Creative Growth x Living Jazz: A Celebration of Art, Music & Community

Join two longstanding Oakland nonprofits for a special event that brings together Oakland’s artistic and musical communities to celebrate soul, self-expression, and collaboration through live jazz and visual art.

Taking place at Creative Growth Art Center, the event will unfold within Soul Food, Creative Growth’s exhibition celebrating the work of Black artists. Guests will experience a blend of live music, thought-provoking artwork, and a mix of local creatives and supporters.

More than a celebration, Soul Food is an opportunity to make new connections, embrace the power of the arts, and uplift diverse voices in an inclusive, vibrant, and inspiring space.

Enjoy LIVE music by Kimiko Joy and Mike Blankenship.

Kimiko Joy

Jamaican/American vocalist, Kimiko Joy, captures a myriad of influences in her performances. She writes and sings songs in every genre, from Blues and Jazz to R&B and Soul to Reggae and traditional classical Indian, Joy’s vocal stylings combine passionate, heartfelt melodies with powerful poetry. “Music is a parallel dimension that can express the language of the soul. My job is to translate.”

Joy's creative ambitions have lead her to sing with internationally known artists such as Booker T. Jones, Kelly Finnigan, The Monophonics, Les Nubian, Zap Mama, the Escovedo family, the Hieroglyphics Crew, and Lyrics Born. Whether she is singing her original music, supporting other artists on background vocals or bringing the party vibes with classic songs we all love, her creative spirit knows no bounds.

Mike Blankenship

Mike Blankenship is a renowned pianist, keyboardist, composer, and educator based in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a career spanning over two decades, Mike has toured globally and performed with legendary artists, including Michael Franti & Spearhead, Sheila E., Ledisi, and Miss Lauryn Hill. He is celebrated for his dynamic musicality and versatility across genres, from jazz and soul to hip-hop and R&B.

Beyond the stage, Mike is deeply committed to arts education as the Managing Director of Yeah, Art!, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth through music and creative expression. He has developed innovative curricula for songwriting, music production, and digital art that inspire and amplify the voices of young artists.

Mike is also a proud Governor of the San Francisco Chapter of the Recording Academy and a passionate advocate for music's transformative power. Through his work, he continues to honor the legacies of musical greats and foster the next generation of talent.

CG x Living Jazz

Living Jazz is joining forces with Creative Growth as part of their In-Partnership Series. The night will feature live music and a merging of communities.

Team Members