by Wanda Sabir
World AIDS Day, Monday, Dec. 1
Formerly a gay white man’s disease, HIV and AIDS is taking the lives of Black women and children, and is still one of the top five causes of death among Black males 25 and younger. The first is handgun violence. The County of Alameda declared a state of emergency 10 years ago, yet unfortunately the rate of infection has increased, many of the newest casualties among heterosexual women over 50.
Here are links to activities in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond: http://ga4.org/sfaf/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=28940643, www.thebody.com/content/art49470.html and www.thebody.com/content/art49470.html.
Jennifer Holliday guest artist with the SF Gay Men’s Chorus
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus’ 30th Anniversary Concert features Jennifer Holliday and others Monday, Dec. 1, at Davies Symphony Hall, 7 p.m. Visit www.sfgmc.org or call (415) 865-2787.
Lil’ Bobby Hutton Memorial Benefit
The Luggage Store Gallery presents the Bobby Hutton Memorial Benefit, Nov. 29-Dec. 6. The opening reception is Saturday, Nov. 29, from 8 to 10 p.m. at the gallery, 1007 Market St. in San Francisco. For information, visit www.luggagestoregallery.org or call (415) 255-5971. Gallery hours are Wednesday-Saturday, 12 noon to 5 p.m.
The show features work by 27 artists – among them, Emory Douglas, Rigo 23 and a photo essay by Billy X. For more information, visit www.blackpantherblvd.com. Opening night performances are by The Drums and Paper Vehicle. This is a fundraiser for the Lil’ Bobby Hutton memorial statue at Lil’ Bobby Hutton Park a.k.a. deFremery Park in Oakland at 18th and Adeline Street. The event is free, but bring your checkbooks or cash.
One of the goals is “to utilize the principles of the Black Panthers to ultimately get a prominent downtown street in Oakland named Black Panther Boulevard,” says Joyce Hutton, Lil Bobby’s sister. “Along the way, we will seize whatever opportunities present themselves to further the original 10-point plan of the Black Panthers.”
To be Indigenous
I’ve been thinking about space and presence and identity and belonging. What does it mean to be indigenous? Given the shifting boundaries, impermanent occupation, invasions, whether eminent domain or legislative redistricting or gentrification, what does it mean to be indigenous? What does the United Nations say to the Aboriginal people of Australia, the Maori of New Zealand and others in other lands who were present before invaders claimed indigenous rights? Why did America, the British and more oppose seating representatives for the silent majority?
Afro-Polynesian Dance and Music
Sunday, Nov. 30, singer, choreographer and dancer Mahealani Uchiyama performs at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz Music and Dance Center, 1317 San Pablo Ave., in Berkeley. Tickets are $10.
‘Joe Turner’s Come and Gone’
Directed by Delroy Lindo, August Wilson’s “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone,” the second play in Wilson’s 10-cycle, 100-year retrospective of Black life, continues at Berkeley Rep, 2025 Addison St., in Berkeley, Tuesday-Sunday through Dec. 14. Visit www.berkeleyrep.org or call (510) 647-2949. Tickets are $27 and half off if patrons are under 30 years old.
‘Sincerella’ at Black Rep
“Sincerella” is an urban Cinderella tale I can’t wait to see. I should have gone last week, even though it was previews; this weekend is too busy and I certainly don’t want to miss it. Check http://blackrepertorygroup.com/ or call (510) 652-2120. The theatre is located at 3201 Adeline St. in Berkeley.
‘Cinderella’ at African American Shakespeare Company
Tickets are selling fast for this holiday treat. Written by African American Shakespeare Company, this classically funny tale of jealousy and greed is also about the magical power of love. The play is being performed at Zeum Theatre, 221 Fourth St. at Howard, San Francisco. Call (800) 838-3000 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com.
‘Black Nativity’ at Lorraine Hansberry
This year’s “Black Nativity,” Lorraine Hansberry Theatre’s 10th Annual production, features Arvis Strickling-Jones and is directed by Stanley E. Williams at PG&E Auditorium, 77 Beale St., at Market near Embarcadero BART in San Francisco. Check www.lhtsf.org/contact.htm. Family matinees are Dec. 14 and 28 with a reception with the cast and lunch. All seats are $18, normally $20-$36. The run is Dec. 11-28.
Nicholas Bearde sings Lou Rawls at Anna’s Jazz Island
This past Sunday, Nicholas Bearde was special guest with the College of Alameda Big Band. On Saturday, Dec. 6, he’ll be featuring his own group at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2021 Allston Way in Berkeley. The vocalist is charming and reminds one of Mr. Rawls when he makes some of those unforgettable tunes his own. He is hosting his second annual Holiday Jazz and Blues concert at Anna’s on Sunday, Dec. 7. Visit www.nicolasbearde.com and www.annasjazzisland.com/.
Eric Benet and Tuck and Patti
Take your pick: One night enjoy the warmth of the husband-wife duo Tuck and Patti at Yoshi’s San Francisco, 1330 Fillmore; the following groove to Eric Benet at Yoshi’s Oakland, 510 Embarcadero West. Both are in town Friday, Nov. 28, through Sunday, Nov. 30. Visit www.yoshis.com.
Kwanzaa and other December staples
I know there are those among the reading audience who resist recommendations to visit us online. This is the last paper before the New Year, so if you want to stay up on what’s going on all during December, check the new, easy-to-use, full disclosure calendar of events at www.sfbayview.com and, of course, visit http://wandaspicks.com. My bi-weekly radio show is an additional opportunity to listen to the artists you love talk about what they do. I combine politics with artist interviews. The radio show is a program of the Afrikan Sistahs Media Network: www.wandaspicks.asmnetwork.org.
Kwanzaa film ‘The Black Candle’
MK Asante Jr.’s Kwanzaa film is out. Narrated by Maya Angelou, it’s called “The Black Candle.” I’m looking forward to seeing it. The DVD is available at www.theblackcandle.com.
Wu Tang Clan
Another new DVD out which I recommend is “WU: The Story of the Wu-Tang Clan.” Speaking of which, Wu-Tang Clan is in town next week, Tuesday, Dec. 3, 8 p.m., at the Grand Ballroom in the Regency Center in San Francisco on Van Ness Avenue. Tickets are $45 in advance and $47 the day of show.
Nas with special guest Goapele
This Friday, Nov. 28, rap artist Nas is in town, with Goapele. The double bill should be good. They are at the Warfield in San Francisco. The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $39, $47 and $55.
Reggae
Glen Washington and Ras Kidus and Undah P, plus DJ Black Love Sound perform at Ashkenaz Music and Dance Center, on Saturday, Dec. 29, 9:30 p.m., $20, 1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. Showline is (510) 525-5054. Visit www.ashkenaz.com/.
ASCAC Conference
The Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations Western Region Conference hosts “Fearlessly Forward as We Build for Eternity,” the ASCAC Conference, on Friday-Sunday, Dec. 5-7, in Oakland. The community reception is from 7 to 9 p.m. at ASA Academy and Community Science Center, 2811 Adeline St., Oakland.
Lectures are scheduled Saturday, Dec. 6, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. ASCAC concludes at Wose’ Community House of Amen RA, 8924 Holly St., Oakland. Invited participants are Queen Nzinga Heru, Professor Manu Ampim, Dr. Joye Hardiman, Minister Greg Hodge, Dr. Théophile Obenga, Dr. Billie Thomas, Dr. Oba T’Shaka and Professor Vulindlela Wobogo. Conference donation is $25; children under 17 are admitted free. For additional information, contact Brother Naeem Deskins, (510) 290-4531, and Sister Diane Allen, (510) 436-0364.
Women of Color Arts and Crafts Show
This annual event hosts women artists who work in a variety of mediums and features paintings, sculptures, textiles, jewelry and wearable art. The show is from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. It’s free at La Pena Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. in Berkeley. Call (510) 628-0647 or visit www.lapena.org.
Celebration of Craftswomen
This 30th annual Celebration of Craftswomen show, hosted by the Women’s Building, is at Herbst Pavilion, Ft. Mason Center, on Saturday-Sunday, Nov. 29-30 and Dec. 6-7, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $6.50 to $15. Visit www.celebrationofcraftwomen.org. This event also features the work of phenomenal women.
National Day of Listening
I was listening to npr.org last Saturday and heard that Friday, Nov. 28, is National Day of Listening, a day people are encouraged to sit down and interview a person they’ve been wanting to get to know better. Visit www.semo.edu/news/index_20011.htm and www.storycorps.net/record-your-story/question-generator.
Bay View Arts Editor Wanda Sabir can be reached at wsab1@aol.com. Visit her website and blog at www.wandaspicks.com for an expanded version of Wanda’s Picks, her photos and her radio show.
