SIRENA: Leslie Damaso

SIRENA: Leslie Damaso with Ben Ferris, Jon Irabagon, Mike Koszewski, Jason Kutz & special guest Sandy Poindexter.

SIRENA is an original story by singer and artist Leslie Damaso, set within new compositions and contemporary arrangements of kundiman, Filipino songs of love and freedom. Sirena blends a personal story, family secrets, a mythic love triangle ending in the beginning of a nation, the displacement of its people, and an individual’s search for identity and belonging.

This performance features Ben Ferris, Jon Irabagon, Mike Koszewski, Jason Kutz and special guest Sandy Poindexter.

Leslie Damaso - vocals, kulintang

Ben Ferris - bass

Jon Irabagon - saxophone

Mike Koszewski - percussion

Jason Kutz - piano

Sandy Poindexter - violin

The kulintang is a set of eight gongs made in Maguindanao, Philippines. In addition, art by Ms. Damaso will be showcased to enhance the music and the story. The works are in watercolor and pen, layered with ancient Baybayin script. This musical narrative and visual work is a blending of the old and new, north and south, east and west: it is an act of preservation and a celebration of the people and with the people who help us to live.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Children under 12 are free. Advance tickets are available at the link below, or you may purchase your tickets at the door the night of the show.

Doors open one half hour before show time. We accept cash or Venmo only at the door.

The Back Room is an all-ages, BYOB (for those 21+) space, dedicated to (mostly) acoustic music of all kinds. You are welcome to bring your own food and adult beverages with no additional corkage fee. The venue is ADA accessible. If you need more information or have any questions, please call us: #510-381-1997.

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Please note: Although masks are no longer required, we strongly encourage their use to keep everyone safe in our intimate space.

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