To update information or submit an event, email ACTA.
May
Generaciones: Three Generations of Mexican Women Immigrants
Through June 15, 2005
San Diego Museum of Man
1350 El Prado
Balboa Park
San Diego, CA
“Generaciones: Three Generations of Mexican Women Immigrants” celebrates the similarities and differences among generations, and enhances understanding of the immigrant experience. The San Diego Museum of Man, Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI), film maker Joyce Axelrod, and artist Viviana Lombrozo are collaborating to bring several public programs to the Museum this spring.
Through a grant from the California Council for the Humanities California Story Fund, BLCI is documenting the lives of women from five Mexican immigrant families. Film maker Joyce Axelrod interviewed and videotaped the women—including grandmothers born in Mexico, mothers who were the first generation to emigrate, and daughters born in California. The families were given video cameras so they could document aspects of their own lives. The videos will be incorporated into a documentary that will be shown regularly in the Museum Orientation Center through June 15.
Artist Viviana Lombrozo has been working with the five families to create art that interprets the individual ways family ties are maintained. For example, one family enjoys cooking and sharing traditional foods, and their project will visually depict their family's culinary history. The art projects will be featured in a Main Floor exhibit.
Admission: $6
Museum Hours: 10:00 a.m. 4:30 p.m. daily
For more information call (619) 239-2001 or visit the museum’s website.
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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.
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Luis Ortega’s Rawhide Artistry:
Braiding in the California Tradition
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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Puppets from Around the World
Through July 24, 2005
Museum of Craft and Folk Art
Fort Mason Center
Landmark Building A
San Francisco, CA
The history of puppet theater spans the world. This selection of more than 50 puppets, drawn from the vast collection of Alan G. Cook, legendary collector and puppeteer, represents puppetry traditions of North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe including all of the main categories of puppets — hand puppets, rod puppets, shadow puppets and string puppets or marionettes. In exhibiting these puppets as folk art, viewers can appreciate the artistic and creative talents manifest in their creation.
Admission: $4
Museum Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For more information call (415) 775-0991 or visit the museum’s website.
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MásCaras: Masks of Mexico
May 11, 2005 - August 27, 2005
The Mexican Museum
Fort Mason Center - Building D
San Francisco, CA
Presenting examples from the Museum’s extensive collection of masks, the exhibition will highlight the unique confluence of Spanish religious plays, African influences brought by the Trans-Atlantic slave trade and the prolific mask traditions of Mexico’s indigenous population. The exhibition will include mixed media masks of wood, clay, animal skin and papier mâché from various parts of Mexico, and will focus on the eastern coast area of Veracruz, western region of Oaxaca and Guerrero, and central states of Michoacán and Puebla.
Admission: Free
Hours: Wednesday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
For more information call (415) 202-9700 or visit the museum’s website.
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Woven Legacy: A Collection of Dat-so-la-lee Works,
1900-1921
Through October 31, 2005
Marion Steinbach Indian Basket Museum
130 West Lake Blvd.
Tahoe City, CA
The collection comprises an exhibition of 62 miniatures and models, woven for Amy Cohn, from 1900-1921. Dat-so-la-lee (Louisa Keyser) became well known for her talent while creating baskets exclusively for Cohn's Emporium Stores in Carson City, NV and Tahoe City, CA, producing over 100 recorded large and miniature Washoe-style baskets, from 1895-1925. Her creations have since become well known and remain a lasting tribute to the artist. This will be the first time Amy Cohn's personal collection will be on public display. This exhibition will feature baskets, personal items, photographs and educational materials.
Admission: $3
Museum Hours: Wednesday through Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
For more information call (530) 583-1762 or visit the North Lake Tahoe Historical Society website.
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Islamic Master Artists of the Philippines in Music and Dance
May 19 - June 4, 2005
Various locations
Kularts in association with Asian Art Museum and Yerba Buena Gardens presents visiting Islamic artists of dance and music, the Magui (MUG-ee) Moro Master Artists of the Philippines, at concerts, lectures and demonstrations, tribal arts exhibits and workshops from May 15 through June 15, 2005 at various sites throughout the Bay Area. The Magui are Islamic natives of Maguindanao in the Southern Philippines. Known for their ancient cultural practices in kulintang music ensemble, complex cuisine, compelling rituals and intricate textile, the Magui people have advanced the arts and culture of the native peoples of Mindanao known collectively as the Bangsa Moro or Islam Nation.
The Magui Moro Masters perform the Buayan and Dalowon styles of Kulintang which incorporate the sounds of the gandingan, or “talking gongs, the agung or “base gongs,” and traditional verse.
For more information, including booking, workshops and performances, call (415) 239-0249 or e-mail info@kularts.org or visit their website.
Music and Art of the Philippines
May 5 – May 29, 2005
Thursday through Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Asian Art Museum - Samsung Hall
200 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Audiences can learn about the vast diversity of Filipino music, dance, and ritual through artist demonstrations and activities. Visitors can try their hand at rondalla music with the Filipino American Veterans Rondalla Ensemble (May 5-22) or experience the Maguindanoan culture of the southern Philippines by observing master artists preparing an altar and performing kulintang music (May 26-29).
Admission: Free with museum admission.
For more information see the Asian Art Museum website.
Magui Moro Royal Wedding Concert
May 28, 2005, 2:00 p.m.
Asian Art Museum
Samsung Hall - 200 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Magui Moro Master Artists of the Philippine present a celebratory concert of kulintang music, dance, and rituals traditionally performed at Maguindanaon weddings.
Admission: Free with museum admission
For more information see the Asian Art Museum website.
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Bulgarian Dance Workshop
May 11, 2005, 7:30 p.m.
Croatian American Cultural Center
60 Onandaga Ave.
San Francisco, CA
Tanya Kostova will offer a Bulgarian dance workshop with live music by Milen and Rumyana Varimezovi. Kostova’s grandmother taught her traditional Bulgarian dance and she became one of the original members of the State Folk ensemble Trakija, a Bulgarian dance ensemble.
Admission: Free
For more information see the Croatian American Cultural Center’s website.
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Danzantes Del Valle
May 13, 2005, 7:30 p.m.
Arte Américas
1630 Van Ness Avenue
Fresno, CA
Primavera Folklórica is the theme for the annual showcase of the Valley’s youth folkloric dance groups, featuring Dance Rage Folklórico, Danzantes de Merced, Escuela Teocalli, Grupo Folklórico Xochipaina, Las Maravillas, Mendota High Folklórico, Ninos del Sol, Sanger High Folklórico, and Selma Middle School Folklórico.
Admission: $10
For more information see the Arte Américas website.
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Los Cenzontles
May 13, 2005, 7:30 p.m.
Freight and Salvage Coffee House
1111 Addison Street
Berkeley, CA
Los Cenzontles (the Mockingbirds) explore the wide range of vernacular Mexican music.
The show begins with a celebration of the variety of Mexican music, weaving together traditional with contemporary sounds, from tropical sones jarochos of Veracruz to the pirecuas of indigenous Michoacan, from traditional mariachi with foot-stomping zapateado dancing to rancheras from the Mexican countryside.
In a separate set, Los Cenzontles is joined by Julian Gonzalez, a former master in ACTA’s Apprenticeship Program, who specializes in traditional mariachi music from Jalisco, Mexico.
Admission: $18.50
For more information call (510) 548-1761.
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Music in the Park Featuring Mariachi Music
May 14, 2005
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Sycamore Grove Park
Mt. Washington
Figueroa Ave. (just South of Ave. 50)
Los Angeles, CA
Mariachi Los Toros, a new mariachi group fresh from the Hollywood Bowl’s Mariachi USA festival will perform. The dance group Grupo Sabor de Mexico will open the event.
Admission: Free
For more information call 323.221.2164 or visit the Southwest Museum’s website.
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Gamelan Sekar Jaya
May 14, 2005 - 8:00 p.m.
Dance Palace
Corner of 5th and B Street
Point Reyes Station, CA
Gamelan Sekar Jaya is a fifty-member ensemble of musicians and dancers, based in the San Francisco Bay Area, that specialize in the performing arts of Bali, Indonesia.
Admission: $14 advance; $16 at the door
To purchase tickets visit www.tickets.com.
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Melodic Rhythms: Contemporary Classical Music of Iran
May 14, 2005, 8:00 p.m.
Electric Lodge
1416 Electric Ave.
Venice, CA
The performance will be a world premiere of the trio Pejman Hadadi, Greg Ellis, and Kourosh Taghavi. Pejman Hadadi plays the traditional Iranian Tonbak and Dayereh. Greg Ellis plays the African clay drum, the Udu, and the Iranian/Indian Nagarra among other drums. Kourosh Taghavi, is an Iranian Setar player who studied with master musicians Mohammad Reza Lotfi and Hossein Alizadeh.
Admission: $25
To make reservations call (310) 823-0710 ext. 2.
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Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir
May 14, 2005 - 8:00 p.m.
Cascade Theatre
1731 Market St.
Redding, CA
The Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir is a multiracial interfaith choir that performs traditional black church music.
For more information visit the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir’s website. For tickets contact (530) 243-8877 or visit the Cascade Theatre’s website.
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International Museum Family Discovery Day
May 14, 2005
12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Ontario Museum of History and Art
225 South Euclid Ave.
Ontario, CA
This special event will feature arts, crafts, and South Eastern European and Near Eastern traditional music and dance performances. Koroyar Folk Ensemble of Los Angeles, a group of musicians who specialize in Southeastern European music, will be featured performers.
Admission: Free
For more information please call (909) 983-3198.
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Mahea Uchiyama’s 2005 Annual Repertory Concert
May 14, 2005, 8:00 p.m.
Dean Lescher Theatre
1601 Civic Drive
Walnut Creek, CA
The Annual Repertory Concert produced by the Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance is a celebration of dance from the Pacific Islands, India and Africa, featuring performances by faculty and students of the Center for International Dance, Chitresh Das’s, a former master in ACTA’s Apprenticeship Program, Chhandam School of Kathak, Linda Johnson’s Spirit Ensemble, KaUaTuahine Polynesian Dance Company, and Mahea Uchiyama, with special guests Diamano Coura West African Dance Company, a previous participant in ACTA’s Traditional Arts Development Program.
Admission: $15 - $25
For more information call (510) 845-2605 or see the Mahea Uchiyama Center’s website. To purchase tickets call (925) 943-7469.
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Liku-Liku Hidupku: The Story of My Life
May 14-15 th, 2005, 8:00 p.m.
SomArts Cultural Center
934 Brannan St
San Francisco, CA
Liku-Liku Hidupku: The Story of My Life is an original performance piece that blends traditional Balinese dance and contemporary theater arts. It is based on the life of Kompiang Metri-Davies, a professional Balinese dancer who participated as a mentor in ACTA’s Folk and Traditional Arts Mentorship Initiative to the Asian Youth Pacific Islander Promoting Youth and Advocacy and Leadership (AYPAL) organization. By following one woman's journey, Liku-Liku Hidupku deals with issues around the movement of women's bodies, arts, and culture both within and between Balinese and American contexts. This piece was created and is being performed by Metri-Davies with Wan-Chao Chang, Rotrease Regan Yates, Lorna Velasco, Irene Wibawa, and facilitated by Joyce Lu. Presented by Kularts, it is part of the 8 th Annual United States of Asian America Festival.
Admission: $12 in advance; $15 at the door, students, and seniors; $5 child
For more information see the Asian Pacific Islander Cultural Center website or the Kularts website or purchase tickets online.
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Yuval Ron Ensemble
May 15, 2005, 4:00 p.m.
Christian Fellowship Church
269 Old Topanga Canyon Road
Topanga, CA
Jewish klezmer music meets mystical music of the Middle East with a concert of devotional music and mystical storytelling. The Kabbalistic story, performed by the Yuval Ron Ensemble, includes the themes of having children, the magic of prayer and finding true love. Performers include Yegish Manukian (clarinet and duduk or Armenian double reed), Albert Vartanyan (accordion and shvi or Armenian whistle), Virginie Alumian (kanoun or plucked box zither), Jamie Papish (percussion), David Martinelli (percussion), Yuval Ron (oud or Middle Eastern lute, story teller, and musical director).
Admission: $15, children $5.
For reservations or more information e-mail: info@yuvalronmusic.com.
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Korean Musical Ceremony with Byung Ki Hwang, Aeju Lee, Hi Kyung Kim, Tandy Beal, Elliot Anderson, and Ensemble Parallèle
May 18, 2005, 8:00 p.m.
Palace of Fine Arts Theater
3301 Lyon
San Francisco , CA 94123
This two-part performance is composed of traditional and contemporary works that explore the topics of death and rebirth, the soul’s journey after death, and transformation of the spirit. The evening includes a post performance reception hosted by the South Korean Consulate General. This event is co-presented by San Francisco International Arts Festival and Korea Times.
Admission: $25 or $35 reserved seats.
To purchase tickets contact the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Box Office or call (415) 978-ARTS. For more information visit the Asian Art Museum’s website.
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Likha Pilipino Folk Ensemble
May 19, 2005 - 7:00 p.m.
Asian Art Museum
Samsung Hall
200 Larkin Street
San Francisco , CA 94102
Filipino rondalla is a traditional string ensemble of the Northern Philippines. In the 16th century the Spaniards brought the "Spanish rondalla." Over the centuries, the Filipinos indigenized the form by infusing it with traditional rhythms of the drums and melodies of the lute, love songs, and lullabies. Herna Cruz, co-director of Likha Folk Ensemble Rondalla, is a mentor in ACTA’s Folk and Traditional Arts Mentorship Initiative.
The Likha mission is to educate and propagate the practice of Philippine folk dance and musical traditions. Founded in 1992, Likha has nurtured a generation of young community dancers, and now has an active roster of over 45 dancers and musicians. Likha is a Tagalog word meaning creation or creativity.
Admission: Free with museum admission
This performance is co-sponsored by Kularts and the Filipino American Development Foundation.
For more information visit the Asian Art Museum website.
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Chinese Vegetable Carving
May 21, 2005
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
California Academy of Sciences
Main Floor
875 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA
In the hands of Chinese chef and culinary artist Jimmy Zhang, ordinary vegetables and fruits are transformed into edible works of art. Carved in the form of animals, flowers, birds or insects, these miniature sculptures are used as a decorative food garnish or an elaborate table centerpiece.
For more information see the California Academy of Sciences website or call (415) 321-8385.
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Textiles from the Pacific Islands: Polynesian Barkcloth and Hawaiian Featherwork
May 21, 2005
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
California Academy of Sciences
Academy Classroom
875 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA
Polynesian Barkcloth Textiles
Polynesian Barkcloth Textiles (tapa) are created throughout the Pacific Islands and play an important role in the social life of island people. As a prized commodity, tapa can serve as a ritual gift to a person of status or can be made into garments for ceremonial occasions. Tapa-making is an activity reserved for women, and the familiar sound of wooden mallets pounding the raw fibers into cloth can be heard from early morning until sunset throughout the Islands.
Two presentations of tapa cloth, from Tonga and from Hawaii, will take place simultaneously, allowing visitors to compare the techniques, tools, and regional motifs of two cultural traditions. For example, Tongan tapa is a canvas for freehand painted designs, whereas Hawaiian barkcloth uses a printing method for applying dyes. Siu Tuita and members of the 'Otufelenite Tongan Community of the Bay Area, demonstrate the process of creating tapa (called ngatu in the Tongan language) using hand-carved wooden beaters. They are joined by Kaleo DaSa and the Kapa Hui group, presenting the Hawaiian version of tapa (called kapa), made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree.
Hawaiian Featherwork
In ancient times, Hawaiians excelled in the artistry of applied featherwork, fashioning capes and helmets (reserved for male chiefs) and leis (worn by royal women). Herman Tachera continues this legacy, creating colorful hatbands and leis from pheasant, peacock, and dyed goose feathers. He is assisted by Mike Vieiera.
For more information see the California Academy of Sciences website or call (415) 321-8385.
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Japanese Origami
May 21, 2005
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
California Academy of Sciences
875 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA
Visitors will learn about the cultural meaning of this traditional Japanese craft from Vicky Mihara and other master origami artists while folding their own origami figure to take home.
For more information see the California Academy of Sciences website or call (415) 321-8385.
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5th Annual Bulgarian Festival
May 21, 2005, 7:00 p.m.
Croatian American Cultural Center
60 Onandaga Ave.
San Francisco, CA
The Bulgarian community will gather at the Croatian American Cultural Center to celebrate their culture, and honor the Saints Kiril and Metody. There will be Bulgarian music, dancing, and samples of Bulgarian food and wine. There will also be garlands of flowers woven by children, and bread will be shared with all. Artists from neighboring cultures are invited to join. Dance to music by Nestinari, Bebelekov Family & Friends, Milen & Rumyana Varimezovi, Edessa, Rumen Shopov, Slavonian Traveling Band, Zaedno and members of Kitka. Westwind International Dance Ensemble will perform a Bulgarian suite.
Admission: $15; children and students are free
For more information visit the Croation American Cultural Center’s website.
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Dance Conversations: Indian Dance in California – Past, Present, & Future
May 21 – 22, 2005
Ektaa Center
2691 Richter, Suite 105
Irvine, CA
A two-day symposium, this event is a gathering of dance gurus, academics, scholars, choreographers, dancers and students of Indian Dance. The EKTAA Center, an organization dedicated to creating an understanding of the traditional arts of India, is a current participant in ACTA’s Traditional Arts Development Program, through which EKTAA Center will contract videographer Serg Swiderski, owner of Perfect Video Production Services, to document the proceedings of Dance Conversations.
For more information visit the Ektaa Center’s website.
Xpressions – California Masters of Indian Dance
May 21, 2005, 7:30 p.m.
William Bristol Civic Auditorium
16600 Civic Center Dr.
Bellflower, CA
A part of Dance Conversations, a two day symposium and festival, this evening will feature works by masters of dance in California including former master artists in ACTA’s Apprenticeship Program Nandita Behera (Odissi), Ramaa Bharadvaj, (Kuchipudi), Ramya Harishankar (Bharata Natyam), as well as National Heritage Fellowship award winner Anjani Ambegaokar (Kathak), Mythili Kumar (Bharata Natyam), K.P. Kunhiraman (Kathakali), and Viji Prakash (Bharata Natyam).
Admission: $25 or $35
For more information visit the Ektaa Center’s website.
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Chitresh Das Dance Company Performance
May 21, 2005, 8:00 p.m.
Question and Answer session, 7:00 p.m.
Oakland Asian Cultural Center
Pacific Renaissance Plaza
388 9 th Street, Suite 290
Oakland, CA
In honor of Asian Pacific American Heritage month, the Oakland Asian Cultural Center presents Chitresh Das Dance Company in a North Indian classical Kathak dance performance. Chitresh Das was a master artist in ACTA’s Apprenticeship Program in 1999. The performance is preceded by a question and answer session from 7:00 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Fore more information call (510) 637-0455 or visit the Oakland Asian Cultural Center’s website.
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Pacific Rim Street Festival
May 22, 2005
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Old Sacramento, CA
When the 13th anniversary Pacific Rim Street Fest convenes in Old Sacramento, a menu of Japanese, Filipino, Vietnamese, Indian, Korean, Chinese and Thai foods will share the program with Asian martial-arts masters, acrobats, Gamelan Sekar Jaya and others. For thirteen years the festival has displayed the diversity of many Pacific Rim cultures through cultural programs, entertainment, art and food. The event seeks to enhance the community's knowledge of Asian/Pacific Island cultures. Each year an aspect of Asian culture is featured as the theme of the festival. For the year 2005, the theme is "Flowers of Asia and the Pacific".
For more information visit the Pacific Rim Street Festival’s website.
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Festival de las Americas
May 22, 2005, 7:15 p.m.
Universal Amphitheatre
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA
Festival de las Americas will feature music and dance from Mexico, El Salvador, Guatemala, Brazil, Colombia, Peru and Argentina including Mariachi Divas, an all female mariachi group; M.I.L.A. Samba, from Brazil, a Samba school from Rio de Janeiro and Katia Moraes, a Brazilian singer; Esther Segovia & Pasionalmente Tango from Argentina; INCA, music & dances from Peru; Cumbeley from Colombia; Ballet Asosal from El Salvador; and Grupo Cultural Latinoamericano from Guatemala.
To purchase tickets call (213) 480-3232 or visit the ticket master website.
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The Brothers Cazimero & Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu
May 22, 2005, 7:30 p.m.
Fox Theatre
2215 Broadway
Redwood City, CA
Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Weikiu is committed to the preservation and education of the Hawaiian culture through hula. The company’s trademark hula mua style pays homage to tradition while bringing hula into a modern realm. This innovative approach showcases hula as a living and evolving art form. Nā Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu’s performances are given in a “talk-story” format that incorporates narration and dance to provide a rich cultural context in which to understand the hula. They are accompanied by the Brothers Cazimero, who have been performing Hawaiian music for over thirty years.
Admission: $32 – 52
For more information visit the Montalvo Arts Center website.
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2005 Highland Games
May 27 – 29, 2005
Fairplex
1101 W. McKinley Ave.
Pomona, CA
The United Scottish Society presents the annual Highland Games. The event will feature piping, drumming, dancing, and traditional athletic competitions. Key performers include bagpiper John McLean Allan and the Wicked Tinkers who play the traditional music of the Scottish Highlands.
For more information visit the United Scottish Society’s website.
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Black Diamond Blues Festival
May 28 – 29, 2005
12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Black Diamond & Fifth Street
Pittsburg, CA
The Festival is presented by the City of Pittsburg & the Bay Areas Blues Society and features music, food, arts, & crafts. On Saturday Bernard Anderson, Pure Honey, Mofo Party Band, Shane Dwight, and Sista Monica will play. On Sunday Chick Willis, Alvon Johnson & the Allstars, Ron Joseph & the Stepping Stones featuring Duane Thompson, Layce Baker & Black Diamond Blues Band, Caravan of Allstars featuring Wylie Trass, Teddy "Blues Master" Watson, and Willie G, Pork Pie Phillips and Little Willie John Jr. will perform.
For more information call (510) 836-2227 or visit the Bay Area Blues Society website.
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Carnaval San Francisco 2005
May 28—29, 2005
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Harrison Street between 16th and 23nd Streets
Carnaval Parade
May 29, 2005, 9:30 a.m.
Begins at Bryant & 24th Streets and proceeds down Mission to 17th Street
Carnaval San Francisco showcases Latin American and Caribbean cultures with a diverse array of food, music, dance and artistry, including works created by the community of Mission District residents and Bay Area artists. This year’s celebration features traditions from Africa, Bolivia, Brazil, China, Cuba, Guatemala, India, Jamaica, Japan, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, the Philippines, Polynesia, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and more.
Conceived 27 years ago by a group of local musicians, artists and residents eager to bring the spirit of Latin American and Caribbean culture to San Francisco, Carnaval San Francisco is produced by the Mission Neighborhood Centers, Inc. and is supported by San Francisco’s Grants for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts.
For more information visit Carnaval San Francisco’s website.
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June
Kyogen of Errors: A Performance by Japanese Kyogen Troupe Mansaku no Kai
June 1 – 2, 2005, 8:00 p.m.
Palace of Fine Arts Theater
3301 Lyon
San Francisco, CA
Japanese National Living Treasure Mansaku Nomura and his company make a rare Bay Area appearance in this U.S. premiere. Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors is interpreted in the minimalist but comical style of Kyogen (comic theater), the 600 year old Japanese traditional art form.
Admission: $25 - $35
To purchase tickets visit the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Box Office or call (415) 978-ARTS.
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Bembero Mudengu
June 4, 2005, 7:00 p.m.
Julia Morgan Center for the Arts
2640 College Ave.
Berkeley , CA
The Creative Work Fund and the Oakland Youth Chorus present an evening of Zimbabwean dance, music, ceremony, and storytelling with Julia Tsitsi Chigamba and the Chigamba family. Bembero Mudengu (Telling My Story) relates the moving story of life growing up in rural Zimbabwe, the journey to the United States, and a family’s struggle to balance traditional and modern culture. Julia will be joined by her father, internationally known master mbira player, Tute Chigamba; former Zimbabwean National Dance Company member Irene Chigamba; and Mhembero Dance Company principal dancer Ronnie Daliyo.
Admission: adults $18; students $15; children $12
To purchase tickets call (925) 798-1300. For more information visit the Julia Morgan Center’s website.
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Balinese Music & Dance with Gamelan Sekar Jaya
June 4, 2005, 8:00 p.m.
Rio Theater
1205 Soquel Ave.
Santa Cruz , CA
Gamelan Sekar Jaya will perform a wide range of music and dance works, played on several types of gamelan, orchestras consisting of gongs, drums, flutes, and other bronze or bamboo instruments. The pieces range from traditional, such as the solo masked dance, Jauk, depicting a demon-like figure; to the brand new work, Satrieng Lumaku, for female dancers. The performance will feature several guest artists, including current artists-in-residence I Made Terip (guest music director) and I Wayan Budiarsa (guest dance director). They will be joined by two dancers, Ni Ketut Arini and I Ketut Rina, who are currently developing a new dance drama for Sekar Jaya, supported by the National Dance Project.
Admission: $18
For more information visit Gamelan Sekar Jaya’s website.
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Celebrating the Matsuri Spirit
June 5, 2005, 1:00 p.m.
Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California
1840 Sutter Street, Suite 201
San Francisco, CA
This concert is the annual recital by Gen Taiko, a current participant in ACTA’s Traditional Arts Development Program, students and guests. Artist in residence Hideko Nakajima, a former master artist in ACTA’s Apprenticeship Program will also perform vocals and shamisen.
Admission: Suggested donation $10
For more information see Gen Taiko’s website.
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Indian Fair
June 10 – 12, 2005
10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
San Diego Museum of Man
Balboa Park
1350 El Prado
San Diego, CA
For the past 21 years the San Diego Museum of Man has continued the tradition of presenting an American Indian art show in Southern California. Last year they added a juried art competition. This event will showcase native art and offers educational presentations of the rich cultures of American Indians including music, food, and dancing.
Admission: $6
For more information visit the museum’s website.
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The 27th Annual Ethnic Dance Festival
June 11 -12, 2005
June 18 -19, 2005
June 25 - 26, 2005
Saturdays at 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
Sundays at 2:00 p.m. and (June 26 only) 7:00 p.m.
Palace of Fine Arts Theater
3301 Lyon - San Francisco, CA
The world takes the stage as 29 of Northern California’s ethnic dance companies and musicians perform in three weekends of dance and music beginning on June 11, 2005 at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. This year, the Festival’s three weekends explore the origins, journeys, and transformations of people and dance traditions throughout time and around the globe. From ancient myths, migrations, and modern innovation, The Ethnic Dance Festival highlights the diversity and connections within and among living traditions.
Admission: $22 - $36
Fore more information and to view a list of performers see the World Arts West website. To purchase tickets call (415) 392-4400 or use City Box Office or www.tickets.com.
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Aztec Dances
June 11, 2005, 11:00 a.m.
California Academy of Sciences -
Main Floor
875 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA
In Pre-Hispanic times, Central Mexico was one of many cacao-growing areas of Mesoamerica, and the Aztecs used bitter chocolate drinks in many of their ritual ceremonies. To mark the opening of the Academy's new exhibit Chocolate, Ernesto Hernandez Olmos and the Xaguia Gura Ensemble perform Aztec Indian dances that pay homage to the ancient Nahuatl-speaking cultures of Pre-Columbian Mexico. Wearing colorful regalia, masks, and spectacular plumed headdresses inspired by the feathered serpent god Quetzalcoatl, the dancers move to the rhythm of indigenous instruments such as ankle rattles, hollowed log drums, conch shell trumpets, bamboo flutes, and clay whistles - many designed to imitate the sounds of nature.
For more information see the California Academy of Sciences website or call (415) 321-8385.
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Shochiku Grand Kabuki Chikamatsu-Za
June 17 – 18, Berkeley
June 21 – 24, Cerritos
The Chikamatsu-za troupe of Japan's Grand Kabuki Theatre has for more than 350 years been the world's center of the kamigata style of Kabuki theater and yet is seldom seen outside of its native country. On this U.S. tour the 80-member company, named for Japan's greatest classical playwright, Chikamatsu Monzaemon, will present one of his best-loved masterpieces, Sonezaku Shinju ("Love Suicides at Sonezaki"). Featuring full Grand Kabuki sets and costumes, the production stars Living National Treasure Nakamura Ganjiro III in his signature role of O-hatsu. A full ensemble of singers, shamisen players, and percussionists will provide musical accompaniment. Kabuki is a theater experience that combines music, dance and drama.
June 17-18, 2005, 8:00 p.m.
Zellerbach Hall
UC Berkeley Campus
Bancroft Way (at Telegraph)
Berkeley, CA
Admission: $40 - $125
For more information see the UC Berkeley campus website calendar.
June 21, 2005, 7:30 p.m.
June 22-24, 2005, 8:00 p.m.
Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
12700 Center Court Drive
Cerritos, CA
To purchase tickets call 213-680-3700. For more information visit the Japanese American Cultural and Community Center website.
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Japanese Cultural Fair
June 18, 2005
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Mission Plaza Park
Santa Cruz, CA
The Japanese Cultural Fair seeks to increase the awareness and understanding of the Japanese community in Santa Cruz County as well as Japanese culture, both traditional and contemporary. Increased exposure to the arts, crafts, and culture of Japan, enriches the community life in Santa Cruz. This year’s event will feature ikebana (flower arranging), taiko (drumming), storytelling, Okinawan dance, minyo (Japanese folk dance), mochistuki (making sweet pounded rice), and shakuhachi (bamboo flute) performances. Perfomers include San Francisco Taiko Dojo, Okinawan Dance Academy, and Ohara Ikebana group.
For more information call (831) 462-4589 or see the Japanese Cultural Fair’s website.
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Banda Los Lagos
June 18, 2005, 7:30 p.m.
Museum of the American West
Griffith Park
4700 Western Heritage Way
Los Angeles, CA
Banda Los Lagos, a Mexican banda (large brass) ensemble will perform rancheros, corridos, cumbias, and more at the Museum of the American West.
Admission: $20
Fore tickets call (866) 468-3399 or visit the Ticketweb site.
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15th Annual California Indian Basketweavers Gathering
June 24 – 26, 2005
Pala Indian Reservation
Highway 76 (6 miles east of I-15)
San Diego County, CA
The California Indian Basketweavers Association (CIBA) Gathering brings together California Indian basketweavers from all over the state. Friday, June 24 is set aside for California Indian Basketweavers and their guests. Saturday’s events are open to the public featuring basketweaving demonstrations, panel discussions and CIBA’s fundraiser donation drawing. Prizes include California Indian basketry, original artwork, and other donated items. The 2005 Basketweavers Showcase exhibits more than 80 baskets from throughout California.
Admission: Free
Fore more information call (530) 272-5500 or visit the California Indian Basketweavers Association website.
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Rangoli Festival of Music and Dance
June 25, 2005, 6:00 p.m.
June 26, 2005, 4:00 p.m.
Madrid Theatre
21622 Sherman Way
Canoga Park, CA
Malathi Iyengar, a current master artist in ACTA’s Apprenticeship Program & Rangoli Dance Company celebrate their 20th anniversary with the Rangoli Festival of Music and Dance. They will present both new and traditional choreography featuring guest artists from India and the United States.
Admission: Advance tickets, seniors, and students $15; at the door $20
For more information visit the Rangoli Foundation’s website.
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Prince Diabaté & The African Blonde Ensemble
June 30, 2005
Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts
Memorial Park
Pasadena, CA
Prince Diabaté, a former master artist in ACTA’s apprenticeship program, will perform at the Levitt Pavillion for the Performing Arts. Diabatéis an accomplished Kora (a 21-string instrument made of wood, animal hide, and calabash) player from Guinea, currently residing in Los Angeles.
Admission: Free
For more information call (626) 683-3230.
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July
Kularts Philippine Tribal Tour 2005
July 20 – August 11, 2005
Application Deadline: May 16, 2005
Kularts has announced another Philippine Tribal Tour for this summer, with new areas and trival cultures to visit. The tour will feature a hands-on field study, custom-designed for participants to explore Mindanao’s ancient and contemporary arts and culture. The tour provides opportunities to interact with the community leaders, tribal master artists and spiritual guides of Blaan, Maranao, Manobo, Tedoray, Tiboli, Taga Kaulo and Maguindanaon peoples. Three travel options are available and include:
Option I: July 29 - August 4, 2005 Marawi-Lake Sebu-Sarangani
Option 2: August 5-11, 2005 Tawi-Tawi Only
Option 3: July 29-August 11,2005 Marawi-Lake Sebu-Sarangani-Tawi Tawi
The application deadline is May 16, 2005.
For more information or to register online visit the Kularts website or call (415) 239-0249.
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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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