To update information or submit an event, email ACTA.
March
Mithila Paintings: The Evolution of an Art Form
Through March 26, 2005
Museum of Craft & Folk Art
Fort Mason Center, Landmark Building A
San Francisco , CA 94123
For centuries, women of the Mithila region of Bihar, India painted colorful images on the walls and floors of their homes in order to create protective and auspicious spaces for their families and their life cycle rituals. In 1966, due to the encouragement by cultural leaders who saw the potential to create an accessible art form, the painters began transferring their work to paper. Since then the subjects of these paintings have expanded dramatically to include colorful, graphic images of classic tales, local legends, daily life, autobiographies, and contemporary social criticism. This exhibition traces the development of these paintings from their ritual folk art sources to their current state as artistic, cultural expressions and internationally recognized fine art.
Admission: $4
Museum hours: Tuesday through Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.;
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; First Wednesday of each month 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. and free admission
For more information visit the museum website or call (415) 775-0991.
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Origami Masterworks- Innovative Forms of the Art of Paperfolding
(Continuing)
Mingei International Museum – Balboa Park
1439 El Prado
San Diego, CA
For almost 1900 years masters taught their students the techniques and designs of origami by demonstrating the same models they had been taught. Thus, at the beginning of the 20th century, only about 150 origami models existed. Today, thanks to several inventive and generous artists, there are thousands of models being folded worldwide.
Admissions: $3 - $6
Museum Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information see the Mingei International Museum website
or call (619) 239-0003.
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Precious Cargo: California Indian Cradle Basket and Childbirth Traditions
Through April 3, 2005
Grace Hudson Museum
The Sun House
431 S. Main - Ukiah, CA 95482
Precious Cargo: California Indian Cradle Basket and Childbirth Traditions documents what cradle baskets mean to contemporary California Indian peoples, reflecting their unique view of the world and understanding of the meaning of the objects on display.
An extensive interpretative catalog by Brian Bibby is also available from Heyday books
Admission: Free
Museum Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m.;
Sunday 12:00—4:30 p.m.
For more information call (707) 467-2836 or visit the museum’s website.
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Tourism and Transition: Mai Chau, Vietnam
Life in a rural White Thai minority village of Vietnam
Through April 23, 2005
Oakland Asian Cultural Center
388 Ninth Street, Suite 290
Oakland, CA
“Tourism and Transition” outlines the many aspects of the lives of the White Thai (wearing white scarfs) community living in Mai Chau, Hoa Binh province, Vietnam. “Tourism and Transition” attempts to convey the varied affects of change on the community, both individually and collectively. Included in the exhibit are extensive examples of Thai handicrafts and traditional clothing produced and worn in the village.
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
For more information call (510) 637-0462 or visit the Oakland Asian Cultural Center’s website.
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Celebrating Spring: The Chinese Folk Art Way
Through April 30, 2005
Chinese Culture Center
750 Kearny Street , 3rd Floor
San Francisco, CA 94108
Chinese culture welcomes the arrival of Spring with celebrations that reflect multiple aspects of its cultural traditions. Going beyond the public pageantry of colorful parades, acrobatic performers and exploding firecrackers, is an intensely private expression of cherished dreams and great expectations. Homes are furnished with decorations that are deeply rooted in traditional beliefs, local customs, and cultural practices, which reveal the hopes and fears, connected with the family's activities for the coming year.
“Celebrating Spring: The Chinese Folk Art Way” highlights everyday, folk objects associated with the Spring celebration. Pictures of door guardians posted at entrances protect the family from evil influences. Images of deities from Taoist, Buddhist, and folk traditions offer personal assurances of specific blessings and safeguard from harm. Auspicious symbols convey promises for health, safety, mercy, wealth, success, and all the good things that life may bring. Some are articles and objects used by families during spring celebrations, as well as throughout the year, while others are pictorial representations that range from paintings to embroideries, and prints to woodcuts. This exhibition features folk objects drawn from different regional traditions in China.
Admission: Free
Gallery Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
For more information call (415) 986-1822, e-mail mike@c-c-c.org, or visit the Chinese Culture Center’s website.
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Classical Arts of Thailand
March 24 through May 1, 2005
Thursday through Sunday
12:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Samsung Hall
Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin Street -
San Francisco, CA 94102
Vibul and Patchara Wonprasat will demonstrate Thai painting. Visitors can make their own jewelry inspired by the objects in the exhibition The Kingdom of Siam. Thai performing arts will be displayed through video and music in the media area.
Admission: Free with museum admission of $5-$10
Museum Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.,
Thursday 10:00 a.m.—9:00 p.m.
For more information visit the museum website or call (415) 581-3500.
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Native Voices . . . Honoring the Animals
Through July 2005
The Maidu Interpretive Center & Historic Site
1960 Johnson Ranch Drive
Roseville, CA 95661
The “Native Voices...Honoring the Animals” exhibit presents photographs, audiotapes and videotapes of native people sharing how they honor the animals for providing food, clothing, tools, and regalia.
Admission: $4.00
Hours: Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.
For more information call (916) 774-5934 or visit the center’s website.
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Luis Ortega’s Rawhide Artistry:
Braiding in the California Tradition
April 3 through July 4, 2005
Museum of the American West
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA 90027
Art and function intertwine in the work of Luis Ortega. Many California horsemen of the 20th century have used his braided reins and hackamores, marveling at his ability to create horse equipment with just the right flexibility and weight. A fifth-generation Californian, Ortega was known for his intricate and colorful work. This exhibition is a tribute to Luis and Rose Ortega, honoring their accomplishments and their legacy among horsemen throughout the West.
Admission: $7.50
Museum Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m.
For more information call (323) 667-2000 or visit the museum’s website.
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Diamano Coura’s 10th Annual
“Collage des Cultures Africaines”
March 10-13, 2005
Malonga Casquelourd Arts Center
1428 Alice Street
Oakland, CA
Dance and drum workshops, community breakfast, symposia, and performances. Diamano Coura West African Dance Company is a former participant in ACTA’s Traditional Arts Development Program.
For more information call (510) 733-1077, email DiamanoC@aol.com, or visit their website.
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Alumni Performance by Malathi Iyengar
& Rangoli Dance Company
March 12, 2005
Department of World Arts & Cultures
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA
Malathi Iyengar, a Master Artist in Round 5 of ACTA’s Apprenticeship Program, will perform with her ensemble, the Rangoli Dance Company at WAC IS BACK, the opening ceremony of Glorya Kaufman Hall.
Fore more information call (310) 825-0166 or see the Rangoli Dance Company website.
125th Bok Kai Festival
March 12-13, 2005
Downtown Marysville, CA
The 125th Bok Kai Festival, reputed to be the oldest continually held parade in California, will occur March 12th & 13th in downtown Marysville. The Festival opens with a Pancake Breakfast at 7:00 a.m., followed by a 5K Run/Walk. Registration for the Run/Walk begins in front of the Bok Kai Temple on 1st Street at 8:15 a.m.; The Run/Walk starts at 9:00 a.m. The Parade, starting 11:00 a.m, begins on 6th and D Streets, and is followed by Lung Huang, the 150-ft golden dragon as he noisily winds and dances his way through the historic town of Marysville.
Lung Huang's entourage includes lion dancers, martial arts demonstrations, floats and more. Lung Huang is currently been in the Bok Kai Festival since 1991. Following the parade, scheduled multi-cultural entertainment includes Lion Dancing & Martial Arts by the Hop Sing Society will take place at the corner of 3rd and D Street.
"Bomb Day” activities are scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 13th when 100 handmade ceremonial "bombs" will be tossed into the air followed by a mad dash for the lucky rings contained inside the individual bombs. This colorful activity, known as "The Firing of the Rings" is punctuated by the vivid snapping and popping of fireworks. Lion Dancing & Martial Arts will also take place on Sunday presented by the Suey Sing Society. All Activities are free and ample parking is available.
For more information see the Bok Kai Festival website.
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Radio Bilingüe’s 23rd Annual Viva el Mariachi Festival & Workshops
March 12 – 13, 2005
Fresno, CA
Festival
Radio Bilingüe’s 23rd Annual Viva el Mariachi Festival features Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Mariachi México de Pepe Villa, and Nati Cano y Los Camperos, among others. The festival will be held on March 13, 2005 from 12:00 – 5:00 p.m. Tickets range from $7 - $31, and Tables of 10 can be purchased for $400 - $1,000. A special Mariachi Mass, free to the public, will be held Sunday morning at 7:45 a.m. at St. John's Cathedral located at 2814 Mariposa St., Fresno, CA 93721.
To purchase tickets for the festival, visit the ticketmaster website or the Fresno Convention Center Box Office at 700 M Street, Fresno, CA 93721 or call (559) 621-4700.
Check the Radio Bilingüe website for more information or call (559) 455-5777.
Workshops—Registration is sold out!
The annual ¡Viva el Mariachi! Festival is an opportunity for students of mariachi music to learn new skills and techniques from professional mariachi musicians. The workshops, open to ages 10 and up, offer instruction for beginners, intermediate and advanced musicians on traditional instruments - violin, vihuela, guitar, guitarrón, and trumpet. Instruction is also offered to students of voice.
Nati Cano y Los Camperos will serve as the instructors for advanced level students; Mariachi Mexico de Pepe Villa will instruct the intermediate level students; and the beginning level students and voice students will be taught by Juan Morales with Mariachi Tenochtitlán.
The workshop classes will be held Saturday March 12, on the campus of California State University, Fresno. For more information contact the workshop coordinators-the Alliance for California Traditional Arts at (559) 237-9812 or Radio Bilingüe, to speak with someone in Spanish, at (559) 455-5777.
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Chinese Yixing Teapot Making Demonstration
March 13, 2005
1:00— 4:00 p.m.
North Court— Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Artists from Yixing (China’s famed source of purple clay and the tea pots also known as Yixing) will demonstrate their art.
Admission: Free with museum admission of $5-$10
Museum Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m.—5 p.m.,
Thursday 10 a.m.—9 p.m.
For more information visit the museum website or call (415) 581-3500.
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Chaharshanbeh Souri
March 15, 2005, 7:00 p.m.
2000 block of Durant Ave.
Berkeley, CA
Chaharshanbeh Souri, part of the Persian New Year (Norouz) observance, is an ancient Zoroastrian fire ritual of renewal on the eve (Tuesday night) of the last Wednesday (Chaharshanbeh) of winter. Attendees jump over bonfires in the street while chanting to symbolically rid themselves of weakness and pallor in exchange for warmth and energy. The fire is also thought to burn away the past year’s sins. The festivities include food and dancing.
For more information call (510) 848-0264 or visit the Persian Center’s website.
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Getty Family Festival: Imagining the Orient
March 19, 2005,
10:00 a.m.—6:00 p.m.
The Getty Center
Museum Courtyard
1200 Getty Center Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90049
This festival features Japanese taiko, folk music of China, classical Indian dance, and hands-on workshops. Ramya Harishankar’s Arpana Dance Company will perform at 12:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. on the Museum Courtyard Stage. Ramya Harishankar is a former master artist in ACTA’s Apprenticeship Program.
Admission: Free
Visit the Getty Center website for more information.
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20th Annual Jewish Music Festival
March 19 – April 3, 2005
Berkeley, San Francisco, and Marin
The Berkeley Richmond Jewish Community Center (BRJCC) presents the 20th Annual Jewish Music Festival. The event features nine performances between March 19 and April 3, at various locations in Berkeley, San Francisco, and Marin. This event is partially funded by ACTA’s Folk and Traditional Arts Mentorship Initiative.
To purchase tickets call (415) 276-1511 or visit BRJCC’s website.
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Spirit of Brazil: Elements of Sound
March 18 – 20, 2005
Dance Mission Theater
3316 24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
The concert will bring two Brazilian guest artists together with ABADÁ-Capoeira San Francisco’s Professional Performance Ensemble using Artistic Director Mestranda Márcia Treidler’s original choreography to create an audio-visual exploration of capoeira’s many dimensions. “Boa Voz,” a professional capoeira singer and musician, and Professor "Mobilia", a capoeirista and singer from Rio de Janeiro, will travel to the Bay Area to perform in this show that is both a demonstration of capoeira and a live concert of traditional Brazilian music and song.
Admission: $15
To reserve tickets call (415) 237-4633 or visit ABADÁ-Capoeira San Francisco Brazilian Art Center’s website. For more information call (415) 206-0650.
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Gourd Art & Jewelry
Saturday March 19, 2005
10:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday March 20, 2005
11:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
219 South Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs, CA
Gourds are a significant material and can be used for multiple purposes. Amil Pedro (Cahuilla/Quechan) returns to the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum to share his knowledge in producing art and jewelry out of gourd materials. The class will entail cutting, cleaning, and painting of gourds. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately.
Fee: $20.00
Ages: 16 and above
For more information see the museum website or call (760) 323-0151.
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Irish Music and Dance
March 19, 2005—1:00 p.m.
California Academy of Sciences
Academy Classroom
875 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA
In celebration of St. Patrick' Day (March 17th), the musical trio Distant Oaks performs a medley of Irish songs, in Gaelic and English, on traditional instruments - the uillean bagpipes, the Celtic harp, bodhran hand-drum - as well as stepdancing.
For more information see the California Academy of Sciences website or call (415) 321-8385.
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Chinese Stone Carving
March 19, 2005—1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
California Academy of Sciences
Main Floor Exhibit Area
875 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA
Chinese artist Wang Lu Huan specializes in miniature, lifelike sculptures of animals; his favorite depictions are insects and amphibians. From hours of careful observation of the physical characteristics and behavior of his subjects, he portrays each form in accurate detail. Mr. Lu Huan will demonstrate his carving techniques and unique style using pyrophyllite, a rare and valuable metamorphic rock found mainly in Inner Mongolia.
For more information see the California Academy of Sciences website or call (415) 321-8385.
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Thai Blessing Ceremony and Music
March 20, 2005, 11:30 a.m.
North Court -
Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
The museum remembers the victims of the tsunami in South Asia in this Thai Buddhist blessing ceremony. The museum will donate 50% of admission fees collected on this day—the second anniversary of the grand opening of the museum's Civic Center home—to the American Red Cross’s International Response Fund—South Asia Relief Effort.
Admission: Free with museum admission of $5-$10
For more information visit the museum website or call (415) 581-3500.
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Greek Macedonian Dance
March 25, 2005, 8:00 p.m.
The Croation American Cultural Center
60 Onondaga Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94112
Yannis Konstantinou from Florina, Greece will teach traditional dances from Western Macedonia. Yannis began dancing as a child with his family in his parents' villages of Alona and Akrites in the Florina region of Greece. After the dance instruction, Edessa and Christos Govetas will play for dancing.
Admission: $15
For more information call (510) 649-0941 or visit the Center’s website.
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Çudamani: Music & Dance from Bali
March 26 in Los Angeles
April 1 in Berkeley
The 31 young dancers and musicians of gamelan ensemble Çudamani appeared in their International debut in 2002 at the World Festival of Sacred Music in Los Angeles and at the 2003 Cultural Olympiad in Greece. Çudamani is dedicated to performing, and preserving, a diverse and rich repertoire of centuries-old rare classical Balinese legong and kebyar dances and instrumental compositions, most notably the rarely heard seven-pitch orchestrations that were once the traditional music of the Balinese court. To learn more about this ensemble visit the Çudamani website.
March 26, 8:00 p.m.
Royce Hall – UCLA Campus
Presented by the 2005 WORLD FESTIVAL OF SACRED MUSIC
Los Angeles
Tickets are $35, $20, & $15 (students/seniors). VIP tickets are $75. Order tickets by phone at 310-825-2101 or on-line at www.uclalive.org (follow the link for music, then “non-UCLAlive events.”)
April 1, 2005, 8:00 p.m.
Zellerbach Hall - UC Berkeley Campus
Bancroft Way (at Telegraph)
Berkeley, CA
Admission: $24-$46
See the UC Berkeley campus website calendar.
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April
Jewish Klezmer Music
April 2, 2005, 1:00 p.m.
Academy Classroom -
California Academy of Sciences
875 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA
The Red Hot Chachkas perform klezmer music, a genre of Jewish instrumental music originating in Yiddish-speaking communities in Eastern Europe and popular at weddings and holiday celebrations. The klezmer repertoire is a lively, foot-tapping combination of Hebrew melodies, Yiddish songs, and Eastern European folk traditions.
Admission: Free with museum admission of $2-7
For more information see the museum website or call (415) 321-8385.
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An Evening of Chinese & World Percussion: Master Wang Wei & Friends
April 3, 2005, 7:00 p.m.
ODC Theater
3153 17th Street
San Francisco, CA
Master percussionist from China, Wang Wei, will be presenting a concert along with didjeridu player, Stephen Kent, tabla player, Jim Santi Owen, African percussionist, Ken Okulolo, and Beijing Opera jinghu player, Edward Young. This performance will feature traditional Chinese percussion pieces from various regional styles such as Beijing Opera, Hunan, Shaanxi, and Zhejiang, as well as, collaborative pieces with instruments from India, Africa, and aboriginal Australia. They will present their unique percussive traditions and combine forces to create a unique blend of Chinese, African, Indian, and other world influences. The concert is presented by Door Dog Music Productions & North America Chinese Percussion Society.
Wang Wei is currently a master artist in ACTA’s apprenticeship program.
General Admission: $20
For more information: 415-863-9834 (ODC Box Office), 415-601-8896 (General Information) or visit the Door Dog Music Productions website.
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Whirling Dervishes of Rumi
April 4, 2005, 8:00 p.m.
Royce Hall -
UCLA Campus
Los Angeles, CA
Global Cultural Connections is bringing the “Whirling Dervishes of Rumi” from Turkey to Los Angeles. They will perform a seven-century old ritual featuring live music with flutes, string, and percussion.
Admission: $25-$45
To purchase tickets visit UCLA’s Ticket Office or Ticketmaster. For more information see the Global Cultural Connections website.
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Extending the Tradition
April 8, 2005, 7:00 p.m.
Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California
1840 Sutter St.
San Francisco, CA
A concert of contemporary music and dance theater works by Melody Takata and student members of Gen Taiko with special guests Tatsu Aoki (string bass) and Hide Yoshihashi (taiko) of Chicago’s Tsukasa Daiko. Melody Takata is a former apprentice with Master Artist Hideko Nakajima in ACTA’s Apprenticeship Program.
For more information visit Gen Taiko’s website.
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Seasons of Migration: Dance & Music from Cambodia
Dance & Music Ensembles of the Royal University of Fine Arts, Phnom Penh
April 1 & 2, Long Beach
April 8, Davis
April 29, Berkeley
Deeply committed to preserving and reviving the rich cultural traditions of Cambodia, dancer and choreographer Sophiline Cheam Shapiro has created a deeply personal evening of music and dance exploring the cross-cultural experience of migration and "culture shock." Shapiro is one of the first generation of classical dancers to emerge from Phnom Penh's Royal University of Fine Arts (the nation's official arts conservatory) after the Pol Pot genocide, and has received great critical acclaim for her Samritechak — a Cambodian re-imagining of Othello — which recently toured to the Hong Kong Arts Festival and Venice Biennale. Paired with the traditional dance drama Ream Eyso & Moni Mekhala ("The God of Thunder and the Goddess of Lightning"), this program demonstrates how the new emerges from the old and how one brings new perspective to the other. Sophiline Cheam Shapiro was also a master artist in ACTA’s apprenticeship program.
April 1 & 2 — 8 p.m.
Richard and Karen Carpenter Performing Arts Center
6200 Atherton St., CSULB Campus
Long Beach, CA
(562) 985-7000
Admission: $38 / 33 for adults; $34 / 30 for students, seniors, and those with CSULB I.D., or for groups of 20 or more.
For more information or to buy tickets online see their website.
April 8, 2004 — 8:00 p.m.
Mondavi Center
UC Davis campus
Davis, CA
Admission: $24-34
For more information visit the Mondavi Center’s website.
April 29, 2004 — 8:00 p.m.
Zellerbach Hall - UC Berkeley Campus
Bancroft Way (at Telegraph)
Berkeley, CA
See the UC Berkeley campus website calendar.
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Cambodian New Year
April 9, 2005
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Scottish Rite Center
2455 Masonic Dr.
San Jose, CA 95125
The Cambodian-American community of Santa Clara County will celebrate its 20th annual cultural New Year in an event featuring blessings by Buddhist monks, Khmer classical and folk dances, a children’s fashion show, and a social dance with Sek Meas Band and Cambodian singer Mr. Meas Somali.
Admission: evening program $15
For more information contact kny@wattkhmer.org or visit Cambodian American Resource Agency’s website.
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Monterey Park Cherry Blossom Festival
April 16 – 17, 2005
Barnes Park
350 McPherrin Ave.
Monterey Park, CA
Planned and coordinated by community volunteers, the Cherry Blossom Festival features traditional Japanese dancing, taiko drums, martial arts, tea ceremony, and hand-made crafts and food. Other highlights of the festival include games & crafts for children, cultural displays, and the annual Baby Pageant.
Admission: Free
For more information see the Festival’s website.
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38th Annual Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival
April 16 – 24, 2005
San Francisco Japantown
Post and Buchanan Streets
San Francisco, CA
The Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival started as a display of Japanese cultural heritage and pride. Throughout the 38 years, it has grown to encompass the many facets of the Japanese community. Throughout the two weekends, the streets of Japantown become a live stage where visitors can experience Japanese dancing, singing, martial arts demonstrations, as well as Japanese delicacies. The U.S./Japan Taiko Festival is held on April 23. On Sunday, April 24, the Grand Parade begins at the Civic Center at 1:00 p.m., proceeding up Polk to Post Street, and ends in Japantown. At the finale of the parade is the Taru Mikoshi ( barrel- shaped portable shrine) that will be hoisted by over one hundred individuals.
For more information see the Cherry Blossom Festival’s website.
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San Francisco Festival of the Mandolins
April 17, 2005
11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The Croation American Cultural Center
60 Onondaga Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94112
Performing will be Aurora Mandolin Orchestra which is among the last large mandolin orchestras in Northern California. Formed in 1970 by Gino Pellegrini, Aurora has regularly performed for various festivals and community events. Zighi Baci will play dance music—in the Italian “Ballo Liscio” style: waltzes, mazurkas, polkas, rhumbas, tangos, tarantellas, paso dobles, jotas, and marches. The Instant Klezmer Mandolin Orchestra is a newly-formed ad hoc ensemble comprised of mandolin players from many of the Bay Area's klezmer groups. They play a mixture of lively and stately tunes from the Yiddish dance music repetoire.
The concert is scheduled for 3:00 p.m. The performers will offer workshops from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Festival goers are invited to bring a mandolin at 12:00 p.m. to join the BYO Mandolin Orchestra.
Admission: $15
For more information call (510) 649-0941 or visit the Center’s website.
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Sonoma County Self-Portrait: Collections of Folklore and Folklife at Sonoma State University and Santa Rosa Junior College
April 21, 2005, 6:00 p.m.
Sonoma County Museum
425 Seventh Street
Santa Rosa, CA
William Spires, Professor of Anthropology at Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) will present a slide lecture on the special folklore and folk life collections of Dr. Hector Lee of Sonoma State University and Dr. Dianne Smith of SRJC. Between them, these collections are a unique repository of oral history and folk memory reaching far back into the 19th century and extending to the present day traditions of workers and immigrants. The presentation will survey the collections, illustrate them with examples, and make suggestions for their use as public resources.
William Spires’ areas of scholarly work span the fields of anthropology, historical archaeology, ethnography, American labor history, folklife, folklore, and traditional music of North America.
Admission: $7.50
For more information call (707) 579-1500 or visit the museum’s website.
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Talking Heads: A Tabla Performance by Anuradha Pal
April 21, 2004, 7:00 p.m.
Samsung Hall - Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
The Society for Art and Heritage of India launches its young professional program with this concert. A disciple of the world-renowned tabla maestros, the late Ustad Alla Rakha and Ustad Zakir Hussain, Pal has performed extensively around the world.
Admission: $10 (includes museum admission after 5:00 p.m.)
Tickets available beginning March 21, 2005 from the Asian Art Museum website or at the Admission Desk. For more information call (415) 581-3500.
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Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival
April 23 – 24, 2005
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Memorial Park
Stevens Creek Boulevard and Mary Ave.
Cupertino, CA
The 22nd Annual Cupertino Cherry Blossom Festival honors the Sister City Relationship with Toyokawa, Japan. The festival features Japanese and American food, taiko drum groups, classical Japanese dancers, martial arts schools, musical groups, and cultural displays. There will also be a large koi fish display, a Japanese tea ceremony demonstration, and over sixty arts and crafts booths. Ohtori No Kai USA Okinawa Dance Academy will perform at the festival at 2:45 p.m. The director of Ohtori No Kai, Noriyoshi Arakaki, is a master in ACTA’s Apprenticeship Program.
For more information call (408) 257-7424 or visit the Cupertino-Toyokawa Sister City Program website.
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Lithuanian Straw-work
April 30, 2005 - 1:00 p.m.
Main Floor Exhibit Area
California Academy of Sciences
875 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA
Alberta Astras and Mary Currier demonstrate the techniques of Lithuanian straw-work, fashioning geometric shapes from flattened wheat shafts. Many of the designs, such as lattice mobiles, stars, and snowflakes, are customarily used as ornaments on the Lithuanian Christmas tree.
Admission: Free with museum admission of $2-7
For more information see the museum website or call (415) 321-8385.
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County & Regional Calendars
A calendar of Festivals and Celebrations in San Diego is available from the San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture.
Let us know if you have special information that should be posted here.
To update information or submit an event for the calendar,
please email ACTA.
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