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Ephrat Asherie collaborates with GRAMMY® award-winning pianist and composer Arturo O’Farrill on the company’s newest creation, "Shadow Cities," a reflection on the beauty, vastness and joy of the in-between. Bringing together Asherie’s innovative and rigorous choreography with O’Farrill’s singular and mesmerizing sound, Shadow Cities is a beautiful extension of EAD’s dedication to working with live music. With a cast of 6 dancers and 4 musicians, this work explores what it means to stay afloat in the in-between. We are split between cities, memories and generations; we are an amalgam of cultures, fully embodied and fragmented all at once; our movements are concurrently malleable and explosive, our identities fixed and infinitely fluid. Whether as immigrants, BIPOC identities or first generation Americans, this feeling of in-betweenness connects everyone in the work as we ask how and why—halfway between so many disparate extremes in time, space and state—we often feel our most enlivened selves. It is from this vivid place that "Shadow Cities" comes to life. Ephrat Asherie Dance on Facebook / Instagram Arturo O’Farrill on Facebook / Instagram

Four-time GRAMMY® Award winner Kalani Pe‘a is a singer of power, sensitivity, and charisma. He is one of the most exceptional talents in a new generation of Hawaiian musicians and the only Hawaiian artist to win a GRAMMY® Award for Best Regional Roots album. Pe‘a is the first Hawaiian artist to be presented by Lincoln Center’s American Songbook. Kalani Pe‘a on Instagram / Facebook

Gyedu Blay Ambolley is a musical luminary hailing from Ghana, West Africa, with a staggering 29 albums under his belt. Known affectionately as the "Simigwa Do Man,” Ambolley’s musical journey began in the vibrant port city of Sekondi-Takoradi, in the Western Region of Ghana. His early fascination with music blossomed into a lifelong passion. From mastering his father’s flute at the tender age of eight, to honing his guitar skills under the mentorship of “Uncle Bonku," Sammy Lartey and Ebo Taylor, Ambolley’s musical odyssey has been nothing short of extraordinary. This all led to Ambolley becoming a musical life force and exploding on the scene in 1973 with a jazzy highlife sound called "SIMIGWA-DO." His name has become synonymous with Simigwa music and dance. Coming of age amidst the zenith of Ghana’s highlife era, Ambolley emerged as a pivotal figure in its evolution, lending his talents to esteemed bands such as Houghas Extraordinaires, Meridians Of Tema and Ghana Broadcasting Band. It was during this time that he caught the attention of his compatriot and friend, Ebo Taylor, who recruited Ambolley to be a member of the Uhuru Dance Band. This all lead to a transformative journey to Nigeria in 1973, where they shared the stage with the legendary Fela Kuti at his renowned Shrine venue. 1975 Debut Album "Simigwa": Gyedu Blay Ambolley’s groundbreaking debut solo album, released in 1975, stands as a cornerstone of Ghanaian music history - with one of the most iconic album covers! "Simigwa" stands as Ambolley’s magnum opus, a masterpiece fusing together the rich tapestry of highlife, afrobeat, folk and funk. The album is a true testament to Ambolley’s unparalleled artistry written and produced in collaboration with the legend Ebo Taylor. Ambolley not only embraces his musical roots but also pioneers the fusion of Ghanaian highlife with soul and funk influences from across the Atlantic. With "Simigwa," Ambolley seized the opportunity to showcase his own musical prowess and embark on a journey of experimentation. A main inspiration for this album was the work of the mighty Mr. James Brown, something that is evident from the rhythm section, horns, vocal stabs and percussion breaks throughout the record. Performance: For the first time in the US, Gyedu Blay Ambolley will be performing his 1975 debut album in its entirety! Bringing his 8 piece band from Ghana, they will perform the pioneering masterpiece "Simigwa." Gyedu Blay Ambolley on Instagram

Smooth Operator Live: The Ultimate Tribute to Sade’s Seductive Sound Experience the sultry, sophisticated sounds of Sade like never before with Smooth Operator, the premier tribute band celebrating her timeless music. Led by dynamic percussionist Tony Young and fronted by the soulful vocals of Jessica “Jaye Nicole” Phillips, this ensemble of world-class musicians delivers a smooth, immersive performance that honors the elegance and emotional depth of Sade’s iconic sound. With members who have shared the stage with legends like Slave, Christina Aguilera, Ike Turner, and George Benson, Smooth Operator fuses technical brilliance with heartfelt tribute. Their polished arrangements, lush saxophone lines, and deep grooves will transport you from San Marcos to the velvet lounges of London. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of Sade’s greatest hits—live in the intimate, acoustically rich setting of The Bornemann Theatre. The Bornemann Theatre on Facebook / Instagram

This poetry workshop explores how writing can serve as a powerful tool for self-reflection, growth, expression, and comfort. Through examples of original work, participants will see how poetry can help navigate challenges, capture emotions, gain clarity, and express joy. The first 45 minutes will focus on understanding the impact of poetry and its connection to personal experiences. Participants will then have 45 minutes to write, using prompts designed to inspire creativity and self-expression. The session will conclude with an opportunity to share work, offer constructive feedback, and engage in a collaborative critique to support growth as poets and individuals. Join us for a chance to explore, create, and connect through the art of poetry! Visit: https://writeyourstorynow.org/classes-workshops/2025-05-03-exploring-themes-in-our-lives-through-poetry/ SD Writers Ink on Instagram and Facebook

Join us for an enlightening discussion with Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski, the Chicana textile artist and slow fashion designer behind Sew Loka. In this talk, Rodríguez-Biezunski champions sewing as both a vital art form and a powerful response to our disposable fashion culture. Rodríguez-Biezunski will explore how the deliberate practice of sewing transcends mere utility to become an expressive medium, worthy of the same respect given to traditional fine arts. She'll discuss how reclaiming this craft provides a meaningful alternative to fast fashion's environmental and ethical pitfalls, offering a path toward more conscious consumption and creation. The conversation will also address why sewing skills—once considered essential knowledge—deserve renewed appreciation in today's society, not just as practical abilities but as conduits for creativity, sustainability, and personal empowerment. Discover how Rodríguez-Biezunski's work honors the hands that make our garments while inviting us to reimagine our relationship with clothing in an age of mass production. Claudia Rodríguez-Biezunski, better known as Sew Loka, is a San Diego-based textile artist and fashion designer who has made a significant impact in the intersection of streetwear, sustainability, Chicana culture, and DIY fashion. She gained prominence for her distinctive style of customizing and upcycling clothing, while only using recycled, reclaimed and repurposed fabrics to create all of her one of a kind fashion designs and textile art pieces. Beyond her fashion work, Rodríguez-Biezunski is also known for her commitment to community engagement and teaching others the art of sewing and customization. You can visit her any time at her sewing studio, Sew Loka, in the vibrant neighborhood of Barrio Logan in San Diego, CA. Claudia Rodriguez-Biezunski on Instagram Mingei International Museum on Facebook / Instagram

Join Golden Guide for their inaugural Golden Makers Market, a vibrant celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) creativity and entrepreneurship. This free community event showcases over 20 AANHPI-owned businesses, makers, and artists from across Southern California. Explore handcrafted products, art, and culinary experiences highlighting rich cultural heritage and contemporary creativity. The two-day event features a curated art show themed "Hiraya Manawari" (Reach Your Dreams) plus workshops including Japanese tea tasting, ikebana flower arranging, jewelry making, and more. Hours: Saturday & Sunday: 11a.m. - 4 p.m. (General Admission, FREE) VIP Shopping Hour: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. daily ($20, includes tote bag) Workshop tickets available separately. For tickets and workshop registration: goldenguide.org/golden-makers-market Celebrate AANHPI Heritage Month with community, creativity, and connection! Golden Guide on Facebook / Instagram

The series concludes on June 21 with the return of the Melissa Aldana Quartet, with Aldana on tenor sax, Fabian Almazan on piano, Pablo Menares on bass, and Kush Abadey on drums. Aldana’s last Athenaeum performance was in March 2020, when she played music from her album "Visions" for Frida Kahlo, which earned her a first-ever GRAMMY nomination for Best Improvised Jazz Solo. Her program this June will feature music from her 2024 release on Blue Note Records, Echoes of the Inner Prophet. A native of Chile, Aldana moved to the United States to attend Berklee College of Music. In 2013, at age 24, she became the first female instrumentalist and the first South American musician to win the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. Her latest album explores a fascinating paradox. As Aldana explains, it reflects her “personal journey, with an especially introspective point of view. The inner prophet is my own self, now older, who has the knowledge and the intuition and the truth about what my path should be. So, it’s this idea of connecting with that inner prophet,” she continues, “which reveals things about myself, including those things I don’t like.” At the same time, this deeply intimate, searching project is a celebration of collaboration and community. It documents the evolution of her quartet, capturing the collective insight they’ve garnered after extensive touring and travel, and arguing for their place among the most incisive working groups in jazz today. Visit: https://www.ljathenaeum.org/events/jazz-25-0621 Melissa Aldana on Instagram and Facebook

Journey through the history and geography of Mexico through music & dancing from two of San Diego’s finest mariachi & dance troupes! This Concert is to benefit: Friends of Friendship Park. Visit: https://www.bodhitreeconcerts.org/mariachi-folklorico Bodhi Tree Concerts on Facebook / Instagram Friends of Friendship Park on Facebook / Instagram

This weekend in the arts: "Jaja's African Hair Braiding," "The Counter," "Nighttime Julianne" and more theater openings; plein air art meets San Diego farms; Lucha Fest; anti-fascist art; San Diego Ballet; plus Wonderfront Festival and more live music picks