Art Reception Featuring the Work of Cory Bardwell
An evening of art, music, and shared space.
Join us at Pampas Cafe for a special Art Reception featuring the abstract work of Cory Bardwell — bold, layered paintings that invite you to slow down, look closer, and feel your way through color and form.
This is a chance to experience the work up close, meet the artist, and spend a couple of easy hours in community, surrounded by creativity. Whether you’re a longtime art lover or just curious, you’re welcome here.
The night will be accompanied by live music from Zack England, adding a solid backdrop to the evening as people wander, talk, and take it all in.
📅 Saturday, Jan 31
🕕 6–8pm
📍 Pampas Cafe — Castro Valley
Hosted by @smalltownsociety
22222 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World with a Live Band! - Secret Screen Takeover
🎬 Secret Screen Takeover returns to The Chabot Theater 🎬
In partnership with the SF Chronicle’s 2025 Best Movie Theater in the Bay Area, we’re bringing back Secret Screen—this time with Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. Before the film, a live band will perform songs from the movie.
Directed by Edgar Wright and stacked with an iconic cast (Michael Cera, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Kieran Culkin, Brie Larson, Chris Evans + more), this cult classic blends indie rock, video game chaos, and heart.
🎸 Live music: 7:00 PM
🎥 Film: 7:30 PM
🎟 $10 tickets: thechabot.com
Hosted by Smalltown Society, a non-profit artist collective uplifting local creatives in the Eden Area.
The LAB: Featuring BJ Kemp
The LAB: Featuring BJ Kemp
Wednesday, February 11, 2026 | 7:30 PM | The Clinic, Castro Valley
Join us for a night of music and community featuring BJ Kemp, a San Francisco Bay Area native and seasoned artist whose talent spans decades and disciplines. As a drummer, bassist, vocalist, producer, and engineer, BJ has worked with legends like Raphael Saadiq and Sheila E., toured worldwide, and performed at top festivals including Coachella, Outside Lands, and Montreux Jazz.
Now pursuing his own path as a solo artist, BJ brings a sound rooted in gospel and soul, with rich harmonies, storytelling lyrics, and a quietly powerful presence. His recent releases include the EP Adult Conversations, the single The Moment, and a soulful remake of The Delfonics’ Ready Or Not.
The LAB is Smalltown Society’s monthly open mic and featured artist series, where community, creativity, and authenticity meet. All are welcome to share or simply take it all in.
For more info, visit @smalltownsociety
Writing Jam
Smalltown Society presents our second Writing Jam, a free two-hour creative gathering for writers, poets, and anyone who’s ever felt the pull to put words on a page.
Hosted by author and story doula Amy Henderson of Writing One True Thing, the evening offers a welcoming space to follow your creative impulse, write in short bursts, and (for those who wish) share your words — not to impress, but to be real. Whether you’re an experienced writer or just beginning to explore your voice, the Writing Jam invites you to take creative risks, reconnect with your truth, and rediscover why your words still matter. RSVP on Eventbrite (Smalltown Society’s Writing Jam) Starts at 7:00 PM. Everyone’s welcome.
The Creative LAB
The Creative Lab is our “open house,” where we invite our community to join us in creating and collaborating. No agenda, just space, gear, and dedicated time dedicated to your art. Bring a project, bring an instrument, or simply come and meet fellow artists. Additionally, we’ll be collaborating on long-term projects, such as a Smalltown album, which will be recorded from scratch in our space during these events.
To find the Clinic, follow the painted records from Pampas Cafe.
Castro Valley Student Movie Night
🌈 Student Movie Night: Princess Mononoke
Join us for a special CVUSD Student screening of Princess Mononoke at Castro Valley’s historic Chabot Theater. This night is designed as an affirming, low-pressure space to connect, relax, and enjoy a Studio Ghibli classic on the big screen.
Set in a mystical world shaped by nature, spirits, and the clash between industry and the wild, Princess Mononoke follows San, Ashitaka, and the forest gods as they fight to protect what they love. The film explores themes of identity, belonging, courage, and how we choose to live when the world is out of balance. It’s a powerful story that resonates deeply with community, transformation, and chosen alliances.
✨ Details
CVUSD 6-12 students & Parents Only
📅 Saturday, February 28, 2026
🕖 7:00 PM (doors at 6:30 PM)
📍 The Chabot Theater — Castro Valley
🎟️ Free (Must bring Student Permission Slip)
This event is exclusively for students.
💛 Notes
– Respectful, judgment-free environment
– No recording or photography
– School sponsored event - all standard school expectations apply.
Come grab some snacks, meet new friends, and experience a cinematic masterpiece in a welcoming, inclusive setting.
We can’t wait to see you.
For any questions please email: wellness@cv.k12.ca.us
The LAB: Featuring Corrie Tizon
The LAB: March 4
Join us for an evening of heart, soul, and presence with featured artist Corrie Tizon.
Corrie’s style—acoustic soul—is rooted in life transitions, motherhood, and the healing power of music. As an expressive arts therapist by day and performer by night, her songs carry emotion, reflection, and moments of deep calm. Whether you’re moved or simply put at ease, Corrie’s music is here to meet you where you are.
Wednesday, March 4 @ 7:30 PM
📍The Clinic – Castro Valley
Presented by Smalltown Society
#TheLAB #SmalltownSociety #CorrieTizon #AcousticSoul #BayAreaMusic #TherapyAndArt #CreateCollaborateInspire #CastroValleyEvents #EastBayCreatives
Comedy LAB
Introducing: The Comedy LAB
Wednesday, January 28, 2026 | 7:30 PM | The Clinic, Castro Valley
Smalltown Society launches Comedy LAB, a monthly gathering for anyone passionate about the craft of comedy—whether you're brand new or looking to sharpen your next set.
This isn’t your typical open mic. Comedy LAB offers dedicated stage time and the option for instant feedback from a supportive room of fellow comics and comedy lovers. Whether you’re into stand-up, sketch, character work, or something experimental, this is a space to take creative risks and test new ideas in good company.
Led by James Strawser, a local comedian with over a decade in comedy (and just over 10 minutes of stand-up to his name), Comedy LAB is rooted in the belief that comedy thrives in community—not in isolation.
No judgment. No pressure. Just a mic, a room, and people who love to laugh.
Try something new. Bring something weird.
All levels welcome. All styles encouraged.
#ComedyLAB #SmalltownSociety #CastroValleyEvents #BayAreaComedy #WorkOutTheFunny #EastBayCreatives #NewVoicesInComedy #CreativeCommunity
The Creative LAB
The Creative Lab is our “open house,” where we invite our community to join us in creating and collaborating. No agenda, just space, gear, and dedicated time dedicated to your art. Bring a project, bring an instrument, or simply come and meet fellow artists. Additionally, we’ll be collaborating on long-term projects, such as a Smalltown album, which will be recorded from scratch in our space during these events.
To find the Clinic, follow the painted records from Pampas Cafe.
2026 Winter Benefit Concert for the Alameda Food Bank - ALL AGES
Annual benefit concert to support the Alameda Food Bank featuring:
Slow Coast (indie beach rock)
The Undercurrent (indie electro pop)
The Helltones (surf / soul rock & roll)
Sore Thumb (east bay indie punk)
Casket Ring (doomgaze)
Check out our YouTube playlist for a selection of songs from each band.
$10 cash at the door ALL AGES!
Doors at 5pm, music at 6pm
Tacos Viva Mexico will be serving food in the pop-up kitchen.
Parking is limited, but Spats is very walkable from Downtown Berkeley BART
The Creative LAB
The Creative Lab is our “open house,” where we invite our community to join us in creating and collaborating. No agenda, just space, gear, and dedicated time dedicated to your art. Bring a project, bring an instrument, or simply come and meet fellow artists. Additionally, we’ll be collaborating on long-term projects, such as a Smalltown album, which will be recorded from scratch in our space during these events.
To find the Clinic, follow the painted records from Pampas Cafe.
The LAB: Noah Lux
We’re kicking off 2026 with one of our own — Noah Lux!
An Oakland-based, multi-instrumental singer-songwriter, Noah was born and raised in the Bay and brings with him the sounds, stories, and soul of its many neighborhoods. His music is a blend of surf-rock, punk, rap, and psychedelic indie, woven together with raw emotion and poetic reflection.
Noah’s songs explore love, heartbreak, self-discovery, and the quiet hope we carry. 2025 marked a turning point in his journey, and now he’s stepping into 2026 with live performances and new music on the way.
Come celebrate new beginnings, familiar faces, and heartfelt songs.
🗓️ Tuesday, January 7 at 7:30 p.m.
📍 The Clinic – Castro Valley
Presented by Smalltown Society
Smalltown Jam Night
Join us for Jam Night, a new monthly gathering for musicians, singers, and music lovers of all levels. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just getting started, this is a space to play, collaborate, and connect—no pressure, just good vibes.
We’ll have a piano, guitars, drums, percussion, and mics ready to go. Bring your own instrument if you’d like, or just bring yourself and jump in.
Come make music, meet fellow creatives, and be part of something spontaneous and joyful.
All are welcome. No RSVP needed. Just show up and jam.
To find the Clinic, follow the painted records from Pampas Cafe.
Creative LAB
The Creative Lab is our "open house," where we invite our community to join us in creating and collaborating. No agenda, just space, gear, and dedicated time dedicated to your art. Bring a project, bring an instrument, or simply come and meet fellow artists. Additionally, we'll be collaborating on long-term projects, such as a Smalltown album, which will be recorded from scratch in our space during these events.
To find the Clinic, follow the painted records from Pampas Cafe.
Writing Jam
A two-hour creative space for writers and aspiring writers to take risks, write what’s real, and rediscover the power of their words.
Creative LAB
The Creative Lab is our "open house," where we invite our community to join us in creating and collaborating. No agenda, just space, gear, and dedicated time dedicated to your art. Bring a project, bring an instrument, or simply come and meet fellow artists. Additionally, we'll be collaborating on long-term projects, such as a Smalltown album, which will be recorded from scratch in our space during these events.
To find the Clinic, follow the painted records from Pampas Cafe.