La Mixta Criolla will inspire you to move your body and  soul. Participants will explore the exciting world of Puerto Rican Music and Dance as well as the Island's connection to the rest of the Caribbean and Latin America. This interactive drumming and dance workshop explores Puerto Rico's rich musical culture with an emphasis on two of the most important and dynamic genres of Afro-Caribbean drumming and dance, Bomba and Plena.

Hector Lugo: is a versatile percussionist, singer and composer and an experienced teacher. A native of Puerto Rico, Hector has performed, toured and recorded with a variety of local and international artists in the Latin, Jazz, and Afro-Caribbean music scenes. He has studied with master drummers, dancers, and singers from Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Venezuela for close to twenty years.

 
Shefali Shah : performs with Hector Lugo and Mixta Criolla and directs Aguacero, a performance and education project focusing on traditions and creative expressions of Afro-Puerto Rican Bomba music and dance. She trained and performed with members of the legendary Cepeda family and for four years she was artistic director and choreographer for the performing group Cacique y Kongo.

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  Family Arts celebration
with Jayson Fann, Asheba and festival Artists
 Join Jayson Fann the Arts Festival founder and creative director  for an extraordinary multicultural family arts celebration. Painting by the ocean, African stone carving, Didjeridoo making,
Mask making, Brazilian drumming, Tibetan monks teaching their traditional arts. Fire dancers, storytellers and performances under the stars will be among the many creative and  dynamic elements woven into  an unforgettable family week. Drawing from an incredible group of artists from around the world this workshop is guaranteed to be an inspiration for both children and adults. All ages are welcome including parents with small children.
The Family Arts program will help you rediscover that, "Yes! This is exactly what I want to be doing".http://www.bigsurspiritgarden.com                                                                                                                       

Asheba: Born on the Caribbean island of Trinidad was influenced by its spectacular festival, Carnival and the folkloric oral tradition, Calypso.
Today, he is a renowned world musician who playfully blends Reggae, Calypso, Neo-Folk and more.





http://www.asheba.net/about_asheba.html
$50 materials fee per student
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      Soul Voice Song : A Singing Improvisation Workshop
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The Poetic Soul: Unearthing Your Creative Genius through Writing and Poetry  with Akuyoe Graham  http://akuyoe.com/
"Exceptionaly accomplished...lifts the solo dramatic genre to heights rarely reached" L.A. Times
Through your own stories and poetry, explore the vastness of your being and your authentic self.
In this workshop, writing becomes a spiritual exploration that brings you into contact with your authentic voice. Your authentic voice can be trusted absolutely because it never lies. The aim of this workshop is to bring each participant face to face with the invincible spirit of his or her own being. Weave a spellbinding tale, tell the burning story or poem that will tap into the genius and beauty inside of you, lifting you into greater self expression, appreciation, freedom, and joy . Through guided exercises, participants will be once again allied with their innate intelligence and soul's wisdom. .______________________________________________________
Arts Festival  Filmmaking  Intensive
Fabian Redrovan
http://www.fabianredrovan.com/
Whether you are an emerging filmmaker, a seasoned professional or just a movie lover, come to
the Esalen Video Project and experience the full spectrum of filmmaking. Get inside the filmmaker's world as you explore the art of low and no-budget digital film making with indie success story Fabian Redrovan. Redrovan, an independent filmmaker from the Bay Area, presents a complete filmmaker's workshop - from screenwriting to directing, shooting to editing. Through this hands-on three-day crash course, you will gain invaluable experience of film and video as you make your own films (narrative, non-narrative, documentary, music and video), or you can team up and collaborate.
Bring a camera to shoot your own short film at the festival.
Requirements: Any digital camera, any editing system (computer), microphones, and head phones (optional). If you do not have a camera or a computer, it may be possible, with enough advance notice, to rent equipment from the leader.
To find out about equipment rental, call 415-283-9197 or e-mailfabian_redrovan@yahoo.com.

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     Awakening Creativity and Inspiration
     Merran Dubb & Vernon Bush and Festival Visual  Artistsand performers  
            Let the beauty you love be what you do. -Rumi
This workshop is for people who want to immerse themselves in a weekend of abundant creativity with an extraordinary team of visual artists, musicians, and performers from around the world. Painting, singing, mask-making, and dancing will be among the many forms we will explore to entice what lies within the ocean of your imagination.                                                                    http://www.vernonbush.com
Merran Dubb, is a multi media Artist, Composer and Internationally renowned DJ. He has helped produce three of the Esalen International Arts Festivals as well as facilitating numerous workshops at the Esalen Arts Center. He is currently living in Big Sur as the co-producer of over 100 Art and Cultural programs at The Big Sur Spirit Garden. He has performed in over 20 countries internationally. He has a natural ability to encourage and inspire the artist in everyone .
Vernon Bush is a singer/songwriter, musician and recording artist, who worked with Whitney Houston www.whitneyhouston.com and jazz legend and song stylist, Nancy Wilson www.missnancywilson.com. With his two groups, ("The Vernon Bush Group" and "VSOUL"), he has opened for artists as Gladys Knight, Stanley Jordan, Mickey Hart, and Michael Franti & Spearhead .......
($75 materials fee paid directly to the leader)

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               Esalen July 4th Performances

 
                                          Athira Pratap

 
Bharatanatyam Indian dance
"Dancing is my passion, and when I'm on the stage, I feel like I'm a butterfly".
Featured Artist at the 2009 World Arts Ethnic Festival in San Francisco and The Esalen International Arts Festivalhttp://www.worldartswest.org 
Ohm Kaara! depicts two forms of Shakthi, the Hindu Goddess--the Goddess of Knowledge and the Goddess of Power--in a struggle between good and evil portrayed in the swift rhythmic steps (Nritta) and expressions (Natya) of the South Indian classical dance form bharatanatyam. 
                                                         
ALEX LEE & LE VICE

Hip Hop, Jazz and Soul artist Alex Lee & Le VICE delivers her upbeat and optimistic fusion of soulful Hip Hop. A bright young star shining on the Hip Hop fusion scene, Alex draws her inspiration from artists such as Jay-Z, Missy Elliot and Erykah Badu. Together these talented musicians are kicking up the flavor to a hotter notch with their unique spice and unusual flair.
         
                     La Mixta Criolla

Captures the organic spirit of the
Puerto Rican soil and with its beautiful tableau of folk dancers delivers a riveting performance".
Chuy Varela, Latin Beat Magazine


         "Urisawe"

 
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                    Festival Art Exhibits
Mariela de la Paz
My visions have been recorded in these paintings. They express the journey of the soul in its vital cycles:  birth, death, the celebration of life, and the transcendence into planes of ascension and liberation.
www.marieladelapaz.com



Visionary Art
from the Women Painters of Big Sur
The Big Sur's beauty is often referred to by writers as deeply feminine, and no where else will you find such an expression of this beauty as through the eyes of the Women Painters of Big Sur... bold , visionary , colorful and touching....this exhibit expresses the mystique of this sacred land.

"BEYOND THE EYES"
works of Masauso Mchiumya : Zambia
Native of Zambia South Africa. A journey into the subconscious beyond the naked eye, provoked by color, words, images abstract and real evoking emotions, feelings, thinking. Beyond seeing what is.


Andrew Redhorse Alvarez 
 Award winning Native American artist Andrew Alvarez's work is a reflection of his love and respect of his Apache legacy.
 http://www.nativeart.net/andrewredhorse


July 3rd-5th Tales in Stone: Shona Stone Sculpture
Exhibit and workshop with Stalin Tafura
These sculptures speak in the language of complex mythological stories, rich traditions and historic legends.
"Africa, as impression, as idea, lies deep in the labyrinth of human imagination. Often its shape is beyond the will of words and its silhouette below the strata of conscious recovery".
Maya Angelou
www.talesinstone.com

July 2nd-5th  Lobsong Lortsel Gyamtso
The Sand Mandala of Universal Compassion
A Tibetan Sand Mandala presented by Tibetan Monk Lobsong Lortsel Gyamtso. Through this exquisite art form of Tibetan Tantric Buddhism, the monks of Ganden Monastery will create a blueprint for the abode of Awakening. Made in conjunction with ancient ritual and meditation, the Mandala finally becomes a basis for the invocation and presence of Awakened Compassion.
In the concluding ceremony, to illustrate impermanence, the Mandala is swept up and the grains of sand bearing the imprint of the mandala are taken to the ocean and distributed to participants to spread the energy of compassion throughout the world.
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July 5th Sunday  7:00pm  $20
   "Spirit Awakening"  One Woman Show
"Exceptionaly accomplished...lifts the solo dramatic genre to heights rarely reached" L.A. Times
Spirit Awakening is Akuyoe's archetypal journey in search for the Authentic self. Her story will resonate with anyone on a spiritual quest of identity and meaning. Uprooted as a child from Ghana, transplanted to London, then Spanish Harlem, now living in Los Angeles, Akuyoe Graham's performance "lifts the solo dramatic genre to heights rarely reached,"  Los Angeles Times.
Queen mother Nana Odede Akuyoe is a crowned Queen of her native region in Ghana West Africa and currently livesin Los Angeles working as an actress for film and television. Honored as"Artist of the Year" by Art Share La ,named a "Local Hero" by Season for Non Violence in Los Angeles by the  Pasadena and L.A Police for her work with at risk youth and teens in the juvenile system.

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July 10th  Friday   8:00-10:00pm $15
Balamcoatl: Tapestry of colorful legends 
Taking the audiance on a journey of movement and sound from the South to the North of Mexico, using traditional costumes and instruments from each region. Balam, meaning jaguar in Maya
and coatl, meaning serpent in Nahuatl, unite to weave Meso-american themes into a tapestry of colorful legends, drawing each audience member into the story through participatory song and dance. http://www.sonsur.net
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July 11th  Visiting Artist Series
"Totems in the Garden"  2.00-4.00pm
by Sally Russell
"I am fascinated by the interplay of shape, color, texture and
pattern and the unlimited possibilities they create. 
My totem-like ceramic sculptures are an exploration of these elements.
Stacking components in a vertical fashion forces the viewer to physically interact and engage with the work from a variety of different angles.  To me, the experience of three-dimensional art creates an unconscious relationship between the viewer and the work itself. My hope is that these sculptures delight the soul
and awaken the imagination". www.sallyrussellstudio.com

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July 11th Saturday Viviana Guzman 6:00-7.30pm $15
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July 11th Saturday $15
Zongo All Stars & Calinambe
Calinambe 7:30-8:30pm
An exotic trip down an uncharted river of world fusion music. Influences of Africa, South America, the Middle East, The Caribbean, India, come alive in their original music featuring one of a kind vocals, Ennanga, Tablas, Flute, Arguel, Saz, Indian Banjo, Doumbek, Darbuka, Frame Drum, Djimbe, Recorder, Sax and Electric Bass.July 11th Saturday $15
Zongo All Stars 9:00-11:00pm     
Zongo All-Stars will deliver an evening of their signature Calicubano; a hot high energy mix of Afro-Latin, Afro Caribbean, Jazz, Calypso, Reggae and Funk..."


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July 16th Thursday 7:30-10:00pm $15
       Joy Kills Sorrow
A prodigiously tasteful pop-grass ensemble emerging from the bubbling frenzy of young folk talent in Boston, MA. The five band members, each already respected practitioners on their instruments, share a deep knowledge and respect for the bluegrass tradition and have virtuosity to spare, but as an ensemble hold above all else a commitment to playing great songs
well, forging a new brand of folk music at once, innovative and beautiful.
  
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July 17th Friday Sambahemians   
  6:00-8:30pm $15 
Following their phenomenal performance here at the Spirit Garden last May, they're back with another stunning showcase.
"Boom! ...... Brazilian Drums and dancers spring to life with a mass of joy, shimmying and sweating as the shared energy builds, reaching a Bacchus-worthy frenzy of free-flowing limbs and minds, pulsing hearts and pounding feet".  MC weekly

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July 17th Friday 9:30-11:30  $15

Dubwize is a reggae band coming out of the California Central Coast, bringing a heavyweight sound and lots of energy. Expect to hear concious lyrics and big melodica dubs. Be sure to bring your dancing shoes!

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July 18th Saturday 2:00-4:00pm $15
Afro-Venezuelan drumming class
with Jackie Rago & the Venezuelan Music Project
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July 18th Saturday  6:00-7:30pm $15
LA FANFARE DU BELGISTAN
 An ensemble of five horns and two percussionists bringing the unique sounds of Belgistani music to the world audience. Wild and mysterious rhythms, and hypnotic melodies will appeal to both lovers of Arab and Gypsy music and fans of jazz.
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July 18th Saturday  8:00-11:00pm $15
The Venezuelan Music Project
Founded in 1991 by musical director
Jackeline Rago, to share the sounds and cultural traditions of Venezuela combining the indigenous Venezuelan, the West African and the Spanish-European influences, this project emerges as a dynamic ensemble full of vibrance, energy and color. As one of the only groups in the area performing Venezuelan music, it has the motivation and pleasure of presenting an engaging, entertaining, and highly memorable show.
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July 25th Saturday Photography Exhibit 
Rhythms of Bahia  
Reception 4:00-6:00 Rhythms of Bahia: Photographs by Kati Greaney   and students from Beje Ero, a youth theater group in Salvador de Bahia, Kati's photographs focus on the unique culture and rhythm of life within the Northeastern state of Bahia.  Kati spent 6 months living and working in the capital city of Salvador in 2007 where she teamed up with the documentary film crew of Rhythmic Uprising to put on a one month photography workshop with the youth theater group Beje Ero. This exhibition of photography showcases work from several students from the workshop as well as Kati's own collection of images from the region.
http://katigreaneyphotography.com 
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July 25th Saturday 6:00-8:00pm $15
Spector Dance Presents
EMERGING CHOREOGRAPHERS SHOWCASE, the annual festival of new dance hosted by Spector Dance.
This event brings cutting-edge talent to our community for a dynamic exchange of creative ideas. Be apart of the most diverse group of choreographers and dance that Spector Dance has ever presented on one stage!  Nine choreographs from all over California come together to share a program. From ballet to modern, from hip-hop to wheel chair dances, this is a program that is not to be missed! Come and see something new! Be surprised!
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 John Villa 
 Ensemble Didjetal  
Do'gon Lights 
From Burkina Faso, Yacouba Diarra has long been developing a style of music he calls "Fato Foli", which means "crazy music" in his native language, Bambara. He calls it Fato Foli because it is constantly changing, weaving together traditional music of the Mandinka people with contemporary rhythms and instrumentation of other cultures, improvising in spontaneous and unexpected ways.
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July 26th  Sunday 5:00-7:00pm  $15  
                      in performance
         Flamenco Music & Dance
Richard Black, Andrea La Canela
& Barbara Evans
        sponsored in part by Carmel Classic Arts Festivals

 Richard Black, "El Quijote" as he is called in Spain, has had a career playing flamenco guitar and singing cante flamenco that spans more than forty years. He is recognized in Spain for his deep knowledge of traditional cante as well as his powerful and passionate expression of the singing.
Andrea La Canela has a rich and varied background in dance that drew her to live flamenco. She apprenticed in this complex art with the best teachers on the West Coast, New Mexico and Spain. Performing & teaching for 18 years in the SF Bay Area, she was a soloist for five years with Arte Flamenco de San José as well as dancing with top artists through the help of various grants. Her passion for choreography and teaching has advanced to classes at San Jose State University.
Barbara Evans: A part of the California flamenco community for 4 decades, she has produced concert events, most notably the Big Sur Juergas.  Most recently she produces monthly Flamenco shows at Plaza Linda Restaurant in Carmel Valley. She will be appearing in the concert with El Quijote and La Canela.
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July 24-25-26th at Esalen  Institute 
Cida writes: "My teaching focuses more on movement than
on technical aspects, so that participants can achieve a lively workout and, most important, have fun, until they begin to feel the movement emerging from their own body, heart, and soul."
for registration and prices www.esalen.org or 831-667-3003


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July 29th Wednesday 8:00-10:00pm $15
Leroy Bell & his only friends
"Leroy Bell, Brimming with
delicate, acoustic-infected arrangements. Bell sometimes makes it difficult for even the most detached listener not to feel something: that's
the mark of a successful artist".
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July 31st  Friday  8:00-10:00pm  $15
                   www.myspace.com/nicogeoris      www.myspace.com/nicogeoris
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