32 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MARCH 13-19, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com MUSIC “This year we are exploring the meaning of home,” says Michelle Djokic, cellist and artistic director for Musikiwest, a perfoming arts nonprofit. “Home resonates to all of us.” Since part of Djokic’s commitment is to promote Black composers and musicians, she invited for this edition of Musikiwest Jasmine Barnes, a young composer from Baltimore; HaitianAmerican soprano Melissa Joseph; and Cleveland poet King Weatherspoon. But the glue that holds the program together is a Black viola master, Michael Casimir, who teaches and plays at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Casimir’s true home is Philadelphia, and he remains a fan of all things related to the City of Brotherly Love. “You don’t get a cheesesteak in any other city beside Philly,” he says. His father, a music teacher, put him on violin at 2 years old. The beautiful sound of viola made him switch instruments. The concert includes three pieces. “Home” is for string quartet, by contemporary composer Kevin Puts. On the more traditional side is “String Quartet No. 13 in G Major, Opus 106” by Antonin Dvorak, a 19th-century Czech composer. “It’s the first quartet he wrote upon his return to his homeland,” Djokic explains. “It’s infused with all the spirit of what he brought from the Americas, his experience from the spirituals to the folk music.” “Might Call You Art,” for soprano and string quartet, is an original Barnes composition commissioned by CityMusic Cleveland and based on a scathing poem by Weatherspoon, condemning the tendency to stereotype Black Americans. Casimir praises “Might Call You Art” for its ability to combine blues, jazz and classical music. “I love how known themes are woven into the piece,” he says. “I also like modern poetry [of Weatherspoon] because it tells you how it is.” Anna Lee and Siwoo Kim on violin and Djokic on cello round out the quartet. SandBox, Djokic adds, aims to promote interaction. “There is no formality; children are welcome and the audience sits on the same level where musicians play, so there is back-and-forth between performers and the audience.” Musikiwest concert 7pm Friday, March 14. SandBox, 440 Ortiz Ave., Sand City. $40; $25/students, military; free/under 18. sandboxsandcity@gmail.com, sandboxsandcity.com. ZAK WINOKUR Home Stand Musikiwest string performance explores the meaning of home through different eyes. By Agata Popęda From left to right, violinists Siwoo Kim, Anna Lee, vocalist Melissa Joseph, cellist Michelle Djokic and violist Michael Casimir will perform at SandBox. Are you ready to break free from old patterns, build deeper connections, and rediscover your purpose? For over 35 years, Breakthrough Men’s Community has guided men toward lasting change through powerful, community-driven workshops. Spring 2025 Workshops – In-Person & Online In-person starts May 1 / Online starts May 7 Monterey, CA & Virtual Worldwide Financial aid available This is more than self-improvement —it’s a life-changing experience. Take the first step today. Registration closes soon! Sign up now at breakthroughformen.org Transform Your Life with Breakthrough Men’s Community
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