Harold López-Nussa Trio


Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 7:30PM – 10PM

The Art Boutiki
44 Race Street
San Jose, CA


Hailing from Havana, Cuba, prodigious composer and virtuosic pianist Harold López-Nussa is rapidly becoming a household name in jazz with a feverous global following.

With fellow artists Mayquel González, Luques Curtis and Ruy Adrían López-Nussa, Harold's tight-knit quartet captivates audiences with a relentless vivaciousness that "bridges generations and genres" according to Billboard Magazine. His music reflects the full range and richness of Cuban music, with its distinctive combination of classical, folkloric and popular elements, as well as its embrace of jazz improvisation.

Within two days of release, Harolds new album Un Día Cualquiera was The Most Added on Jazz and College Radio in the United States. In the past year alone, Harold has performed for sold-out audiences at the Kennedy Center and SFJAZZ, along with the best jazz festivals in the world: Newport, North Sea, Monterey and Detroit.

López-Nussas single-note grace is akin to Herbie Hancocks, and his two-fisted attacks are as joyous as Chick Coreas! Downbeat Magazine

"Nussa is a genius in the manner in which he pulls together jazz, classical and traditional Cuban styles." JazzTimes

Cost: $35 - $45


HOT Jazz & Swing Night


Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 6 PM – 10 PM

Santa Cruz Food Lounge
1001 Center St, Ste 1,
Santa Cruz, California


Dress for the occasion and come out for a night of swinging music and dancing. Doors open at 6, music starts at 6:30

Come out for Kylan DeGhetaldi with the HOT Jazz Swing ensemble. With his extraordinary talent and energetic style, DeGhetaldi has performed with Postmodern Jukebox nationally and abroad. Since 2016, drummer and bandleader Tom Leitzke has been bringing together co-host DeGhetaldi and other talented local musicians for a night of “retro nouveau” Jazz Age music — ”a blend of vintage popular swing music and postmodern style arrangements. The infectiously danceable, family-friendly event, attracts swing dancers and jazz aficionados of all ages, from throughout the Bay Area."

Cost: Free


Living Your Inner Cosmic Queen 2-Day Retreat


June 8 – 9, 2019 (Saturday – Sunday)

Danville, CA


Please join this divine (2-day) very intimate and boutique like retreat for your soul. You will be taking a deep dive into discovering your inner cosmic queen and create your #dreamlife from a place of connection & authentic alignment to her.

Gorgeous - So much of what we do and don't have in our lives is a function of our limiting beliefs, negative emotions and our past based patterns that keep us inside the vicious cycle of uncertainty and self-doubt. You will experience powerful quantum clearing techniques in this 2-Day Retreat that will create a blank slate from which you can create a deliciously divinely inspired life from.

Whether you're a newcomer to this type of work, or a soul warrior who wants to experience a deeper and more profound divine connection, here is what you'll experience when you give yourself the gift of owning your inner Cosmic Queen (The 5 C's):
·         CertaintyTending to your heart's longings and living your life with the purpose of fulfilling them.
·         ClarityTranscending your spinning mind into a calm soul.
·         ConfidenceTuning into the transformative effects of energy, light, and the wonder of existence that is infinite and more importantly getting that you are never and have never been alone in the journey.
·         CongruenceTransforming your blaming others for how your life has turned out into owning ALL of who you are as Cosmic Creator... A fierce and soulful woman who is living a life aligned to the truth of what is important to her and her core values.
·         CourageTransmuting your patterns so that you can set clear boundaries and create an inspired VISION that inspires you and wakes you up to a life you love!

How we will connect to your cosmic queen? The day's program will include:
·         yoga, powerful meditation and transmutation practices
·         energy work - "divine light channeling"
·         awakening and activating soul coaching
·         ancient feminine ceremony
·         inspired intention setting
·         divine lunch and snacks
·         & some other gifts & surprises!

Cost: $300 - $400


Burning Man Desert Arts Preview 2019


Sunday, June 2, 2019 at 6 PM – 10 PM

Sydney Goldstein Theater (formerly Nourse Theater),
275 Hayes St,
San Francisco, CA


Desert Arts Preview is a beloved and exciting evening where artists will share the projects they plan to bring to the Burning Man event in 2019. Presenters will share their inspiration and hopes for these works in progress, giving the audience an exclusive window into their imagination and creative process.

This is also the perfect opportunity to learn how you can get involved and support these and other artists at the Burning Man event and year-round, as we increasingly seek to create interactive, collaborative and community-generating works of art in cities around the world. Come and learn how to get involved and help make the art you wish to see in the world.

Doors will open at 6:00 PM. Presentations being promptly at 7:00 PM. All seating is general admission, first-come, first-served. Due to new venue limitations we will not be able to serve food at the event, please eat early and plan to enjoy a full evening of presentations!

Cost: $25


Meditative Dance with Maria


Sunday, June 2, 2019 at 10 AM – 11:30 AM

Studio Anthurium
999E Edgewater Blvd., Unit E,
Foster City, California


Maria and Studio Anthurium invite you to 1.5 hours of relaxation, connection to yourself, meditation and just a feminine time!

During the class you will:
- relax, slow down and just enjoy the time that we dedicate to ourselves;
- dance, stretch and possibly try a free movement;
- awaken our inner-self through the stillness, breathing and listening to ourselves;
- accumulate our energy into a deep reservoir that is inside each of us, through meditation;
- spend a fun, playful, full of light and smiles, time in a safe and cozy atmosphere!

Candles, Palo santo, essential oils, crystals and singing bowl are gonna be with us:)!

You can dedicate this bright, beautiful Sunday Morning to yourself, feel the flow of your internal beauty and get to connect to yourself a little bit better! You deserve it!

Preferably, bring a long skirt. We meet barefoot, or comfortable soft-soles shoes.

Cost: $30.


Cuddle Party in Hayward


Sunday, June 2, 2019 at 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM PDT

Hayward, CA


Cuddle Party is a 3.5-hour communication workshop that focuses on personal boundaries and touch, in which participants have an opportunity to practice these skills by cuddling (or not). It’s a great opportunity to practice asking for what you want, saying no to what you don’t want and meeting new people. Cuddle Party is a strictly non-sexual event.

Doors open at 2:00pm and close at 2:30pm. There is no admittance after 2:30pm.
Please wear pajamas or other comfy clothes.
You are invited to bring snacks or non-alcoholic beverages to share with the group (optional).

Here's what you can expect at a cuddle party: at 2:30pm there will be a welcome circle which orients guests to the rules of cuddle party and has exercises to help practice the rules. Following the welcome circle are a few hours for free-style cuddling, eating snacks, or just hanging out. The event ends with a short closing circle.

The Cuddle Party is fragrance free event. Here are some important things to do to attend:
- don’t use scented dryer sheets and fabric softeners when washing clothing
- wear clean clothes laundered in fragrance-free laundry detergent and that have not been exposed to smoke or incense
- don’t wear cologne, perfume, body spray or scented oils
- be as scent free as possible with your soap, shampoo, lotion, hair products, etc.

Cost: $30


Silicon Valley Jewish Music Festival 2019


Sunday, June 2, 2019 at 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM PDT

Addison-Penzak Jewish Community Center Silicon Valley
14855 Oka Road
Los Gatos, CA


Enjoy live music, food, and family activities at this annual festival on the JCC field. This year’s theme will be camping and there will be song circles around a campfire, in between the headlining bands that will perform on the main stage. There will also be food trucks and a wine & beer vendor.

This year’s performers will be Eric & Happie, the Pharaoh’s Daughter Trio, and RocKid.

Bring a blanket or lawn chair to sit on. We also recommend bringing along some cash for food, as most food vendors don’t accept credit cards.

About the Bands
RocKid - performing at 2:30pm
This family-oriented rock band plays classic Israeli children's songs. After very successful shows in the USA and Israel, Rockid are coming to Los Gatos! We invite you to come with your kids and sing and dance along.

Pharaoh’s Daughter Trio - performing at 4:00pm
This Neo-Hasidic world music ensemble from New York travels effortlessly through continents, key signatures, and language, with lush Mediterranean genre-bending sound.

Eric & Happie - performing at 5:30pm
Eric and Happie are a singer-songwriter duo out of Tulsa, Oklahoma, blending folk harmonies with indie sensibilities. They’ll be playing songs from their debut Jewish indie folk album, Hamavdil, with melodies inspired by the warm harmonies of American folk music and the contagious hooks of modern indie pop.

Cost: $15 - $18


16th Annual Berkeley World Music Festival 2019


June 1 – 2, 2019 (Saturday – Sunday)

Telegraph Ave. at Haste St.,
Berkeley, CA



The all-free 16th Annual Berkeley World Music Festival celebrates song, music and dance from a wealth of cultures, Saturday &  Sunday, June 1-2. Some of Bay Area's finest artists perform in various locations within the Telegraph Avenue neighborhood near UC Berkeley. 

Saturday & Sunday world artists converge on Telegraph Avenue in an exciting mix of street sideshows and cafe concerts, Noon – 8 pm. Simultaneously Amoeba Music’s concert in People’s Park and crafts fair is Saturday, Noon – 6 pm. Saturday night Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community hosts an After-Festival party at 1317 San Pablo Avenue, near Gilman St.

On Sunday, the Festival joins "Sunday Streets Berkeley" on Telegraph.  The “Ave” between Dwight Way and Bancroft Ave becomes a pedestrian plaza for folks to gather round community music groups and family fun activities. Not to be missed is the Festival’s Finale at the Tap Haus, 2516 Durant Ave.

Festival sponsors include Amoeba Music, Askhenaz Music & Dance Community Center, Berkeley Community Media, City of Berkeley, East Bay Express, East Bay Media, KPFA 94.1FM, La Peña Cultural Center, Sonic.net, Sunday Streets, Telegraph Business Improvement District and UC Berkeley.


Cost: Free


Downtown Hayward Latin Jazz Festival: Free Admission


Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 1 PM – 7 PM

Downtown Hayward, CA


First Annual Downtown Hayward Latin Jazz Festival!
Downtown Hayward, B st. and Main St
Free event, Food Vendors, Arts & Crafts, Beer and wine

And of course live music by some of the Bay Area's favorites.

Stage-1 (Foothill & B st)             
Prieto & his Mirage Band 1:pm  
Carranza Latin Jazz 3:45 pm     

Stage-2 (Main st & A st)
Mario y su TembeKO 1:30 pm
Areas Latin Jazz Ensemble 4:15pm

Stage-3 (Main st & C st)
Momotombo SF 2:pm
Ricky's Grupo Afro-Nativo 4:45 pm

Just two blocks from Bart

Cost: Free



East West Drum Circle


Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 7:30 PM – 9 PM

East West Bookshop
324 Castro St,
Mountain View, California


Group drumming is meditation, stress-reduction, brain fitness, harmonizing, energizing, community-making, unifying & fun! David DiLullo takes us on an immersive musical experience to rejuvenate the mind, body, and spirit. Connect with the healing power of drumming in a 3-part format, which includes an open jam, facilitated drumming, and a guided meditation. David creates meditation and drumming events for forward-thinking companies in the Silicon Valley.

No experience needed, and drums are provided! Ages 18+.

Cost: $20 - $25


Ecstatic Chanting in San Francisco


Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 8 PM – 10 PM

Yoga Tree Castro,
97 Collingwood St.
San Francisco, CA


Bring in the summer season on a wave of invocation and celebration of life with the ecstatic practice of chanting!

Join legendary kirtan wallah Jai Uttal on a vocal journey through the sacred sounds of ancient India. With call-and-response group chanting and storytelling, Jai creates a space of heartfelt expression. Dive into the heart’s deepest well with your voice and your prayers…calling, crying, reaching across infinite space to touch and be touched by the Divine Presence.

From Jai: “These ancient chants contain a transformative power and healing energy. By singing these prayers we join a stream of consciousness and devotion that has been flowing for centuries.”

This evening is an exploration and expression of the heart and the spirit. No previous experience with chanting is needed.

Facilitators: Jai Uttal, Ben Leinbach, Lucia Lilikoi

Cost: $30 - $35


Free Jazz Band and Combos on the Lawn


Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 5 PM – 7:30 PM

Louis B Mayer Theatre
500 El Camino Real,
Santa Clara, California


Taking place on the Mayer Lawn in June, this concert will transport you into the mindset of summer. From classic to contemporary, Jazz Band & Combos explore the intricacies of jazz across the ages. Expect a swinging evening!

Cost: Free


Sound Healing & Acupuncture Immersion


Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

Breathe Together Yoga
14107 Winchester Blvd, Ste H,
Los Gatos, California


Join us for this one of a kind experience with sound healing and acupuncture treatment. Danny works with singing bowls, gongs, and chimes to cultivate healing vibrations that pass through our bodies, opening blockages, and allowing our minds to quiet. Bridget applies acupuncture needles to support the autumn’s grounding energy to align your body with its highest potential this season.

During the fall season, we can utilize the natural manifestation of letting go, as the leaves do in nature: supporting our process of moving inward and getting clear. This workshop is perfect for anyone feeling impacted by the seasonal change. Attendance will attune our inner vibration to health, harmony, and immunity for the fall and beyond.

Through the combination of healing sound vibrations and acupuncture, we experience an inner calm and deep relaxation enabling us to journey within, center, and root down.

Please wear loose fitting clothing that can easily be moved to both knees and elbows with a loose collar or v-neck.

Facilitators: Danny Goldberg & Bridget Puchalsky


Cost: $75


Kitka & Kostroma in San Francisco


Saturday, June 1, 2019 at 8 PM – 10 PM

St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church, San Francisco
2097 Turk St,
San Francisco, California


Join Kitka and Kostroma for an evening of Slavic songs, dances, and rituals for the spring and summer seasons intended to summon renewal, warmth, passion, partnership, fertility, and abundance. These powerful women's ensembles bring diverse yet complimentary perspectives to the lush, organically improvised harmonies and elemental rhythms of Russia's vast cultural landscape.

ABOUT KOSTROMA
Appearing in museum-quality handmade regional costumes, Kostroma, the vocal ensemble of Russian House Kedry, presents authentic renditions of folk songs and dances rarely heard outside of Russia’s remote rural villages. Russian House Kedry is made up of immigrant families who live in Silicon Valley with the goal to create a rich cultural and linguistic environment for the Bay Area's Russian-speaking community.

ABOUT KITKA
Currently celebrating its 40th Anniversary season, Kitka is a vocal arts ensemble inspired by traditional songs and vocal techniques from Eastern Europe and Eurasia. Based in Oakland, Kitka has earned international recognition for its distinctive sound, exploring a vast palette of ancient yet contemporary-sounding vocal effects. Kitka's commitment to presenting traditional song as a living and evolving expressive art form has led to adventurous collaborations with some of the world's most exciting indigenous musicians and contemporary composers ranging from Le Mystère des Voix Bulgares to Meredith Monk.

Cost: $25


Unleashing Your Erotic Feminine: Tantric Women's Circle

Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM PDT

Temple Dara
4920 Telegraph Ave
Oakland, CA


Join somatic sex educator and shamanic, Tantric practitioner, Caity Flanagan for a juicy immersion into the realms of embodied sexuality. Using modern adaptations of Tantric and Taoist rituals, together we will to heal shame, release stories of performance and perfectionism, and to aliven and awaken our Feminine sexual essence.

Our Circle Will Include:
·         Shame Healing Circle
·         Embodied Erotic Movement
·         Orgasmic Breathwork
·         Lessons on the Sacred Anatomy of Feminine Arousal
·         Yoni Adoration Ceremony
·         Tantric Practices for Cultivating Sexual Wellness

Come meet the voice of your erotic Feminine, learn how to cultivate your sexual vitality in service of deep healing and greater pleasure, and connect with a sacred circle of women.

Please note: This circle is a safe and sacred space to explore our erotic edges and the sensual spaces of healing; all practices are somatically grounded and trauma-informed. This workshop will involve optional nudity and is completely confidential. This workshop is for female-bodied and female-identified, women-identified or non-binary folks of all sexual orientations – please note we will discuss the anatomy of the cis-female body, as well as, the various types of female bodied orgasms.

Cost: $41

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/unleashing-your-erotic-feminine-tantric-womens-circle-tickets-60674498057

AfroHouse Dance Workshop


Wednesday, May 29, 2019 at 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PDT

The Lab
2948 16th St,
San Francisco, CA


AfroHouse Dance Workshop with Rashad aka Soul Nubian

Returning from a creative residency in South Africa bringing the Gqiom, Amapiano and Kwaito vibes! This workshop will explore the South African street dance movement with the fundamentals of black American House steps that include the: Jack, Stomping and Footworking.

AfroHouse: is a stylized club & street dance that blends Pan-African dance and House dance as a unified form. Rooted in South African music & dance culture, as a technique: AfroHouse explores AfroUrban stylistic transitions and sensibilities with the four on the floor bass rhythm. AfroHouse also pays homage to the roots of soulful lofting, traditional West African Dance, Afro-Caribbean and Capoeira where traditions converge on the dance floor.

Cost: $10


Wild Love: Unleash Your Heart!


May 25. 2019 at 9:30 AM – May 26, 2019 at 2 AM

Church of Soul
1550 5th St,
Oakland, California


How WILD is your love life? A bit tamer than you’d like? You’re not alone! It’s becoming harder and harder to make real, passionate connections. Everyone wants pleasure and intimacy, we just don’t know how to create it in a world full of swiping and one night stands.

We want something better. Something juicier than what we thought possible and aren’t willing to settle.

So we created a workshop to unleash your power, your body, your sacred sovereignty, and your freedom. ALL while supercharging your ability to create empowered connection and intimacy. Because you want it all. And you get to have it.

For couples and singles.

ABOUT WILD LOVE

Wild Love is run by four intimacy, sex and relationship professionals, who simply cannot get enough of each other’s brains and can’t stop laughing when we get together. When we met we knew we were striking gold and that we wanted to let more people in on it. Wild Love was born.

Wild Love is the beginning of a conscious community that connects desire and the heart. We’ve decided that we get to be deeply met in our emotional intimacy AND chemistry.

Wild Love is an immersive intimacy workshop that not only empowers you to create what you want in your love life, but gives you the confidence to show up fully in ALL areas of your life.

Wild love is NOT a dating event or another typical conversation about consent. This is not a sex party - and the Unleashed after party will have space to take yourself in a sensual direction - a "2nd base party" - the most fun you can have with your pants on!

We get to the heart of what is getting in the way between you and mind melting love. We give you cutting edge knowledge and tools so you can apply what you learn and embody the confident badass we know you are.

You will leave feeling:
·         Empowered to create and pursue what you want, in love and life.
·         Embodied in your clear YES, and your NO.
·         Expressed in your unique specialness - the amazing gift of YOU.
·         Energized to move, dance, play, and make love to life.
·         Engaged with a growing community of conscious BADASSES.
·         Evolved into a fuller relationship with your deepest self.
·         Elevated to a higher vibration of loving - yourself and others.

Breakout sessions will hit:
·         How do I live from a place of turn on & be fully sexually expressed without weirding someone out
·         Why do I keep getting in the same situations with people I am attracted to and what can I do to make EMPOWERED choices instead of impulsive ones
·         How do I hold onto my authenticity and vulnerability when I fall in love, and not be so embarrassed about sharing who I truly am
·         I get all full of butterflies and CAN’T THINK when I like someone! HALP!

You will learn how a calm nervous system is sexier than great abs and pillowy hair. All peppered with corny dad jokes + powerful embodiment exercises. We kid you not.

This is how we do it:
·         9:30am - Open doors
·         10am - Welcome circle begins and doors are CLOSED
·         12pm - Lunch (provided)
·         1:30pm - Breakout sessions
·         5pm - dinner & social time: hang out, flirt, enjoy the awesome that you are.
·         7pm - BREAK and put on something that makes you feel DELICIOUS
·         8pm to 2am - Wild Love Unleashed After Party

Cost: $100 - $140


Rupa & The April Fishes and LoCura in Santa Cruz


Sunday, May 26, 2019 at 8 PM – 11 PM

Moe's Alley, 
1535 Commercial Way,
Santa Cruz, California

Moe's Alley wraps up a 3-day weekend with a very special double bill featuring RUPA & THE APRIL FISHES + LOCURA.  This will be the official Santa Cruz album release celebration for Rupa's brand new release "Growing Upward".


ABOUT RUPA & THE APRIL FISHES:
Rupa and the April Fishes create a sound that pulsates with the pluralism of Bay Area culture, celebrating life and the art of resistance through a wide musical palette that pulls from over a decade of playing street parties, festivals and symphonic concerts through 29 countries with songs in 5 languages. Under the direction of composer, frontwoman, activist and physician Rupa, the band creates a live experience which is a manifestation of a world beyond nations, where the heart of humanity beats louder than anything that divides us.


ABOUT LOCURA:
For the past 11 years, Oakland-based LoCura has crafted their own unique musical identity: "Califas Mestizo Music," a blend of Latin American and Iberian rhythms such as rumba, cumbia, salsa and flamenco influenced by punk rock, ska, rap, dub, reggae, dancehall with local and global lyrical themes. The band's name ("it cures it") reflects their ethos of making music a remedy, a theme which permeates lyrics such as "la cultura cura la locura (culture cures the madness).”

Cost: $10 Advance/$15 Day of Show


Healing Harp Immersion


Sunday, May 26, 2019 at 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM PDT

Sound Temple Healing Arts
503 D Street
Suite 6
San Rafael, CA


Unwind, relax and enjoy this unique sound healing experience. The Celtic harp has an ancient history of being used for healing and connecting to sacred, celestial realms. Let the crystalline sound of the harp carry you deep into your heart.

This sound healing meditation also includes voice, chimes, Tibetan bowls, drum, kalimba, angel harp, tuning forks and other instruments. Let go into the bliss of pure being through intentional sound and vibration. Christine will be joined by Kem Stone to create this meditative, peaceful experience.

There are many benefits to sound healing including the creation of deep states of relaxation that encourage brainwaves to shift from beta (alert, wakeful consciousness) to deeper states such as alpha, theta and even delta where deep rest and healing take place.

The nervous system shifts from the sympathetic (fight or flight) to the parasympathetic (rest and digest), heart rate, breathing and blood pressure decrease and consciousness can shift, open and expand.

We are vibrational beings. Come bring your intentions for healing and insight to this sacred circle of beauty and peace.

Please bring a blanket, yoga mat, pillows, eye pillow, water or anything else you might need to make yourself comfortable while laying down.

About Christine Tulis:

Christine feels a deep resonance with the ancient, sacred lineage focused on the transformational and healing powers of the harp. The harp has been played in cultures around the world to facilitate healing, access spiritual vision and connect with the celestial realms.

Christine's music is created out of a deep love of the harp and its archetypal role as a link between heaven and earth. She loves creating musical experiences that open inner gateways and support healing and spiritual awakening.

In addition to her musical and sound healing pursuits Christine is an extraordinary healing artist whose sessions include Master level Reiki energy healing, massage/bodywork, sound and the ancient art of Anointing with Holy Oils. Her sessions are nationally renowned for their transformational effects. Please visit her website to learn more and to schedule a private session.

Cost: $30


Free Digital Detox: Meditation in Nature with Nikki Mirghafori


Sunday, May 26, 2019 at 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM PDT

Environmental Volunteers’ EcoCenter
2560 Embarcadero Road
Palo Alto, CA 


Join us for an afternoon retreat at the Environmental Volunteers’ EcoCenter located at the beautiful Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve. We will collectively turn off our digital devices and turn our hearts and minds to awe inspiring nature inside and outside. There will be guided meditation, periods of silent sitting and walking, Q/A, and a short dharma talk. Beginners and experienced practitioners welcome.

This event is part of the offerings at the Insight Meditation Center in Redwood City, CA (www.InsightMeditationCenter.org), with support from the Environmental Volunteers (www.evols.org).

Chairs available. If you wish to sit on the floor, please bring zafu/zabuton.


Cost: Free


San Francisco Carnaval 2019: Free Admission


May 25 - 26, 2019 (Saturday – Sunday)

Harrison Street and 24th Street,
San Francisco, CA


The 41st San Francisco Carnaval Festival transforms Harrison Street into a wonderland. Come celebrate annual Carnaval San Francisco, a free 2–day family festival in San Francisco’s Mission District.

The word “healing” often refers to the relief of physical pain. However, there are other forms of pain that also cause us distress -- mental, emotional, and spiritual. All human beings share the common desire to avoid pain, to heal and live healthy lives. Carnaval San Francisco, following the traditions of the many countries represented in our celebration, believes that culture has the power to heal today as it has in the past.

Culture is in everything we see and do--it is in our values, belief systems, and activities. It is passed from one generation to the next by communication and imitation. A society’s cultural traditions are kept alive through music, dance, theater, literature, language and art.

During the civil rights struggles of the 1960’s, art and music was used to galvanize and inspire community action, while healing the minds, bodies, and souls of people. A famous phrase from the era, “La Cultura Cura,” translated as “Culture Heals,” was used in culturally relevant poster art, music and theater to communicate the issues of the day and inspire community action.

Carnaval San Francisco intends to rally behind “La Cultura Cura” as a social and moral statement to counter the polarized political environment in the U.S. today. As an organization, we aim to heal and build support systems for our community through the creation of culturally relevant art, music, dance and dialogue.

We believe that culture has the power to affirm one’s value, build a diverse community, and politically mobilize people of color, leading to positive outcomes and collective healing. Although Carnaval San Francisco is best-known as a massive two-day celebration that takes place over Memorial Day weekend, we also create year-round cultural events that heal our community such as the Mardi Gras Fat Tuesday festivity, the Royalty Competition, photo exhibits in public spaces, and our year-round Cultural Arts & Health Education in Mission District public schools.

In the spirit of resistance and healing, Carnaval San Francisco dedicates the 2019 celebration with the theme “La Cultura Cura / Culture Heals.”

It's an honor to have the legendary Los Tigres del Norte perform at Carnaval. After many decades in the industry, they continue to be wildly popular. Their songs resonate with several generations. There's also a synergy between the band's music and Carnaval San Francisco's theme this year. "La Cultura Cura/Culture Heals" was chosen to bring awareness to the fact that the creation of art, music, dance and dialogue helps communities build support systems.


Cost: Free


Aloha Festival: Free Admission


Saturday, May 25, 2019, 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM PDT

South Shore Center
Alameda, CA


Join us at South Shore Center in celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month by attending our FREE Aloha Festival!

About this Event

WHEN: Saturday, May 25th from 12PM - 3PM

WHERE: Performances at Center Court / Food at Neptune Court

WHAT: Live Music, Polynesian Dance, Hula lessons, tribal air brush tattoos, games, plus delicious food for purchase

WHO: Live Music by Haopinaka (from 12PM - 1PM) and Polynesian Dance performances and Hula lessons by Halau Makana Polynesian Cultural Arts Center (from 1PM - 3PM). Hawaiian food provided by Hula Truck, Korean food by Bowl'd, and tropical smoothies by Jamba Juice

Cost: Free


Bay Area Singles Black and White dance party


Saturday, May 25, 2019, 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM PDT

Crowne Plaza Hotel Silicon Valley
777 Bellew Drive
Milpitas, CA


Women wear black and Men wear white at our first-ever Black & White Dance!

Adults of all ages welcome!

BONUS:
Icebreaker Games, 7-8:30pm, where even the shyest person gets to meet new friends, before the dancing starts! We recommend you prepay if you want to participate in the Icebreaker Games, as we are striving to have a 50-50 gender balance and tickets usually sell out for some of the age or gender groups.

Cost:
Ticket Price for Ice-Breaker and Dance Party: (7:00PM to 12:00AM)
$25 Advance
$30 At the Door

Ticket Price for Dance Party: (8:30PM to 12:00AM)
$15 Advance
$20 At the Door


Reiki Healing Night - Open to all!


Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 7 PM – 9 PM

Reiki Energy Healing
174 S. Main Street,
Milpitas, California


Reiki is a form of energy healing that can help alleviate physical, emotional, mental and spiritual stress. It is a way to ‘tune-up’ your energy to its healthiest state allowing for healing to take place. Reiki is a gentle and safe healing practice that is geared towards removing any energy blocks in our system caused by emotional, mental or physical stress and pain. During a Reiki Session a practitioner places his or her hands on the client with the intention of the Reiki Energy to flow. This Reiki energy, also known as the Universal Life Force Energy, is not the practitioner's energy. It is a divinely guided energy that knows exactly where the blocks are and pushes them out as well as fills up the energy gas tanks wherever you are low in energy. And because Reiki does not use the practitioner's energy it is safe for both the practitioner as well as the Reiki recipient. You do not run the risk of absorbing the practitioner's energy and vice versa. During a session a person may feel heat, tingling or cooling sensations as blocks are removed. Most all clients get to a deep state of peace and relaxation during a session.

Learn how Reiki can help you with financial abundance and remove any obstacles in your path.  Leave feeling refreshed and energized and share your experiences with like-minded folks in a friendly, comfortable and welcoming environment.

The group sessions include:
- A brief introduction to Reiki
- Stories about how Reiki has impacted others
- A healing meditation
- A brief Reiki chair session
- An opportunity to practice Reiki for Reiki level I and higher practitioners

All are welcome!

Cost: $25


Dance in Nature - 5 Rhythms out amongst the Redwoods


Saturday, May 25, 2019 at 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM

Mill Valley, CA


An afternoon of 5 Rhythms dance outdoors (via silent disco headsets) in groove of redwood trees on lovey private land in Mill Valley.

About this Event

Join us for an afternoon of dancing the 5 Rhythms out in a lovely grove of old redwoods in Mill Valley.

In Wild Moves we use "silent disco" headsets to allow us to take part in 5 Rhythms classes outdoors- letting us find the freedom of dancing together in areas of outstanding beauty- with no noise pollution to the surrounding environment.

We use the dance as a dynamic movement practice that ignites creativity, connection, and community. There are no steps to learn, nothing to get right, just being with our own body as we move to the music. No dance experience is necessary.

For many millennia people have gathered together to dance; often out of doors. In Wild Moves events we continue that ancient tradition with modern methods; using the headset technology we can simultaneously both tend to ourselves as we dive deep into the dance- and respect the environment around us and all of its inhabitants.

Science has since proven that those who dance regularly have brighter minds, greater emotional intelligence and a calmer presence. It’s a wonderful way to relax and recharge, to literally “come to our senses” as we move to the music; getting out into the great outdoors...

Suitable for ages 18-108.

Wild Moves events are facilitated by accredited 5 Rhythms teacher, moving meditation guide, writer and accomplished dance producer Tess Howell, whom has been running these highly popular events in the UK and world-wide since 2012.

Tess leads these events with warmth, vitality, humor and depth; skillfully using the dance to guide us back towards what matters most in life.

Full location info sent on booking.

Cost: $25 - $30