Events

Black and Brown

James Dargan, baritone

Joshua Slater, piano

Joshua Anand Slater, artistic director, together with baritone James Dargan, sought to escape typecasting, and began to put together a recital of German romantics; and their eyes were opened to the treasure trove of works by Clara Schumann, Fanny Mendelssohn, and Alma Mahler.  This concert pairs these composers with their romantic partners, in an easygoing ‘salon hang’ format featuring poetry of black and brown women.  For both artists, the chance to play outside their stereotyped roles has been relaxing and joyful, allowing us to make the most effective protest: being human, and creating beauty.  There will also be a sneak preview of the *next* black and brown recital, originally planned for Spring 2020, which will focus on the spectacular breadth of African-American composers working in the 20th century.

Pre-recorded see us on Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCwYSeG2u09tnzroDdoOq5aw

The October selection for our Book Club is My Sister the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite.

About the Book:

My Sister, the Serial Killer is a blackly comic novel about how blood is thicker – and more difficult to get out of the carpet – than water…

When Korede’s dinner is interrupted one night by a distress call from her sister, Ayoola, she knows what’s expected of her: bleach, rubber gloves, nerves of steel and a strong stomach. This’ll be the third boyfriend Ayoola’s dispatched in, quote, self-defence and the third mess that her lethal little sibling has left Korede to clear away. She should probably go to the police for the good of the menfolk of Nigeria, but she loves her sister and, as they say, family always comes first. Until, that is, Ayoola starts dating the doctor where Korede works as a nurse. Korede’s long been in love with him, and isn’t prepared to see him wind up with a knife in his back: but to save one would mean sacrificing the other…

The November selection for our monthly book club is Pride, Prejudice, and Other Flavors by Sonali Dev.

It is a truth universally acknowledged that only in an overachieving Indian American family can a genius daughter be considered a black sheep.

Dr. Trisha Raje is San Francisco’s most acclaimed neurosurgeon. But that’s not enough for the Rajes, her influential immigrant family who’s achieved power by making its own non-negotiable rules:

·       Never trust an outsider

·       Never do anything to jeopardize your brother’s political aspirations

·       And never, ever, defy your family

Trisha is guilty of breaking all three rules. But now she has a chance to redeem herself. So long as she doesn’t repeat old mistakes.

Up-and-coming chef DJ Caine has known people like Trisha before, people who judge him by his rough beginnings and place pedigree above character. He needs the lucrative job the Rajes offer, but he values his pride too much to indulge Trisha’s arrogance. And then he discovers that she’s the only surgeon who can save his sister’s life.

As the two clash, their assumptions crumble like the spun sugar on one of DJ’s stunning desserts. But before a future can be savored there’s a past to be reckoned with…

A family trying to build home in a new land.

A man who has never felt at home anywhere.

And a choice to be made between the two.