LIVE IN THE LAUREL
PRESENTED BY THE LAUREL DISTRICT ASSOCIATION
FREE, ALL AGES CONCERTS AT ROTATING VENUES
MONTHLY, APRIL - OCTOBER
The 2026 Live in The Laurel (LITL) series promises a great season of outstanding locally-based live music and homegrown fun in The Laurel. Each month, explore some rising stars and local favorites as they perform in intimate venues along MacArthur Boulevard in Oakland. New this year, we are excited to debut local youth and student performers who will open every show at 7pm sharp.
NEW TO THE LAUREL?
Visitors are invited to dine at participating restaurant venues during the shows or at one of the many Boulevard restaurants before/after. Stick around to browse boutique shops, catch a yoga class, pamper and glam at a salon, and explore the many public art works and murals. Welcome to The Laurel!
NEXT SHOW: KAI THE MC
The Saturday, May 16 (7pm-9pm) show at Left Coast Power Yoga features Kai the MC, a rapper, producer, and DJ from the Bay Area, blending modern west coast and contemporary hip-hop influences with a sound inspired by artists like Larry June, Joey Badass, and A Tribe Called Quest. Known for his smooth flows, nostalgic grooves, and sharp storytelling, Kai's homegrown tracks capture everyday moments with authenticity and style.
His music has earned him opportunities to open for hip-hop legends like Planet Asia, Goodie Mob, The Pharcyde, GZA of Wu-Tang Clan, and Slick Rick. Raised by educators and civil rights activists, Kai has made it his mission to be both relatable and inspirational, incorporating gems about black life and politics alongside young love and hustle.
With a deep passion for hip-hop culture and a sound that bridges generations, Kai The MC is just getting started.
2026 CONCERT SERIES SCHEDULE
ALL SHOWS ARE 7-9PM
Saturday, APRIL 18
NATHAN X MOODY
OPENING YOUTH ACT: THE LUCA PARENTI QUARTET
DEGREES PLATO, 4251 MacArthur Blvd
R&B; 30’s
Saturday, MAY 16
KAI THE MC W/ BAND
LEFT COAST POWER YOGA, 4148 MacArthur Blvd
Rap w/ Band; Teens
SUNDAY, JUNE 21
ORCHESTRA GOLD UNPLUGGED
DEGREES PLATO, 4251 MacArthur Blvd
African Psych Rock
Saturday, JULY 18
THE GREASE TRAPS
GOLONDRINAS, 4171 MacArthur Blvd
Soul/Funk
Saturday, AUGUST 22
CARLOS RIVERA
RAÍZ, 3832 MacArthur Blvd
Spanish Guitar
Saturday, SEPTEMBER 19
FOXTAIL BRIGADE
DEGREES PLATO, 4251 MacArthur Blvd
Alt Rock
Saturday, OCTOBER 17
ROSHON
DEGREES PLATO, 4251 MacArthur Blvd
Rock
SERIES SPONSORS
SUPPORT LIVE IN THE LAUREL
Help sustain local musicians, free and all-ages cultural activities, and business activities in East Oakland’s Laurel District!
SPONSOR
Logo on event poster
Logo on event postcards/fliers
Logo on event website
Mention in press releases
Social media shoutouts/links/tags
Custom packages available
DONATE
We can’t bring live music to The Laurel without the support of the community! Please make a tax-deductible donation today to help us bring more talent to MacArthur Boulevard.
VOLUNTEER
Do you love local music? Help us bring local bands to the East Oakland community and to keep this series FREE to the public. We could use help with day-of setup and breakdown as well as spreading the word about the series.
