RioVida Networks – Page 16 – RioVida Networks brings causes, celebrities, music, film makers, artist and corporations together for mutual benefit.

July 27, 2016July 27, 2016

Jim Dennis, historic Artist Talk and Grand Opening of “50 Years in a Flash” Aug. 5th at Joyce Gordon Gallery

Opening Ceremony Joyce Gordon

Join us this Friday, August 5th from 6-9pm for the Opening reception and Artist Talk of “50 Years In A Flash” by renowned Bay Area photographer, Jim Dennis.

50 Years In A Flash | Photography by Jim Dennis
 August 5 - August 27, 2016
 Opening Reception and Artist Talk: Friday, August 5th 6-9pm
Artist Talk by Jim Dennis starts at 7pm

This retrospective of photography includes portraits, nudes, music, flowers and landscapes by internationally renowned Bay Area photographer Jim Dennis.??”50 Years In a Flash” captures an array of moments throughout Jim Dennis’ image making career. including photographs inspired by his early travels as the first African American photographer on assignment with Eastman Kodak in New York. Other works include portraits ranging from famed musicians such as Miles Davis, Duke Ellington, John Handy, Faye Carol; dignitaries include the Dali Lama, former S.F. Mayor Willie Brown to celebrated locals. His color and black and white nude portraits are perhaps his most recognized and praised work. Also featured in this exhibit is a KTOP documentary interview “A Glimpse Into Jim Dennis.” Later in the month we celebrate Jim Dennis’ day of birth with an hour exhibition tour in the gallery followed by an extended version of his jazz and music collection at Geoffrey’s InnerCircle including live music and food. The exhibit culminates in a paid photo session where the public is invited to have their portraits taken in the gallery by Jim Dennis.

Pete Escovedo Family by Jim Dennis Photography

Jim Dennis’ Birthday Celebration August 18th 6 – 11pm | Gallery Tour 6-7pm | Celebration at Geoffrey’s InnerCircle (410 14th St, Oakland) 7-11pm featuring an extended music collection

Closing Reception: August 27th 1-4pm
Portrait Session w/ makeup artist | Contact gallery for details
Joyce Gordon Gallery presents “50 Years In A Flash,”

Joyce Gordon Gallery is a commercial fine art gallery located in the downtown district of Oakland California. It exhibits art that reflects the social and cultural diversity of the Bay Area and international artists. The aim of the gallery is to respect the creative pursuits of the individual and seeks to make such work accessible to a broad audience.

JoyceGordenGallery

Joyce Gordon Gallery
406 14th St
Oakland, California 94612
510-465-8928
www.joycegordongallery.com

Joyce Gordon Gallery
406 14th St. ?Oakland, California 94612
510-465-8928
www.joycegordongallery.com

www.facebook.com/TheJoyceGordonGallery/

Jim Dennis Photography Studio is located in Emeryville. To schedule a private tour please contact Jim Dennis at jmdennis@sbcglobal.net. Learn more at his website: www.jimdennisphotography.com

For a past historic Artist Talk with Jim Dennis the SF Moma wrote: “San Francisco native Jim Dennis’ skills were honed partly in the Jazz club called “The Both And” in North Beach shooting photos of legends such as Miles Davis and Wes Montgomery. He eventually became a staff photographer for Eastman Kodak. After a long career using the most cutting edge camera equipment he’s amassed an accomplished body of work that includes portraits of well-known public figures, landscapes and nudes.” full article

July 26, 2016July 26, 2016

Michelle Obama is beautiful inside out and outside in. True Beauty!

Vogue shows Michele Obama's outer beauty - her speech shows her inner beauty as a mother and leader. — Vogue shows Michelle Obama’s outer beauty – her speech shows her inner beauty as a mother and leader.

Her speech reflects the beauty of her mind and soul. What a classy and beautiful woman.

When someone sais what they do and does what she says we can trust and admire that person with all our might.

The first Lady genuinely cares about the US, the world and people. She now is working with an organization called called Let Girls Lean.

Let Girls Learn is a U.S. government initiative launched by the President and First Lady that helps adolescent girls attain a quality education and enables them to reach their full potential. Educating girls is essential to healthy and thriving communities but, globally, 62 million girls are not in school, and barriers to adolescent girls completing school are particularly significant. In some countries, fewer than 10% of teenage girls complete secondary school. Learn more about it and how we can genuinely improve the lives for people, empower people to get jobs, improve countries infra structure and stop the hunger and power based wars and resulting refugee flows.

https://letgirlslearn.peacecorps.gov/

July 26, 2016August 2, 2016

Rolando Morales Duo will perform Thursday July 28, 2016 at San Jose Fairmont

Rolando Morales and Danilo Paiz will perform at the Fairmont San Jose — Rolando Morales and Danilo Paíz will perform at the Fairmont San Jose

Hola, Mi Gente!

I’ve had some splendid experiences this past week at some lovely private events. One was up high in the clouds with a panoramic view of the Bay Area. They flew in a magical chef from northern Italy and her husband as sommelier providing the amazing Italian wines. I blended some Italian music into my international flavors and it went over so well, I’ll be returning soon.

My Trio’s debut last Saturday at Pairings Cellars was also a hit, so another version of my Trio, will be returning there in about 3 weeks. I’ll keep you posted.

This week I wrap up our July Calendar with my buddy Danilo Paíz. This wonderful Latin percussionist/vocalist from Nicaragua has played with me from the very beginning when my first band Passion and Grace was newly formed. We’ll be doing a duet performance for you South Bay fans at the San Jose Fairmont in the Lobby Lounge this Thursday, July 28 from 9-Midnight.

I also have Don Pico’s on Friday and Maria, Maria in Walnut Creek on Saturday, with all the details below. I’ll see you at the show!

Ciao,

Rolando

LAST PUBLIC PERFORMANCES FOR JULY 2016

Thursday July 28, The San Jose Fairmont, Lobby Lounge, 170 South Market St., San Jose CA, 9pm-Midnight. Rolando returns for you South Bay fans to this elegant venue. Celebrate the night with fine wines, unique martinis, appetizers and sushi along with the Rolando Morales Duet, this time featuring the Latin percussionist/vocalist from Dizzy Gillespie and Rubén Blades, Danilo Paíz; and Rolando Morales leading the way on guitar and vocals and his magic pedal board. Free! See www.fairmont.com/sanjose/ for info, or call (408) 998-1900.

Friday July 29, Don Pico’s Mexican Bistro, 461 El Camino Real, San Bruno, 6-9 pm. Rolando returns on solo guitar and voice, now in the intimate Restaurant Room. Call (650) 589-1163 and see www.donpicosbistro.com.

Sunday July 31, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx. 2-5pm. Enjoy a Mexican brunch at Carlos Santana’s lively cantina and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek. (Don’t worry, if it’s too hot he’ll be indoors.) He may be joined by Bob Harrison on flute. www.mariamariarestaurants.com, (925) 946-1010.

July 26, 2016July 26, 2016

50 years of classic photography by celebrity photographer, Jim Dennis

Internationally renown photography Jim Dennis is celebrating his 50th Anniversary. Historic.

Jim Dennis delights international photography lovers for over 50 years.

Jim Dennis is a renowned Bay Area Photographer whose work has spanned over thirty years, with exhibits ?at a variety of artful venues across the nation including: ?Kodak Gallery , New York, New York?Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, Illinois?The Oakland Museum, Oakland, California?Dennis, a native of San Francisco recognized at an early age that he was visually oriented and ?was excited to discover that he could capture on film, elements that provoked thought and stirred emotion.

As a young staff photographer with Eastman Kodak, Dennis photographed people and places across the world:?the Taj Mahal in India; life in Morocco; cultural portraits in Turkey. He also photographed the Indy 500 and Grand Prix Races, a cattle round-up in Wyoming and the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus. His personal extensive travels have provided him with opportunities to capture exciting photographic images in such places as Haiti, Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii, France, Italy, Britain, the Bahamas,Brazil, Costa Rica and the Ivory Coast.

Jim Dennis’ technical skills in photography were honed at Eastman Kodak where he collaborated with engineers?developing state-of-the-art photographic equipment and products. He regularly attends professional development seminars and workshops to stay abreast of new developments in the photography world and has taught technical skills in photography to students at the Academy of Art College in San Francisco. Additionally, he studied with the famed San Francisco photographer Ruth Bernhard in developing his creative skills.

In addition to his personal clients, present corporate clients include: Pacific Bell, Pacific Gas and Electric, American Airlines, San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, East Bay AIDS Foundation, San Francisco Foundation, City and County of San Francisco, San Francisco Unified School District, City of Oakland, Oakland Unified School District, Walter Kaitz Foundation, World Savings Bank, KTVU-Channel 2, Highland Hospital and the Port of Oakland.

Eric Murphy
Gallery Curator,
Joyce Gordon Gallery
406 Fourteenth St.
Oakland, CA. 94612

eric@joycegordongallery.com or jmdennis@sbcglobal.net
Gallery Phone: 510.465.8928

www.joycegordongallery.com and www.jimdennisphotography.com

1971 article about Jim Dennis photoshoot in cowboy country.

July 20, 2016July 21, 2016

What a Wonderful World in the Norwegian Fjords

Happy sheep grazing in emerald green Norwegian Fjords

Jo and Jan visit Gaustatoppen and Rjukan in Norway.

The Fjords in Gaustatoppen and Rjukan are some of the most popular Norwegian secret destination. The region offers beautiful hiking trails some of them with an incline of 2200 feet. Great workout and the views are an amazing pay off. For people who are not in favor of hiking such an incline there are cable cars which are inside the mountain.

If you wish to learn more about how to travel to Norway you could visit: Hardangervidda

Photography courtesy Jo Eliz Lian and Jan Lian.

July 19, 2016July 19, 2016

Rolando Morales Trio to perform at Pairings Cellars in Pleasanton, Saturday July 23rd.

Rolando Morales , Estaire Godinez and David Belove will perform on Saturday July 23rd at Pairings Cellars in downtown Pleasanton.

Saturday July 23, Pairings Cellars, 310 Main Street, Suite B, Pleasanton CA 94566, 8-11pm. Rolando debuts at this brand new, exciting social hotspot in downtown Pleasanton. This new wine bar will feature fine wines, tapas and the Rolando Morales Trio, featuring from Prince and George Benson, the charismatic Latin percussionist/vocalist Estaire Godinez; from Pete Escovedo and Tito Puente, bassist David Belove; and Rolando Morales leading the way on guitar, guitar synth and voice. Free! www.pairingscellars.com, (925) 398-8846.

July 19, 2016July 19, 2016

Rolando Morales adds “Love’s in Need of Love Today” by Stevie Wonder to his repertoire.

Rolando Morales will perform Saturday July 23, Pairings Cellars, 310 Main Street, Suite B, Pleasanton CA 94566, 8-11pm with Estaire Godinez and David Belove.

Hola, Mi Gente!

If there has ever been a time for us to collectively channel our inner Martin Luther King, that time is now. Too many times now, listening to the radio while driving to or from a gig, I’ve heard heart-rending, breaking news of the latest violence inflicted in another American city.

One of the songs I’ve added to my repertoire of late, sadly, has been Stevie Wonder’s “Love’s In Need Of Love Today.” One of the lines goes: “Hate’s goin’ round breaking many hearts. Stop it please before it’s gone too far.”

I’ve had some special moments performing these kinds of songs for receptive audiences at Wente Vineyard, The Vineand even Maria, Maria in Walnut Creek. Some spoke to me with tears in their eyes on the breaks of how they were moved by the songs or appreciated what I wrote in these newsletters. It seems we all want the madness to stop. But the few with the demented will and the means to act perpetuate the violence. Better to remember Dr. King’s words:

“We must learn to live together as brothers, or perish together as fools.” March on Washington-1964

If you’re looking for healing energy and a fun escape from the news, remember that my Trio debuts this Saturdaynight, July 23 at a brand new Wine Bar, Pairings Cellars on Main Street in downtown Pleasanton, as part of theirGrand Opening month. We’ll have a ball playing in this intimate space with my great trio featuring the percussionist/vocalist from Prince, Estaire Godinez; the great bassist from Pete Escovedo, David Belove; and I’ll be there on guitar, guitar synth and voice. Details below. Don’t miss it!

The beautiful Estaire Godinez and David Belove

There’s still much more left in this second half of the calendar. Make your reservations and I’ll see you at the show!

Ciao,

Rolando

July 14, 2016July 14, 2016

Artist Highlight – Mazella Houston

Mazella Houston, big band vocalist enchants audiences

Born in the southern state of North Carolina, Mazella started playing piano as a natural gift for her youth choir at the local Baptist church she attended, until leaving North Carolina for a tour with the U.S. Army, Germany in 1977.

Returning to the U. S. in 1980, Mazella appeared in the Fort Hood production of “Purlie Victorious”.. At the close of the show, Mazella took on a dare to run for the title of “Ms. Fort Hood”, the largest military installation in the free world, where she won the talent competition and was crowned both “Ms. Fort Hood” and “Ms. Congeniality”. Mazella soon after moved to Houston, TX where she rediscovered her love and voice for singing.

During her tenure in Houston, Mazella sang on the worship team for churches such as; Lakewood, The Light Christian Center and New Covenant Praise. Also during this time, Mazella developed, initiated and launched a music movement called “music therapy” in the Christ-Centered nationally known in-hospital therapy program called, RAPHA. Mazella managed 32 teams of musicians who held weekly music therapy sessions in several different hospitals throughout the Houston area Moving to Southern California in the early nineties, Mazella was given the opportunity to further develop her program in various treatment centers in the Los Angles and Burbank areas.

Mazella wrote and produced her first EP album called “Windows of the Soul” released in the summer of 1999, with the popular tune “Let’s Talk About Life” and the powerful tune, “Potter and the Clay“. The project has six tunes all written by Mazella, and one co-written with, Jimmy Zeigler (Bill and Ted‘s Excellent Adventures).

Later that same year, Mazella returned to the studio co-producing with Larry Allen, (Stevie Wonder, Ricky Grundy, Ming Freeman, Doug Grisby, Tina Marie), to write and produce 6 more tunes for her next project, “The Fire of Life Itself”, released in the fall of 2000. Mazella toured Europe that same year, performing concerts in France and Belgium.

In the spring of the following year, Mazella recorded a live version of “The Fire of Life Itself with musicians, Dale Ockerman-on keys, (Doobie Brother’s), Tyran Porter, on bass (Doobie Brother’s), Donnie Balwdin on drums (Jefferson Starship), Johnny Gunn on guitar (Eddie Money), Rock Hendricks on horns, and various other talented music friends.

In 2007, Mazella launched “The Black Pearl Project”, along with Larrie Ray Noble, Sr., and for the next 7 years booked and performed an average of 150 gigs per year in the San Francisco Bay and surrounding areas. Performing at such venue as, “Biscuit and Blues, Carnelian Room, Presidio Golf Club, Piedmont Community Church, Lake Merritt Hotel, Scottish Rite Center, Oakland City of San Ramon, City of San Francisco as well as numerous fine dining restaurants.

Mazella has performed with Lou Rawls, Danced with “Prince”, Contra Costa Jazz Band, the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra, with “Soundwave”, the Bob Enos (Julliard, Stan Kenton).

Mazella and her “World Class Pearl Big Band is currently performing at The California Theater in Pittsburg, California and other Bay Area theaters and venues. Keep up to date on her amazing musical career on Facebook.

July 14, 2016July 14, 2016

Tonight Rolando Morales and Edgardo Cambón Duet will perform at Vines at Bridges

Vine July

Thursday July 14, Vine at Bridges, 480 Hartz Avenue, Danville, approx 7-10pm. After 2 months away, The Rolando Morales Duet returns to this cool winery and nightspot for its only Thursday night appearance, coinciding with the Danville Car Show. Enjoy a wonderful selection of wines, superb dinners and munchies while enjoying this powerful duet. Tonight Rolando reunites with the Latin percussionist/vocalist from Uruguay, the leader of Candela, Edgardo Cambón; and on guitar, voice and his pedal board of magic, the passionate Rolando Morales. Don’t miss it! www.thevineatbridges.com, (925) 820-7210.

July 13, 2016July 19, 2016

Rolando Morales Public Performance July 2016

Rolando Morales Performances July 2016

Friday July 15, Don Pico’s Mexican Bistro, 461 El Camino Real, San Bruno, 6 to 9 pm. Rolando returns on solo guitar and voice in the intimate Restaurant Room. (650) 589-1163 and see www.donpicosbistro.com.

Saturday July 16, Wente Vineyards, Estate Winery and Tasting Room Patio, 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore CA 94550, 1-5pm. Rolando’s first public Wente appearance was a hit, so he returns a second time. Enjoy a superb wine tasting experience on the lovely Wente Estate and enjoy Rolando on solo guitar and voice out on the patio among the lush grounds of the Estate Winery. www.wentevineyards.com/tasting-rooms/estate-winery-tasting-room.

Sunday July 17, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 2-5pm. Enjoy a Mexican brunch at Carlos Santana’s lively cantina and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek. He may be joined by Bob Harrison on flute. www.mariamariarestaurants.com, (925) 946-1010.

Friday July 22, Don Pico’s Mexican Bistro, 461 El Camino Real, San Bruno, 6-9 pm. Rolando returns on solo guitar and voice, now in the intimate Restaurant Room. Call (650) 589-1163 and www.donpicosbistro.com.

Sunday July 24, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 2-5pm. Enjoy a Mexican brunch at Carlos Santana’s lively cantina and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek. He may be joined by Bob Harrison on flute. (925) 946-1010 to www.mariamariarestaurants.com

Rolando Morales Duo at Fairmont July 28, 2016

Thursday July 28, The San Jose Fairmont, Lobby Lounge, 170 South Market St., San Jose CA, 9pm-Midnight. Rolando returns for you South Bay fans to this elegant venue. Celebrate the night with fine wines, unique martinis, appetizers and sushi along with the Rolando Morales Duet, this time featuring the Latin percussionist/vocalist from Dizzy Gillespie, Danilo Paíz; and Rolando Morales leading the way on guitar and vocals and his magic pedal board. Free! See www.fairmont.com/sanjose/ for info, or call (408) 998-1900.

Sunday July 31, Maria, Maria Cantina, 1470 North Broadway, Walnut Creek, approx 2-5pm. Enjoy a Mexican brunch at Carlos Santana’s lively cantina and Rolando performing on the newly renovated front patio on solo guitar and voice by the creek. He may be joined by Bob Harrison on flute.(925) 946-1010. www.mariamariarestaurants.com

All other shows are private. Why not hire Rolando for your own private event? He’s available for corporate shows, weddings, parties, concerts and festivals. The Rolando Morales group is available as sextet, quintet, quartet, trio and duo depending on your entertainment needs and budget.

July 13, 2016July 13, 2016

Rolando Morales shares his thoughts about this week.

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“True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”
                Martin Luther King, Jr., Stride Towards Freedom, 1958

Hola, Mi Gente!

It’s been a tough week for our country. So much tragedy and violence, needlessly inflicted. We feel burdened with pain and anger. We’re reminded of how little some things have changed over the last six decades. How do we as a nation move forward?

I thought President Obama delivered a beautiful, powerful speech today at the memorial for the five fallen officers in Dallas. Playing the role yet again of Consoler in Chief, he helped the nation cope with the violence which has traumatized our country, while at the same time, eloquently compelling us to admit to the real racial oppression that people of color experience daily. He urged us to listen to one another, to find the similarities that unite us and to empathize with and acknowledge the real pain each side experiences.

I was encouraged to hear him say that “we will need to act on the truths that we know. And that’s not easy, it makes us uncomfortable. But we’re going to have to be honest with each other and ourselves.” That’s the way forward.

At all my performances, I have been including special songs to ease our hearts and souls in these trying times. Even at last Saturday’s Sausalito Seahorse performance, our world class band played a rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Goin’ On?” to an appreciative audience. Big thanks to Carlos Reyes, Estaire Godinez, Celso Alberti and David Belove for their talents, and to all of you who packed the Seahorse again.

This Thursday I’m doing a special show at The Vine at Bridges in Danville on Thursday July 14 with my talented buddy from Uruguay, Edgardo Cambón. I’ve been away from there for a few months, and they’ll have the 2016 Danville Hot Summer Nights Hot Rod and Classic Car Show happening right outside, so it’s definitely worth coming out for. Details.

I’m also returning to Wente Vineyards this Saturday July 16 from 1-5pm on solo guitar and voice. Details.

I’m also excited to be part of the Grand Opening of a new Wine Bar, Pairings Cellars on Main Street in downtown Pleasanton. We’ll be kicking off our appearances there next week Saturday night, July 23 with a great trio featuring the percussionist/vocalist from Prince, Estaire Godinez; the great bassist from Pete Escovedo, David Belove; and I’ll be there on guitar, guitar synth and voice. Details.

There’s so much more in store. Just check out the calendar, make your reservations and I’ll see you at the show!

Ciao,
Rolando

July 13, 2016July 13, 2016

Rolando Morales will perform Wente Vineyards, Estate Winery and Tasting Room Patio, July 16th

July 9, 2016July 9, 2016

Rolando Morales Superstar line up at Seahorse Sausalito on July 9th, 2016

Rolando Morales, David Belove, Celso Alberti, Estaire Godinez , Carlos Reyes, Sausalito Seahorse, July 9 2016 — Full Rolando Morales Quintet to perform Saturday July 9, 2016 at Sausalito Seahorse

Saturday July 9, “An Evening with Rolando Morales and Carlos Reyes,” Sausalito Seahorse, 305 Harbor Drive, Sausalito, approx 8:30-11:30pm. These two passionate musicians finally return to The Seahorse to put on their unique show at this fun waterfront restaurant and club. The great Paraguayan harpist/violinist Carlos Reyes and passionate guitarist/vocalist Rolando Morales will play a short set in duet to close out the dinner hour, followed by a concert and dancing to the World Class Rolando Morales Group featuring from the Pete Escovedo Orchestra, the rock-solid bassist David Belove; from Brazil, the exciting drummer from Airto and Steve Winwood, Celso Alberti; from Prince and George Benson, the Latin percussionist/vocalist Estaire Godinez; from Paraguay, the thrilling violinist and harpist from Arturo Sandoval and Steve Miller, Carlos Reyes; and the powerful Rolando Morales leading the journey on guitar, guitar synthesizer and vocals. Don’t miss it! $15. Make your reservations at (415) 331-2899. www.sausalitoseahorse.com

July 7, 2016July 13, 2016

Rolando Morales Road California Trip Sampler

July 5, 2016November 8, 2016

Andreas Schumacher, internationally renown Hair Stylist Coach shares his skills

Brought to you by HGA-Cosmetics – HOME OF BEAUTY, courtesy www.PresseProjekte.de