In Honor of Our DreamSpeakers

Purple Moon Dance Project proudly presents the 3rd biennial "In Honor of Our DreamSpeakers" performance celebration which honors 5 visionary artists whose groundbreaking work spans all media - from dance, poetry, music, performance art, storytelling, lighting, visual art, spoken word - and whose passion has encompassed the essence of what keeps our cultures alive by telling stories we don't otherwise hear, honoring our ancestors, and supporting our communities.

The event helps to illuminate the remarkable, history-making achievements of these women of color or lesbian artists who have contributed towards social change, diversity, artistic expression and equality; and broadens their recognition by opening doors to their enormous body of work. By focusing on their personal vehicles of artistic expression through the lens of social activism, the DreamSpeakers honorees have given shape, voice and power to communities that are often left out of the mainstream.

The 2010 DreamSpeakers include:
Writer and performer - Brenda Wong Aoki
Sculptor and lighting designer - Stephanie Anne Johnson
Director and dancer - Judith Smith of AXIS Dance Company
Poet, writer and educator - Penina Ava Taesali
Musician, poet and radio personality - Avotcja

A Special Guest appearance by former San Francisco Poet Laureate Janice Mirikitani will be one of the highlights of the evening. Other performers include jazz musician Francis Wong, tabla performer Robin Sukhadia, singer Melanie DeMore, and dancer Deborah Vaughn. Several previous DreamSpeakers and guest artists are involved, collaborating with Purple Moon's core artists in what promises to be a spectacular evening that will feature over 25 artists performing dance, music, visual art and spoken word.

The celebration begins promptly at 6:30 p.m. followed by a reception at 8:00 p.m. at the Buriel Clay Theater at the African American Art & Culture Complex, 762 Fulton Street, San Francisco, CA 94102.