Avotcja—one of our very favorite musicians and culture warriors, and a bona fide jazz legend—kicks off Bird & Beckett’s Sunday music series in January every year in performance with her band, Modúpue.  And we were proud to host her here just a few months ago to receive an award from the Jazz Journalists Association — 2015 Jazz Hero for the Bay Area. It was an afternoon that was amazing musically and in every other way.

On July 26th, we’re excited to welcome Avotcja back to Bird & Beckett to celebrate her 74th birthday, in performance with Modúpue, her amazing and renowned award-winning band (2010 and 2005 Bay Area Blues Hall of Fame Jazz Group of the Year)!   This will be a beautiful and rich afternoon of music, so mark your calendar!

For this date Avotcja (small percussion and poetry) will be joined by Francis Wong (sax and flute); Jon Jang (piano); and Heshima Mark Williams (bass). Superb musicians digging deep.

Can’t wait for the 26th and need some Oaktown Blues this weekend? Attend the Hayward Russell City Blues Festival on Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th and enjoy a stellar line-up that includes Guitar Shorty, Sonny Green, Willie Buck, Big Cat Tolefree, Bobby Webb, Fillmore Slim, Carlos Reyes, Carl Weathersby, and Eddie “The Chief” Clearwater, all m.c.’d by Avotcja herself! It takes place close by the Hayward BART station, starting at 11 a.m. and running till 7 p.m. both days.