Mumblings and Musings…

Being new to the Bay Area, I am vigilant about getting out as much as possible. I want to soak up all that this area has to offer. One of the places that I have visited recently is The Paramount Theater in Oakland. I made a spontaneous decision to see Ben Harper there with a friend.

This was my first foray into Oakland. Not to offend anyone, but, I have not yet heard many positive things about Oakland. So, I wasn’t expecting much from this concert venue….I was definitely proved wrong!
The Paramount Theater is stunning! As you drive down the slightly run-down, but, bustling Broadway, you are suddenly greeted with a huge blinking sign advertising “The Paramount”. Upon entering, you feel as though you have been swept back in time. The lobby is what I would call both “grand” and “sumptuous”. I wanted to be wearing a floor length, clingy red gown, with a mink coat and a cigarette holder in hand….not the jeans and flats that I had picked out in such uninspired fashion.

The theater was completed in 1931 by renowned architect, Timothy Pflueger. The building is said to be one of the best remaining examples of art deco in the United States. There are old velvet settees and thick intricately designed carpets. The ceiling towers over you and there is a huge sweeping staircase up to the second floor. The women’s restroom has a lounge area with floor to ceiling mirrors on every wall. Once inside the theater, there is even more eye candy. The stage is lit with several crystal chandeliers and the gold design on the ceiling could be studied for hours. Ben Harper and his band gave a nod to their surroundings by all wearing old-school tuxedos and hats. It is home to the Oakland East Bay Symphony, and I can’t wait to go back for one of their concerts.

It was a fun night and I felt like I had stepped back in time. I wonder what other surprises Oakland might have to offer…