Sunday, November 27, 2011

Oscar Grant Committee Action

PACK THE COURTROOM. Carrethers v. Mehserle, civil case for Mehserle beating unarmed Kevin Carrethers, a black man, at the Coliseum BART station 6 weeks before Mehserle killed unarmed Oscar Grant.

Trial resumes on Mon. Nov. 28, 8:30 am, 450 Golden Gate, San Francisco. Judge Chen, courtroom 5, 17th Floor. The trial is expected to last 2 weeks.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

15th Anniversary of The Fire Inside






As co-host, I couldn't take notes like I wanted to, but here are photos from the event, courtesy of Scott Braley. As you can tell, the event was well-attended. The community came out to support our sisters, the formally incarcerated and those still inside whose internal fire remains lit.

Melanie DeMore shared a song with us that spoke to how important it is to stand with someone, even when we can't change her circumstances. It was a beautiful moment singing "I will stand by you . . . " as we watched Melanie hold Patricia Wright's photo in her hand. Slowly, many people in the audience stood until everyone who was able seemed to be on his or her feet.

Melanie came on after Angela Y. Davis's inspiring talk about women in the prison system and how so little has changed for women especially when we look at gender equity and the potential for sexual violence, in addition to racial violence. She spoke about how little attention had been paid to the plight of incarcerated women and what turned her attention to such.

So many people forget that Dr. Davis is a former political prisoner and as a scholar, she brings both a theoretical and practical experience to the discussion on prison abolition. She was proceeded by women who were recently released. It was just so wonderful to see women whom I'd visited when they were behind bars, now free.

It just puts everything in an entirely different perspective. Just as freeways cut up communities and allow citizens to bypass and skirt and skip and ignore entire populations or constituencies, so does prison remove from the public discourse important participants in the national dialogue. If this is a democracy then everyone's voice is important, especially those voices artificially silenced by imprisonment.

It is like a timeout, only we are not children.

This is our house.

Take Patricia Wright, Carletha Stuart, Debbie Peagler's stories and multiply them 1000 times and perhaps the roar will deafen you as the voices we can't hear become audible. This is what The Fire Inside newsletter published by formerly incarcerated and incarcerated women does, it gives these women a platform to speak and get heard. Visit www.womenprisoners.org

Wandas PicksJustice for Patricia WrightMaafaSFBayArea.com 10/28 by Wandas Picks | Blog Talk Radio


http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wandas-picks/2011/10/28/wandas-picksjustice-for-patricia-wrightmaafasfbayareacom#.Ts66tJ7O0Q0.email


In 1997, Patricia Wright was sentenced to life without parole for a crime she didn’t commit. Now, she’s facing another sentence, one no judge or jury can overturn: Patricia has stage IV breast cancer, and all she wants is to spend the remainder of her days at home, with her family by her side. We are joined by Patricia's younger sister, Arletta Vanessa Wright, daughter Mistey Ramdhan and son, Alfey Ramdhan. For information visit http://sfbayview.com/2011/three-strikes-holds-dying-innocent-woman-behind-bars-justice-for-patricia-wright-and-her-family/

Next we have high school teacher Karla Brundage joining us to talk about a poetry reading organized by one of her senior students, Sabrina for the MAAFA Commemoration POETRY reading Sunday, Oct. 30, 2011, 1:30-2:30 PM at the Oakland Public Library, Brad Walters Community Room, 125 14th Street, on the Madison Street side. This event is being sponsored by the OPL Teen Center.

Director Sam Burbank and a programmer from the San Francisco Film Society join us to talk about Cinema by the Bay, Nov. 3-6, 2011 at New People in Japantown in SF, 1746 Post Street. Sam's film, Where's My Stuff, screens Sat., Oct. 5. Go for the entire day beginning at 2 PM with WeOwnTV: Freetown in the Bay with dir. Banker White.

We close with The Lady Sunrise who has a concert this evening, 7:30 PM (doors open) at The 57th Street Gallery, 5701 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. For reservations visit: www.57thStreetGallery.com

Music: Destiny Muhammad, Rev. Liza Rankow, Lady Sunrise (live).

Photo: Melanie DeMore holding a photo of Patricia Wright at The Fire Inside 15th Anniversary event. Scott Braley, photographer

Patricia Wright Update: Brain Surgery Nov. 21, 2011


Listen to this interview with Patricia's daughter and son: Wanda's Picks Radio Show Interview October 28, 2011

In 1997, Patricia Wright was sentenced to life without parole for a crime she didn’t commit. Now, she’s facing another sentence, one no judge or jury can overturn: Patricia has stage IV breast cancer, and all she wants is to spend the remainder of her days at home, with her family by her side. We are joined by Patricia's younger sister, Arletta Vanessa Wright, daughter Mistey Ramdhan and son, Alfey Ramdhan.

Address to Write Patricia Wright:

Central California Women's Facility (CCWF)
Attn: Patricia Wright W79941
Skilled Nursing Facility Room 21 Left
P.O. Box 1508
Chowchilla, California 93610
Phone: 559-665-5531

This is from an email from Patricia Wright's sister, Arletta: Update on Patricia Wright

GOOD NEWS IT: 11-23-11, Attorney Csaba had a meeting with Deputy District Attorney George Castello, "as of 11-23-11, the Los Angeles District Attorney has not opposed Patricia Wright's Motion to commute her prison sentence," all the Los Angeles District Attorney and the Presiding Judge want at this point is proof that Patricia has terminal cancer. Patricia's Doctor Malik got Fired, I called his office he said he can no longer write any letters for Patricia, now there is a new doctor on prison staff that has taken over Patricia's medical situation, Attorney Csaba, said when Patricia signs a release giving Attorney Csaba's Private investigator permission to speak with Patricia's doctor the Private Investigator will do a declaration under oath to the Los Angeles Superior Criminal Court verifying that he spoke with Patricia's doctor and the doctor stated that Patricia's condition is terminal. That's all we need at this point going forward, Attorney Csaba is rushing this process along he is a very good attorney, he is thorough.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Patricia Wright had brain surgery 11-21-11, she had three cancerous tumors in her brain, the doctors removed only one tumor off Patricia's brain stem, this is the seventh surgery Patricia has had this year for cancer. 11-21-11, Patricia's doctor put a steel plate in Patricia's head, Patricia was extremely ill last night, Patricia said her head is extremely swollen.

Arletta says: "I am very concerned, Patricia finally called me last night I was so worried I had not heard from her in two days,because the prison keeps surgery dates secret due to security reasons, so prisoner's won't try to seek assistance for prison escapes."

Other Coverage:

1. Channel 7 KABC, Judge Blocks Path Release of Inmate with Terminal Illness October 11, 2011.

2. Channel 4 KNBC Local News, Cancer Striken Inmate Denied Early Release October 11, 2011

3. Channel 2 KCBS and KCAL Channel 9, Families Rallies in LA To have Dying Mother Release from Prison.

4. San Francisco Bay View Story October 10, 2011

5. Son's Story in San Francisco Bay View August 2011

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Wanda's Picks Radio Nov. 23, 2011


We will speak to the directors of Sarabah, Maria Luisa Gambale; and Judy Lieff, dir. Deaf Jam, one live, one prerecorded (smile).

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.

Sarabah, Hip Hop in West Africa? A woman DJ 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, after all, the story of the first Senegalese 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) as her art becomes a tool for the movement she joins to address and stop this practice which is dangerous and harmful.

Between taping sessions Fa finds her voice once again in a foreign country as she prepares for a tour to change the world for her child and other children like her.

The wonderful footage and deeply personal tale dir. by Maria Luisa Gambale and Gloria Bremertakes this viewer completely by surprise. I kept thinking the film was over as we rounded yet another thematic corner. Sarabah is about an orphaned daughter, her father, the extended family and traditions that we need to let go. "Sarabah," is a daydream, it is the mythical place that Fatou visited as a child when she missed her mother and father and wanted a safe place to retreat. Sister Fa takes her “Education Without Excision,” which uses her music and persuasive powers to end the practice to her own village of Thionck Essyl in 2010 where she receives a wonderful surprise. The film, Sarabah, captures that mystical, magical and scary journey.

Recently Sister Fa won the Freedom To Create main prize in Cape Town, South Africa. She is the first female winner. "SARABAH" was screened the 1st of November at the Move IT! Filmfestival in Dresden, Germany.

The 60 minute film is in English, French, German, Wolof and Diola with English subtitles and premiered at the Mill Valley Film Festival. Visit http://www.sisterfa.com/ & siterfadocumentary.com

Photos: Poets, Anetta & Tahani from DEAF JAM; Sister Fa from SARABAH

Friday, November 18, 2011

Wanda's Picks Radio Nov. 16-18, 2011

Wandas Picks Radio Show COEXIST the Film Kinyarwanda 11/16 by Wandas Picks | Blog Talk Radio

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wandas-picks/2011/11/16/wandas-picks-radio-show#.TsayQefx84U.email

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.

Coexist is a new forty-minute documentary by director Adam Mazo about post-genocide Rwanda where a social experiment in forced reconciliation is currently underway. By featuring victims, perpetrators, and supporters of genocide, as well as social commentators, government officials, and a U.S. scholar of Rwanda, the film lays bare the complexities of forgiveness and reconciliation. Viewers will meet Rwandan victims who choose to forgive and others who do not, and can decide for themselves if perpetrators are sincerely remorseful and whether they believe coexistence is possible for all Rwandans.

We close with an interview with Alrick Brown, director, Kinyarwanda. We also feature a short interview with a member of: OCCUPY LA, opening music is by Wadada Leo Smith.


Wandas Picks I AM AMERICA Black Geneology UMOJA Band 11/18 by Wandas Picks | Blog Talk Radio

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wandas-picks/2011/11/18/wandas-picks#.Tsa0FxDFV7Q.email

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, Larry Douglas (trumpet & flugelhorn), Mali Vincent Williams (bass), Willie G (vocals) and others.

The ensemble is honoring the memory of founding members: Kennth Byrd (flutist) & Kamau Seitu (drums). There will be free food at the event. Admission is $10.00 per person. Music featured: Umoja: Blessings & Dance of the Kalahari; Rene Marie's Lift Ev'ry Voice.

An archived interview with Lavinia Currier, OKA director, opens the show. She speaks about her latest film, in theatres Oct. 28, 2011. OKA is the story of the Bayaka people in Central West Africa and an ethnomusicologist Larry Whitmore, who falls in love with the people and culture. Visit http://okamovie.com/

Friday, November 11, 2011

Pity the Proud Ones at the Robey Theatre at the Los Angeles Theatre CenterNov. 11-13, 2011

Darrell Philip (Martin O'Grady) up close and personal with Dorian Christian Baucum (James Perez) photo:Adenrele Ojo

The first weekend in November found me dashing to Los Angeles to say goodbye to a dear friend who was transitioning from one leg of his soul journey to another, one those of us bound by gravity could not follow. Jet-lagged and fighting a cold, I made it, the farewells neatly tucked into Jamal's pocket as he bid us farewell Friday afternoon.

Saturday morning after a special broadcast of my radio show seated at a table in a noisy cafe at USC, my mother and I headed for the Pacific Ocean.

The water was calling me, and so we drove to a beach not far from LAX. Planes were so close we could almost see the passengers (just kidding). The weather was lovely and my mother took off her shoes and waded as I hung out with the shore birds who were enjoyed a late morning snack.

The tide was out and seaweed covered the relatively quiet terrain. I thought of Jamal Ali, who loved the water and always found himself near an ocean if he could at all help it.

LA for me was Mama and Jamal, California African American Museum and Robey Theatre, so while at the hospital a friend whom I'd last seen two years ago at a Robey matinee, S. Pearl Sharpe, told me she'd had tickets for Saturday and had just called and cancelled them. She didn't know the name of the play, but like me, it didn't matter, if it was at Ben's theatre it was a black story and it was good (smile). I immediately called for tickets and was so happy when I arrived early the next day to find a reservation in my name.

We detoured at Occupy LA, the only Occupation supported by a municipality in the nation. I spoke to Melissa who was giving an interview when I walked up and asked her about the site. People were lined up for dinner. It was a celebration of sorts, lots of spaghetti and baked bread and dessert. Earlier marijuana was dropped off to the dismay of the police parked nearby, but they worked it out Melissa said.

Earlier that day, after the meditation on the beach, Mama and I went over to CAAM where I checked out Places of Validation, Art, and Progression,part of Los Angeles's Pacific Standard Time: ART In LA 1945-1980. That afternoon, Dr. Samella Lewis was giving a talk! Yes, that Dr. Lewis, the woman who almost single-highhandedly took it upon herself to give black artists public access or venues to network with other black artists and places to show their work, whether that was through publications she started or galleries she opened or books she wrote. I couldn't believe my good fortune. And then I found out that her grandson, Unity, and my younger daughter, TaSin Yasmin Sabir, went to school together, The California College of Arts and Crafts. The two of them started Black Artists and Designers or BAAD, a student organization for Pan African undergraduates and graduate students. Visit camuseum.org

Both the director, Ben Guillory and the playwright, Kurt Dana Maxey, were present that night at the Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring Street, and agreed to be on my show today, closing weekend. Pity the Proud Ones looks at slavery's impact on a family, and the secrets and lies parents keep to themselves for many reasons.

Perhaps in this story Martin O'Grady (actor Darrell Philip) is ashamed of his past, which is why he doesn't tell his son, James Perez (actor Dorian Christian Baucum) who he is, that he was once a slave. O'Grady is looking for his son to pay a debt; Perez is looking to collect and he does, more than he bargained for, but certainly what he needed.

It is a stormy play. The chaos sets the world at kilter, the hour glasses break and time stops as the characters all claw their way up from the manacles and debris, waste and refuse they'd grown too fond of especially Ella Mae McDonald (Staci Mitchell) and O'Grady.

James Perez, O'Grady's son, refuses to feed from the bottom and this pride costs him. His is a righteousness one admires, as is Elizabeth Marie's (actress Caroline Morahan), the woman he loves, who works as a bookkeeper at a brothel, Ella Mae's brothel, Ella Mae Irish like O'Grady.

The other character is Pettigrew (actor Ben Jurand) who is a military veteran who learns early on to fight smart and live when he almost loses his life. He is a proud man who is content to use others to get back at the white men, the small white men who don't realize his power. He runs the town from behind his bar stool. He is the first person O'Grady meets when he comes to town. He is also the only character who lives above the chaos--the audience's peer. We can look into his eyes.

The relationships in Pity crisscross so much, it is almost incestuous. Is this indicative of small towns or small people? Hum. To travel from Barbados to Florida and speak of other places like New Orleans yet allow one's world to shrink in on itself where the air is almost gone. . . this is what we see happening on stage as the storm crashes outside and we all fear for our lives.

At Pity's center is the story of a father and son at odds because of lies and deceit. The dad hides his shame in drunkenness--his acts too barbaric and horrific for him to bear sober for long.

The Irish were enslaved on the island of Barbados along with Africans, eventually becoming a commodity of choice when it was cheaper or more cost effective to enslave an Irishman instead of the more expensive African. During the 1600s the British government made a bundle from this free labor as Irish joined the Africans either as kidnapped nationals who refused to surrender land to Oliver Cromwell or military prisoners. Like Africans these "barbadosed" Irish and white indentured servants to British planters were often enslaved for life.

The playwright states in program notes that the number of Barbadosed Irish is not known and varies between a "high of 60,000 to a low of 12,000. Both groups suffered harsh treatment and banned together to revolt against the British," yet in the 1880s census not a mention shows up of the Irish Barbadians. What happened to them?

Pity the Proud Ones is such a story . . . that is, the story of the ever after, if not happily. . . . O'Grady's clan sets out to rewrite their history complete with a forged family crest and an anglicized version of their name. It is easier for an enslaved white person to pass as a freeman than an African, yet freedom is more than a crest or literacy. Freedom is an attitude which O'Grady lacks. The British saw no difference between the Irish and African, both were savage, both were seen as property, both had no rights as human beings.

In Barbados there were French and Spanish pirates who raided the island colony, and if that wasn't enough, the weather was not hospitable to agrarian living--"decimating crops and morale, stirring the seeds of revolt and revolution among Africans and Irish allies."

Pity the Proud Ones is set in this turmoil--the storm raging within O'Grady and his son James. The two weather systems meet at the brothel and the ensuing storm breaks windows, decapitates homes and sends buggies rushing to their makers.

Maxey leaves much unsaid and unresolved when the storm ends, O'Grady bleeding but not dead, the truth lying on the floor between he and his son, alive, but barely breathing. Seated above the set, the audience looks down or in on a sketch or sliver of a story, one of many past and many to come and like most of life, if we don't get it when it happens and perhaps never fully comprehend all of its nuances, we can hope the sip at the well will make the next chapter a bit easier to swallow.

That's all one can hope for and I guess in Pity the Proud Ones, so that's what we get. Visit robeytheatrecompany.com

Wanda's Picks Week of Nov. 7-12, 2011





WandasPicks with Jouvanca Jean-Baptiste; Susan Heyward 11/09 by Wandas Picks | Blog Talk Radio http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wandas-picks/2011/11/09/wandas-picks-radio-show#.Tr2QUlaelOg.email

During her second year as a member of the resident artist company, Jouvanca Jean-Baptiste performs the roles of Nedda (Pagliacci), Violetta (La traviata) and Marguerite (Faust.) The Haitian-born soprano joined OSJ’s resident company during the 2010 – 2011 season, debuting in the title roles of Anna Karenina and Tosca and as Mimì in La bohème.

Ms. Jean-Baptiste recently made her main stage debut with Florida Grand Opera in the role of The Abbess in Suor Angelica. Previously, she sang with West Bay Opera, understudying the role of Cio-cio-san in Madama Butterfly. Other roles in the soprano’s repertoire include Suor Angelica (Suor Angelica), Mother (Amahl and the Night Visitors) and Miss Rose (Lakmé).

Oneika Phillips (Sandra U/S, Ensemble) From Grenada, West Indies, Oneika holds dual degrees in Dance Performance and Business Management from Shenandoah University, Virginia. Formerly a featured member of Abdel Salaama’s Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, Oneika's theatre credits include the workshop, FELA! A New Musical, “Anita” in the 50th Anniversary International Tour of Jerome Robbins’s West Side Story, directed by Joey McKneely and nominated for The West End's Olivier Award for Best Musical Revival, winning the Theatergoer’s Choice Award in the same category. Oneika is thrilled to return home to the shrine with the FELA! family for her Broadway debut. Oneika couldn't join us this morning. We'll speak with her on Friday morning.

We play an encore interview with Susan Heyward, ACT SF's production of David Mamet's RACE through Nov. 13, 2011.


WandasPicksDavid Murray CubanEnsemble Plays Nat King Cole 11/10 by Wandas Picks | Blog Talk Radio http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wandas-picks/2011/11/11/wandas-picks-special-david-murray-cuban-ensemble-plays-na#.Tr2Om9cFjhI.email

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 biggest names in jazz, and he is now contributing to the rise of young talents such as Lafayette Gilchrist, a young pianist who has already been widely acclaimed by the critics. Music: "Cachito," "A Media Luz," "Black Nat" from En español!


Wandas Picks Theatre of War Kalakuta FELA Robey Theatre 11/11 by Wandas Picks | Blog Talk Radio http://www.blogtalkradio.com/wandas-picks/2011/11/11/wandas-picks#.Tr15X2Nt3V0.email

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, Wunmi aka Ibiwunmi Omotayo Olufunke Felicity Olaiya lived in Nigeria for 10 years, returning to the UK at age 14. http://www.wunmi.com/

Robey Theatre Director, Ben Guillory & Playwright, Kurt Dana Maxey whose Pity the Proud Ones continues Friday-Sunday, Nov. 11-13 at LA Theatre Center www.thelatc.org

We close with cast from FELA! Adesola Osakalumi (Fela Anikulapo-Kuti Alternate), Nicole Chantal de Weever(Ensemble) & Oneika Phillips(Sandra U/S, Ensemble) who open at the Curran Theatre Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2011, 8 PM, continuing through Dec. 11, 2011, in San Francisco.

Saturday, November 05, 2011

Jamal Ali Joins the Ancestors

My friend, writer, scholar, poet, Jamal Ali, joined the ancestors yesterday evening surrounded by family and friends in Glendale, CA. He is the author of the Heartfire-Rendezvous-Trilogy. Visit http://heartfirerendezvous.wordpress.com/

Wanda's Picks November 4-5, 2011

Friday, Nov. 4, 2011, 8:30 AM

As a singer, RACHELLE FERRELL is a quintuple threat: Besides having success as a jazz singer, she is also well respected in the R&B, pop, gospel, and classical music genres as well. Known for her six octave range, Ferrell is also an accomplished pianist who has worked with Lou Rawls, Patti LaBelle, Vanessa Williams, and George Duke. For tickets call (800) 380-3095 or www.TheRrazzRoom.com


David Mamet's RACE at ACT-SF through Nov. 13, 2011 features SUSAN HEYWARD as "Susan," whose credits include: in New York: Ruined (Manhattan Theatre Club), Nathan the Wise and The Oedipus Cycle (The Pearl Theatre Company), I Have Before Me a Remarkable Document Given to Me by a Young Lady from Rwanda (The Phoenix Ensemble), and The Snow Queen (Urban Stages), as well as readings at The Public Theater and Red Bull Theater. Regional credits include Sabrina Fair (Ford’s Theatre), The Master Builder (Yale Repertory Theatre), You Can’t Take It with You (Peterborough Players), and numerous plays with the American Shakespeare Center, including, Romeo and Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, The Winter’s Tale, The Tempest, Othello, Hamlet, Pericles, and As You Like It. Film and television credits include Ma’George, The Big Date, Oedipus, Revelations, 30 Rock, Law & Order, and Michael and Michael Have Issues. She received her training at Carnegie Mellon University and the Moscow Art Theatre School of Acting.



Special Broadcast, Nov. 5, 2011
9:00 AM PT

On Friday, Nov. 4, 2011, I was unable to broadcast these two interviews, with Banker White, director or WeOwnTV, debuting at Cinema by the Bay, 2 PM, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2011 or the interview with Naima and Fanta, who speak about the fundraiser, HAITI RISING, A benefit for Ayiti Resurrect, Sunday November 6, 2011, 4-9:00 p.m. @ The NeXus @ United Earth Networks, 1414 Harbour Way South, Suite #1010, Marina Bay, Richmond, CA 94804.

WeOwnTV: Freetown in the Bay, Dir. Banker White, Black Nature, Saturday, November 5, 2:00 pm, SF Film Society | New People Cinema on Post Street in San Francisco. When San Francisco-based filmmaker Banker White made Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars (2005), a documentary about six musicians who form a band while living in a refugee camp in Guinea, he made the extraordinary decision to try to help others in Freetown by developing a collaborative media project with other Sierra Leoneans. This program will present a series of the considerable array of styles, such as newscasts, art films and traditional tales now being produced by WeOwnTV in Sierra Leone.


On Fete Gede, the night of Festival of the Ancestors (Haitian Day of the Dead), we will gather to honor those who passed in the earthquake and all celebrate the resilience, survival and self-determination of our Haitian family.

An inspiring array of artists from coast to coast with bloodlines in the Haitian Diaspora across the globe are coming together at HAITI RISING to being a powerful offering to Spirit, and to support the collaborative healing work Ayiti Ressurect is engaged in Leogane, Comier, Haiti. Get over any hesitation about going to Richmond on Sunday night, to this post-industrial temple filled with magical sculptures and creative sanctuary. We will be drunk on the synergy of poetry choreographed to movement, medicine distilled from song, music carved from the hollow spaces transformation creates in our lives.

HAITI RISING
A benefit for Ayiti Resurrect
Sunday November 6, 2011, 4-9:00 p.m.
The NeXus @ United Earth Networks
1414 Harbour Way South, Suite #1010
Marina Bay, Richmond, CA 94804