Daily Archives: 03/04/2010

Announcement from Augusta Collins, East Bay jazz musician

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From Augusta Collins, jazz musician and artist, featured in last July’s issue:

I HAVE BEEN INDUCTED INTO THE WEST COAST BLUES HALL OF FAME AND I WILL BE RECEIVING AN AWARD THE NIGHT OF SUNDAY, MARCH 28TH 2010, 6-10PM AT HILTON OAKLAND AIRPORT.  THE TICKETS ARE $25.00 IF YOU GET THEM FROM ME.  $35.00 AT THE DOOR.

Augusta Lee Collins  – Singer/Songwriter/Videographer

Augusta may be reached here: augustaleecollins@yahoo.com

About Augusta (and I have seen him live, he has amazing energy and a sweet smile along with a long history of distinguished compositions and musical collaborations.):

Augusta Lee Collins has been creating and performing his original music at Café Valparaiso (La Pena Cultural Center) in Berkeley, California as well as dozens of other venues, in the bay area for three years with his partner fellow musician, Toney Thibodeaux.

Augusta is forever pushing his ideas musically and visually and creating new music.  Augusta, hears, feels and visualizes his creative journey bringing a very unique blends of music all original music, written and performed by Augusta Lee Collins.  Augusta is an artist consistently widening and extending his horizons.

Augusta Lee Collins is best known as a very talented drummer that was most prolific throughout the late 1960’s and into the middle 1980’s.  Performing with legends like Lightnin’ Hopkins, Herbie Hancock, Abby Lincoln, Sun Ra, Bobby Hutcherson, Frankie Bevelely and Maze, and the Pointer Sisters to name a few, Augusta showed an interest in all forms of music very early.

Augusta has performed at the U.C. Berkeley Jazz Festival three times and the Monterey Jazz Festival as well as performing with the Oakland Symphony Orchestra, Harold Fiberman conductor and musical director.

Ramana Vieira and band: soulful Portuguese fado singer…upcoming Berkeley performance

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Ramana Vieira, Portuguese Fado Sensation to Appear in Berkeley April 3rd

April concert announced at Berkeley’s famous Freight & Salvage
April 3, 2010
Show starts at 8:00p.m.
Tickets: $20.50 advance / $21.50 at door
Can order online or by phone 510-644-2020
Freight & Salvage
2020 Addison
Berkeley, CA 94704
(510) 644-2020 
Hear some of Ramana’s music free here:
Fado is a  significant form of traditional Portuguese folk music that Ramana pulls into the 21st century with her haunting melodies. Ramana’s rich, musical artistry combined with her unconventional original style have transported audiences throughout the world with highlights that include: sharing the stage with Grammy nominated fadista Mariza; performing her original song “Unido Para Amar” for the 2006 Winter Olympics video montage; making her international debut with RPT TV Portuguese network; and chosen to sing for the Grammy’s 50th Awards special Music Cares benefit to honor Aretha Franklin. 
ABOUT RAMANA VIEIRA:
Ramana Vieira has a new CD, ‘Lagrimas De Rainha (Tears of a Queen)’ released March 24, 2009 by The Pacific Coast Jazz Label, climbed to 43 on the World Music Radio charts nationally.
“Fabulous Fadista” – Andrew Gilbert, Metro Santa Cruz
“The Rising Star In World Music” – San Francisco Examiner
“The New Voice of Portuguese World Music” – Mundo Portugues
Ramana Vieira is joined by her award-winning ensemble: Marcie Brown on cello, (Sting, Pavarotti and Cirque du Soleil), Jeffrey Luiz on classic guitar, Stephen La Porta on percussion, and Alberto Ramirez on electric bass.
BIO:
Ramana Vieira sings with such a wide range of emotions one cannot help but be mesmerized by images of “old world” Portugal that emerge from the depths of her soul. Her extraordinary gift of bringing this 15th century style into modern times is her unique trademark. Often referred to as the “New Voice of Portuguese World Music,” this powerful vocalist is making her mark as one of the premier contemporary Fado artists. According to the Portuguese, Fado is a melancholy and often-mournful music similar to the American blues as it tells stories of heartache and disappointment. The essence of the poetry is the quality of “saudade,” a word that is difficult to translate as it expresses a myriad of feelings.