Wanda's Picks

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!  Orisa Urban World Festival (3/11-12) reprise and reflection (host) with an interview with Yeye Luisah Teish.  http://www.orisaurbanworldfestival.com/elders-bio.php

1. Mahealani Uchiyama,  director, Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance in Berkeley, Kumu Hula (hula teacher) of Halau Ka Ua Tuahine. She is creator and director of the annual Kapili Polynesian dance and music workshops  and Traci Bartlow, as Artistic director, Starchild Dance Company uses African, hip hop, house, praise dance, and authentic jazz dance styles in her choreography. Both choreographers are featured in the 21st Annual Collage des Cultures Africaines, Mar. 10-13, at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Art in Oakland. 2. Christian L. Frock, guest curator for Take This Hammer @ YBCA March-August, 2016. Opens tonight! Frock is an independent curator, writer, and educator. Frock’s practice focuses on art and politics. Invisible Venue, the curatorial enterprise Frock founded and has directed since 2005, collaborates with artists to present art in public spaces. Unexpected Art, came out Mar.'15. Recent work: co-curated Public Works: Artists’ Interventions 1970s – Now at the Mills College Ar

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!  1. Esailama Diouf-Henry, Diamano Coura West African Dance Company, and Thamsanqa Hlatywayo, Artistic Director & Co-founder, Jikelele Dance Theater, join us to talk about the 21st Annual Collage des Cultures Africaines, March 10-13, at the Malonga Casquelourd Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice Street, in Oakland. 2. Kheven LaGrone, curator, and Kristine Mays, artist, join us to talk about the closing exhibit: I AM SAN FRANCISCO:(Re)Collectin

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!  1. Guests speak about the Million Man March: Justice or Else and a 20 year MMM Retrospective through films and conversation, this Friday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m. at The ALTENHIEM COMMUNITY ROOM, 1720 MacArthur Blvd 94602, Oakland, CA 2. Ruth Price, drummer, joins us to talk about Witches Brew, her band which has a performance this weekend, Feb. 27, 8-10 p.m. at Musically Minded http://musicallyminded.org/event/ruthie-prices-witches-brew/ 3. Nic

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!  1. Janet "Sula Spirit" Evans (Zion Spirit) and Adimu Madyun "WolfHawkJaguar".  Special Charlotte Hill O'Neal a.k.a. "Mama C." 2. We close with a conversation with Yeye Luisah Teish who is going to be on the Elder's Panel at the Orisa Urban World Conference: http://www.orisaurbanworldfestival.com/elders-bio.php Music: WolfHawkJaguar's "All Blessed" and "Prosperity Movement" and Zion Trinity's "Love Letters." 

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!  The Orisha Urban World Festival is March 11-12 in Oakland. It opens with a panel of elders. We are delighted to have Iya Nedra T. Williams, Conjure Designs, Halifu Osumare, Ph.D., professor, dancer, arts administrator, and Iya Rama, three women elders, join us this morning to speak about Orisha, Ifa and Ancestors in an urban context. What happens when black deities relocate from the village to the city or cross oceans? How does Ifa equip its s

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!  1. Invisible Black Men: African American Artists on Art, guest artists, Charles Curtis Blackwell and James Knox, join us to talk about this exhibit, curated by Damon Powell, at Warehous 416 at 416 26th Street, Oakland programing this closing weekend, Feb. 26-28 with panel discussions on a variety of topics beginning at 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. 2. Leroy Franklin Moore, Krip-Hop poet, disabilities actvist, educator, and journalist, joins us to talk

1. Guests speak about the Million Man March: Justice or Else and a 20 year MMM Retrospective through films and conversation, this Friday, Feb. 26, 7 p.m. at The ALTENHIEM COMMUNITY ROOM, 1720 MacArthur Blvd 94602, Oakland, CA 2. Ruth Price, drummer, joins us to talk about Witches Brew, her band which has a performance this weekend, Feb. 27, 8-10 p.m. at Musically Minded http://musicallyminded.org/event/ruthie-prices-witches-brew/ 3. Nicolas Beard joins us to talk about the musical, Bridges at Berkeley Playhouse through Mar. 6, and his new CD, "Invitation." CD release party is March 26 at the Sound Room in Oakland. 4. Adimu Madyun, host, Orisha Urban World Conference March 11-12 in Oakland, CA is joined by elders circle panelists: Baba Kola Abímbolá and Baba Obafemi. Visit http://www.orisaurbanworldfestival.com

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!  1. From the archives August 29, 2014 show: Middle Passage walk, Theodore Rush, Fetch Cly, William Rhodes 2. Playwright Tanya Barfield joins us to talk about The Call (Feb. 20-Mar.12) at Theatre Rhinoceros in SF.  http://www.therhino.org/buy.htm or 1- (800) 838-3006.     3. We close with a conversation with Emerging choreographer Wanjiru Kamuyu whose work is a part of Black Choreographer's Festival this weekend, Feb. 20 at Dance Mission. Her

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!    1. Todd Thomas Brown and Yayoi Kambara join us to talk about the D.I.R.T. Festival at Dance Mission this weekend, Sat., Feb. 6 and Sun., Feb. 7. This is the third week and third in a series of interviews with choreographers. Visit dancemission.com   2. From the Archives: Interview with Margo Hall re: BeBopBaby Nov. 19-23, 2013. She is currently, Aunt Ester in August Wilson's "Gem of the Ocean" at MTC through Feb. 14. marintheatre.org  

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. Pianist/composer Aruán Ortiz joins us to talk about his unique "Cuban Cubism" conception on the brilliant new CD Hidden Voices, in trio with Eric Revis and Gerald Cleaver debuting today Jan. 29. 2. Dance Mission's Dance in Revolting Times (DIRT) at Dance Mission Theatre in San Francisco, continues this weekend: Gregory Dawson (Program B) and Sammantha SAMMY Dizon (Program C). 3. From the Archives: "Barry Shabaka Henley: Mingus Revisit

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! Today we will host our second tribute to the great warrior, Dr. Frances Cress Welsing with guests: Kwalin Kimaathi, Phavia Kujichagulia Mark Lomax, II, D.M.A. and Akeem Jamal.   

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. Tammy Hall, composer, musician, joins us to talk about Mahalia Jackson: Just As I AM at the Cinnabar Theater, Thursday, Jan. 21-Sunday, Jan. 24. Visit http://www.cinnabartheater.org/mahaliajackson/ 2. Dee Hibbert-Jones, co-director, joins us to talk about her Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Short, Last Day of Freedom. The story is that of two brothers, Bill and Manny Babbitt. When Bill realizes his brother Manny has committed a

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. Tammy Hall, composer, musician, joins us to talk about Mahalia Jackson: Just As I AM at the Cinnabar Theater, Thursday, Jan. 21-Sunday, Jan. 24. Visit http://www.cinnabartheater.org/mahaliajackson/ 2. Dee Hibbert-Jones, co-director, joins us to talk about her Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Short, Last Day of Freedom. The story is that of two brothers, Bill and Manny Babbitt. When Bill realizes his brother Manny has committed

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. Charles Curtis Blackwell & Arthur Norcome re: Invisible Men: Black Male Artists in Art @ Warehouse 416 in Oakland, Jan. 9-Feb. 28. 2. Artists from Dance in Dangerous Times (DIRT) at Dance Mission Rainy Demerson, choreographer, Program A; Latanya Tigner, choreographer, Program A; Kristy Keefer, choreographer, Program C. dancemission.com 3. Glen Pearson (scholar, professor, composer, musician) speaks about In The Name of Love, the 14th

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! 1. Cat Brooks, Anti Police-Terror Project (APTP) speaks about the 96 hours of direct action across the Bay Area this weekend: https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/96hours and https://www.facebook.com/Anti-Police-Terror-Project-513658562107268/ 2. Canaan Kennedy (18), author, Struggles to Victory over Racism in America (2015).  3. Amikaeyla Gaston, director, Living Jazz Children's Project for "In the Name of Love, the 14th Annual Musical Tribute