Wanda's Picks

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!  Today we speak to Michael Gene Sullivan (he/him) (Head Writer, SFMT Collective), SF Mime Troupe about its current production, "Breakdown," July 1-Sept. 4. MGS has performed with all four of the Bay Area’s Tony award-winning theaters: American Conservatory Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theater, TheatreWorks, and the San Francisco Mime Troupe (where he is also a Collective Member, director, and as Resident Playwright has written or co-written ove

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!   We speak to Ayodele Nzinga, Ph.D., Artistic Director, Lower Bottom Playaz about its 24th Season opening this weekend, with August Wilson's Radio Golf. August 10 is a preview. Say you are Dr. Nzinga's guest and you get in free. Performances August 11-27, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 pm and Sunday at 2 pm. Tickets can be purchased at  https://our.show/radiogolf/66875. All performances are at BAM House (1540 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612

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!  Today we speak to Charles Curtis Blackwell, playwright, artist, poet, about his new work, “When Struggle Gave Improvisation the Blues” in two locations, Sat., August 12, 3-5 PM at the Tenderloin Museum, 398 Eddy Street, SF and Sun., August 13, 3-5 PM at Joyce Gordon Gallery in Oakland.  Featuring Shavonne Allen, Howard Jennings Jr., Greg Pond, Sylvester Guard Jr., Sawyer Arkilic, Barbara Saunders, and Charles Curtis Blackwell. Made possible wi

Zaccho Dance Theatre and Bayview Opera House Inc. present:Flying to Freedom: Celebrating Juneteenth through Aerial Dance, Music, and Theater, a collective reflection on liberation created and performed by Bay Area music, theater, dance and aerial artists and curated by Joanna Haigood. Performances are at 8 pm on Friday, June 16 and Saturday, June 17.  Tickets are $10-$35.  To purchase tickets, go https://flyingtofreedom.eventbrite.com We speak to Joanna Haigood, Veronica Blair and Steven Anthony Jones.   Juneteenth is a national holiday that celebrates the day (June 19, 1865) that the last enslaved people in Texas were informed of their emancipation, two years after Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.  It became a national holiday in 2021.   Each artists’ contribution is unique.  For example, theater artist Steven Anthony Jones’ work Flying to Freedom examines the accounts of African Americans who were told stories of Black People who literally flew away to freedom. He explains, “I'll look at

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!  We are joined this afternoon by Jovelyn Richards and Damu Sudi Alii to talk about Mz. Pat's House, a performance this Monday in Oakland at the New Parkway Theatre. Tickets are available at Eventbrite. Jovelyn Richards, writer/performance artist and community theater/film director. Damu Sudi Alii is a musician, composer, educator, scholar, activist. Recent work: Serenity (2023); with Kamau Seitu: Blessings, Umoja, Dance of the Kalahari. 

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!  Professor Ampim has taken educational tours to North Africa and Central America. In addition, he has conducted an extensive 13-country research tour to all of the major museums, institutes and libraries throughout America, Europe and Canada, which house ancient Egyptian and Nubian artifacts. Since the 1990s, he has completed several field research projects in Egypt, Nubia, and the Sudan to continue his primary research at dozens of field sites

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! We speak to Donna Chang, L.Ac. (MSOM), founder, Alameda Community Acupuncture. She is a Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist, BodyIntuitive Practitioner, Holistic Nutrition & Lifestyle Counsellor, Transformational coach.  This is the third conversation in a series on wellness practices. 

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!  Today we spoke with  Aurora Theatre Company’s Associate Artistic Director, Dawn Monique Williams about Dominique Morisseau's "PARADISE BLUE," her Detroit Trilogy: Paradise Blue, Detroit ʼ67, and Skeleton Crew. All have been produced off-Broadway and around the country. Aurora produced a successful run of Morisseau's Detroit ʼ67 in their 2018/2019 Season.  Tickets are pay what you can Januar 27-Feb. 1. The show opens Feb. 2. It streams online F

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! Today we speak to Thespians Nominated for AUDELCO @ 50 Celebration Awards Night - Monday, Nov 28th. We open with Jackie Jeffries, President of AUDELCO, followed by an interview with Rome Neal, Lifetime Achievement Award honoree. He is Artistic Theatre Director of the Nuyorican Poets Café theatre program. Following this conversation we are speaking to other nominees in this order:  Mandela James Garrett (supporting Actor) Malika NZinga  (Le

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! Today we speak to ELIJAH AHMAD LEWIS (David Ruffin) in "Ain't Too Proud, The Life and Times of the Temptations" opening tonight at Broadway SF’s Golden Gate Theatre (1 Taylor Street) November 9 – December 4, 2022. Tickets, ranging in price from $56 to $256, can be purchased at broadwaysf.com. The multi-award-winning singer, actor, songwriter and arranger has appeared on Broadway: Motown, Tony Award®-winning Ain’t Too Proud. Tours: Motown (F

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! SF Mime Troupe's "Back to the Way Things Were" up on vemeo through November 6. The shows are free. donations accepted.  https://www.sfmt.org/ (Code "Power to the People") 1. Michael Gene Sullivan (he/him) (Head Writer, SFMT Collective) has performed with all four of the Bay Area’s Tony award-winning theaters: American Conservatory Theater, Berkeley Repertory Theater, Theatreworks, and the San Francisco Mime Troupe (where he is also a Collecti

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! Congratulations to Dimensions Dance Theatre on its 50th Anniversary Celebration this weekend, Oct. 22-23, at Mills College, Lisser Hall, Oakland, CA. Tickets are available online and at the door: dimensionsdance.org  Today, we speak to Deborah Vaughn, co-founder and collaborators, laura elaine ellis and Nimely Napla. Music: Delfeayo Marsalis, Jazz Party.

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!  1. We continue our discussion with members of the cast in Ishmael Reed's latest play, "The Conductor," directed by Carla Blank, is a play in two acts. It has four (4) virtual live streamed readings this week, Thursday-Sunday, October 13-16 at Theater for the New City, https://theaterforthenewcity.net/shows/the-conductor/ When: Thursday Oct. 13, Friday Oct.14, Saturday  Oct.15 at 8:00 pm & Sunday Oct. 16 matinee at 3:00 pm; Tickets $18.00;

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!  1. We speak to Ishmael Reed, playwright, and Emil Guillermo, actor as (Gabriel Noitallde), and Carla Blank, director, about Reed's latest work "The Conductor", a play, in 2 acts, performed October 13-15, in 4 live streamed virtual readings. Visit https://theaterforthenewcity.net/shows/the-conductor/

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! We speak to Malik Rahim, veteran, former Black Panther, environmentalist, community organizer on the 17th Anniversity of Hurrican Katrina (August 29, 2005-August 29, 2022). https://www.southerncultures.org/article/malik-rahims-black-radical-environmentalism/ https://www.facebook.com/malik.rahim.330 Music and poetry: Phyllis Montana-Leblanc; Nana Sula; Baba Luther "Bamboula".

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!  Today we speak to Brother Jalil Muntaquim, Political Prisoner, Activist, Author, Poet. His seminal text: "We Are Our Own Liberators" was just released this week and is in its 3rd edition now. He's in town this weekend, Friday, he's speaking at the People's Programs, Friday, August 26, 2022, 95 Linden Street, Ste. !, 6 PM, Oakland, CA. https://www.peoplesprograms.com/ https://blackdragonmme.com/new-releases/ We conclude with an archived

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!  1. We have a freewheeling conversation with award-winning playwright, Cleavon Smith. "The Incrementalist" is up at the Aurora Theatre for a few more weeks-- through May 15. Discount code for $10 off: "wandaspicks." Don't miss it. https://auroratheatre.org/  

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!  We speak to Dr. Ayodele Nzinga, Oakland's Inaugural Poet Laureate, about her vision for the City. https://www.ayodelenzinga.com/about/ Upcoming Events:   https://www.facebook.com/WordSlanger/

We spoke to Quincy Troupe, author, poet, about his latest work, "Duende." It is a collection that spans 50 years of a creative life fully embodied. Taped in Zoom, this audio only approximates the honor it is to speak to such a magnificent human being 3 months before his 83rd revolution around so(u)l.  He has a few more appearances this month: 1. National Poetry Month: Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, NY Public Library, Iris Project, Thursday, April 14 (free, in person and virtual) https://www.eventbrite.com/e/between-the-lines-duende-poems-1966-now-by-quincy-troupe-tickets-302280518167 2. With Mildred Howard and David Murray at the close of the "The House that Will not Pass for Any Color than Its Own." Friday, April 16, from 4 to 6pm at Belvedere Plaza (just north of the North Cove Marina) to mark the end of the artwork’s stay in Manhattan’s Battery Park City. 3. Poet, Quincy Troupe | DUENDE: Poems 1966- Now | Reading & Book Signing at the Carrie Chen Gallery on Saturday, Apr

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!    We speak to Kathryn Seabron, curator, Bay Area Women's Theatre Festival BIWOC Play Reading Series, April featured Playwright: Alejandra Maria Rivas," La Paloma" has one more reading, Monday, April 18, at Aurora Theater Company, 2081 Addison Street , Berkeley. May Featured Playwright, Tracy Baxter, "Kudzu 2012", goes up, Monday, May 2 @Brava Theater Center, 2781 24th Street, San Francisco and Monday, May 16, at the Aurora Theater Company,