Cultural Highlights from Jan. 18-24: From Discussions to Varied Musical Performances

The upcoming week in the Bay Area is brimming with cultural events, headlined by a compelling discussion with a notable author and a lineup of musical performances across various genres.

Guantánamo Diary: A Conversation with Mohamedou Ould Slahi

UC Berkeley's Center for Race & Gender and the Human Rights Center have organized a notable event featuring Mohamedou Ould Slahi, the writer behind the acclaimed memoir Guantánamo Diary. The discussion will offer a window into Slahi's life after spending 14 years at Guantánamo Bay without any charges. The event will be moderated by visual artist Amir Aziz, providing attendees with a profound blend of art and real-life stories. The gathering promises an engaging session accompanied by lunch, connecting attendees and the author virtually to traverse the nuances of his experiences Post-Guantánamo.

Live Music Performances

In the realm of music, the Bay Area's scene is alive with talent spanning various genres. Phora, the hip-hop artist with a rollercoaster life story, is set to perform at New Parish in Oakland, his lyrics resonating deeply with audiences as they narrate his personal battles and resiliency. Meanwhile, True Life Trio showcases a special concert at The Back Room in Berkeley, displaying their eclectic mix of global folk harmonies.

Reggae enthusiasts are in for a treat as The Expendables bring their tour to a close in Berkeley, inviting fans to immerse in their self-recorded and self-produced rhythms. The jazz aficionados will be delighted by the Miguel Zenón Quartet performance at Yoshi's, as the celebrated saxophonist and his ensemble are expected to deliver a thrilling set.

discussion, music, performance