Sacred Connection Puja


Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM PST

Los Altos, CA


A Puja is a ritual of worship. We celebrate our sacred essence as we open up to the Spirit. And from that place of awe of what we are we open up to others, seeing them in their awareness of their sacred essence, the place of Namaste.

During a Sacred Connection Puja we stay self-connected and go around a beautiful circle of beings connecting with them through presence, movement, soul gazing and conscious touch. We experience being seen, appreciated and… well, worshipped. A Puja is a delightful celebration of all of who we are.

You are warmly invited to join me and this incredible community for an evening of sacred connection with yourself, the Divine and others. Be ready to get to know yourself deeper, experience greater inner peace and stillness, and glow from the nurturance of caring and mindful human connection.
In the end there will be an opportunity for yummy cuddles or a personal relaxation time.

All the practices are done fully clothed. You are at choice to do or not do anything that's offered. Couples are welcome to stay together. Please be advised that you might end up paring up with a person or people of your own gender. All my workshops are gender balanced, but which way participates might choose to partner up is up to them.

Facilitator: Kailani Shakti

Cost: $40


Squirrel Nut Zippers at Rio Theatre


Monday, March 5, 2018 at 8 PM то 10 PM

Rio Theatre
1205 Soquel Ave,
Santa Cruz, California 95062


Squirrel Nut Zippers at Rio Theatre

A brand-new video for the title track from our forthcoming album "Beasts Of Burgundy."

In modern American music, running counterpoint to overproduced pop there often has been something raw and original to upstage the musical centers of New York, Nashville and Los Angeles. In 1993 a band named after an obscure early 20th century candy took its quirky mix of jazz, blues, klezmer and punk music and not only shattered the conventions of the time, but achieved commercial success.

Founded in North Carolina by Jimbo Mathus and Chris Phillips, the Squirrel Nut Zippers produced its watershed album, “Hot,” and would go on to sell more than three million albums between 1995-2000.

Then the band drifted apart, its members going on to other lives and careers. Mathus, now 50, developed a solo career. Approached in 2016 about doing a reunion, Mathus decided that the Zippers should go beyond that and “reanimate and revive,” he said. Their new sound is like the old sound, but updated, with generational appeal to both original Zippers fans and their children.

“It’s not copying anything. It’s an amalgamation of old weird America,” Mathus said last Thursday in a phone interview. “Let’s make America weird again.”

Still fronted by Mathus, the nine-piece band includes new members, most of them out of New Orleans. Mathus has returned to his home town just outside of Oxford, Mississippi on the edge of the delta. The band includes an enlarged rhythm section and a three-piece horn section.

Cost: $35 - $40


Mobility Jam w/ Shira Yaziv & Albert Mathias


Sunday, March 4, 2018 at 6:30 PM - 10 PM

Athletic Playground
4770 San Pablo Ave, Ste E,
Emeryville, California


6:30pm Dance Improvisation Class led by Shira Yaziv.
Open to all levels. Get some tools to freestyle on the dance floor.
No need for any dance / movement experience.

7:30-10pm JAM: Dance / Move / Practice
You can join and leave at any time.

Savanna Room: Live music for dancing by Albert Mathias (wow!!)
All types of dancing are welcome: Solo / Partner / Group / upside-down / with props...
No talking on the dance floor.
The floor would be laminate floor.
No aerial equipment or mats.

Canyon room: Open space covered with cheer-leading mats. You are welcome to dance, acro, play, train and you are welcome to hang out / talk!
In this room there will be no live music.

Cost:
Class + Jam: $20 ($15 by March 3rd)
Jam only: $15 ($10 by March 3rd)


Free Symphonic Concert in Santa Clara


Sunday, March 4, 2018 at 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM PST

Gillmor Center, Room 103
3000 Mission College Boulevard
Santa Clara, CA


Join us for a short symphonic concert of music from Czech composers Dvorak and Myslivecek, and Norwegian composer, Grieg. Also featured will be young composer and pianist, Eric Zheng, debuting his new composition, "Noble's Dance".

Eric Zheng: Noble's Dance
Josef Myslivecek: Sinfonia in D
Antonin Dvorak: Serenade for Strings (selections)
Edvard Grieg: Holberg Suite Op. 40 (selections)
Parking available for $3

Cost: Free


The Peatot Purim Party 2018


Sunday, March 4, 2018 at 7:30 PM - 11:50 PM

Club Fox
2209 Broadway Street
Redwood City, CA



The Peatot - the bay area's favorite Israeli rock cover band - are hosting the 9th annual Peatot Purim Party

Known for their energetic live shows, The Peatot plays tribute to Israeli rock and pop hits from the past decades.

Their Costume Purim Party have become the go-to event for getting your groove on during Purim - the Jewish Halloween.

This year it's all about battle of the bands - featuring covers of the most popular bands in each of the past 3 decades of Israeli rock.

In addition, we'll feature A DJ spinning dance music, and a costume contest with great prizes.

Join us for an evening of great Israeli music, drinking, socializing and dancing.

Cost: $20 - $30


Brother Spellbinder / Wolf & Crow: Cinematic Folk Cabaret


Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM PST

Red Poppy Art House
2698 Folsom Street
San Francisco, CA 94110


Brother Spellbinder blends elements of folk, chamber pop, and global music through original songs that are both melodic and theatrical. With Instrumentation that includes cello, ukulele, violin, guitar, and three-part harmonies, their performance also features multimedia with live-projected handmade film collages and the release of a new music video.

Wolf & Crow then interweaves sweetly chilling harmonies, woody folk-guitar picking, and their trademark rustic slide guitar to form a haunting and beautiful American-Primitive landscape. They’ve branded their sound as “cinematic folk” for its western film-score instrumentation and sweetly vivid lyrical narrative.

FEATURING:
Brother Spellbinder
Alzara Getz – vocals, ukulele, harmonica
Jamie Wilson – guitar, vocals
Helena Tietze – cello, vocals
Zoe Atlas – violin
Sean Griffin – electric guitar
Steve La Porta – drums

Wolf & Crow
Mathieu Stemmelen – guitar, vocals
Zachary Vieira – guitar, vocals
Oscar Westesson – upright bass
Shawn Lozan – drums

Cost: $15 - $20


VIA Romen - Romany (Gypsy), Jewish, Latin and Jazz music


Sunday, March 4, 2018 at 6 PM - 8 PM

Samovar Hall
1077 Independence Ave,
Mountain View, California 94043


Via Romen popular guitar duo @ Samovar Hall.

Founded in 2004 by two Romany speakers, VIA ROMEN has performed to glowing reviews across North America and established itself as the continent’s premier Russian-Romany (Gypsy) group.

Despite being deeply rooted in traditional Romany repertoires and dialects from different parts of Europe, the music is enriched by jazz, Jewish and Latin styles, and it’s a completely new experience.

Artistic director of the ensemble, Vadim Kolpakov who is a virtuoso Russian-Romany (Gypsy) seven-string guitarist, dancer, and vocalist. He has performed extensively in Russia and abroad, including at Carnegie Hall and the Kremlin. He has also participated in numerous musical projects on Russian, American and European television and radio. Since the mid-1990s, he has been a member of the Russian-Romany group the Kolpakov Trio, and in 2004 he assembled his own group in the United States, Via Romen. His musical repertoire includes 19th-century Russian seven-string guitar, and Gypsy, classical, rap, pop and world music. In 2008 and 2009, Vadim participated in Madonnas Sticky & Sweet world tour as a part of The Kolpakov Trio.

Vadim Kolpakov – Seven-string guitar, voice and dance
Alex Gordez – Six-string guitar


Cost: $30


Full Day of Renewal - Meditation Retreat


Saturday, March 3, 2018 from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Unity Palo Alto
3391 Middlefield Road
Palo Alto, CA 94306


As we approach spring – a season of renewal – step out of the busyness and give yourself a day to renew your connection to mind, body and spirit through music, meditation and movement. For experienced meditations and beginners alike, these experiences of mindfulness and beauty will nourish your practice.

Please bring your lunch, wear layers for comfort, and please refrain from wearing scents. When you arrive, please enter the Sanctuary in Silence.

Facilitators: Amitabhan, Cheryl Branco, and Rev. John Riley

Cost: $50


Tango Party with Live Music


Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Athletic Playground
4770 San Pablo Ave, Ste E,
Emeryville, CA


5:30-6:30pm: NEW Tango class with Homer Ladas (bring socks!)
6:30-8:30pm: Open Dancing w/ DJ Homer and Live music performance by Mira and Scott.

Come dance or come listen to music!
Light snacks & drinks will be provided as well.

Cost: $10 - $25 (suggested donation)


Free Pain Management Seminar with Acupuncture and Qi


Friday, March 2, 2018 at 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM

Taifu South San Francisco
130 East Grand Ave
South San Francisco


This martial therapy is an inherited traditional treatment that combines acupuncture and Qi. Join us and find out what is about this ancient form of healing originated predating recorded history. We have invited Master Fu Xueli from Southern California who has been practicing Martial Therapy since 2007. Some of his recognitions include:

- Black belt 8 level Tai Chi master
- Oriental MD
- Tenured Professor, American Holographic Life Sciences Institute
- President, US Tai Chi Acupuncture Hospital
- Natural therapist expert, American Association of Naturopathic

Conditions can be treated with Martial Therapy include, but not limited to:
- Muscle discomfort results from sitting at desk, using keyboard or intense sports
- Upper & lower back tightness
- Joint stiffness
And much more

Cost: Free


Revitalize Yoga Retreat


March 3 – 4, 2018 (Saturday – Sunday)

Costanoa Lodge
2001 Rossi Rd,
Pescadero, California 94060


Weekend Yoga Retreat for men and women with Rebecca Snowball.

Join us at wonderful Costanoa for a weekend to refresh and revitalize.

Reconnect with your body.
Give yourself space and time to breathe deeply and savor your life.
Be in nature and reconnect with Mother Earth.
Enjoy the company of like-minded yogis.
Return Energized and Recharged!

Saturday:
10:00am Energizing Flow Yoga
12:00pm Community Lunch (Catered)
3:00pm Grounding Flow Yoga

Sunday:
9:00am Intention Setting Beach Hike

Cost: $200 (accommodation is not included)


Workshop with Siberian shaman Diana - Healing power of your Heart


Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM

Community of Infinite Spirit
1540 Hicks Ave
San Jose, CA


You love to help and heal. Learn the keys to spiritual healing and how to avoid the heavy energy of karma and dark spirits to keep your healing light shining."

6 The keys to love - how we succeed and end personal suffering by understanding the most powerful energy, our compassion to help others.

Healing love, what does real prayer mean, how to open heart: “Why we must learn compassion before the power of prayer can work”

"Compassion - the energy that makes prayer work and guarantees results"

Principles of compassion and morality as an integral part of being a true healer.

"Aharata" - methods and rituals of purification, liberation from negative energies (by many researchers the methods of the school are recognized as unique in effectiveness)

Diagnosis of aura, structure of subtle bodies, how to recognize weaknesses and to empower myself

Cost: $35


Idan Raichel in San Francisco


Wednesday, February 28, 2018 at 8 PM - 11 PM

The Regency Ballroom
1300 Van Ness Ave,
San Francisco, California 94109


Producer, keyboardist, Lyricist, composer and Performer Idan Raichel is a global music icon who has brought his inspiring example and soul-stirring music to some of the planet's biggest stages. As the leader of The Idan Raichel Project, Idan acts as a musical ambassador representing a hopeful world in which artistic collaboration breaks down barriers between people of different backgrounds and beliefs.

In his solo concerts, Idan Raichel shares with the listeners the stories of his journey of the last 12 years in an organic and intimate way and to share with them how his melodies and songs were written before being produced for the numerous collaborations & concerts around the globe.

Idan Raichel was honored recently by the Martin Luther King Institute for bringing the voices of the minorities and new immigrants to the mainstream and for his work bringing people from different backgrounds, beliefs and cultures together through music.

Cost: $50 - $100


Dream Exploration: Lucid Dreams and Creative Problem Solving


Sunday, February 25, 2018 at 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM PST

425 Market Street
Suite 900
San Francisco, CA 94105


Many great artistic and scientific inventions have come through dreams such as the composition of sonatas, operas, and symphonies; Paul McCartney's song "Yesterday,” discovery of insulin and the Benzene ring and many others. This seminar does not guarantee that you will dream about something that will win you a Nobel Prize (as did Otto Loewi who had a key neuroscience insight in a dream). However, you will learn about the power and potential of working with your dreams.

This 2-hour insightful seminar addresses two major extraordinary dreams:
Lucid Dreaming (awareness in sleep) and Creative Problem Solving.
Pioneers in the field of dream studies and co-authors of Extraordinary Dreams and How to Work With Them (2002), Fariba Bogzaran and Stanley Krippner, will come share the fundamentals of several dream methods with us:
·         Dream recall and dream incubation used traditionally for problem solving (including creative, scientific, artistic, athletic, and others).
·         Lucid dream method, practices and creative ways of working with them.
·         Categories of Extraordinary Dreams and methods of working with dreams from non-interpretive to interpretive approaches.

Facilitators: Stanley Krippner and Fariba Bogzaran

Cost: $30 - $40


Body Wisdom for Health Solutions


Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Breathe Holistic Health
900 N San Antonio Road, Suite 101
Los Altos, CA


Do you believe in the Wisdom of the Body? Do you believe that the body knows more about what is best for your health issues than you can figure out?

There is a way that you can ask yes or no questions to your body to which the body can respond with a movement of yes or no. The intention is to help your body with dealing with health issues with natural approaches and remedies. Instead of using trial and error, the body’s answers help you to get better in a fast-effective way.

This is a 2-hour class with the following curriculum:

Part 1:
Find out:
• What is your body’s yes and no.
• What questions to ask and what questions not to ask
• When you are stuck with a chronic issue, what is in the way to get better
• How well is your body currently set up to be at your best or to get well
• Regarding lifestyle, what is most detrimental and what most helpful to your individual body
• How to select natural remedies for prevention and healing

Part 2:
Individual health questions will be answered as time allows with several hot-seat coaching, demonstrating the sequence of questions to ask to get clarity about the best course of action for recovery and well-being.

Cost: $20


Hot Air Music Festival


Sunday, February 25, 2018 at 11 am to 9 pm

San Francisco Conservatory of Music
50 Oak St,
San Francisco, CA


The ninth annual Hot Air Music Festival will take place at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music on Sunday, February 25, 2018. It’ll be a full day of music by Up-and-coming composers and ensembles. Admission is free of charge.

Cost: Free



Gypsy Tribe in Mountain View


Friday, February 23, 2018 at 9 PM - 11:59 PM

Cascal Restaurant
400 Castro St,
Mountain View, California


Music that passionately combines an essence of Spain, Brazil, the Middle East, North and Latin America.

Nasser Bobmoradi: Rhythm Guitar & Keyboard Programming
Jack Marshall: Lead Guitar
Nic Adams: Lead Guitar
Wendy MacBain: Keyboard
Willie Garza: Percussion

Cost: Free


Relationship Explorations - Clearing the Field & Celebrating the Gifts


Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Subud House
330 Melville Ave
Palo Alto, CA


Honor an ending, grief, loss, and/or betrayal while cultivating and celebrating the gifts of relationship. Whether you're in a relationship or want to be in one, past experiences can require us to honor the grieving process and letting go before we can open our field for something new. And sometimes we can get stuck and they keep us from being present, moving forward, experiencing compassion and forgiveness, and/or being vulnerable and open. Though a series of explorations and practices, you will be guided in how to honor intense feelings, honor the transitions inherent in life and relationships, and move towards gratitude and celebration of the gifts and wisdom that come from connection, love, and vulnerability, as well as the hard knock lessons that sometimes come for our growth. And sometimes just really honoring our path of relationship, transitions, and all the ways we've grown helps us to really celebrate our journey as a relational being.

Bring a water bottle, a journal, and a pillow to sit on if you like.

Facilitator: Valerie Sher

Cost: Recommended donations $5 - $20


SF Chamber Orchestra Main Stage Concert “Serenade”


Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

First Palo Alto United Methodist Church
625 Hamilton Ave.,
Palo Alto, CA



Dvořák: Serenade in D minor
Villa-Lobos: Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5
Brahms: Serenade No. 2 in A Major

A homage to Mozart, Dvořák’s Serenade in D minor is filled with Slavonic rhythms and displays the composer’s gift for graceful melodies. Brahms’s Serenade No. 2 in A Major, written for an orchestra without violins, is a warm, gracious work colored by the darker hues of our lower strings and woodwinds. In contrast, Hector Villa-Lobos’s Bachianas Brasileiras No.5 is scored for eight cellos and soprano, whose lush wordless vocalize floats hauntingly over the cello choir.

Cost: Free


Qi Gong 101 ~ Free Class


Sunday, February 25, 2018, at 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM PST

The Center SF
548 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA


As millions of people around the world turning into Chinese Medicine, Tai Chi and Qi Gong to strengthen and heal, it is important to understand what Qi Gong is and how it works. We will review the methods and principles of Qi Gong in lecture and practice. Its' relationship with Traditional Chinese Medicine, Martial Arts, Energy Healing and more. We will review the roots, the philosophy and the reasoning for spontaneous or miraculous healing that occurs in dedicated practice. This workshop is excellent for beginners and advanced students alike. It's suitable for anyone who seeks a gentle and therapeutic way to heal and strengthen the body and mind.

Eli studied with master teachers in the USA and abroad for over 10 years, and shares this powerful practice with great enthusiasm and love. Known for his approachable and dynamic style of teaching, He teaches classes and facilitates workshops regularly around the San Francisco Bay Area.

Eli formulates special programs geared toward stress management for organizations like: Google Inc., Stop Aids Project SF, Department of Aging and Adults, City of San Francisco and more. Working with various crowds allows him to develop a flexible practice methodology, with an emphasis on addressing each group’s flow and needs.

Cost: Free (RSVP required)


East West Sound Meditation


Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 7:30 PM - 9 PM

East West Bookshop
324 Castro St,
Mountain View, California


Join us in the intimate backstage at East West for 90 minutes of sound healing music as you are surrounded by the sacred sounds of flute, crystal bowls, and drums in the intimate setting of the East West backstage. David DiLullo hosts this evening along with Soul Tones (Crystal Bowls) and Marina Nadir (Native American Flute). This is a perfect environment for deep relaxation and restoration for the brain and body, allowing you to achieve an optimal state for stress-reduction, healing and spiritual insight.

Space is limited to 75. No yoga mat needed. Chair seating only. Comfortable leg room will be provided. There are plenty of great restaurants in the area on Castro Street.
Ages 18+ welcome.

Facilitator: David DiLullo

Cost: $25


Conscious SJ: Glow Flow & Groove


Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 7 PM - 11 PM

Local Color
27 South First St,
San Jose, California


Join us for an elevating evening of yoga, music, dance, and compassionate connection. Our intention is a fun and welcoming space where we can all move and be free, find authenticity, and celebrate our Selves and our commUnity!

7:30-8:45PM: Join Breathe and Flow for a co-lead vinyasa class that encourages the Conscious San Jose commUnity to play with their edges and challenge their minds in strong movements and long holds. This class will provide a safe, encouraging, and nonjudgmental environment where each individual can achieve their full potential. This challenging but approachable class will have an emphasis of body control and strength building mindful movements by utilization of the breath to carry their students through their practice.

Class will be DJ'ed by the elevating sounds of Sinoox Sina Siar

9-11PM: Community Time!
Hip-Hop Dance, art, tea lounge, tarot, community mural wall & local vendors
*Featuring dance performances by local dance studio Thegetdown + a community hip-hop dance class led by GROOV3's Rho accompanied by SoundWorks DJ Tim Malate - DAT.1!

11-11:15PM: Closing meditation circle

This gathering of movement, culture, and human connection is open to all! We are excited to be bringing together yoga and dance communities in SJ, however no yoga or dance experience is necessary to enjoy yourself. This is a judgement free zone

This event is open to all-ages, offered on sliding-scale so all can have access! Please donate the suggested or sponsor if you can, and leave the scholarships if you are truly in need. We encourage humans of all ages, sizes, backgrounds, gender identifications, abilities, and experience levels to join us.

Cost: $20


International Guitar Night


Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Oshman Family JCC
Schultz Cultural Arts Hall
3921 Fabian Way
Palo Alto, CA 94303


International Guitar Night (IGN) brings together the world's foremost acoustic guitarists to perform their latest original compositions and exchange musical ideas in a public concert setting. For each tour, IGN founder Brian Gore invites a new cast of guitar luminaries to join him for special evenings of solos, duets and quartets that highlight the virtuosity and diversity within the world of acoustic guitar.

For IGN's 18th year of touring, in January/February 2018, Germany's Gypsy Jazz legend Lulo Reinhardt will return as the show's host. He will be jOFJCC International Guitar Nightoined by Calum Graham, the young Canadian contemporary sensation; Marek Pasieczny, Poland's innovative classical composer/ performer; and award-winning American guitarist Michael Chapdelaine.

Lulo has built on grand-uncle Django Reinhardt's repertoire by introducing Latin rhythms. Calum has a two-handed style that has attracted millions of YouTube viewers. Marek has performed and written for a variety of orchestras around the world, and Michael has won both the Guitar Foundation of America Classical Guitar Competition and the National Fingerstyle Championship for steel string guitar.

Cost: $28 - $30


Kristen Nicole & Jazz Trio at Slap Face Coffee


Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 8 PM - 10 PM

Slap Face Coffee & Tea
37324 Fremont Blvd,
Fremont, California


Kristen Nicole is a local singer/songwriter/guitarist. She is a gifted vocalist whose influences range from jazz divas Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday to contemporary pop artists Colbie Caillat and Hailee Steinfeld. Kristen also has many promising originals to her credit.

Kristen will be accompanied by a trio led by veteran jazz pianist and vocalist Mark Rickey. The trio includes talented bassist Elizabeth Rickey and rock-solid drummer Michael Medwid.

Cost: Free


Robert Rich's Sleep Concert in collaboration with Flow Kana


Friday, February 23, 2018 at 11:30 PM to Saturday, February 24, 2018 at 8:00 AM

Gray Area
2665 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94110


Noise Pop is excited to bring a special event to the festival for the first time, Robert Rich’s Sleep Concert in collaboration with Flow Kana, on February 23 at Gray Area.

Sure to be one of the most unique and rare offerings this year, ambient musician Robert Rich will play music from 11:30 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. as attendees relax in the room and drift off to sleep, enhanced by Cannabis consumption. And even though Rich is from the Bay Area, this will be the first time in recent years he’s performed a Sleep Concert for local audiences.

Cost: $50


Prismatic: The Color of Sound


Friday, February 23, 2018 at 9 PM - 2 AM

DNA Lounge
375 11th St,
San Francisco, California


Mercury Soul returns Feb 23 to DNA Lounge for Prismatic, our newest color/light-inspired show where you'll dance and explore the club space while engaging both your eyes and ears, elevating the musical experience through a brilliant array of lighting, projections, and art installations by artist Christopher Schardt.

In true Mercury Soul style, we'll be boldly uniting classical musicians with EDM/electronica in a thumping, club environment, integrating performances of "color music” - classical pieces inspired by color - into sets by DJ Masonic (Mason Bates) and DJ Justin Reed.

Piano trio Steel and Ivory will perform the industrial groove of Michael Torke's "Rust," the violent intensity of Jennifer Higdon's Piano Trio - Fiery Red, synesthetic composer Joel Hoffman's shimmering "Music in Yellow and Green," and music by the renowned Alexander Scriabin – whose concept of a “color organ” will be reinvented as a remix of his music for DJs, live musicians, tightly synchronized lighting, and an interactive light installation by Nick Kanozik.

Also on the program will be steel drum group Pankind Trio, evoking the blue of the Caribbean sea with authentic calypso music, and original electro-acoustic interludes composed by Mason Bates for this event that lead in and out of each set, combining the full forces of our DJs and musicians. We'll wrap the night with an incredible post-show dance party led by DJ JOill.

Cost: $25



Alex Hand Band / Three For Silver: Balkan Folk-Jazz & Apocalyptic Folk Noir


Friday, February 23, 2018 at 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM PST

Red Poppy Art House
2698 Folsom Street
San Francisco, CA 94110


A staple in the Bay Area Balkan and gypsy swing scenes in recent years, Alex Hand’s current project explores the common ground of influence between western art music and jazz with folk music of Eastern Europe. The repertoire features uptempo and high-energy dance tunes from Bulgaria and Romania with a progressive edge.

Sharing the night is post-folk/rock band Three For Silver, who is currently on tour supporting the newest album, The Way We Burn, released September 2017 on Foggy Night Records. The album was recorded outside of traditional studios in an attempt to capture the music out in the wild, in the nooks and crannies where it’s most likely to breed and grow. Recorded from a dank basement to a cloud-capped stone observatory, from a silent river home to an empty piano warehouse, The Way We Burn marks a new generation in album production and a band of people that is more than just one sound or one style.

FEATURING:
Alex Hand Band
Lewis Patzner – cello
Isaac Schwartz – drums
Alex Hand – guitar

Three For Silver
Lucas Warford – vocals, resonator bass, banjo bass, contrabasin
Willo Sertain – vocals, accordion
Greg Allison – vocals, violin, mandolin

Cost: $15 - $20


Relational Intimacy: Free HAI Workshop


Thursday, February 22, 2018 at 7:30pm to 9:30pm

Four Points Sheraton - Emeryville
1603 Powell St
Emeryville, CA 94608


The free two-hour workshops provide the opportunity to see for yourself how magnificent your life and relationships can be. A Human Awareness Institute presenter leads you through a gentle series of exercises designed to open your heart and allow you to be more connected with others. In just a couple of hours you’ll discover how we’ve helped tens of thousands of participants (couples and singles of all genders and sexual orientations) enhance their relationships and their lives.

Our deeply personal workshops focus on:
* Love, intimacy and sexuality
* Relationships, communication and being authentic
* Improving body image to deepen your relationships with yourself and others
* Making the right relationship choices for you
* Finding love, being honest and creating emotional intimacy

As a thank you for participating in a Free Mini-Workshop, you'll be offered a discount to attend one of our weekend workshops. As with any true invitation, you can accept or decline with no pressure. We honor your choices.

Facilitator: Deborah Mistry

Cost: Free


Relaxing Meditation Retreat


February 22 - 24, 2018 (Thursday – Saturday)

Ratna Ling Retreat Center
35755 Hauser Bridge Road
Cazadero, CA 95421


Gentle, relaxing, body-centered meditation for both new and experienced meditators.

During this quiet, nourishing retreat, we will use gentle Chi Kung, Yoga, and Essential Movement to awaken the body so that we can settle into an open, spacious mindfulness practice.

Easy-to-understand guidance will help new meditators find ease in their practice, while experienced meditators will find deep support in the carefully held space.

The retreat will include periods of complete silence, as well as contemplative discussions of our individual meditation experience. We find that discussing the specifics of our experience clarifies the practice and reduces confusion.

Ratna Ling offers balanced, mostly organic, vegetarian meals with vegan and wheat-free options. As wellness educators, Shari and Tobin have asked Ratna Ling to create a special menu just for our retreat, based on our own guidelines. This includes protein-centered meals and proper food combinations.

Facilitators:

Shari Sunshine has a Master’s Degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine from World Medicine Institute in Honolulu, Hawaii and is a Licensed and Certified Massage Therapist. She has taught Mindful Movements and Healing Qi Gung for three decades. She is the founder of Syntropy Insight Bodywork, an awareness-based healing art.

Tobin Rangdrol, LMT, has been a meditator and somatic bodywork therapist for 20 years. He founded the Arcata School of Massage, and is the creator of Middleway Method Somatic Education and The Free Buddhism Project.

Cost: $600



Navigating Non-Monogamy


Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Oakland, CA


Curious about exploring ethnical non-monogamy but unsure where to start? There are so many different kinds of relationship structures and styles, how do you know which will work for you? Exploring non-monogamy can feel overwhelming and downright terrifying, but with the proper preparation and support, it can be exciting and empowering!

In this experiential workshop, you will:
·        Learn about the many kinds of ethical non-monogamy, including polyamory, open-relationships, swinging, and polyfidelity.
·        Explore your values to determine which relationship styles will work for you and your partner(s)
·        Discover how to find and date poly-friendly people
·        Examine the most common pitfalls of non-monogamous relationships and how to avoid them
·        Gain concrete tips that will help your relationship(s) survive and thrive

You don’t have to navigate this tricky terrain alone. With these resources, suggestions, and tools you’ll receive the support you need to explore ethical non-monogamy with greater clarity and ease!

Cost: $40


How to Have Difficult Conversations


Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

CIIS Public Programs
1453 Mission St,
San Francisco, California



Your skill and effectiveness as a leader can be made or broken through the quality of your conversations. There is both a science and an art to these conversations. This workshop is an overview of the mindset and skill set that inspires and catalyzes successful, essential conversations.

It includes a framework for utilizing discoveries from neuroscience, communication theories, as well as various psychologies including positive, cognitive, evolutionary, and existential. Become more adept at navigating conversations by gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges people face (including yourself) in having mindful, compassionate conversations. The principles and practices taught in this workshop are applicable to personal relationships as well.

Some of the skills and tools taught in this workshop:

• An approach for understanding the common opportunities and impediments to meaningful, leadership conversations
• Recognizing and addressing the hidden dynamics and issues people have behind their upsets
• The importance of interpersonal courage along with how to focus on and develop it more
• Why clarifying intention and staying on purpose is so critical to successful conversational outcomes
• The factors that increase the probability of having the other person receive your message positively
• Ways to recognize and identify emotional reactivity (defensiveness) as the core obstacle to successful conversations
• Awareness of the hidden assumptions that could derail an essential conversation
• Practices to diminish reactivity and inspire positive participation

Facilitator: Daniel Ellenberg


Free Partner Yoga Workshop & Special Valentine's Day Flow


Wednesday, February 14, 2018, at 4 PM to 8 PM

Turbo 26 Studio
Stanford Shopping Center,
Palo Alto, CA


Join us for a fun and FREE evening of partner yoga & special Valentine's Day flows. Class & workshops alternate every 1/2 hour.
4:00 - Flow
4:30 - Workshop
5:00 - Flow
5:30 - Workshop
6:00 - Flow
6:30 - Workshop
7:00 - Flow
7:30 - Workshop
Everyone can practice partner yoga! You don't need to bring a partner, we'll pair you up, but it would be nice to bring your bestie to practice with you and have some fun.

Cost: Free


Bathing in the Sound of the Beloved


Sunday, February 18, 2018 at 7 PM - 9 PM

1422 Grant Ave,
San Francisco, CA


Experience the deep transformative power of divinely inspired, improvised acoustic music to stir the soul, uplift the heart, and refresh the body and mind at a unique art gallery. Suellen Primost (on cello, Tibetan singing bowls and chimes) will be joined by Caroline Wong (on piano, flutes & ocarinas, drums & rattles).

For your complete relaxation, bring a yoga mat, blanket, cushion and water bottle. 

Event Flow:
Doors open at 7 (please arrive by 7:15 to set up your space)
Journey begins at 7:30
* Complimentary herbal tea will be available from 7
* Doors close at 7:30

Cost: $15 - $25


San Francisco’s Nude Valentine’s Parade


Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 11:00 am to 12:00 pm

Jane Warner Memorial Plaza
401 Castro Street,
San Francisco, CA

“The more we hide from our true selves the more separated we become from ourselves and from each other. True love knows no judgement, no hate, no separation. True self love means accepting yourself fully just the way you are, true self love means being completely free from shame in all its forms including body shame.” – SF Body Freedom activists


Drop the pretense, drop your pants (or skirts), take it all off and join the Nude Love Parade arriving in San Francisco the Saturday after Valentine’s Day to celebrate love and body freedom.

The nudists will celebrate love in its purest, most natural form to remind the city of San Francisco that love knows no bounds and obeys no rules. They want to remind everyone that we are only here today because our parents got naked and made love, that we were all born naked and that we are always naked underneath our clothes.

The group will gather at 10 am and start the march around 11am from Jane Warner Plaza. They typically march to City Hall and back, but no route details have been provided for 2018.

Cost: Free