DiverCities: July 13, 2011

WEDNESDAY, JULY 13

SAN FRANCISCO - God Grew Tired of Us // The world welcomed its newest nation last Saturday when South Sudan officially declared its independence from Sudan, after 50 years of civil war. Watch the award-winning documentary film “God Grew Tired of Us.”  The film follows the journey of John Dau, one of the “Lost Boys” of Southern Sudan, as he flees the war, walks hundreds of miles to a refugee camp in Kenya, and ultimately ends up in the US, becoming a champion of human rights.// DETAILS: 6pm reception, 7pm film screening followed by Q&A with John Dau himself. African American Arts and Culture Center, 762 Fulton St; Donation requested: $5

BERKELEY - Libya in Pictures // See the Libya beyond the headlines at a photo exhibit by photographer Susanne Houfek, who visited Libya immediately prior to the current conflict. Her images reflect the Berber and Touareg tribes, and capture modern Tripoli as well as the country’s rarely photoed Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins.// DETAILS: 8pm - 3pm, Tomate Cafe, 2265 Fifth St; Runs through August 30, Cost: FREE

THURSDAY, JULY 14

SAN FRANCISCO

– Paintings of Corsica // It’s Bastille Day, mes amis! Get your French culture fix at Alliance Francaise, which will feature the Mediterranean watercolor paintings of Mara Gahagan. Gahagan, who taught painting in Corsica, will be there in person to chat.// DETAILS: 6:30pm reception, Alliance Francaise, 1345 Bush St; Runs through July 31, Cost: FREE

– Cabaret Bastille // Meet the writers of 1920s Rive Gauche Left Bank Parisian bohemia in person! San Francisco’s Litquake Festival presents contemporary authors channeling their favorite writers from the era and reading excerpts from their works, including Andrew Dugas as Hemingway, Tara Jepsen as Gertude Stein, and Alan Black as James Joyce. Black will be on Crosscurrents that day to give us a taste, so make sure you tune in! The night also includes accordion music, drinks, and make-your-own-Matisse. // DETAILS: 8pm - midnight, CELLspace, 2050 Bryant St; Cost: FREE

EL CERRITO - Ramana Vieira // Linger in the blues with 15th century Portuguese ‘Fado’ songs of longing and heartache. Singer Ramana Vieira, who’s been called the “new voice of Portuguese world music,” brings this art form to the present. Part of the El Cerrito Library’s Summer Concert Series. // DETAILS: 7pm, El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave; Cost: FREE

FRIDAY, JULY 15

SAN JOSE - 88 Keys of Passion // Spanish Flamenco pianist Rosario Montoya, called “La Reina Gitana,” (The Gypsy Queen) is playing in an exclusive Bay Area performance presented by the Flamenco Society of San Jose. Montoya will be accompanied by dancer Rocio Romero and drummer Pakito “El Aspirina.” // DETAILS: 8pm, Historic Hoover theatre, 1635 Part Ave; Cost: $30-$42

SAN FRANCISCO - Soulful Stitching // The Africans whom the Portuguese brought to India in the 16th century left behind a unique culture that included an elaborate tradition of quilt-stitching. This exhibit features patchwork quilts (kawandis) made by this community of Africans in India, known as Siddis. // DETAILS: Opening reception 7:30pm, on display through September 18, Museum of the African Diaspora, 685 Mission St; Cost: FREE

SATURDAY, JULY 16

SAN FRANCISCO – Sunugal.CA // Join members of the Bay Area African Diaspora in a celebration of West Africa through live music and food. Lineup includes Senegalese DJ Sabar. Ages 21 and older. // DETAILS: 9pm, Bollyhood Cafe, 3372 19th St; Cost: $7-$10

GILROY - Chitactac Family Day // Visit this ancient Ohlone village site for a fun-filled day of immersion in the Ohlone way of day-to-day life, children’s games, elderberry flute-making and tool-making.// DETAILS: 10am - 2pm, Chitactac-Adams Heritage County Park, 10001 Watsonville Rd; Cost: FREE

SUNDAY, JULY 17

BERKELEY – Asheba // Who says reggae music is just for adults? Trinidadian kids’ musician Asheba rocks the house for the little ones, singing Caribbean-influenced children’s songs with some heavy audience participation! Let’s just say it will involve some monkeys jumping on the bed. // DETAILS: 3pm, Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave; COST: $4 kids, $6 adults

PETALUMA - Colombian Independence Festival // Pop in your Shakira CD and drive over to the Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds to celebrate with the Bay Area Colombian community. Live music by Tambores de Colombia, plenty of Cumbia and Vallenato! // DETAILS: 12-8pm, Sonoma-Marin Fairgrounds, 175 Fairgrounds Dr; COST: FREE

DiverCities: globally and locally yours.