Red Poppy Art House

ROBERTA DONNAY JAZZ ENSEMBLE: A Tribute To The Women Of Jazz Of The 1920s And '30s
2012-02-23 18:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
Roberta Donnay is a Jazz recording artist and award-winning singer/songwriter. She is listed in The Jazz Singer as one of the top 521 jazz singers. As a touring artist, Ms. Donnay has performed with or opened for many great artists including George Benson, Bob Dorough, Dave Ellis, David Grisman, Dr. John, John Hammond, Dan Hicks, Jonny Lange, Huey Lewis, Bonnie Raitt, Joe Sample and David Sanborn.
As a session singer, she’s appeared on countless recordings. Six independent CD’s have been released of Ms. Donnay’s originals and Jazz recordings. Her songs and vocals have been featured in film and TV. Donnay wrote the song “One World”, used to celebrate United Nation’s 50th Anniversary and adopted by schools and events as a world peace anthem, including Hague Appeal For Peace (NL) and World AIDS Day (South Africa). Ms. Donnay has been touring the past 6 years as one of the Hot Licks in the performing group Dan Hicks and The Hot Licks, who recently performed this July at Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland!
Roberta Donnay: vocals
John Burr: piano
Sam Bevan: bass
TBA: trumpet
“Her version of “Put It Where You Want It” could stop a war! At least warriors might put down their weapons for a few minutes while they listen to this cool, funky version of the classic!”
– Russ Davis, Beyond Jazz (((XM))SATELLiTE RADiO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAzbsAX1h1s
(Bye Bye Blackbird – Live @ Yoshi’s Feb 2011)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXYNAYN7Nn0&feature=related
(Why Don’t You Do Right – Live @ Yoshi’s Feb 2011)
$10 – $12 admission. Doors at 6:30 pm. Show at 7:00 pm.

MOYURBANDO - Paintings by Maykel Vargas
2012-02-23 08:00 - 2012-04-07 17:00
Moyurbando references the Afro-Cuban religious mythology and practices, that inspire this new
collection of oil-paintings by Cuban-born artist Maykel Vargas. Vargasʼs paintings call on ancient symbolism to
express a spiritual path unique to todayʼs uncertain times. Out of the darkness, imagery appears from a base of abstract shape and color to reveal both the symbolic, as well as, the everyday in his recollections of life in the streets of Havana, Oakland and beyond.
Maykel Vargas was born in Havana, Cuba in 1977. Upon moving to the Unites States in 2008, he began showing his work at Art Spaces such as Good Bye Blue Monday in Brooklyn, New York. Additionally, Vargas has worked extensively in the Bay Area as both a teacher and activist in the “Viva El Espanol Program” and “Growing Great Families Project”, for HIV and substance abuse prevention.
Click here for a downloadable flyer.

ACTA Presents: How do I know what is beautiful?
2012-02-22 18:30 - 20:30
In coordination with the Red Poppy Art House, the Alliance for California Traditional Arts (ACTA) presents:
La Mesa: “How do I know what is beautiful? An Exploration of Differing Aesthetics from the Traditional Arts Point of View”
What is necessary to understand about culturally specific forms to appreciate them? What is valued as beauty in form? Smooth lines over rough texture? Color choices? Flat feet vs. pointed toe? Falsetto singing? Three artists/organizations will share their art forms to address the culturally specific “”through lines” that most people may not be aware of. The discussion is open to all tradition and tradition based artists and interested public.
Featuring performances by traditional artists including Indian dancers, Aztec regalia makers, and a hula master.
See the event posting on ACTA’s site here.
Free // Questions or to RSVP: lilyk@actaonline.org / 415.346.5200

The Traditional Arts Roundtable Series will offer two kinds of programs throughout the year:
*Skill Building Sessions to hone your ability to tell your story and seek out potential grant sources.
*La Mesa Sessions, named after the proverbial table where we can share food, drink, and conversation in an intimate and relaxed matter where ideas and art sharing can flow naturally.

Figure Drawing with Melita Morales
2012-02-21 18:30 - 21:30
In keeping with the traditions of master artist communities of old, we are experimenting with offering life-drawing workshops. Our second workshop of this kind is this coming Tuesday, February 21, from 6:30 – 9:30. Each 3-hour session will cost $10, although no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Artists of all levels are invited into this supportive environment to experiment and explore new drawing techniques or further practice and hone old ones. Poses will vary from 1 – 20 minutes, possibly longer if requested.
Suggested Materials to bring:
Drawing pad, drawing board or easel, whatever drawing media you would like to use to draw (charcoal, pencils, ink…)
See you there!
Cost: $10 **
For more information contact Melita Morales at melita@redpoppyarthouse.org

SARAH WILSON ENSEMBLE: New Music Inspired By Napa Residency
2012-02-18 19:30 - 22:00
Sarah Wilson has emerged as “one of the most intriguing and promising composers and trumpeters on the contemporary music scene,” (Derk Richardson, San Francisco Chronicle). Her original work has premiered internationally and earned numerous commissions including a 2010 Artistic Innovation Grant from The Center for Cultural Innovation (CCI), and a prestigious 2011 Composer Collaboration Award from the Wallace Alexander Gerbode Foundation and The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Her Red Poppy concert will premiere music commissioned by CCI and the Zellerbach Family Foundation written in tribute to her Jazz mentors Myra Melford, Laurie Frink and Carla Bley.
Wilson’s most recent CD, Trapeze Project (Brass Tonic Records) has earned wide critical acclaim appearing on multiple Best of 2010 lists for its sophisticated yet accessible approach as a diverse, Jazz/Pop music that moves freely across genre and style. DownBeat Magazine gave her an Editor’s Pick describing her “very individual voice…she makes music her own way (Frank Alkyer).
Drawing on a unique musical background, she writes music “evocative, elegant and comfortably familiar all at once”(Time Out NY), which has stylistically evolved through a diverse experience with Jazz, theater, film, animation, performance art and traditional music studies. In 2012, Wilson will be a de Young Museum Artist Fellow.
Sarah Wilson: trumpet/vocals
John Schott: electric guitar
Lisa Mezzacappa: bass
Jordan Glenn: drums
“A singular jazz artist with a tremendously evocative book of original material.” — Andrew Gilbert, Contra Costa Times
“Sarah Wilson is making quite a name for herself on the Bay Area jazz scene.” — Jim Harrington, Oakland Tribune
www.sarahwilsonmusic.com
www.sarahwilsonmusic.com/music.html
$12-$20 admission. Doors at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.

THE Q MORROW QUARTET: Eclectic Cosmpolitan Modern Jazz
2012-02-17 19:30 - 22:00
Q weaves an intricate web of original music. You can hear strands of Brazil, India, Latin America, and modern jazz seamlessly wound together in a soulful, organic way. With roots in many places, Q delivers modern improvisational music from it’s intellectual quagmire back to it’s soulful origins. His “All Around Dude” Quartet will be featuring music from his newly released CD “All Around Dude”
available in hardcopy at the show, or on the itunes store.
Q Morrow: guitar
Kasey Knudsen: alto Sax
Sam Bevan: bass
Eric Garland: Drums
www.qmorrow.net
www.facebook.com/allarounddude
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/all-around-dude/id472516007
$12-$15 Admission. Doors at 7:30pm. Show at 8:00pm.

SOL TEVEL: Hebrew Roots Soul
2012-02-16 18:30 - 21:00
Led by Israeli-born Lior Ben-Hur, Sol Tevel is a San Francisco-based band that focuses on connecting Hebrew roots while engaging world cultures. Sol Tevel integrates sounds, rhythms, and multi-lingual lyrics from around the globe to advocate building a strong, conscious and united community worldwide. Sol Tevel are currently recording their debut album, Orolam (World Light), which aims to shed a new light and contemporary interpretation on old, Jewish texts, ideals and mysticism.
Lior Ben-Hur: lead vocals, guitars, percussion.
Jesse Lemme Adams: piano, keyboard, accordion
Brett Cavanaugh: percussion
Tim Vickers: electric & upright bass
Yoel Bibas: drums, cajon
www.soltevel.com
$10-15 admission. Doors at 6:30 pm. Show at 7:00 pm.

Valentine's Day with Trio Garufa
2012-02-14 18:30 - 21:00
Come join us for a very special performance and spend a romantic Valentine’s Day at the Red Poppy Art House!
Tango, Tapas Bebidas y Besos.
Each ticket covers admission to a sensuous tango performance by Trio Garufa, delectable tapas by Lovage Cooking and flowing champagne and wine. The perfect intimate evening… AND an amazing deal.
Complete Menu:
San Valentino cocktail: California champagne, pomegranate liquour, fresh kumquat
Sparkling: Poema 2010 Cava Brut, Penedès, northeastern Spain
Red: Clos du Lac 2008 Pinot Noir, Sierra Foothills, Amador County
Crostini: Wild arugula pistou and local feta finished with a decadent pomegranate beurre rouge
Suppli: Risotto croquettes filled with Oaxaca cheese and chives or grass-fed beef and white cheddar fonduta
Dolci: First of the season baby strawberries dipped in fair trade chocolates

$40/person. Advanced tickets strongly recommended.This event will sell out Visit: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/226308
Trio Garufa: http://youtu.be/kde4SOSy1zw
Lovage: htttp://www.lovagecooking.com

LA MIXTA CRIOLLA: AfroTaíno
2012-02-11 19:30 - 22:00
La Mixta’s diverse repertoire of originals and funky renditions of traditional tunes features a variety of swinging Latin Caribbean grooves, from Plena, Bomba, Guaracha Jíbara, Seis, and Aguinaldo, to Merengue, Son, Rumba, Cumbia and Salsa. But the band is as comfortable, and passionate, playing a Bolero, a slow Seis con Décimas, or a classic Danza. This evening the band will present music from its recently released debut CD AfroTaíno, which has been receiving outstanding reviews by DJs, dancers, music critics, and music lovers from the Bay Area to New York, Puerto Rico, Colombia, and beyond! The sound of the group is based on the mix of “cueros, cuerdas y voces” – skins, strings, and vocals.
Héctor Lugo: bongó, panderos, barriles, vocals, and percusión
Camilo Landau: vocals and Puerto Rican cuatro
Sandra García Rivera: vocals and güícharo
Javier Navarrette: congas, cajón, percusión menor, and coros
Ayla Dávila: bass and coros
“This magical music will heal your Soul and take you places you’ve only dreamed about. La Mixta Criolla will make you dance and sing, and will bring home to you.” – Avotcja Jiltonilro, poet, musician, DJ at KPOO (89.5 San Francisco) and KPFA-FM (94.1 Berkeley)
“Este album es uno de los mejores que he escuchado ultimamente…la plena, la bomba, la guaracha jíbara y el seis, así como el son montuno y hasta el merengue son fusionados de una forma magistral…El son montuno AfroTaíno es espectacular.” – DJ Chino Valero, Cali, Colombia
http://www.lamixta.com
http://www.reverbnation.com/lamixtacriolla (listen to La Mixta’s CD AfroTaíno)
http://vimeo.com/32893949 (“La Huelga”)
http://www.youtube.com/v/uXTTqGeBi40 (“Silencio”)
$12-15 admission. Doors at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.

AMENDOLA VS. BLADES: Drums Vs. Hammond B3
2012-02-10 19:30 - 22:00
Wil Blades and Scott Amendola conjure various sonic deities though only a duo. Their live shows have been generating a buzz around the Bay Area. The two got their start as a group when Scott had the vision of performing Duke Ellington’s “Far East Suite” in duo with
Wil. While quite a daunting task translating a suite (originally written for a big band) into duo, the Hammond organ had previously been used in the 1940s and 1950s to emulate the sound of big bands. With Wil’s knowledge of this tradition and Scott’s desire to push boundaries, they were able to pull it off in an explorative, yet cohesive manner. The duo continues to perform the Ellington suite in their live performances, while also developing their original material. In performance, Amendola and Blades cover everything from Avant Garde to Funk, Bebop to Rock.
Scott Amendola: drums
Wil Blades: Hammond B3 organ
“The Amendola vs Blades duo has firmly established itself as one of the
liveliest acts in the Bay Area.” – Jazz Observer
www.scottamendola.com
www.wilblades.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6AvN9m_hXI
$12-20 admission. Doors at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.

MAPP (Mission Arts Performance Project)
2012-02-04 19:00 - 23:55
The MAPP is a homegrown, intercultural, multidisciplinary neighborhood event that takes place the first Saturday every two months in the Mission District. It’s a collage of a dozen or so spaces—garages, cafés, studios, gardens, street corners—which artists transform into makeshift venues for the intimate experience of people and culture. Endeavoring to bridge the cultural divides of our communities, the MAPP gives space and voice to the multiplicity of perspectives and experiences that exist within urban settings.
http://www.facebook.com/groups/49866204088/

http://www.facebook.com/events/273955189334995/
Here is the complete program:

1. Red Poppy Art House
2698 Folsom @ 23rd
Curator: Rafael Sarria
“Music and Art Fritanga”
7:00-7:20 Katt White (sweet Jazz Vocals)
7:30-8:15 Classical Revolution
8:30-9:15 MamaCoatl (profunda pero ligera)
9:30-10:00 Michael Warr & Todd Brown (Poetry & Music)
10:15-11:05 La Gente Acoustic (reggae, Latin, Hop-Hop)
11:20-12:00 Stina da Silva (soulfull songstress)
Visual Exhibition: Artists of EDELO– “Where The United Nations Used To Be”

2. Pathos-on-harrison
2754 Harrison @ 23rd
Curator: David Kubrin & Jorge Molina
8:45 Introduction
9:00 Amy Seidman (multimedia, artist & musician)
9:20 David Kubrin (poet & story teller)
9:35 Los Nadies
10:00 Alejandro Chavez (singer songwriter)
10:25 Leslie Simon (poet)
10:40 Jeffrey Alphonsus Mooney (music)
11:10 Jorge Molina & The Spontaneous Combustion Opera Mara Kubrin: bite-size bakery & drinks
Kristen Panti: photography exhibition
3. ARTILLERY AG
2751 Mission St. Between 24th & 23rd
Curator: Alexa Trevino
7:30 -8:30PM Santos Perdidos performing a Super Dope Jam Session
Visual exhibition: “Dignidad Rebelde”
Graphic arts collaboration between artists Melanie Cervantes & Jesus Barraza. Opening Reception!

4. Casa Blanca
3001 20th @ Florida
Curator: Catali+Manouche
12:00pm-8:00 – Lamp Fixtures + Exibition
8:00pm – Happy Hour
9:30 – Anastasia & Friends Concert (vibrant latin soul)
10:30 – Manouche Deluxe Live Act (mashed up ethnic beats) Visula exhibition by Catali “Experimental light fixture sculptures”
Mckenna Van Koppen paintings “fauna figures”

5. The Box Factory
865 Florida St. between 20th and 21st
Curator: Bernadette and Cassandra
Vagina Monologue Fundraiser art variety show
7:00: Doors open
8:00: Cassandra Introduction
8:15- 9:00, Trish (live music)
9:00-9:30: Show and Tell/’Cass Fashion Jewelry’ (Fashion show)
10:00-10:30 Michael P (Live Art demonstration), CC Heart (Poetry), Alexa Von Kickinface (Burlesque)
10:30-11:00: M.Muse/ Toby Tyler/ ChÄk (Fashion Show)
11:00-12:00: Bernadette (Closing speech, Live performance)
Photography: Amy Bark
Paintings: Hannah Masius, Maga, Bonnie Rose Parent and Lara De Garie

6. L’s Cafe
2871 24th St. (between Bryant and Florida)
Curator: The Red Poppy Family Art
1:00-4:00pm Activity: MAPP your freedom
Nathaniel Gloekler will be celebrating the opening of his art show, “Nature and Light” all day until 6pm

7. AREA 2881 Gallery
2881 23rd Street @ Florida
Curator: Carl Pisaturo
8:00- midnight: Lumino-Kinetic Sculpture of Carl Pisaturo

8. Luz De La Luna
1390 Alabama St. between 25 st. & 26th st.
Curartor: Mister Ri
7:30-8 NCN- story-teller
8-8:30 Gloria Esteva- poeta
8:30-9 Celeste Chan and JDX-poetry in motion
9-10 Erica Nalani y Nada Diaz- alternative soul/sex rock
Food & Drink provided by “Women’s Worker Project”

9. Precita Eyes
2981 24th street
Curator: Ariana Terrence
Visuals and Music throughout the evening

10. Magnetic Dreams
2548 Folsom St
Curators: Tony Bravo & Dash
6:00-8:30 PM Magnetic Dreams Photography by Dashiell Merrick & Fatimata Vetu. Live music by David Erle

11. Revolution Cafe
3248 22nd St (between Mission St & Bartlett St)
Curator: Joe Lewis
8:00-midnight live music

12. Alley Cat Books
3036 24th st between Folsom & Balmy
Curartor: Mysterious entity
6:00-8:00 Sf & CA “maps” real and imagined. + Food & Drink.

13. Kaleidescope
3109 24th st
Curator: Sarah Powell
9:00-10:00 Kate Kilbane & the Cellar doors( jazz, rock, soul, theatre)

14. Cafe La Boheme
3318 24th St (between Mission St & Osage St)
Curator: Johnny Mac
Storytelling through Music and Emotion
6:30 Anastasia- A vibrant blend of folk, latin, and blues
7:30 Peter Vincent – 1982 Punk Noir
8:00 Jonny Mac – Fringe Folk
9:00 Rachel Toups – Acoustic Folk Set
Plasma Art Gallery (India) will be exhibiting their art throughout the night in awareness towards children with Blood Disorders.

15. Patio 308
308 Shotwell St. (Backyard Patio)
Curator: Co-curated by Ralph Vazquez (Conception), Katie Fahey, Sebastian Alvarez, and Surabhi Saraf
8:00-10:30 Rafael Vazquez- Conception (Yamanote: Teleidoscopic Portrait of an Anonymous City)
8:30-9:00 Surabhi Saraf feat. Sebastian Alvarez (Spin Four)
9:15-10:00 DJ Set by Laocoon and Wanderlust
Modular Installation by the Archive Machine (performance response by Wanderlust)

SANTOS PERDIDOS QUINTET: Santos Perdidos CD Release
2012-02-03 19:30 - 22:00
Santos Perdidos is an acoustic Latin band based in the heart of San Francisco, playing an eclectic mix of Son Cubano, Rumba Española, Bolero, and Afro-Peruvian Lando.
The band met in the summer of 2009 and proceeded to bond as friends and musicians in John Calloway’s Afro-Cuban Ensemble of San Francisco State University. Their first gig at the Mission Arts & Performance Project (MAPP) in the Secret Garden set the tone for their involvement in community events. From there, Santos Perdidos has been leaving their mark wherever they play, from Mission locals such as Radio Habana, The Red Poppy, El Rio, Casa Sanchez and Carnaval to venues like Birdland Jazzista Social Club, Yoshi’s and the De Young Museum.
With its strong vocal harmonies and rich sound, the band’s constantly expanding repertoire includes traditional music from Cuba, Peru, Colombia, Mexico & Spain, as well as original compositions
Jordan Wilson: guitar, tres, vocals
Monica Fimbrez: bass, vocals
Sergio Duran: conga, vocals
Patricio Angulo: bongo, cajon, campana
Mario Silva: trumpet
santosperdidos.com
$10-$15 admission. Doors at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.

Volunteer Orientation and Artist Salon, hosted by the Family Art Program Featuring Jeremy Mintz
2012-02-01 18:00 - 21:00
Singer Song Writer pursuing his Doctorate in Psychology at the California Institute of Integral Studies. Small discussion and Q&A on the Role of music as communal expression after performance.

Along with playing strings and providing back-up vocals for the contemporary Afro-Latino group – YeYe – Jeremy also performs a wide array of his own original music and unique covers. With a remarkable ability to absorb and incorporate music from seemingly any source, Jeremy uses his own voice to tell the story of the places he’s been and the people he’s known. Through his travels in Asia and the Americas, he has learned to play over a dozen instruments, which allows him to draw upon an impressively eclectic mix of influences. For this intimate evening, he will be taking the audience through a retrospective of his life through song. In doing so, Jeremy hopes to convey the richness of traditional song forms, presented with a modern sensibility. The evening will also shed light upon the ever-important role music has in bringing forth communal expression.

Instruments will include:
guitar, charango, sikus/zamponas (panpipes), bansuri (Indian flute),
Nepali Sarangi, and South Asian jaw harps

Daniel Masson Presents: George Méliès’ The Impossible Voyage
2012-01-29 18:30 - 21:00
Known for his musical contribution to the hugely popular compilations of Buddha Bar, French artist Daniel Masson has made a career of crossing musical and technical boundaries, establishing himself as one of the names in Electro World-chillout music. As an independent composer, studio producer and guitarist, he has generated his own unique style in the electronic scene.
During summer 2011 Masson composed an original electronic score for George Méliès’ 1904 silent film “The Impossible Voyage,” giving the classic new life in a new location. Presented by the French Embassy and the French Institute of Seoul, South Korea, Masson played the new composition live at the Busan International Film Festival this past fall.
Channelling Méliès’ sense of innovation and experimentation with early cinema, at the Red Poppy Art House Masson will begin with an electronic “chillout” mix of recent work and afterward provide a rendition of his Méliès “cinemix” with a screening of The Impossible Voyage. This original performance is not be missed!
Excerpt of the Impossible Voyage:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvaT5hQeFZ8&feature=youtu.be
Performance
http://vimeo.com/31248598

http://www.danielmasson.net/
$10-$15 admission. Cash Only.
Doors at 6:30 pm. Show at 7:00 pm.

Tango No. 9: All Manner Of Tango
2012-01-28 19:30 - 22:00
For over 15 years, Tango No. 9 has been exploring the breadth and depth of Tango,
from the classic sounds of the early dance standards through Astor Piazzolla’s
revolutionary Tango Nuevo all the way up to Tango-inspired Chamber works that
were composed especially for the group. Tonight they will be presenting a mix
of new additions to their repertoire as they prepare for their fifth album, as well as
old favorites.
Catharine Clune – violin
Greg Stephens – trombone
Zoltan di Bartolo – vocal
Joshua Raoul Brody – piano
“Reliably excellent!” – Hurwitt, SF Chronicle
“La dolce vita, indeed!” — Adam Savetsky, San Francisco Bay Guardian
“As soon as we got settled, the music grabbed us by the emotional necktie and pushed us up against a sonic wall. Abandoning all desire for chat, we gave ourselves over to the music…”
— Hiya Swanhuyser, SF Weekly
“French cigarette smoke from the heart of a dark Paris café comes pouring out of this album … the lonely sensuality of a bandoneon … the sexy slur of a trombone … the heartbreaking sigh of a violin and the therapeutic chords of a piano. If this quartet had a vocalist, she would have a whiskey voice and an angel’s body.” — Chuck Graham, Tucson Citizen
www.tangonumber9.com
$12-$20 admission. Doors at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.

Lou Lou and The Gypsy Jivers: Django Jazz Meets South African Township Jazz
2012-01-27 19:30 - 22:00
Experience a unique fusion between the raw energies of Southern African Township Jazz and Gypsy Jazz. South African born Gypsy Jazz guitarist and composer Louis Matthee created the group in 2010 with a debut album “Gypsy Jive” featuring this unique blend of music styles. His original compositions give personal accounts of life in South Africa and executed in the craft and skill of Gypsy Jazz guitar.
Louis (Lou Lou) Matthee – guitar & vocals
Tom Griesser- saxophone & clarinet
Nick Christie- rhythm guitar
Joe Kyle Jr.- upright bass
“A very pleasing and, totally surprising album…” – Eric Alan – whatsonsa.co.za
www.reverbnation.com/loulouandthegypsyjivers
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Lou-Lou-and-the-Gypsy-Jivers/109063159131933
$12-$20 admission. Doors at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.

Soul Union Featuring Karamo Susso: Conscious World Fusion Music
2012-01-26 18:30 - 21:00
Soul Union is a powerful band that weaves elements of African, Caribbean, and American music together to create a unique, new sound, coupled with truly inspirational lyrics. Soul Union plays music that makes people think, listen, feel and most of all dance! The band was formed in 2007 by John Dutro (lead singer) and Greg Fletcher (ngoni player) in Chico, California. The current configuration of the band also features a drum-set, bass, percussion, and Malian Kora virtuoso Karamo Susso. Karamo’s vast wealth of West African musical heritage, experience, and musicality has brought this music to new heights. These elements have fused together to produce a full, entrancing sound capable of moving any audience.
Karamo Susso: kora, tama
Greg Fletcher: ngoni, djembe, dun dun
Johnny Dutro: vocals, flute, karinyan
Fallon Daily: congas, percussion
Johnathon Stoyanoff: bass
Dan Meteyor: drumset
Ben Isaacs: djembe, tama
www.musicofsoulunion.net
$12-15 admission. Doors at 6:30 pm. Show at 7:00 pm.

Pezhham Akhavass: Traditional Music Of Persia
2012-01-21 19:30 - 22:00
This evening’s performance will be based on the traditional music of Persia by one of Iran’s foremost Percussionist Pezhham Akhavass. Based on the art of improvisation, the listener will be taken through an introspective and meditative journey through sound. Pezhham Akhavass is known as a virtuoso percussionist of the Tombak and Daf percussive instruments. He has a degree in music from the University in Tehran and has recorded and performed around the world with the leading masters of Persian music including Kayhan Kalhor, Hossein Alizadeh and Saied Farajpouri. He now lives in San Francisco where he teaches and performs. Pezhham’s unique approach to rhythm has defined him as one of the leading figures in his generation for his ability to create new and innovative techniques in Tombak, creating a new dimension in sound.
Pezhham Akhavass – Tombak/Daf/percussion
Special guests – TBA
“Pezhham does not miss a beat.” ~ Matthew Forss, Inside World Music
www.akhavass.com
$15-20 admission. Doors at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.

CHELLE! AND FRIENDS: Chelle And Friends Commemorates The Music Of Mardi Gras
2012-01-20 19:30 - 22:00
CHELLE! and Friends, commemorates the music of Mardi Gras, New Orleans, and celebrates its Creole people and their remarkable music. Michelle Jacques was born in New Orleans. She began this journey to find out what it means to be Creole, to understand her culture, her language and her history and after the devastation of Katrina in 2005, her mission has evolved into her determination to keep the history and the music of New Orleans alive. Michelle has been awarded the 2008 City of Oakland Individual Artist grant helping her dream come alive. From the joyous mix of Spirituals, the pulsating rhythms of the Wild Magnolias’ “Herc Jolly John”, and Irma Thomas’ “You Can Have My Husband”, to Nina Simone’s ode to peace “Come Ye”, CHELLE! And Friends will take you on a musical and historically rich roller coaster ride that you won’t soon forget! With drums, percussion, bass, horns and powerful voices, CHELLE! And Friends delivers a musically rich performance of Jazz, R&B, world music and Spirituals, that transcends ethnic boundaries, uplifts, brings news, protests, motivates and honors our richness and diversity.
Michelle Jacques – vocals
Rhonda Crane – vocals
Jay Lamont – vocals
Bryan Dyer – vocals
Donna Viscuso – saxophone, harmonica, flute
Ken “Snakebite” Jacobs – flute
Sam Bevan – bass
Bob Scott – bass
“Chelle has put together a dream team of accomplished performers. This group completely rocks! They’ve been a hit every time we’ve worked together.” Russ Jennings, Common Soul Productions
“New Orleans is visiting us with the powerhouse group of CHELLE! and Friends! This is spiritual gospel fused with Caribbean rhythms, Cajun mix of spicy vocals that will make you dance, sing, pay attention and certainly will give you chills and lift your spirit! This is one of my favorite performing groups in the Bay Area…” Stephanie Dalton, Urban Music News
http://urbanmusicpresents.com/chellefriends
Video – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVYVyHAbHy4&feature=player_embedded
$10 advanced admission. $12 door admission. Doors at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.

Live figure drawing class/Session de dibujo en vivo
2012-01-19 18:30 - 21:30
Jan 19th, 6:30-9:30pm
Live figure drawing class/Session de dibujo en vivo
Red Poppy Art House, 2698 Folsom St @ 23rd
$10 (no one turned away for lack of funds)

In keeping with the traditions of master artist communities of old, we are experimenting with offering life-drawing workshops. Our first one will be help Thursday, January 19th, from 6:30 – 9:30. Each 3-hour session will cost $10, although no one will be turned away for lack of funds…
Artists of all levels are invited into this supportive environment to experiment and explore new drawing techniques or further practice and hone old ones. Poses will vary from 1 – 20 minutes, possibly longer if requested.
The sessions will be held at the Red Poppy Art House, 2698 Folsom – on the corner of Folsom and 23rd.
Suggested Materials to bring: drawing pad, drawing board or easel, whatever drawing media you would like to use to draw (charcoal, pencils, ink…)

La Gente: Reggae, Latin, Hip-Hop
2012-01-14 19:30 - 22:00
La Gente is a Bay Area-based group led by Colombian/Nicaraguan, San Francisco-born, singer-songwriter and Red Poppy resident artist Rafael Bustamante Sarria. The group is a cultural and musical combination that created its own unique Cali-fusion of Reggae, Salsa, Hip-Hop, Cumbia, Rock, and Reggaeton. Expect a high-energy dance party with politically and socially charged lyrics and freestyles in Spanish and English. The Group has toured all over the United States as well as Central and South America and Europe. La Gente will be performing new compositions, soon to be released on their newest EP and will be joined by guest MC’s and musicians from the Bay Area. La Gente recently closed out the night at the Red Poppy during Dec 3rd MAPP. 1-LOVE
Michael Shiono: bass
Juan Carreon: drums
Mario Silva: -trumpet, vocals
Imanuel Junaedy: keyboards
Rafael Bustamante Sarria: lead vocals, guitar, harmonica
www.lagentemusicsf.com
http://youtu.be/JptaaRGtEvY
http://youtu.be/-4-pwmxGJH0
$12-$15 admission. Doors at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.

Family Art Program: Dia Internacional de dar Gracias! International Thank-You Day!
2012-01-14 13:00 - 16:00
Actividad: De Cuantas maneras puedes decir gracias?
Activity: How many ways can you say thank you?

Melissa Czarnik with Eric Mire: Jazzy-Hip Hop-Poetry
2012-01-13 19:30 - 22:00
Melissa Czarnik (Zar-nik) is one of the most vital emcees to emerge in recent years. Mixing potent poetry, soulful hip hop and improvisatory Jazz, Czarnik’s music exemplifies artists such as Lauryn Hill, Ani Difranco and Nneka.
Hailing from Milwaukee, Czarnik’s first two albums Strawberry Cadillac (HMP, 2008) and Raspberry Jesus (HMP, 2010) have earned her recognition by NPR, Bitch Magazine, Bust Magazine, Anattitude Magazine (Europe), and Democracy Now among others. She has toured extensively throughout the United States and was a special guest performer at the Supafly Hip Hop Series #3 in Brussels, Belgium. In 2010, Czarnik was interviewed on Billy Jam’s WFMU “Women in Hip Hop Special” which also featured Rah Digga and Ayana Soyini.
Currently Czarnik is booking a 2012 European tour and is preparing for her French artist residency, where she will complete her forthcoming album, Non Merci.
Melissa Czarnik – vocals
Eric Mire – key board, loop pedal, vocals
“This incredible young rapper from Milwaukee had me under her spell from the first to last moments of her album. Some of the songs are biographical, some are issues-based and many touch on the theme of love in a raw and wise way. Whatever the subject, Czarnik’s tracks are all verbally and musically smart. She has clear diction and there’s a musicality to the way she raps — her speaking is very much like singing. The sonic palette is very broad. I loved the use of a garbled-up Delibes “Flower Duet” in the song “Been this Way” and there are some gorgeous, tripping saxophone solos in “Canned Nutrition.” This girl is going all the way.” – Chloe Veltman, VoiceBox, KALW 91.7FM
“Czarnik is a soulful, fluid rapper, backed by the five-piece Eric Mire Band. Together, they’ve produced a surprising, potent and thoughtful mix of funk, jazz, soul and hip-hop.” -Robin Hilton, NPR, All Songs Considered
“With slammin’ poetry, precise beats, and DIY authenticity, Czarnik is an inspiration to young MC’s everywhere.”- Claire Ashton, Bitch Magazine
Website: http://www.melissaczarnik.com/default.html
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00kdc1Qnv8E
Audio Clip Melissa Czarnik “Thunder Summer Storm”: http://www.melissaczarnik.com/tss.mp3
$10-$12 admission. Doors at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.

Califa: Afro Middle Eastern Balkanalia
2012-01-12 18:30 - 21:00
The brainchild of Rosa Rojas (formerly of the Bay Area’s Ballet Afsaneh) and Fabrice Martinez of Fishtank Ensemble, Califa is a Los Angeles based world music party onstage. Featuring musicians from LA bands Plotz and Rootsystem, the essence of Califa is an offering of highly concentrated musical virtuosity, fun, and party hopping all across the musical world. Featuring three dancing, singing and musician divas at the center of its universe, Califa is a dazzling concentration of love for music, culture and beauty.
Fabrice Martinez – violin
Daniel Rosenboom – trumpet
Robby Marshall – clarinet
Momo Loudiyi – guitar
Orest Balaban – bass
Austin Wrinkle – drums
Rosa Rojas, Ursula Knudson, Molly Roth- vocals, percussion, Theremin
$15-$20 admission. Doors at 6:30pm. Show at 7:00pm.

The Evan Francis Group: Adventurous And Heartfelt Original Music
2012-01-08 19:30 - 22:00
The Evan Francis Group is a boundary-pushing, six-piece ensemble that presents melodic and rich woodwinds over an organic patchwork of Afro-Latin, Avant-garde and Groove rhythms. The rhythmically-active music is adventurous, dramatic and entirely heartfelt. Inspiration for this music is especially drawn from modern Cuban Timba music as well as wildly expressive Americans like Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Charlie Mingus. Evan Francis is a San Francisco-based woodwind artist and composer who made his way performing and recording with the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marcus Shelby, Billy Higgins, Talib Kweli, Darren Johnston, Lyrics Born, Dr. Art Davis, Jazz Mafia, and Mike Keneally.
Kasey Knudsen- tenor sax
Marcus Stephens- tenor sax
Evan Francis- alto sax and flute
Sam Bevan- upright bass
Matt Lucas- tumbas
Colin Douglas- timbal
“I can visualize the spirits of Rahsaan Roland Kirk & Eric Dolphy looking on with pride… a bit of the funk/soul/house groove, tasty beats…it’s invigorating & refreshing to hear a contemporary jazz group actually moving the dialog ahead.” – Jeffrey Jones, Music Director WOJB FM 88.9
“Aside from being a hefty instrumentalist, he’s a terrific composer …..Francis likes to experiment. He’s the composer’s equivalent to a restless teenager, always shifting grooves or mixing and matching” -Rachel Swan, East Bay Express
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Evan-Francis-Group/92287671670
$10-15 admission. Doors at 6:30 pm. Show at 7:00 pm.

ON EXHIBIT: Artists of EDELO - "Where The United Nations Used To Be"
2012-01-08 08:00 - 2012-02-19 20:00
The Red Poppy Art House currently presents, Where The United Nations Used To Be, curated by Caleb Duarte and Mia Eve Rollow, co-founders of EDELO, the Poppy’s sister Art House in San Cristobal De Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. The exhibit highlights a cross-section of EDELO resident artists, past and present, with works that represent both local and international cultural political movements. The Red Poppy Art House and EDELO wish to create an inter-communal exchange forum of diverse practices from all areas of the planet – where individuals from various walks of life exchange thoughts and actions as gifts.
Artists’ Reception, Thursday February 2nd, 6-9pm

the pickPocket ensemble: New Music For The World Cafe
2012-01-07 19:30 - 22:00
Inspired by many world musical traditions, the pickPocket ensemble inhabit a country all their own. Original, fresh and engaging, the pickPocket ensemble create a contemporary chamber café music that moves both body and soul.
“Always rich in mood and atmosphere, they deftly meld inspirations and instrumentation from around the globe. Some are fleeting like single threads in their lustrous tapestry, while others (such as the Appalachian folk and Balkan gypsy influences) appear more solidly, forming artfully arranged patches of the PPE musical quilt. Along the mesmerizing way, they visit and revisit the twist and turns of jazz, flamenco, tango and chamber music.” – Aquarius Records
“Their dark, austere, gypsy-tinged acoustic melodies linger over tricky rhythms that sometimes shift shape to the point where it’s impossible not to get lost. Plaintive but not sentimental, wistful without being hokey, this is tremendously captivating rainy-day music.” – Lucid Culture
Lila Sklar – violin
Rick Corrigan – accordion and composition
Yates Brown – guitar and banjo
Kurt Ribak – double bass
Brian Rick – percussion
http://www.pickpocketensemble.com
http://youtu.be/rJ9-bxNhuw4
$12-$15 admission. Doors at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.

Valerie Orth: Intimate Trio Show Plus Music Video Screening
2012-01-06 19:30 - 22:00
Described as “sexy, soulful, genuine, and edgy” by the San Francisco Bay Guardian and an “indie folk powerhouse” by Bend’s Source Weekly, Valerie Orth is a fearless and genre-bending songwriter. Her distinctive hybrid of rock, groove, soul, and folk reaches out and grabs your attention; her live performances captivate and charm at once. Rich with melody and metaphor, Orth’s tunes move nimbly between darkness and light, hope and despair, taking deft turns of phrase along unforeseen rhythmic twists in the road. With gorgeous, multi-octave vocals and no fear of heights, she flirts with the edge as readily as she subverts expectations. On January 6 at the Red Poppy, while featuring the band’s newest addition, Brian Scholl on drums, Valerie will be showcasing new songs, telling you the secrets behind her songs (ssshhhh!), and screening her band’s latest music video. There will be some surprise audience participation as well… Get your creative hats on and come join us for this intimate performance.
Valerie Orth – guitar, vocals
Veronika Safarova – bass, backing vocals
Brian Scholl – drums
“There is an honesty to Valerie’s music that is both brilliant and heartbreaking.” – San Francisco Chronicle
Valerie’s full length album, Faraway City, is “a remarkable piece of work.” – East Bay Express
“Unpredictable and highly original…Just when you think she’s going to settle into a familiar groove, off she flies into the stratosphere with phrasings you never saw coming.” – Jefferson Agrarian
“Indie folk powerhouse” – Bend’s Source Weekly
www.valerieorth.com
www.youtube.com/valerieorth
$10-$15 admission. Cash Only.
Doors at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.

Maria Morrell, Stina Da Silva, & Maria Machetes: Songstress Salon
2012-01-05 18:30 - 21:00
The Songstress Salon features original music of three powerful enigmatic Bay Area singer-songwriters. These three ladies recently performed at the de Young museum as part of the Artist Fellows program.
Maria Morrell is an artist who writes her songs with an empathic flair for life’s joys and pains. Her folk and soul influenced music gives way for an unpretentious, reminiscent experience. She is also one of the lead singers for the group Pop Fiction and performs all over the West coast.
Stina da Silva is a soulful songstress whose lyrics and melodies are passionate and sometimes quirky. She incorporates a variety of styles and languages into her music but her main influence is rooted in blues and folk. Stina is a performer and educator based in the Bay Area.
Maria Machetes is a singer songwriter, poet, community educator and activist. Her music is rooted in Latin American traditions and addresses everything from poetry to politics. She describes her music as “Traditional Fusion Tropical Pop”
Maria Morrell: vocals guitar
Stina da Silva: vocals, guitar, ukele
Maria Machetes: vocals
Kat White: vocal, guitar
Gil Barraza: guitar
Fer Checa: bass
Jose Vergelin: congas, bongos, cajon
Mario Patinio: flute
Edison Bolanos: charango
Maria Morrell: www.popfictionlive.com
Stina da Silva: www.youtube.com/user/Stinakat
Maria Machetes: http://youtu.be/yNUTHoR-Mzo
$10-$20 admission. Doors at 6:30 pm. Show at 7:00 pm.

Tito y su Son de Cuba Quinteto: Celebration la Noche Buena en Havana Vieja
2011-12-23 19:30 - 22:00
Heriberto “Tito” Gonzalez, “El Trecero mayor”, arrived in the San Francisco Bay area in the summer of 2000. His music is typical and primarily “El Son”. Now, with a new life in San Francisco and the songwriter’s freedom to experiment and story-telling, Tito, a consummate master of Cuban traditional music, brings a fresh sound to a lifetime of experience.
Tito Gonzales spent his young life picking up guitar licks around the rim of the sea thanks to a Cuban-run company that sent fisherman like him far and wide to find the catch. The open water swept him into the urban narrows, and, back on dry land, he traded up for the sound of the tres (small Cuban guitar) and the Cuban son, yet his talent only led him to ordinary labor. Fate had in store for him a different destiny -a rapid ascendence from cabbie to celebrity and a star of the Cuban music scene.
Tito Gonzalez: lead singer, tres guitar, percussion
Miguel Martinez: flute and percussion
David Fraizer: congas
Antonio Garcia: bass
Mario Artino: piano
www.titoysusondecuba.com
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xm8VgYkcaSc
$15-$18 admission. Cash only.
Doors open at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.
