compliled by Mark Carney
Yaelisa
San Francisco has long been noted for its culinary creativity, which has resulted from its many diverse ethnic groups. Beginning in December, 2010, and running through late March, 2011, the San Francisco Public Library will present San Francisco Eats, an exhibition dedicated to tracing the history of San Francisco’s gastronomic culture.
By means of menus, historic photos, ephemera and cookbooks, the exhibition will explore three themes: immigration, geography and tourism. For a complete listing of events, visit sfpl.org/sfeats. San Francisco Public Library, 100 Larkin St., San Francisco. (415) 557-4282.
Weekend of Flamenco
On the third weekend of December, Caminos Flamencos, a northern California flamenco company, will perform Lo Clasico , a show of traditional Iberian dance and music. Yaelisa, an Emmy-award winner and the troupe’s Artistic director, describes this show as classic in that, “ (it) is something which never goes out of style, and which can bring one to a nostalgic place. Our show this year is all of these things, with a few surprises thrown in.”
The 2010 Season Premiere is a holiday concert for the entire family that pays tribute to all things classical – Spanish classical dances using the music
of Manuel de Falla, Ravel’s Bolero, and others, and the more traditional, fiery flamenco that the Company is recognized for. Yaelisa brings together 20 dancers and four musicians onstage for an evening of exploration into what makes something classical, whether it is the Ritual Fire Dance, a traditional Fandango, a Jérez-style Bulerias, Faure’s Pavane or Yaelisa’s signature Soleares, considered the mother of all flamenco.
Lo Clásico, is offered for three performances only on Friday & Saturday, Dec.17 & 18 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, December 19 at 3 p.m. at San Francisco’s Cowell Theatre (Fort Mason Center). Reserved Seating is $35; $25 students/seniors; $15 Children 12 and under). To purchase call (415) 345-7575 / www.fortmason.org/ boxoffice.
Boxing at Roccapulco
Boxing, in its legal form, comes to the Mission on Sunday, Dec. 12. Weigh in begins at 1 p.m., and the fi ghts start at 5 p.m. Ticketscost only $20, and will help a worthy cause—the fight against cancer. At 3140 Mission St., San Francisco.
NYE at La Peña
This year New Year’s Eve will be on a Friday, so it’s sure to be an exciting weekend. What better way to begin 2011 than by dancing to Cuban music?
Orquestra La Moderna Tradicion has mastered the genre of danzon, a ballroom style of music originating in Cuba that combines Afro-Cuban rhythms with the sonorous harmonies of violins and fl utes. Besides danzon, the group also plays other genres of Cuban music, including sones, songos, cha-cha-cha and timba.
Tickets range from $25 to $28, depending on how long you procrastinate befor buying one, and Café Valparaiso will be preparing a special menu for the event. La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 shattuck Ave., Berkeley. For info call (510) 849-2568 or visit www.lepena.org.
NYE at Roccapulco will include both live music and all-star lineup of DJs. N’rumba will be joined by the singer Alexis, and will perform salsa, merengue, bachata and cumbia music. If you act soon, tickets cost a mere $25. Roccapulco, 3140 Mission St., San Francisco. Call (415) 821-3563 for details on the NYE party.
