Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center (The Oakland Civic) & Calvin Simmons Theatre

The former Oakland Auditorium opened in 1914 and hosted countless events in its 90 years of operation as a venue, ranging from political speeches and conventions to concerts and sporting events. Notable artists and dignitaries that performed or spoke at the arena include Martin Luther King Jr., Bill Clinton, Elvis Presley, James Brown, and the Grateful Dead, who performed 57 shows there between 1979 and 1994.

Overlooking the south end of Lake Merritt and adjacent to both the Oakland Museum of California and Laney College, the Oakland Civic historically contained two venues – the 6,000-seat Oakland Auditorium and the 1,900 seat Calvin Simmons Theatre.

The 1,900 seat Calvin Simmons Theatre hosted the Oakland Symphony and Ballet on numerous occasions during its 90 years of operations, as well as graduations, recitals, and concerts for local Oakland youth and artists.