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 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,

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 Yeye Luisah Teish about the Olokun Rising Ritual, April 8-13, 2022.  http://www.yeyeluisahteish.com/  

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! Virtual Interview podcast version: Theatre Rhinoceros's presents: "How Black Mothers Say I Love You", directed Tanika Baptiste, written by Trey Anthony; and Carla Banudejesus, actor join us to talk about this play at Theatre Rhino in SF  https://therhino.org/ Dates: March 17 – April 3, 2022 Where: Spark Arts, 4229 18th Street, SF, in the Castro. West Coast Premiere.   Meet Claudette, now in her late thirties, who travels to visit her d

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 open with an interview with Jeffrey Robinson, producer/writer, and directors, Emily Kunstler and Sarah Kunstler in conversation about the remarkable film, "Who We Are: A Chronicle of Racism in America."  https://www.sonyclassics.com/film/whoweare/ 2. We speak to Yoruba Richen and Brad Lichtenstein, directors of "American Reckoning" on Frontline https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/american-reckoning/ Both films aired earlier

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. Jesse Douglas Allen Taylor made his transition this past weekend. It was rather sudden for all of us, especially his family, Tarika Lewis and Geoffrey Pete. There was a memorial for him Sunday, March 6.  I had a great conversation with Jesse, PEN Oakland honoree, about his first novel, "Sugaree Rising." This is a rebroadcast of that interview (4/5/2013).   https://www.blogtalkradio.com/wandas-picks/2013/04/05/wandas-picks-radio-show "W

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 Donna Chang, L.Ac. (MSOM), Licensed Acupuncturist and Herbalist, BodyIntuitive Practitioner, Holistic Nutrition & Lifestyle Counsellor, Transformational coach. Visit: http://www.alamedacommunityacu.com/who-we-are/

Amy Alanes serves as the Executive Director for the Women’s Cancer Resource Center (WCRC) in Berkeley.  Serving Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, WCRC provides comprehensive and coordinated services that include community-based cancer patient navigation, psychotherapy and affinity-based support groups, wellness programs, and emergency financial assistance. Her work has spanned homeless services, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, rape and sexual assault, mental health, and cancer support services. She previously served as the Executive Director of the Summit Bank Foundation, the Development Director of Cancer Support Community San Francisco Bay Area, Director of Administration for Community Violence Solutions, and in multiple positions with New Connections Behavioral Healthcare. Dolores Moorehead is the Lead Client Navigator/Multicultural Client Support Clinician for the Women’s Cancer Resource Center (WCRC). Dolores began her tenure with WCRC as a volunteer and board member and has been on staff for 19 years.

We speak to Joanna Haigood, Artist Director, and Walter Kitundu collaborating multimedia artist, about Haigood's latest opus, "Love, A State of Grace," a performance ritual installation at San Francisco's Grace Cathedral.  Performing Artists bio: http://www.zaccho.org/?bios_love  https://vimeo.com/630195772  Since 1980 Joanna Haigood has been creating work that uses natural, architectural, and cultural environments as points of departure for movement exploration and narrative. Her stages have included grain terminals, a clock tower, the pope’s palace, military forts, and a mile of urban neighborhood streets in the South Bronx. Her work has been commissioned by many arts institutions. She has been honored with the Guggenheim Fellowship, the Herb Alpert Award in the Arts, the United States Artist Fellowship, and a New York Bessie Award.  Haigood is a recipient of the esteemed Doris Duke Artist Award and she has had the privilege to mentor many extraordinary young artists internationally at the National École d