By Kathy Chouteau
Music, art and community will come together at the Bay Area Girls Club Saturday, Sept. 27th at 2 p.m., when Wanda Gonzalez hosts a “Listening Party & Artist Showcase” celebrating the release of her brand-new single, “It’s You.”
Gonzalez is currently working on an album in addition to her single. She said the event will also “give other artists in the Bay Area a chance to perform their songs and connect with other artists, to network and to build community.”
The Richmond resident revealed something she stands by as an artist is that you shouldn’t compete with other artists. “There’s always going to be a spotlight for everyone, and it’s always important to build each other up, to help each other learn from each other, because everybody’s time will come.”
The R&B and soul artist is bringing her passion for music and community back to the Rich. The event will feature live performances from 12 Bay Area artists, including singers, poets and rappers. Things will kick off with an open mic session, inviting all performers to sign up at the door and showcase their skills.
Along with the incredible lineup of artists, food options will be available for purchase from three vendors: Soulfully Dope Kitchen, GRL Catering (Jamaican cuisine) and the Rodney Bubba Robinson Foundation (hot dogs and fresh lemonade). Local artists with paintings and vendors with merch will have items for sale. DJ Gary will also be in the mix.
Gonzalez, a Kennedy High grad, will close out the event with a special live performance of “It’s You,” backed by an all-girl band. She plans to perform her original songs and a few covers.
The woman of the hour has separate but exciting plans for her single. She’s set to create a remix of “It’s You” with rapper IAMSU! with her vocals and rapping from him. IAMSU!, a former Richmond resident, is currently based in Georgia.
Tickets are pay-what-you-want on Eventbrite. The Bay Area Girls Club is located at 260 Broadway in Richmond. The event is sponsored by the Bay Area Girls Club, Multicultural Bookstore, DJ Gary and Brandon Evans, Richmond City Council candidate in District 3.
