|
|
Let us know if you have special information that should be posted here.To update information or sumit an event for the calendar, |
CALENDARTo update information or submit an event, email ACTA. Body Ornamentation: Artistic Representations of Self
Through March 27, 2007 There is no known culture in which people do not paint, pierce, tattoo, reshape, or simply adorn the unique canvas which is the human body. Diverse cultures throughout the world decorate their bodies in countless ways and for various reasons. This exhibit presents the beautiful designs and artwork depicted in body painting, tattooing, scarification, and piercing. While seemingly a modern phenomenon, the practice of permanently adorning the body has been prevalent in societies around the globe for thousands of years, and has been traced back to ancient nomadic gypsies in India and the Middle East. While tribal customs of permanent body decoration have almost disappeared, there are some regions on earth (northeastern India, the Amazon, and southern China, for example) where body ornamentation is still practiced in the same way it has been for generations. In other areas there has been a resurgence of interest in the old ways: throughout the American west, women wore chin tattoos celebrating rebirth and maturity and marking them, in the words of Julian Lang in News from Native California, as "people who had a deep connection to and understanding of our most important cultural knowledge." Today, Indian women in northern California are again bearing tattoos as expressions of cultural pride. Elsewhere, new customs and practices have enabled people to continue the tradition of decorating their bodies using different types of implements and different stylistic devices. (Excerpted from an article by Tori Heflin, Curator of Physical Anthropology) Admission: $6 Museum Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily For more information visit the Museum of Man’s website.
Outside the Box: Quilts with Character
Photo: San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles Through April 8, 2007 Culled from a collection of more than 400 quilts, Outside the Box: Quilts with Character demonstrates the wide range of creative and innovative expression available within the realm of traditional quilting. This exhibition includes an intricately executed Grandmother’s Flower Garden quilt top made by Mary Tayloe Lloyd Key, wife of the author of the verse that became our national anthem; a stunning one-of-a-kind satin petal bed cover; and geometric works whose design style – quirky and contemporary – anticipates works of a much later time. Literally and figuratively these quilts stand outside the box as examples of individuality, personality and style. Admission: Museum admission, $5-$6.50 For more information please visit the San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles’ website
Healing: A Cultural Exploration
Photo: Craft and Folk Art Museum Through April 15, 2007 An exhibition shaped from the principle that human beings from all cultures and religious practices possess the universal desire to create harmony and balance in their lives—to bridge the divide between the earthly and the divine in an attempt to control their destiny—in other words, to heal . Healing: A Cultural Exploration examines ritual objects and symbols used around the globe within curative traditions to relieve troubles for individuals, families and communities. Admission: $5 Museum Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. For more information visit the Craft and Folk Art Museum’s website.
Of Grass and Gold: Nomads of KazakhstanThrough April 15, 2007 
Photo: Mingei Museum The land of Genghis Khan and the crossroads for the major religions, Kazakhstan comes to life through artifacts at the Mingei Museum. Gold, silver, and bronze animal figures from archaeological discoveries, including those at frozen burial sites in Berel (a nomadic region on the border of Russia, Mongolia and China), are on display for the first time in this country. The exhibit also tells the stories behind these artifacts’ recovery, which weaves together the history and culture of Kazakhstan along with its mythology and tradition of craftsmanship. Admission: $6 Museum Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. For more information visit the Mingei Museum’s website.
Makishi: Mask Characters of Zambia
Photo: Fowler Museum Through April 29, 2007 This exhibit features twenty-four masks drawn from the Fowler Museum’s collections, showing the drama and complexity of the remarkable masquerade traditions of the Chokwe, Mbunda, Lunda, Luvale/Lwena, and Luchazi peoples who live in the “Three Corners” region of northwestern Zambia, northeastern Angola, and southwestern Democratic Republic of the Congo. For more information visit the Fowler Museum’s website.
Masters of Bamboo: Japanese Baskets and Sculpture from the Cotsen Collection
Photo: Asian Art Museum Through May 6, 2007 In comparison with Japan’s other decorative and applied arts, such as ceramics or textiles, bamboo basketry is a relatively small-scale art form that requires decades to learn. A unique aspect of this form of decorative art is that almost every step of production is accomplished by a single person. However, it is difficult to achieve technical mastery of the bamboo medium without spending the initial years of one’s training under the guidance of a skilled artist. For this reason, at some time in their careers most major bamboo artists have been associated with one of a handful of artistic lineages that have served as the centers of artistic bamboo training for generations. Masters of Bamboo: Japanese Baskets and Sculpture in the Cotsen Collection is an exhibition that draws on the richness and breadth of the approximately nine hundred works Mr. Lloyd E. Cotsen generously donated to the museum in 2002. The exhibition is organized around the network of master-disciple relationships through which makers of these baskets are interconnected. The exhibition features one artwork each by 76 bamboo artists representing most of the major lineages in the three key geographic regions – asWestern Japan, Eastern Japan, and Kyushu – over the past 150 years. Many of the artworks in the exhibition are on view publicly for the first time. During the exhibition you can enjoy a variety of programs showcasing bamboo art as well as other aspects of Japanese culture. Please visit the Asian Art Museum’s website to learn more. This project has been made possible in part by a grant from the Alliance for California Traditional Arts’ Living Cultures Grants Program, in partnership with the Walter and Elise Haas Fund, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the James Irvine Foundation. Admission: Museum admission, $12 For more information, visit the Asian Art Museum’s website.
If Baskets Could Talk . . .
Photo: Agua Caliente Cultural Museum Through June 2007 “If Baskets Could Talk…,” explores basketry materials and construction, styles and uses, and the meanings of the woven symbols. If baskets could talk they would tell us many things… who gathered their materials and carefully prepared them, who patiently wove them with intricate designs, what they were made to hold and carry, what their beautiful and creative designs mean. Baskets can talk to us with special voices that speak to our eyes, our minds, and our hearts. We can look and learn about the things that were important to their people, how they lived and worked, and how they celebrated and expressed their connection to their environment. The baskets in this exhibit all come from Southern California and especially from Cahuilla territory. All tribes had social and economic relationships with their neighbors, inter-married, and shared traditions. This is reflected in their basketry as well… through use of the same materials, weaving techniques, design motifs, and their uses. For more information, visit the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum’s website or call (760) 323-0151.
Guatemala! Celebrations of Weaving
Ongoing Guatemala! Celebrations of Weaving showcases textiles made by women of the Mayan villages in Guatemala. The exhibit includes examples selected from 30 villages located throughout the country. For ages before the Spanish arrived in Guatemala in 1524, the Ancient Mayan people wore clothing that they made on backstrap looms. This tradition has survived with their descendants in the mainly rectangular handwoven garments worn today. These include a woman's upper body garment called a huipil, skirts that can be wrapped around the body or tubular ones that can be stepped into, utility cloths called servilletas for everyday use and for ceremonies, and men's or women's headcloths called tzutes. They also make men's kilts (rodilleras), men's pants, women's shawls (rebozos and perrajes), sashes, and hair ribbons, all woven by hand. Men from some villages also knit wool carrying bags for themselves and for their sons. The clothing items shown in this exhibit were chosen principally for their beauty. Some were woven for daily wear, but most are special garments made to wear to fiestas, to funerals, for masses and weddings, and for cofradía, the religious ceremony unique to Guatemalan Indians. The women spend extra time and effort on clothing that they and their family members can wear to these events, making it more elaborate than clothing for everyday wear. Admission: $6 Museum Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. daily For more information visit the Museum of Man’s website MarchNorouz Celebration at San Francisco City HallFriday, March 23, 2007 The 2nd Annual Norooz (Persian New Year) celebration in the Rotunda of San Francisco City Hall combines classical and modern Persian music, beautiful dancers in traditional costumes, and great food. This celebration enables the local Persian community to present the city and its citizens with an evening celebrating the advent of Spring, or the traditional Persian New Year. Performances by Ballet Afsaneh, Nejad World Music Orchestra, and Seemorgy Choral Ensemble. For more information, visit Turquoise Bridges’ website.
The 22nd Jewish Music FestivalThrough March 25 , 2007 The Jewish Music Festival will hold its 22nd season, bringing to the Bay Area leading international artists of Jewish music from around the world. Performing this year are Michael Alpert, Peter Apfelbaum, Avi Avital, Steven Bernstein, The Bridge Players, Dan Cantrell, Duo46, Ensemble Lucidarium, Kitka, Klezmer Bueno Aries, Jorge Liderman, Noa, Pharoah’s Daughter, Dushan Ristic, and Rumen Shapov. Concerts and events will be held throughout the Bay Area during the month of March. The Festival will conclude on Sunday, March 25, 2007, with an all-day Community Music Day from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Activities will include a local artist showcase, a children’s concert, an instrument “petting zoo,” interactive workshops and performances, and a poetry slam. The Community Musical Day will be held at the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley, California. This project has been made possible in part by a grant from the Alliance for California Traditional Arts’ Living Cultures Grants Program, in partnership with the Walter and Elise Haas Fund, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the James Irvine Foundation. Admission: Each event ticketed separately, $10-$50 For more information, including a complete list of the Festival’s concerts and events, please visit the Jewish Music Festival’s website.
Radio Bilingüe’s 25th Annual ¡Viva el Mariachi! Festival & WorkshopsMariachi Workshops The annual ¡Viva el Mariachi! Festival Workshops 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. Advanced instruments will be taught by El Gran Maestro Nati Cano and his Mariachi Los Camperos. Intermediate instruments will be taught by Maraichi Mujer 2000. Voice and beginning instruments will be taught by Juan Morales and Mariachi Tenochtitlán. Registration is required. The early registration fee of $40 is valid through February 9, 2007. After that, the registration fee increases to $60 through March 9, 2007. From March 11 through March 26, 2007, fees increase to $80. Workshop registration fees include one day of instruction, sheet music, and admission to the festival the following day. Also, all students may participate in the Festival program. Class size is limited, so register early! For more information, visit Radio Bilingüe’s website or call (559) 455-5763. Sunday, March 25, 2007 Radio Bilingüe’s 25th Annual ¡Viva el Mariachi Festival! features Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán, Mariachi México de Pepe Villa, Los Camperos de Nati Cano, Mariachi Mujer 2000, José Gutiérrez y Los Hermanos Ochoa, and Grupo Arpex. Tickets range from $7 – $42, and tables of 10 can be purchased for $600 – $1,500. A special Mariachi Mass, free to the public, will be held that morning at 7:45 am at St. John's Cathedral located at 2814 Mariposa St., Fresno, California. To purchase tickets for the festival, visit the Ticketmaster website or call Radio Bilingüe at 559-455-5763. For more information, visit Radio Bilingüe’s website.
Chookasian Armenian Concert EnsembleFriday, March 30, 2007 Directed by Fresno resident John Chookasezian, the septet of musicians performs on traditional instruments. The ensemble features John on clarinet and his wife Barbara as principal vocalist, along with Vergine Alimian on kanun (lap harp), Henrick Avoyan on traditional drums, Peter Dorian on oud (lute), Suren Mekhrabian on tarr (double-bodied lute), Albert Vardanyan on duduk (wooden flute), and Sarkis Petrosyan on santur (hammered dulcimer. Admission: $20.50 advance purchase, $21.50 at the door, under 18 half-price tickets.
Native American Uses of Southern California PlantsMarch 30-31, 2007 Taught by Barbara A. Drake and Lorene Sisquoc, this workshop explores many ways that the indigenous peoples of Southern California used local plants in their daily lives. Emphasis is on how local tribes processed and used seeds and made soap, brushes, and cordage. These activities include processing yucca root and soaproot (amole) into soap products; using traditional techniques to make broom and brushes from pine needles, soaproot fibers, yucca and wild teasel; and creating a seed beater fan. Fee: $130, plus $12 materials fee payable to the instructor. For more information visit the California Indian Basketweavers Association’s website.
Danzantes Unidos Festival 2007March 30, 31 and April 1, 2007 Danzantes Unidos presents its annual gathering, Danzantes Unidos Festival (DUF) 2007, “Raices Campesinas.” DUF 2007 is a three-day celebration of Mexican Folk Dance with 40+ dance workshops and seminars to accommodate 1,000+ participants. Curriculum will include movement sessions in Danza Azteca, Baja California, Chiapas, Chihuahua, Colima, corridos, revolucionarios, Guerrero, Jalisco, Michoacan, Nuevo Leon, Sinaloa, Tamaulipas, Veracruz and Yucatan, as well as seminars in music & costuming and a masters’ class in choreography. Featured workshops include movement and music workshops in rural-style Jalisco & Veracruz. The Showcase Concert Series will present the work of performing companies from throughout the state of California. The Gala Concert will highlight special guests, Los Cenzontles of San Pablo, California. Rounding out the weekend activities are the DUF 2007 mercado--folklorico marketplace – and the pachanga y fandango – evening social dance events. Registration may be completed on Danzantes Unidos’ website. For more information, visit Danzantes Unidos’ website.
Mystical Music of the Middle East with the Yuval Ron EnsembleSaturday, March 31, 2007 Featuring singer Najwa Gibran and special guest, Arabic violinist George Hamad. Reception to follow. Admission: $5-$10 For more information call (323) 259-2590 or email Occidental College.
Sweet Honey in the RockSaturday, March 31, 2007 The seven women of Sweet Honey in the Rock celebrate the sacred music of the African American church-spirituals, hymns, gospel – as well as jazz, rap, reggae, doowop and blues. Tickets: $15-$45 To purchase tickets or for more information, visit UCLA Live’s website.
Festival de los Danzantes Gala Performance featuring Hermano Herrera
Photo: Arte Américas Saturday, March 31, 2007 As part of the statewide festival of Mexican folkloric dancers being held this year in Fresno at Fresno State, this Gala performance is open to the public and features Hermanos Herrera, plus four outstanding groups, Ballet Folklórico Ticuán of Tijuana, Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno from Hayward, Ollin from San Fernando, and the Fresno State host group, Danzantes de Aztlan. Tickets: $15 To purchase tickets or for more information, visit Arte Américas’ website or call (559) 266-2623. For more information on registering for the three-day weekend festival
and workshops, visit Festival
de los Danzantes’ website. AprilInternational Roma DaySunday, April, 1, 2007 All proceeds benefit the Roma of Kosovo. Live music and dancing with Danny Fender & Sam Marks and Barry Fisher/Bando Banitsa. Dance instruction/lecture with Sani Rafati. Traditional Romani dances from Macedonia, Kosovo, Serbia, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Albania. Presentation on Roma migration, history, “gypsy” stereotypes, video screening, and more. Authentic Romani/Balkan dinner plate on sale for $10.00 Also on sale, CDs, handcrafts, literature, and more. Admission: $20 For more information or to reserve tickets, visit Voice of Roma’s website or call Paul Steven at (626) 627-9298 or (310) 820-3527.
The San Francisco Festival of the Mandolins
Photo: Croatian American Cultural Center April 16-22, 2007 This year marks an expansion of the San Francisco Festival of the Mandolins. It is now a week long festival, featuring three theme-based concerts in addition to the culminating “Grand Day of Mandolins,” scheduled for Sunday, April 22, 2007. Please visit the Croatian American Cultural Center’s website for updated concert information, workshop schedules, ticket prices, and availability.
San Jose Taiko Rhythm Spirit 2007
Photo: San Jose Taiko Friday, April 13, 2007, 8:00 p.m. San Jose Taiko proudly presents the Rhythm Spirit 2007 concerts. Feel the power and grace of taiko as this professional touring company shares this special production with its local audiences. Tickets: $20-$25 Fore more information, visit San Jose Taiko’s website.
3rd Annual Spring Karuk Basketweavers GatheringKaruk Tribal Complex The public is invited to the 3rd Annual Spring Karuk Basketweavers Gathering. Basketweaving and informal sharing will continue throughout the gathering. Basketweavers are encouraged to bring baskets for display and/or sale in the People’s Center Gallery. For more information, call Lisa Schamehorm at (530) 493-1600, extension 2201.
Los Lupeños de San Jose present “Sones y Jarabes”Saturday, April 14, 2007, 8:00 p.m. Los Lupeños presents Mexican sones y jarabes, rhythms that originated in the viceroyalty of Nuevo Galicia, now know as Jalisco, Colima, Nayarit, and Michoacán. Tickets: $5-$10 For more information, visit the Mexican Heritage Plaza’s website or call (408) 928-5500.
10th Annual Monterey Park Cherry Blossom FestivalSaturday, April 21, 2007, 11:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Planned and coordinated by community volunteers, the Cherry Blossom Festival strives to provide a cultural arts event that offers a forum for learning, entertainment, fun, and support of community. So take the time to see, hear, and taste a bit of the Japanese and Japanese American culture through a first-hand experience of watching traditional Japanese dancing, hearing the resounding beats of the taiko drums, observing the mastery and various skills of martial arts, participating in the ancient art of the tea ceremony, or buying hand-made crafts or food with an Asian flair. Other highlights of the Festival include games & crafts for children, and numerous cultural displays. Admission: Free For more information, including a performance schedule, visit the Cherry Blossom Festival’s website.
County & Regional CalendarsA 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, |
