Born from a belief that "it is good business to do good," 7th West is more than an artist-centric event space with a bar, kitchen, outdoor area, and an impressive collection of pinball machines. They engage with the West Oakland community in multiple ways and publish a "Social Impact Report" on their website to quantify their impact on the community.
Billing itself as a community event that embraces diverse voices without judgment, Fluid Open Mic also claims to be the longest-running live band open mic in the Bay Area (it began in 2020 with a virtual event) with house band Vibe Muzik holding it down throughout the evening behind performers. This is a ticketed event for both performers ($13) and attendees ($18), proceeds go to the band and venue rental. There is often a discounted $5 admission available, announced on the event's instagram.
Any X Means is an organization focused on "holistic artist development;" a musical career path that doesn't require artists to compromise their values. On their website they state, "We believe that music is the heart and soul of our culture, a powerful force that can drive change and inspire unity. However, the current music industry often leaves artists struggling to make ends meet, compromising their mental health and artistic integrity. We're here to change that narrative. By supporting artists' well-being and career growth, we not only enrich their lives but also contribute to a healthier, more vibrant musical landscape that resonates with us all."