Wanda's Picks

This morning was quite challenging in a good way. I started at 6 AM with David Hardiman, whose Big Band is in its 34th Anniversary Season being celebrated Monday, Jan. 19, in concert, two shows, 8 & 10 PM at Yoshi's San Francisco, 1330 Fillmore. I wanted to have Melanie Demore on also, but I had technical difficulties so I included her in my regular, 8-10 AM show with Clifford Brown Jr., emcee for the “7th Annual Musical Tribute to Dr. MLK Jr.,” Sunday, January 18, at the Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Drive, in Oakland. Visit www.mlktribute.com I opened the program this morning with Marcus Shelby, who is also participating in the MLK Music Tribute Sunday. He will be premiering an excerpt of a new work honoring Martin King. Ms. Faye Carol, featured in Marcus' new work, joined the musician/composer in the studio and then stayed on when Melanie joined us. We had a fun conversation, so much so, I could barely get a word in to welcome Clifford Brown Jr., into the studio. The three then had a great time conversing until Ms. Carol had to sign off. Okay, I am trying to let out my breath...whew! Miko Marks calls in on time for her interview at 9 AM, and so do her fans who share with her their appreciation of her work. It was really cool having the live audience. Things were finally moving along well. Miko was joined by Kev Choice, and the two to them spoke about their work, Miko as a country western singer, and Kev as a rap artist whose work seeks to uplift the community, his listeners. They are both performing on Wednesday, Jan. 21, 8 PM, at the Oaktown Jazz Workshop fundraiser at Yoshi's in Jack London Square in Oakland. Visit yoshis.com Wanda’s Picks closed this morning with a conversation with Hodari B. Davis and Mike Turner. Mike is a student at Encinal High School, and Hodari is director of National Initiatives for Youth Speaks. They were speaking about "Bringing the Noise for MLK Jr.." the annual tribute on MLK Jr. Day at the Herbst Theatre, 7 PM.