Red Poppy Art House

La Ruya: An Evening Of Near East Flamenco
2012-03-23 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | CA
La Ruya – Andalusia meets the Near East and Black Sea, sprinkled lightly with a hint of Piazzolla and Kafka – or something like that. Newcomer Bay Area septet La Ruya strives to capture a sound so obvious that it has yet to be heard. A meeting of flamenco modes and Arabic makam, darbuka and cajon, 12/8, 10/8 and 9/8… rhythms, chants and tonalities far flung in space and time that still somehow recognize each other. Who can accurately trace the gypsy music of East and West back to their common source? At worst this is a scholarly past time, at best it’s something approaching a new, as yet uncharted style. La Ruya makes no pretense of tradition or authenticity – not minding the sense so long as the sounds take care of themselves. And La Ruya’s sound depends as much on the dance as the strings, and in the dance it truly lives – hypnotic, almost ritual, it’s the final expression of the spirits summoned in the song.

David Páez – guitar
Gary Haggerty – oud
Briana Di Mara – violin
Melissa Cruz – baile and palmas
Fanny Ara – baile and palmas
Murat Bayhan – darbuka, deff
Samuel Joseph – cajon, darbuka, riqq, deff
http://melissacruz.weebly.com/index.html
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGfdnrQqSyU&hd=1
http://www.fannyara.com/
$10-$12 admission. Doors at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.

MOYURBANDO - Paintings by Maykel Vargas: Artist Reception
2012-03-22 18:00 - 21:00
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.

Arte y Tapas Performance Series feat. Classical Revolution
2012-03-21 18:30 - 21:00
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.

SoupSF
2012-03-18 17:30 - 20:30
Come check out the first ever SoupSF… at the Red Poppy Art House!
Designed to use community-driven financial support to democratically fund new and emerging projects, SoupSF is inspired by successful precursors such as Chicago INCUBATE’s Sunday Soup and Brooklyn’s FEAST.
The idea: 1) $15 donation gets you soup and a vote. 2) Three teams present projects to benefit the community. 3) Attendees vote to grant the proceeds from the meal to the most inspiring and promising project.
Maybe you’re starting a community garden or farmer’s market. Or you’re a muralist with a vision for a decrepit wall. Or maybe you’re building an installation or pop-up art experience. If it makes the community a happier place, it can get funded ($300-$500) at SOUP SF.
Submissions are judged for:
1) creativity
2) value to community
3) ability to execute
For more information or to submit a proposal to be one of the projects considered, please visit:
http://soupsf.org/
Questions? Contact:
Rahmin Sarabi, rsarabi@gmail.com, OR
Katie Fahey, katie@redpoppyarthouse.org

Colm Ó Riain: Irish Fission
2012-03-17 19:30 - 22:00
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.

The Family Art Youth and Volunteer artistic development program presents... Navigating to light
2012-03-17 10:00 - 12:30
The Family Art Youth and Volunteer artistic development program presents…
Navigating to light
an artistic workshop by current visual art exhibitor
Maykel Vargas
Saturday March 17th
10am-12:30noon

Navigating to light
The essence of living is so simple and we make it so complicated.

Lost in desire and fixated only on what we want, Ego’s darkness block our feelings. Let us navigate together the wide seas of love, truth, harmony, and light to be a conscious creatures of action while knowing ourselves and our brothers and sisters.

Vargasarte
http://www.wix.com/vargasart/uno

Space is limited. Free for volunteers of the Red Poppy Art House
RSVP at johanna@redpoppyarthouse.org
Not a volunteer? contact kenya@redpoppyarthouse.org

Charming Hostess: An Homage to Radical Diva Adrienne Cooper
2012-03-16 19:30 - 22:00
Charming Hostess is a music ensemble at the intersection of voice, text and Diaspora consciousness. Our mission is to make lovely noise about complex ideas. We draw sonically from the sounding body – voices and winds, handclaps and heartbeats, sex-breath and silence. Individual voices and experiences come together to create a dialogic, multi-faceted whole. ChoHo’s music has been curated into the Prague Bienalle and the Museum of Peace in Uzbekistan, as well as YBCA and the Contemporary Jewish Museum in SF. Tonight we will be honoring the radical Yiddish hero Adrienne Cooper who passed on last month. Teacher, activist, diva, inspiration to many, Adrienne’s work went, in her words, “from grit to grace.” She was serious about music and text, and she was also funny and fabulous. We miss her. Tonight we will be honoring her spirit with Jewish music, traditional and new. We will be focusing on Jewish music from the Mediterranean, but we will have some Yiddish ones in there too!
Jewlia Eisenberg-voice
Cynthia Taylor-voice
Jason Ditzian-clarinet
Michael Pinkham-drums
and special guests!
“Charming Hostess makes music like no other… Thrown in with lively North African wedding songs and Eastern European folk songs are originals that display a proudly feminist, radical-Jewish, pro-sex sensibility. The blend lets listeners discover whether they can think and dance at the same time.” - The New York Times
“Thoroughly delightful…Ethereal melodies shift elegantly with precise rhythmic accompaniment, and the overall effect encourages an urge to dance and drink vodka.” - The New Yorker
www.charminghostess.us
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAppqYyH1PM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eeQggYwIS0M&feature=related
$10-$20 admission. Doors at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.

WORLD BLUES BAND: Acoustic West African Caribbean Blues
2012-03-15 18:30 - 21:00
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.

Pisco Cocktails Class
2012-03-14 19:00 - 21:00
Celebrate the oldest distilled spirit in the Americas in this hands-on Pisco Cocktails Class at the Red Poppy. Learn about the history of Pisco in Peru and its connection to San Francisco. From the classic Pisco Sour, to San Francisco’s Pisco Punch, you’ll learn the skills to prepare Pisco cocktails at home. Bring a small mason jar to take home a special Pisco infusion you’ll be making in class. This class will be lead by Nico Vera, the Peruvian chef, mixologist, and writer for Pisco Trail.
Advanced tickets highly recommended — space is limited. Buy now!

ELIYAHU & THE QADIM ENSEMBLE: Mystical Music Of The Near East
2012-03-11 19:00 - 21:00
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.

THE FOUR BAGS: A Confluence Of Post-Bop, Indie-Rock And Chamber Music
2012-03-10 19:30
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.

PROFESSOR BURNS AND THE LILAC FIELD: An Intimate Evening Of Soul Stirring Indie-Folk
2012-03-09 19:30 - 22:00
“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.

Volunteer Orientation and Salon
2012-03-07 18:30 - 21:00
Presentacion Artistica*Orientacion para voluntarios
Artist Salon*Volunteer Orientation

TODD SICKAFOOSE & KANE MATHIS duo plus Ara Anderson and Matthew Szemela
2012-03-03 19:30 - 22:30
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.

Water Color Woman / Mujer de Color Con Agua
2012-03-03 13:00 - 16:00
Celebrando el 1ro de Marzo el dia Internacional de la Mujer de Color /
International Women of Color Day – March 1st
Actividad: Mujer de Color con agua / Activity: Water Color Woman
** Become involved by Donating Materials! crayons, watercolor, paint brushes, paper, salt, water cups

THE SESHEN: Electro-Acoustic Music
2012-03-02 19:30 - 22:30
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.

The Destiny Muhammad Jazz Trio: Sassy Jazz Standards On Harp!
2012-03-01 18:30 - 2012-03-03 21:00
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 LISA ENGELKEN BAND: Anima Explorations, Pt. II
2012-02-25 19:30 - 22:00
Extraordinary singer, songwriter and arranger Lisa Engelken is a Kansas-born, straight-shooter, known for a fearless stage presence that has garnered her comparisons to Evel Kneivel, Janis Joplin and a roaring Harley Davidson motorbike.
Classically and theatrically trained, Engelken has shared the stage with greats such as Yo La Tengo, John Cameron Mitchell, Stephen Trask, Greg Brown, T-Bone Burnett and Tom Waits. Equal parts freight train, junkyard trombone and tumbleweed, Engelken alternately locomotes and floats through tunes.
Lisa returns to the Red Poppy after last Spring’s sold-out event that premiered her new project Anima Explorations.
Lisa performs with a new band that features some of the most daring and innovative in the Bay Area. Together they will embark on the new adventure: Part II of Anima Explorations, debuts Lisa’s new compositions and arrangements as a continued exploration through voice and harmony of the opposing forces that wrestle inside each of us.
Lisa plans to record the Anima Project in Spring 2012, in follow up to Caravan 2010). Produced and arranged by Engelken, Caravan features 10 fresh takes on Jazz standards and Brazilian tunes, while boldly adapting songs by Billy Idol and Joni Mitchell into the Jazz idiom. The album also includes “From the Earth” a new lyric version of Freddie Hubbard’s Jazz-Funk classic “Red Clay.” The album was named among the “Best of 2010” by the Jazz Journalists Association.
Lisa Engelken: vocals
Gerry Grosz: vibraphone & piano
Dan Feiszli: bass
Matt Swindells: drums
Special Guest Rob Reich: accordian
“She is an utter original. Blessed with superlative power, control and range, Engelken can, as mood requires, be as soft as dew or as intense as a sleet storm; her interpretive instincts are astounding.” – Christopher Loudon, Jazz Times
“Caravan is the work of an artist with her own sound and concept, a daring improviser with the technique to express even her most unorthodox ideas. More than a song stylist, she’s a dramatic force.” – Andrew Gilbert, San Jose Mercury
“The title cut Caravan is indeed a revamp of the harmonies and arrangements of Debussy and the British alt-pop band Radiohead. Only Lisa E. could conspire to combine those two influences so effectively. Add singer, composer and producer Lisa Engelken to that pantheon of great jazz artists. Caravan will stand the test of time and is a harbinger of more great music to come.” – Eric Smith, Arts & Entertainment Editor, BeyondChron.org
“Caravan is exceptional by any standard. A winning display of imagination and freedom, her radical interpretation is what jazz is supposed to be about.” – Ink Magazine
“Bold, lush, exotic and just a little bit dangerous, like waves of sound and heat: Evel Knievel and Janis Joplin. Like Evel, she is a fearless daredevil, but never reckless, knowing exactly whether her voice can jump through a ring of fire and over 30 elephants–or whether it can go 31. And like Janis, she gives every ounce of herself onstage.” – Erin Gray, columnist for The Monterey Herald
“This is a winner, pure and simple. Savor it all.” – Ken Franckling, Jazz Notes
“You have not heard this voice, trust me.” – Roger Atkinson, JAM Magazine
http://www.lisaengelken.com
http://daily-songs.com/2011/11/18/white-wedding-by-lisa-engelken/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqtqaqGYjoQ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvj3UhJ1ETo
$12-$20 admission. Doors at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.

YEYE SUAREZ: Explorando El Sin Fin
2012-02-24 19:30 - 22:00
En esta vida de divisiones y limitaciones espirituales, fisicas y mentales, la musica, el canto y el movimiento ofrecen un espacio vital para dejar por un instante las preocupaciones y disfrutar de las vibraciones infinitas.YeYe los invita a explorar un Sin Fin de sentimientos, intercambiando el miedo por el amor y el dolor por sonidos y cantos de sanacion, a traves de nutritivos tambores con el exquisito sabor Latinoamericano.
In this world of mental, spiritual and physical divisions and limitations, music, singing and movement provide a vital place to let go of life’s preoccupations for a moment and enjoy endless vibrations. Yeye invites you to explore “Endlessness” feelings, exchanging fears for love and pain for sounds and songs of healing through nurturing drums and the exquisite Latin American flavor.
YeYe Suarez: lead vocals, dance, capachos, maracon
Braulio Barrera: cajon, congas, Afro-Preuvian percussion
Jeremy Allen: bass, cuatro, cumaco, voice
Jeremy Mintz: guitar, charango, cuatro, voice
Luis Rodrigues: Afro-Venezuelan percussion
Bryan Robledo: Hip Hop
Plus surprise special guests
“A theater, music, dance and storytelling project that uses movement and rhythm form the African Diaspora in Latin America and the Caribbean to preserve the people’s history promote healing and speak of issues affecting the community. It’s not just a performance it’s an actual journey to get to one place” – KPFA Full Circle Show
FB: YeYe Suarez
youtube.com/jujosuva
www.YeYesuarez.com
yeye@yeyesuarez.com
$12-$20 admission. Doors at 7:30 pm. Show at 8:00 pm.

ROBERTA DONNAY JAZZ ENSEMBLE: A Tribute To The Women Of Jazz Of The 1920s And '30s
2012-02-23 18:30 - 21:00
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)
