Palenke Arts is thrilled to present our upcoming 9th Annual Palenke Arts Festival at Laguna Grande Park (lakeside) on Sunday, June 1st from 11 AM to 5 PM. This FREE family-friendly event will feature our multi-talented student groups, a live art demonstration by Paul Richmond, art activities for all ages, artisan booths, delicious food vendors, and community booths. Our featured performances will include the Grammy Award winning Jazz and Soul Singer, Pher, the regional Mexican group, Banda Tierra Menguarense, and Calpulli Ocelocihuatl (Mexika dancing)! Bring your family, friends, lawn chairs, and dancing shoes and join us for a multicultural celebration of Seaside!
Pher
Deeply versed in jazz and classic soul music, Pher is equally comfortable in both musical realms, and often brings the techniques and cadences of one idiom into the other. Formerly known as Chris Turner, the Oakland native has become a phenomenon over the past decade, from his standout appearance on Snarky Puppy’s 2016 hit “Liquid Love” to collaborations with Usher, The Roots, Robert Glasper, Stevie Wonder, Sam Smith, Bilal, Eddie Palmeri, Esperanza Spalding, Jon Batiste and many others. PHER credits his formative years on the Bay Area scene with preparing him to thrive in New York City, where he moved to study at the New School and quickly became a sought-after background singer for a staggering roster of major jazz, soul, R&B and hip-hop artists. He joined the faculty of his alma mater in 2013 teaching voice at the New School’s jazz and contemporary music program to college students and pop artists such as Sean Kingston, 070 Shake and WolfTyla.
Banda Tierra Menguarense
Banda Tierra Menguarense is a band originally from San Miguel Emenguaro, Guanajuato and currently based in Salinas, California, with a Sinaloan style in the Regional Mexican genre. It is made up of 16 members who share the dream of reaching the hearts of their followers. Their music is shared with love and a deep passion for their roots.
Na Haumana
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.
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 9th 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.