Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Celebrates 11th Black History Month

Plus, a bondage ball, CODEX book fair, and magnolia blooms galore in the Bay Area this week

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir is holding its 11th annual Black History Month celebration at the iconic Freight & Salvage in Berkeley this Saturday. Meanwhile, a variety of other arts, music, and cultural events are taking place across the Bay Area, including the SF Bondage Ball, the CODEX Book Art Fair, and the peak of magnolia blooming season at the SF Botanical Gardens.

Why it matters

The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir's annual Black History Month performance is a long-standing tradition that brings the community together through uplifting gospel music. In a time of crisis and division, events like this provide a much-needed sense of unity and joy. The diverse array of other events also showcase the vibrant arts and culture scene in the Bay Area, offering something for everyone.

The details

The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, led by Terrance Kelly, is celebrating its 11th annual Black History Month concert at the Freight & Salvage in Berkeley. The renowned choir has performed with artists like Tramaine Hawkins, MC Hammer, and Linda Ronstadt, and is known for weaving together a diverse group of over 55 singers from different faiths, races, and cultures. Meanwhile, other notable events this week include the SF Bondage Ball at the DNA Lounge, the CODEX Book Art Fair in Oakland, and the peak of magnolia blooming season at the SF Botanical Gardens.

  • The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir's Black History Month celebration is this Saturday, February 7th.
  • The SF Bondage Ball is taking place on Friday, February 6th.
  • The CODEX Book Art Fair runs from Saturday, February 7th through Tuesday, February 10th.
  • Magnolia blooming season is ongoing through March at the SF Botanical Gardens.

The players

Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir

A renowned performance choir that brings together over 55 singers from a wide range of faiths, races, and cultures, led by Terrance Kelly.

Terrance Kelly

The upbeat director of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir.

DNA Lounge

The San Francisco venue hosting the SF Bondage Ball.

Oakland Marriott City Center

The location of the CODEX Book Art Fair.

San Francisco Botanical Gardens

The site of the country's first exotic cup and saucer magnolia blooms, featuring 63 species and a 'magnolia exploration zone'.

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What they’re saying

“The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir 'weaves together a family of more than 55 singers from a wide range of faiths, races, and cultures,' according to the group's artist bio.”

— Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir (48hills.org)

The takeaway

In a time of division and crisis, events like the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir's Black History Month celebration provide a much-needed sense of community, unity, and joy through the power of music. Meanwhile, the diverse array of arts and cultural events across the Bay Area showcase the region's vibrant creative scene, offering something for everyone to enjoy.