by Magdy Zara
Continuing with the commemoration of the Day of the Dead, the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra has organized two performances to celebrate Latin American culture with music.
The concert program features traditional music with contemporary works that honor the rich heritage of this ancient Mexican holiday.
The festivities will be on November 2, and begin at 1:30 p.m. with the installation of art and altars created by local artists, and activities for the whole family, such as decorating sugar skulls, making paper flowers and displaying mariachi instruments, begin when the doors open.
There will also be personalized cocktails, with a custom drink inspired by the holiday. Children can enjoy La Catrinita, a non-alcoholic drink of purple pineapple and lime, while adults can add tequila for a La Catrina margarita.
Then at 5 p.m. The second event, which includes a virtual auction, concert and dinner, kicks off for the 10th consecutive year as a way to raise funds for the San Francisco League.
This event will take place at the Davies Symphony Hall, located at 201 Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco.
School Jazz at Yoshis
The Las Lomas High School Jazz Band returns for its annual performance in Oakland, after being honored at several school events and competitions.
Hailing from Walnut Creek and directed by Brittany Shankle, this group performs at at least three festivals a year and has earned a superior rating on more than one occasion.
The awards include individual student awards for outstanding performance as soloists or musicians, scholarships, and honor bands at the state and county levels. Many students in this group also perform outside of school on a regular basis with groups such as the California Jazz Conservatory Youth Ensembles, the Rossmoor Big Band, and advanced groups at the School of Rock.
His Oakland appearance will be on the Yoshi’s stage this Monday, November 4 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30.
Yoshi’s is located at 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland.
Mexico in a Bottle: A little piece of Mexican flavor and culture
The Mezcal and Tequila tasting, organized to introduce these popular Mexican liquors, has been named Mexico in a Bottle.
Mexico in a Bottle is the largest Mezcal tasting in the Bay Area, where attendees will be able to taste these agave liquors, learn about the stories of the producers and the processes of more than 70 brands.
A selection of some of the best Mexican restaurants in the Bay Area will serve delicious bites paired with cocktails while art and music surround you.
There are also selections of Mexican whiskey, rum, gin, liqueurs, beers and more.
Organizers say that “the history of mezcal and other elixirs goes beyond alcohol. Each bottle contains a little piece and flavor of Mexican culture.”
The venue selected for this event is The Midway, located at 900 Marin Street in San Francisco and will take place on November 10 starting at 4 p.m.
