by the El Reportero’s staff
Diego el Cigala (al centro -at center)
Conservation Speaker Series – Bats are the only mammal that can truly fly. They are the second largest group of mammals and can be found on every continent except Antarctica. Learn more about these fascinating creatures, their unique biology, and why there really is no reassure to fear them.
Join Oakland Zoo keepers as they talk about bats, myths, conservation, and the special care the Zoo’s bats receive. Program Fee: $10-$20 sliding scale. Tickets at the door. Oakland Zoo is located at 9777 Golf Links Road, Oakland, California. On Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012, 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. www.oaklandzoo.org.
Spanish Gypsy singer just nominated for his third Latin GRAMMY Bay Area debut
The Bay Area is thrilled with the news of Diego el Cigala’s much anticipated debut here this Fall. Noted as a pioneer for his unique approach to Latin American music forms such as the bolero, tango and Afro-Caribbean jazz, Cigala has deep roots in the culture of Spanish Gypsy flamenco.
And then he went on to win another for a more flamenco-oriented CD “Picasso en Mis Ojos” which featured guests such as the legendary Paco de Lucia and Latin jazz master Jerry Gonzalez. Returning to the bolero, his 2008 project “Dos Lagrimas” united him with giants of Cuban percussion Tata Guines and Changuito and established his ongoing collaboration with the musicians who will be appearing with him at Zellerbach: guitarist Diego del Morao, pianist Jaime Calabuch Jumitus, percussionist Sabú Porrina and Cuban bassist Yelsy Heredia.
This is Cigala’s first major North American tour and will include stops in Los Angeles, Berkeley, Miami, Chicago, Detroit, Vancouver, Toronto and New York City from October 20 through November 6, 2011.
On Sunday Oct. 23, 7 p.m., Zellerbach Hall, UC Berkeley Campus.
For tickets and information http://www.BayAreaFlamencoFestival.com or call (800) 838-3006. $30/$50/$75 (Tickets not available through Cal Performances).
Former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor at Commonwealth Club
In a rare public appearance, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor will discuss the need for a better-informed citizenry as well as her life, career, and views on the role of the U.S. Supreme Court. In conversation with former Chair of the Commonwealth Club Board of Governors, Dr. Mary Bitterman, Justice O’Connor will also share her thoughts on pertinent social issues ranging from the current election to abortion. They will discuss how these challenging issues may be resolved through civic education.
O’Connor, the first woman appointed to the Supreme Court, strongly believes that America suffers from a lack of civic education, and this is hurting Americans’ capacity to solve 21st century challenges. Justice O’Connor served on the Supreme Court for over two decades until her retirement in 2006.
