Uptown Unveiled Tonight

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Kev Choice Ensemble

One of the biggest Bay Area-wide buzzes in recent years has been the revitalization of Oakland--specifically, the Uptown district. Its makeover attained critical mass in February, when the renovated Fox theater officially reopened, and tonight, a massive street fair, Uptown Unveiled, celebrates that comeuppance with the official launch of what's being billed as a "new Arts and Entertainment District." The free gala offers 15 bands on three stages, including the Kev Choice Ensemble, Damon & the Heathens, Jimmie Reign, Los Rakas, the Funkanauts, Miko Marks, and John Santos; free tours of the Paramount and Fox theaters; a Café Van Kleef block party; free ice skating; street performers; a skateboarding contest; murals; a poetry slam; food booths; restaurant specials; pedicab rides; an illuminated art show and much more. The event, which goes from 5pm until 10pm, happens in and around Telegraph Ave. and 16th St., and is fully BART-able (get off at 19th or 12th street stations). More info is here.