Monday, November 14, 2016: Oakland Public Conservatory

We speak with Angela Wellman, founder and director of the Oakland Public Conservatory, now celebrating its tenth anniversary in a brand new space, after being displaced due to gentrification. Wellman was recently given a key to Oakland in recognition of the contribution of this unique Bay Area institution.

Click here to listen to entire show. 59:50 min.

OPC observes its anniversary with an afternoon and evening of African American Roots Music on Saturday, November 19.  Concert at 7 pm, workshops begin at 3:00, followed by a catered community dinner.   Purchase tickets here.

Don't miss this exciting day of music by members of the Grammy Award-winning  Carolina Chocolate Drops,  Rhiannon Giddens and Hubby Jenkins, who have made a career out of delving into the lesser known story of black string bands. On Saturday, September 19th,  Giddens and Jenkins bring their explorations to Oakland through workshops and a culminating concert.  They will discuss the history, techniques, and contributions of Black string bands. With the aid of recordings and films they will break down tunes and give plenty of opportunities for playing music. Rounding out the trio is the talented tap dancer, Robynn Watson, member of Savion Glover's STePz. Watson will also present a workshop. The evening ends with a concert full of plenty fun and frolic. 

Workshops  1:30-3:30 pm

Black Ballads, Blues and Work Songs

Banjo, Bones, Tap Dance

Concert at 7:00

Also on today's show:

Palestine and the US Elections

Revolutionary Lesbian Poet Pat Parker