Live Jazz in SF Bay

The Finnish Heritage Society and Outsound Presents Rent Romus https://www.bayimproviser.com/artist/97/rent-romus , Heikki Koskinen https://www.bayimproviser.com/artist/393/heikki-koskinen 's The Otherworld Ensemble play SOUL BIRD SUITE + ZELE, Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble’s East Bay community chorus Rent Romus https://www.bayimproviser.com/artist/97/rent-romus , Heikki Koskinen https://www.bayimproviser.com/artist/393/heikki-koskinen and The Otherworld Ensemble will present Soul Bird at the iconic Berkeley Finnish Hall , a musical odyssey of mythic bird stories. The spark originally came from the stories of the Siberian Jay, also known in Finland as ‘kuukkeli’, which is found throughout the Arctic regions of the world. In Finland, as well as in other Finno-Ugric cultural myths, this small, brave and charismatic bird is considered to be the carrier of human souls to and from the afterlife of Manala (the Underworld). OTHERWORLD ENSEMBLE: Rent Romus - alto & soprano saxophones, c-flute, bird calls Heikki Koskinen - e-trumpet, piano, tenor recorder, ocarina, birch bark horn, bird calls Elihu Knowles - drums, frame drum, piano, bird calls Joshua Marshall - tenor & soprano saxophones, c-flute, melodica, bird calls Safa Shokrai - double bass, bird calls Joseph Noble - alto, bass, & c-flutes, bird calls ZELE, Kitka Women’s Vocal Ensemble’s East Bay community chorus, is now in its 22nd season. This vibrant women’s choir sings folk tunes and choral pieces from Eastern Europe, the Balkans and the Caucasus regions. The music is steeped in the richness and diversity of women’s ancient a cappella singing traditions bursting with odd rhythms and dissonant harmonies. Its vocalists revel in the joy and transformative powers of group singing and community song sharing. kitka.org/zele-community-chorus https://www.kitka.org/zele-community-chorus Doors 6:30 PM Music 7:00 PM $15/20 Advance Tickets @Eventbrite or at the Door https://www.eventbrite.com/e/otherword-ensemble-zele-tickets-1985695210829

Two adventurous musical spirits who delight in the here and now. Over the last decade, internationally acclaimed recording artist and multi-percussionist Ian Dogole (www.iandogole.com) and master multi-instrumentalist and sound healer René Jenkins (www.vibetherapy.org) have developed a symbiotic chemistry that knows no bounds. Their musical forays are deeply rooted in the ancestral indigenous music cultures of the Americas, Africa and beyond, and when combined with their irrepressible spirit of adventure, the result is a sonic feast for the senses and an uplifting, healing experience that is transformational.

Opening set by Jazzschool High School Combo led by Max Brody Josh Jones Latin Quintet Chloe Scott Jones, flute Danny Lubin-Laden, trombone Erick Peralta, keys/bass Josh Jones, drums with special guest: Sadie Scott Jones, bass Jazzschool High School Combo Ellie Kim-Turnoff, clarinet Ethan Shankman, trombone Andres Navarro, guitar Sadie Scott Jones, bass Ilan Chu-gamez, piano Lyra Renninger, drums A mainstay of Bay Area Latin jazz for decades, drummer and bandleader Josh Jones brings his quintet to the Jazzschool for an evening of dynamic AfroCuban jazz, featuring music by legends Eddie Palmieri, Ray Barretto, Maraca, and more. The Jazzschool High School Combo led by Max Brody plays an opening set, and includes Jones’ daughter Sadie on bass, who graduates from the program this spring. Drummer and percussionist Josh Jones is recognized internationally from his touring and recording with such Jazz greats as Don Cherry, Steve Coleman, Omar Sosa, Yosvany Terry, and Jacqui Naylor. His recent recording projects include We Are Not The Headliner with Omar Sosa, Then and Now with Blue Note recording artist Benny Green, as well as a project with Cuban jazz royalty Chuchito Valdes. In addition to his robust performance career, Jones is a highly respected educator, and at the Jazzschool leads the ever-popular Adult Latin Big Band. Doors 7 pm Pre-concert talk 7:30 pm Concert 8 pm

Celebrate Father’s Day with the irresistible rhythms of the John Santos Sextet, featuring the band’s original compositions and reimagined arrangements. Seven-time Grammy–nominated percussionist John Santos is recognized as one of the leading figures in Afro-Latin music. Born in San Francisco and raised in Puerto Rican and Cape Verdean musical traditions, he is known for his innovative blend of traditional forms with contemporary influences. Over his five-decade career, he has earned wide respect as a performer, composer, educator, writer, and producer, and has collaborated with renowned artists such as Cachao, Dizzy Gillespie, Tito Puente, Max Roach, Eddie Palmieri, Bobby Hutcherson. Founded in 2003, the John Santos Sextet is regarded as one of the premier Afro-Latin jazz ensembles in the United States. Their repertoire highlights original works and dynamic reimaginations of classic rhythms and styles from Latin America and the U.S. Their acclaimed recordings showcase the Afro-Latin roots of jazz, produced largely on Santos’s Machete Records label, established in 1984. The Sextet has released nine highly praised albums since 2007, consistently engaging with projects of cultural and social significance. John Santos – Percussion; Dr. John Calloway – Flute & Piano; Charlie Gurke – Sax; Marco Diaz – Piano & Trumpet; Saul Sierra – Bass; David Flores – Drums