Summer is HERE!

Programs coming up July 1–15 ~

Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble
Thu, July 2, 12:30–1:30pm | Free
Under the leadership of Dr. John Calloway, a multi-instrumentalist, composer and arranger who has worked at the creative edge of the Bay Area’s Latin music scene since the 1970s, the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble is an invaluable proving ground for stellar young musicians. Living up to vaunted expectations, these high school players collaborate with legends like Armando Peraza, Jerry Gonzalez, and John Santos, and write and arrange their own material, tunes documented on three highly regarded recordings (most recently Con Mis Manos). While LJYE graduate Daniel Riera fronts San Francisco’s exciting Soltrón, others are tearing up the New York music scene (such as trombonist Natalie Cressman, flutist Elena Pinderhughes, and drummer Charlie Ferguson).
SEE WEBPAGE RSVP ON FACEBOOK

San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band
Sat, July 4, 1–2:30pm | Free
Celebrating the red, white and blue on Independence Day and sounding fabulous all the while, the SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band puts the pride in patriotism. Founded in 1978 as the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Marching Band and Twirling Corps by Kansas-born musician Jon Reed Sims, the boisterous but accomplished ensemble was the first openly gay musical group in the world. For the Fourth of July, the Freedom Band celebrates freedom with rousing standards and music honoring the great City of San Francisco.
SEE WEBPAGE RSVP ON FACEBOOK

Okinawan Folk Ensemble
Thu, July 9, 12:30–1:30pm | Free
Among the many beautiful regions of Japan, Okinawa stands out for its unique folk song and dance culture. Performers from the Kinuko Mototake Okinawan Dance Academy along with Master Kinuko Mototake, perform traditional Okinawan dance, telling stories of young love, evil spirits, and the seafaring culture of Okinawa, accompanied by musicians on 3-string sanshin and shime-daiko drums. Experience the beauty and depth of this classic Japanese art form. The Azama Honryu Seifu Ichisen Kai USA Kinuko Mototake Okinawan Dance Academy and the Okinawa Eisa Shima Daiko Drummers are presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Japan.
SEE WEBPAGE RSVP ON FACEBOOK

Merola Opera Program’s Schwabacher Summer Concert
Sat, July 11, 2–4pm | Free
For a sneak peak at opera’s most promising young talent there’s no better place than the Schwabacher Summer Concert. The Merola Opera Program has been mentoring brilliant budding vocalists for more than half a century, and its track record sings for itself, with graduates such as Susan Graham, Thomas Hampson, Anna Netrebko, Ann Panagulias, Kurt Streit, Rolando Villazón and Deborah Voigt, among many others. Whether you’re an opera aficionado or you can’t tell Verde from a Valkyrie, sit back and revel in the versatile artistry of tomorrow’s opera stars.
SEE WEBPAGE RSVP ON FACEBOOK

Children’s Garden Series

Fun, interactive programs for children under 10 and their adults. School groups and day camps are welcome. Hats are advised for sun protection.

Caterpillar Puppets (2 shows)
Fri, July 3, 11–11:30am & 12:15–12:45pm | Free
Joe Leon’s Caterpillar Puppets don’t just entertain kids and parents. His eccentric menagerie draws audiences of all ages into seemingly familiar stories that take unexpected turns. Like his version of the Big Bad Wolf and the Three Little Bla-bla-blas, or the shy artist mouse Amadeus who needs encouragement from the audience to fulfill his calling. A master puppeteer with a sly sense of humor, Leon keeps everyone entertained.
SEE WEBPAGE RSVP ON FACEBOOK

Pi Clowns
Fri, July 10, 11–11:30am & 12:15pm–12:45pm | Free
Silliness is very serious business for the Pi Clowns. A company dedicated to knock-about physical comedy, these performers don’t tell jokes. They embody them with robust and timeless antics. Blending mime, theater, acrobatics, juggling, and improvisation, the Pi Clowns deliver delightful and original clown vignettes. Pi members have worked as performers, teachers, and technicians for world-class institutions from Cirque Du Soleil and The New Pickle Circus to the San Francisco Circus Center and Teatro ZinZanni.

SEE WEBPAGE RSVP ON FACEBOOK

Jazz Latino: Multi-dimensional Artistic Expression in the Americas
Wednesdays Aug 5 – Sept 9, 7-9pm (6-class series)
@Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD)
John Santos, Instructor
Members: $15 per class / $75 full series
Public: $20 per class / $100 full series

100 years have passed since the word jazz arose to crown what would become our country’s national art form. Jazz has come a long way in that time, and Latin American elements have played a major role in its formation, development, and current state, and will certainly affect its future.

Members sale begins 7/1/15

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Live. Local. Downtown. Free.
Discover the unexpected at Union Square Live’s free outdoor music, dance, theater, film, comedy and more. Every Wednesday at 6pm and Sundays at 2pm.
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At the Children’s Creativity Museum:
Design a car and see how fast you can make it go when you apply science and engineering! All materials provided, just bring your imagination. (Ages 6+) July 11 & 25, 1:00pm & 2:30pm
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SoMa’s newest venue for free programs
Thu, July 9, 5pm – Fiesta Mexicana
Tue, July 14, Noon – Bingo
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Investing in Artists Grant Application Deadline
Wednesday, July 1 at 6pm
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