at the de Young Museum of Art, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

in conjunction with the museum's current exhibition:

Friday, March 18, 7 to 8 PM - Koret Auditorium - FREE

An evening of "In Xochitl In Cuicatl", the ancient poetry of Mexico

Also known as "Flor y Canto", or "Flower and Song", the rich poetic tradition of ancient Mexico speaks with brilliant imagery and subtle sensitivity to the experiences of life.
Jim will join a small group of poets and musicians in the recital of some of the finest of these ancient texts, including the exquisite "Song of Springtime" by the great sage, prince and poet, Nezahualcoyotl. His words will be spoken in the original Nahuatl, as well as Spanish and English translations. A perfect way to begin the weekend of Spring Equinox!!

"Jaguar Shamanism in the Americas"

A dynamic lecture by Jim Berenholtz with his original art and photography.
The ancient Olmec revered the jaguar, as evidenced in much of their monumental art work. But the human to jaguar transformational experience depicted by the Olmec is by no means unique to them. Many other ancient cultures in Mexico, Central and South America were also concerned with this particular transformational phenomena. In this evening Jim will share his insights from over three decades of research, study and ceremony with indigenous peoples of Mexico, Guatemala, the Andes and the Amazon. He will explore the connections between Jaguar Shamanism and the use of sacred psycho-tropic plants, show how particular meditation poses were used to activate Jaguar Consciousness, and delve into the richly layered symbology of the jaguar as one of the most powerful animal totems. Jim's recent research at ancient sites in South America that are as much as 5,000 years old will also be included in this program.
*Come early, at 6:30 PM, to see Zapotec performer Ernesto Olmos share music, movement, masks and costumes from ancient jaguar dance traditions of Mexico.

Xochimoki performs "Music of the Ancient Americas"

in celebration of the Olmec exhibition at the de Young.
Mazatl Galindo and Jim Berenholtz perform their first public concert together in over 3 years, with special guest Ernesto Olmos of Besh Beni.
Join us for an evening of mystical music with pre-Columbian instruments of the Aztec, Zapotec, Maya, Inca, and other ancient Native American civilizations.