Thousands of people filled downtown during this past weekend's Art and Soul Festival. And while the amazing Oakland-related performers - from Oakland native MC Hammer to Cake's John McRea to our very own Kev Choice, plus Club Nouveau, Pete Escovedo, Sheila E and Tony Toni Toné - thrilled the crowds who dug the hip hop, the pop, the jazz, the rock, R&B and gospel. It seemed like the main attraction - besides sunny skies- was Oakland itself, and the need to celebrate the arts, the spirit and the determination that makes our city great.