Tradition Café

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Tradition Café, Ana Chavier Caamaño sits down with artist Nancy Johnson of Nancy Faye Designs to explore creativity, cultural heritage, and the unexpected connections art can reveal. From handmade jewelry and intricate pen-and-ink drawings to transformed found objects, Nancy’s work reflects a curiosity she now has the freedom to pursue in retirement. For Nancy, the beads have something to say—and she listens. Their colors, shapes, and textures guide her jew...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Tradition Café, Ana Chavier Caamaño sits down with artist Darrin Westmore for a conversation about art, identity, culture, and the memories that become part of who we are. Darrin shares how his artistic journey began with graffiti and airbrushing before evolving into painting, and how his early experiences continue to influence the work he creates today. From his signature use of eyes, windows, and doors to his deeply personal piece Mi Rincón, Darrin explo...

Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to find home thousands of miles from where you were born? In this episode of Tradition Café, Ana Chavier Caamaño sits down with Nigerian-born Afrofusion artist NKAN to explore the journey that brought her from Lagos, Nigeria, to Oakland, California—and how music, community, and unexpected acts of kindness transformed a new place into home. NKAN shares the story behind her music, the meaning of her name, and the inspiration for her song "California Love." She...

Send us Fan Mail What does it mean to build community through culture? In this episode of Tradition Café, Ana sits down with Jennifer Radakovich, Executive Director of Rhythmix Cultural Works, to talk about the role of the arts in connection, belonging, and cultural exchange. Jennifer shares how Rhythmix creates space for music, dance, performance, education, and community-centered arts experiences that bring people together across backgrounds and generations. This conversation explores what ...

Send us Fan Mail Poet, performer, and filmmaker Tae Poetically Divine joins Ana to talk about creating art rooted in spirituality, ancestry, community, and hope. Tae shares how writing became an outlet for her as a quiet and deeply sensitive child—and how poetry eventually expanded into spoken word, music, filmmaking, youth mentorship, and community arts work. She also takes us behind the scenes of Ancestors’ Wildest Dreams and its spiritual sequel, Descendants, an award-winning film honoring...