Happy Women’s History Month! To mark this special occasion we’re excited to round up some unique concert experiences featuring women artists, leaders, characters, and more… all of which will be happening at Cal Performances this spring. 

Scroll below to find out which 3 performances we’re most excited about…

 👉  Click to WATCH our round-up video on @RedCurtainAddict!  👈

In case you aren’t familiar with Cal Performances, this organization is a renowned performing arts presenter located at the University of California, Berkeley, that showcases a wide range of programming by the world’s leading artists! What we love most about Cal Performances is that they present arts experiences across different genres, including music, dance, theater, speakers, and more. There truly is something for everyone!

In the upcoming months, Cal Performances is presenting several performances by women artists that represent a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences, and their performances (and stories!) promise to be powerful, thought-provoking, and entertaining.

1. Artemis, Fri, Mar 24, 8pm

One of the most highly anticipated performances is by Artemis, an international and multigenerational group made up of jazz masters, including award-winning pianist and composer Renee Rosnes; Ingrid Jensen on trumpet; Alexa Tarantino on alto saxophone and flute; Nicole Glover on tenor saxophone; Noriko Ueda on bass; and Allison Miller on drums.

Since 2017, Artemis has been wowing audiences with their fusion of original and classic jazz standards. Each member of the ensemble is a composer in her own right so you’ll get to hear new works from the band members along with classics by Lee Morgan, Thelonious Monk, Wayne Shorter, and more. 

With immediate success in the jazz world, Artemis has established a growing fan base and has received excellent reviews across the globe. So needless to say, if you’re a jazz fan or if you’re interested in getting into the “jazz scene”, this concert is not to be missed!

2. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Tue–Sun, April 11–16

Next on our list is the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater! If you’re a dance buff, this is a name that needs no introduction, but if you’re new to the dance world… Alvin Ailey was a pioneering American choreographer, dancer, and founder of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1958.

The company has a history of strong female dancers and organizational leaders, including Judith Jamison. Not only did Ailey work closely with Judith Jamison on his work Cry, but he also chose her to succeed him as the Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. 💪

The Berkeley program will include a number of powerful pieces, including Cry, which was created as a testament to Ailey’s mother, along with the West Coast premiere of Roy’s Joys, a work that was choreographed by Twyla Tharp. Tharp is an amazing choreographer that has made a significant impact on the world of contemporary dance. If you’re a Broadway fan, you might know her work from the Tony Award-winning Broadway show, Movin’ Out!

3. Parable of the Sower, Fri–Sat, May 5–6

If you like to go out for a night of theater, our third selection is just for you! Singer, composer, and activist Toshi Reagon and award-winning vocalist, composer, and scholar Bernice Johnson Reagon collaborated to bring science fiction writer Octavia E. Butler’s story to life in a “congregational opera”. 

Parable of the Sower follows the story of Lauren Olamina as she tries to live in a society that is rapidly disintegrating, set in a near future in the U.S. that has been devastated by climate change, economic collapse, and social upheaval. As a visionary, Lauren establishes a new faith that she hopes will offer guidance and comfort to her community. The question is, will her newfound faith be enough?

This theatrical performance (and a Bay Area Premiere!) will investigate the fragility of society, the effects of environmental deterioration, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of difficulty. Although the novel reveals some of our darker impulses as humans, the Reagons send you on your way with a message of hope! Make sure to grab your tickets for this one right away, they are selling fast!

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These performances represent just a small selection of the many talented women artists who will be gracing the stages of Cal Performances in the next few months. By featuring these artists and their work, Cal Performances is not only offering audiences a chance to experience some of the most exciting and innovative artists in the performing arts today but also highlighting the vital role that women artists play in shaping our cultural landscape. 

Whether you are a music lover, a dance enthusiast, or a theater buff, there is sure to be something for you in this exciting lineup of performances! Click HERE to see more.