Highlights of this weekend's Temescal's First Friday art walk: an art show and fundraiser for suicide prevention at Sacred Wheel Cheese Shop, a "Quatro de Mayo" celebration in the Alleys, and a Kids Only Art Show at Rise Above. Details and full listings at temescalfirstfriday.com.

Oakland's Cambodian community and music lovers of every ethnicity are meeting at Peralta Hacienda Historical Park on April 21^st to ring in Cambodian New Year and honor a people, their music, and their stories under the banner Rhythm of the Refugee: A Cambodian Journey of Healing.

92-year-old Nhep Prok, one of the sole surviving master musicians of pre-Pol Pot Cambodia, will play with his youth ensemble and virtuoso apprentices. “Our music cannot die with me,” says Nhep Prok, “My duty and purpose is to pass it down. Khmer music saved my life.”

Immediately upon entering Oakland artist and activist Favianna Rodriguez’ studio, I notice a turtle tank. She mentioned that he might come closer, given that I was an unknown visitor. Her pet turtle seemed full, curious and somehow open to new things.