Wanda's Picks

The San Francisco Arts Commission in conjunction with the Museum of the African Diaspora are hosting an ART IMPACT speaker series event featuring renowned, musician Martin Luther. In keeping with ART IMPACT’s mission of providing a platform to explore and discuss the impact of arts education through the lens of high profile individuals, the evening will include an intimate look at how arts education has impacted Luther’s musical journey by hearing intimate stories of the singer’s life and listening to selections from previous and forthcoming releases. Martin Luther’s music encompasses a universal appeal and the rudiments of rock and roll and classic soul music, unique to many legendary San Francisco musicians. The event is Tuesday, February 14, 2012|7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. at the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD), 685 Mission Street @3rd Street, Couple General Admission: $35.00. General Admission: $20.00. For tickets visit: http://MLmoadvalentines.eventbrite.com/

We replay a clip from an earlier interview with singer, pastor and actress, Della Reese at the Rrazz Room in San Francisco, Feb. 16-18. We then featured interviews with the founder of SF Indie Festival, Feb. 9-23, Jeff Ross and directors: Damon Russell, whose Snow on Tha Bluff screens Saturday, Feb. 11, 9:30 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 16.  Visit www.sfindie.com We conclude with a conversation with Maria Breaux about her narrative feature Mother Country, which also screens Feb. 11, 12:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon, Feb. 12, 5 p.m. Music: Abraham Burton's "Aminah," Paula West's "Rolling Stone," concluding with Meklit Hadero's "Abbay Mado."

On his 11th Anniversary of freedom, Robert Hillary King joins us to talk about the case of the Angola 3: himself, Albert Woodfox and Herman Wallace. April marks the 40th Anniversary of their incarceration, King is the only one of the three currently released. King was released after 29 years in solitary confinement, 31 years total only when against his initial response agreed to plead guilty to a lesser conspiracy to commit murder charge. Herman Wallace and Albert Woodfox are still prisoners in Angola prison and are working to get released. In March 2008 they were moved, after 36 years, from solitary confinement to a maximum security dormitory. Their cases have gained increased interest over the last few years. Since his release, Robert Hillary King has worked to build international recognition for the Angola 3. He has spoken before the parliaments in the Netherlands, France, Portugal, Indonesia, Brazil and Britain and about the case, and political prisoners in the U.S.. King was received as a guest and digni

We are joined by founders of Black Choreographers Festival: Here and Now: Laura Elaine Ellis and Kendra Kimbrough and choreographers, Reginald Ray Savage and Latanya Tigner to talk about this 2012 Season beginning Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 at Laney College. Visit http://www.bcfhereandnow.com/  Paul West joins us to talk about her concert and latest CD about to be released, Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012, 8 p.m., at the Herbst Theatre, Van Ness & MacAllister in San Francisco. From the Archives: Interview with director Dee Rees re: Pariah. Music: Paula West: Live at the Jazz Standard--"Baltimore Oriole" & "Rolling Stone." For tickets visit: www.cityboxoffice.com

Today we are joined by author and journalist Joanne Griffith who will is on tour with her book: Redefining Black Power: Reflections on the State of Black America with foreward by Pacifica Radio Archives director Brian DeShazor. Feb. 8, 7 p.m., she will be at MoAD, 685 Mission Street (at Third), San Francisco. There is a cost for adults. Feb. 9, 6:30-8 p.m. she will be at Marcus Books in Oakland, 40th & MLK Jr. Way. This event is free. Join the conversation. Visit http://redefiningblackpower.com/?page_id=14 Our next guest is African American Quilt Designer Helen Anderson, whose work as a part of the ACTA Apprenticeship program debuts Feb. 4, 1-3 p.m. at East Bay Church of Religious Science in Oakland. The program is free. Marc Bamuthi Joseph's "When Words Become Flesh" opens Black Choreographers Here and Now at Laney College in Oakland, Feb. 11. We are joined by Bamuthi and two members of the cast: Khalil Anthony & Daveed Diggs. Visit http://www.bcfhereandnow.com/Oaklandinfo12.html We close with Mahen

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the writing, visual and performing arts of African people in the Diaspora. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work filled with raw unfettered passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! Remember to tune in on Wednesdays from 6 AM PST to 7 or 8 AM and on Fridays from 8 AM to 10 AM. We also host special broadcasts from time to time.

Sharon La Cruise (Producer/Director) has worked in television and film for twenty years, both in the corporate and production aspects of the business. She began her television career with ABC Primetime sales, working closely with the account executives and advertising agencies. She has worked for Blackside Inc., Firelight Media, Roja Productions, The Faith Project, The Coca-Cola Company, the 1996 Summer Olympic Games and CNN. She has worked on "Shut up & Sing;" "Going Up River: The Long War of John Kerry;" "Beyond Brown: Pursing the Promise;" "Citizen King;" "Matters of Race;" "This Far By Faith: African-American Spiritual Journeys;" "Zora Neale Hurston’s Jump at the Sun;" CNN’s Through the Lens, The Road to the White House, and The Planetary Police. She currently works as an associate for the Ford Foundation in the JustFilms unit, and is a member of the International Documentary Association. She holds an M.A. degree in television journalism from New York University, and a B.A. in history from Adelphi Uni

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the writing, visual and performing arts of African people in the Diaspora. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work filled with raw unfettered passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! Remember to tune in on Wednesdays from 6 AM PST to 7 or 8 AM and on Fridays from 8 AM to 10 AM. We also host special broadcasts from time to time.

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the writing, visual and performing arts of African people in the Diaspora. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work filled with raw unfettered passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! Remember to tune in on Wednesdays from 6 AM PST to 7 or 8 AM and on Fridays from 8 AM to 10 AM. We also host special broadcasts from time to time.

Host on vacation. Show cancelled due to travel. Enjoy archived shows (smile).  May 19, 2010 Today we celebrate the life and legacy of El Hajj Malik El Shabazz with musician Steve Wilson, activist and MOVE member Ramona Africa with poet/teacher, Malcolm Shabazz Hoover; filmmaker, writer, educator, Chike Nwoffiah; and professor, historican, Manu Ampim. We feature the music of Soulfege. The event honoring Judi Bari, that Ramona Africa speaks of in her interview is Sunday, May 23, 7 PM at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705 USA. The event is hosted by Revolutionary Ecology Earth First! and Headwaters Coalition and is free though donations are accepted. It is in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the bomb atack on Earth First! activist Judi Bari with speakers, music & film. Sponsored by Earth First and Headwaters coalition. For more info: 510-548-3113.

Leila Baradaran who co-directs The Revolutioanary Nutcracker Sweetie– The Kidz Version, this year, joins Stella Adelman who plays the role of The Mouse King and Mrs. McGreed to talk about the show: Dec. 10-11, 2011, Sat., 2 pm & 6 pm; Sun., 1 pm & 5 pm at Brava Theater, 2781 24th St (@ York). Call: 415-273-4633. Georgia Houston Webb joins us to talk about the encore production of her musical: A Little Piece of God, Saturday December 10 and Sunday, December 11, 2011. Written and directed by Georgia Houston Webb the play features: Oakland gospel music great Daryl Coley, an original song by Branice McKenzie, a long time background singer for both Harry Belafonte and Gregory Hines. A Little Piece of God is a two act play of rhyming poems, sometimes spoken, other times sung. The story is energetically introduced by the character "Life" who gives a hint of the mystery found in our existence. Actors play the parts of human emotions (i.e., Fear, Guilt, and Worry). Eventually, the forces of Friendship, Love an

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the writing, visual and performing arts of African people in the Diaspora. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work filled with raw unfettered passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay. Periodically, we will rebroadcast shows, what we call, "From the Archives."

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the writing, visual and performing arts of African people in the Diaspora. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work filled with raw unfettered passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! Remember to tune in on Wednesdays from 6 AM PST to 7 or 8 AM and on Fridays from 8 AM to 10 AM. We also host special broadcasts from time to time.

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the writing, visual and performing arts of African people in the Diaspora. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work filled with raw unfettered passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay. Periodically, we will rebroadcast shows, what we call, "From the Archives."

As listeners recover from overeating, learn about the true history of Thanksgiving: http://www.danielnpaul.com/TheRealThanksgiving.html We rebroadcast an interview with Haitian-American soprano Jouvanca Jean-Baptiste will perform the roles of Nedda in Pagliacci, Violetta Valery in La traviata, and Marguerite in Faust with Opera San Jose for the 2011-2012 season. Visit http://www.myspace.com/thehaitiandiva She sings Sun., Nov. 27, 3 PM Next is Larry Douglas who has ruled as one of San Francisco's top trumpet/flugelhorn players for more than three decades. We met at the UMOJA CD release party of Dance of the Kalahari (In Memoriam), just a week ago. In addition to leading his own electro-acoustic group, the Larry Douglas Alltet, Douglas has worked with such stellar musicians as Freddie Hubbard, Chuck Berry, Albert Collins, Sun Ra and Rufus and Carla Thomas. As a member of Johnny Otis and His Orchestra, his playing was featured on four albums including the Grammy-nominated Spirit Of The Black Territory Bands. We

We will speak to the directors of Sarabah, Maria Luisa Gambale; and Judy Lieff, dir. Deaf Jam. In Lieff's Deaf Jam, Aneta Brodski seizes the day. She is a deaf teen introduced to American Sign Language (ASL) Poetry, who then boldly enters the spoken word slam scene. In a wondrous twist, Aneta, an Israeli immigrant living in the Queens section of New York City, eventually meets Tahani, a hearing Palestinian slam poet. The two women embark on a collaboration-performance duet - creating a new form of slam poetry that speaks to both the hearing and the Deaf.  Hip Hop in West Africa? A woman DJ? Muslim? Sister Fa? This wonderful film takes its audience on a whirlwind tour as we get trapped in the vortex of Sister Fa's life. We enter the theatre thinking we're here for a concert--the story of the first African woman DJ is pretty hot, then without missing a beat once we pass go,  Sister Fa falls in love, gets married, moves to Germany, has a daugher--we then find out that she is a victim of genital cutting (FGM). He

Kheven Lee LaGrone, curator, I Am America:  Black Genealogy Through the Eye of An Artist, November 5, 2011 through February 2, 2012 at the San Francisco’s Main Public Library’s African American Center. A genealogists/artists reception will take place on Sunday, November 20, 2011 from 1 pm to 2 pm. A program follows from 2 pm to 3 pm in the Latino Hispanic Room.  Participating artists: Alice Beasley (quiltmaker); Inez Brown (mixed media); Karen Oyekanmi (doll maker); Makeda Rashidi (painter); Malik Seneferu (painter); Marion Coleman (quiltmaker); Morrie Turner (cartoonist); Nate Creekmore (cartoonist); Nena St. Louis (sculptor); Nicka Smith (mixed media); Orlonda Uffre (painter); TaSin Sabir (mixed media); Tomye (mixed media) We close with a conversation with members of Umoja:Damu Sudi Alii (piano) and Muhammad Bilal Hanif (alto & soprano saxophones): Dance of the Kalahari: In Memorium Concert.at the 57th Street Gallery, in Oakland, Sunday, Nov. 20, 2011, 2-5:30 PM, featuring besides Damu & M.B. Hanif,

We open with an archived interview with Wadada Leo Smith speaking on his project, 10 Freedom Summers which premiered in LA last month.The world premiere of the  trumpeter/composer's civil rights opus features the his Golden Quartet and Southwest Chamber Music. The musicians recorded the project in the days after the premiere for release on Cuneiform in the spring of 2012. The visionary trumpeter and composer delivers his masterwork, a vivid, spiritually charged musical tapestry that celebrates the movement's heroes and the turbulent era's milestones, while also posing philosophical questions about the nature of democracy and equality. Mishy Lesser, Ed.D. Learning Director and the director, Adam Mazo, Coexist, join us to talk about their film project, Coexist, screening at La Peña Cultural Center in Berkeley, Friday, November 18. 8pm. Tickets are $10 at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley. Coexistis a new forty-minute documentary by director Adam Mazo about post-genocide Rwanda where a social

Timothy Hull, an A.C.T. Master of Fine Arts Program grad who has been deployed to Iraq, speaks about Theatre of War Productions in Collaboration with A.C.T., USF this weekend: Sunday, Nov.13-14, 2011, 7 PM both days at University of San Francisco's Presentation Theater, 2350 Turk Blvd., San Francisco, CA. Reservations are recommended: 415.749.2228 or act-sf.org KALAKUTA @ Oasis Restaurant & Bar, Sat., Nov. 12, 2011 at 135 12th Street Oakland, CA from 9:00 PM - 2:00 AM, $10 before 11pm $15 after features: Wunmi World! afro-funk : afro-beat : house : soul : afro-couture: In the world of dance music, Wunmi is a one-off, an artist that effortlessly joins the dots between Nigeria’s Afrobeat heritage, New York’s house pedigree and London’s jazz, broken beat and classic street soul sounds. After ten years of classic collaborations working with production heavyweights like Masters At Work, Osunlade, Seiji and Truby Trio; Wunmi is finally flying solo with her acclaimed debut album, entitled A.L.A Born in London, W

For many enthusiasts, David Murray Cuban Ensemble "Plays Nat King Cole" is in town this week with this new ensemble, Friday-Sunday, Nov. 11-13, 2011 at Yoshi's San Francisco, CA. He is already a jazz legend, if we look at the number of albums he has recorded, of concerts he has performed and at the number of awards with which his career to date has already been crowned (Grammy Award, Guggenheim Fellowship,  Bird Award, Danish Jazz Bar Prize, musician of the 80’s by the Village Voice…). However, just over a quarter of a century into his career, his music still expresses the verve and inspiration of youth, throughout a career which is prolific as much in terms of output as in terms of musical orientation (from the World Saxophone Quartet, of which he is one of the founders, to his octet, not forgetting his big band and the encounter with the Gwo Ka Masters of Guadeloupe, amongst many other groups and creations), all of it with the greatest musicians.  David Murray goes down as a worthy successor for some of the