Oakland’s New Era

/Press Release/ - OAKLAND, CA February 3, 2010 – Era Art Bar and Lounge is located at 19 Grand Avenue @ Broadway, in the heart of Oakland’s Uptown District. The partners behind Era are focused on creating one of Oakland’s featured venues of art and entertainment. Era is a 5,000 square foot space designed to bring together art, handcrafted artisan cocktails, local small production wines and a wide range of music with a sprinkle of live performances. The Grand Opening Celebration will take place on Friday, February 5th from 4:30 p.m to 1:30 a.m.

AKG partners, comprised of Alfonso Dominguez, Kevin Best and Gairy Jacques, add Era to the five already established Oakland based hospitality, art and entertainment venues they have created over the last six years, which include Tamarindo Antojeria, B Restaurant and Bar, and Air Lounge. The three got to know each other from working together to better their community, to continue Oakland’s renaissance, and to promote Old Oakland by investing their time, money and energy to create a Thursday night live music series. Benefitting the neighborhood and its residents, they have teamed up to do the same in Oakland’s Uptown district.

Cocktails at Era are created with an upmost respect for the art of fine cocktails. These cocktails are crafted using locally grown organic fruits and herbs, house made syrups and bitters, and the finest spirits. Era’s talented bar staff presents cocktails with a focus on service. Wines served at Era are selected from small Bay Area wineries that focus on small production, handcrafted wines. “ We want people to feel as though they had an experience by having the service, art and ambiance at the same caliber.” said Era co-owner Alfonso Dominguez.

Era curators bring together bi-monthly collections of modern and contemporary art. With a strong focus in painting and sculpture, architecture and design, and media arts, Era strives to present recent works that reflect a variety of artistic developments occurring locally as well as nationally. The hopes are that this art will allow guests to reflect and be inspired.

Era Art Bar and Lounge is a study in the interplay of tradition and innovation. The 5,000 square-foot space offers two comfortable lounges, each offering aesthetics of a different age. Downstairs, patrons are treated to vaulted, hand- plastered ceilings, two off-set seating areas, and a thirty-five foot steel and concrete bar; the upstairs features vintage leather seating, antique and modern furniture, reclaimed 1920's hardwood flooring, a handblown glass chandelier and a private, more intimate bar. Overall, Era combines diverse music, curated collections of contemporary art with boutique cocktails and an elegant environment - to bring the Bay Area an impressive new haven for fine arts and culture.

Era will be open to the public starting Friday February 5th, 2010. Era will be open from 4:30 p.m to 1:30 a.m Wednesday through Saturday. Daily happy hour is from 4:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m. For more information please visit www.oaklandera.com.

For media information and images please contact Tina Aiyer (510) 682-8072. Email: media@oaklandera.com.