Join us for these evening events filled with fun for your whole family.
In small towns around Mexico, community members come together informally on the night of the full moon to share stories, poetry and music. Join us as this tradition is celebrated several times throughout the year.
Special Featured Performer
Storyteller John Weaver: We continue our celebration of stories with John Weaver, a parent, performer and Early Childhood Educator based in the Bay Area. John’s energetic, interactive, humor-filled performances aim to capture the attention and imagination of all ages. He seeks to educate and encourage families to continue the adventure at home by reading together.
John performs at ongoing story events and special programs at local libraries and Children’s Fairyland in Oakland, In addition, you can see him at schools, recreation centers, bookstores, community festivals, conferences, museums, corporate events, parent education seminars, camp-outs, and “read-ins.”
Grito de la Cultura: Founded and directed by Lunada M.C. Elena Robles, this group of folklórico dancers has been in existence for over 20 years. Maestra Robles has 35 years of teaching experience and is former director of Los Lupeños de San Jose. She wears many hats, including that of dance instructor, choreographer, and dance anthropologist. Her former students now direct dance groups all over the country. Her current students range in age from four to adult. The dancers will share with us vibrant dances from various regions of Mexico.
Hālau Nā Wai Ola: The name of this group translates from Hawaiian into The Living Waters. Joining us for the first time, the group will feature the youngest members or keiki. The halau is under the direction of Kau`i Isa-Kahaku and has been in existence for over 11 years. The goal of the organization is to make an impact on people’s lives through the Hawaiian art of the Hula, and the spirit of Aloha. Hālau Nā Wai Ola participates in several competitions, festivals, and community events throughout the year and has traveled as far as Italy to perform. Students range in age from three years to kupuna (elders) and new students are accepted four times a year.
Quenepas: We are pleased to welcome this dynamic Puerto Rican Bomba music and dance youth ensemble that had its inception in 2008 at La Peña Cultural Center in Berkeley. Students have been studying and performing under the direction of Hector Lugo and Shefali Shah for over 6 years and many have been involved in the practice of Bomba through observing and participating in community jams and performances with their families. Many of the children were first immersed in the tradition since before they could walk!
Quenepas has presented its work at La Peña Cultural Center, the Dia de San Juan Puerto Rican Festival in San Jose, East Side Arts Alliance, and at Oakland Leaf’s Annual Talent Showcase. In 2012, Quenepas opened for Latin Grammy winning band La Santa Cecilia at the Brava Theatre in San Francisco. Most recently, they headlined at the renowned annual Bombazo Fandango festival in Santa Ana, California. The directors take great pride in making sure that the musical and dance traditions of Puerto Rico are responsibly passed on to future generations.
Gabriela Sepúlveda: This young rising star has graced our stage many times and we are always happy to welcome her back. Gabriela has been singing since she was a toddler and first appeared at CDM at the tender age of nine. Now at 14, she has won many talent contests and appeared on national television. She has taken top honors two years in a row in Sábado Gigante’s: Estrellas de la Futuro (Stars of the Future) broadcast by Univision. Most recently, she was a top ten finalist in the South Bay Teen Idol Competition. Gabriela brings to life traditional Mexican ballads with a rich voice that is powerful beyond her years. In addition to her performances on Univision’s nationally-televised shows, Gabriela has performed at many venues throughout the Bay Area including the Monterey Bay Aquarium and the San Jose Mariachi Festival. Her dream is to be a famous singer and she has already recorded a CD.
But wait, there’s more!
- Visit the Art Loft where you make a puppet to walk on the moon!
- Don’t forget the free food and drinks.
This celebration is created in collaboration with community partner organizations.