Gathering Light: ️Tending the Inner Flame hosted by Frida People Collective

Join KALW & Frida People for Gathering Light. Expect vibrant performances, intentional connection, and creative expression from artists who are rooted in culture, healing, and transformation.

This gathering is for the dreamers, the disruptors, the healers, and the creatives. Let’s rise together! Come join us and be part of a night to remember!

Frida People is a community-centered collective rooted in mindfulness, creative expression, and cultural connection. Founded in 2020 in Oakland, we create spaces—both virtual and in-person—that uplift the voices of local and international artists, healers, and visionaries. Our events are grounded in the belief that it takes a village to grow, thrive, and heal, and we’re passionate about building community through art, wellness, and shared experience.

Performers Include

Khaysie has been dormant in the classical realm since 2018, where he last performed with West Edge Opera and Berkeley Chamber Opera in the choir section. In 2024, he co-founded The Next Bay Area Runway, which is a dynamic event production company that unites the world of fashion, music, and dance. Through this platform, Khaysie rediscovered his passion for classical singing and joined the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra & Chorus in 2024. He released his very first EP called “Once Upon A Summer” which can be found on all music streaming platforms. He was recently on a radio interview with Ellen Perez from 99.7 NOW FM after going viral in being seen on an iShowSpeed stream when he visited the Bay Area.

Kaly Jay, an Oakland-born, San Francisco-raised rapper, singer, and songwriter, shines in the Bay Area’s music scene with his vibrant blend of personal lyrics and infectious beats. Growing up amidst dance parties and oldies, his music embodies the Bay’s spirit—uplifting and fun. His dynamic performances, notably opening for Lil Yachty at Stanford’s Blackfest and Bay Area legends like Nef The Pharaoh and Los Rakas, alongside collaborations with Family Not A Group, showcase his impact. With four EPs released in 2023 and “Mr. Good Morning EP” released at the top of 2025, Kaly Jay bridges Oakland and San Francisco’s hip-hop scenes.

Straight out of Oakland, Kenyatta is a genre-bending spark plug who makes music feel like a block party. Mixing hip-hop, R&B, and pop with her soulful vocals and radiant energy, she turns every stage into a celebration you’ll want to relive again and again.

Born and raised in East Oakland, Swirv Azubuike AKA (Strength with in relevant versus) has been writing since the age of 8 where he first touched the mic at 9, for Oakland’s Oratorical fest. Since then Swirv has known that poetry and spoken word and using self expressing creativity was not only an art form, but a release of consciousness into an ever changing connective universe. Swirv writes about his upbringing as a young brother into adulthood. The challenges of over arching systematic abuse, relevant phenomenons and pan African unity across the Diaspora. He is driven by the spirit of the people and the responsibility of a better world. Community engagement and advocacy against injustices is his focus. He uses life experiences in poetry matched with a hip hop base to capture the imagination and change the narrative of those casted and lost in the shadows of society.

Lifelong musician, sound healing practitioner and transformational guide Chet Bentley has committed his life to working with others to support the evolution of mind, body and spirit through the healing arts. His journey of self-discovery, healing and faith, has guided him towards a deepening of understanding and devotion to his craft, connecting the wisdom of traditional practices and ancient technologies with advanced scientific and contemporary paradigms. Born into a lineage of Bay Area artists and musicians, having lived his entire adult life in San Francisco and Oakland, he draws endless inspiration from the culture and history of the place that has always represented the western-most edge of innovation and upheld the radicalism inherent to expanded states of consciousness and liberated ideologies. He holds a BA from University of San Francisco in Media Studies, an MFA from Mills College in Electronic Music and Recording Media, as well as certification in Sound Healing and Music Therapy through Globe Institute in Sausalito.

Mari the 5th, a rising star in the world of hip hop, hails from the vibrant and diverse landscapes of Sacramento, California, and the quaint yet spirited town of Davis, California. Born and raised in these contrasting environments, Mari draws inspiration from both the urban grit and the serene nature, infusing his music with a unique blend of both perspectives. In 2017, he made the courageous decision to transition into the world of artistry, setting his sights on becoming a voice that resonates with the masses. Representing push(soul) independent label/collective.

There is a $10 - $20 sliding scale suggested donation for this event. Nobody will be turned away for lack of funds.

Please become a KALW member today and receive your first drink on us at all 220 Montgomery events.

📍 220 Montgomery St., San Francisco, 2 blocks from BART/MUNI

🚪 Reception doors open at 6:00

🗣️ Program begins at 7:00

🆓 The event is free with an RSVP — and you are welcome to donate what you want

Please note:

• The event space is just to the left of the main entrance to the Mills Building at 220 Montgomery Street
• We recommend taking BART/MUNI, exiting at Montgomery, and walking two blocks north
• Ride-shares can drop off and pick up directly in front of the venue
• If you drive, there are several garages within two blocks of the event location; free street parking is available across from the venue at 7:00 pm
  

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Host or Publisher KALW Public Media