All Shows
S3: Ep 2: Elizabeth Soberanes and Carnaval in The Mission
On a sunny February afternoon in Mission Dolores Park, Jae and I interviewed lifelong Latin dancer, arts educator, producer, and choreographer Elizabeth Soberanes. She’s been an active performer and resident in San Francisco’s Mission District for over 40 years, starting with a BA in Dance Ethnology from SFSU. Elizabeth is a champion of Latin dance styles including Afro-Haitian, Brazilian, Cuban, Capoeira, Hip Hop and Jazz. In 2009, Elizabeth founded Latin Dance Grooves (LDG) to share her love of Latin dance to her community in a welcoming environment. This later evolved into a performance ensemble that has performed at numerous occasions, including SF Pride Festival Latin Stage, Bay Area Cuban Festival, SF Carnvale, and more. Today LDG boasts some of the most popular Latin dance and fitness classes in the Bay Area.
Elizabeth is also well-known for her participation in Canaval, SF’s annual celebration of Latin and South American culture. This parade features dance, art, decorated floats, music and food, a scene where someone as cheerful as Elizabeth can always be found. Her work with LDG has helped bring so much life to Carnaval, as it’s helped her students participate in the festival for many years. Elizabeth believes that dance is a healing force for physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being for the individual and the community. Who better to tell us about the meaning of San Francisco’s Carnival than her?
For more information about Elizabeth Soberanes, please visit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/aforum/18045924320/in/photostream
Meet Elizabeth Soberanes!
S3: Ep 1: Martin Luther McCoy and Jeanne Anyanwu McCoy
Welcome to Season 3 of BTFR! We are honored to start off with musician, actor & SF native Martin Luther McCoy and his artist & activist wife Jeanne Anyanwu McCoy. This talented and stylish 1970’s “Soul Train'' couple play an extensive role in the Bay Area’s art and activism communities.
Martin Luther was fundamental in the 1990’s Bay Area neo-soul scene and is a recent member of the SFJAZZ Collective. He is widely known for his work with hip hop collective the Roots and is likewise acclaimed for his role as “Jo-Jo” in Julie Taymor’s 2007 film Across the Universe. Jeanne Anyanwu McCoy is impressive in her own right. She is an entrepreneur, businesswoman, and community leader. Jeanne is devoted to collaborating on art projects with African American artists in the Bay Area and nationwide, including a new art and community-focused production company called “A Little x” which she co-founded with her husband. Through their company, Jeanne and Martin collaborate with clients such as SFJAZZ and the Museum of African Diaspora (MoAd), where Martin will be performing live on February 26th!
For more information about Martin Luther and his upcoming performance, please visit:
https://www.moadsf.org/event/sfjazz-and-moad-co-present-a-black-history-month-celebration-concert-with-martin-luther-mccoy
Meet Martin Luther and Jeanne Anyanwu McCoy!