Get Your Summer On

Get Your Summer On

PHOTO COURTESY OF RIDE BAR

Smoothies at Ride Bar are a good thing, so pop in.


Smoothies and stylish workout wear at Ride Oakland, artists and an art fair at Abrams Claghorn Gallery, and concerts and art at Charles R. Vineyard.

Glow from the inside out with Ride Oakland. This independent, woman-owned workout studio now provides delicious nourishment. On June 9, owner Deb Collard debuted Ride Bar, a cafe offering organic superfood smoothies and superfood bowls. Coffee and a food menu are in the near future.

Valerie Boes, Ride Bar general manager and in-house smoothie queen said, “My favorite smoothie is Tap This Back. First because of the name. Then because the ingredients are so clean and nurturing, you can’t help but to crave it. There’s spinach, kale, avocado, fennel, mint, fresh turmeric and ginger, coconut water, lime, and some pineapple. It really makes me happy.”

Don’t feel like sweating for your smoothie? No worries: The cafe is open to walk-in business as is the clothing boutique. Spiritual Gangster, Glider, Maaji, and Onzie are a few brands in stock. “Right now tropical prints are all that, so we have some really cute leggings with a tropical feel and a matching light jacket that’s perfect for summer,” Boes said. “I also love our muscle tee with ‘Grateful AF’ printed on the front along with the Ride logo. When it comes to cozy, both my adult and teen daughters are in love with our super soft, cropped sweatshirts that say ‘Ride’ across the front.”

Stop in, enjoy a superfood smoothie, do some shopping, and enjoy the positive, community-based vibe at this welcoming local spot. “We care about providing people the best and healthiest products we can. We want people who come here to feel like they’re in a sacred space filled with positivity,” said Boes. 4448 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, 510-858-5447, RideOaklandCycling.com.

 

Emerging Artists to Shine

Support local arts, enjoy local community, and meet emerging artists at two different arts events at Abrams Claghorn Gallery this month. On Saturday, July 13, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., attend the Emerging Artists opening reception. The Emerging Artists program fosters professional development in local artists by providing mentorship and coaching. The three local artists selected to participate — Moxie Evan (paintings on canvas and ceramic sculpture), Mailee Vang (wood block prints), and Allie Phillips (painting on textile, canvas, and paper) — will be showcasing the results of their hard work after completing the four-month program. The exhibition runs July 1-Aug. 31.

“This will be a great show,” said owner Robert Abrams. “The art is reason enough to attend, but in addition, the concepts behind each body of work are an important facet of the art presented. I hope the community will also get engaged because — while I think it’s important to support the arts in general — this Emerging Artists program is unique, and its success might inspire other arts organizations — beyond art schools — to start similar programs to support and foster local artists.”

In a separate event, on Saturday, July 20, the gallery hosts its Artisans & Art Fair in the lot adjacent to the gallery from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This monthly event runs through summer. Mingle with artisans and community members while shopping for handbound books, jewelry, cards, pottery, leather goods, fine art prints, and more. 1251 Solano Ave., Albany, 510- 526-9558, AbramsClaghorn.com.

 

Summer Wines, Free Concerts

Stock up on summer wines, local jewelry and arts, and enjoy free music at Charles R Vineyards. On Friday, July 26, the winery’s free monthly summer concert series continues with acoustic rock, folk, and pop by Chris Alhman. Pack a picnic and enjoy live tunes on the patio under the shady oaks of the valley from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. “We have a variety of wines by the glass or bottle,” said winery representative Nancy Mueller. “Sauvignon blanc and chardonnay are always good summer wines. Or try our delicious, just-released rosé of sangiovese. It’s the first wine available by Lisa Lee, our resident winemaker as of October 2018. If you’re looking for a good summer red wine, try our barbera,” Mueller said.

Winery owner Bonnie Bartlett is also an artist and supporter of local arts and provides space for local artisans to showcase their goods. Currently, you’ll find handcrafted jewelry from Bev Patterson, hand-painted bisqueware ceramics by Helen Marie Roylance, and hand-blown glass by Michael F. Bland.

On Saturday, July 27, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., stop by for the free Summer Ukulele Jam. Musician and strings teacher Steve Kritzer provides music (along with easy beginner songs) and an open mic for ukulele fans. Bring your uke to join in, or just stop by for a glass of wine to enjoy the fun. To avoid Friday evening commute traffic on Tesla Road, Mueller recommends you take take Las Positas or Patterson Pass Road to Greenville Road, which ends at Crane Ridge Road in Livermore. 8195 Crane Ridge Road, Livermore, 925-454-3040, CharlesRVineyards.com.

Follow Annie Crawford on twitter @_annie_crawford. Send retail news to [email protected].

This article recently appeared in our sister publication, The East Bay Monthly.

 

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