• Afro Solo’s Jazz in the Gardens
• Homenagem Brasileira
  
• Pistahan
• Consulate General of Japan presents Sawai Koto School
• Woman’s Will: Bertolt Brecht’s Good Person of Szechuan
• Carnaval/SF 2008 Awards Celebration
• Marcus Shelby Trio + Special Guest
• Tom Rigney & Flambeau + Norton Buffalo
• Richard Howell
• Brazilian Percussion Celebration
• Children’s Garden Series
• *BUZZ*ing Around the Gardens
• YBGF on MySpace

Afro Solo’s Jazz in the Gardens
SaxoPhoNia: In Praise of the Saxophone
Saturday, August 2, 1-4pm
In collaboration with the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, AfroSolo presents its seventh annual jazz concert. This year AfroSolo celebrates the saxophone and the jazz innovators who pioneered today’s modern saxophone sound – Charlie Parker, John Coltrane, Lester Young, & James Moody. Pack a picnic and a blanket to enjoy a wonderful afternoon of jazz featuring Richard Howell, musical prodigy Razel Merritt, and Robin Nzinga Smith - each presenting three diverse takes on jazz saxophone.

Multi-instrumentalist, saxophonist, vocalist, Richard Howell’s powerful, sensually melodic saxophone playing has been heard with artists as diverse and definitive as blues/jazz/soul legends Etta James, Chaka Khan, Della Reese, Cecil Taylor, and Don Cherry.

At the age of fifteen, Razel Merritt has garnered a reputation for his tonal quality and has performed with many of today’s leading jazz artists. Merritt is a member of the Oaktown Jazz Workshops.

Robin Nzingah Smith has studied at Boston’s Berklee College of Music and Rutgers University. Nzingah currently plays with Infinite Kin and B-Free, and is the lead alto-saxophonist in Oakland’s Count Basie Tribute Band.

"AfroSolo has enabled a wonderful discourse on black culture and black identity to occur between its spectators and its performers. AfroSolo has filled a void by bringing theory and practice, scholarship and performance together." – Harry Elam, Jr., Associate Professor of Theater Director of the Committee on Black Performing Arts Stanford University

Homenagem Brasileira
Thursday, August 7, 12:30-1:30pm
Homenagem Brasileira is a musical journey through the world of Brazilian jazz. Vocalist Sandy Cressman and her critically acclaimed band – featuring Weber Iago on keyboards, David Belove on bass, Celso Alberti on drums, and Harvey Wainapel on saxophones – pays tribute to the great Brazilian composers Ivan Lins, Dori Caymmi, Antonio Carlos Jobim, Toninho Horta and many others, by interpreting their music in the way it was intended: intimate and melodic, or fiercely rhythmic. Today’s concert celebrates the re-release of their first self-titled CD, Homenagem Brasileira.

“Sandy Cressman presents a soulful tribute to the contemporary musical heritage of Brazil." – Jesse Varela, Latin Beat Magazine

Pistahan
Saturday & Sunday, August 9 & 10, 11am-5pm
The two-day 14th annual Pistahan features seven pavilions and several stages highlighting music, dance, art, crafts, cuisine, artifacts, and a special trade expo featuring products unique to the Philippines: mother of pearl, bamboo, coconut, Philippine mahogany, marble, pineapple fiber and more.

"I love this event… for me there's nothing like being surrounded by your people. And it's a lot cheaper than flying back to Manila." – Yelp Review

Pistahan

Consulate General of Japan presents Sawai Koto School
Thursday, August 14, 12:30-1:30pm
The Sawai Koto School (Sawai Sokyoku-in), presented by the Consulate General of Japan, was founded by Tadao Sawai and Kazue Sawai to take koto beyond the boundaries of the traditional Japanese form, developing a new means of musical expression. In pursuing this goal they have worked with other Japanese musicians from traditional genres, as well as with major performers from Western classical, jazz, avant-garde, and other world music traditions.

Woman’s Will Good Person of Szechuan
Written by Bertolt Brecht with Margarete Steffin and Ruth Berlau
Adapted and directed by Erin Merritt, music by Rona Siddiqui
Friday, August 15, 6pm, Children’s Garden
Saturday, August 16, 4pm, Children’s Garden
Good Person follows three lazy gods in search of one good person. Can Shen Te the prostitute be the one? Or will her neighbors, her lover and her big bad cousin ruin the day? Grab a picnic and a friend, and warm yourself on Brecht's side-splitting, song-filled take on all that is wrong with the world. The show runs 2 1/2 hours, so please wear sunscreen and sweaters! Good Person is rated PG for some crude language but none of the "words you can't say on television." The actor- and text-based productions of Woman's Will are intelligent and visceral, yet clearly told so even the youngest members of the family can join in the fun.

"Bertolt Brecht's charming, slyly provocative and timeless 'parable play,' which seems timelier than ever in Woman's Will's free summer production in Bay Area parks." – Robert Hurwitt, SF Chronicle.

Carnaval/SF 2008 Awards Celebration
Saturday, August 16, 1-4pm
Time to wear your glitter and feathers! Join the festivities with performances by the Grand Prize winners and Carnaval 2008 participants. Meet the reigning King and Queen and other Carnaval royalty. Celebrating its 30th year, Carnaval San Francisco is the largest multi-cultural event on the West Coast. Bring a picnic and join a family-friendly afternoon of dance and music.

"Excellent to see communities from SF celebrating their diverse cultural traditions and displaying their talents." – Audience Survey

Marcus Shelby Trio + Kenny Washington
Thursday, August 21, 12:30-1:30pm
Bay Area favorite Marcus Shelby is an award-winning composer, arranger, educator and bassist. The Marcus Shelby Trio will be joined by special guest vocalist Kenny Washington.

"The material Shelby addresses in his compositions and arrangements… is socially pertinent in a way that has largely gone missing in jazz in recent years." – Derk Richardson, SF Gate

Tom Rigney & Flambeau + Norton Buffalo
Saturday, August 23, 1-2:30pm
Fiddle virtuoso Tom Rigney provides a narrated musical tour of traditional roots music of Louisiana, illustrated with performances of classic and contemporary examples. Tom Rigney and his ensemble Flambeau play a scorching blend of Cajun, Zydeco, blues, and New Orleans music. This year Flambeau is honored to be joined by special guest, Grammy-nominated Norton Buffalo – renowned harmonica virtuoso who has worked and recorded with such musical greats as Steve Miller, Bonnie Raitt, Roy Rogers, and many others. Warning: audience will experience some difficulty staying seated!

"Dazzling...a surprising musical experience, vibrant and various in its repertoire of original compositions. It is hard to sit still through the sweet compelling airs and stompin' Cajun melodies played with joyous virtuosity." – Janet Gallin, San Francisco Moda Magazine

"To say that Norton plays harmonica is on the order of calling Miles Davis a trumpeter." – Salt Lake Tribune

Richard Howell
Thursday, August 28, 12:30-1:30pm
Charismatic composer/saxophonist Richard Howell’s music draws from the exuberant, rich cultural heritage and definitive elements of the African diaspora.

"The charismatic, communicative jazz saxophonist from San Francisco brings out the role of jazz as a grassroots art form... Jazz expert or not, you can internalize the emotional effect." – Jazzradio 101.9 Berlin

Brazilian Percussion Celebration
Sunday, August 31, 1-3 pm
Experience a wild ride through the diverse world of Brazilian percussion. Carnaval styles feature large drum-based ensembles such as samba-batucada and samba-enredo from Rio de Janeiro, maracatu and coco from the Northeastern state of Pernambuco, and samba-reggae from Salvador, Bahia. Smaller ensembles include samba de mesa/pagode from Rio de Janeiro and the traditional samba de roda from Bahia. The stage will also be graced by the sacred rhythms from Candomblé de Ketu, an Afro-Brazilian religion that cultivates Yoruba deities, the Orixás. To round out the afternoon of drumming, there will be an exhilarating demonstration of the Afro-Brazilian martial arts dance, capoeira. Co-presented with California Brazil Camp.

Internationally known teacher-performers include:

Samba from Rio and Candomblé
Jorge Alabê

Percussion and Vocals for Samba from Rio
Jason Stanyek and Brian Davis, Carlinhos Pandeiro d' Ouro, Moyseis Marques

Northeastern Styles, Maracatu and Coco
Jorge Martins, Scott Kettner, Cacau Arcoverde

Samba-Reggae, Samba de Roda
Marcio Peter, Wagner Albultre

Caterpillar Puppets


Jackie Rago of VMP


The Unique Derique

Children’s Garden Series

The month of August is the last chance to enjoy our popular Children’s Garden Series, interactive performing arts designed to delight and entertain children under 10 and their adults. Programs take place in the Children’s Garden, Howard & Fourth Streets, near the historic Zeum Carousel and the Learning Garden. Except where indicated, there are two performances per show date, each running about 30 minutes.

“Wonderful opportunity to introduce children to the world of real music, and to appreciate live performances.” – Audience Survey

Caterpillar Puppets
Fridays, August 1 & August 29, Saturday, August 23, 11am & 12:15pm
Top stars of the Caterpillar Puppets are the Three Little Bla-bla-blas, a baby orangutan, and a rainforest monster whom the audience must help sing peacefully to sleep.

“The show was FANTASTIC! :-)” – Audience Survey

Venezuelan Music Project
Saturday, August 2, 11am & 12:15pm
Led by Jackeline Rago, VMP performs a wide range of music, from folklore driven songs executed with traditional instruments, to more contemporary urban dance compositions complimented by the addition of the electric bass, flute, and saxophone. Combining Indigenous-Venezuelan, West African and Spanish-European influences, VMP is a dynamic ensemble full of vibrancy, energy, and color.

The Unique Derique
Friday, August 8 & Saturday, August 16, 11am & 12:15pm
Turning his agile limbs into a drum set or a harpsichord keyboard, the Unique Derique delights audiences of all ages. His interactive performance – percussive, syncopated, and dynamic – will leave you smiling for the rest of the day.

“Very funny – great for the kids!” – Audience Survey

California Sing-Along with Charlie Chin
Friday, August 15, 11am & 12:15pm
Join folksinger Charlie Chin as he plays the guitar and banjo, taking us on a sing-along journey through California history. We'll visit the Gold Rush, the building of the Trans-Continental Railroad, pass through the Golden Gate and find our hearts in San Francisco.

Chelle! & Friends
Friday, August 22, 11am & 12:15pm
Chelle! & Friends perform music from New Orleans, one of the most musical, fun-loving cities in the world. The land where Jazz was born, New Orleans is home to many famous musicians and has played an important role in the development of American music. Join the party, move your feet, sing-along, and join a Mardi Gras parade to celebrate this great city. Laissez les bon temps rouler!

“Feel the love. Feel the joy. Hope and dance. That's what Chelle! & Friends is all about.” – Amazon.com Review

Balamcoatl: Mesoamerican Music & Dance
Saturday, August 30, Noon-1pm (one presentation)
Balamcoatl takes audiences on a journey of movement and experimental sound from the South to the North of Mexico, using traditional regional costumes and instruments. Balam (jaguar in Maya), and coatl (serpent in Nahuatl), unite to weave Mesoamerican themes into a tapestry of colorful legends, drawing audience members into the story through participatory song and dance. During the interactive presentation, children have the opportunity to dance inside the jaguar’s paper mâché costume and play instruments such as turtle shells with deer horns, maracas, drums, and rattles. (Narrated Program.)

Charlie Chin


Balamcoatl

Moonalice in Union Square

*BUZZ*ing Around the Gardens

Please check out these events sponsored by Gardens Festival partners!

Union Square Park
80 FREE events over the summer in the heart of downtown San Francisco, including Lindy in the Square, Night Caps Blues Band, Moonalice, Diego’s Umbrella, and Film Night!

Nice Guy Trio, Jewish Community Center of Berkeley
August 30
Featuring summer classes, the world-renowned Jazz Festival, Jazz Camp, and Residency.

And please visit our neighbors while in Yerba Buena Gardens!

Zeum
Yerba Buena Ice Skating & Bowling Center
YBCA
MoAD
Museum of Craft & Folk Art
Cartoon Art Museum
Contemporary Jewish Museum
SFMOMA
Metreon
Mo's Grill
B's Restaurant
Samovar

YBGF on MySpace
Will you be our friend? Find pictures of artists, video clips of performances, and up-to-date information on our season. Check us out at www.myspace.com/ybgfestival.

Season Sponsors

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
We can’t thank 2008 Yerba Buena Gardens Festival sponsors enough
for supporting all the FREE public programming in Yerba Buena Gardens.

In-kind and Pro-Bono Contributors: John Spicer Photography, MJM Management Group,
Millennium Partners, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, Latino Entertainment Partners,
David Wong, ProPiano, Copy Central

About the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival presents classical, world and jazz music, contemporary and traditional dance, theater, children’s and family programs, and cultural events reflecting the rich cultures and creativity of the region. Artistic excellence, inclusion, diversity, and innovation are at the heart of our mission. As the only curated arts park fully dedicated to the long-term presentation of free arts and cultural programs, Yerba Buena Gardens has a unique place in the cultural landscape of San Francisco.

Yerba Buena Gardens is located on Mission between 3rd & 4th Streets in downtown San Francisco, approximately 2 blocks from the BART/MUNI Powell or Montgomery Street stations. MUNI bus lines, CalTrain, Golden Gate Transit, SamTrans, and AC Transit all make convenient stops near the Gardens.

All programs are free with open seating; however, chair seating is limited. We recommend attendees dress in layers and bring blankets, picnics, and low lawn chairs for optimum comfort. YBGF hats and new limited edition t-shirts designed by world-renowned SF artist Michael Rios (1st in our series of artist-designed t-shirts) are available for a small donation.

NO PETS PLEASE. ADA accessible.

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival | Yerba Buena Arts & Events
760 Howard Street | San Francisco, CA 94103 | 415-543-1718
www.YBGF.org | www.myspace.com/ybgfestival