Vinny Ferraro
As a Dharma Teacher, Vinny has taught residential retreats at Spirit Rock, Insight Meditation Society, and the Esalen Institute. Meditation played a vital role in his personal journey, leading him away from drug addiction, incarceration, and violence. He now utilizes his meditation practice and diverse experience to support individuals in finding their inner strength and overcoming social and personal limitations.
Grahame White
Grahame White, a Guiding Teacher for Vipassana Hawai’i, has been involved in Buddhist meditation practice for over 40 years. He began his study in England in 1969 before being ordained as a Buddhist monk for one year in BodhGaya, India in 1971. Grahame leads introductory and day long courses in Sydney and regularly teaches longer intensive retreats in the US., leading and co-teaching retreats with Sayadw U Lakkhana, Steven Smith and Michele McDonald.
Quentin Baxter at Soundbox
Grammy-winning drummer, composer, producer, and educator Quentin Baxter reflects on his Lowcountry roots for his first Soundbox program with the San Francisco Symphony.
Daniel Smith
Born and raised near the Southern California beach, San Francisco Symphony Associate Principal Bass Daniel Smith finds balance outdoors and gains a refreshing sense of awareness in himself and his music making.
Brendan James | PEACEMAKER
"[This song] is inspired by The Great Peacemaker of Iroquois legend, who with the help of Hiawatha famously brought the five Iroquois Nations together into one. He sang a song of peace, he spoke of a law of peace. He performed great and daring acts to prove his pure intentions to the skeptical… I was so taken by his efforts that I wanted to write a song about them, in the form of a letter written directly to him… the one known as Deganawida or Tekanawí:ta (in special circumstances).
I hope that it inspires others to talk about peace, to fight for peace… to approach peer and stranger alike with calm and understanding… to look for the peacemakers in their own communities, and to support them and shed light on their efforts. These are such ugly and unpredictable times in this country and there is no immediate answer or solution. But I have always liked to think that huge battles are won in tiny interactions between people who care enough to listen." -Brendan James
Sal Tran
A queer, nonbinary, Vietnamese filmmaker shares their reflections on staying grounded and empowered through battles with suicidal depression and PTSD.
Art Haus
Conceived of by Courtney Wise and Robin Dekkers in 2017, Art Haus Collective is a performing arts organization dedicated to bringing edgy, spectacular performances of classical and contemporary works to Burning Man and other unique spaces.
CURRENTS: From Scratch
Oakland’s deeply rooted & dynamic Hip Hop culture is as much a creation of the city as it IS the city. Explore how art & activism play out in The Town with host/curator Michael Morgan, multifaceted Bay Area artists Kev Choice & AÏMA the DRMR, local musicians & dancers, & SF Symphony musicians. Produced for NBC Bay Area
CURRENTS: ¡Viva México!
The music of Latin America is a timeless journey of interconnected influences & traditions. Host Michael Morgan, Bay Area musical ensemble Los Cenzontles, & SF Symphony musicians come together to discover something new in something familiar, & very much of our world today. Produced for NBC Bay Area
Hip Hop 4 Change
Hip Hop For Change breaks down barriers between youth and justice issues that affect their lives and communities using Hip hop as a vehicle. They educate, employ, and empower historically marginalized communities and inspire the next generation of leaders advocating for change.
B Dash Ray
On the verge of releasing his album Bad Reputation II, Ben Ramos opens up about the impact of alcohol sobriety on his creative process.