Arts Activists Rock the Bay Area: 10th Annual Radical Performance Fest

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - March 8, 2004 - Ten years after its inception at a tiny bar in the Tenderloin, the Radical Performance Fest is still rocking the Bay Area by presenting diverse, vital local artists who are changing the world with their thought-provoking, passionate performances.

On March 26-27, 2004, the Radical Performance Fest will present conscious visual and performing artists in San Francisco in a two-night celebration. For the tenth year in a row, Alli Starr of Cultural Links and Darryl Smith of the Luggage Store Gallery have teamed up to produce what has become a spicy, critics-choice Bay Area tradition. Artists are chosen not only because of the high caliber of their work, but because their vision speaks directly to the need for creative action in responding to the local and global issues of our times. Dozens of socially-conscious artists bring their voices to The Fest by presenting new poetry, dance, theater, hip-hop, a cappella singing, spoken word, aerial circus and satire.

The Radical Performance Fest began as a fundraiser for the San Francisco IN THE STREET Theater Festival in the Tenderloin, and has since grown to be an institution in its own right. The event now raises funds for youth scholarships for Art in Action camp, a project of Cultural Links in collaboration with other youth activist organizations. Art in Action’s 10-day gathering empowers young visionaries from low-income urban communities through sharing art and activism skills. Organizers will produce Art in Action camps in Santa Cruz, California and Albuquerque, New Mexico. We are also proud/happy this year to help fund Oakland hip-hop theater company DREAM, who is planning a summer tour of their new work (see bio below).

The Radical Performance Fest was founded by Alli Starr of Rebel Girl Productions, Dancers Without Borders and Art and Revolution Street Theater Collective. Ms. Starr is also the founder of Cultural Links and the Art in Action Summer Camps and Road Shows. Since 1989, Ms. Starr has helped build bridges between the worlds of art and activism through productions, workshops, public speaking and creative rebellion in the streets and on the stage.

All of the artists and producers are donating their time, and 100 % of the proceeds after expenses goes to the beneficiary groups.

Call for Reservations Now! Stop Bush's Oil Wars: Carpool to the Fest: http://www.spaceshare.com/rpf

" In the past few years we have seen a resurgence of artists whose work speaks creatively to the issues of our times both in the theaters and in the streets. Socially-conscious art is needed now more than ever in this mad world. Art helps us remember our deepest humanity, and motivates us to take action." --Alli Starr.


FRIDAY:
The Dance Brigade, socially relevant, feminist dance company
Destiny Arts Youth Performance Company, critically acclaimed, multicultural teen performance group
Ed Holmes of the San Francisco Mime Troupe, America's Finest Political Comedy
Poets for Global Justice: Danielle Drake AKA SoulsJourney
Youth Speaks Poets: Aimee Suzara/Adriel Luis
Samsara, revolutionary a cappella music trio
Jack Hirschman, poet for the generations
headRush, Oakland's satirical guerilla performance crew

SATURDAY:
devorah major, San Francisco Poet Laureate
DREAM, redefining urban underground culture for the stage
Art in Action, Covenant House Youth Poets: MC Cole/Gutta Grimey
Colored Ink, Brava's youth-led hip-hop theater company
Sparlha Swa, music for spirit uprising
Poets for Global Justice: Drew Dellinger
JB:Rap of Deep Dick Collective
Amanda Starr of Circo Zero, angelic aerialist rope-climber with attitude

Also featured both nights: Board of Supervisors President Matt Gonzalez
(http://www.mattgonzalez.com for bio info)

Line up subject to change. Evening will run approximately 100 minutes with a 10-minute intermission. Food and beverages will be available by donation.
Socially-Conscious Visual Arts Gallery Opening, photos, paintings and giant sculpture curated by Carlos Martinez. Auction/Raffle of original art, massage and other gift certificates.
When: March 26 - 27, 2004, Friday-Saturday 8:00pm - 10:30pm, Come early, show may sell out!

SomArts Gallery, 934 Brannan St, Between 8th and 9th Streets
SF/(415) 552-2131
$10-20 Sliding Scale
Food and beverages available by donation
More info, to volunteer and reservations: (415) 285-9734
http://www.cultural-links.org