Presented by Arts First Oakland and First Congregational
Church of Oakland. Join us as we Celebrate First Congregational
Church's 144 Years of Ministry and Creativity and Arts First
Oakland's 3rd Birthday!
Voices of Praise, led by Trente Morant and Kelly
Takunda Orphan
Oakland Interfaith Youth Gospel Choir, Babá Ken
Okulolo and the Nigerian Brothers
Honoring Lights in Our City Walter Hawkins, Guiding
Spirit of the Love Center and Linda Tillery, Founding Force
behind the Cultural Heritage Choir. MC: Aya de León
Concert at 4pm Dinner at 6pm
First Congregational Church of Oakland
2501 Harrison Street (at 27th)
Admission $15, Students/Seniors $10, Group Rates Available,
Includes Dinner!
(510) 444-8511 x15
E-mail: info@artsfirstoakland.org
Web: www.artsfirstoakland.org
John Santos, Edgardo Cambon and Candela, The Snake
Trio, Kelly Takunda Orphan Project, 'Chelle and
Friends, Jose Roberto, Jovino Santos Neto and suprise
guests!
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Doors open at 7 PM, show at 7:30 PM
First Congregational Church of Oakland.
2501 Harrison Street @ 27th (near Lake Merritt)
$15-50 Sliding Scale (Tickets available at the door only)
For more info: 510.893.4875 or ktakunda@sbcglobal.net
Please come out and support Keith Terry--Bay Area musician,
drummer, body percussionist, band leader (Crosspulse), teacher,
father and friend, who has been diagnosed with colitis and
has been unable to work since early June. An amazing evening
of love, music and support for a musician who has given
so much to all of us!

The Kelly Takunda Orphan Project
Tuesday, November 8, 2005, 8-10pm
and Wednesday, November 9, 2005, 8-10pm
no cover charge
Medjool Restaurant
2518 Mission Street (between 21st and 22nd Streets)
San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone: 415.550.9055
For months, many of you have been asking "When is
The Kelly Takunda Orphan Project playing in San Francisco?"
Now is the time! Come after you vote on Tuesday, (and then
tell your friends and come back on wednesday!); enjoy the
diverse, soulful, funky music from The Kelly Takunda Orphan
Project and the diverse and incredible cuisine from Medjool
Restaurant!

Saturday, Dec. 10, 2005, 5pm
The KTO Project
(formerly The Kelly Takunda Orphan Project, little easier
to say, right?!)
is proud to be playing at the
35th Annual KPFA Crafts and Music Fair
Concourse Exhibition Center, 8th and Brannan, San
Francisco
Our performance will be heard on KPFA 94.1 FM, as
well as many other great musicians from 10 am on both Saturday
and Sunday, Dec. 10 and 11!
And if you come to the Concourse: 225 Booths of original
art and crafts, and a range of delicious food offerings!
Free Shuttles from the Civic Center Bart Station at 8th
and Market. For more info, go to www.kpfa.org/craftsfair/
Thanks for listening!!! For this acoustic set,
THE KTO PROJECT is: Kelly Takunda Orphan,
Amber Hines and Michelle Jacques: vocals and
percussion; Donna Viscuso: sax, flute and harmonica;
Bob Crawford: keyboards.
Dec. 30, 2005
Sing for your Life
Arts First Oakland
2501 Harrison Street (at 27th), Oakland, California
Have an incredible holiday-come sing with us, www.artsfirstoakland.org,
and have a blessed New Year! Kelly Takunda Orphan
2006

THE KTO PROJECT performs with BAOMI!
Saturday, February 25, 2006, 7 pm
Make a Joyful Noise Gospel Concert
Continuing in the Black History Month tradition of celebrating
culture; take a walk through history from Negro spirituals
to Gospel melodies. A complimentary reception follows
the performance in the Library Quad Event Tent.
Smithwick Theater at Foothill College
12345 El Monte Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Tickets: $7, students with Owl Card; $10, general. To
purchase tickets, call (650) 949-7360.

THE KTO PROJECT: BRINGIN' IT HOME SHOW!
Special guests: Jackeline Rago, Elouise Burrell & Surprise
guests!
Saturday, March 4, 2006, 8 PM
La Pena Cultural Center
3105 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, CA.
http://www.lapena.org
BRING YOUR DANCING SHOES!


Whats Goin On Young Artists Summer Workshop
Benefit
Produced by Kelly Takunda Orphan & Masankho Banda
Sunday, March 5, 2006, 3PM
First Congregational Church of Oakland
2501 Harrison Street (at 27th), Oakland, CA
Sponsored in part by Arts First Oakland
A benefit to raise money for scholarships and support.
Whats Goin On Young Artists Summer Workshop
is a program that teaches young students (ages 5-15) artistic
skills while infusing lifes lessons of peace, community
and self-expression.
More info on the Benefit
and the Summer Workshop...

and internationally renown percussionists Omar Ledezma and
Kelly Takunda Orphan
Sliding Scale $12 to $15
If you play a percussive instrument bring it for the circle.
Come experience a night of Movement Awareness and Encountering
Rhythms.
www.studiorasa.org
933 Parker St. (between 8th & 9th), Berkeley, CA 94710,
510-843-2787
320-2 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz, CA
Tickets: $13-Advanced/$15-Door
Doors open at 8 PM, Show at 8:30 PM
Advanced sales:
(online orders will receive email confirmation & proof
of purchase will be at Will Call the evening of the show)
The KTO Project is
Manas Itene-drums
Victor Little-bass
Bob Crawford-keyboards
Donna Viscuso-woodwinds
Amber Hines, Michelle Jacques & Kelly Takunda Orphan-vocals
& percussion
& featuring guitarist from Zimbabwe, Zivanai Masango.
Tel: (831) 427-2227
http://www.kuumbwajazz.org
The KTO Project & Debbie Nargi-Brown Present
After the Concert at Kuumbwa
Kelly Takunda Orphan & Friends lead
First Congregational Church of Santa Cruz
900 High Street, Santa Cruz (workshop in choir room)
Cost: $12-20 Sliding Scale
Info: 831)239.7509
Ktakunda@sbcglobal.net
Join Kelly Takunda Orphan, Michelle Jacques, Amber Hines
& Friends as the offer songs from the African Tradition
& beyond-an opportunity to connect with your voice,
your body and your community through music. Focus on New
Orleans tradition, Zimbabwean choral and West African chants.
No experience necessary-wear comfortable clothes, recording
devices ok.

PO Box 217, Point Reyes Station, CA 94956
Tel: 415-663-1075
http://www.dancepalace.org
Tickets: $13-Advanced/$15-Door
Doors open 8 PM, Show 8:30 PM
Advanced sales:
(online orders will receive email confirmation & proof
of purchase will be at Will Call the evening of the show)

Doors 9:00 pm; show 9:30 pm.
Tickets: $13 general/$11 students.
1317 San Pablo Avenue (near Gilman St.)
Berkeley, California
www.ashkenaz.com

Oakland, California
Download poster (JPG,
264 Kb)

Doors open at 8 PM, show at 8:30 PM
3105 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, California
Tickets: $15-at Door
Info: www.lapena.org
Download poster
(PDF, 972 Kb)

38th and MacArthur Blvd, East Oakland, CA
Performing on the World Stage
Please join The KTO Project as we celebrate the music
of Zimbabwe and share the stage with mbira masters direct
from Harare, Zimbabwe, Musekiwa Chingodza & Irene
Chigamba.
Doors open at 8:30 PM, Show starts at 9 PM
$10 all ages welcome!
THE KTO PROJECT is a unique blend of original music fused
with different ethnic sensibilities-from Africa to the Middle
East to the Americas-this music was created to uplift your
spirits and feel funky all at the same time!
The KTO Project is:
Amber Hines (Crosspulse)
Michelle Jacques (Street Sounds, Chelle & Friends)
and Kelly Takunda Orphan (Babatunde Olatunji, Crosspulse
VOCALS & PERCUSSION,
Donna Viscuso (The Snake Trio) WOODWINDS,
Bob Crawford (Spearhead) KEYS,
Victor Little (Booker T) BASS,
Deszon Clairbourne (Santana) DRUMS,
and featuring Zimbabwean guitarist, Zivanai Masango (Thomas
Mapfumo & The Blacks Unlimited)
and singer/songwriter Phillip Machingura.
Download PDF Poster
(8.5 x 11 inches, B&W)
Download PDF
Postcards x4 (8.5 x 11 inches, B&W)

First Congregational Church of Oakland
2501 Harrison Street @ 27th, (near Lake Merritt)
(Park behind the church, room directions posted at blue
door)
Cost: $20 per class. Drums provided. Please RSVP to
Ktakunda@sbcglobal.net
and let us know if you need a drum. More info: 510-893-4875

First Congregational Church of Oakland
2501 Harrison Street @ 27th, (near Lake Merritt)
(Park behind the church, room directions posted at blue
door)
Cost: $20 per class. Drums provided. Please RSVP to
Ktakunda@sbcglobal.net
and let us know if you need a drum. More info: 510-893-4875

First Congregational Church of Oakland
2501 Harrison Street @ 27th, (near Lake Merritt)
(Park behind the church, room directions posted at blue
door)
Cost: $20 per class. Drums provided. Please RSVP to
Ktakunda@sbcglobal.net
and let us know if you need a drum. More info: 510-893-4875

Machea Uchiyama Center for International Dance
729 Heinz Ave., Berkeley, CA
Cost: $15. Info: (510) 845-2605

Yoshi's, Oakland, CA, www.yoshis.com

First Congregational Church of Oakland
(No class Sept. 13 go to Yoshi's to see live
the best band from Zimbabwe! Oliver Mtukudzi & The Black
Spirits)

Irene Chigamba may be the only Zimbabwean woman who learned
to play mbira from her mother, and then taught her own daughter
to play (it is rare for women to play mbira in Zimbabwe).
As a young child, she learned mbira from first her mother,
and then her father, Tute Chigamba. While growing up, she
travelled extensively with her father to play mbira in traditional
ceremonies all over Zimbabwe. She also excelled in
drumming, singing, hosho, and dance. As an adult,
Irene toured the world as a musician and dancer in the Zimbabwe
National Dance Troupe. With the demise of that group,
Irene formed her own group, Mhembero Dance Troupe, which
took on the same role as Zimbabwe's international cultural
ambassadors. Irene teaches music and dance to everyone
from young children to adults, and is known for both her
patience and her strong encouragement.
Musekiwa Chingodza is a well-known Zimbabwean mbira, drummer
and marimba player and teacher. He was born in 1970 in Zimbabwe.
He holds amazing energy of the ancestral spirit that he
shares in his music and in the honesty of his voice. Musekiwa
Chingodza was born into a family of great mbira players
in Mwangara village, Murewa, Zimbabwe, in 1970. He began
playing mbira at the age of five and is self-taught. Through
listening to other gwenyambira, or great mbira players,
he developed a strong attachment to and love for mbira music.
He says, Our music is both medicine and food, as mbira
has the power to heal and to provide for people. Mbira pleases
both the living and the dead. In 1991, Musekiwa was
a key member of the band Panjea, founded by Chris
Berry. He composed the hit song Ganda on Panjeas
Zimbabwean album. Currently Musekiwa teaches mbira
at Prince Edward School in Harare. He is an excellent singer,
dancer, drummer, and he plays both mbira dzavadzimu and
nyunga nyunga. Following up on Tsunga, his widely
acclaimed CD with Jennifer Kyker, Musekiwa released his
CD VaChingodza Budai Pachena. His newest CD, Kutema
Musasa, was released in 2005.

You are invited to Equal Rights Advocates' First Annual
Voices for Equality
Concert and Silent Auction
Featuring
Margie Adam
A singer-songwriter and composer-instrumentalist
whose music explores the realm of pop-jazz solo piano
The KTO Project
A unique musical blend of different ethnic sensibilities
from Africa to the Middle East to the Americas
The Park Day School Chorus
Under the direction of Kelly Takunda Orphan
Sunday, October 15, 2006
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Freight & Salvage Coffee House
1111 Addison Street in Berkeley
Doors Open & Silent Auction begins at 2:00 pm
Live Auction & Musical Performances begin at 3:30 pm
Advance tickets $35; $40 at the door; Children free
Info (415) 575-2382 or events@equalrights.org

Kelly Takunda Orphan plays with interfaith musical ensemble
at
Faith Poverty & the Future of California.
Sponsored by CLUE:
Clergy & Laity United for Economic Justice
Wednesday, October 25, 2006 @ 7 PM featuring
Barbara Ehrenreich (author of Nickled & Dimed)
& Rev. James Lawson (Civil Rights Leader).
Followed by Interfaith musical performance featuring Kelly
Takunda Orphan (vocals, percussion, melodica), Francisco
Herrera (guitar & vocals) , Alice Templeton (guitar
& vocals), directed by JoAnne Henery (vocals).
Location: Ramada Plaza Hotel, San Francisco
More info: 510)299-2364 or dluce@clueca.org
or www.clueca.org

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2006 CASTRO THEATRE, S.F ,
MAIN GALA EVENT 6:30 PM
Marc Huestis Presents
IN PRAISE OF MOCKINGBIRDS!
A Gala Evening Giving Thanks to America's Most Inspiring
Movie "To Kill A Mockingbird"
With A Special Live Tribute & Rare Appearance
by Academy Award® Nominated Star Mary Badham ("Scout"!)
Hosted by Armistead Maupin
And Celebrity Tributes & Performances Honoring The Great
Classic
by Academy Award® Nominee JoBeth Williams,
Michelle Shocked*, Youth Speaks Poets, Connie Champagne
The KTO Project, Donna Viscuso & More!
Partial Proceeds Benefit the ACLU Foundation of Northern
California
Tix- General $27.50 Gala (Open Seating)
Gold Ticket -$55 Preferred Seats for Gala Plus Meet &
Greet Reception With Stars
To order tix call 415 863-0611 or online @
http://www.ticketweb.com/user/?regionfiltered=sfbay&query=detail&event=695319

Arts First Oakland & First Congregational Church
of Oakland share the music with
Blessed Rhythms
Concert honors "Light In Our City" Jacqui
Hairston,
with music by The KTO Project,
Khalil Shaheeds Oaktown Jazz Workshop
and the Voices of Praise (led by Trente Morant & Kelly
Takunda Orphan)
Sunday, November 5, 2006 5pm Reception to follow
First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison Street (at 27th),
Oakland
(Wheelchair Accessible, Free Parking)
Tickets: $15, $10 for Students and Seniors, $5 for Kids
under 12
Info: (510) 444-8511 x15, www.artsfirstoakland.org,
or info@artsfirstoakland.org

Singers from 6 years old to Alumni (4 different choruses
together!) perform at
Oakland Youth Chorus: Winter Choral Concert
Saturday, December 2, 2006 @ 7pm
At First Congregational Church of Oakland (Arts First
Oakland)
2501 Harrison Street @ 27th
Miracle Chorus (K-5th
grade) under the direction of Kelly Takunda Orphan, Michelle
Jacques, Rhonda Crane, Bryan Dyer & Juliana Graffagna
2007
Saturday January 13, 2007
The KTO Project
La Pena Cultural Center
3105 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley, California
$15 - 8pm
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Baba Ken & Afro-Groove Connexion and
The KTO Project
Ashkenaz
1317 San Pablo Avenue (near Gilman St.)
Doors at 9:00 pm; Show at 9:30 pm
$15
A new quintet with an Afro-funk base, the improvisational
group Afro-Groove ConneXion recently electrified the Fillmores
dance floor at the opening for the Sierra Leone Refugee
Allstars. It grew out of freestyle studio workouts with
young musicians who demonstrate a restless, driving attitude
in exploring African music, with Babá Ken Okulolo
joined by Soji Odukogbe, Rasaki Aladokun, Gabe Turow, and
Chris Cox. The X in the groups name symbolizes
the crossroads where the worlds cultures meet through
music.
The KTO Project, led by Kelly Takunda Orphan, is a dynamic,
danceable world music ensemble whose infectious beats come
from a seasoned lineup of musicians. The KTO Project takes
the listener around the world, connecting us with the love
and dreams that unite us; the violence, grief and poverty
that tear us apart; and the music that can heal us if we
open to its blessed rhythms.

SAVE THE DATE!
The KTO Project is playing
Saturday, October 20, 2007, 9 PM
La Pena Cultural Center, Berkeley
The KTO Project features a seasoned lineup of musicians
who bring a wealth of experience into the sound and spirit
of this original music. Building on the passion and experience
of their founder, The KTO Project takes the listener around
the world, connecting us with the love and dreams that unite
us, and with the violence, grief and poverty that tear us
apart, and with the music that can heal us if we open to
its blessed rhythms! Open your heart and get ready to dance!

2008

Kelly Takunda Orphan proudly presents a special weekend
of music from Zimbabwe with
THE KTO PROJECT & Voices of Zimbabwe
1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley, California
$12 Advanced/$15 Door, All ages welcome!
Musekiwa Chingodza guest artist at Oakland Youth Chorus
Annual Choral Concert: Oye La Musica w/
Kelly Takunda Orphan, Michelle Jacques and more!
www.oaklandyouthchorus.org
Spend Mother's Day with
Kelly Takunda Orphan, The KTO Project and Voices of
Zimbabwe!
Mothers Day House Concert with The KTO Project &
Voices of Zimbabwe! This concert will take place in North
Oakland, in a wonderful garden setting, with a green grassy
play space and playgrounds for kids to play! Bring your
mother, pack a picnic and bring your dancing shoes as the
whole band will be playing under the trees!
Tickets are $15 adults, $5 youth. Pay in advance through
PayPal.
This concert will partly be a fundraiser for Musekiwa Chingodza's
project in Zimbabwe, called Serevende Music and Cultural
Arts Center. The center's goal is to help orphans and other
impoverished youth attend school, gain life and literacy
skills and sell their crafts (traditional arts training
teaches them to make crafts). Serevende's future goal is
to create a cultural center where visitors from around the
world can come and learn in depth about mbira, singing,
dance and other Zimbabwean traditions.
Any additional donations are greatly appreciated-please
contact Kelly for more infomation!

An Evening of Female Fronted Soul
featuring
Thursday, June 5, 2008, 9 pm
THE STARRY PLOUGH
3101 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley, CA 94705
Cover: $8
It's Thursday Night! Come on out and dance! We'd love
for you to join the KTO Project for a wonderful night
of female fronted bands! Thank you for your continued
support!

with visiting Zimbabwean women musicians
Patience Chaitezvi
and Ambuya Jenny Muchumi
Traditional musician Patience Chaitezvi teaches Dandanda
drumming. Ambuya Jenny Muchumi teaches hosho to those who
are interested. Some hosho will be available. There will
be some extra drums, but please bring a drum if you have
one. $20
2501 Harrison St, Oakland
Please come around to the back of the church and enter the
first door on the right; the room is just down the hall,
on the right.
More info:
Jenny: www.mbira.org/jennymuchumi.html
Patience: www.mbira.org/patiencechaitezvi.html

....and on a personal note....Some of you have been emailing
me, asking what's been happening, why The KTO Project hasn't
been performing recently. Well, to answer that question,
check out the following website: www.orphanmartinez.shutterfly.com
requires a password: martinez
I got married to percussionist extraordinate, Silvestre
Martinez, and gave myself the summer to relax, write new
music, garden & just BE. But of course I will
always be performing & teaching, so thanks for your
patience I'm back!
Kelly Takunda Orphan
Martinez

100 Collingwood St., San Francisco
$10 at door
Some of the Bay Areas most talented women have come
together to create a sophisticated musical group that focuses
on sharing the beauty and wealth of Latin American music
and dance. Performing works from Peru to Mexico, Uruguay
to Colombia and beyond.

E-mail Kelly
ktoproject@yahoo.com
if youd like more info, as this is a semi-private
event.

First Congregational Church of Oakland
2501 Harrison Street
Get your tickets now to see Emeryville Taiko in concert
with Kazuaki Tomida and special guests Voices of Praise.
Emeryville Taiko will share the stage with Tomida-san, one
of the original members of Ondekoza who went on to found
Kodo. He currently resides, teaches and gives solo performances
in the Tokyo area. We also welcome special guests Voices
of Praise, the church's community gospel choir led by
Kelly Takunda Orphan. Come hear lively rhythms and
sweet harmonies resonate throughout the beautiful 124-year-old
sanctuary. This may be Emeryville Taiko's last performance
in a long time, so get tickets while you can! Tickets are
$20 general admission; they are available at the dojo or
from Brown Paper Tickets.

1550 Diablo Road, Danville, California 94526
Info at www.sainttimothysdanville.org
:
click on music/concert series
New concert series at UTunes Coffee House
at First Unitarian Church of Oakland
685 14th St., Oakland, CA www.utunescoffeehouse.org
Advance tickets via Brown
Paper Tickets:
$14 for adults, $10 for kids under 16.
(Cost at the door: $18 for adults, $
15 for kids under 16.)
Its my 39th Birthday party
and YOU are invited! I have asked some of my most favorite
musicians to join us its sure to be a great
celebration!

2009
First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison
St, Oakland, California

Pastor Lynice Pinkard and
First Congregational Church of Oakland present
A benefit for music, children and family programs.
Reception to follow2501 Harrison Street at 27th, Oakland, CA 94612
Guests include
$25 suggested donation. No one turned away for
lack of funds.
VIP Reception at 5 PM: minimum $100 donation.
Free house concert with Kelly with $1,500 donation.
This event benefits the education and arts in the
Music and Children, Youth and Family programs of First
Congo.
For more info and to order tickets:
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/67393
510-444-8511 x17, ktakunda@sbcglobal.net,
www.firstoakland.org
Come join the First Congregational Church of Oakland for
a special evening of music in celebration of Kelly Takunda
Orphans seven years of music ministry.
Describing the event, Kelly said
As I prepare to step down from my position as music
minister of First Congregational Church of Oakland, I
am so thankful and grateful for the many musicians and
friends who have been with me on this wonderful journey.
Many will be part of this music celebration including
members of my band, the KTO Project. We will be performing
praise songs and anthems that I have arranged and grown
to love for both Voices of Praise Choir and the Joyful
Noise Choir as well as some of my own compositions. Get
ready to dance to inspirational and praise music: from
Zimbabwean mbira to salsa to gospel!
Download printable
poster, 11 x 17 inch, PDF format

2010

Please join Chinyakare and The
KTO Project as we celebrate the music of Zimbabwe
and share the stage with musicians direct from Zimbabwe,
Musekiwa Chingodza (mbira, percussion &
vocals) and featuring Zimbabwean musicians Ronnie
Dalyio (mbira, percussion & dance), Julia
Tsitsi Chigamba (vocals, percussion & dance)
& Zivanai Masango (guitar & vocals).
Get ready to dance!
Friday, May 14, 2010, 8 PM
Utunes Coffee House at First Unitarian Church, Oakland
685 14th St., Oakland, CA 94612
Tickets: Adults $14, Kids $5 – www.brownpapertickets.com/event/104328
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Moe’s Alley, Santa Cruz
1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz CA 95060
Doors: 7pm. Dance lesson with Julia Chigamba: 7:30pm. Show:
8pm–10:15pm
Tickets: $10-12 – www.moesalley.com
Chinyakare Ensemble:
Julia Tsitsi Chigamba: Artistic Director.
Ronnie Daliyo: mbira, marimba, percussion,
dance. Russ Landers: mbira, marimba, percussion,
chipendani. Delisa Branch-Nealy: dance,
percussion, vocals. Marsha Treadwell: dance,
vocals. Sarah Noll: percussion, vocals.
The KTO Project:
Kelly Takunda Orphan Martinez: lead vocals,
percussion. Michelle Jacques: vocals. Deszon
Claiborne: drums. Sam Bevan: bass.
Bob Crawford: keys. Zivanai Masango:
guitar and vocals. Featuring Musekiwa Chingodza:
mbira, vocals and percussion.
Women
Drummer's International Sunday Drumming
series. This will be a one time class offering next Sunday,
Nov. 7. >
More details

2011
Bring your dancing
shoes! Join
Kelly Takunda Orphan Martinez
&
The KTO Project
and special guests
as we celebrate the season of love with a special
concert.
Friday, Feb. 25, 2011, 8 PM
Utunes Coffee House
in Oakland, CA.
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