There are a lot of wonderful concerts, plays and exhibits to see this weekend and beyond in the Bay Area. Here’s just a partial roundup. After a long career as a performer with several California dance companies, Amy Seiwert has evolved into one of the Bay Area’s most acclaimed choreographers.
And her company, Amy Seiwert’s Imagery, has been applauded for its innovative and captivating performances. Among Seiwert’s most popular traditions has been the annual Sketch performances, which over the years has presented 37 new works by multitude of of risk-taking choreographers. With Seiwert set to assume her new post as associate artistic director at the famed Smuin Contemporary Ballet in the fall (and it’s been announced she’ll take over as Smuin artistic director in 2024); this year marks the 13th and final Sketch series.
Sub-titled “Lucky” (get it?), Sketch 13 comes to ODC/Dance Theater in San Francisco this weekend with a program of four world premieres by Seiwert; Natasha Adorlee, a former artistic fellow at Imagery known for embracing contemporary dance, ballet and martial arts in her work; award-winning Canadian choreographer Hélène Simoneau; and acclaimed choreographer Trey McIntyre, whose works are well-known to Bay Area dance fans and whose new work at Sketch 13 is said to be inspired by American Sign Language. Performances will feature eight dancers from Imagery and a variety of other Northern California dance companies. As for Seiwert’s Imagery, the company will continue performances through 2024 before disbanding next March.
The Shakespeare & Performing Arts Regional Company (formerly Livermore Shakespeare Festival) is continuing its Shakespeare in the Vineyard summer series with one of the Bard’s most beloved and frequently produced comedies, “Much Ado About Nothing. ” Full of the Bard’s trademark double-dealing, costly misunderstandings, jealousy, gossip, scandal and people chafing under societal constraints and expectations, “Much Ado” centers on two couples dealing with issues and obstacles that remain surprisingly commonplace today. “Despite having worked on Shakespeare’s plays for over 20 years,” says “Much Ado” director Lisa A.
Tromovitch, “I am still amazed at how the issues he was exploring over 400 years ago are still issues we wrestle with today. ” The production, adapted by Mary Ann Rodgers, plays at the Darcie Kent Vineyard, 7000 Tesla Road, Livermore, through Aug. 6.
7:30 p. m. Thursdays through Sundays, $18-$60; .
Now in its second year, the Robert Glasper-curated Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa is celebrating the influence of jazz on hip-hop over the last half-century. The lineup for the three-day event is nothing short of sensational, featuring headliners Mary J. Blige, Nas and Chance the Rapper as well as Smino, Rakim & DJ Jazz Jeff, Digable Planets, Big Freedia, De La Soul, Ari Lennox, Talib Kweli & Madlib, BJ the Chicago Kid, PJ Morton and many other talents.
Glasper, who is the artist-in-residence, is set to appear all three days. Comedian Dave Chappelle serves as host. Sounds like an amazing way to spend a long weekend up in Wine Country.
It’s also part of the nationwide July 28-30, Silverado Resort, Napa; $225 single day, $375 two-day pass, $575 three-day pass; Through Sept. 17; Bedford Gallery, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek; noon to 5 p. m.
Wednesdays through Sundays; pay what you can; . .
From: mercurynews
URL: https://www.mercurynews.com/2023/07/26/bay-area-arts-here-are-9-great-shows-to-see-this-week-and-beyond/
