The Berkeley Juneteenth Festival will be on June 16, 2019 from 11 AM-7 PM. For more information please go to http://www.berkeleyjuneteenth.org/. Don’t miss it!
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CaTameron “CaT” Bobino has a thing for science. Television shows such as “Bill Nye the Science Guy” and “Captain Planet and the Planeteers” gave her the inspiration to be a scientist. At first she wanted to be a “veterinarian or a doctor” but in the end, she became a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Ambassador. Not only is Bobino an STEM Ambassador but she has her own science show called “In The Know.” She also wrote a book that was based on the show.
Bobino will be at the Juneteenth Festival in Berkeley on Sunday, June 16th. There she will have a booth that focuses on her STEM work. I spoke to Bobino via e-mail about her work with STEM and what she is doing to have more representation in STEM.
How long have you been with STEM?
“Technically, I have been with STEM since attending undergraduate school. While attending Stillman College, I studied Biology and did work with our neurobiology club and tutoring. During undergrad, I did research in Herpetology and after I graduated, I did research in Neurobiology. After college, I started working with different organizations, but it wasn’t until I turned 30 that I truly started to realize that there was a shortage of people speaking to students about the work that they do in STEM, and I gravitated to trying to work with parents when it came to understanding STEM education.”
What is STEM? What’s the goal of STEM?
“STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. There are many goals when it comes to STEM, but my personal goal is to have more representation throughout STEM so that our youngsters can see themselves in a variety of fields. STEM is severely lacking melanin and I want to be a catalyst that changes that.”
What made you join STEM? What’s your position at STEM? What’s it like working with STEM?
“I have always had a love for science and so I just fall under the ‘S is STEM.’ My position is technically a scientist, although I prefer STEM Ambassador. Working in STEM is like working in any other field. If you have a love for it, then it is not always work. You can enjoy your passion and get paid for it.”
How did you get involved with the Berkeley Juneteenth Festival?
“I got involved with [the] Juneteeth Festival because of my neighbor. My neighbor approached me about adding a STEM component for students.”
What inspired you to study science? Did you always wanted to be a scientist?
“Television was my inspiration. ‘Bill Nye’, ‘3, 2, 1, Blast Off’, ‘Captain Planet’, and other programs that I grew up with learning about science, helped inspire me. Now I wanted to be a veterinarian or a doctor when I was young. It wasn’t until I went to undergrad that I took on the title of scientist.”
You wrote a book called “In The Know.” What made you decide to write the book? How did you incorporate your experiences in one book? Any plans for future books?
“Once I moved back to Oakland, California about 6 years ago, I started getting offers to speak at schools about my journey in science. While speaking to kids, I realized that one area that most groups miss when they want to encourage students about STEM is the parents. So, I wanted to write a book about my experiences and help guide parents when it came to having children who were interested in fields that they may not know a lot about. You do not have to know the subject to encourage your kids in it. No future plans right now to write another book, but you never know.”
On the website, transfer.stemedia.org, it said that you personally encountered “the lack of diversity in STEM careers” through your peers and experience. How is that so? Could you please describe that encounter? Why do you think that this “lack of diversity” has occurred? How does STEM aim to fix that problem? Why is it important to spread the word of STEM? What does STEM mean to you?
“I have been in situations and rooms that deal with STEM majors and have been the only person of color there. I also have numerous friends in various fields who were the only persons that looked like them in the room or even in the building. It is educational. Many youth are not encouraged to go into these fields nor do they see anyone that looks like them. African Americans are pushed towards sports or entertainment, and that needs to change. It is important to spread the word of STEM because careers in STEM are not going anywhere. In fact the jobs are growing, and we need more qualified people to take on the responsibilities. So, why not us? STEM to me means opportunities that some students may not know they can have.”
What else do you do besides STEM? Do you have any hobbies?
“I have a dog and I love to take him on long walks and hikes. I also love to read and I love to eat! Food is my favorite past time.”
Any future projects in the works?
“CaT Bobino is always working on something. My main goal is television. If I can get on television and share opportunities in STEM, then I would do that in a heartbeat.”
See CaT Bobino at the Berkeley Juneteenth Festival on June 16, 2019 from 11 AM-7 PM. For more information please go to http://www.berkeleyjuneteenth.org/. Please share and don’t miss it!
This Sunday, February 10, oboist Brenda Schuman-Post and her ensemble, Sonic Forest, return for another performance at Allen Temple Gardens. This time the ensemble will make a performance that celebrates Black History Month.
Sonic Forest was established in 2009. The San Francisco based ensemble performs in a variety of configurations with instrumentation and size varying depending upon what best suits the venue and situation. With core instrumentation of oboe, violin, Celtic harp, upright bass, piano, accordion, and percussion, Sonic Forest always provides appropriate, engaging, and uplifting entertainment for any event or occasion.
I spoke to Brenda Schuman-Post via e-mail about the event and the experience performing at Allen Temple Gardens.
You seem to be performing every year at Allen Temple Gardens. How many times have you performed at the gardens? What is it that draws you back to this place?
“Sonic Forest performs almost exclusively for audiences that might not otherwise get to hear live music at the high quality that we offer so we are usually very much appreciated. But at Allen Temple Gardens the audiences are so warm, loving, nurturing, and positive. It’s just wonderful to be there. February 10 will be the fourth performance.”
What kind of music will you perform at the gardens? How will it be different from your last performance?
“[Well] this is the first time [that] we are playing a concert of music specifically composed by African-American composers. We’re helping to celebrate [Black History] Month. We’re playing music by John Coltrane, Yusef Lateef, Billy Strayhorn, William Grant Still, Florence Price, Jimi Hendrix, Bobby McFerrin, India Cooke, and we’ll play two slave songs.”
What instruments will you use for this year’s performance? How long is the performance?
“The concert [that’s] on February 10 includes oboe, violin, upright bass, piano, and drums. We’ll start at 5:00 PM and play until about 6:00 PM.”
What was the reaction that you received from last year’s performance at the Gardens?
“So much love and positive comments. The people at Allen Temple [Gardens] are so welcoming and appreciative.”
What kind of energy do you receive from the seniors at the Gardens? Will you be expecting the same energy as before or do you think that it will be something different? What’s it like performing for the seniors?
“Well, what can I tell you about seniors performing for seniors? Three of us in the ensemble are seniors so it’s playing for people who ‘get us.’ I’m hoping that we get a bigger audience than in the past especially with the diversity of musical styles that we’ll be playing. This concert will be even more educational than our previous concerts. We’ll tell the audience stories about the composers. Some of this music is familiar but some of it you may never have heard before. I mean has anyone there ever heard of Florence Price? Her music is amazing!”
Has anyone given you any grants to perform at the event? Can you say who and why?
“We are all professional musicians and we have to be paid. We received a donation from a friend of mine [a private donation] and it’s enough. The financial donation was large enough so that we can all be paid to play this concert since this is what we do for a living. As soon as we got that [donation], I contacted Diane Burr [Service Coordinator at Allen Temple Gardens] and asked if we could play there again.”
You and Sonic Forest have been together for 10 years. What is it like being together for that long? What has changed? What hasn’t changed? What do you like about performing with the ensemble? Any future plans?
“Sonic Forest has gone [through] a big change just recently. Violinist India Cooke is new to the ensemble and so is our percussionist, Elijah Post. Suzanne Garramone, the pianist, and I have been playing together since 1982 and we’ve played over 400 concerts together. It’s fun, rewarding, and very nice to have people to work with when that work is actually ‘play.’
Please join Allen Temple Gardens on February 10, 2019 at 5:00 PM for this event.
For more information on Sonic Forrest go to http://www.brendaschumanpost.com/
Don’t miss out!
Imagine if this happened at Helsinki…
Trump: “It was Russia. They meddled in the election. It was them all along.”
Putin looks at Trump and says,
Putin: “You stupid American! You’re supposed to be my puppet! My puppet!”
Trump looks at Putin and says,
Trump: “Like I told Hillary, ‘No puppet.”
Putin (Drago voice): “I must break you.”
Trump (Rocky voice): “Go for it.”
Trump and Putin start fighting while people are trying to hold them back.
Journalist 1: “Ok. Who are we rooting for?”
Journalist 2: “I’m going for Trump.”
Journalist 3: “Putin.”
Journalist 2: “You’re on!”
“Hearts on Fire” anybody? (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qitn6FRc0oc) Please share.
In 2017, oboist Brenda Schuman-Post and piano accompanist Suzanne Garramone presented a concert to the seniors at Allen Temple Gardens in Oakland. Almost a year later, Schuman-Post returns to the Gardens to perform for the seniors again. Only this time she will perform with a larger ensemble; Sonic Forest.
On Monday, July 16th, the residents will be treated to music inspired by nature as Sonic Forest engages the listeners with music that uplifts the spirit as opposed to the sounds of screeching brakes and the hustle and bustle of International Boulevard. Sonic Forest was established in 2009. The San Francisco based ensemble performs in a variety of configurations with instrumentation and size varying depending upon what best suits the venue and situation. With core instrumentation of oboe, violin, Celtic harp, upright bass, piano, accordion, and percussion, Sonic Forest always provides appropriate, engaging, and uplifting entertainment for any event or occasion.
Schuman-Post is the first musician ever to witness the search for and harvesting of African Blackwood, a threatened East African tree from which woodwind instruments are made. She established Sonic Forest Productions – so named because musical instruments are made from trees – in 2011 with a determination to bring diverse, live music to under-served communities and in particular to senior citizens.
“Our musical instruments are made from trees, each a different species. Our musical training and experience is diverse,” said Schuman-Post. “Our beautiful, spontaneous, evocative music also expresses a mystery – an awesome connection to nature, to music, and to one another. Music can’t happen without nature.”
The ensemble plays a diverse range of music that includes classical, jazz, folk, American Songbook, wild world fusion and spontaneous, soothing improvisations. Schuman-Post said that when it comes to a performance, Sonic Forest shares “ideas, stories, thoughts about the music, and themselves” to connect with their audience. “Our programs inspire thought, discussion, movement, memory, laughter, excitement, relaxation, and happiness.”
Sonic Forest received a donation from a private donor who specifically requested that they perform at Allen Temple Gardens. Schuman-Post said that the ensemble loves playing for seniors in part because they are “receptive, and interested, and appreciative.” The audience and the ensemble bond together as a unit for a blissful experience.”
Please join Allen Temple Gardens on July 16, 2018 at 11:00 AM for this event.
For more information on Sonic Forest go to http://www.brendaschumanpost.com/
Don’t miss out!
Hello. Please join us for this amazing event. For more information please go to http://www.berkeleyjuneteenth.org/. Please share the information with friends, family, etc. We hope to see you there!
“The Fifth Annual Berkeley Black History Month Celebration is planned for Sunday, February 25, 2018 from 1:00 to 5:00pm, at the Ed Roberts Campus, located at 3075 Adeline Street in Berkeley. Doors open at 1:00pm. Take Ashby BART to the event, which is adjacent to the venue. Admission is free and open to the public.
Includes showing of a documentary film based on the Afterword of the authoritative edition of the book, Life of William Grimes, the Runaway Slave, written by Regina Mason which reveal Regina’s path to authenticate her ancestor’s story and the intense personal sacrifices that made editing and publishing a new edition of the Grimes narrative possible. The two stories, Regina’s personal journey and selected William Grimes re-enactments are intertwined throughout the movie and they move toward Regina’s recovering and publishing of her ancestor’s 1825 autobiography. Meet with author and producer afterwards. Historical exhibits, musical performances; arts and crafts vendors. Sponsors are: City of Berkeley, Berkeley Juneteenth Cultural Celebrations(BJCC), Berkeley NAACP. Contact 510-524-8804.”
Hello there. I have entered a contest and if I win I become Cancun Experience Officer (CEO). Please for vote me and spread the word to friends, family, coworkers, etc. (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.). Voting ends December 24. Please vote for me everyday.
Let’s make it happen!
Please go to
https://ceo.cancun.com/profile/sean-piverger and submit your vote.
Thank you.
Virtuoso oboist Brenda Schuman-Post and her equally amazing piano accompanist Suzanne Garramone play a delightful program of uplifting, upbeat classical music alternating with favorite older familiar songs. Enjoy this offbeat duo whose genuine personal friendship, love of their work, and comfort in front of the audience permeate every moment making for a uniquely accessible, fun, educational, and entertaining performance. Tap your toes, sway, and even sing along as they perform music inspired by dance.
Brenda and Suzanne are celebrating 35 years and over 400 concerts together and enjoying every second of it. Originally known as Classical Trash, Classical Music with a Twist, they shortened the name when strapless dresses were no longer viable attire and continue to perform flashy, fun repertoire.
Brenda is the first musician ever to witness the search for and harvesting of African Blackwood, a threatened East African tree from which woodwind instruments are made. She established Sonic Forest Productions – so named because musical instruments are made from trees in 2011 with a determination to bring diverse, live music to under-served communities and in particular to senior citizens.
Sonic Forest performs in a variety of configurations with instrumentation and ensemble size varying depending upon what best suits the venue and situation. With core instrumentation of oboe, violin, Celtic harp, upright bass, piano, accordion and percussion, Sonic Forest always provides appropriate, engaging, uplifting entertainment for any event or occasion.
Sonic Forest – Classical with a Twist -“Gotta Dance” will bring an hour of engaging, fun, and educational enjoyment.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear world class musicians in your own familiar setting.
“Our musical instruments are made from trees, each a different species. Our musical training and experience is diverse. Our beautiful, spontaneous, evocative music also expresses a mystery – an awesome connection to nature, to music, and to one another.” – Brenda Schuman-Post
Please join Allen Temple Gardens on September 7, 2017 at 2:00 PM for this event.
For more information on Sonic Forrest go to http://www.brendaschumanpost.com/
Don’t miss out!
(Please share this information to anyone who can help up us out).
Partnership for Affordable Housing. 6031 Camden Street. Oakland, CA, 94605.
Greetings,
Since its inception, Partnership for Affordable Housing (PAH) has been able to provide temporary living accommodations for individuals and families transitioning from homelessness to self-sufficiency. Our facility has experienced great success; to date our housing placement since 2015 has been 90% with individuals finding housing in Oakland and throughout the surrounding area.
However, after seven years at 6031 Camden Street, Oakland, CA, we received devastating news: Our transitional house has been sold and we need to vacate the premises in less than 30 days. (The residents must leave the house on September 10th).
This action caught us off guard and places us in a problematic situation. We see ourselves as a beacon in the Oakland community; a place that people in desperate, personal situations can turn to for assistance not only with interim housing but also receive education and coaching in the areas of life skills enhancement and health and wellness. Our residents have participated in workshops and activities for our residents in the areas of gardening, mentoring children, meditation, nutrition/cooking, conflict resolution, how to find housing, opening a checking/savings account, and mental health services.
We desperately need your help securing a building or a very large facility that can house three preschool aged children along with 10 adult women. If you have knowledge of or access to a property that can accommodate us, then we certainly would appreciate any assistance that you can offer at this critical time.
It is my prayer that the above mentioned services will continue to be provided. Any contacts that you may have would be a help and a blessing to our organization and the families that we serve.
With a heartfelt thank you,
Diane L. Burr
Executive Director
Partnership for Affordable Housing
510-912-1513
For more information please go to our website at pahcanhelp.org and like us on our Facebook page.
On Sunday, July 30, 2017, Jazz Performer Josiah Woodson will have a CD release party for his new album, Suite Elemental, at Oaktown Jazz aka Nadine’s (located across the street from Yoshi’s). Woodson and his band will play music from the CD as well as feature original compositions for their next album as well. The quartet will feature
Ravi Abcarian -Bass
Arthur Khu – Piano
Ele Howell – Drums
Josiah Woodson – Trumpet/Guitar/Compositions
Woodson’s love of music took root at the age of 12 when he first played the trumpet. Years later, that love is still going strong. He is very versatile with the flute, guitar, piano, and trumpet. He gained his Bachelor of Music from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio, where he studied under Marcus Belgrave and later received his Master of Music degree (with academic honors) from the New England Conservatory of Music.
Woodson also performed with other musicians including Branford Marsalis, Beyoncé Knowles, and Mos Def. One person found his music “mesmerizing” while another wanted “to listen more.” Suite Elemental is Woodson’s premier album.
The concert will be located at 55 Washington Street, Jack London Square in Oakland.
Suggested donations range from $15.00-$30.00. CDs (physical copies) will be sold first come first served.
For more on the man and the music go to http://www.josiahwoodson.com
Please come by and enjoy the music!
