Wanda's Picks

Zaccho Dance Theatre presents internationally acclaimed choreographer Joanna Haigood’s (Sailing Away) latest performance installation The Monkey and the Devil (April 15-17 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts), created in collaboration with visual artist Charles Trapolin. Haigood’s visceral hybrid of dance, theater, and visual art combines contemporary movement, hip-hop elements, and spoken text in an energetic production that is both searing and immediate. The hour-long work traces a contemporary racism with roots in America’s slave trade. Performers twist, flip, and pound through interactions fraught with tension and misunderstanding, their movements a vehicle for otherwise inexpressible thoughts. Speaking text drawn from a variety of contemporary and historical sources, the performers articulate race-based emotions hundreds of years in the making. 4/15 a panel on race relations 9-10 PM. Mucic: Toshi Reagan & Ruthie Foster

We open with a short excerpt of a conversation with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre member, Kirven James Boyd; Catherine Murphy, director, Maestra (teacher), with Dr. Ruth Guillard follow. Murphy's film, which commemorates the 50th Anniversary of the Cuban Literacy Project, is screening at La Pena Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue, in Berkeley, CA. Alice Walker opens the program, which is hosted by Amy Alison. Visit lapena.org and www.maestrathefilm.org We close with a conversation with choreographer, Amara Tabor Smith about her latest show: Our Daily Bread, premiering at CounterPulse, April 14-24, 2011, 1310 Mission Street @ 9th Street, in San Francisco. April 14, 2011 is pay-what-you-can. Visit www.counterpulse.org

Joyce Jenkins, author and poet, and editor of Poetry Flash, presenter of the Northern California Book Awards, this year, Sunday, April 10, 2011, 1-2:30 PM at the San Francisco Main Library, Koret Auditorium, Awardees include "Indivisible: An Anthology of Contemporary South Asians Americans Poetry." Editors Neelanjana Banerjee & Pireeni Sundaralingam join us. Renee Wilson is back a second consecutive week to talk about her film: "Crepe Covered Sidewalks: your roots will lead you home," which is screening, Thursday, April 7, 2011 as a part of the San Francisco International Women's Film Festival. Andrew Wood, Executive Director of the San Francisco International Arts Festival & Alisa Froman, Executive Director of PlazaCUBA. They speak about a special concert Monday-Tuesday, April 4-5, with Los Munqequitos de Matanzas, at Mission High School, 3750 18th Street, in San Francisco and the Mission Language & Vocational Schol, 2929 19th Street, also in San Francisoc. Both shows begin at 7 PM Visit www.sfia

Rebroadcast of interview with Jihan Sabir (Lorraine) & Jesaira Glover (Motormouth Maybelle)at Sierra Rep in Sonora, CA. Visit www.sierrarep.org or call (209) 532-3120. This interview is followed by another rebroadcast of an interview with Troy Anthony Davis's sister, Martina. Visit http://blog.amnestyusa.org/deathpenalty/troy-davis-appeal-denied-execution-date-could-loom/ Between the two previously recorded interviews, we speak to David Roach, founder and director of the Oakland International Film Festival which kicks off April 7-15 at the Grand Lake Theater, with screenings at Laney College Theatre, in Oakland, the ART DECO AUDITORIUM in Alameda, the Claremont Hotel Club & Spa in Oakland, and at the Washington Inn. Visit http://www.oiff.org/

Today we speak to cast, JESAIRA GLOVER & JIHAN SABIR from Sierra Rep's production of Hairspray! in Sonora county. It’s 1960s Baltimore and change is in the air! Loveable plus-size heroine, Tracy Turnblad, has a passion for dancing. When she wins a spot on "The Corny Collins Show," she’s transformed overnight from outsider to teen celebrity. Can she vanquish her nemesis, integrate the television show, and find true love without denting her ‘do? Don't miss Broadway’s musical-comedy phenomenon that inspired a major motion picture and won eight Tony Awards. “If life were everything it should be, it would be more like HAIRSPRAY. It’s irresistible!” – New York Times Book by Mark O’Donnell & Thomas Meehan, Music by Marc Shaiman; Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Marc Shaiman, Based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters Visit http://www.sierrarep.org/shows.html?20110205-ES Music: Singing Saundra's "Die with Dignity" & Ruth Foster's "Truth."

Rupa Marya speaks about "Rupa & the April Fishes," two concerts one in Oceanside, March 25, 2011, the other at The Independent in San Francisco, April 1, 2011. International Roma Celebration (the official International Roma Day is April 8th, 2011) and a portion of ticket sales will benefit the Voice of Roma, a nonprofit organization based in the Bay Area and Kosovo that works to improve the plight of the Roma in Europe and bring awareness of their condition around the world. L. Peter Callender, African-American Shakespeare Company Artistic Director, Reneé Wilson, Actress, Singer, Songwriter, filmmaker and proud New Orleans native, and Marcus Shelby, Artistic Director and leader of The Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra, The Marcus Shelby Septet, and The Marcus Shelby Trio, speak about the African American Shakespeare Company's upcoming Twelfth Night: April 1 to May 1, 2011 at the African American Art and Culture Complex, 762 Fulton Street, in San Francisco. Shelby's band perform live opening night. Visit www.Af

Opens with trailer for Lisa Gay Hamilton's film, "Beah: A Black Woman Speaks," which airs on Documentary Channel (DOC)March 29, 2011, 8 PM ET/PT. We rebroadcast the interview with director Daniel Birman, "Me Facing Life." Just back from Haiti, Pierre Laboissiere joins us to talk about the return of President Aristide and his family, wife, Mildred Aristide and two children, to Haiti last week after a seven year absence. What does his return mean for the Haitian people? What are his immediate and long term plans? What about Baby Doc? Pending elections? At the top of the hour we speak to Laura Livoti, Justice in Nigeria Now founder, Emem Okon, woman's rights activist and advocate from the Niger Delta's oil impacted region of Nigeria, and Sandy Cioffi, director of awardwinning film Sweet Crude.

Directed by acclaimed actress Lisa Gay Hamilton, “Beah: A Black Women Speaks” celebrates the life of African-American activist, poet, and Oscar nominated actress, Beah Richards with its premiere on Documentary Channel on March 29 at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The relationship between Hamilton and Richards began when they performed together in Jonathan Demme’s Beloved. Following the completion of the film, Richards fell ill and Hamilton, with the help of Demme, seized the opportunity to capture her remarkable life on film. The documentary is a compilation of a series of interviews and clips of Richards’ captivating performances as an actress, activist, and poet, spanning over 50 years. This film elegantly showcases her life, beginning with her struggle as an African-American trying to break into the industry and ending with her receiving her third Emmy for her final role on the television show The Practice. Visit http://www.lisagayhamilton.com/othercredits.html http://www.wmm.com/filmcatalog/pages/c626.shtml#links

Co-Director, Beth Davenport's Pushing the Elephant, the story of Rose Mapendo& how she escapes ethnic violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo to become a vital voice in the mending of her country. Separated from her 5 yr. old daughter, Nangabire, and reunited 13 years later, Rose who has assisted many survivors with her message of forgiveness & peace has more of a challenge with her daughter. ITVS hosts a free screening & panel discussion, Mar. 22 in S.F. & Mar. 24 in Oakland. Visit communitycinema.org/ to learn about free screenings & later broadcasts on Independent Lens. Shereen Caesar, joins us next. She is one of three "Women of Calypso" in concert, March 24-26, at the African American Art & Culture Complex's Hall of Culture. The ensemble features three of the top female calypso singers in Trinidad, W.I. with Ms. Caesar, are Singing Saundra and Kizzie Ruiz. Through their songs they sing about contemporary life in Trinidad. All three have won hosts of awards and regularly place

Our first guest is Clarence Lusane, author of "The Black History of the White House" (Open Media Series @ City Lights Books 2011). Dr.Lusane is an Associate Professor of Political Science at American University. In "The Black History of the White House," Dr. Lusane presents a comprehensive history of the White House from an African American perspective, illuminating the central role it has played in advancing, thwarting or simply ignoring efforts to achieve equal rights for all. Juxtaposing significant events in White House history with the ongoing struggle for civil rights. The author makes it plain that the White House has always been a prism through which to view the social struggles and progress of black Americans. This work shines a light on the untold stories of African Americans whose lives are part of the White House legacy. Our next guest is Dr. Rupa Marya, Physician and Musician/Rupa and the April Fishes. San Francisco based musical agitators Rupa & the April Fishes will be launching their April

Today we interview Oberon K. A. Adjepong, (Christian) and Tonye Patano (Mama Nadi) two actors from Berkeley Rep's production of Lynn Nottage's Pulitzer Prize winning play, "Ruined," up through April 10, 2011. Visit www.berkeleyrep.org or call (510) 647-2949.

We are joined by Mama Naomi Diouf to talk about the 16th Annual Collage des Africaines, a celebration of the dance and cultures of the African Diaspora. The festival is from Thursday, March 10 to Sunday, March 13. The dance classes and lectures and community events take place at the Malonga Casquelourde Center for the Arts, 1428 Alice Street in Downtown Oakland. Visit http://www.diamanocoura.org/ and call (510) 508-3444. We close with an interview with Margo Hall, (Undine) David Westley Skillman, (Accountant/Ensemble) and Britney Fraizer, (Stephie/Ensemble)in the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre production of Lynn Nottage's "Fabulation or the Re-education of Undine," through March 27, 2011, at the Southside Theatre in Ft. Mason Center, Bldg. D, San Francisco. Visit www.lhtsf.org or call (415) 345-7575. Half price tickets on all Target Matinees: March 20 is the only one left!

Our first guest is Gretchen Wallace, President & Founder of Global Grassroots. GGR's purpose is to catalyze the development of conscious communities of change agents who will work independently, collectively and systematically to advance the rights and wellbeing of women: www.globalgrassroots.org Catinca Tabacaru, Executive Director & General Counsel, Women's Voices Now, which has a film festival in Hollywood, California, March 17-19, 2011 at the Los Angeles Film School, 6363 Sunset Blvd. joins us to talk about her organization. Visit http://womensvoicesnow.org Torange Yeghiazarian who founded Golden Thread Productions in October 1996, which has a current production, "What Do the Women Say?", March 9, 2011, at La Pena Cultural Center, 3150 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley wasn't able to join us, so we will reschedule. Visit www.goldenthread.org We close with Raja Rahim and Thomas Simpson, founder of AfroSolo presenter of the concert featuring Ms. Rahim Sunday, March 13, 2011, 4 PM, at the African American Art

I had a wonderful interview with Farryn Johnson, Princess Tiana (The Frog Princess)about "Let's Celebrate," Disney on Ice at the Oakland Coliseum this weekend through Sunday, March 6, 2011. I went to opening night with my granddaughter and daughters opening night and we were impressed with the level of skill by skaters and the fun party had by all on ice. There is something about Walt Disney productions and characters that makes one smile and feel warm inside. I was looking to see Princess Tiana's two solos numbers, both after intermission, and I was not disappointed. My granddaughter sat on the edge of her seat in lit mouse ears and a wand. Other children were in fairy wings and princess gowns and slippers. At one point a skater danced through a ring of fire. Opening night in both Oakland and San Jose all seats were $15 and the seats were for the most part full. I loved seeing fathers and mothers, boys and girls out for an evening of fun entertainment. The finale while pretty made me wonder what the snow was

We open the show with Masashi Niwano, The Center for Asian American Media Festival and Exhibitions Director for the SF International Asian American Festival (SFIAAFF), in its 29th Year, MAR 10-20, 2011! Visit www.caamedia.org We also speak to Ross Tuttle, director of "Resident Aliens," in the Doc series: SAT 03.12 7:30 KABUKI & TUE 03.15 4:15 VIZ. David Herrera, the Artistic Director of the David Herrera Performance Company, speaks about "American Layer Cake" at Dance Mission next week, March 11-12, 8 PM, March 13, 7 PM. Visit www.dhperformance.org We have the newly appointed Artistic Director of the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, Steven Anthony Jones on the air to talk about the season finale: Lynn Nottage’s “Fabulation; or the Reeducation of Undine,” at Fort Mason Center’s Southside Theatre, San Francisco, CA, March 3-27, 2011, directed by Ellen Sebastian-Chang, featuring Margo Hall. LHT, at 30, is the oldest black equity house on the West Coast, lost its two founding directors in 2010, Quentin Easter and

We need some help in a real big way. I just learned that the unions are going to make an announcement that they are pulling out of the capitol occupation and i am happy about that because now the voice of the people can truly emerge. We need to get this message to people who know about longterm resistance, occupation and struggle. I thought of angela davis you know of others. I am not sure what this means for the occupation and resources. I understand that presently they are not allowing food in for the protesters. We need help. The folks in the building are refusing to leave. [So much confusion, so much deception, so much muddled thinking. Most workers, I would say the overwhelming majority of workers, would wholeheartedly support unions if it weren’t for sellout and corrupt union leadership who live comfortably off of union dues and sweetheart contract deals with parasitical corporations. The ideology of the enemy is lodged within the working class itself. The working class will have to undergo a

Rebroadcast from June 2011, directors of "Mountains Take Wings," a film that tells the untold story of Yuri Kochiyama and Angela Y. Davis, two great women in conversation.

Shareef Nasir speaks about his new film: "Lost Found." New Wave choreographers join us to talk about the closing weekend of "Black Choreographers Festival: Here & Now," at Dance Mission in San Francisco, 24th Street @ Mission. David Pettee and Susan Hutchinson, both descendants of slave holders, speak about the "Coming to the Table Initiative: History, Connection, Healing, Action." We close with Queen Makedah, Sistah Beauty, and Irae Divine, who speak about their upcoming tour in honor of International Women's History Month, March 2011. Oriyah Music presents the EMPRESS MEDITATIONS West Coast Tour, a series of presentations featuring LIVE performances by QUEEN MAKEDAH, Sistah Beauty and Irae Divine with the SHEBA WARRIORS all-star band, plus the cream of local female DJ's, spoken word, and dance competitions. The purpose of the tour is to spotlight conscious female artists in reggae music whose music speaks to the historical cultural contributions of women from antiquity to the present day, and addresses

Rebroadcast: We had technical difficulties this morning and were unable to broadcast at our regularly scheduled time. We broadcast one from the archives, a special tribute to Malcolm X aired on his birthday last year, May 19, 2010, featuring interviews with musician Steve Wilson, activist and MOVE member Ramona Africa with poet/teacher, Malcolm Shabazz Hoover; filmmaker, writer, educator, Chike Nwoffiah; and professor, historican, Manu Ampim. We feature the music of Soulfege. The event honoring Judi Bari, that Ramona Africa speaks of in her interview is Sunday, May 23, 7 PM at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94705 USA. The event is hosted by Revolutionary Ecology Earth First! and Headwaters Coalition and is free though donations are accepted. It is in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the bomb attack on Earth First! activist Judi Bari with speakers, music & film. Sponsored by Earth First and Headwaters coalition.

We are fighting for our place in the sun . . . and we will never rest until that place is secure” (Brother Malcolm X May 19, 1925-Feb. 21, 1965). On the eve of the tragic murder of a man whom Ossie Davis, called “our Prince,” El Hajj Malik El Shabazz was killed as he stood speaking in Manhattan at the Audubon Ballroom, in front of his family, friends, numerous witnesses and of course enemies, in the San Francisco Bay Area there was a People’s Tribunal which looked at government surveillance as well as police brutality, and how to make the government accountable. Also on the eve of El Hajj Malik El Shabazz’s murder, we had the opportunity to speak to a surviving freedom fighter, a spiritual child of Brother Malcolm, Robert Hillary King, whose life exemplifies the resistance Brother Malik inspired world wide, a resistance to tyranny and oppression exemplified here in California and Wisconsin, as well as in Tunisia and Egypt and Libya. King whose tenth anniversary just passed, February 8, 2011, speaks about the