Rudi Wongozi’s East Bay roots are strong, pulling him back every now and again from NYC to be with family and perform a few dates.  We’re pleased to present him in the company of poet Paula Hackett and two fine rhythm players, Ollen Erich Hunt on bass and Leon Joyce on drums. 

Here’s a bit from a recent post on Rudi’s facebook page:   “The first two weeks of July I will be just chilling out with my mom (helping her celebrate her 90th birthday) my kids and grand kids…Then returning to New York to play the “Smooth Sounds By The Sea” event for Black Family Day on Staten Island on July 20th…Then back to The Bay for two shows…the first as I’ve mentioned for east bay friends at The Oakland Public Conservatory Thursday July 24th (1616 Franklin St. in Oakland)…and the second for SF friends at Bird and Beckett on Sunday July 27th (653 Chenery St.) which will feature some poetry selections from Paula Hackett and Ollen Erich Hunt on bass and Leon Joyce on drums.”

Don’t miss a chance to hear an amazing pianist, whose Bird & Beckett performances date back to the early days of the store.

Esteemed poet David Meltzer has said of Paula Hackett’s work, “(Her) poetry is deceptive in its clarity and deep emotional base…  Hackett writes with a keen eye, alert to the right details… Her cd “Roulette” is a wonderfully expansive session with pianist Rudi Wongozi which I recomment without question.  It’s a subtle and superlative session; one of great dialogue between music and word.”