Palenke Arts is thrilled to present our 8th Annual Palenke Arts Festival at Laguna Grande Park (lakeside) on Sunday, June 2nd from 11AM to 5PM. Our featured performers include America’s Got Talent and TikTok icons The Curtis Family C-Notes (60s-70s inspired Bay Area funk), Jesús Díaz y Su QBA (Cuban Timba music), Nā Haumāna (Polynesian dance ensembles), and Calpulli Ocelocihuatl (Mexika Dancers)! This FREE family-friendly event will feature our multi-talented student and professional performances, interactive art activities, artisan booths, delicious food vendors, and community booths. Bring your family, friends, and portable chairs and join us for a day filled with great food, live art demonstration, and amazing student and professional performances!
THE CURTIS FAMILY C-NOTES
The Curtis Family, known professionally as, The Curtis Family C-Notes, play a slew of genres, with a strong foundation in American Classical music and “’60s- ’70s-inspired San Francisco/Oakland/Bay Area “funk”. The family band with Mom and dad and their 5 children, are all multi-instrumentalists, composers, producers and vocalists; Papa C & Mama C, Zahara, Nile, Isis, Kiki, and Phoenix.
When the Curtis Family played the halftime show at a March 2020 Warriors game, they thought it might be their big break, but shortly thereafter the pandemic hit, shutting down concert venues, thusly, the family started their weekly living room live-streams (on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok) where they could play for a live audience that were tuning in from their phones, home computers, etc; Those same livestreams are what caught the attention of talent scouts for the popular TV show, America’s Got Talent (AGT), where their audition episode went “viral” and led to yet another amazing opportunity.
Cuban born percussionist and vocalist Jesus Diaz arrived in the United States from La Habana in 1980. He quickly identified the Bay Area music scene as the grounds to establish his new home. His local and worldwide performances in collaboration with world renowned and acclaimed artists are recognized for their contributions to the richness of an ever expanding musical genre.
A multi-instrumentalist, arranger, and vocalist, Díaz has established himself as one of the most in-demand performers and studio musicians worldwide. As an educator, he has participated in several prominent clinics and workshops including Berklee College of Music, SFJAZZ, Stanford Jazz Workshop, Drummers Collective NY, and Jazz Camp West to name a few. In collaboration with his group Talking Drums, which includes fellow percussionists Michael Spiro and David Garibaldi, he has contributed to various Warner Brothers instructional books and videos.
Jesus Díaz has performed, toured or recorded with such artists as, Stevie Wonder, The Dave Mathews Band (DMB), Carlos Santana, Andy Narrell, Dizzy Gillespie, Bobbie Womack, Steve Coleman, Caribbean Jazz Project, Planet Drum, Talking Drums, Pete Escovedo / Sheila E, José Luis Quintana "Changuito", Giovanni Hidalgo, Rebecca Mauleón & Round Trip, Omar Sosa, Columna "B", John Calloway, and Conjunto Céspedes, among many others.
NĀ HAUMĀNA
Nā Haumāna brings the Pacific Islands to life, through music and dance, while perpetuating the values of lifelong learning, community, ohana and the foundation of aloha. Nā Haumāna began in 2018 by Nikki & Keith Garner after being blessed by Ida & Siaosi Veimau of Kaliloa O Kaleo’onalani. Nā Haumāna (“the student”, in Hawaiian) humbly began as a praise and worship group in the garage of our good friend Kristina Sandoval. As we grew, NH merged with Hura Mana, directed by Mahina Nepomuceno.
Nā Haumāna continues to be directed by Louella Sumler, with the blessing of Aunty Gina Kehau Redira of Kehau’s Hula Ohana. Along with Nā Haumāna’s Alaka’i (leaders)/ instructors, Stephanie Baney & Katrina McKenzie, Nā Haumāna has continued to grow in so many ways. We had our Second Annual Luau, Na Ho’omaka Hou (New Beginnings), in November 2023, with great success, and we continue to perform in various shows in order to educate the community about our culture and values.
Calpulli Ocelocihuatl
Calpulli Ocelocihuatl from San Jose focuses on traditional Aztec dance and cultural diffusion. The group is composed of multigenerational families, mothers, children and teens who aim to uplift femme voices and leadership. Calpulli Ocelocihuatl is aligned with the mission and vision of Palenke Arts and is pleased to be a part of the 8th annual festival. Calpulli Ocelocihuatl is also a proud partner of the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in East Side San Jose, where they hold the Sunrise Ceremony every year on the National Day of Mourning, also known as Thanksgiving.