Loosely translated as “Get Funky!” or “Work It,” Ranky Tanky is a band of South Carolina natives who keep the Gullah musical tradition alive and fresh with a repertoire of playful game songs, heartbreaking spirituals, and delicate lullabies. “Gullah” is a West African word meaning “a people blessed by God,” and is a storied culture prevailing on the Sea Islands of South Carolina’s Lowcountry. In 1998, four musicians (Clay Ross, Kevin Hamilton, Charlton Singleton, and Quentin Baxter) came together to form a seminal Charleston jazz quartet. Now, united by their years apart and a deeper understanding of home, these accomplished artists are joined by one of the most sought-after voices in the Lowcountry, Quiana Parler, to celebrate a “Heartland of American Music” born in their backyards.
Venue: The Loft
GoGo Penguin
“the Radiohead of British jazz”—Line of Best Fit
Undoubtedly one of the rising stars of the U.K. jazz scene, acoustic-electronica trio GoGo Penguin don’t describe themselves as a jazz trio but rather as a resurgence of jazz fused with hip-hop, rock, dance, and soul. The Mercury Prize–nominated band recently made their first appearances at South by Southwest (2017) and Coachella (2016), where they delivered up their trademark mash-up of minimalist piano, deeply propulsive bass lines, and electronica-inspired drums. They will perform tracks off their latest Blue Note Records release A Humdrum Star.
Nate Smith + Kinfolk
Over the last 15 years, drummer, composer, and songwriter Nate Smith has built the quintessential jazz resume: he’s been in bands led by jazz legends, such as bassist Dave Holland, and toured with some of the music’s rising stars, like saxophonist Chris Potter and vocalist José James. Known for his deep pocket, explosive dynamics, and ability to adapt to any musical situation, Smith has become one of the most in-demand drummers across a multitude of genres including funk, jazz, pop, and hip-hop. Together with his band, Kinfolk, Smith will perform songs from his debut solo album, Kinfolk: Postcards from Everywhere, which explores the themes of family, music, self-discovery, and touring through catchy, singable melodies and spring-loaded backbeats.
Marquis Hill Blacktet
“His music crystallizes the hard-hitting, hard-swinging spirit of Chicago jazz.” —Chicago Tribune
For the past five years, 30-year-old trumpeter Marquis Hill has been invigorating the Chicago jazz scene with his sleek approach to modern jazz, which often incorporates elements of spoken word and hip-hop. Winner of the 2014 Thelonious Monk International Trumpet Competition, Hill has established his well-deserved reputation as a leading figure among today’s crop of adventurous young jazz musicians. With his longstanding quintet, Blacktet (consisting of alto saxophonist Christopher McBride, vibraphonist Justin Thomas, drummer Makaya McCraven, and bassist Joshua Ramos), Hill recently released his album The Way We Play, an homage to his formative years in Chicago through stirring makeovers of jazz standards.
Los Hamsters
Los Hamsters is a delightfully dark social satire about a riotously dysfunctional Tijuana family. The parents and two teenagers are going to such lengths to hide secrets from each other that they are completely oblivious to the drama in the others lives. Emerging Mexican filmmaker Gil Gonzalez has crafted a comedy that packs a lot of punch through subtly drawn family dynamics reflecting contemporary middle class society worldwide. [Gil Gonzalez, 2014, Mexico, 71 min]
Short Film: The Contreras Family A comedy about a family engaging in illicit activity they are hiding from each other. [Alejandro Becerril El.as, 2014, Mexico, 12 min]
MENU Mini Beef Empanadas with Spicy Aioli, Carnitas Tacos with Black Beans and Spanish Rice, Churros. Vegetarian options available upon request, visit artpower.ucsd.edu for menu. Drinks sold separately.
Colleen
Over the course of five albums, French artist Colleen’s (aka Cécile Schott) musical repertoire has featured baroque instruments like the viola de gamba as well as modified music boxes and wind chimes, as she has pushed the boundaries of their playability. Using effects pedals and dub influences, Colleen powerfully blends the mythic, organic, and internal to weave and create intricate music about the human mind and heart.
The Spirit of the Beehive
Directed by Victor Erice, The Spirit of the Beehive is widely regarded as one of the greatest Spanish films of the 1970s. Six-year-old Ana attends a traveling screening of Frankenstein in her small Castilian village. She becomes possessed by the memory of it, and is determined to find the monster herself. Visually arresting, the film is a bewitching portrait of a child’s haunted inner life.
Menu
Appetizer: papas bravas with smoky aioli; Entrée: chicken with Catalan picada and herbed rice, vegetarian option: please call 858.822.3199; Dessert: flan with brandied berries and mint
I Wish
After being separated from his brother by their parents’ divorce, 12-year-old Koichi’s only wish is for his family to be reunited. Portrayed by real-life brothers Kôki and Ôhshirô Maeda, the pair develops a plan to reunite with each other.
“ . . . as unaffected, spirited, and lovable as I can imagine.”—Roger Ebert
Menu
Appetizer: tempura shrimp and veggies; Entrée: sugar & soy-glazed salmon, jasmine rice, and roasted asparagus, vegetarian option: please call 858.822.3199; Dessert: matcha cake with berry buttercream and ginger creme anglaise
Thalma & Laércio de Freitas
For her return to ArtPower—following her sold-out U.S. debut here—Thalma de Freitas joins forces with her father, Laércio to showcase beautiful Brazilian jazz music that demonstrates the power of cross-generational influences.
Father/daughter duo Laércio and Thalma have a long and rich history of writing and performing music together. Thalma credits her father for developing her musical ear and exposing her to the deep roots of jazz music in Brazilian culture.
Miguel Zenón Quartet
Multiple Grammy nominee and Guggenheim and MacArthur fellow Miguel Zenón represents a select group of musicians who have masterfully balanced the often contradictory poles of innovation and tradition. He is widely considered to be one of the most groundbreaking and influential saxophonists of his generation. He has also developed a unique voice as a composer and conceptualist, concentrating his efforts on perfecting a fine mix between Latin American folkloric music and jazz. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Zenón has released nine recordings as a bandleader, and will be touring his tenth and forthcoming album, Tipico, while at ArtPower.