Music of the Banned – Chapter One: Borders Without Bans (Sudan • Iran • Venezuela) – TWO SHOWS

Musical influence has never and can never be limited by the borders of nations. The far-reaching effect of the arts has created crossover music, with artists adopting elements of each other’s musical traditions. During this concert series, audiences will hear different cultural and artistic linkages across and between the banned nations and the West. The March 16th event features Sudanese musician Tarawa with Seoulstice, Iranian musician Emad Bonakdar with flamenco dancer Mizuho Sato, and Venezu...
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Will Brahm + Homenaje: An Homage to Music Around the World

Led by guitarist Will Brahm, Homenaje—meaning "tribute" in Spanish—pays homage to the support and unity of various types of music and cultures from all around the world. With roots in jazz, Cuban, African, Venezuelan, Israeli, and classical music, the group strives to bring different people together through their original songs.   FEATURING: Will Brahm - guitar Chris Wabich - drums/percussion Ross Shodek - bass Dina Zarif - vocals   ABOUT THE ARTISTS: Born in Portland, Oregon,...
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CHELLE! and Friends: New Orleans Meets the Bay

The Poppy is proud to welcome back New Orleans native Michelle Jacques, who has solidified her rep as Oakland's "Queen of New Orleans Music" by stirring jazz, funk, soul, Creole, Cajun, gospel, Caribbean, African, Zydeco, rock, and Mardi Gras Indian chants into a musical gumbo that leaves audiences wanting more.   FEATURING: Michelle Jacques - vocals Rhonda Crane - vocals Bryan Dyer - vocals, horn Donna Viscuso - woodwinds Eric Swinderman - guitar Kevin Scott - bass Michaelle Goerl...
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Homenaje: Different Cultures, Universal Emotions

Los Angeles trio Homenaje invites special guest vocalist (and Red Poppy all-star) Dina Zarif to the stage for an evening that incorporates heavy influences of Cuban and African music along with jazz, classical, and folk. Expect to hear selections from Homenaje's new album, La Mariposa y el Mentiroso ("The Butterfly and the Liar"), which tells the story of a spirit’s journey through life, complete with joy and sadness. Featuring: Will Brahm - guitar Chris Wabich - percussion Ross Schodek - ...
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Fula Brothers: Multilayered African Roots & Blues

Fula Brothers is the high-spirited meeting of three seasoned touring performers, each of whom has spent decades pursuing the shared heartbeat in music from around the globe. All three musicians creatively weave a history filled with intercontinental collaborations–from West Africa and Scotland to Haiti and the U.S.–into a rich tapestry of sound and rhythm. The result? An ecstatic and intricate groove-based dialogue which the heart (and the feet) cannot resist. Featuring: Mamadou Sidibe - Ka...
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Molly Holm and Her Trio: Extended Jazz & Improvised Music

Vocalist/composer Molly Holm, with her all-star jazz trio, makes her Red Poppy debut exploring the multicultural crossroads of improvised music through original compositions, straight-ahead and modal jazz tunes, and traditional folk songs. Molly's music, often intertwined with the elements of North Indian raga, experimental vocals, or playful free-form improvisation, also reveals the rhythmic and note-bending influences inherited from the music of the African diaspora. Featuring: Frank Marti...
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