Filed under Festivals

34th Annual Bay Area KidFest

34th Annual Bay Area KidFest

Bay Area Festivals welcomes you to the 34th Annual Bay Area KidFest, happening Memorial Day Weekend — May 24, 25 & 26! On opening day, we had the chance to see Puppy Pals, as featured on America’s Got Talent! Kids were invited to sit at the front of the stage to dance and cheer on the talented … Continue reading »

The City of Richmond’s Free Literacy Festival

The City of Richmond’s Free Literacy Festival

When looking for places to take the family, don’t underestimate the value of events hosted by your local library or city. My daughter and I recently attended a fantastic “Literacy Festival” organized by the City of Richmond, the Richmond Public Library, Friends of the Library, and a group of dedicated community partners. The event offered … Continue reading »

Come Celebrate at this year’s Beer Mitzvah!

Come Celebrate at this year’s Beer Mitzvah!

Did you know that most beer can be considered “kosher-style” when it does not contain lactose, gelatin, spices, fruit or fruit syrups! Come celebrate this knew knowledge (unless you knew already, then come celebrate this old knowledge) and Temple Israel as they countdown to their 100th anniversary in 2020. Continue reading »

SDLFF – Frontera Filmmakers

SDLFF – Frontera Filmmakers

The San Diego Latino Film Festival shows a variety of themed short film blocks. Every year I make sure to check out one of their showcases. This year I attended Frontera Filmmakers, featuring movies made by directors near our border town of San Diego and Tijuana. Continue reading »

WalkOut at SDLFF

WalkOut at SDLFF

Walkout first premiered in 2006 on HBO and is directed by Edward James Olmos, considering the current struggles the world is facing today and in commemoration of the landmark event, it was added as part of the films shown for the 25th anniversary of the San Diego Latin Film Festival. Continue reading »

SDLFF Shows Hit After Hit

SDLFF Shows Hit After Hit

The San Diego Latino Film Festival featured some wonderful and eye-opening films this year. I had the pleasure of seeing quite a few, here’s a rundown of some of my fave flicks. Continue reading »

Disney’s Queen of Katwe Receives Standing Ovation

Disney’s Queen of Katwe Receives Standing Ovation

The stars of the movie came out for the 2016 Toronto Film Festival at Roy Thompson Hall. The cast, filmmakers and real life stars received a standing ovation from the audience. The film, starring David Oyelowo, Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o and newcomer Madina Nalwanga, is directed by Mira Nair and opens in U.S. theaters in limited release on September 23, expanding wide September 30, 2016. Continue reading »

CARNAVAL San Francisco

CARNAVAL San Francisco

Carnaval San Francisco has been occurring on Memorial Day Weekend for 38 years. It celebrates the diverse Latin American and Caribbean roots that use to make up the Mission District. The diminishing population of Latinos lost to luxury condominiums, “hipster” stores and rising rent prices didn’t limit the representation of what once was. The parade included music, dance, and artistic expression that had attendees dancing, smiling, and taking photos to memorialize their experience. A pride could be felt in the air that told you, a part of us will always be here. Continue reading »

CubaCaribe Festival 2016

CubaCaribe Festival 2016

The 12th Annual CubaCaribe Festival of Dance and Music ends on Saturday April 30th. This year’s festival CUBA ON MY MIND pays tribute to Cuba’s rich artistic and cultural traditions and their influence around the globe. It’s the only festival in the Bay Area devoted to folkloric and contemporary dance and music of the Afro-Caribbean and its Diaspora. It’s founder, Ramón Ramos Alayo is a Cuban-born dancer, teacher, and choreographer who was selected by the Cuban government to study dance in Santiago de Cuba at age eleven. Each year, the festival presents more than 100 artists in 12 performances plus exhibitions, master classes and lectures on the religion, history and politics of the Caribbean. Continue reading »