Here’s what’s up this weekend:
Vir
Oakland shoegaze trio Vir describes its sound as a collision of My Bloody Valentine and Doves, but it’s groovier and more psychedelic than that comparison might suggest. Yes, there are buckets of distortion and reverb, but songs have a tendency to build into climactic noise jams, such as on “Joy in Space” off the band’s new album, Engineers. A lot must be said for bassist Natasha Arens, who not only keeps the foundation solid but also sounds interesting underneath all the feedback, fuzz, and delay. The band opened for Bob Mould at Noise Pop earlier this year, and is now promoting its third album. Catch it at The Starry Plough on Friday, July 20, with Portland’s The Blacklights and fellow Oaklanders James and Evander. 9:30 p.m., $7-$12. StarryPloughPub.com — Kathleen Richards
Bikes 4 Life Peace Ride
Whether you typically ride a bicycle for good health, fun, or a cheap commute, the proprietors of West Oakland community bicycle shop Bikes 4 Life invite you to ride for peace at the 5th Annual Peace Ride on Saturday, July 21. The ride is intended to bring together everyone from youth on handcrafted scraper bikes and dapper sorts on fancy fixed-gears to little old ladies on kid-size BMXs. Meet at Lake Merritt (468 Perkins St., Oakland) at 5 p.m. for a ride around the lake followed by a trek to the West Oakland bike shop (1600 7th St.) for a block party complete with bike competitions, outdoor movie screenings, and food and libations for sale by neighboring Revolution Cafe. Free. 510-452-2453 or BikesForLife.com — Cassie McFadden
