Fox Theater's grand opening night
Felix Solomon
Issue date: 2/12/09 Last update: 2/17/09 at 4:39 PM PST
Section: News
The spotlight has been lit on Oakland's premier movie house. But it is a cinema no longer. The palace has become the place to stage high-energy events. And to show how true that is the Friends of the Oakland Fox threw a grand fundraising bash that this town hasn't seen since the shuttered Kaiser Convention Center was in full swing.
While it's as grand and ornate as the Paramount, the Fox still maintains an intimacy. That is, until you hit the dance floor. And then you're in another world. Buddha is there to guide your steps. The night's theme was, of course, 1920's Art Deco. The entertainment led with Jazz and followed with a chorus dance line. To truly show those who attended what a great music hall means you have to let a diva sing. And sing she did. Soprano Sophia Chew impressed everyone.
Many words of thanks were spoken for those involved in the Fox Theater's resurrection. And then the fun really began with Vaudeville and burlesque revues. Stepping into high gear with the hot stylings of Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue Band. People were still walking in at 11 p.m. five hours after it began. Global Gourmet Catering made sure everyone was happy the entire evening.
The first public entertainment acts are set for Friday Feb. 6. The headline band is Social Distortion with lead in bands The Devil Makes Three and The Black Tibetans. You can get tickets through Another Planet Entertainment.
With easy access to BART and robust housing developments the mushrooming Uptown, Oakland's new heart, is beating back to life. Make no mistake the East Bay entertainment landscape has been shaken and Oakland's Uptown is quickly becoming something to go to and experience.
While it's as grand and ornate as the Paramount, the Fox still maintains an intimacy. That is, until you hit the dance floor. And then you're in another world. Buddha is there to guide your steps. The night's theme was, of course, 1920's Art Deco. The entertainment led with Jazz and followed with a chorus dance line. To truly show those who attended what a great music hall means you have to let a diva sing. And sing she did. Soprano Sophia Chew impressed everyone.
Many words of thanks were spoken for those involved in the Fox Theater's resurrection. And then the fun really began with Vaudeville and burlesque revues. Stepping into high gear with the hot stylings of Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue Band. People were still walking in at 11 p.m. five hours after it began. Global Gourmet Catering made sure everyone was happy the entire evening.
The first public entertainment acts are set for Friday Feb. 6. The headline band is Social Distortion with lead in bands The Devil Makes Three and The Black Tibetans. You can get tickets through Another Planet Entertainment.
With easy access to BART and robust housing developments the mushrooming Uptown, Oakland's new heart, is beating back to life. Make no mistake the East Bay entertainment landscape has been shaken and Oakland's Uptown is quickly becoming something to go to and experience.
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