CONVERGENCE MMIX, a mini festival within the Mission Creek Music And Arts Festival, will be presenting a series of 11 events starting July 15th through July 25th. These events will include the premier screening of the Brazilian documentary “Rhythmic Uprising,” an AlterLatino rock showcase, a celebration of South American café culture, and performances by international musical tastemakers and trendsetters Juan Son (former lead singer of Porter), Nacotheque and Pop Noir. Also just added, a Latin Surf Party with The Cuban Cowboys, The Graves Brothers Deluxe and Carne Cruda and a show curated by Catterina Tasso (The May Fire) featuring her new project “Tasso”

After an “ambitious” debut in 2008, CONVERGENCE 2009 returns to Mission Creek Music and Arts Festival with expanded programming and more exciting collaborations. CONVERGENCE 2009 will present, as always, a wide variety of music ranging from the progressive and experimental to the more traditional and familiar. And, for the first time this year, CONVERGENCE will be including film in its programming.

CONVERGENCE 2009 (produced by San Francisco-based Brown Note Productions) will feature special guest performers Juan Son, Nacotheque and Pop Noir. CONVERGENCE MMIX will also include an AlterLatino rock showcase with bands Dezu, Con of Man, Los Valengerg and InkBlots. And, in collaboration with Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, CONVERGENCE MMIX will present the premiere screening of the Brazilian documentary film, Rhythmic Uprising featuring local drumming groups. The South American Café Culture segment, presented at Peña Pachamama in North Beach, will feature a series of intimate music and dance performances featuring World Beat, Flamenco, Rumba and Samba. Additions (and any changes) to the line-up will be announced as they are confirmed. Doors for most shows are 8:00pm or 8:30pm and ticket prices run from FREE - $20.00.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS AND EVENTS

JUAN SON has established himself as one of the more extraordinary performers to come out of Mexico to date. Formerly the lead singer of the wildly popular band PORTER, JUAN SON now presents his first solo work Mermaid Sashimi. Mermaid Sashimi is composed of songs that were written before and during his time with Porter. Unlike the music that catapulted Porter’s performances before massive audiences at Coachella and Mexico’s Vive Latino, Mermaid Sashimi is a more organic approach at expression that strays from traditional guitar- and drum-driven beats. In this album, music samples created by ambient effects and sounds are enhanced by Juan Son’s trademark ethereal vocals. www.myspace.com/juansonmusic

NACOTHEQUE [NAKO-TEK] The name Nacotheque is made up of the words "Naco" (often used in Mexican Spanish to describe bad-mannered people and "Discotheque". Nominated by PAPER magazine as the "Best New Party of 2007" and dubbed as "NYC's hottest indie rock party en “Español" by URB magazine, Nacotheque has become one of the most unique events in New York City's underground scene. Nacotheque is an event where one thing is in common: all different types of people, regardless of gender, nationality, profession, or sexual orientation, can get together and all feel welcome. Nacotheque is beating the stereotype of parties that host Spanish-sung music and teaching people what else is out there in the Spanish-sung indie/underground music scene. www.nacotheque.com

POP NOIR Shimmering streams of chiming guitar cascade over deep, dark undercurrents of bass and drums ... it's a unique sound born in the drizzle of Manchester, England, and seasoned in the sunshine of Southern California, as were Joe and Luke McGarry, the 21-year-old British twins who head up Los Angeles indie dancerock trio Pop Noir. In 2004, the brothers debuted at a concert in an abandoned indoor skate park in Costa Mesa, California. Since then, they have played more than 170 shows, headlined L.A. landmarks The Viper Room and have played as far a field as London, Manchester and Paris. Along the way, they have acquired a loyal and rapidly expanding fan base. Luke, the younger by 45 minutes, plays bass and keyboards and takes main vocal duties, while guitarist Joe handles backing vocals and all the programming and production. Onstage, with an array of loop pedals and sequencers, anchored by the thundering drums of Chilean Nico Saavedra, Pop Noir delivers a stunning live performance that crackles with raw energy and pure electricity. www.popnoir.org

RHYTHMIC UPRISINGAround the world, the celebrated Afro-Brazilian region of Bahia is known for it's vibrant dance and music manifestations. This film takes a look behind the scenes of those grandiose carnaval spectacles to see how local cultural leaders utilize these arts to change lives.

Bahia boasts the largest concentration of African descendants outside of Africa. As shown in Rhythmic Uprising, Brazil's blacks have used Afro-Brazilian cultural conventions to maintain their African heritage and wage war on poverty, racism, and oppression over the last four centuries. As freed slave communities called 'quilombos' did during the time of slavery, cultural leaders featured in the film are dismissing the racist, unbalanced power structures of modern Brazilian society by organizing their own microcosms. They cultivate social institutions based on equality and African heritage that function as refuge for at-risk black youth. In contrast to larger Brazilian society, these groups empower and encourage their youth to pursue brighter futures. For more information about Rhythmic Uprising see the website www.rhythmicuprising.org.

PENA PACHAMAMA Since 1999 Pena Pachamama has served as a San Francisco based center for South American music, food, art and culture. As such, the Pena, or gathering place , has provided community members to experience musicians, dancers and composers who come together to celebrate the multiplicity of cultures of the Americas in a landmark location in the North Beach district of San Francisco. www.penapachamama.com

ALTERLATINO Concert promoter, radio host and ardent rockera, Alex Zepeda presents ALTERLATINO, a showcase of emerging Latin Alternative rock bands. ALTERLATINO is fueled by local band power and showcases the diversity found in the Latino rock scene in Northern California. Headling AlterLatino will be Inkblots, Con of Man, and Dezu. Openers will be Los Valenberg ,Qodice, Tierra y Fuego and Sagaval.

INKBLOTS are a four piece band stemming from Santa Ana, CA. Mixing a variety of styles from folk, blues, to good old fashioned rock and roll, Inkblots provide a sound that is both original and yet strangely familiar. Since their formation in 2005, Inkblots have released two EPs and, in late 2008, their first self titled full length album under Vacant Bunny Records. They have performed headlining shows in such famous venues as the Troubadour and Whiskey A-Go Go and under the same bill as such top acts as The International Noise Conspiracy and Nortec Collective. Inkblots has been featured in Vertigo Magazine, “Good Day Fresno” TV Show, Pirate Cat Radio 87.9FM in San Francisco, Generacion Radio, “Amplitud Alternativa” on 1270am KFUT in Palm Springs, , to name a few. Erin Dewitt of the OC Weekly wrote of the band “Samuel Munoz (vocals, guitar), brothers Jesus (guitar) and Irving Nunez (drums), and Bernardo Rodriguez Jr. (bass) play together with a solidity that surpasses the band's lifespan of less than three years. Munoz exhibits a distinct tone in his velvety drone, not unlike Paul Banks of Interpol, adding a layer of warmth to Inkblots' music. Their easy and cool feel is a level usually reserved for groups of a more mature caliber.”

DEZU is a ska/punk rock band from Stockon which was formed by Joaquin Oceguera, Cesar Ramirez, Christian Ibanez, Alex Carmona, Joey, Luke , and Alain Ramirez. Manu Chao, Che Sudaka, Sekta Core, and Jaguares have greatly influenced the band. The band has performed with international ska bands such as Panteon Rococo, Wisecracker from Germany, La Plebe, and more. Dezu has been featured in interviews with Pirate Cat Radio 87.9FM in San Francisco, Generacion Radio, 209 Vibe Magazine in Stockton, “Amplitud Alternativa” on 1270am KFUT in Palm Springs “La Huya” TV show in Fresno, and Otro Mundo TV on Comcast Cable. “Ciudad de Ciegos” (City of the Blind) is the name of Dezu’s first EP released in 2009. The title of the EP as well as the theme song refers to the thousands of unsolved femicides in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. “Ciudad de Ciegos” was released in February of 2009. Also, the song “Hormiguitas Negras” was included in the compilation “Ska Life Volume 4”.Dezu’s music resembles life: there is love, hate, unrest, happiness, and a plethora of other emotions. Dezu’s message is “that all of us possess the power to raise our voice against social injustice, to love, to enjoy life, and to overcome all hatred.”

CON OF MAN emerged from Woodland, California three years ago, Con of Man’s music draws from a variety of influences: from post-punk bands such as Joy Division and The Chameleons to current indie groups including The Strokes and Interpol. Con of Man possesses a charismatic lead vocalist in Ruben Garcia, the passionate drum beats of Cassidy Garcia, thundering bass lines by Roberto Villegas inspired by Peter Hook (Joy Division) and Simon Gallup (The Cure), and diverse guitar riffs ranging from dreamy to caustic by Jorge Villegas. Con of Man released their first demo in late 2008 with great acceptance and praise from fans and media in the Sacramento area. Con of Man has been featured in the Sacramento News & Review, Fringe Magazine, Alice & Kicking Magazine, XM Satellite Radio, Pirate Cat Radio 87.9fm, and Generacion Radio.The band will be traveling to Austin, Texas in the summer of 2009 to record their second EP, followed by a tour of the West Coast throughout the year. It is certain that the Con of Man will not remain a local band for long. This is a band that should be caught now.

LOS VALENBERG This San Francisco trio formed by Hermez Flores (vocals), Omar Prieto (bass), and Joshua Jones (drums) began their musical journey in 2005 with the purpose of exploring and learning-along with their fans- the meaning of music. Over time, Los Valenberg has included guests musicians Matt in the congas and Dolores Avila in the trumpet. Los Valenberg has been featured in several online radio interviews including Generacion Radio, Insane’s Radio, Inche Radio, as well as KSJS 90.5FM in San Jose, and “Amplitud Alternativa” 1270am KFUT in Palm Springs. This learning process has given Los Valenberg an imminent desire to acquire an original sound, a language that reflects what” we, as Los Valenberg, dream & feel about life and our music.” Their music combines a variety of rhythms including rock, ska, reggae,blues,and even metal. Los Valenberg define their sound as “something new & extravagant” A sound as eclectic as the city by the bay.

SAGAVAL is a grunge rock band based out of the San Francisco Bay area. Sagaval was started in the fall of 2002 by Al Dizon and Marck Raymundo who met up online. As the years passed, lead vocals and drummers kept changing but the two original members stuck together. Ricardo Vallin joined as the new drummer in March of 2008. Then in 2009 Diego Zegarra becomes the new lead vocalist and the journey continues. Sagaval is currently in the studio doing new recordings. Sagaval has been featured on the “Myxology” on Myx TV Channel in the US and the Philippines, Ex’Pression College’s private concert series in Emeryville , Generacion Radio, and Pirate Cat Radio 87.9 FM in San Francisco.

QODICE was born in Oakland, California on November 11, 2007. It started when friends Gerardo Romo (drums), Cesareo Garibay (guitar), Fernando Lazaro (guitar),Edwin Rodriguez (bass), Jesus Ruiz(keyboard & back-up vocals), and Raul Luna (vocals) decided to get together & share their desire to transmit their love and passion for music to their audience. After a year of growth and change, Qodice quickly moved on to writing their own material and has just released their first original demo. The name Qodice derives from the ancient Mexican indigenous scriptures of our ancestors. Just like the name says, it is up to our audience to decipher the message within our songs

TIERRA Y FUEGO is a band from Berkeley consisting of Isabel Espinoza (lead vocals), Gabriel Sandino (guitars), Rafael Turincio (bass and vocals) and Enrique Sepulveda (drums and percussion).Their music combines different styles of Latin American, reggae, pop and rock rhythms. Tierra y Fuego’s lyrics represent an allegory that is marked by a socially strong content and a humanly artistic point of view. It is the perfect blend between experience & freshness. Tierra y Fuego’s sound is very diverse, the vocal harmonies give grace and beauty to the interpretation, its rhythms invite dance and interaction.

THE GRAVES BROTHERS DELUXE Bela Lugosi and Elvis Presley both died on Stoo Odom's birthday. (This is true.) The GRAVES BROTHERS DELUXE, disembodied musical spirits from Hattiesburg, Mississippi, thus chose Odom eagerly when looking for host bodies to express themselves. New Orleans native/ bassist/ vocalist/ recovering archaeologist Odom shares the current possessée duties with San Franciscans Willy the Mailman and Marco Villalobos. www.myspace.com/thegravesbrothersdeluxe

THE CUBAN COWBOYS Que es/What is un Cuban Cowboy? A berry good question. The Cuban Cowboy is not a tipico cowboy in the mold of a cheesy-quesoso Hollywood Western. Horses? He has none. His bovine encounters are limited to the meat aisle. He (or she) sleeps on a mattress, rides a subway train, and owns no rifle. The Cuban Cowboy is a breed apart--a hy-breed. The tools of his trade are a musical instrument, a silvery tongue and a pair of twitchy hips. He is the bastard love-child of Ricky Ricardo and Tom Waits, Elvis eats azucar.

The musical estilo of The Cuban Cowboys is as itinerant as the elusive creatures who spawn it. A capricious mixture of tradition and revolt, it features tasty rhythmitos of Montuno and Guajira served up under swooning surf guitar and dark post-punk power chords. An occasional hillbilly root thrown in the pot not only justifies the wearing of cowboy hats, but also makes an excellent garnish.

Armed with intelligent lyrics and catchy mambo riffs The Cuban Cowboys swivel forth to enclose their audience en un rock 'n' roll abrazo: suave, firme y muy—¿como se dice?—SEXXAY.

Today the band is busy wreaking havoc on cultural assumptions and rocking their culos off along both U.S. coasts: spreading the word, playing the tunes, and promoting the traditional Cuban values of Ritmo, Amor, y el Consumption of Pork Products. The Cuban Cowboys may not know joo yet, but already they burn with lob for joo...www.myspace.com/cubancowboys

CARNE CRUDA Exploring the intersection of Surf and Latin music, Carne Cruda isn’t afraid to mash The Ventures against the Buena Vista Social Club and see what comes out. As reverb springs from the twangy guitar latin-funk horns blare against the rocking rhythm section causing dancefloors to explode from Oakland to Poland, from Cali, Colombia to California. The tongue-in-cheek humor of Carne Cruda’s lyrics and the good old-fashioned sense of fun that exudes from the stage has propelled Carne Cruda on four European tours and beyond, and the tight musicianship mixed with a playful attitude and rocking musical numbers has opened the doors to countless listeners around the world. Produced by four-time Grammy®-nominated producer Greg Landau, Carne Cruda is raw and rocking and coming your way. www.carnecruda.com

TASSO - Chilean singer/guitarist Cat Tasso teamed up with LA drummer Danny Hutchinson form this moody, raw, and intense rock and roll duo. Characterized by loud and aggressive playing, the pair is reminiscent of the show spirit and attitude of yesterday. Simplicity and raw energy give them their signature huge sound.

FANCY GUEY Un DJ en Los Angeles de la música electrónica-pop en Espanol synth-electro Los Sonidos DeTune, DJ Residente de la fiesta que sigue quebrando records, Metropoli! En tan solo nueve meses de produccion lleva formando una historia que traspasara años, ya reconocida por la nueva generacion de fiesteros modernos como un evento en cual se escucha la mejor musica del nuevo movimiento y la nueva onda e indudablemente trayendo los mejores actos musicales al sur de California. Musica simplemente en Español, de todo el mundo! www.myspace.com/fancyguey

ABOUT THE PRODUCER AND CONVERGENCE

ANN BLANKENSHIP, founded Brown Note Productions in 2007. In 2008 she produced the first CONVERGENCE festival in partnership with the Mission Creek Music And Arts Festival. CONVERGENCE was established to further Blankenship's support of contemporary Latin-origin music. CONVERGENCE strives to support emerging Bay Area and international talent, to firmly establish continuous “indie-national" programming in the San Francisco Bay Area and to encourage collaborations and foster community between alternative and independent rock artists locally, nationally and internationally.

Brown Note Productions is pleased to partner with community organizations Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, La Pena Pachamama and Mission Creek Music & Arts Festival in presenting CONVERGENCE MMIX.

ABOUT MISSION CREEK MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL

MISSION CREEK MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL is an annual collaborative effort presented by a consortium of local independent concert promoters, musicians, artists, filmmakers, dancers and multi-media performance artists. Through this forum, MCMAF strives to foster community among local Bay Area artists; showcase emerging artists and musicians and bring innovative and diverse programming to a wider audience. The festival strives for ethical programming and sponsorship--selecting music and art in a fair and democratic way, and using green and sustainable technology wherever possible. Bay Area artist and musician, Jeff Ray, is the Founder and Executive Producer.

CALENDAR EDITORS PLEASE NOTE:

EVENT FAST FACTS

• Event: CONVERGENCE MMIX
• Venues: Pena Pachamama, Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, Bollyhood Café, The Blue Macaw and The Oakland Metro Opera House
• Dates: Wednesday July 15, 2008 through Saturday July 25, 2008
• Websites: CONVERGENCE >www.myspace.com/brownnoterocks and Mission Creek >www.mcmf.org
• CONVERGENCE MMIX Schedule: N.B Lineups are subject to change

CONVERGENCE MMIX INFO & CONTACTS:

• For CONVERGENCE MMIX information and updates please visit:
  • http://www.myspace.com/brownnoterocks
• CONVERGENCE MMIX
  • Ann Blankenship – Producer/Sponsorships
  • Cell (415) 244-8250 :: E-mail brownnoterock@earthlink.net
• CONVERGENCE MMIX Publicity
  • Ilka Erren Pardiñas
  • Tel (323) 667-1344 :: E-mail flypr@flypr.net
• CONVERGENCE MMIX Marketing
  • Christi Crowe
  • Tel (415) 566-8628 :: E-mail christi@flagmarketing.com

MISSION CREEK MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL INFO & CONTACTS:

• For Mission Creek Music And Arts Festival information and updates please visit:
  • http://www.mcmf.org/
• Jeff Ray - Founder/Executive Producer/Sponsorships :: >ray7@pacbell.net
• Neil Martinson – Co-Producer :: >herrneilson@gmail.com

For press materials or additional information on CONVERGENCE MMIX, Mission Creek Music And Arts Festival or any CONVERGENCE MMIX artists please contact Fly PR: T. (323) 667-1344 or flypr@flypr.net.