Wanda's Picks Radio Show, Friday, February 24, 2012

We open with an extended conversation with Will Bellot, co-founder of Bellot Idovia Foundation, started in 2004, with his brother, Antoine, both natives of La Toti, Haiti. "Konbit La Tourtue," a fundraiser, is coming up, March 10, 2012, 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz Music & Dance Center, San Pablo at Gilman Street, in Berkeley.

Konbit will raise money to purchase water filter systems for the people this organization serves. Visit http://bellotidovia.org/about/

We are also joined by Lakay & Mystik Man who is performing with his band that evening which will feature the folkloric dance of El Wah Movement Dance and Ezili Racine Drum Ensemble.

Tabia African-American Theatre Ensemble founder and director, Viera Whye joins us with the directors of two performances which open this evening: Rome Neal in "Monk" and Cheryl B. Scales in "Mirror, Mirror of My Soul" at the “School of Arts and Culture” at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock, Ave., San Jose, CA 95116. Call 408/272-9924 or visit www.acteva.com/go/sjmag.

I saw the awardwinning production of "Monk" while in Dakar for the FESMAN or the World Festival of Black Art and Culture in 2010. Small world (smile).

We close with an extended conversation with Edris Cooper-Anifowoshe, whose direction of Lorriane Hansberry Theatre's current production of Joe Penhall's disturbingly insightful piece, "Blue/Orange" is stellar. Catch the play which features Carl Lumbly through March 18, at LHT new home 450 Post Street in San Francisco. Visit www.lhtsf.org or (415) 474-8800.