Monthly Archives: December 2023

Making Sense and Making Music Amidst Catastrophes

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Shahir Masri, an environmental scientist, who identifies as a Lebanese American, uses his science and grass roots sensibilities to address the human public health catastrophe in Gaza. In the second segment (approx. minute 41:05), cellist extraordinaire Matt Haimovitz speaks about the possibilities and power of his musical instrument, especially in times like these.

Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa – album; De Hartmann Cello Concerto Op 57 I Andante con brio, performed by Matt Haimovitz with Leipzig Symphony Orchestra; Cello Concerto Op 57 III Allegro ma non troppo, performed by Matt Haimovitz with Leipzig Symphony Orchestra.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/MasriHaimovitzPod12-26-23.mp3

An extension of Matt’s interview is available in this separate sound file, recorded on the same day; thus making the interview whole.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/HaimExtended12-26-23.mp3

At The Border AND In The Theater – La Posada and The Nutcracker

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Sometimes we just need to cover a lot of ground, starting with Adriana Jasso, Human Rights Advocate based in San Diego, California. She speaks in her capacity as the Program Coordinator for the U.S./Mexico Border Program of the American Friends Service Committee, at various open-air detention sites in San Diego County. During the annual tradition of La Posada, Adriana takes stock of what the inn actually looks like. https://afsc.org/action/take-action-stop-border-militarization?ms=WEB23TA. The extended portion of this interview can be heard in a separate sound file. Please refer to that post on this same day.

In the second segment (approx. minute 34:00), Susan Jaffe, the artistic director and interim executive director of American Ballet Theater, has some special takes as her company performs “The Nutcracker” at the Segerstrom Hall, Dec 8th-17th, choreographed by Alexei Ratmansky. Tchaikovsky’s score is performed live by Pacific Symphony. Ticket details are available at: https://www.scfta.org/events/2023/american-ballet-theatre-s-the-nutcracker.

Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa – album; Adeste Fideles, “Vayamos Cristianos,” en español, Canto Católico Christmas Carol Album; Hal Leonard Choral, “Three Jazzy Nutcrackers,” (SATB Choir, a cappella) – arranged by Paul Langford.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/JassoJaffePod12-12-23.mp3

This is an extension of the interview with Adriana Jasso. The host sought personal context for what it feels like to be providing aide amidst refugees’ wide range of needs. http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/JassoPart2Pod12-12-23.mp3

Irvine City Business

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Over the full hour we cover an ambitious City of Irvine update with Branda Lin, Irvine Planning Commissioner; and Adam Cavecche, the supervising Principal Council Executive to Irvine City Council Member Kathleen Treseder. On the municipal menu are: the failed single use plastics ordinance, warehouse creep, Irvine’s lobbying rules, the civil servant exodus, and the level of city commissioners’ training. For future coverage will be how Irvine Watchdog’s sights are set on city business on both the primary and general election ballots. A long table is set for this expansive buffet of topics.

Music credits: Chimora, “Africano Americano,” Sounds of Africa – album; Béla Fleck and The Flecktones, J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio No. 41, BVW 248, “Ich Will,” Jingle All the Way – album.

http://www.kuci.org/podcastfiles/984/LinCavecche12-5-23.mp3