The 2026 Oakland music scene is kicking off strong with some must-see events this month. First up, the legendary Oakland funk band Tower of Power is taking over Yoshi's for the next three weekends. Four of the shows are already sold out. The 22nd annual Living Jazz "In the Name of Love" concert at the Paramount Theatre will feature the music of another Bay Area icon, Sly and the Family Stone.
My sense is that these sounds are so persistent, tenacious, held with pride and love. I think of a couple of things in particular like an artist like LaRusell. I think about how the spirit and sonics of the movement never went anywhere. It's still such a touchstone for people growing up in the expanded East Bay. So that feels to me like it's persistent. It's held, it's cherished. I think about community parties at the pergola at the lake.