Sights & Sounds is your weekly guide to the Bay Area arts scene through the eyes and ears of local artists. This week our guest is Marco Polo Santiago: guitarist, accordionist, and founder of the 9-piece cumbia band La Misa Negra.
Santiago told KALW's Jen Chien about three cool arts events around the Bay this weekend.
On Saturday 10/24, thePeople present When the Night Fallsat the New Parish in Oakland. October's installment of this monthly dance music party features food and craft vendors, live painting, and a performance and dj set by rapper/producer, OVEOUS.
SANTIAGO: It's a really, really, really good party, and it's all about celebrating Oakland.
Inspector Gadje Balkan Brass band plays at Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco on Saturday 10/24, as part of Kafana Balkan, a recurring dance party and celebration of Eastern European culture. Saturday's session also features belly dancers, Jill Parker and Elizabeth Strong, and DJ Željko.
SANTIAGO: I love the sound of horns, and this band is centered around the horns. They put on a wild, wild show.
On Sunday 10/25, Oakland Museum of California hosts its annual Days of the Dead community celebration. The schedule of performances includes Ballet Folklorico Paqueyollotzin of Petaluma, Mariachi Luz de Oro de Berkeley, Quenepas (Puerto Rican Bomba youth ensemble), and the band Soltrón.
SANTIAGO: They do it in the garden and have music and altars. It's a beautiful event and a cool little tradition at the museum.
