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ABOUT AfroSolo Theatre Company https://afrosolo.org AfroSolo Theatre Company's mission is to nurture, promote and present African American and African Diasporan art and culture through solo performances and the visual and literary arts. Since 1994, we have presented the annual AfroSolo Arts Festival, a forum for African Americans and the larger African Diaspora as a way to give voice to the unique experience of being Black. Through art, we bring people of all ethnicities together to explore and share the human spirit that binds us all. AfroSolo Arts Festival is made possible through the support of the CA Arts Council, Grants for the Arts, Dream Keeper Initiative, Kenneth Rainin Foundation, SF Arts Commission, and The Friends of AfroSolo, AfroSolo's collaborative partners include AATAIN, Cultural Odyssey, Intersection for the Arts, Play Ground Theatre, The African American Art and Culture Complex, The Flow Fund, The Dr. George W. Davis Senior Center and the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. AFROSOLO'S HISTORY AND MISSION: https://afrosolo.org/march2025 AfroSolo Theatre Company presents… AfroSolo ARTS FESTIVAL 31 - LET FREEDOM RING! PART 2 WHEN: Fri. March 28, 2025 – 7:00 pm Sat. March 29, 2025 – 7:00 pm Sun. March 30, 2025 – 3:00 pm WHERE: Potrero Stage* 1695 18th St. (at Arkansas St.), San Francisco, CA 94107 WHO: Performers Include: Douglass Haynes - vocalist Augustene Phillips - writer Libah Sheppard - writer Thomas Robert Simpson - writer Hugh Leeman – filmmaker Dr. Carl Blake (piano for Douglass Haynes) TICKETS: https://tickets.playground-sf.org/The... General Admission Seating. $0 - $35, pay what you can. No one turned away due to lack of funds. In Person & Live Streaming options available. WEB SITE: https://afrosolo.org FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... INSTAGRAM: / afrosolotheatrecompany FOR INFORMATION VISIT: https://afrosolo.org or call 415-771-2376 _____________________ Thomas Robert Simpson, actor, director, producer, and writer, is the founder and artistic director of AfroSolo Arts Festival. Since 1991 he has concentrated on presenting African American and African Diasporan art and culture through solo performances and the visual and literary arts. For the past 17 years Mr. Simpson has produced the award-winning and critically acclaimed AfroSolo Arts Festival in SF, presenting over seventy-five artists. He has also showcased celebrity artists such as award-winning actor Ruby Dee, comedian and political activist Dick Gregory, beloved teacher, poet and social activist June Jordan, sensational black gospel singer Emmit Powell, and many others. In 2006 Mr. Simpson won a coveted Bay Area Jefferson Award for Public Service. In 2009 he was awarded a prestigious Certificate of Honor from the SF Board of Supervisor, as well as award from SF AIDS Foundation's Black Brothers Esteem Program, The Reggie Williams Achievement Award and the Oakland Supper Club for his contributions to our community.
This event, as part of the LSE Middle East Centre's Kurdish Studies Series, discussed the online exhibition and research project 'Bridging Identities: The Cultural Odyssey of Kurdistani Jews' exploring the identity and heritage of Kurdistani Jews. The stories in this research project shed light on this community's past through the lens of their memories and nostalgic ties to the homeland they left behind as they migrated to Israel/Palestine, and reveal if and how the markers of Kurdishness are transmitted to generations next. Meet the speakers Bahar Baser is Professor in Politics and International Relations at Durham University. Bahar is an expert in the area of diaspora studies, peacebuilding and conflict transformation, with a regional focus on the Middle East. She has conducted extensive research on diaspora engagement in peace processes, post-conflict reconstruction and state-building in the Global South. Duygu Atlas is part of the research team of the 'Bridging Identities' project. She is a historian and documentary maker and completed her doctoral studies at Tel Aviv University's School of History in 2019, with her dissertation titled 'Turkey's Jewish Minority between Turkey and Israel from 1948 to the 1990s: Israel's Impact on a Diaspora Community and its Identity Formation'. Mesut Alp is part of the research team of the 'Bridging Identities' project. He is a photographer and documentary maker, and is also a graduate of Ege University's Department of Near Eastern Archaeology. Moayed Assaf is part of the research team of the 'Bridging Identities' project. He is a Kurdish academic and photographer. https://www.lse.ac.uk/middle-east-centre/events/2024/bridging-identities-cultural-odyssey-kurdistani-jews
Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Unveiling 'Seny': A Cultural Odyssey Through Barcelona Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.org/unveiling-seny-a-cultural-odyssey-through-barcelona Story Transcript:Ca: Comença un dia radiant a Barcelona i l'aire marca la promesa de l'aventura. Plaça Catalunya, amb el seu bullici constant de persones i coloms, és el lloc de trobada de Marta i Jordi. Ells dos, autèntics barcelonins, són amics de tota la vida que comparteixen l'amor per la ciutat i la cultura catalana.En: A bright day begins in Barcelona, with the air carrying the promise of adventure. Plaça Catalunya, with its constant buzz of people and pigeons, is the meeting place for Marta and Jordi. They are true locals, lifelong friends who share a love for the city and Catalan culture.Ca: Jordi va rebre un missatge de Marta aquell matí: "Tenim visita i necessitem explicar el 'seny' a aquest estranger". Un repte que Jordi accepta amb un somriure. Un cop entre daurades escultures i fonts ballantines, Marta i Jordi troben el seu convidat, un viatger anglès anomenat Richard.En: Jordi had received a message from Marta that morning: "We have a visitor, and we need to explain 'seny' to this stranger." It's a challenge Jordi accepts with a smile. Amidst golden sculptures and dancing fountains, Marta and Jordi find their guest, an English traveler named Richard.Ca: Binòmicament li diuen "Benvingut a Barcelona, Richard!" Jordi comença suau, "El 'seny' és una part fonamental de la nostra cultura, però no és fàcil d'explicar." Els ulls de Richard es tornen brillants amb curiositat, "Estic ansios per entendre-ho," respon.En: They simultaneously say, "Welcome to Barcelona, Richard!" Jordi starts gently, "‘Seny' is a fundamental aspect of our culture, but not easy to explain." Richard's eyes sparkle with curiosity, "I'm eager to understand," he responds.Ca: Marta compara, "El 'seny' és semblant a la vostra 'Common Sense', però més ampli. És tenir prudència, raó... però també, sensibilitat cap als altres i cap a un mateix." Passegen pel Barri Gòtic, les pedres vells són testimonis de molts segles de 'seny'. "És el sentit comú català," conclou Jordi, mentre refereixen el dany causat durant una celebració de futbol ennuvolada.En: Marta explains, "‘Seny' is similar to your 'Common Sense', but broader. It is about having prudence, reason...but also, sensitivity towards others and oneself." Walking through the Gothic Quarter, the ancient stones bear witness to centuries of 'seny'. "It's the Catalan common sense," concludes Jordi, recounting the damage caused during a rowdy football celebration.Ca: Dins la catedral de Barcelona, senyals espirituals del 'seny' resplendeixen en les vidrieres. Els seus colors vius arc de Sant Martí reflecteixen sobre Richard. "El 'seny' es veu a les nostres accions," suggereix Marta.En: Inside the Barcelona Cathedral, spiritual signs of 'seny' shine through the stained glass windows. The vibrant colors of the rainbow reflect onto Richard. "‘Seny' is seen in our actions," suggests Marta.Ca: Al vespre, en un bar simpàtic, disfruten de tapes i vi, Richard confessa: "crec que començo a entendre el 'seny'. És respectar el vostre entorn, a tu mateix i als altres. És tenir sentit comú, però amb més cor." Marta i Jordi assenteixen en un gest d'aprovació; "Exactament!," diuen.En: In the evening, at a cozy bar, enjoying tapas and wine, Richard confesses: "I think I am starting to understand 'seny'. It's about respecting your surroundings, yourself, and others. It's common sense, but with more heart." Marta and Jordi nod in approval; "Exactly!," they say.Ca: Mentre la nit es fa més fonda sobre la ciutat, Jordi i Marta saben que han aconseguit el seu objectiu: Richard ha entès el 'seny'. La seva missió, ara completada, dóna pas a la satisfacció d'una jornada bé passada i la promesa de començar una altra amb 'seny'.En: As the night falls over the city, Jordi and Marta know they have achieved their goal: Richard has grasped 'seny'. Their mission, now accomplished, gives way to the satisfaction of a well-spent day and the promise of starting another with 'seny'.Ca: La història conclou amb Marta, Jordi i Richard rient junts, els sons de la seva alegria esguitant a la nit de Barcelona. Al final, tots podem aprendre i entendre el 'seny', no importa d'on vinguem. I tot gràcies al poder de la comunicació i l'amistat, i la bellesa única de la bellíssima Barcelona.En: The story concludes with Marta, Jordi, and Richard laughing together, the sounds of their joy echoing through the Barcelona night. In the end, we can all learn and understand 'seny', no matter where we come from. And all thanks to the power of communication and friendship, and the unique beauty of beautiful Barcelona. Vocabulary Words:adventure: aventuraair: aireBarcelona: Barcelonacommon sense: sentit comúculture: culturaday: diafriend: amicgoal: objectiuguest: convidatheart: corjoy: alegrialove: amormeeting place: lloc de trobadamessage: missatgenight: nitpromise: promesarespect: respectarsense: sentitsensitivity: sensibilitatsmile: somriurespiritual: espiritualstranger: estrangerthank: gràciesunderstand: entendreunique: únicavisit: visitawelcome: benvingutwindow: finestrawine: viwitness: testimonis
Stephanie Anne Johnson is a second-generation theater practitioner. Her mother Virginia Johnson (Green) worked with The American Negro Theatre In N.Y. Johnson has been a lighting designer for over forty years. Nationally she has done designs for La Mama Theatre (N.Y.), Telluride Repertory Theatre (Colorado), The Arizona Repertory Theatre, The National Black Theater, and The Apollo (N.Y.). Locally, she has worked with Cultural Odyssey, Rhodessa Jones, Afro Solo, Ubuntu Theatre, African American Shakespeare Company, The Aurora Theater, Shotgun Players, The Marin Theatre Company, and many other groups. Her design work has also been seen in India, The Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, Canada and France. She was awarded a Gerbode Design Fellowship in partnership with Cultural Odyssey of San Francisco in 1998. Photographs of Ms. Johnson's designs were included in the show Onstage: A Century of African American Stage Design which was presented at The N.Y. Public Library For The Performing Arts in 1995. Stephanie also has written, directed and performed in theater presentations. Stephanie's One-Woman Show: "Every 21 Days Cancer & Yoga & Me " July 21, 2014 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTEprQN0sRE Stephanie's Website: Light Essence Design https://www.lightessencedesign.com/?fbclid=IwAR1PRWIoov_uuprv1a3L-zGK7xARGG_yAGb3QbNs43-G1ay16pJoOjmLOxA
In China, drums are an instrument that transcend its musical identity. In times long past, they acted as a celestial bridge for communication, an integral part of labor, military, ceremonial, and spiritual life. Today, they continue to symbolize the Chinese people's aspirations for prosperity and happiness, playing a vital role in the performing arts.
Embark on a cultural journey of discovery with “Cultural Odyssey: Discovering Our World's Heritage,” the podcast that celebrates the rich tapestry of human history, traditions, and the fascinating stories that define our global heritage. In each episode, we immerse ourselves in the vibrant tapestries of cultures from around the world. Join us as we explore the customs, art, music, folklore, and historical milestones that have shaped societies throughout history and continue to shape our world today. “Cultural Odyssey” is your passport to diverse experiences, as we dive into the rituals of indigenous communities, uncover the mysteries of ancient civilizations, and celebrate the creativity of contemporary cultures. Our passionate hosts and expert guests share their insights and stories, bridging the gaps between cultures and fostering a deeper appreciation for the richness of human expression. Whether you're an avid traveler, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about the world's diverse cultures, “Cultural Odyssey” will transport you to new horizons of understanding. Subscribe now and join us on this enlightening journey of cultural exploration, where we celebrate the beauty of our shared heritage and promote cultural appreciation and respect. Get ready to be inspired by “Cultural Odyssey” as we discover the world's treasures, one story at a time. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jamestownpodcasts/message
Beats, Brands, and Boundless Banter: A Cultural Odyssey ft Pan of Change by Lulu Join us for another exciting episode of the Offbeat Podcast as we dive into a whirlwind of discussions with our returning guest, Pan, the creative mastermind behind a popular streetwear brand. We kick things off with a hilariously relatable debate about playing video games with your significant other - where finding that perfect balance between "my time" and "our time" becomes an art form. As we navigate through the episode, we explore the fascinating dynamics of overlapping friend groups, weighing the pros and cons that come with them. Our conversation takes a musical turn as we discover Shannon's surprising take on Musiq Soulchild's music and Xander's intriguing insights into the rise and fall of Jodeci, highlighting the passion that once fueled R&B and its evolution over time. In the realm of current hip-hop, we dissect the intriguing clash between Ice Spice and Jack Harlow, while also delving into the challenges of low record sales within the genre. The spotlight then shifts to the captivating world of music diversity, as we explore the profound influence of Spanish music on global sounds. Pan sheds light on his remarkable journey, sharing heartwarming stories of streetwear enthusiasts worldwide showing unwavering support for his brand. We unravel the "iconic" FILA brand growing up and the negative stigma that was affiliated with the brand. And of course, we can't escape Xander's cheeky question for the ladies, which takes an unexpected turn down the hilariously filthy lane. Tune in for a rollercoaster of laughter, insights, and candid conversations that only the Offbeat Podcast can deliver. GUEST LINKS: https://www.changedbylulu.com/ https://www.instagram.com/changedbylulu/ ARTWORK CURATED AND PROVIDED BY: https://instagram.com/soul_cozm INSTAGRAM Xander: https://instagram.com/jalexander_._ Shannon: https://instagram.com/shannon.ortega Rick: https://instagram.com/rk.dz Links: XLOUNGE - Lofi / Lounge Music / Chill Vibes @xlounge_ A Very Special Thanks to: FULL FRAME MEDIA LLC https://www.fullframemediallc.com/ https://instagram.com/fullframemedia413 https://www.facebook.com/pg/FullFrameLLC/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/xlounge/message
Equally beloved at office boardrooms and toddler birthday parties, Colin the Caterpillar - a £7 swiss roll cake with white and milk chocolate and buttercream - was launched at an unsuspecting public by Marks and Spencer on 26th August, 1990.At the product development stage, he was going to be a fish - even though fishcake is a TOTALLY different foodstuff. Luckily, the Colin we know and love made it to M&S shelves, where he has since sold more than 15 million units, and spawned dozens of high street imitators. (And an infringement claim against Aldi.)In this episode, Olly, Rebecca and Arion explain how Colin's popularity coincided with the trend for ‘illusion cakes'; dig up the horrifying sweet/savoury pile-up that is Jane Asher's ‘Mary Mary' cake; and consider Colin's enduring place in British popular culture...Further Reading:• ‘Colin the Caterpillar: A brief history' (New Statesman, 2018): https://www.newstatesman.com/culture/food-drink/2018/12/colin-caterpillar-brief-history• ‘This is the original M&S Colin the Caterpillar cake back in 1990' (Good Housekeeping, 2020): https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/food/a33631942/original-colin-the-caterpillar-cake-1990/• ‘Colin v Cuthbert The Caterpillar: Can M&S Sue Aldi For Copyright Over A Cake?' (Good Morning Britain, 2020): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZrjPL8p874For bonus material and to support the show, visit Patreon.com/RetrospectorsWe'll be back tomorrow! Follow us wherever you get your podcasts: podfollow.com/RetrospectorsThe Retrospectors are Olly Mann, Rebecca Messina & Arion McNicoll, with Matt Hill.Theme Music: Pass The Peas. Announcer: Bob Ravelli. Graphic Design: Terry Saunders. Edit Producer: Emma Corsham.Copyright: Rethink Audio / Olly Mann 2021. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay! Melanin Magic Sessions Take 7: A special series of shows featuring healers who will leave us with tools we can use to strengthen ourselves during a time when isolation is encouraged while the soul cries for communion. 1. Rhodessa Jones, Medea Project: theatre for Incarcerated Women, Cultural Odyssey, joins us in a prerecorded interview to talk about The Ressurrection of She at Brava Theatre, March 28-April 7, 2013. Yes, it is an archived interviewed. 2. We continue our celebration of National Poetry Month with wonderful poets. This portion of the show is curated by Kim McMillon and Lucinda Clark. 3. We close with another rebroadcast, Adia Tamar Whitaker joins us to talk about Have K(no)w Fear, A Blusical at ODA, 10/17-20/2019.
One constellation of guiding lights for guest host Cat Petru's cultural production organization “We Rise” are Toni Cade Bambara's words: “The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible.” Rhodessa Jones is this artist. On today's show we delve into her latest show When Did Your Hands Become a Weapon? and celebrate 40 years of Cultural Odyssey and 30 of The Medea Project. Guests include company members Fe Bongolan, Lisa Frias, Uzo Nwankpa and Chibueze Crouch…more Please note that we discuss rape culture and violence against women in this #metoo moment. The sharing is often intimate. Please take exquisite care of yourself as you listen. The post Womens Magazine – December 24, 2018: Women Saving Our Own Lives, The Legend of Rhodessa Jones appeared first on KPFA.
Rhodessa Jones of The Medea Project and Cultural Odyssey joins us again for this sweet & potent Winter Solstice edition of Women Saving Our Own Lives. Uzo Nwankpa and Lisa Frias, who both performed in The Medea Project's When Did Your Hands Become A Weapon? join host Cat Petru live in the KPFA studios as well. Please note that we discuss rape culture and violence against women in this #metoo moment. The sharing is often intimate. Please take exquisite care of yourself as you listen.GUESTSRhodessa Jones is Co-Artistic Director of the acclaimed San Francisco performance company Cultural Odyssey. She is an actress, teacher, director, and writer. Ms. Jones is also the Director of the award winning Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women and HIV Circle, which is a performance workshop designed to achieve personal and social transformation with incarcerated women and women living with HIV. During fall 2017 and winter 2018 Rhodessa was a Frank H. T. Rhodes Visiting Professor at CORNELL UNIVERSITY and a MONTGOMERY FELLOW at DARTMOUTH COLLEGE conducting lectures and workshops at these prestigious institutions. In December 2016 Rhodessa received a THEATRE BAY AREA LEGACY AWARD presented to individuals that have made “extraordinary contributions to the Bay Area theatre community.” In 2014 she received The Sui Generis Foundation Achievement Award for “one of a kind contributions which benefit society in unique ways.” More at https://themedeaproject.weebly.com/.Lisa Frias started performing with The Medea Project in 1995. She’s a dancer, choreographer, actor, and singer, and teaches middle school dance in Daly City. She’s honored to be working with Medea for over 2 decades. Uzoamaka (Uzo) Nwankpa (performer) is a fourth- generation descendant of women healersfrom Enugu, Nigeria, West Africa. She is a first generation immigrant to the west and dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the Igbo culture. She is a performing artist, dance facilitator, choreographer, educator, researcher, registered nurse and an advocate for healing through the use of the arts. As an advocate for communities that use the arts to heal, Uzo is dedicated to creating and exploring diverse ways to combine ancient practices with innovation.LINKSwww.culturalodyssey.org/facebook & insta: @medeaprojectrhodessa@culturalodyssey.org415.292.1850 Cultural Odyssey office
One constellation of guiding lights for We Rise are Toni Cade Bambara’s words: “The role of the artist is to make the revolution irresistible.” Rhodessa Jones is this artist. With her latest show When Did Your Hands Become a Weapon? running thru this weekend at San Francisco’s Brava Theater, to 40 years of Cultural Odyssey and 30 of The Medea Project, we have a lot to dive into - and celebrate.There is also a ticket giveaway!! Email angieinlegal@yahoo.com for a chance to win!You can also connect on IG @the_medea_project and FB @MedeaProjectTICKET INFO https://www.brava.org/all-events/2018/10/25/when-did-your-hands-become-a-weapon ABOUT OUR GUESTSRhodessa Jones is Co-Artistic Director of the acclaimed San Francisco performance company Cultural Odyssey. She is an actress, teacher, director, and writer. Ms. Jones is also the Director of the award winning Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women and HIV Circle, which is a performance workshop designed to achieve personal and social transformation with incarcerated women and women living with HIV. During fall 2017 and winter 2018 Rhodessa was a Frank H. T. Rhodes Visiting Professor at CORNELL UNIVERSITY and a MONTGOMERY FELLOW at DARTMOUTH COLLEGE conducting lectures and workshops at these prestigious institutions. In December 2016 Rhodessa received a THEATRE BAY AREA LEGACY AWARD presented to individuals that have made “extraordinary contributions to the Bay Area theatre community.” In 2014 she received The Sui Generis Foundation Achievement Award for “one of a kind contributions which benefit society in unique ways.” More at https://themedeaproject.weebly.com/.Fe Bongolan (performer, dramaturg) 2018 marks Fe’s 26th year with The Medea Project as core member actor, writer, singer, dramaturg, and musician. Her prior performing experience includes the Asian American Theater Company, Teatro Ng Tanan, and Campo Santo Theater’s “Trail of her Inner Thigh” by Erin Cressida Wilson, which won the Will Glickman Award for best new play in 1999. She currently co-facilitates the Medea Project’s audio theater workshop in San Francisco County Jail.Uzoamaka (Uzo) Nwankpa (performer) is a fourth- generation descendant of women healersfrom Enugu, Nigeria, West Africa. She is a first generation immigrant to the west and dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the Igbo culture. She is a performing artist, dance facilitator, choreographer, educator, researcher, registered nurse and an advocate for healing through the use of the arts. As an advocate for communities that use the arts to heal, Uzo is dedicated to creating and exploring diverse ways to combine ancient practices with innovation.C. Chibueze Crouch (performer) is an actor, writer and teaching artist. She has performedinternationally, across the Eastern US and around the Bay Area using theater, film, movement, and song in her multidisciplinary creative practice. Recent performances include PARADISE: Belly of the Beast at Brava Theater, LIONS at Stanford University and mouth full of sea at the African American Arts & Culture Complex. In her free time, she teaches drama to Oakland youth at Destiny Arts and does freelance grant writing. Chibueze joined the Medea Project in June of 2018.
An interview with Rhodessa Jones, co-artistic director of the performance company Cultural Odyssey and creator of the Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women. Rhodessa Jones was at Pitt for a month-long residency in February, 2018. During her residency, she worked with students to create a theatrical performance, offered performances of her own work, and gave lectures. The interview focuses on Rhodessa's life and career, particularly the social impact of her work.
1. Brooke Doaks is a Healing Artist, Cultural Curator, Creative Director and Founding Curator of Goddessflow Presents. She is the author of "A Grey Soul." Brooke graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a B.A. in Visual Production and Marketing Communications. Follow the blog goddessflowpresents.be and visit her websitewww.brookedoaks.com for more awareness. Her Goddessflowpresents involves developing a series of workshops, community and spotlight events all highlighting the black feminine divine. Her next event at the Naming Gallery, 335 15th Street, in Oakland, April 29 honors, artist, activist, Regina Evans, who will perform excepts from "52 Letters," stories of sexual trafickking: entrapment, bondage and freedom. 2. Camilla Nielsson (Director), based in Copenhagen, studied documentary filmmaking at the Tisch School of the Arts and holds an M.A. in visual anthropology from New York University. She joins us to talk about "Democrats" which premieres on Independent Lens, Monday, April 18. 3. Rebroadcast of interview with Steven Anthony Jones, Artistic Director, Lorraine Hansberry Theatre presenting, "Thurgood," closing this weekend at AAACC. Visit lht-sf.org 4. IDRIS ACKAMOOR speaks to us about a new tour next month locally and internationally withThe Pyramids' new music:"We Be All Africans." Ackamoor is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, actor, tap dancer, producer, administrator, and director. He is the Founder and Co-Artistic Director of the multi-disciplinary San Francisco performance company Cultural Odyssey. Mr. Ackamoor has been honored with TWO Lifetime Achievement Awards for his extraordinary musical and theatrical contributions.
We spoke with David Horowitz to discuss his latest book entitled Getting There: An American Cultural Odyssey. Professor Horowitz discusses his own encounters through America’s history, including his role in the 1970 PSU student strike. More info: http://www.kpsu.org/beyondfootnotes/david-horowitz-an-american-cultural-odyssey/
1. Julia Steele Allen joins us to talk about Mariposa & the Saint: From solitary confinement, a play through letters.In 2012, Mariposa (Sara Fonseca) was sentenced to 15 months in solitary confinement. In 2015 she is still in a special confinement unit. Through letters with longtime friend Julia Steele Allen who met her through a CCWP prison visiting team, Mariposa brings her experience to the stage. The play will be performed May 7 & 10 in San Francisco & Berkeley, as a benefit for California Coalition for Women Prisoners. https://www.facebook.com/events/647744338704318/ A Benefit for the California Coalition for Women Prisoners, www.womenprisoners.org For more information contact CCWP info@womenprisoners.org, 415-255-7036 x 4 2. Paige Rogers joins us to talk about Antigone, which she directs at Cuttingball. It has performances Thursday-Sunday in San Francisco: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TAZQ8EctwdQ 3. Rhodessa Jones speaks about Medea Project, Theatre for Incarcerated Women's latest work: Birthright? opens April 9-19, 2015, at Brava Theatre Center in San Francisco, in celebration of Medea Project's 25TH Anniversary. The work is a collaboration between Brava! For Women in the Arts, Cultural Odyssey and Planned Parenthood Northern California. For information and tickets please call (415) 641-7657 and/or log on to http://www.brava.org. 4. Rebroadcast of an interview Friday, March 20, 2015, with Ciera Payton and her father Michael DiazShe just premiered her solo work, Michael's Daughter at ACT-SF Costume Shop. It is the story of her relationship with her incarcerated dad, Michael (who is out now and joins us on the air).
1. Idris Ackamoor, Founder, Executive Director, Cultural Odyssey, is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, tap dancer, actor, director and producer, joins us to talk about the Healing through Music Tour(Oct. 11-Nov. 10). There will also be a performance artists retirement workshop with Rebeka Black Visit culturalodyssey.org 2. Joanna Haigood and Chelsea O Riley join us to talk about the San Francisco Aerial Dance Festival Oct. 5-12, 2014 @ Zaccho Dance Studio. Visit http://www.zaccho.org/ and http://chelseao.com/ 3. Donald E. Lacy Jr. joins us to talk about Color Struck 2014-2015: Conversations N Color Tour written and performed by Donald E. Lacy Jr. Friday-Sat., Oct. 3-4, 8 p.m. at Laney College Theatre, 900 Fallon. For tickets visit or call 510 One Love or colorstruck.net Proceeds benefit LoveLife Foundations Art and Media Training Academy Foundations Art and Media Training Academy. Visit http://www.lovelifefoundation.com/ Featured Music: The Pyramids'sMemory Ritual 1 and Otherworldly
Rebroadcast MAR 28, 2014:Cultural Odyssey @ 35 with Idris Akamoor, Rhodessa Jones and Lyrika Holmes. Visit http://www.culturalodyssey.org/ Second guest: Joanna Haigood, choreographer, Zaccho Dance Theatre with dancers Antoine Hunter and Travis Santell Rowland speak about Dying while Black and Brown. Visit http://www.zaccho.org/ Mr. Ackamoor is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, tap dancer, actor, director and producer. He is the founder and Executive/Co-Artistic Director of Cultural Odyssey. Idris curates and produces the Cultural Odyssey Performance Festival, and also records and tours with his acclaimed jazz ensemble. Ms. Jones is an actress, dancer, singer, writer, and teacher, Ms. Jones is Co-artistic Director of Cultural Odyssey and Founder/Director of the Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women. Rhodessa tours her performances and speaks to "Theater for the 21st Century: art which precipitates community transformation.Lyrika Holmes joins us as featured artist at the 35th Anniversary gala. Ms. Holmes is an International performing artist "Lyrika Holmes" is an African-American recording artist, singer, harpist, songwriter and teacher. Music: Dwight Tribble's Ooh Child; Aar Maanta's Deeqa; Eddie Gale's African Sunrise with Destiny.
This week: Patricia realized who she wanted to be when she grows up when she sat down with the majestic Rhodessa Jones. They talk about the creation of The Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women, and we learn that the California Arts Council once funded aerobics classes for female inmates. The Medea Project seeks to use the transformative potential of art to stem the recidivism rate for women prisoners. It is dedicated to the power that storytelling—of speaking in the first person—possesses to replace shame with resilience and to bring compassion into extreme circumstances. No allusions to OITNB are made, but Vee wouldn’t stand a chance against Rhodessa. Performer, teacher, director, Rhodessa Jones is Co-Artistic Director of San Francisco’s performance company Cultural Odyssey. Jones directsThe Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women, an award-winning performance workshop committed to incarcerated women’s personal and social transformation, now in it’s 25th year. As recipient of the U.S. Artist Fellowship, Jones expanded her work in jails and educational institutions internationally. She conducts Medea Projects in South African prisons, working with incarcerated women and training local artists and correctional personnel to embed the Medea process inside these institutions. In 2012, she was named Arts Envoy by the U.S. Embassy in South Africa. Recent U.S. residencies include Brown University and Scripps College Humanities Institute. She also was the Spring 2014 Interdisciplinary Artist in Residence at the University of Wisconsin. Mayor Ed Lee and the San Francisco Art Commission presented the 2013 Mayor's Art Award to Jones, for her "lifetime of artistic achievement and enduring commitment to the role of the arts in civic life.” In addition, she is the recipient of an Honorary Doctorate from the California College of the Arts, SF Bay Guardian’s Lifetime Achievement Award, SF Foundation’s Community Leadership Award, Non-Profit Arts Excellence Award by the SF Business Arts Council, and an Otto Rene Castillo Award for Political Theater.
Today we rebroadcast Friday, March 28, 2014: We celebrate with Founder and Artistic Directorof Cultural Odyssey 35th Year Celebration Apr. 3-5, 2014,Idris Ackamoor & Rhodessa Jones. Mr. Ackamoor is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, tap dancer, actor, director and producer. He is the founder and Executive/Co-Artistic Director of Cultural Odyssey. Idris curates and produces the Cultural Odyssey Performance Festival, and also records and tours with his acclaimed jazz ensemble. http://www.culturaloydssey Ms. Jones is an actress, dancer, singer, writer, and teacher, Ms. Jones is Co-artistic Director of Cultural Odyssey and Founder/Director of the Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women. Rhodessa tours her performances and speaks to "Theater for the 21st Century: art which precipitates community transformation.Lyrika Holmes joins us as featured artist at the 35th Anniversary gala. Ms. Holmes is an International performing artist "Lyrika Holmes" is an African-American recording artist, singer, harpist, songwriter and teacher. Lyrika was born and raised by her parents in St. Louis, MO. Lyrika started playing the piano at the age of 5. In junior high her parents encouraged her to step out of the box, and play something different, this is when she made the switch to harp. Since that day, Lyrika has been showing us just how hot the harp can be. We close with Joanna Haigood, Artistic Director and co-founder of Zaccho Performance Dance Company about Dying While Black and Brown, a performance and panel discussion Friday-Saturday, April 4-5, 2014. Friday evening at 8 (the panel follows) and Saturday at 2 p.m.(performance) at Zaccho Studios, 1777 Yosemite Ave #330, in San Francisco's Bayview Hunter's Point. Visit www.zaccho.org We are also joined by dancers Antoine Hunter and Travis Santell Rowland.
We celebrate with Founder and Artistic Directorof Cultural Odyssey 35th Year Celebration Apr. 3-5, 2014,Idris Ackamoor & Rhodessa Jones. Mr. Ackamoor is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, tapdancer, actor, director and producer. He is the founder and Executive/Co-Artistic Director of Cultural Odyssey. Idris curates and produces the Cultural Odyssey Performance Festival, and also records and tours with his acclaimed jazz ensemble. Ms. Jones is an actress, dancer, singer, writer, and teacher, Ms. Jones is Co-artistic Director of Cultural Odyssey and Founder/Director of the Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women. Rhodessa tours her performances and speaks to "Theater for the 21st Century: art which precipitates community transformation.Lyrika Holmes joins us as featured artist at the 35th Anniversary gala. Ms. Holmes is an International performing artist "Lyrika Holmes" is an African-American recording artist, singer, harpist, songwriter and teacher. Lyrika was born and raised by her parents in St. Louis, MO. Lyrika started playing the piano at the age of 5. In junior high her parents encouraged her to step out of the box, and play something different, this is when she made the switch to harp. Since that day, Lyrika has been showing us just how hot the harp can be. We close with Joanna Haigood, Artistic Director and co-founder of Zaccho Performance Dance Company about Dying While Black and Brown, a performance and panel discussion Friday-Saturday, April 4-5, 2014. Friday evening at 8 (the panel follows) and Saturday at 2 p.m.(performance) at Zaccho Studios in San Francisco Bayview Hunter's Point. We are also joined by dancers Antoine Hunter and Travis Santell Rowland.
For the first time, we have a live in studio guest in Peter Robbins. Peter and I discussed different theories on UFO's, and thoroughly delved into The Rendlesham Forest incident.Peter Robbins is an investigative writer, author and lecturer best known for his UFO related papers, columns, articles, editorials, commentaries, lectures and media appearances. He is a regular fixture on radio and has appeared as a guest on and been consultant to numerous television shows and documentaries.Robbins' background is fairly nonstandard for his chosen field. He was born in New York City and studied art, design and theater at University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, receiving his BFA (painting, film history) from New York City's School of Visual Arts (SVA) where he taught painting for more than a dozen years. He was a member of the art faculties of St. Anns School in Brooklyn Heights and the Oklahoma Council on the Arts ‘Arts Encounters' program. Following graduation from art school he was studio assistant to the abstract expressionist painter Adolph Gotlieb and to the American primitive painter William Cply. He worked in Off Broadway theater for years, primarily as house manager for New York City's distinguished Mirror Repertory Company. Peter has traveled in approximately thirty countries, is an experienced New York City tour guide and an accomplished photographer. He is also co-author, along with Larry Warren, of the highly acclaimed British best-seller, Left at East Gate: A First-Hand Account of the Rendlesham Forest UFO Incident, Its Cover-Up and Investigation.Television appearances include “The Early Show,” CBS; The History Channel's “Britain's Roswell;” "Unsolved Mysteries;" "Good Day New York;" “The O'Reilly Factor;” “The Real Roswell,” National Geographic Channel; The SCI FI Channel documentary “UFO Invasion At Rendlesham;” “Cultural Odyssey,” Voice of America TV (Chinese Branch); “The Geraldo Show,” NYC; "L'Odyssee De L'Etrange" (France); “The Nina Hagen Show” (Germany); "Network First: UFO" (UK); Lifetime Network and “Conspiracy”(Film One Production) Canada; "EXOCILIZATIONS," La Locale Television, Paris; as well as numerous BBC TV affiliates around the United Kingdom.Radio interviews and commentary include “Coast 2 Coast” with hosts George Noory and George Knapp; "The Art Bell Show;” “Hieronimus & Company” (Baltimore); “The Paracast;” “Wake Up U.S.A.” and “UFO Undercover” (New Orleans); "Sightings On the Radio with Jeff Rense” (LA); “The James Whale Show” (London); “The Alan Colmes Show” (NYC); “The Paracast;” “Through the Keyhole” (Rochester, NY); WBAI-NY's "UFO Desk;"”The Kate Valentine UFO Show,” NYC; “The Jerry Pippin Show;” BBC World Service "UFO's - Fact, Fiction or Fantasy?" and numerous BBC Radio affiliates, among other programming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rhodessa Jones joins us to talk about her latest work, The Resurrection of SHE opening at Brava Theatre where she is the current Artist in Residence March 28-April 7, 2013. Ms. Jones is Co-Artistic Director of the critically acclaimed San Francisco performance company Cultural Odyssey. An actress, teacher, singer, and writer, Jones is also the founder and director of the Medea Project: Theater for Incarcerated Women. On January 29, 2013 San Francisco Mayor Lee presented the 2013 Mayor's Art Award to Rhodessa Jones for her “lifetime of artistic achievement and enduring commitment to the role of the arts in civic life”. Rhodessa was selected as an "ARTS ENVOY" by the U.S. Department of State, Educational and Cultural Affairs Bureau in June/July 2012. She received grant support to journey to South Africa to continue her work in collaboration with Urban Voices Festival inside the Naturena Women's Prison in Johannesburg, South Africa and then journey on to participate in the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, South Africa. She has received many awards for her work including a United States Artist Fellowship to support her work in 2007, an Honorary Doctorate from California College of the Arts, a San Francisco Bay Guardian GOLDIE Lifetime Achievement Award, an Otto Rene Castillo Award for Political Theater, and a San Francisco Foundation Community Leadership Award. Visit www.brava.org Music: Meklit Hadero's Walls, Ruthie Foster's Truth; Rene Marie's Just My Imagination.
We kicked off the show with a broadcast of an interview looking at the musicality of Langston Hughes's poetry. On what would have been the poet's 111 birthday. When the Weary Blues Met Jazz, Langston Hughes's collaboration with Charles Mingus and Leonard Feather, is a part of the wonderful Poetry Foundation--audioitem/713. We follow this recording with a live interview with narrative features programmer for SF Indie Fest, Holly Roach, who will speak to us about this 15th Anniversary. Visit http://sfindie.com/ There is a special Superbowl event on Sunday, Feb. 3, at the Roxie Theatre. Joy Elan, poet, teacher, writer, scholar, whose book Signs of Life, Past, Present, and Future (2011), is next. I first met Joy at the Empowering Women of Color Conference March 2012 at UC Berkeley. Visit http://www.joyelan.webs.com/ Guetty Felin, joins us to talk about her latest film, Broken Stones, which creatively uses an edifice to depict the tragic events and her people's resilience during and since the earthquake three years ago, concludes, the African Film Festival at UC Berkeley's Pacific Film Archive, Feb. 5, 2013, 7 p.m. Afrikahn Jahmal Dayvs, BAJABA Showcase & Idris Akamoor, Cultural Odyssey, join us to update the Street Gallery, on current programs, one tonight, a tribute to Billy Higgins, at the 57th Street Gallery. Idris gives us an update on The Pyramid's European Tour and the release of the boxed set of music and six concerts which lead up to the formation of a community ensemble begin Feb. 10, 2013 at Floyd Pellom's 57th Street Gallery, 5701 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland. The other concerts at SF State Knuth Hall Creative Arts Bldg. (2/13, 1 p.m.), the Jazz Heritage Center (2/15-16, 8 p.m., 1330 Fillmore), and the AAACC (2/21 8 p.m.) and Brava (2/22 8 p.m.) are free. Music: Dwight Tribble's "I've Known Rivers"; Donald Duck Bailey
Maureen Gosling, co-director with Maxine Downs, BAMAKO CHIC:WOMEN CLOTH DYERS OR MALI. There is a fundraiser Thursday, March 18, 7:30 PM at the Berkeley Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar @ Arch, (510) 843-8724. Ise Lyfe is up next, his "Pistols and Prayers," speakoutnow.org event, March 19, 2010, 8 PM at the Berkeley Rep Theatre, Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison Street. Also visit www.iselfye.com The 28th Annual Asian American Film Festival, March 11-21, 2010, directors Freida Lee Mock, "Lt. Watada," "Sing China!" and co-director, Mike Cheng, "Aoki." Visit www.asianemericanmedia.org Rhodessa Jones, Medea Project, Cultural Odyssey which is celebrating its 30th Anniversary, currently closing its season at the Burial Clay Theatre, 762 Fulton Street in San Francisco. "Dancing with the Clown of Love" closes this very successful home season. Catch this wonderful show tonight, Friday, March 12 & Sat., March 13, 2010, 8 PM and Sunday, March 14, 3 PM. Visit culturalodyssey.org We the show with the music of Rokia Traore "Dounia," on her "Tchamantche" (2008). Peace and Blessings.