Entertainment
Nicolas Bearde |
 Combine internationally renowned Jazz recording artist Nicolas Bearde—whose big, velvet tone and perfectly controlled vibrato frequently complements Bobby McFerrin’s vocal ensemble “Voicestra”—with legendary bassist, Ben Tucker, who has recorded with Jimmy Smith and Quincy Jones, and you’ll be treated to a collaboration of world-class jazz greats together on a single stage!
Bearde has long been recognized as an adept and fearless vocal improviser, who infuses his jazz vocals with contemporary nuances, and seductive techniques, and has often been compared to vocal icons such as Lou Rawls, Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway. |
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Manicato |
 Founded in SF’s Mission district in 2004 by Israel Matos, Manicato has found a way to combine its social and musical influences into a hard-hitting form of intelligent dance music that feeds both body and mind. The word Manicato, derived from the Native People of Puerto Rico known as The Taino, means a bold and valiant person of a good heart. The band Manicato lives up to this Taino ideal with its socially conscious lyrics backed by a mixture of Salsa, Timba, Reggae, Hip Hop, and Rock.
Featuring one of the only father and son vocal sections in the city, hard hitting horn lines, and a rhythm section that will force you to dance, Manicato will have you speaking in one of the oldest languages, the universal language of music, feeding your mind, body, and soul. |
Miko Marks |
 People Magazine names her one of “Nashville’s Hottest New Country Stars”, while Ebony recognizes her as “The Storyteller”, and one who is “Breaking the Sound Barriers” in music! Whatever the case, all can agree that Miko Marks is an artist in sync with the times. On the frontlines of change, Ms. Marks is blazing an unprecedented trail and ushering in a new generation!
Named “Best New Country Artist” by New Music Weekly, Miko’s debut album, “Freeway Bound”, also received honors as the “2007 Country Album of the Year”, at The Independent Music Awards. Amongst the judges were country icons, Wynonna Judd, and Patti Loveless, of The Grand Ole Opry. Miko is the first and only African American woman in the history of country music to receive such high honors. Her newly released CD, “It Feels Good” is also gaining much acclaim. You can download a FREE copy of the song “Mama”. www.mikomarks.com |
| Video: Miko Marks – Mama |
Kai Hazelwood |
 For over 19 years Kai Hazelwood has been blending a traditional Ballet background with contemporary lyricism, modern athleticism, funk, and ethnic flair ranging from Afro-Caribbean, to Belly Dancing and Argentine Tango, just to name a few.
Trained at the San Francisco Ballet School, Miss Hazelwood honed her performance skills with the Dance Theater of Harlem in New York and the Oakland Ballet Company; she was also fortunate enough to train with the Kirov Ballet in St Petersburg Russia. Miss Hazelwood is currently completing a degree in Dance at UCLA. |
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