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Where It's At

Gojogo’s Favorite Haunts

Lori Eanes

Somewhere west of Indian dholki beats, east of Arnold Schoenberg atonality, and pivoting in a realm where jazz, rock, Eastern European folk and electronica find common ground dwells Oakland’s Gojogo. The outfit began life as an experimental recording project for violinist Sarah Jo Zaharako and engineer Elias Reitz and has since metamorphosed into a compelling, cross-disciplinary, albeit seductively fluent, ensemble, riveting and mercurial in “Firebird,” then brooding and minimal in “Ebb,” both from the band’s recent second album, 28,000 Days (Porto Franco). Naming the full-length after the approximate human life span of 76 years, the group is hoping to fill its own life cycle with projects like live film scores while continuing to collaborate with San Francisco choreographer Kara Davis’ project agora. Look for Gojogo’s players at these Oakland notables:

Mountain View Cemetery
The vast grounds are great for exploring — keep going uphill for some of the best views in the Bay Area. 5000 Piedmont Ave., (510) 658-2588,
www.mountainviewcemetery.org

Disco Volante
A nice room downtown with some tasty food. They used to have pretty adventurous and open-minded music acts, but not sure that’s still the case. 347 14th St., (510) 663-0271,  www.discovolanteoakland.com

David Wilson Gatherings
Wherever they may be. His events are always different and meaningful — a bit secret also, but if you’re lucky to hear about one, definitely go. Usually involves some form of group art performance piece of a sort. www.davidwilsonandribbons.com

The Starline Social Club and Ballroom
Started by some of the original Lobot Gallery guys. Brand new spot and already hosted one of the best shows I’ve played recently with the band Shock. People will be hearing a lot more about this place soon. 645 W. Grand Ave., (510) 301-2770, www.thestarlineballroom.com

Paramount Theatre
There’s nothing else like it. Built in the 1930s as a movie theater, it fell to ruins until the Oakland East Bay Symphony made it their home and restored it to its original art deco splendor. I dress fancy for the building when I go to concerts there. 2025 Broadway, (510) 465-6400, www.paramounttheatre.com

Lanesplitter Pizza and Pub
We go there as a band to talk business or just hang out. 4799 Telegraph Ave., (510) 653-5350, www.lanesplitterpizza.com

www.gojogo.com