Arts and Culture
San Francisco Concert “In Honor of Women”
Raegan Bryce-Davis, acclaimed as “one of the best mezzo sopranos of this generation” by The New York Observer and Jeanne Minette Cillers, South African pianist known as a pianistic poet, will perform at San Francisco’s Herbst Theatre on Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
![Photo credit: Bryce-Davis photo by Wolf-Dieter Grabner. Jeanne Minette by Andrew Richards.](https://www.postnewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/in-honor-of-women-featured-web.jpg)
By Barbara Fluhrer
Raegan Bryce-Davis, acclaimed as “one of the best mezzo sopranos of this generation” by The New York Observer and Jeanne Minette Cillers, South African pianist known as a pianistic poet, will perform at San Francisco’s Herbst Theatre on Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
They will perform some of their favorite repertoire, including works by women poets and composers: Margaret Bonds, Florence Price and living composers Maria Thompson Corley and Melissa Dunphy. Bryce-Davis will honor her mother by performing music she taught her.
Bryce-Davis recalled a fellow student in music school saying, “I never use women pianists. The focus is supposed to be on ME!” That sentiment never sat well with her, though she realized it was a popular one. “Perhaps it’s one reason I’ve always, quite purposely, had women pianists as long-term collaborative partners, and advocated for artists who are less represented, yet incredible at what they do.”
Bryce-Davis remembers being a terrified American mezzo, six years out of Manhattan School of Music, meeting her coach at a European audition in Belgium. Her coach, Jeanne-Minette Cillers sat confidently at the piano to perform arias they had performed together years before. “I sang as well as I could, and was about to leave the hall, suitcase, scores and shawl in hand, when I heard faint voices wafting from the ceiling speakers.
I hastily climbed on the make-up counter and stretched my ear to the speakers. The voice was my coach, brazenly informing the artistic director of my success as an artist. She said I would be a wonderful choice for the coveted position.”
Bryce-Davis went on to prove her right. The two women, now collaborators, will perform Saturday night at Herbst Theatre.
Bryce-Davis is an alum of San Francisco’s Merola Opera Program.
She appeared in San Francisco last year at the noontime concerts in “Majesty of The Spiritual,” curated by Robert Sims.
Tickets for the Jan. 27 concert can be ordered at (415)577-0325.
Art
Mayor Breed, Actor Morris Chestnut Attend S.F.’s Indie Night Film Festival
On June 1, the acclaimed Los Angeles-based Indie Night Film Festival arrived at the Kabuki Theater in San Francisco. San Francisco native Dave Brown, Founder and CEO of the Indie Night Film Festival, has a vision for the film industry that is squarely focused on promoting the many talented producers, actors, and designers contributing to this billion-dollar industry. The festival has been running for 12 years and it’s only up from here, he says.
![(Left to Right) Dave Brown, CEO, Indie Night Festival, San Francisco Mayor London Breed, and actor Morris Chestnut. Photo by Y’Anad Burrell](https://www.postnewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/indie-night-film-festival-featured-web.jpg)
By Y’Anad Burrell
On June 1, the acclaimed Los Angeles-based Indie Night Film Festival arrived at the Kabuki Theater in San Francisco.
San Francisco native Dave Brown, Founder and CEO of the Indie Night Film Festival, has a vision for the film industry that is squarely focused on promoting the many talented producers, actors, and designers contributing to this billion-dollar industry. The festival has been running for 12 years and it’s only up from here, he says.
A weekly celebration of cinematic artistry designed to elevate emerging talent while providing a platform for networking and collaboration, entrepreneur Dave Brown created Indie Night to bridge gaps within the filmmaking community by fostering connections between like-minded individuals worldwide. The Indie Film Festival currently has over 450 film submissions worldwide, and its cinematic vault only continues to grow.
The festival showcased over 10 short films and trailers, and featured Faces of the “City: Fighting for the Soul of America,” produced by veteran actor Tisha Campbell. This film is about the vibrancy and legacy of San Francisco. The festival also previewed “When It Reigns,” a trailer by Oakland’s burgeoning filmmaker Jamaica René.
Indie films have not just challenged traditional cinematic norms; they’ve shattered them. These films offer unique storytelling perspectives and push creative boundaries in truly inspiring ways. With their smaller budgets and independent spirit, they often tackle unconventional subjects and portray diverse characters, providing a refreshing alternative to mainstream cinema. As a result, indie films have resonated with audiences seeking an escape from formulaic blockbusters and are increasingly celebrated for their authenticity and originality.
Organizers say the mission of Indie Night is to elevate the craft of independent artists and creators. It also provides a venue for them to showcase their work, network, and exchange information with new and established creatives. It creates a community that values and supports independent art.
For more about the Indie Night Film Festival, visit www.indienightfilmfestival.com.
Arts and Culture
Point Richmond Music Unveils Summer Concert Series Lineup
If the first performer set for Point Richmond’s Summer Music Festival is any indication, the concert series has some fantastic tunes in store for local concertgoers. The one and only Fantastic Negrito will kick off the concert series Friday, June 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.-ish with his unique blend of blues, R&B, soul and roots music.
![Point Richmond Music Festival. Photo by Daud Abdullah.](https://www.postnewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/point-richmond-festival-featured-web.jpg)
By Kathy Chouteau
The Richmond Standard
If the first performer set for Point Richmond’s Summer Music Festival is any indication, the concert series has some fantastic tunes in store for local concertgoers.
The one and only Fantastic Negrito will kick off the concert series Friday, June 28 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.-ish with his unique blend of blues, R&B, soul and roots music.
The artist, who was born Xavier Amin Dphrepaulezz, had a serious early-career car crash that damaged his guitar playing hand. But he rose above it to reemerge as the rebranded “Fantastic Negrito” in 2014, earning multiple accolades — including multiple Grammys — upon his musical rebirth, according to his bio.
Negrito’s current album is “White Jesus Black Problems,” called by his website “an exhilarating ode to the power of family and the enduring resilience of our shared humanity.”
Point Richmond’s Summer Music Festival has two more concerts lined up as well, starting with the “swampy tonk” sounds of Miracle Mule on Friday, July 26 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Also performing that night will be Lorin Rowan + the Deep Blue Jam, featuring Americana, rock, roots, and reggae tunes from 6:45 to 8 p.m.-ish.
The concert series’ final performances occur Friday, Aug. 23, when Van Goat rocks out from 5:30-6:30 p.m., followed by the Latin, Venezuelan and Caribbean vibes of Bululú from 6:45 to 8 p.m.-ish.
In addition to dancing in the street to the music, Point Richmond’s many restaurants will be open during the concerts, along with face painting for the kids and art by The Arts of Point Richmond.
The concert series is organized by Point Richmond Music. Find the concert venue at the corner of Park Place and Washington Avenue in Point Richmond.
Art
El Cerrito Calls for Artists to Transform Its Utility Boxes
The City of El Cerrito’s Arts & Culture Commission is seeking individual artists, teams of artists or community groups to apply for its “2024 Utility Box Public Art Program.” The project is a beautification initiative designed to add to the vibrancy of the San Pablo Avenue corridor by having community artists transform unsightly utility boxes into attractive works of art, according to the City.
![An artist stands by their work that transformed the utility box from drab to fab. Photo courtesy of the City of El Cerrito.](https://www.postnewsgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/El-cerrito-artists-featured-web.jpg)
By Kathy Chouteau
The Richmond Standard
Do you have an idea for beautifying urban public spaces with your art? If so, this initiative might be perfect for you.
The City of El Cerrito’s Arts & Culture Commission is seeking individual artists, teams of artists or community groups to apply for its “2024 Utility Box Public Art Program.” The project is a beautification initiative designed to add to the vibrancy of the San Pablo Avenue corridor by having community artists transform unsightly utility boxes into attractive works of art, according to the City.
This program’s theme is “Artwork that Celebrates El Cerrito’s Natural Beauty and Environment,” and any artist/team/community group residing in Contra Costa County can apply. The boxes, including one main utility box and a smaller traffic signal box adjacent to each other, are located at Ashbury and Fairmount Avenues, next to Harding Elementary School in El Cerrito.
A $2,500 stipend is offered for each utility box completed and the application is due Friday, June 14, at 4 p.m. Work on the boxes begins Aug. 5, with work to be completed by Sept. 6.
To date, eight utility boxes have been painted by local artists as part of the initiative throughout 2021 to 2023. Artists including Adaleyd DeLeon, Kristen Kong, Shanna Strauss, Martial Yapo, Jesse White and Ricardo Cerezo have been selected by the city to beautify utility boxes with their art since the program’s inception.
Questions? Contact Will Provost at 510-215-4318 or wprovost@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us. Applications can be submitted online https://el-cerrito.org/1522/Utility-Box-Public-Art-Program
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