By SARAH BASS

The midday sun was bright and strong, but thankfully Franklin Square in Uptown Oakland was well-shaded, with two large picnic tables, a half dozen smaller metal ones, and a woman in a red dress crooning into a microphone. A man jangled keys on a color-matched keyboard behind her.

This was AMP Lunch and Listen, a new series of free weekly lunch hour concerts presented by Oakland Central as part of its Oakland Works Wednesdays, a program looking to revitalize downtown with arts and commerce.

Tracy Cruz and Colin Hogan in Oakland’s Franklin Square.

Though I’ve passed through many a time before, like to visit Edith’s, I was unfamiliar with the official name of the square. Located at the intersection of Broadway, 22nd, Grand, and Franklin (yes, I know that’s too many streets; look at the map though), Franklin Square is small but mighty, boasting a full line of small but bustling restaurants. On this afternoon, I thought I was showing up to see Tapper Dan, but instead, I was greeted by the vocal stylings of Tracy Cruz.

Cruz, an R&B and soul singer-songwriter, was backed by keyboardist Colin Hogan and performed a combination of original songs and covers. They were midway through Michael Jackson’s ​“Can’t Help It” when I walked up to find a seat, about 10 minutes after noon. Hers is a soft but strong voice, jazzy but no jazz singer, and certainly no blues to be heard here: Cruz was happy, cheerful, and friendly to the small crowd throughout her set. She introduced Hogan of the Hogan Brothers, an above-average family band, as well as her friend Regina, seated just a few feet away eating lunch, there in support.

Tracy Cruz sings “We Gotta Keep Living”

Two of her original songs covered ground from early in the days of the pandemic: ​“Keep Our Soul Alive” and ​“Find A Way,” both touching on the difficulties of isolation for creatives and the need to keep pushing forward and maintain a positive mindset. As the set wore on, her lofty voice floated above our heads and into the streets. When Hogan introduced strings to his arrangement, ​“Oh snap the strings! Gotta class it up a little,” they then melted into ​“I can’t do what you do”’s to each other before launching into the song.

The line for Boba Binge remained out the door, and as Cruz noted, everyone’s food looked good. I was even gifted a boba beverage (but like, without actual boba in it??) by the friendly bright-haired queers at the table next to me before they walked away, leaving the rest of us as Cruz intro’d her next number.

That song was a personal favorite of hers — but one she can’t sing around her kids. ​“And they’re not here, so….”

“Pony by Genuine!” a voice called out.

”Is that a request?” Cruz responded. But whether or not it was (it was), she began with ay different sound and feeling, if similar content.

”That’s the time I feel like making love — that’s right — to you.” Her voice soared, microphone clasped tight, and carried me blocks away.

Proof of purchase: the Halal Guys were doing steady business as well. Photo Sarah Bass