Mother heck yes!!!! I can't believe I've lived in Oakland for this long and neeeevverrrr knew about…read moreHoodslam. Buy your ticket(s) in advance. You'll be able to get through faster. They're super clear "Do not bring your effing kid." Sorry adults only. There's a bar on your left when you enter and one in the back. Casssssh money y'all. There's plenty of beer to drink and enjoy. You'll then walk to the back and see the ring. This is where all the action takes place. High flying. Hard hitting. Exciting moves. The MC really gets the crowd going. Now, the place gets packed. Like, lots of people. Drinking. Getting rowdy. And there's no A/C so be prepared to sweat - a lot. There's a merch table where you can get some one-of-kind stuff like a onesie that looks like a dude's chest. Overall, it's a very fun and different way to spend a night in Oakland. And it's one you won't forget.

Attended Slam Town's Ekpyrotica at the Continental Club this past weekend, and had an enjoyable…read moreexperience. The listed ticket time was 8:00 to 11-ish, but in reality it was more like 8:45-11:20pm (doors opened around 8:00pm, and the entry line went quick). The place wasn't too crowded, and though there was a bit of seating against the walls, it was mostly standing room for viewing of the show. Beware, the action takes place both inside and outside the ring, so be ready to move if you're on the first level and the wrestlers end up battling it out and rolling around on the floor or against the pillars, or on the merchandise table (like they did this past FrIday). We watched from upstairs, and didn't miss a thing... they had a large screen for closeup views of all the shenanigans happening in and around the ring, too. There were quite a few matches throughout the night, including characters like Cereal Man, Prisoner 420, and my bf's fave, Bart-Man, doing their thing. I was a big fan of the MonsterTown tag team, all of the creatures dressed in comical costumes and putting on even funnier moves against their rivals, especially the three-headed giraffe and mummy. Lots of props used throughout the show, including ladders, full-size doors (for the dramatic illusion of slamming opponents into these and breaking them), and fake weapons...... oh, but THIS IS REAL... and the dynamic chants from the crowd will remind you all night. Commentary by the "news anchor" host helped guide the storyline with a bit of humor, but I've experienced better and more entertaining announcers outside of Slam Town. Apparently this underground wrestling show is a lot tamer now (in April 2026) than it used to be, back when it was known primarily as "Hoodslam", but we still had a good time. The next Slam Town event is happening on May 22nd at Drake's in Oakland.

This is probably one of my favorite things about Oakland/Bay Area, and one of the things that…read moreOakland has that San Francisco doesn't. Tourettes is really unique, and each show is different and thoroughly entertaining. Be ready for some rowdiness and crude humor, but that's why it's "underground" and late at night. Acts are always mesmerizing, and the competitions (haiku, rap battles) are hilarious and creative.

Used to go when D-Lor Performed. Not sure if he's still going strong but the experience itself was…read moregreat. He was one of the top shelf performers and linguists then. You're coming for a different experience - burlesque performances, freestyle battles, holiday experiences, etc. Don't be offended. Be happy. Get a gin.

I don't normally write reviews. A lot of the time what I like and what someone else likes will be…read moredifferent, so a star rating isn't very informative. A steak house is a bad place for a vegetarian even if it's 5 stars, after all. In this case, I'm making an exception. I'm frustrated by how misleading one of the reviews below is. Specifically, the 1-star review from Sidney (whose average yelp review is below 2 stars). I wanted to respond to the points raised in his linked ripoff report. Claim 1: House rules are secret until paying. False Before I visited, I emailed the lady with whom I wanted to meet, gave a brief overview of what I was looking for, and received confirmation. When I arrived, we spent 5-10 minutes discussing the scene itself, including limits and rules. The house rules are basically "be safe and legal" along with a few hard limits. My donation was not even mentioned until after this pre-scene conversation and its accompanying consent form were completed. Claim 2: Misleading advertising: you get only 45 minutes per hour paid for. False My scene lasted 60 minutes per hour paid for. To my surprise, this didn't even include the time spent on our pre-scene conversation mentioned above. On that point, though, I might have just gotten lucky that it wasn't an exceptionally busy time. Claim 3: Ladies are unaware of male anatomy. False. I can only speculate about what this references, but the lady I met was obviously aware of male anatomy. Claim 4: There is no skin-to-skin contact. Mostly false As mentioned above, there is no illegal activity, so certain contact is not allowed. However, there is certainly no outright ban on any physical contact. Claim 5: Male orgasms are discouraged. False* This was false in my case, but I'd assume it can become true if that's what you're after. Claim 6: Condoms are mandatory. Mostly false This was false in my case, but much like claim 4, there may be specific situations where they become required. I just didn't encounter any myself. Claim 7: There is no aftercare. False When I visited, there was. This was discussed in our pre-scene conversation. I don't know whether or not aftercare is included by default if it isn't mentioned, so it's possible Sidney assumed it "went without saying". When in doubt, communicate early and often. Claim 8: There is no follow-up. True Since my visit, I have not been contacted my fantasymakers or anyone who works there. I wasn't expecting any such communication. Claim 9: Your name & driver's license (including picture) are recorded. Mostly false I was not required to show my driver's license (or any ID). No picture of me was taken as far as I know. They did ask for a first name on the consent form mentioned above. Claim 10: They are a business. False This is more of a legal distinction than anything else. Claim 11: To quote the ripoff report, they "will usher you out if you can only afford $100/hr or less, (or probably, anything less than $175/hour)". True (presumably) I think the fact that this sentence appears at all reveals a great deal about it's author. To "discover" this, one would have to make an appointment, arrive, and then attempt to offer less than what was expected (the amount is on their website and was mentioned during my initial email exchange). My guess is that, if I attempted to "negotiate" on arrival, I would be asked to leave. For obvious reasons, I haven't tried it myself. I recognize that the expected contribution isn't trivial, and that means it's not for everyone. However, negotiating on-site after someone has already made a trip simply shouldn't happen. This isn't the place for haggling. Claim 12: They don't have blogs/forums/Fetlife. False. This might have been true at the time it was written, but at they have a twitter and tumblr. Their site has a fetlife link, but I'm not on fetlife so I can't confirm that one. Claim 13: No communication with male visitors. Laughably false. In addition to all the points mentioned above, clear communication was maintained throughout the scene. Claim 14: No sense of humor. What? This was mentioned twice in all caps. I can only speculate about what it might reference. Maybe someone didn't laugh at his jokes? In any case, this isn't a comedy club. Claim 15: Their competitors in the bay area are extremely good. True. The bay area (and east bay in particular) is fortunate enough to have several above-ground and entirely legal options for adults. In case it isn't obvious, I enjoyed my experience with fantasy makers. They were professional, communicative, safe, personal, and private. If anyone is considering them, take a look at each of the members' pages to see where they specialize. That's what I did, and after reading through to find out who would be a good fit for me, I'm happy with the result.

As long as you go to Fantasymakers not expecting illegal services/sex, you'll have a wonderful…read moreexperience. Everyone working is clearly in the lifestyle for themselves, not just as a job, and the place has a family atmosphere. Yes, they take great pains to follow safe, sane and legal guidelines, and don't look like they have much patience for pushy customers. But, if you approach the staff with as much respect as you would (or should) anyone in the BDSM community - as people and not props in your fantasy, you'll have a great time. There's lots of props and toys for various scenarios, and people working have all kinds of preferences in play.. might take a bit of time to find just the right match, but... that's what communication is for. They've been around for pretty much forever, and it shows.

Project Bandaloop is amazing! If I were good enough, and they would have me, I would drop out of…read moregraduate school right now to dance on walls and cliffs with them. Since that is not the case, I had resigned myself to frequent visits to their website UNTIL I found out that they host beginner and int/ adv workshops! Woohoo! Maybe I will be an amazingly talented beginner and they will beg me to travel the world with them and dance on the Petronas Towers, Chartres Cathedral, maybe even at Petra or the Coliseum. Please. Please. Pick me. I'll do anything. ________________________ Update: Since I have now completed both the beginner and int/adv workshops offered by Project Bandaloop, I feel this review needs an update. The workshop is a lot of fun, although pretty hard on the body. I figured that vertical dancing might have its challenges, but I had no idea how much a rock climbing harness and nerve endings could disagree. However, that did not stop me from going 4 days in a row...doubling up on pants and shirts can make a huge difference. The beginner workshop (5 hours over 2 days, $110) features a warm up, and then a rotation through the climbing wall featuring bouldering/dance, dance from single point suspension ("pods"), the trampoline walls, and the wood wall. The advanced workshop (6 hours over 2 days, $150) has an additional floor station and focuses on play and choreography more than orientation and skills. The workshops were between 15-20 people with 5-7 instructors. The instructors were great! Definitely gave the freedom to play, while also providing constructive pointers and maintaining a safe environment. The founder of Bandaloop, Amelia, was also in and out, watching the advanced performances, answering questions, etc. While she did not offer me a position in her dance troupe, I am definitely addicted, and will be going back for more. Maybe one day I can have my own trampoline wall. The one downer: the warehouse in Oakland seems pretty sketch upon first approach,. It isn't well marked, and looks kind of run down. It also can be tough getting in earlier, etc because all the doors are locked. However, the next workshop is in a new location close by in Oakland, so this may change soon.

truly amazing, innovate aerial artists! google them, and check out some of their performances, or…read morebetter yet, go see them in person!

Where do I start? Isabelle is awesome! She breaks things down so easily and goes through each step/…read moremovement until you have it down or feel comfortable. She will go into detail on your arm placement, how to cup your fingers, hip placement and feet placement. I have gone to Allegro a handful of times and get lost at the end due to the shortage of women that show. I decided to be taught by the best and it was worth it. Arm placement during basics and as well during turns is what she worked with me most. She concentrated on my arms more because I told her I wanted to learn more turns and spins for the woman. She have me a couple of things to work on at home. She did some helpful exercises with a chair and a little pan so I can get my foot placement right. It is big enough for private lessons and Morris along the front wall! Be careful because if you're driving you can pass this place up easily! It's directly to the side of the FedEx building. Parking on the street is something I recommend. Isabelle is so encouraging and so nice. She makes dancing salsa so much fun and makes you want to go back to show her how much you've improved. Well respected and an awesome dancer she is. Package deals are available but individual sessions are $75 but well worth it. I plan on doing a package deal soon. She's a great instructor and makes you feel comfortable. Makes learning salsa so enjoyable! Ladies, she's a great teacher to learn from and for the men... She's a great teacher to know on what you should know for when you dance with a girl. Check her out! Take a class or two. Well worth it!

This girl is the most off the hook salsa dancer I have ever seen in my life. And that is no lie…read more I remember seeing this girl when I first started dancing thinking to myself, "When I grow up, I wanna dance just like that." This girl has mastered the art of seduction. Her movements are so fluid that anyone who catches a small glimpse of her dancing is entranced by her. If you have every seen this girl turn, you will faint. Ive seen this girl do damn near 20 turns hella fast and back to back, coming out of it like it is nothing. Yes I'm on her jock. If you saw her dance, you' be on her jock too. She teaches on Sunday nights at Allegro Ballroom with Garry. She is an excellent teacher. Check her out when you are in the area. You wont be disappointed. So, I built up the courage to take private lessons from this gal. It was the best $75 for an hour that I have ever invested. She was kind enough to work with me longer than and hour so I learned a lot. I only took one lesson and immediately I felt the difference when I hit the dance floor. The good thing is that she told me that I move my body well so I don't need lots of lessons but that I do need to always remember form. You know, in the African American culture, we just get out there and groove with no form or anything. Well she taught me how to keep form, look sexy and be a good follower. I love Isabelle. I can sit and watch her dance and be completely content. You think I'm kidding? Go see for yourself.

This has to be the most beautiful Art Deco theater in California. The Arts, Oakland has done a…read morefantastic job in keeping up with this property. The large neon sign is eye catching. The lights in the entrance near the ticket booth is nostalgic. The Lobby, whoa the lobby is breathtaking. You can't help but follow the stairs all the way up the ceiling back around behind you to see the custom glass that looks like clouds. You wish they still made theaters like this. There are no elevators for public use in this building. It's all stairs. There's a bar on the first & second floor. There's also a coat check which I appreciated. I checked in my poster while I enjoyed the show hands free of the merch I bought before the show. The ladies restroom, very Glamorous with the lilac carpet and all Around glass & mirrored vanities that are apart from Le Toilette. It's really a powder room. Through the swinging double art deco doors are the toilets. Like stepping into a time capsule. I took a picture of this stainless steel telephone panel, staff told me it was how they called each floor to communicate with the ushers. There's plenty of staff tonight & I wonder if they're senior volunteers. In my balcony seat, Row G seat 1 the leg room was very cramped. Minimal, no space . I'm 5'2" and I was struggling-I couldn't extend my legs unless I had my right leg extended towards the stairs. I see now why it was available. The locals already know. Anyhoo, there's was an Usher, an older senior lady & she walked up to me, "You can do that, put you leg inside." No problem. I complied without saying a word. Next, I put my phone on the ledge in its stand charging. The lady came back around, she said, "You can't put that there, you can't record, you going to have to move that or put it down. I didn't say anything, took it off the stand & laid it down while charging. My purse, where to put it. So I hung it off the rail in front of me. The same Usher came up & said, "You can't do that, you have to put your purse on the floor. Oh the horror, so I hung it on the armrest close to the stairs. When she saw that, I moved it. At this point people are coming in, the show hasn't started & it's up, down, up down because there is literally no legroom. Luckily I have another seat. I got up to leave this seat. That same Usher was at the stairs, as I was leaving, she leaned over to me as if she was going to say something to me. I hung into the rail, ignored her & left on my way. See that was confirmation to me that I was in her sights. I felt like she was harassing me. She was like the grandma babysitter that didn't want you to do anything, not move, not even sneeze. On to downstairs to Orch Row AA seat 17. This by far was a better seat & so much legroom. You can actually roll a wheelchair through this. That's how wide this row was. Perfect to sneak some pics from this spot. I enjoyed the entire Snarky Puppy set from this seat. They played songs from their new album Somni. Waves Upon Waves was the opening song. These are great talented artists, jazz musicians. I will definitely see them again. After the show, I went to wait in line to have three musicians sign my poster. I was hoping the violinist & the saxophone player came out. No dice. Maybe next time. Add this venue to your concert list. This was my second time here. First was Jill Scott and absolutely no phones upon walking in. Looking forward to posting some reels of this event on my SM accounts.

We had the pleasure of taking in Ms. Jill Scott! She put on an excellent show. From start to…read morefinish, we got our money's worth. The acoustics were on point, band was in sync & the background vocalists were in tune. All Jill had to do was open up and sang! And did!!! I didn't like people standing up blocking views. It almost ruined the show. Nothing wrong w/enjoying yourself but be respectful/mindful to everyone around you. There were no phones or smart glasses allowed. I get it but I think it's overkill to a certain degree. If you say no phones, stand on it at the start of the show & just escort people out that don't comply. The refreshment prices were ridiculous! I paid almost $60 for two cocktails, a can of water & a box of candy. Lesson learned, if you know what I mean... We had a blast & blew some cash... #GoSee

Cool venue with a fun, unpredictable lineup -- skits, burlesque, great local rappers, and an MC who…read morekeeps the energy moving. Nothing feels forced or boring, just random in the best way. The jokes land, the crowd stays hyped, and the whole night flies by. Happens every second Thursday of the month and is 100% worth checking out. Can't wait to come back for the next show!!

Formerly known as Tourettes Without Regrets, this crazy variety show takes place every second…read moreThursday of the month at the Continental Club in Oakland. This month's Monster's Madhouse Halloween Spooktacular included dirty haikus, freestyle rap battles, a pigheart freethrow contest, stand up comedy, live music, pole dancing, striptease, aerialists, a reenactment of the famous Carrie prom scene, a Beetlejuice act, and Hangman With Consequences, stapling letter cards onto a man's chest, face, and bald head for every missed letter (I'm not a fan of blood, so I wasn't too into this one). All of the performers were dressed in costume for this October event (skeletons, vampires, clowns, and more), and the use of light and fire on stage kept the crowd engaged. In fact, there was plenty of audience participation, even the judges were made up of random audience members (of course they became part of the entertainment too, for instance having to mime a zombie attack on an orgy). The Continental Club is a fitting venue for this type of event, a nightclub setting offering food, drinks, and limited seating that fills up fast, though standing, either on the first floor or upper level, is more ideal for viewing with such a lively atmosphere. There are bars on both levels as well, and an outdoor area upstairs to cool off. By the way, even though tickets say 7-11pm, it doesn't actually start at 7:00. It started a little after 8:00 this past Thursday. The sound system wasn't the best during the show, but we still enjoyed our time here, appreciating the creativity, talents, and various personalities and characters on stage. Truly a unique showcase of the arts, with a diverse audience, young and old.

I love this little gem of a theatre. It's had many incarnations, but the fact that it is still…read morehosting audiences is a big win for the community. It's intimate, historic (Julia Morgan), and reasonably priced. There are a variety of programs and performances to appeal to any age group. The one caution is parking, which is entirely residential, and if there is a Cal football game, you WILL be ticketed if you park on a street designated for those games.

I love the shows they put on at this beautiful little theater. It is an old building, a bit beat up…read morein the most endearing Berkeley way. A community theater at its best. You can see high quality shows at a very affordable price. The youth productions are particularly great for young kids. When our kid was young, we took them to see shows at BPH. They were great shows but also at the price point, if my 4 year old couldn't sit still and we had to leave the show, I would not cry over the ticket price. Our kid did summer camps at BPH every year and they are now part of the youth production. BPH has become their second home. The staff are deeply caring and supportive. Kids are incredibly kind, passionate about musical theater, and supportive of each other. It is a wonderful community where our quirky theater kid found their tribe and has a sense of belonging. Being different is celebrated at BPH. I highly recommend their camps and youth programs to kids who enjoy performing on stage.

First time at the Fox Theater to see Brandon Flowers. I was pleasantly surprised that street…read moreparking was available for free after 6pm close to the theater. Walking around the area felt pretty safe. Entrance to the venue was the smoothest concert entrance procedure I have ever been through. Staff were friendly and helpful. The theater is beautiful and the seats in the mezzanine level were very comfortable, had ample leg room and cup holders. Food was available at the Den restaurant connected to the venue and the were were multiple bar areas The restrooms were clean. I wouldn't hesitate to come back here for a show!

Came here for the Passion Pit concert a week ago, and it reminded me of how much I like this venue!…read moreHave been here a for a couple concerts in the past including Alan Walker and Epik High. Pros: - I like that it's a smaller intimate venue, which makes it perfect for acts that are big names but maybe not popular right now (I think Passion Pit was a great example of that actually). - Really accessible bar in the back area, drinks are probably like $20 ish after tax, which I think is fair for avenue. I actually love that they have these reusable cups that you can dump in a special bin next to the trash cans, and they theoretically wash and reuse them. Had a really tasty and strong Dark n' Stormy there. - Very accessible and easy to get here - so easy to take BART from anywhere else in the East Bay and just walk over to the venue a couple blocks. - Pretty good air circulation if you get tired of being sweaty near the stage, you can go back to the other GA sections if you need to Cons: - Kind of a "smaller" vibe, so if it's someone playing who's REALLY popular, I could see it getting really crowded in the front pit area - Sound quality can feel a bit echo-y sometimes