Podcasts about jenee darden

Recently BART held their first ever… prom! More than twelve hundred people attended (and danced at!) the sold-out Under the sea/'80s-themed party under the Rockridge Station tracks. And the party of course included the traditional crowning of a Prom King and Queen.  We're so proud of KALW Immigration reporter Wendy Reyes and “Sights + Sounds” Producer Porfirio Rangel… BART's first Prom queen and king!BART prom is just one example of how the transit system is hosting fun events to increase ridership. Alicia Trost is BART Chief Communications Officer. She and 2026 BART King Porfirio sat down with KALW's Jenee Darden for “The Sights + Sounds Show.” 

Music legend Melissa Etheridge recently released her first new album in seven years. Her album “Rise” is inspired by some of the challenges she's had to rise above in her life, including evacuating her home during last year's Southern California wildfires, and her son passing away from opioid addiction in 2020. She's on tour now with another music icon: Wynonna Judd. Their tour is called “The Raised on Radio Tour.” And they'll be making a stop at The Mountain Winery in Saratoga tomorrow night.KALW's Jenee Darden caught up with Melissa Etheridge for “The Sights + Sounds Show.” 

A new documentary follows the 2023 sweeps of the homeless encampment in West Oakland known as ‘Wood Street,' and the struggle leading up to it. It's been selling out theaters at Bay Area film festivals. And it's called “Wood Street.” Prominently featured in the film is John Janosko, one of the key organizers of the encampment's residents. He lived at Wood Street for 10 years. The film's creator is documentarian and award winning journalist, Caron Creighton. They both spoke with KALW's Jenee Darden on “The Sights + Sounds Show.” You can see “Wood Street” at the Grand Lake Theatre in Oakland this Wednesday, July 15th. 

Have you ever had a relative that you enjoyed sitting by during family functions because they always had good stories to tell? Ben Tucker is that kind of guy. He's known for his storytelling performances as part of the Oakland based Stagebridge, where he tells stories about his ‘storied' life. His family was part of the Great Migration of African-Americans to the West- he grew up in SF's Bayview neighborhood.  He was an All-American track star back in the 1960s when he ran for San Jose State. And Ben has been a preschool teacher in Berkeley, a social worker in Harlem and a track coach in Nigeria.He immerses readers in all these life adventures in his new memoir, “A Good Run.” KALW's Jenee Darden spoke with Ben on the Sights and Sounds show. 

This year marks the 60th anniversary of “Star Trek.” Filmmaker and actor Adam Nimoy not only watched the show, but he went on set when he was a kid. That's because his father, Leonard Nimoy, played Spock. The half-human, half-alien science officer came from a culture that put logic above emotion. Leonard Nimoy once said he was so immersed in the character that sometimes he couldn't turn it off at home. This led to friction in Mr. Nimoy's and his son Adam's relationship. Adam Nimoy reflects on this in his new memoir, “The Most Human: Reconciling with My Father, Leonard Nimoy.” He spoke with KALW's Jenee Darden on “The Sights + Sounds Show.” Here's an excerpt from their conversation. 

The 4th of July holiday is this weekend. For some Bay Area nerds, their weekend will include not only fireworks and hot dogs… but space ships, and magic too! The sci-fi/fantasy convention BayCon is returning to the South Bay for its 42nd year this holiday weekend. And this year will feature a new AfroFuturism Lounge.The lounge includes screenings, interactive sessions, and panel discussions about the genre. Audrey T. Williams is a writer, and a co-curator of the AfroFuturism Lounge. She spoke to KALW's Jenee Darden for “The Sights + Sounds Show,” about what guests will find when they step in.Here's an excerpt of their conversation.

A treasured Black arts and culture space, in the Fillmore-Western Addition neighborhood, is closing for a few years. The African American Art & Culture Complex has served the community for 37 years. They're closing so the city can do seismic renovation on the building. But what happens when an important community space has to shut down, even temporarily Ashley Smiley, who goes by her last name, is the program coordinator for the African American Art and Culture Complex. Smiley spoke with KALW's Jenee Darden on the “The Sights + Sounds Show” about the center's longtime impact and what this closure means. 

“When We Exhale” is a new anthology collection of poetry, essays, and other writings, where Black women reflect on rest, grief, intimacy, cultural memory and healing. Jenee Darden, is the host of the KALW's Sights and Sounds show recently welcomed the authors behind the anthology to our live event space in downtown SF. It was a night of poetry, fellowship, and connection.In this excerpt from the event, we begin with Jenee's conversation with one of the book's co-editors, Alie Jones. Then, we hear “A recipe for Exhale Cake” by Adrienne Danyelle Oliver. And, writer Ayodele Nzinga brings us an excerpt of her piece “a breath in three movements.” 

If you go out to San Francisco's Golden Gate Park on any given Sunday from April to September… and you wander over to the concourse between the California Academy of Sciences and the DeYoung museum of fine arts… you'll hear the Golden Gate Park Band playing at the Spreckels Temple of Music. And, when I say any Sunday, I mean it. Because the band is now in their 144th season. That's since 1882!And though the concerts have been happening for nearly a century and half, the music is very eclectic. They're a blend of all types of music from soul, to Disney songs, to Ukrainian music, and so much more. German Gonzalez is the current music director and conductor of the Band. He recently spoke with KALW's Jenee Darden for the Sights and Sounds Show. In this excerpt from their conversation, German talks about his music journey and what he's looking forward to performing with his band.

Flor Y Canto, translates to “flower and song.” This weekend San Francisco's Mission District will be home again to the weekend-long literary festival known as Flor Y Canto. The streets of the City's Latino Cultural District will be filled with vibrant events, decorations, and music. All centered around the works by Latine writers, with readings happening all throughout the neighborhood. KALW's Jenee Darden spoke with two organizers of the festival for “The Sights + Sounds Show," poets Lourdes Figueroa and Josiah Luis Alderete, host of KALW's “Bay Poets.” Here's an excerpt of their interview.

The Bay Area Book Festival returns to Downtown Berkeley this weekend. There will be many things to learn and experience for book literature lovers of all ages. J.K. Fowler is the executive director of the Festival. He sat down with KALW's Jenee Darden for “The Sights + Sounds Show.” They spoke about why Fowler sees this year's theme of “Writing the Future” to be important for these times.

William Shakespeare is possibly the most widely recognized writer in western literature… but did he actually write every single thing he gets credit for? It's a controversial question that many have explored over the years. Including playwright and Oakland native Ted Lange.His new play “Shakespeare Over My Shoulder” is a production of the San Francisco Based African-American Shakespeare Company. KALW's Jenee Darden spoke with Ted Lange for “The Sights + Sounds Show.” Here's an excerpt of their conversation.

The Oakland-based singer, Miko Marks, first came onto the music scene as a country artist. But Miko's powerful vocal range is wide, and so is her creativity. Now she identifies as an Americana and roots singer. She currently has a residency at Yoshi's in Oakland that's running now throughout the summer. Her next show is Thursday, May 21st. And her special guest is jazz legend Faye Carol. Miko sat down with KALW's Jenee Darden on “The Sights + Sounds Show.” They spoke about Miko's growth as an artist. Here's an excerpt of that interview.

In the new novel “Off the Books,” a young, Chinese-American woman works an underground job in The Town. She chauffeurs mysterious people to their destinations. No questions asked. But she has a lot of questions for her handsome new client. He needs a ride across the country to transport a huge, black suitcase. What's in the bag is a mystery. “Off the Books” is the debut novel by Soma Mei Sheng Frazier. Soma is the former San Francisco Library Laureate and she's now a creative writing professor at SUNY (State University of New York) at Oswego. KALW's Jenee Darden spoke with Soma about themes of family, grief and romance on “The Sights + Sounds Show.” Here's an excerpt of that interview. 

Last year, KALW's Jenee Darden launched a new show all about arts and culture around the Bay. Now, the Sights and Sounds Show is celebrating its first anniversary! I sat down with Jenee, to hear some highlights from their first year… and a look at what's to come.

Where are the women? That's a question a little girl named Maya had. She is the main character in the book "Maya's Big Question." In the story, Maya goes on a field trip to Washington, D.C. and notices that just about all of the monuments and statues pay tribute to men. “Maya's Big Question,” is the fifth book by New York Times bestselling Bay Area author Meena Harris.The main character is named after her mother and policy advocate Maya Harris. Meena's aunt is former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris.  KALW's Jenee Darden spoke with Meena Harris on “The Sights + Show.” Here's an excerpt from that conversation. 

The Cinequest film festival is happening now through March 22nd. One film showing at the fest is ‘Comedy Family Style'. Now, many people would be mortified by the idea of performing stand up with their parents, or their kids for that matter. "Comedy Family Style" is a documentary that tells the story of a San Francisco mother and son duo doing just that. Helen Chu and her 10 year-old son Evan Ho are both stand-up comedians. KALW's Jenee Darden spoke to Helen about her and Evan's act, and their new film, for The Sights and Sounds Show. 

“Andre is an Idiot” is a documentary film about André Ricciardi, a San Francisco man who's dying from colon cancer. It's also a comedy. After he was diagnosed with stage-four colon cancer, Andre asked his friend and director Tony Benna to document his wild end-of-life journey. “Andre is an Idiot” is Tony's first feature film, and it's also a Sundance-award winning film. KALW's Jenee Darden spoke with Tony Benna for “The Sights + Sounds Show.” Here's an excerpt from their conversation.

Reading a Toni Morrison novel is an experience. Her words challenge readers intellectually and emotionally. Morrison died in 2019. Today her body of work is a national treasure and she is a writer students encounter and critically examine as part of their journey in understanding American identity.Harvard English Professor Namwali Serpell breaks down much of the late author's work in her book, “On Morrison.” It also explores Morrison's politics, thoughts on race, her experiences with the media. She spoke to Jenee Darden, host of KALW's sights and Sounds Show, about her book and why she avoided meeting Toni Morrison in person. Here's an excerpt from their conversation

For nearly 50 years, Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts has been a community anchor in San Francisco's Mission district. In January, the center shut down indefinitely because of financial troubles. Activists and community members have been rallying to reopen it. The city owns the 37,000-square-foot building that's now under the control of the San Francisco Arts Commission. Paul S. Flores is a poet and educator. He serves on a programming committee to help save the center. Jenee Darden is the host of KALW's Sights and Sounds Show. She spoke with Paul to get an update and clarity on what's happening with the center. 

A six-and-a-half inch, green, animated creature has captured the hearts of children and adults. He's known as the Tiny Chef.  He's also beloved for the way he talks. It's an unknown language, but it teaches kids to have patience and compassion for those with speech impediments. Nickelodeon recently canceled “The Tiny Chef Show.” But, he's not gone.... Actually he's right here in San Francisco at the California Academy of Sciences! He has an exhibit and film in the planetarium about how we can save our planet in small acts. It's called “Tiny Chef, Big Impact,” Jenee Darden is the host of KALW's Sights and Sounds show. She spoke with Tiny Chef co-creator Rachel Larsen, and Matt Hutchinson who voices the Tiny Chef. Here's an excerpt of that interview.

The indie film "Still Life" takes viewers back to teen life in 1999: corded phones, reading profiles of Claire Danes in Seventeen magazine and Y2K hysteria. For Dafne, the main 15-year-old character, this is around the time of her life when her mother dies from leukemia. "Still Life" was shot in the Bay Area, and was inspired by screenwriter and director Lauren Shapiro's experiences growing up here. Jenee Darden is the host of KALW's Sights and Sounds show. She spoke to Shapiro about the film, and how she let her heart bleed into her art. 

Violinist Alexi Kenney is curating the San Francisco Symphony event called “SoundBox: Dream Awake.” It's not your typical classical concert. It actually takes place backstage at Davies Symphony Hall. Jenee Darden is the host of KALW's Sights and Sounds show. She sat down with Alexi to talk about "SoundBox" and his music. Here's an excerpt from that interview.“SoundBox: Dream Awake” is at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco, this Friday and Saturday. Find links, and hear the full interview and more from Sights and Sounds here.

The late, great author and illustrator Edward Gorey was the creator of eerie and magical stories. Stories that revolved around goth and monster elements. And his tales inspired San Francisco's annual Edwardian Ball. What started off as a small party more than 25 years ago, has turned into a subculture festival drawing thousands of people from the Bay Area and Beyond. In this interview from 2022, KALW's Jenee Darden spoke with Edwardian Ball producers Justin Katz and Mike Gaines on the event's roots and its evolution.

Comedian Luenell has been keeping audiences laughing for decades. She's originally from Oakland but now lives in Las Vegas, where she has a residency at Jimmy Kimmel's Comedy Club on the strip. You can see Luenell on screen with Tracy Morgan in the Paramount+ sitcom “Crutch.” Host of KALW's Sights and Sounds, Jenee Darden caught up with Luenell to talk about her latest projects. Here's a part of that conversation

West Oakland artist Nia Cephas came up with a word that encompasses her cultures, spirituality, and connection with people: Cosmicpolitan. That's also the name of her debut album. Nia's music reflects both her African American and Afro-Brazilian roots. Her songs range from being a testament of survival to an invitation to just feel free. KALW's Sights and Sounds Show host, Jenee Darden, spoke with Nia about the life experiences that inspired “Cosmicpolitan.” Here's an excerpt of that interview.

When you hear the words “dark” and “darkness” what comes to mind?  Many of us may associate the words with mostly negative connotations. In the Black Diaspora, and among other communities of color, there's an ongoing conversation about why that is… and how to change it. Mia Pixley is a Black cellist, singer, and psychologist based in Oakland. Her new album, “Love. Dark. Bloom”  is a blend of classical, jazz, folk and the blues. Jenee Darden, the host of KALW's The Sights and Sounds Show, spoke with Mia about how her album explores the beauty of darkness. Hear the full interview here.

OASIS is an iconic San Francisco nightclub. The Drag show and cabaret venue opened on New Years Day, 2015. In a bittersweet bookend, they'll host their grand finale party on New Years Eve, later this month. The host of KALW's Sights and Sounds show, Jenee Darden, recently went down to the club in San Francisco's SOMA District to meet with OASIS owner, D'Arcy Drollinger. Here's an excerpt from their conversation.

There's a huge exhibit at the deYoung Museum right now, called “The Art of Manga.” With more than 600 drawings, this is the first major exhibition in North America. Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere is a professor of Japanese art and culture and curated the exhibit. She spoke with KALW's Sights and Sounds Show host Jenee Darden about the history of the art form, and how it's been used in social and political movements.

In the new film, “Fairyland,” a poet moves across the country to San Francisco, with his young daughter in the 1970's. In their new community, the father, Steve Abbott, lives openly as a gay man.  The film explores his relationship with his daughter, Alysia, as she tries to make sense of it all. “Fairyland” is based on the memoir Alysia wrote in 2013. KALW's Sights and Sounds host Jenee Darden spoke with filmmaker Andrew Durham. Here's an excerpt from their conversation.

Florist Mauricio Vivas grows marigolds for these reverent altars, and sells them at his store “Tony Rossi & Sons Florist” in Oakland's Fruitvale neighborhood. KALW's Jenee Darden recently spoke to Mauricio in 2024 about the significance of marigolds for Dia de los Muertos traditions.

Hedge funds have also led to the collapse of local newspapers as they acquire publications across the country. The new PBS Documentary "Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink," explores the issue. It's directed by two-time Oscar-nominated documentarian, Rick Goldsmith. He spoke to Sights + Sounds host, Jenee Darden.

Berkeley's Transit Books is an independent, nonprofit publisher celebrating 10 years of publishing works by international authors. And some of their books have led to major awards, including a Nobel Prize. Adam and Ashley Nelson Levy are the founders of Transit Books. They spoke with KALW's Jenee Darden.

The Chase Center has been a fun spot this summer, and that's not just because of the Valkyries. Every Thursday there's been a music-fueled party happening outside of the arena. It's called “Thrive at Five.” Bay Area DJ Anthony Midas has been spinning records there all summer. He spoke with KALW's Jenee Darden about the weekly event and his love for R&B music. 

Oakland singer and songwriter. B. DeVeaux is a self-described “creative force.” She has performed with major artists such as Daveed Diggs, Patrice Rushen, and Kehlani. And she just dropped her debut, neo-soul album “Chrysalis.” The host of KALW's Sights and Sounds, Jenee Darden. She recently spoke to B. DeVeaux and asked how she began her journey to become a musician.

For many people writing can be a healing practice. That's one of several themes in the new novel “Jack & Evan” by Oakland author Aaron Hundley.  KALW's Jenee Darden spoke with Aaron about Black men healing from trauma. 

On this week's episode of "Sights & Sounds," producer Porfirio Rangel and host Jenee Darden give their arts and culture suggestions happening in the Bay Area.

Today, stories about dealing with stress and anxiety. First up, Sight and Sounds host Jenee Darden shares how support from her mother helped her cope with depression as a kid. And, what happens when the thing that helps you cope becomes part of the problem. We hear, personal perspectives on mental health.

On this week's episode of "Sights & Sounds," host Jenee Darden and producer Porfirio Rangel talk about a special live performance of "Sights and Sounds."

On this week's episode of "Sights & Sounds," host Jenee Darden and producer Porfirio Rangel give their arts and culture suggestions happening in the Bay Area over the holidays.

On this week's episode of "Sights & Sounds," Jenee and Porfirio share their summer picks in the Bay Area.

In this episode, we honor the San Francisco drag icon, Heklina. Then, we hear from a drag matriarch about how the artform can provide sanctuary for the queer community. And, we listen to a poetry reading from Alemeda poet and Sights and Sounds host Jenee Darden. Plus, a son speaks about why his father, a Black man, is considered The Godfather of Silicon Valley.

Happy New Year! On this special episode of "Sights & Sounds" host Jenee Darden and producer Porfirio Rangel share their Bay Area suggestions of things to do based on their personal New Year's resolutions.

On this week's episode of "Sights & Sounds," host Jenee Darden and producer Porfirio Rangel give their favorite movies set in the Bay Area.

On this episode of Black & Published, Nikesha is speaking with  poet, essayist, and journalist Jeneé Darden about her book, When a Purple Rose Blooms. An Oakland native, Jeneé holds a BA in ethnic studies from UC San Diego and a masters's degree in journalism from the University of Southern California. She has reported for NPR, Time magazine, the Los Angeles Times, Ebony and more. The National Book Foundation awarded Jeneé a summer writing fellowship in 2003 and her award-winning short documentary, Where is East Oakland?  was screened at the Oakland International Film Festival. Jeneé is passionate about African-American erotic art and mental health awareness. In this conversation she discusses growing up with insecurities, her struggle to love herself, honoring the power in the feminine, and the trauma she endured during and after the O.J. Simpson trial and how it all fuels her work today. ***Follow @Nikesha_Elise on Twitter and Instagram and check out her latest novel Beyond Bourbon Street available everywhere books are sold. Don't forget to subscribe to Black & Published on your podcast platform of choice as well as rate and review. If you have thoughts, feedback, or questions about the episode, hit us up at @blkandpublished on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #blackandpublished. Support the showSupport the show

On this week's episode of "Sights and Sounds" host Jenee Darden chats with Muppet performer Dave Goelz about his favorite Jim Henson films and shows.

"Sights + Sounds Magazine" is a new series about Bay Area art and culture. On this first episode, host Jenee Darden looks at diversity in country music. She takes listeners to Sundance Saloon, an LGBTQ+ country dance club, and chats with singer Miko Marks.

"Sights + Sounds Magazine" is a new series about Bay Area art and culture. On this first episode, host Jenee Darden looks at diversity in country music. She takes listeners to Sundance Saloon, an LGBTQ+ country dance club, and chats with singer Miko Marks.

Welcome to Season 2 of Art Heals All Wounds, the podcast where we meet artists transforming lives with their work. In this season, we'll explore some of the themes that came up in Season 1--the body, family, home, community, and self. We'll be releasing episodes every week. We'll hear the stories of artists whose work presents a creative approach to these five themes. of body. Through stories we gain empathy for others and we find compassion for ourselves. This podcast is an invitation to find inspiration together.Featuring audio from Seeason 2 guests Shantre Pinkney, Mildred Howard, Preeti Vangani, Tahmina Watson, Chris Watts, Candace Roberts, Allegra Thelemaque, Ceci Najar, Catherine Monahon, Julie Wyman, and James LeBrecht. Other Season 2 guests are Vanessa Willow, Spencer Wilkinson, Rachel Dusa, Sarah Davis, Laura Joyce Davis, Alexi Lacey, Sara Bolder, Victor Mavedzenge, Jenee Darden, Barbara Higbie, Vicki Randle, Ernesto Diaz Infante, Michael Snyder, and Fay Darmawi. Our GDPR privacy policy was updated on August 8, 2022. Visit acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the principles guiding Burning Man is "Radical Inclusion." Basically, all are welcome. But, the temporary city that Burners build in Nevada's Black Rock Desert has never been racially diverse. Just 1% of Black Rock City self-identifies as Black. In this episode of THE INTERSECTION at Burning Man, we explore why there's been a disconnect between racial and radical inclusion, and what some Burners, like Oakland Activist and Artist Favianna Rodriguez, are doing to change that.   This episode was edited by Lisa Morehouse. And engineered for your listening pleasure by Gabe Grabin with music from Erik Pearson and Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to Jenee Darden, Jonathan Davis and Jessie Weiner. And of course to the folks at Que Viva and the Burning Man Project. --- Donate: paypal.me/THEINTERSECTION  // Hear more: www.theintersection.fm  // Twitter: @IntersectionFM // Facebook: fb.com/IntersectionFM