Bay Area soul talent Goapele (pronounced GWAH-pah-lay) could easily fill much larger venues, but the singer offers her loyal local fans a special treat with this series of shows at Yoshi's in Oakland this weekend.

The Oakland, California-based songstress broke onto the Bay Area music scene in 2001 with her ethereal EP, Closer, and the follow-up full length album, Even Closer. Released on her family-owned record company, Skyblaze Recordings, the album's mix of soulful grooves and thought-provoking lyrics introduced the world to a multi-faceted artist and songwriter. Goapele is known as much for her social and political activism as for her lush romantic ballads.

The singer earned more solid notices for her musical project Victory which features Goapele's alluring and powerful voice alongside an array of artists from the African continent. The project's title track with South African rapper Pantsula was issued to commemorate the FIFA World Cup 2010 being held in South Africa. Recorded mostly at Zoo Studios in Oakland, Break of Dawn digs deep while honestly revealing the many layers of experience that defines Goapele, from the birth of her daughter to the death of her father as well as a close friend. Collaborating with an array of creative folks including Kerry "Krucial" Brothers, Bobby Ozuma, Malay and Bedrock, Break of Dawn also the first project Goapele has worked with other songwriters. The vocalist celebrates the release of a deluxe version of Break of Dawn late last year that features three brand new songs with this run of shows in SF.

Goapele
Thursday-Sunday, May 16-19, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. (7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Sun.) $30-$40
Yoshi's San Francisco