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Sunday Brunch and New Orleans Jazz only at Books & Records Bar! About Melonie Grinnell MELONIE GRINNELL is an active as an educator and performer. She began studying piano at an early age and has since been recognized for her skills as a pianist, and her abilities as a vocalist, music educator, and musical director. Melonie received her Bachelors of Music degree in Music Education with jazz emphasis from the University of Miami and a Masters of Music performance degree in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University. Additionally, she is on the faculty for the Francis Parker/KSDS 88.3 Summer Jazz Workshop where she teaches jazz piano and co-directs middle school to high school student ensembles. She is also active as an adjudicator for instrumental jazz festivals including the Coronado/COSA Jazz Festival and the KSDS Jazz 88/CMEA festival. About Justin Grinnell JUSTIN GRINNELL is a San Diego-based freelance jazz bassist and music educator. More importantly, he is a husband to pianist/educator Melonie Grinnell and father to their two sons. In addition to performing, Justin maintains an active teaching schedule as adjunct faculty at University of San Diego and Grossmont College, and as faculty for the Francis Parker Annual Summer Jazz Workshop. He has also served as an adjudicator and clinician at local music festivals, such as the Coronado Jazz Festival and the San Diego Bass Fest. Justin received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Jazz Performance from San Diego State University while studying with bassists Gunnar Biggs and Bert Turetzky. Justin also achieved ABD (all but dissertation) status for a doctoral degree in Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California. Besides studying privately with Los Angeles' first-call jazz bassist, Darek Oles, Justin's enrollment at USC gave him the opportunity to study with internationally-recognized jazz artists Peter Erskine, Russ Ferrante, Bob Mintzer, and Alan Pasqua. See More Events www.booksandrecrodsbar.com www.bardicmanagement.com/events

Art, Power, Equity Partners with J. Walcher Communications for “Curator-in-Residence” Shows First Show Features Chicana, Interdisciplinary Artist Katie Ruiz Art, Power, Equity (APE) – an arts-based enterprise that supports underrepresented artists and promotes equity, access and opportunity in the creative economy – and long-time public relations and marketing firm, J. Walcher Communications (JWC) – have announced a series of three artist residencies this summer. This programming is the evolution of APE and JWC’s “Curator-in-Residence” partnership that began in 2021. JWC will provide a dedicated exhibition space within its historic offices in Sherman Heights, with the first show of San Diego-based interdisciplinary artist Katie Ruiz, known for her paintings and fiber sculpture. The first artist will select the next artist in the series. APE’s first exhibition will open with an artist talk, reception and viewing with painter and multimedia artist Ruiz on Saturday, June 8, 6 - 9 p.m. The show is open to the public every Saturday 1 - 4 p.m. from June 8 through June 29, and during the week by appointment only. Ruiz' work is based on textiles from blankets to crochet, using painting and textile art as a metaphor for her identity as a mixed-race woman raised in two cultures. This show will feature Pompom installations as well as mixed media works she has coined as "Combinas," mixing painting and fiber art. Art, Power, Equity establishes relationships with BIPOC artists and art professionals to develop projects and exhibitions that cultivate, promote and showcase those who meet at the intersections of under-representation, economic vulnerability and community development. “Artists have a wide range of needs and affordable spaces to create and exhibit work is essential. Additionally, the power to influence and determine who gains access to available spaces is another critical issue for artists and creators and we believe this program addresses both; empowering artists as a creative community to support their peers and gain access to new markets and networks,” said founder and curator Kamaal Martin. “JWC is powerfully demonstrating the role the business community can play in supporting San Diego’s creative economy.” Ruiz is the creator of the Pompom Project, a community program that invites participants to make yarn pompoms for large installations made of pompoms. Building community is at the zenith of Ruiz' work. She aims to connect folks through craft making and "craftivism." Ruiz has a Bachelor’s Degree of Fine Art from Northern Arizona University and a Master’s degree of Fine Art from The New York Studio School of Drawing, Painting & Sculpture in NYC. “As long-time art supporters and enthusiasts, we love having the opportunity to use our office to support artists and curators, especially underrepresented BIPOC artists,” said Jean Walcher, president and founder of JWC. Ruiz has selected Kelvin Lopez, a printmaker with a MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design, to be August’s featured artist. For more information and reservations, please visit artpowerequity.com or call 619-373-2039. Stay Connected on Facebook and Instagram

Rewoven Narratives: Cotton, History, Modernity, and the Black Southern Experience offers a profound exploration of the deep connections between the past and present in the deep rural Texas South. Through North’s artistic lens, visitors are invited to engage with the intricate fabric of family, collective memory, and a heterogeneous culture that defines the region. The exhibit examines the transatlantic slave trade's impact, focusing on Black Atlantic themes and creolization. The Black Atlantic highlights the cultural network formed by the African diaspora, while creolization refers to the blending of African, European, and Indigenous cultures. This fusion shapes the rich traditions of the American South. North's skillful blend of photography, oral histories, artifacts, and cotton creates an immersive experience that transcends time and place. It allows viewers to reflect on the complex layers of Southern heritage. The exhibition serves as both a showcase of North's artistic evolution and a testament to the enduring power of storytelling. Central to the exhibition is an examination of how the legacy of slavery and the cotton industry continues to shape the fabric of modern society in the region. By delving into the economic, social, and cultural impacts of these historical forces, the exhibition sheds light on the enduring inequalities and structures that persist today. Through North's use of cotton as both a medium and a narrative device, visitors are encouraged to contemplate its dual significance: as the economic backbone of the slavery- driven South and as a symbol of resilience and reclaiming Black heritage. This artistic commentary offers a poignant reflection on the intersection of historical trauma and contemporary resilience, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of these narratives in shaping present-day social and cultural dynamics. Related events: Exhibition: July 9 to August 17 2024 Opening Reception: Tuesday, July 9 6:30-8:30 p.m. Gallery hours: Art Produce Gallery Hours: Thursdays & Fridays 2-5 p.m. or by appointment by emailing HERE. About the Artist: Robin North holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Houston with a concentration in Photography and Digital Media and a Master of Fine Arts in Art with a program emphasis on Photography and Multimedia from San Diego State University in San Diego, CA. As an interdisciplinary visual artist, educator, and archivist, his passion lies in preserving and celebrating the rich histories of Black families in the rural Deep American South. North delves into the complex histories and contemporary implications of cotton, slavery, modernity, and Black reclamation in the Deep South. North's work often incorporates mixed media, multimedia, and alternative photographic processes such as cyanotypes and platinum/palladium prints. He is known for his experimental narratives and portraits exploring identity and social change themes. His journey began when his grandmother entrusted him with his family's archives in 2006, unveiling a treasure trove of stories from generations past, captured in photographs, documents, and oral histories. Inspired by the resilience, joy, and perseverance within these narratives, Robin embarked on a personal quest to understand and share his family's roots. This journey gained deeper significance in 2016 when his uncle, James North, a fellow artist, shared his battle with Alzheimer’s disease—a poignant reminder of his time serving in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War, where he was exposed to the harmful effects of Agent Orange. During this time, his family and the broader Black Jackson County community asked him to tell their stories through his visual arts practice, family archives and his scholarly work to ensure they were not lost to time. This profound request propelled him to found "Keeper of the Walls"; a digital repository dedicated to collecting, digitizing, mapping, and sharing Black family archives from Jackson County, Texas. This project serves as a virtual space where families like his can contribute their photographs, documents, and stories, ensuring that their legacies endure for future generations. Related links: Art Produce: website | Instagram | Facebook

President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration comes at a pivotal time in American history. Insulated from controversy, Trump will enter the White House more prepared than when he first won in 2016.

Justin & Melonie Grinnell make their return to Golden Island Dim Sum & Asian Cuisine for the 161st Session of Dim Sum & Jazz - Seating Begins at 6 P.M. - Music from 6:30-8:30 P.M. - Call (858) 578-8800 for reservations! About Melonie Grinnell Melonie Grinnell is an active as an educator and performer. She began studying piano at an early age and has since been recognized for her skills as a pianist, and her abilities as a vocalist, music educator, and musical director. Melonie received her Bachelors of Music degree in Music Education with jazz emphasis from the University of Miami and a Masters of Music performance degree in Jazz Studies from San Diego State University. Additionally, she is on the faculty for the Francis Parker/KSDS 88.3 Summer Jazz Workshop where she teaches jazz piano and co-directs middle school to high school student ensembles. She is also active as an adjudicator for instrumental jazz festivals including the Coronado/COSA Jazz Festival and the KSDS Jazz 88/CMEA festival. About Justin Grinnell Justin Grinnell is a San Diego-based freelance jazz bassist and music educator. More importantly, he is a husband to pianist/educator Melonie Grinnell and father to their two sons. In addition to performing, Justin maintains an active teaching schedule as adjunct faculty at University of San Diego and Grossmont College, and as faculty for the Francis Parker Annual Summer Jazz Workshop. He has also served as an adjudicator and clinician at local music festivals, such as the Coronado Jazz Festival and the San Diego Bass Fest. Justin received his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Jazz Performance from San Diego State University while studying with bassists Gunnar Biggs and Bert Turetzky. Justin also achieved ABD (all but dissertation) status for a doctoral degree in Jazz Studies at the University of Southern California. Besides studying privately with Los Angeles' first-call jazz bassist, Darek Oles, Justin's enrollment at USC gave him the opportunity to study with internationally-recognized jazz artists Peter Erskine, Russ Ferrante, Bob Mintzer, and Alan Pasqua. Stay Connected on Social Media! Facebook & Instagram

On Midday Edition Monday, we discussed the significance of pro-Palestinian demonstrations and how they compare to major student movements throughout history.

Though contract negotiations were the catalyst for Boeing machinists to go on strike, frustrations among workers have been building up for years.

Extreme weather in Mexico is contributing to undocumented migration and return between Mexico and the United States.

About Doug Walker Versatile bassist Doug Walker pours his love of music into every performance. He has been on the San Diego scene since 2001, backing up many of the city’s renowned artists across the spectrum of musical genres. His particular passion for modern jazz has afforded him performances with many local legends, and has inspired an abundance of original compositions and arrangements. Whether he’s accompanying the various styles of jazz, earthy blues, funky soul, breakneck bluegrass or folky roots-rock, Walker’s classically trained, jazz-minded approach merges with his stylistic faithfulness—a rare combination that has earned him praise among these intersecting circles of musicians. Walker aims to play an integral role in every project that comes his way, whether as a leader or as a supporting artist. On stage, he plays in the moment, ready to roll with any spontaneous change of direction. In the studio, he delivers thoughtfully supportive bass lines worthy of their permanence. Numerous live and recorded performances have encountered receptive audiences and favorable press. Doug Walker was born and raised in northern California, in the foothills just east of Sacramento. His interest in music began as far back as he can remember. He first studied saxophone before discovering electric bass at age fourteen. Inspired by the bass-dominated bands of Les Claypool and Flea, he became serious about the craft that would soon lead to such predecessors as Larry Graham, Bootsy Collins, Paul Jackson, Rocco Prestia, and Jaco Pastorius. Walker’s interest in jazz and the upright bass flourished while studying with Dr. Joe Gilman at American River College, where he sought after the sound of a deeper line of heroes, including Ron Carter, Ray Brown, Paul Chambers, Scott LaFaro, and far more. Walker later transferred to San Diego State University on a full scholarship. There he performed in orchestra, jazz big band and small combos while studying privately with celebrated bassist Bob Magnusson, ultimately earning a Master of Music degree in jazz studies. Walker continues to teach, compose and perform throughout San Diego, where he is often recognized as one of the few left-handed upright bassists on the planet. Doug Walker Socials https://walkerofbass.com/ https://www.instagram.com/walkerofbass https://www.youtube.com/@walkerofbass About Ian Harland Born in Carlsbad, CA, Ian Harland is a true native San Diegan. He began playing piano at age seven, taking lessons from his neighbor across the street. However, he quit a year later because he couldn't understand how two people could possibly play together and stay on time. He didn't understand rhythm! Ironically enough, at age eleven, Harland decided to start playing drums. He formed a band with his brother and neighbor called Beyond Recognition. They played rock 'n' roll and wrote their own music. However, the band disolved as his brother and friend developed other interests while Harland remained intently focused on music. Throughout high school, Harland would continue to expand his musical taste and professionalism. When Harland was fifteen, he began playing African drums with the San Diego group Ho Asogli. They performed throughout the county at venues such as The Neurosciences Institute (now TSRI) and World Beat Center at Balboa Park. Also at age fifteen, the young artist took up lessons with ragtime xylophonist Morris Palter. This was Harland's first exposure to mallet percussion. After high school, he attended San Diego State University (SDSU) where he earned both his Bachelor's and Master's of Music in Jazz Studies. During his studies at SDSU, he became increasingly interested in harmony and composition. This led Harland's studies towards mallets rather than drum set. When his teacher, Anthony Smith, moved to New York, Harland bought Smith's vibraphone and set out to become fluent as an improvisor and composer on the instrument. Now, Harland performs and records professionally throughout the greater San Diego area. You're likely to find him rocking out on drums in Oceanside or swinging on the vibes downtown. He is also an exceptional teacher for all ages and skill levels - not only on drums and vibes, but on guitar, bass, and piano as well! Ian Harland Social https://www.instagram.com/iharland/ See More Events www.booksandrecordsbar.com www.bardicmanagement.com/events

At least ten news organizations have retracted or amended their stories after an NPR investigation showed that a man they featured as a bold Chinese dissident was accused of being a conman.