Tomorrow is my last day at my job. If you follow me outside of my work at Oaklash, you know that for the last three years I’ve been at CounterPulse, an amazing experimental performance venue in SF. I started there as the Communications Manager, and worked my way up to be the Director of Programs. I’ve learned a lot in those three years - all the hard work it takes to keep a million dollar organization afloat year after year, the impact that arts institutions can have as a steward of change for good in their community, and the collective power we can build when workers join in solidarity. (Happy Labor Day!) I’m incredibly proud of everything I’ve been able to do in my tenure there, and now it’s time to for my next chapter.
When I tell people I’m leaving CounterPulse, they often excitedly respond “are you gonna start doing Oaklash full time?” — they already know. They can see how exponentially our festival has grown, how we’ve expanded our programs to serve queer and trans artists year-round, and how much it’s been a labor of love for our team these last seven years. We started this organization with a vision for building a better ecosystem for queer and trans artists in nightlife, and it’s finally happening. In many ways, all I’m doing is listening to the winds of change. This organization is at a growth edge, and if it’s going to continue to build towards becoming an enduring institution in the Bay Area, it needs time and attention and investment.
I’m a little anxious if I’m totally honest. It’s a huge leap of faith. The vision of truly making the ED role at Oaklash a full time job is more like a three year vision as we continue to grow our annual budget, and I’ll be gigging more to supplement my income (book me!). I’ve always had a full time job while doing my projects on the side, so centering this work in my life will also be a huge shift for me on a personal level. I’m going to be a full time working artist. It’s wild to think about, but I’m incredibly proud of the foundation we have built here at Oaklash that is allowing me to make this decision. And I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has helped Oaklash grow over the years — from our badass board of directors, to our dedicated team of volunteers who work way harder than we could ever ask, to every single artist who brought their magic to one of our stages, and everyone who ever threw a crumpled up dollar bill our way.
I can promise you this — we’re just getting started.
So if you want to wish me good luck as I embark on this new chapter, come find me this week!!! Your girl is booked and blessed for Pride week here in Oakland, and we are hitting the ground running with our block party this Saturday.
Let’s fucking do this!!!
xx
Celeste
WE RUN THIS!!! Saturday Sept 7th
If you were at last year’s WE RUN THIS block party, you know it was lit beyond what we could have ever possibly imagined. We’ve thrown parties every year for Oakland Pride since we started but this one was next level. The block was PACKED with so many beautiful queers, and this year will be no different. Don’t miss it »
Come check out some queer and trans-owned vendors curated by Gemini Moon Botanicals and Tiara Rumantier, grab a cocktail at Nectar Social Club or Sessions on 15th, and chow down on a spam cubano from Baba’s House or pizza from The Hatch.
5PM - DJ Lady Ryan
6PM - DJ Subeaux
7PM - Drag show hosted by Militia Scunt featuring Beatrix Lahaine, Hera Wynn, Tyson Check-In, and Bettyie Jayne
7:30PM - Live set by TECA
8PM - DJ La Femme Papi
And then whenever La Femme Papi is done, me and DJ Florida WTR are gonna hop on the decks and close out the night with a little B2B set. It’s gonna be hotttttt
COME THROUGH »
18+ with valid ID • $10-$50 Suggested Donation • NOTAFLOF