Oakland’s Festival By the Lake might be gone, but its spirit lives on in the many free mini-festivals along Lake Merritt’s shores. One such event is Town Up Tuesday, which has just announced its biggest headliner yet: Too Short.
Too Short, a rap legend known for performing in large arenas, will now take the stage at a lakeshore gazebo. It’s a new setting for him, and it’s free to attend, so a large crowd is expected. Other performers include Town favorites 1100Himself, the Conscious Daughters, and the Trunk Boiz, making for an impressive lineup. Too Short’s presence almost guarantees that this will be the biggest Town Up Tuesday yet.
Town Up Tuesday is organized by the Oakland nonprofit Urban Peace Movement. It was created to bring people together after the pandemic and to engage young people in civic issues and upcoming elections.
Nicole Lee, from Urban Peace Movement, explains, “The main message is about getting involved and paying attention to local issues that impact the everyday lives of people in Oakland and the Bay Area. We have a consequential election coming up in November, and we want people to be informed, especially at the local level.”
Too Short agreed to perform because he wants to help reinvigorate pride in Oakland. He has expressed feeling disheartened by negative perceptions about the city, which sometimes overshadow its culture, creativity, innovation, and social activism.
The event will be hosted by Mystic and DNas, with DJs Daghe & Emelle, Michael Sneed, 3Nise, the Animaniakz, and Ms. Bria performing. There will also be double dutch sessions with Jump Squad 510, wellness services from Freedom Community Clinic, a kids’ area, and more. Two surprise legendary artists are also promised to perform.