Destiny belongs to the genre ‘Celtic to Coltrane’ and is cool and eclectic with a touch of storytelling to round out the sonic experience.  The Destiny Muhammad Jazz Trio moves in the ideal of Jazz Harp Legend Dorothy Ashby. Destiny has opened for The Oakland East Bay Symphony, shared the  stage with Pulitzer Prize Winner/ author Alice Walker,  Grammy Awardees: India, Irei, Narada Michael Walden, Jazz Masters: Azar Lawrence, Marcus Shelby, Omar Sosa and John Santos, and co-starred in Def Jam Poetry Winner Ise Lyfe’s Hip Hop Play “Pistols & Prayers” to name just a few. She has been a headliner for the ‘Women in Jazz’ Concert series in San Francisco.

Destiny Muhammad – harp & vocals
Elliot Racine – upright bass
Myron Cohen  - drums

“This ain’t your grandmama’s tea parlor harp music. This is JAZZ Harp” – Ariel Soto-Suver, San Francisco Bay Guardian

“Destiny Muhammad should be a bandleader…dig!”  - Keith Hines, kcsm.org

http://destinymuhammadjazztrio.blogspot.com

http://youtube/Q1UfeXQaP9A

$10-$15 admission.  Doors at 6:30 pm.  Show at 7:00 pm.

The Seshen Bay Area-based group is an Electropop band that draws influences from an eclectic range of artists.  Their music fuses Hip-hop, Soul, Pop and Electronica, producing an original sound that is not bound to any particular genre. Songs are created and performed by bassist/producer Aki Ehara, drummer Julian Pont, keyboardist Mahesh Rao, percussionist Mirza Kopelman and synchronizer/sampler Kumar Butler.  Driving beats laced with Afro-Caribbean percussion, thick bass lines, rich keyboards and textured electronic sampling provide the foundation for lyricists Lalin St. Juste and Akasha Orr, whose dreamy vocals create an ethereal sonic landscape.

Akasha Orr – vocals
Lalin St. Juste – vocals
Mahesh Rao – keys
Kumar Butler – sampler
Julian Pont- drums
Aki Ehara – bass
Mirza Kopelman – percussion

“Soul, Funk, Indie Rock, and Reggae influences all combine to create a stand-out, Electro-pop sound that rocks the Bay Area week in and week out.”  – Kick Kick Snare

“Together, the multi-cultural crew makes ethereal sounds that transport you to a different time and space and show you just what the future of music can be.” – Soul Bounce

“Their music is a wonderful blend of foreign tastes and familiar Jazz traditions that surprise even an experienced ear.” -  The Wounded Jukebox

http://www.theseshen.com/
http://soundcloud.com/theseshen

$10 admission.  Doors at 7:30 pm.   Show at 8:00 pm.

Bassist/composer Todd Sickafoose is a marvel of musical cross-breeding, pairing indie rock muscle and whimsy with extended forms, timbres, and sophistication of a Jazz orchestra. His band’s newest recording “Tiny Resistors” (Cryptogramophone) has been called “thoroughly original, endlessly creative…one of the year’s most compelling listens” (JazzTimes), “stunningly brilliant…a modern Jazz masterpiece” (Bassplayer), and “a one-disc explanation of why today’s Brooklyn Jazz scene is so exciting” (HotHouse).  Sickafoose’s band mates are expert genre-benders, having spent years of music-making with everyone from Ani DiFranco, Andrew Bird and Tom Waits to Tim Berne, Tortoise and Marc Ribot. This will be the band’s first show at the Red Poppy where they will be playing old and new songs, traditional music, and improvisations with this golden-hued intercontinental micro-orchestra.

Ara Anderson – trumpet
Kane Mathis – kora / oud
Todd Sickafoose – bass
Matthew Szemela – violin

“A captivating improviser, imaginative composer, and master of collaboration.” – San Francisco Chronicle

http://toddsickafoose.com/
https://www.facebook.com/tinyresistors

$12-20 admission.  Doors at 7:30 pm.  Show at 8:00 pm.

“Definitely headed to great places,” writes the San Francisco Chronicle about Indie-Roots-Folk band Professor Burns and the Lilac Field. With a rich history as a poet, community organizer and university professor, Burns is a rare bird of a songwriter. Teaming up with accomplished San Francisco musician Courtney Browne, the two offer a sonic journey that cracks open the heart and mind with vivid narratives and infectious melodies drawing comparisons to the likes of Iron and Wine, Ben Harper, Mason Jennings and Ani DiFranco.

Sean Burns – guitar and vocals
Courtney Browne – guitar, cello, and vocals

“Word wizardry with roots moving forward–a powerful sound with an understated and captivating presence” – Rupa and the April Fishes

“Professor Burns’ poetic tunes are the three way love child of Woody Guthrie, Chuck D, and Mary Oliver.” – Will Grant

“You know when you’re rushing somewhere in the evening and then come around a corner to unexpectedly catch the lingering sunset and your heart seizes then nearly bursts? That’s Professor Burns and the Lilac Field. Sean Burns and Courtney Browne reminded me how pretty, how delicate, music can be.” – Jennifer Savage, Lost Coast Outpost

http://www.professorburnsandthelilacfield.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/thelilacfield

$10-$15 admission.  Doors at 7:30 pm.  Show at 8:00 pm.

The Four Bags tackle Death Metal, Persian Classical, Brazilian Pop, and French Electronica, ever expanding their stylistic palette while imprinting a distinctive stamp on the music.  They have been featured at the “Next Next” festival at BAM, “Celebrate Brooklyn!” festival in Prospect Park, the Wall to Wall Joni Mitchell Marathon at Symphony Space, a tribute to Burt Bacharach in the Allen Room at Lincoln Center, The Friends of Alec Wilder Concert at St. Peter’s Church, and at the WNYC shows “Spinning on Air”, “Sound Check” and “New Sounds”.  With their new album “Forth” The Four Bags continue a decade-long adventure.

Brian Drye – trombone
Jacob Garchik – accordion
Sean Moran – guitar, baritone guitar
Mike McGinnis – clarinet, bass clarinet

“An album of springy friction” – The New York Times

www.thefourbags.com

$15 admission.  Doors at 7:00 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.

Acclaimed for their passionate performances, The Qadim Ensemble is comprised of accomplished and acclaimed musicians. The San Francisco based band has attracted a growing global audience who are responding to their authentic musicianship and timely message.  Qadim is a word found in both Arabic and Hebrew meaning “ancient” as well as “that which will come.”   Their repertoire includes Arabic, Jewish, Turkish Sufi, Hebrew-Yemenite, Armenian, Ladino and Moroccan music, celebrating the common musical and spiritual heritage of the region’s cultures, while honoring the great diversity found within them.  Their most recent CD, Eastern Wind, received raving reviews world-wide, reaching #7 on Billboard’s World Music charts!
Eliyahu Sills – ney (reed flute)
Rachel Valfer Sills - oud and lead vocals
Faisal Zedan – darbukkah, riqq & daf
Geri Hegedus – Turkish baglama saz, divan saz, persian setar, oud

“Truly world music, some of the most open, human music you’ll hear . . . Essential”  - East Bay Express

“Beautifully presented, the players bring superb musicianship and palpable enthusiasm to each performance. Eliyahu’s ney flute along with Rachel’s succulent vocals are stars . . . creating a sense of human communication with the divine.”   - All Things Considered, NPR

“Visionary . . . achingly beautiful . . .” – San Francisco Chronicle

“An amazing talent . . .Their instrumental capabilities are incredible to behold and the interplay is remarkable . . . breathtaking, sweeping vocals . . . The voices and instruments swell with sumptuousness, filling traditional Jewish, Armenian, Moroccan, Egyptian, and Turkish music with life.”  - Jordan Richardson, blogcritics.org

“Rooted in history but infused with a hope for a brighter, more unified tomorrow, Qadim will take you on a beautiful musical journey.” – Portland Tribune

“From the moment the members of Eliyahu Sills’ ensemble pick up their instruments, the music of some of the world’s most ancient cultures comes pouring from the stage in staggering waves.”
-Oakland Tribune

www.QadimMusic.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q84cF23HZ5A&feature=player_embedded

$15 admission.  Doors at 6:30 pm. Show at 7:00 pm.

Abu Djigo is a world-class, Jazz guitarist who tours Europe and Africa regularly, playing Jazz and African music. He writes original songs with Gary Nelson and Deborah Barer, who appear on the upcoming World Blues CD by Abu Gary, recorded in Guediawaye, Senegal with kora master Baboulaye Cissokho and other top musicians. Mamadou Sidibe was one of the first to play the Malian harp called the kamale ngoni, a smaller version of the traditional Wasalu sacred hunter’s harp the doson ngoni. Mamadou was one of the first to add more strings, and played a key role in bringing the instrument to Malian Pop radio, especially to songs with a women’s rights angle. Mamadou has played with Toumani Diabate, Oumou Sangare, Ramatu Diakite, Mamadou & Vanessa, and more.  NezB (Ernesto Browne) is an amazing vocalist who has performed with OJ Ekemode, Jackie Mittoo, Lynn Taitt, Randy Jackson, Bass Culture. Miriam Makeba, and more.  Gary Nelson has played with Judy Mowatt, Joe Higgs, Roots of Manding, Chepito Areas, David Paich, Bass Culture, and more.

Abu Djigo – nylon string guitar
NezB – lead vocals
Mamadou Sidibe – kamale ngoni, calabasse, vocals
Gary Nelson – steel string guitar, bass, vocals, resonator slide guitar

“The group’s lead singer, Trinidadian lead singer Ernesto Browne has a sufficiently engrossing vocal style that Obeah can perform Pop-Reggae and hard-core Trenchtown Reggae equally well.”  - Derk Richardson – San Francisco Bay Guardian

www.reverberation/#!/abugary
www.myspace.com/abuandgary

$12 – $15 admission.  Doors at 6:30 pm. Show at 7:00 pm.

This St. Patrick’s Day weekend, Irish-born violinist and 2010 Red Poppy Resident Artist, Colm Ó Riain and his trigger-happy band, mix the ancient beat of Ireland with rhythms and melodies from all over the musical world – Jazz, Blues, Roma (Gipsy), India, Cuba, Brazil and many more.  An accomplished and fiery improviser in many genres, Colm has performed in festivals and venues throughout the world—from Argentina and Brazil to Sweden and Vietnam — while also thrilling audiences at festivals and venues across the United States. His CD “Bridge Across the Blue”, produced with partner-in-crime, poet Pireeni Sundaralingam, features a dazzling array of musicians and poets.

Colm Ó Riain – violin
Geoff van Lienden – guitar
Joe Kyle, Jr, – bass
Wade Peterson – djembe, cajon, congas

“O’Riain’s fireworks display of virtuosity easily spans the diverse genres of gypsy, tango, jazz, blues and Irish music all with his characteristic intelligence and pizzazz” – Irish Herald “genius fiddler” – Mike Scott, The Waterboys

www.colmoriain.com  www.colmoriain.com/colm/video.php?clip=StealthySinners&venue=CafeDuNord

$15 admission.  Doors at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.

Red Poppy Art House presents

“Arte y Tapas Performance Series” featuring Classical Revolution

The “Arte y Tapas” performance series features live music, visual art, and artisan tapas, showcasing local musicians, artists and chefs. The opening event on Valentine’s Day featured a Tango performance by Trio Garufa, The Artists of EDELO “Where the United Nations Used To Be” as well as delicious seasonal tapas by Lovage Cooking.

On March 21st “Arte y Tapas” coincides with the 327th birthday of Johann Sebastian Bach. The founder of Classical Revolution Charith Premawardhana and ensemble will be performing a selection of compositions spanning over the lifetime of the prolific composer.

Admission also includes tapas by Lovage Cooking, complimentary beer and wine as well as the visual exhibition “Moyurbando” by Cuban-American artist Maykel Vargas.

Tapas Menu, March 21st:

Olives
Citrus and herb marinated California mission olives

Crostini
Fresh housemade pesto on toasted Acme baguette

Tramezzini
Italian tea sandwiches with fromage blanc, pickled onion and wild arugula

Croquettes
Spicy crab and mushroom croquettes with meyer lemon crema

Dolci
Hazelnut butter stuffed dates with fresh mint

$35 pre-sale, $40 at the door. Doors at 6:30 pm. Show at 7:00 pm.

Visual exhibition “Moyurbando” by Cuban-American artist Maykel Vargas

Buy Tickets @ Brown Paper Tickets

www.Classical Revolution.com 

www.Lovage Cooking.com 

$35 Pre-sale $40 at the door. Doors at 6:30pm. Show at 7:00pm.

Saxophonist Patrick Wolff has performed with a wide range of musicians, including Indie Rock giants Calexico, Avant-Garde experimentalists Kayo Dot, Afro-Pop greats Asiko, and Fuji music legend Adewale Ayuba. During his eleven years in New York City, Wolff led his trio at Jazz clubs, bars, subway stations, and (less frequently) Mets Stadium and Gracie Mansion. Since moving to San Francisco from New York in 2009, he has become an integral part of the Bay Area’s Jazz scene through his work as a bandleader, composer, educator, and sideman for Marcus Shelby, Graham Connah and others. Red Poppy regulars will know Wolff from his sextet shows, appearances with Adam Shulman, and last year’s tribute to Lucky Thompson. This show celebrates the release of his second album of original material written for sextet, played by some of the best and most creative jazz musicians in the world. In addition to the music from the record, this show will present new material written for sextet and voice, featuring the unique and expressive sound of Diana Gameros.

Patrick Wolff – tenor and alto saxophones, clarinet, compositions
Henry Hung – trumpet
Kasey Knudsen – saxophone
Adam Shulman – piano
John Wiitala – bass
Hamir Atwal – drums
Diana Gameros – voice

“With a lush tone … stretching his lines like saltwater confection … Wolff’s phrasing is all lubricious authority.” – Derek Taylor, Cadence Magazine

“The kid can play…so deft and lyrical, and swinging to boot.” Robert Pinsky, former US Poet Laureate

patrickwolffmusic.com

$12-$15 admission. Doors at 7:30 pm.  Show at 8:00 pm.

Corazón Sur’s director, Miguel Martínez (Mexico), has brought together the innovative sounds of Latin Jazz and traditional Cuban and Mexican Son with the distinctive Jarocho style of Veracruz. In the process, Martinez has formed a collaboration with some of the best musicians in the Bay Area. Tonight they will produce an evening filled with original compositions and musical arrangements that promise to create a coastal ambiance. The flute and percussions of Corazón Sur create a costal ambiance, impregnated by scents and breezes of the Caribbean, the scents of the ocean, of fruit, and of humid earth. Corazón Sur promotes and creates awareness about the musical richness and diversity of Mexico, widening the narrow view that the world has of Latin America.

Migueli Martinez – flute
Marco Diaz - piano
Saul Sierra - bass
Carlos Caro - percussion

“Martinez has built chops that move across several different contexts as composer, flute player and producer.” – The Latin Jazz Corner
“Beautiful phrases and fine playing” – Robert Dick
www.miguelitomartinez.com
PROMO VIDEO

$12 – $15 admission. Doors at 6:30 pm.  Show at 7:00 pm.