Wanda's Picks Radio Show, Friday, January 12, 2018

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. Diane Barnes, playwright and actor, joins us to talk about her solo performance: "My Stroke of Luck" at the Marsh in SF through Feb. 3: Thursdays @8PM, Saturdays @ 5 PM
January 21 and 28th @ 2PM Tickets:  https://themarsh.org/my_stroke_of_luck/diane-barnes/

Dr. Diane Barnes

Not everyone knows that the average person loses 1.9 million brain cells every minute a stroke goes untreated, but Diane Barnes did. As a radiologist who diagnoses strokes, Barnes did not deal with having a stroke very well; it was more than 20 hours before she went to the hospital. Hailed by the Marin Independent Journal as a “riveting and moving account,” My Stroke of Luck follows Barnes as she recounts her experience of having a stroke, her path to recovery, and more.


2. Theologian, Cultural Worker, Singer-Songwriter, Francisco Herrera brings together different styles of music to promote human rights and Social Justice His latest album Honor Migrante crosses physical and musical borders.

3. Stacey Hoffman, Living Jazz hosts “The 16th Annual In the Name of Love” tribute, Oakland’s only non-denominational musical tribute to Dr. King, Sunday, Jan. 14, 7-9:30 at the Oakland Scottish Rite Center.  Living Jazz also honors Wendy Jackson, this year’s recipient of the Oakland Citizen Humanitarian Award. 2018 Oakland Citizen Humanitarian awardee: Wendy Jackson is the Executive Director of the East Oakland Community Project (EOCP), a community-based, nonprofit organization that provides emergency housing for homeless individuals, families and people living with HIV/AIDS.

The theme of this year’s tribute is “Songs of Change” highlighting 5 outstanding vocalists Nicolas Bearde, Kim Nalley, Tiffany Austin, Amikaeyla Gaston and Jessica Lá Rel along with an exciting backup band including Tammy Hall on piano, Marcus Shelby on bass, Allison Miller on drums, Adam Theis on horns and Terrence Brewer on guitar, along with the 55-voice Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir; and the 200-voice Living Jazz Children’s Project backed up by the Oakland School for the Arts Ensemble. Dana King, formerly with CBS, will serve as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Stacey Hoffman

Executive Director Living Jazz

Stacey Hoffman has been the Executive Director of Living Jazz since 1985. She came to the position with an extensive background in all aspects of the arts, along with 7 years experience in business management. She co-founded the organization originally to help save a faltering summer music program, Jazz Camp West from extinction, and has gone on to design and launch several Bay Area music programs, many of which have become Bay Area treasures.  She has produced Jazz Camp West since 1984, co-founded the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir in 1986; the Fall and Spring Music Series in 1988; RhythmVoice in 1990; and Jazz Camp Weekend in 1991. She created the Oakland Jazz Choir in 1992, “In the Name Of Love”, the Annual Musical Tribute honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 2001; the Living Jazz Children’s Project in 2005 (LJCP) , Jam Camp West, a music camp for 10-15 year olds, in 2007 and expanded the LJCP in 2015 to include both choral and rhythm components . Through her love of the arts, commitment to Living Jazz and dedication to her work, Ms. Hoffman has been responsible for bringing literally tens of thousands of people together, fostering a sense of inspiration and community within the Bay Area's jazz scene.  Ms. Hoffman also maintains a p/t private practice in Psychotherapy and is the mother of 2 sons.

Kim Nalley

4. Kim Nalley joins us to talk about MLK Jr.'s legacy and what she plans to sing at the Tribute. http://www.kimnalley.net
                                                      

Link to show: http://tobtr.com/10518221