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Club Mandalay March 2026
Club Mandalay
Jazz & Ancestral Philippine Music at the I-Hotel
Club Mandalay March 2026 Promotional Postcard Image
Club Mandalay is a monthly live music gathering at the International Hotel Manilatown Center — a space rooted in Manilatown’s history where sound becomes a way to remember, reconnect, and be together.
This special afternoon brings together two of Manilatown’s resident ensembles:
🎷 The Manilatown Jazz Ensemble: Sharing improvisations that reflect the diverse musical experience of San Francisco — music shaped by jazz, storytelling, and creative dialogue.
🥁 The Manilatown Ancestral Ensemble: Presenting pre-colonial Philippine music and dance traditions — including kulintang and indigenous movement — honoring cultural knowledge passed forward across generations.
Together, these ensembles embody a living bridge between contemporary expression and ancestral tradition. Jazz and indigenous sound meet not as opposites, but as continuations of one another — rooted in rhythm, listening, and community care.
Club Mandalay takes place in the very building that stands because of collective action. The original International Hotel was home to generations of Filipino and Chinese immigrant elders who were unjustly evicted in 1977 after years of resistance. Their struggle became a defining moment in Asian American civil rights history. Today, we gather in this rebuilt space not only to remember that fight, but to carry forward its spirit of solidarity, dignity, and perseverance through art.
At Club Mandalay, music is offered as more than performance. It is shared as:
Remembrance of those who came before us
Affirmation of belonging in the present
Inspiration to imagine a shared future shaped by perseverance, creativity, and collective responsibility for our common home
Rooted in the legacy of Manilatown and the I-Hotel, these gatherings welcome people of all backgrounds — whether you are a longtime community member, a neighbor, a visitor, or simply curious.
There is space here for you. All are welcome.
This event is free; donations are greatly appreciated in support of Manilatown’s community arts and cultural programs.
Come as you are.
Stay for the music.
Leave strengthened, connected, and inspired.
PLEASE REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE
Club Mandalay is made possible by the generous support of the Asian Pacific Fund, San Francisco Grants for the Arts. San Francisco Arts Commission and the California Arts Council. For more information about Club Mandalay, the Manilatown Jazz Ensemble, or the Manilatown Heritage Foundation, please get in touch with us at: mhf@manilatown.org
Intro to Kulintang Music
Join us for an immersive experience in the beautiful world of Kulintang music. Whether you're a music enthusiast or simply curious about this traditional Philippine art form, this event is perfect for you!
Intro to Singkil
Photo of Singkil workshop at the International Hotel Manilatown Center
Mah jongg Madness
Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Mah Jongg. Join us at the International Hotel Manilatown Center.
Beginning Kalinga Gangsa
Manilatown Academy invites you to a Manilatown Ancestral hands-on beginners workshop on pre-colonial Philippine music at the International Hotel Manilatown Center!
Beginning Philippine Maranao Kulintang Music
BEGINNING philippine maranao kulintang
Get ready to experience the Philippine'’ powerful interlocking rhythms as Manilatown Academy teaches an intro to Maranao Kulintang Music
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Philippine kulintang percussion as we explore the interlocking rhythms of the Maranao ethnolinguistic group. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this event is perfect for anyone interested in learning and appreciating the beauty of Philippine music. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with ancestral heritage and discover the power of percussion.
Let's make some music together!
PLEASE REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE
Our Manilatown Ancestral program is made possible from the generous support of the Alliance for California Traditional Arts, San Francisco Arts Commission, the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workplace Development and Grants for the Arts.
For more information about Manilatown Academy, the Manilatown Ancestral program or the Manilatown Heritage Foundation please contact us at: mhf@manilatown.org
Ilokano Culture
Learn about the rich traditions, music, and cuisine of the Ilokano people. Connect with fellow enthusiasts and immerse yourself in the beauty of this vibrant culture with insightful discussions about the Ilokano heritage. Whether you're a proud Ilokano or simply curious about this fascinating culture, this course is perfect for anyone looking to learn, engage, and have fun!
Beginning Ka'atung & Magasik
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Philippine Teduray percussion as we explore the interlocking rhythms of the song Ka'atung. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this event is perfect for anyone interested in learning and appreciating the beauty of Philippine music. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with ancestral heritage and discover the power of percussion. And as a bonus, if attendees are interested, we can also explore the dance that Ka'atung accompanies: the Magasik social dance.
Conversational Ilokano for Heritage Learners
Join us for an exciting online journey where Dr. Aurelio Agcaoili will guide Ilokano heritage learners in exploring the rich cultural heritage of the Ilokano language. This 12-week course is perfect for those looking to connect with ancestral Philippine roots and deepen their understanding of Ilokano language and culture.
Beginning Kalinga Percussion
Manilatown Academy invites you to a Manilatown Ancestral hands-on beginners workshop on pre-colonial Philippine music and movement at the International Hotel Manilatown Center!
Beginning Kalinga Percussion
Manilatown Academy invites you to a Manilatown Ancestral hands-on beginners workshop on pre-colonial Philippine music and dance at the International Hotel Manilatown Center!
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Philippine Kalinga percussion as we explore the interlocking rhythms of the bamboo and metal gongs. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this event is perfect for anyone interested in learning and appreciating the beauty of Philippine pre-colonial music. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with ancestral heritage and discover the power of percussion.
Let's make some music together!
Mah Jongg Madness
Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of Mah Jongg. Join us at the International Hotel Manilatown Center.
Beginning Tagonggo & Sagayan
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Philippine Maguindanao percussion as we explore the interlocking rhythms of the trance song Tagonggo and the dance Sagayan. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this event is perfect for anyone interested in learning and appreciating the beauty of Philippine pre-colonial music. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with ancestral heritage and discover the power of percussion. And as a bonus, Guest Teacher Patrick Tamayo will introduce us to the movements of Sagayan, which is customarily accompanied by Tagonggo.
Mah Jongg Madness
Chess is stern, Checkers is a bit dotty, and Scrabble tends to be wordy. But Mah Jongg is seductive. From the tiles' rich luster and the game's challenging nature to its enigmatic history and magical power to unite people, Mah Jongg is not just a game! It is a way of life—a stylish one at that.
Beginning Philippine Teduray Music: Ka'atung
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Philippine Teduray percussion as we explore the interlocking rhythms of the song Ka'atung. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this event is perfect for anyone interested in learning and appreciating the beauty of Philippine music. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with our ancestral heritage and discover the power of percussion. And as a bonus, if attendees are interested, we can also explore the dance that Ka'atung accompanies: the Teduray Social Dance.
Beginning binalig
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Philippine Maguindanao kulintang percussion as we explore the rhythms and beats of the song Binalig. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this event is perfect for anyone interested in learning and appreciating the beauty of pre-colonial Philippine music.
Beginning Tungkil
Manilatown Ancestral and the Flipping the Boat project presents Beginning Tungkil with the Manilatown Ancestral Ensemble!
Join us for an exciting in-person event at the International Hotel Manilatown Center!
Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Philippine Tausug percussion as we explore the rhythms and beats of the song Tungkil, the traditional accompaniment of the dance Pangalay. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this event is perfect for anyone interested in learning and appreciating the beauty of pre-colonial Philippine music. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with our ancestral heritage and discover the power of percussion. And as a bonus, if attendees are interested, we can also explore the dance that Tungkil accompanies: Pangalay.
Let’s make some music together!
PLEASE REGISTER VIA EVENTBRITE
Manilatown Ancestral is made possible from the generous support of the California Arts Council, San Francisco Arts Commission, the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workplace Development and Grants for the Arts.
For more information about the Manilatown Ancestral program or the Manilatown Heritage Foundation please contact us at: mhf@manilatown.org