Dig out those dancing shoes and pull your snappiest suit out of the closet for this irresistible evening of Oakland blues.

Back in the day when West Oakland was known as Harlem West, a lively, integrated nightlife scene flourished in the restaurants, blues clubs, dives, and bars, that dotted the area along Seventh Street near where the West Oakland BART station now stands. In the 1940s and 50s this was the epicenter of Oakland blues, where a steady stream of musicians like Jimmie Witherspoon, Big Joe Turner, Big Mama Thornton, Lowell Fulson, and a young Aretha Franklin honed their skills. Although much of the architectural and cultural aspects of this vital piece of Oakland heritage is gone, much of the music has survived.

Tonight, the Bay Area Blues Society Caravan of Allstars brings alive the blues and the stories of Harlem West in an irresistible evening of music and memories of Seventh Street. Featured musicians include many who played on Seventh Street during the 1950s and ‘60s: Ronnie Stewart (lead guitar), Dalhart Johnson (bass), David "Stix" Boyette (drums), Carl Green (sax), and vocalists Terrible Tom Bowden, Wylie Trass, Ella Pennewell, and Margie Turner. Rounding out the group are youngsters Funky Rob Gordon (keyboard), Geechi Taylor (trumpet), and singers Tia Carroll and Tommy Nunnelly.

Don't miss this one!

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