Compiled by Mark Carney
Rafael Manriquez and Ingrid Rubis will be joined by Quijerama for a performance to benefit the Chilean victims of February’s earthquake. Rafael, a native of Santiago, Chile, is known for his exquisite voice as well as his facility on many Latin American string instruments. On his ten albums, he has sung of the struggles and hopes of Latin Americans and, over the years, he has performed throughout Europe and the Americas. Quijerama is a Bay Area quintet that, in playing over thirty instruments, synthesizes the diverse genres of South American folk music into a jazzy idiom.
Art House Gallery & Cultural Center, 2905 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. Friday, Dec. 3, at 7 p.m. Donation is $10-50. Call Harold Adler at (510) 472-3170 for more info.
Ancient Dances of India to be performed
On Saturday, Dec. 4th, Odissi Vilas will perform ancient temple dances of India. The evening will include storytelling, pallavi (pure dance), as well as moksha (dance of liberation).
On the following day, Sri Vishnu Tattva Das will teach an odissi workshop. La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. 8 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 4. $13 in advance, $15 at the door. For more info call (510) 849-2568 or visit http://lapena.org.
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 Jerez-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, December 17 & 18 at 8p.m., and Sunday, December 19 at 3p.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.
Free Holiday Events at the SF Public Library
There are a plethora of free events being offered at the San Francisco Public Library over the next several weeks. In addition to the many craft workshops throughout the month, there will be a performance of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. On Dec. 9, 10:30 a.m., Main Library, Fisher Children’s center, 100 Larkin St., San Francisco. (415) 557-4282
