Antioch River Rats, Oakland; Crodaddy’s BBQ, Oakland; Hooks Cali Que, Antioch; Fatty’s, Livermore

2015 Oaktown Throwdown Participants:(As of press time; subject to change)

Elevate Oakland StageSunday, August 2Oakland’s own Sheila E. has shown tremendous dedication to the families and future of Oakland by advocating for youth through Elevate Oakland, the non-profit she co-founded in 2013 with Yoshi Akiba (owner of Yoshi’s), Lynn Mabry and Jason Hofmann. Last year the organization raised over $110,000 in support of innovative music and arts programs in the schools through a star-studded inaugural fundraiser at the Fox Oakland Theater.

On Sunday, festival-goers will be treated to an unforgettable experience as a stellar lineup of veteran and rising local stars shine brightly on the Elevate Oakland Stage. The not-to-be-missed showcase will feature Oakland favorites Kev Choice, Martin Luther, 34-56 Band with Ashling “Biscuit” Cole, Ray Obiedo with Leah Tysse, Pacific Soul and newcomers “The League” featuring hip hop artists and dancers Pete Tha, Bren Esco, J.A.I, and Dominic.

D Sharp, “official” DJ of the 2015 NBA Champion Golden State Warriors, will spin between live sets, with spoken word artist Ryan Nicole emceeing what is certain to be a rousing, memorable program that will also feature young musicians from area schools.

Main Stage Performances

Sunday, August 2On Sunday, the festival celebrates Oakland’s long line of famous musical families as the KBLX 102.9 FM stage hosts trailblazer and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, percussionist/drummer and composer Sheila E. Hailing from Oakland’s famous Escovedo Family (father Pete turns 80 this year), Sheila E. is celebrating her 40th year in music with a new album, “Icon,” in addition to memorable live shows across the U.S. and abroad. A world-class artist, Sheila E. fuses R&B, Latin, jazz, funk, pop and rock into her signature vibrant, dynamic performances. Working alongside a host of greats including Prince, Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Beyoncé, Sheila E.’s infectious grooves on current and longtime favorites like “The Glamorous Life” and “A Love Bizarre” are certain rev up the crowd.

The Family Stone brings to the festival a ton of hits delivered with its high-energy soul, funk and psychedelic sounds. The venerable group consists of original Sly & the Family Stone members Jerry Martini and Cynthia Robinson, with guest appearances by other members. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees are taking a break from their world tour to return to the Bay Area for Art + Soul’s big 15.

Zakiya Harris feat. Elephantine brings a dynamic whirlwind of music, dance and theater hailing from Oakland. Zakiya’s passion is evident in her live shows where she gracefully moves from slinging energetic vocal tones to spitting rhymes while busting Afro-Haitian dance moves. She has shared stages with Michael Franti, The Seshen, Bells Atlas and many others. Along with her dynamic band Elephantine, she creates music that fuses soul, house and hip-hop with electronic sensibilities.

Oakland’s rich music heritage boasts a number of musical families.. In addition to the Escovedos and Sly & The Family Stone, Oakland-based national recording artists The Pointer Sisters, En Vogue and Tony!, Toni!, Toné each include siblings.

Elevate Oakland Founders, Kev Choice, Martin Luther, Pacific Soul, Ray Obiedo, Leah Tysse, D Sharp, 34-56, Ashling “Biscuit” Cole, Ryan Nicole

ART + SOUL OAKLAND WISHES TO THANK THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT:

Event Map & Performance TimesSaturday, August 1, noon – 6:00p │ Sunday August 2, noon – 6:00p

SATURDAY, AUGUST 1Art + Soul Main Stage Blues Showcase Produced by the Ronnie Stewart and the West Coast Blues Society12:30 - 1:15 Roharpo & The Real Deal Blues Band 1:30 - 2:15 Big Cat Tolefree and The Hypnotics 2:30 - 4:30 West Coast Blues Caravan of All Stars Karl Bracy, Wanda Diamond, Teddy ‘Blues Master’ Watson, Wylie Trass, Lil Jr. Crudup, Hollywood Jenkins, Willie G., and the Legendary Fillmore Slim4:50 - 5:45 Lenny Williams

Clay Street Stage Gospel Showcase Presented by Edwin Hawkins and Community of Unity12:30 Community of Unity Choir 12:50 Brenda Jeff & Company1:10 Jovan Watkins 1:30 Nona Brown & I.M.C.1:50 Dayanna Griffin 2:10 Love Center Choir 2:30 Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir 2:55 Ashling “Biscuit” Cole3:15 Carl Mason & Voices of Celebration In Praise 3:35 Jayvyn Williams & Arising Generation 3:55 Byrd Sisters4:15 Derrick Hall and Co. 4:35 Lawrence Matthews 5:00 The Porter Brothers & Genesis 5:25 Demetrius Tolefree

EBX Plaza Stage Turf & All Styles Dance Battle Presented by YAK to the Bay Bay Area’s hottest dancers vie for cash prizes in high-flying competition. 12:30 – 3:00 Preliminaries: Turf & All Styles Dance Battle 3:00 – 3:20 BANDALOOP: Renowned Oakland-based vertical dance pioneers in breathtaking performance dancing on and off the wall of City Hall.3:30 – 5:30 Finals: Turf & All Styles Dance Battle

Jefferson Street Stage2:00 – 2:45 Willow Steps3:15 - 4:15 Damond Moodie4:45 – 5:30 Willow Steps

Kinetic Arts Center Circus Stage14th & Jefferson1:00 - 5:00 Oakland’s acclaimed circus school and performance company dazzles with aerialists, acrobats and clowns

SPONSORSCONCERT STAGES HOSTED BY

SUNDAY, AUGUST 2Art + Soul Main Stage Hosted by R&B KBLX 102.9 FM1:00 - 2:00 Zakiya Harris feat. Elephantine 2:45 - 3:45 The Family Stone4:30 – 5:45 Sheila E.

Elevate Oakland Showcase (Clay Street Stage)Presented by Elevate Oakland12:30 Ryan Nicole, Stage Host/Oakland spoken word artist12:35 Pacific Soul1:15 DJ D Sharp1:25 Elevate Oakland Co-Founders Sheila E., Yoshi Akiba, Lynn Mabry and Jason Hofmann1:35 Ray Obiedo with Leah Tysse2:25 DJ D Sharp2:35 Ryan Nicole 2:45 The League featuring Pete Tha, Bren Esco, J.A.I, and Dominic3:00 DJ D Sharp3:10 34-56 3:40 Ashling “Biscuit” Cole3:50 Martin Luther4:30 DJ D Sharp4:45 Kev Choice

EBX Plaza Stage Oakland Let’s Dance! Presented by Carla Service/Dance-A-Vision, Oakland 12:30 - 5:30 Celebrating the Bay Area’s many dance styles and cultures

National Poetry Slam Oakland StagePresented by National Poetry Slam Oakland 2:00 - 5:00 Hosted by Mona Webb. Also featuring DJ Yaddos

*Lineups and times are confirmed, but subject to change

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

BUSINESS ASSOCIATE SPONSORSCOMMUNITY MEDIA SPONSORS

Team Oakland Von BellowsBri BlueJ. TheoCalebGrace

Team BerkeleyJazz Sufi B. Deep Jordan RanftBrandon MelendezJoshua MerchantTerry Taplin

Team Palo AltoMike TingHadas GoshenCasey GardnerJarvis SubiaMike TaylorPatrick Ohslund

Host City All-Stars & FriendsNazelah Denise JollyCaligula 6 Jason BayaniD’dra White Amber Flame Sevan Kelee Audacious Dazié Rustin Grego

Kinetic Arts Center Circus Stage14th & JeffersonPerformance Times:Saturday 1pm, 3pm, 5pmSunday 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 5:30pm See page 6 for details

ENTERTAINMENT PARTNERS

More Festival Fun!

Other Cool Stuff

Youth Art Gallery Presented by the Oakland Fine Arts Summer School students Presented by the Oakland Fine Arts Summer School students Oakland Fine Arts Summer School (OFASS) a successful 23-year year artistic collaboration between the Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) and the City of Oakland, Office of Parks and Recreation (OPR). They focus on four words: Creativity, Collaboration, Choreography and Composition to create physical and visual vocabulary for youth grades K through 5th. The results were profound for student artists, professional art teachers, and administrators, all sharing in the experience.

Fun & GamesKid-friendly carnival rides, Inflatable bouncers, Obstacle course, Interactive Art, Face Painting(small fee for some activities)

Youth Arts ActivitiesYouth can enjoy hands-on arts activities organized by the ProArts and Oakland Park & Rec.

National Poetry Slam Oakland StageSunday – Jefferson Street StageMore than 25 of the Bay Area’s top artists en route to the 2015 National Poetry Slam perform this year on a full stage. See page 5 for full lineup. Spoken word’s highest competition will be held August 5-10 at various venues throughout Oakland. More info: npsoak.com

Oakland Let’s Dance Stage! Sunday – EBX Plaza StagePresented by Carla Service/Dance-A-Vision, Oakland, this rousing stage will celebrate the Bay Area’s many dance styles and cultures.

Pro Arts at Oakland Art Gallery150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, ground level just off the Frank Ogawa Plaza proartsgallery.orgIn the Gallery: First Person Once RemovedBay Area Currents 2015July 3 - August 7, 2015Selections by Christina LindenFeatured Artists: Luca Antonucci, Elizabeth Bernstein, Kristine Eudey, Carey Lin, Olivia Mole, Emma Webster. First Person Once Removed brings together a constellation of six artists working with the concept of the extended self to explore processes of abstraction. Gallery will be open during the festival on Saturday and Sunday, 12pm - 6pm.

Artisan Marketplace Scores of local artisans featuring handcrafted works such as fine jewelry, paintings, woodwork, clothing, accessories, toys, home décor, musical instruments and more!

Hometown and Global EatsFeast yourself on the best festival food on the planet! Options as diverse as Oakland – with booths offering BBQ, Cajun, Creole, Fried fish, Indian, Thai, Ethiopian, Burgers, Sausages, and more plus an array of desserts including Funnel Cakes, sweet potato pie, kettle corn and cupcakes. Beer, wine and other beverages concessions will also be offered.

Kinetic Arts Center’s Circus Spire Youth Troupe

14th & JeffersonRun away to the circus with Oakland’s own Kinetic Arts Center and the Circus Spire Youth Troupe. Enjoy tremendous circus play all day. Be wowed by aerialists, acrobats, contortionists and clowns. See page 5 for performance times.

Community Mural ProjectSunday - 12th Street near ClayA Thinking-Creating Collaborative mural facilitated by ArtisMobilUs Budding artists who want to practice their painting skills are invited to stop, think and express with a brush with the community mural project guided by gifted muralist.

Hot Rod & Vintage Car ShowSunday – 12th & JeffersonCheck out dozens of muscle cars, imports, motorcycles, classic rides and hot rods presented by the legendary Bay Area car show producer, Spider.

Family Fun Zone(Frank Ogawa Plaza, in front of City Hall)

Getting to Art + Soul Oakland 2015 is Easy!

Festival Entrances 14th Street & Broadway16th Street & San Pablo AvenuePromenade beside City Center West Garage on Jefferson between 12th & 14th

Free Attended Bike ParkingRide your bike to Art + Soul! Free attended bike-parking service is available both days at the festival’s 14th Street & Broadway entrance. Provided by Bike East Bay.

Public Transit 511.org or dial 511 on your telephone.Art + Soul is easily accessible on BART from the 12th Street/Oakland City Center Station. As you exit the station, you will be directly at one of the festival’s entrance gates at 14th Street and Broadway. While the TransBay Tube will be closed for maintenance, train service within the East Bay will be more frequent than during a typical weekend. BART will also run buses to and from SF. Or take AC Transit to downtown Oakland, 14th & Broadway. Info: 511.org.

Broadway ShuttleThe free Broadway shuttle operates on Saturday from 6p - 1a. The shuttle does not operate on Sunday. For routes and schedule, visit BShuttle.com

Ferry Service EastBayFerry.com or 511.orgEnjoy a cruise en route to Art + Soul. Take the Alameda/Oakland ferry from San Francisco’s Pier 39 or Ferry Building to Jack London Square. From the Square, you can either walk up Broadway, hop the free Broadway Shuttle (Saturday only, 6p -1a), or use the free AC Transit bus transfer attached to your ferry ticket and hop on a # 72, 72M or 72R bus at Broadway and Third Street.

Amtrak Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAILFrom the Capitol Corridor route, transfer to BART at either the Richmond or the new Oakland Coliseum station and get off at Oakland 12th Street/City Center station. From the San Joaquin line, transfer to BART at the Richmond station, board any train, and get off at Oakland 12th Street/City Center station. Or take either route to Jack London Square and hop on AC Transit’s 72 or 72M Line to 14th and Broadway in downtown Oakland.

Parking Please take public transportation as parking is very limited. The City Center West Garage at 12th & Martin Luther King Jr. Way will be open for $5 parking all day (max. capacity: 1000 cars). Limited street parking is also available.

Driving Directions Available on our website, ArtandSoulOakland.com.

What to BringSeating is available at the stages on a first-come, first-served basis, however guests are welcome to bring:• Low-profile beach chair (seat height of chairs not to exceed 6 inches)• Seat Cushions For your safety, please adhere to the following:• NO cans or glass bottles• NO coolers or ice chests• NO alcoholic beverages• NO animals with the exception of service animals

Art + Soul is conveniently located in downtown Oakland adjacent to the 12th Street/City Center BART station. There is no better (or easier to get to) entertainment option for the weekend.

MayorLibby Schaaf

Oakland City CouncilLynette Gibson McElhaney, Council President, District 3; Dan Kalb, District 1; Abel J. Guillen, District 2; Annie Campbell Washington, District 4; Noel Gallo, District 5; Desley Brooks, District 6;Larry Reid, District 7; Rebecca Kaplan, At Large.

City AdministratorSabrina Landreth

Economic & Workforce Development DepartmentMark Zawicki, Director Cultural Arts & MarketingFestival Producer: Jim MacIlvaine, Special Events Coordinator Assistant Producer: Harry Hamilton, Public Information Officer, CAO

East Bay ExpressPublisher: Jody ColleyBen Grambergu, Justin Harris, Marie Ortega, Nick Wong

Art + Soul StaffFounder/Executive Producer: Samee Roberts; Heart of the Town EventsFestival Director: Steven Tiffin; Heart of the Town EventsAssistant Festival Director: HaleyAssociate Producer: Sarah Kidder; Heart of the Town EventsOperations Office Staff: Berlena Gullett, Cindy Thwaites Smith, Lorraine Kooman, Alicia KesterProduction Crew Managers: Vincent Burton, Colette WinlockVendor Manager: Tiffany GrubbsProduction Coordinator: Dave WhiteAdmissions Manager: Steve PerichFamily Fun Zone Coordinator: Marian KidderProduction Stage Management: Julie RixArtist Hospitality: Luoi Conde, Kerry Fiero, Shelly JeffersonFinancial Management: Tuula Tilander; Heart of the Town EventsSanitation Crew Manager: James SteenZero Waste Zone Manager: Green Mary Ground Transportation: Henry Royal; Royal Paramount Transportation

Graphic DesignCarla Radosta + Peter Lancaster; Aspire Visual communications + design

Community Stage ProducersBlues: Ronnie & Paula Stewart; West Coast Blues Society Gospel: Edwin Hawkins, Sandra Hunter; Community of UnityTurf Dance: Yoram Savion; YAK to the BayElevate Oakland: Sheila E., Lynn Mabry, Jason HofmannOakland Let’s Dance: Carla Service; Dance-A-Vision EntertainmentNational Poetry Slam Oakland: Christine De La Rosa, Maureen Benson, Steve Snider BANDALOOP: Thomas Cavanaugh, Amanda Moran, Matt LeonardFounder/Artistic Director: Amelia RudolphKinetic Arts Circus Stage: Victoria Angelo, Jennifer Wong

Oaktown Throwdown BBQ CompetitionCoordinator: Dave Campbell

Car Show CoordinatorSpider

City of Oakland Public Works Department - Facility Services: Derin Minor, Marco Torres, Martin SharpOakland Police Department: Officer Jorge Cabral, Sgt. Andy McNeilOakland Fire Department: Miguel TrujilloFiscal Support: Kenton Mak & Donna Howell, Dept. of Economic & Workforce Development

Special ThanksSpecial thanks to Karen Boyd, Kelley Kahn and Mai-Ling Garcia in the City Administrator’s Office for their guidance and support.

Art + Soul Oakland 2015is produced by the City of Oakland and Heart of the Town Events.