It was only a few years ago that the 40th Street Warehouse, an Oakland underground music venue, was the only reason that my friends and I would visit that desolate stretch of 40th in North Oakland between the Temescal and Piedmont neighborhoods. But in the last few years, a crop of cool shops and eateries (1-2-3-4 Go! Records, Manifesto, Subrosa, Homeroom) have popped up in the Mosswood neighborhood, making it an awesome little destination where the community can congregate. One month ago, a new business, Marquee Salon, joined the pack at 420 40th Street. If you've been wondering where to get your hair did in the hood (I know I have), well, this could be your new spot.

Marquee Salon was opened by three friends, hair stylists Ocean Edgar, Dannielle Pimm, and Jenny Lund, who all live in Oakland. The trio met while working at Festoon in Berkeley and SF, although each ended up leaving to become independent stylists. Over the years, the friends talked about opening their own salon together, but it wasn't until they found the 1600-square-foot space on 40th Street that it seemed like their idea could become a reality. They were excited to build a business where they were welcomed by the people living nearby, but also by the other business owners on the strip, who've been both friendly and supportive of the salon.

Ocean, Dannielle, and Jenny come from backgrounds in fashion, music, and art, so they all have interests and connections in more than just hair. They're also friends with talented makers and designers, which is why for their grand opening weekend, they're throwing two parties are all about shopping, eating, and drinking.

This Saturday, Nov. 10,  from 7-10 p.m., the Marquee will open its doors for a shopping event, with local designers like Job & Boss, Micaela Greg, and Heritage Mercantile. And because a party wouldn't be a party without good snackage, Boffo Cart will be grilling Italian eats and Prizefighter will be making stiff, delicious drinks. Then on Sunday afternoon, from noon to 5 p.m., the salon is hosting what they hope will become a regular shopping event, the Marquee Market, with even more clothing, accessories, and other goodies from local designers. 

With more events like these, we Oakland residents will have even stronger reasons to stay on this side of the bay for all our needs. And that's definitely all right by me.  

Photo courtesy of Jenny Lund of Marquee Salon