|
AUGUST CALENDAR
THINGS TO SEE AND PLACES TO BE SEEN
Top August 2008 Northside Picks
MAJOR EVENTS
Stern Grove Festival
Sundays, Aug 3-17, 2 p.m.
Stern Grove (19th Ave. & Sloat Blvd.)
The festival celebrates 71 years of admission-free performances. August performances include Bajofondo, One Hawaii and the San Francisco Opera. Free. 415-252-6252,
www.sterngrove.org
35th Annual Nihonmachi Street Fair
Sat-Sun, Aug 9-10
Japantown and Japan Center
Come for the food, Asian artisan
crafts, local musical and cultural performances, and stay to celebrate and learn about Asian Pacific-American culture. Free. 415-771-9861,
www.nihonmachistreetfair.org
American Craft Show
Fri-Sun, Aug 15-17
Herbst & Festival Pavilions,
Fort Mason Center
Over 250 craft artists display their wares at the 2008 American Craft Show. This year’s show has a special Green Craft component, and includes wine tastings, lectures and entertaining demonstrations. 800-836-3470, www.craftcouncil.org/sf
The Golden Gate Renaissance Festival
Sat-Sun, Aug 16-17
Speedway Meadow, Golden Gate Park
Don’t miss this lively Dionysian party, where the guests enjoy turkey legs, and exotic food and drink as they banter with the myriad performers filling the streets. The event sports one-of-a-kind shows, music and comedy. 415-354-1773,
www.sffaire.com
Slow Food Nation ’08
Fri-Mon, Aug 29-Sep 1
Fort Mason Center, Civic Center
The largest celebration of American food in history highlighting the
connection between plate and planet. Experience food tastings, speakers, a marketplace and victory garden, and a music festival. Most events are free with a few requiring tickets. 415-369-9950, www.slowfoodnation.org
COMMUNITY CORNER
Home Preparedness in Earthquake Country
Tuesday, Aug 12, 6:30-8 p.m.
Main Library, Latino/Hispanic Community Meeting Room
Matt Springer, assistant professor
of medicine at UCSF, presents a talk and slideshow about how to lessen potential earthquake damage at home and work. Free. 415-557-4400, www.sfpl.org
GALAS & BENEFITS
Help is on the Way XIV
Sunday, Aug 3
Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
An elegant evening of live entertainment to raise funds for Bay Area AIDS service providers. Performers include Carole Cook, Marilu Henner and Bruce Vilanch. 415-931-0317, www.richmondermet.org
Tools for School – Flower Power
Fundraising Event
Wednesday, Aug 6
Omni Hotel (500 California St.)
Benefiting the Salvation Army’s Back-2-School distribution program, this luncheon features one of the City’s most celebrated floral designers, Jun Piñon
of Piñon Design. 415-553-3549,
salvationarmy.org
S.F. Conservatory of Dance Benefit Performance & Silent Auction
Sunday, Aug 10
The Regency Center (1290 Sutter St.)
Advanced students from the S.F. Conservatory of Dance perform selected works of contemporary ballet, and
benefits the conservatory’s financial aid/scholarship fund. 800-838-3006,
www.sfconservatoryofdance.org
ARTS & CULTURE
Artwork SF – Best of Show
Exhibition: Tue-Sun, Aug 5-30
Reception: Thursday, Aug 7
ARTworkSF (49 Geary St.)
Curated by the public, works voted Best of Show from shows over the past year comprise this exhibition. Free. 415-673-3080, www.artworksf.com
Poets 11
Thursday, Aug 7, 7 p.m.
Marina Branch Library
Poet laureate Jack Hirschman has selected three poets from each of the City’s 11 districts to share their works. Eleven events take place at various branch libraries culminating with a final celebration at the Main Library on Sunday, Sept. 21. Free. 415-626-7500, www.friendssfpl.org
14th Annual Arab Cultural Festival
Sunday, Aug 24
County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park
This festival promotes Arab art and culture. This year’s theme is Ya Hala (“Welcome”), and all are welcome to partake in live entertainment, Arabic food, henna painting, booth bazaar, and arts and crafts. 415-664-2200,
www.arabculturalcenter.org
PERFORMANCES
14th Annual Summer Improv
Festival
Fri-Sat, Aug 1-30
Bayfront Theater, Fort Mason Center
BATS Improv brings back 10 one-night-only performances of fan favorites. Also back this year is the championship match of the “Battle of the Bay” tournament, and the “grudge” match between BATS and LATS (Los Angeles Theatresports). 415-474-6776, www.improv.org
Shakespeare in the Park
Sat-Sun, Aug 30-Sep 21,
Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m.
Main Parade Ground Lawn, the Presidio
Celebrate the S.F. Shakespeare Festival’s presentation of the 400th anniversary of Pericles, Shakespeare’s story about a young man on an epic journey. Bring a picnic and a blanket; snacks and beverages available for sale. Free. 415-561-5418, www.sfshakes.org
International Youth Music Festival
Wednesday, Aug 13
Grace Cathedral
Experience a spectacular program of chamber music and string orchestra performed by highly gifted young musicians from around the world. 510-595-9378, gracecathedral.org
2008 Bay Area Tap Festival
Fri-Sat, Aug 15-16
Herbst Theatre
Celebrate the uniquely American art form of tap dancing with live musical accompaniment. Workshops and a free panel discussion take place during the preceding week hosted by S.F. Dance Center. 415-294-4941, www.stepology.com
Old First Concerts: Joel Fan
Friday, Aug 15
Old First Church (1751 Sacramento St.)
Making his S.F. recital debut, pianist Fan will perform world and traditional music. Fan is a member of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble, and has made appearances with the New York Philharmonic and the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic. 415-474-1608, www.oldfirstconcerts.org
Tango x 3
Fri-Sun, Aug 15-17
Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
An evening filled with the sensuous combination of tangos from Argentina and Uruguay, and the pulsating jazz rhythms of Brazil. This program features an extraordinary three-piano trio of world-class pianists: Polly Ferman, Erika Nickrenz and Jovino Santos Neto. 415-392-4400, www.cityboxoffice.com
Merola Grand Finale
Saturday, Aug 16
War Memorial Opera House
This final performance of the Merola’s young artists program is sure to present one amazing aria and ensemble after another; conducted by Maestro Joel Revzen and accompanied by members of the San Francisco Opera orchestra. 415-864-3330, www.merola.org
Play! A Video Game Symphony
Saturday, Aug 23
Davies Symphony Hall
This program features music from blockbuster video games, and is performed by world-class orchestras and choirs. Graphics on large suspended screens accompany the scores, highlighting memorable moments from video games. 415-538-0807, www.play-symphony.com
FILM & LECTURES
Movie Nights at The Cannery
Sundays, Aug 3-24, 8 p.m.
The Cannery
Come and watch movies that Mayor Newsom has personally selected as his favorite films made in and/or about S.F.: The Maltese Falcon, Dirty Harry,
Mrs. Doubtfire, and The Pursuit of Happyness. Free. 415-771-3112,
www.thecannery.com
Summer Films at the Exploratorium
Saturdays, Aug 2-23
The Exploratorium
Films includes a story about a lost
letter, hobo graffiti, and outsiders
and mavericks in the field of education and learning. 415-561-0360,
www.exploratorium.org
Film Night in the Park:
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
Saturday, Aug 9, 8 p.m.
Union Square
Watch Paul Newman and Robert Redford light up the outdoor silverscreen in this classic movie. Bring a picnic and a blanket, but no chairs. Free. 415-453-4333, www.filmnight.org
Grace Cathedral:
Special Book Forum
Friday, Aug 15, 7 p.m.
Grace Cathedral
Leading religious journalist Gustav Niebuhr discusses his new book,
Beyond Tolerance: Searching for Interfaith Understanding in America. Michael Pappas of the S.F. Interfaith Council,
moderates. Free. 510-595-9378,
www.gracecathedral.org
SCIENCE & THE ENVIRONMENT
Historic Waterfront Walking Tour
Sundays, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Meet in the Argonaut Hotel Lobby
Stroll with a park ranger to discover the history of the Aquatic Park Historic Landmark District, The Cannery, Hyde Street Pier, and Fish Alley at Fisherman’s Wharf. The tour is one hour and covers approximately one mile. Free. 415-447-5000, www.nps.gov/safr/
Mount Sutro:
Uncovering Hidden Treasures
Monday, Aug 7
County Fair Building, Golden Gate Park
Craig Dawson on the efforts to reclaim the natural beauty of 900-foot-high Mount Sutro, located in the heart of the City. 415-661-1316,
www.sfbotanicalgarden.org
Garden Sale Featuring Shade Plants
Saturday, Aug 9, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
S.F. Botanical Garden Nursery,
Golden Gate Park
Acquire plants seldom found in
commercial nurseries at this S.F.
Botanical Garden shade plant sale. All plants are suitable for Bay Area gardens. Free. 415-661-1316,
www.sfbotanicalgarden.org
Space Ecology: The Final Frontier
of Environmentalism
Wednesday, Aug 20, 7:30 p.m.
Randall Museum (199 Museum Way)
Lynda Williams, physics instructor at Santa Rosa Jr. College, presents a dynamic presentation on the current situation of space debris, and a look at possible future scenarios. Free. 415 554-9600, www.randallmuseum.org
POTABLES & EDIBLES
Market to Table
Saturdays, Aug 2-30
CUESA Kitchen, Ferry Building’s
north arcade
Chefs Joyce Goldstein, Gwendolyn Smith and Jennifer Carden lead cooking demonstrations using ingredients from the farmers’ market. 415-693-0996, www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com
Easy Market Meals Cooking Demo
Tuesdays, Aug 5-19, noon,
12:30 p.m., 1 p.m.
CUESA Kitchen, Ferry Building’s
north arcade
Georgeanne Brennan, cookbook author and food writer and Amy Fothergill, The Family Chef, focus on one or two seasonal ingredients in the farmers’ market, and offer simple ways for home cooks to prepare them. Free. 415-693-0996, www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com
The “Other” Chinatown:
Shopping with Naomi Friedman
Saturday, Aug 9
Corner of Clement St. and 11th Ave.
Inner Richmond is considered San Francisco’s “other” Chinatown. Join culinary educator Naomi Friedman in exploring this bustling neighborhood, which includes lunch at Tudo Vietnamese restaurant. 415-597-6700, www.commonwealthclub.org
Quick Grill & Sauté Class
with Summer Cocktail Recipes
Saturday, Aug 23
Palio d’Asti (640 Sacramento St.)
Learn to cook Italian-summer style,
and then enjoy a family-style meal
with wine pairings. 415-395-9800,
www.paliodasti.com
SPORTS & HEALTH
Round the Rock Alcatraz Challenge
Saturday, Aug 2
Crissy Field, East Beach
The 2008 Alcatraz Challenge is a
traditional Polynesian outrigger race
that includes two exciting courses
on the bay between the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges designed to challenge competitors and inspire spectators. www.alcatrazchallenge.com
Relay For Life
Sat-Sun, Aug 16-17
Crissy Field
Join the American Cancer Society
at this fun-filled family running event
to fight cancer. 1-800-ACS-2345,
www.events.cancer.org/
rflsanfranciscomarinaca
Russian Hill: Where They Looked Down on the Rest of the City
Saturday, Aug 23, 10 a.m.-noon
Corner of Hyde and Filbert Sts.
Learn about the origin of Russian
Hill, David Letterman’s involvement,
the Purple Cow, what kind of house is good for sexual vigor, Willis Polk and
the Mormon connection. Free.
415-537-1105, www.sfhistory.org
Plate to Plate 5K Run/Walk
Sunday, Aug 24
AT&T Park
The Giants present a 5K (3.1 mile)
race beginning and ending at
AT&T Park to benefit Project
Open Hand. Every entrant will have
the opportunity to run/walk over
the Giants home plate on the way
to the finish line! Entry fee includes a ticket to the afternoon game vs. the San Diego Padres, and a pregame festival. 415-447-2316, www.platetoplate.org
CHILD’S PLAY
Randall Museum:
Meet the Animals!
Saturdays, Aug 2-30, 11:15 a.m.
Randall Museum (199 Museum Way)
Kids and their families can meet
rodents and amphibians, check out a Harris Hawk, and maybe even touch a tortoise. Free. 415-554-9600, www.randallmuseum.org
Children’s Story Time & Family Walk
Sunday, Aug 10, 10:30 a.m.
HCR Library, S.F. Botanical Garden
A noted photographer and a poet
will read from Cactus Poems, which
describes the beauty of the western desert; a special family walk around
the garden follows. 415-661-1316,
www.sfbotanicalgarden.org
Yoshi’s Sunday Matinees
Sundays, Aug 10-31
Yoshi’s San Francisco
Join the first year of special Sunday afternoon performances (a longtime favorite at Yoshi’s Oakland) designed and priced for parents to introduce jazz to young ears. 415-655-5600,
www.yoshis.com
Creative Crabs
Mon-Fri, Aug 11-15
Crissy Field Center, the Presidio
Campers explore the marsh edge
searching for mud critters and creating nature inspired works of art. Each day brings a new adventure in this hands-on kindergarten camp. 415-561-3000,
www.parkconservancy.org
Fisher-Price Weekend
Sat-Sun, Aug 11-12
San Francisco Zoo
It’s a roaring good time for kids six months to six years old, with loads of fun toys, activities and even a cool Power Wheels driving track. Special costumed character visits Saturday, and Sunday. 415-753-7080, www.sfzoo.org
Twilight Bike About
Tuesday, Aug 12
San Francisco Zoo
Families are invited to bike or stroll around the zoo for an informative tour to see how many of the animals spend their days. 415-753-7073, www.sfzoo.org
Physics of Toys:
Engineering in Motion
Saturday, Aug 16
The Exploratorium
Step into the shoes of an engineer with the Physics of Toys team and design and build your own paddleboat, film-can racer and hovercraft. Materials are provided, and you get to take home what you make. 415-561-0360,
www.exploratorium.edu
Knit Happens!
Saturday, Aug 16, 2-4 p.m.
Main Library, Children’s Creative Center
If you are between 12 and 18 and
want to learn to knit/crochet, or just hang out and knit/crochet with other teens, this is the workshop for you. Bring your own yarn and needles to start your own unique project. Free. 415-557-4497, blevine@sfpl.org
CREATURE FEATURES
Diapers & Dogs
Saturdays, Aug 2-Sep 13
San Francisco SPCA
Dogs and babies can be a successful combination with a little preparation and management strategies. New parents with babies (up to six-months old, non-mobile) as well as soon-to-be parents will learn the basics of safe dog and baby interactions. Dogs welcome with proof of current rabies vaccination. Six-week course includes handbook and clicker. 415-522-3509, www.sfspca.org
GGNRA Endangered Species
Big Year Walk
Sunday, Aug 3, 2008, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Meet at Baker Beach north parking lot
Join local naturalist Matt Zlatunich on a 5-mile hike through the Presidio’s diverse habitats in search of endangered species including brown pelican, western snowy plover, San Francisco lessingia, and southern sea otter. Bring food and water. RSVP required. mbzlat@yahoo.com, www.ggnrabigyear.org
Swiss Dog Day Afternoon
Saturday, Aug 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Upper Parade Grounds, Fort Mason
This unique event brings together five of the Swiss mountain breeds. There will be draft dog demos, Swiss music, a great fundraising raffle, crafts, a Swiss-style barbecue, and loads of canine fun! Free for spectators, and your leashed
dog can accompany you as well! A portion of event proceeds will benefit the Swiss Benevolent Society and the breed health funds. 415-776-8575,
www.norcalbernese.org
A Leg Up Rescue Cocktail Fundraiser
Saturday, Aug 8
Le Meridien Hotel (333 Battery St.)
A Leg Up Rescue is dedicated to giving abandoned and special needs animals a second chance in loving homes. Enjoy an impressive selection of appetizers, sushi, hand-carved sandwiches, dim sum, freshly made pastas, and a fresh fruit and fondue dessert experience, along with musical entertainment and an extensive silent auction. 415-505-6126, www.aLegUpRescue.org
Giants’ Dog Days of Summer
Saturday, Aug 23
AT&T Park
“Ballpark dog” takes on a new meaning as your well-socialized dog is invited to the Giants vs. San Diego Padres game, with a costume contest, parade around the field and special doggy souvenirs. Special tickets required for the Dog Zone, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting The SF/SPCA. Call 415-972-2356 to order – season ticket holders must purchase the Dog Zone seats to gain entry for their dog.
JUST FOR FUN
Chinese Puzzles: Games for the Hands and Mind
Tue-Sat, thru Oct 11
Chinese Culture Center (750 Kearny St.)
This exhibition of antique Chinese puzzles from the Yi Zhi Tang Collection includes traditional puzzles, nine rings puzzles, sliding block puzzles, and visual puzzles. 415-986-1822, www.c-c-c.org
International Picnic for
Young Professionals
Sunday, Aug 24
Blackpoint Battery Picnic Area,
Fort Mason
Come join the Young Professionals International Forum for a day of games, entertainment, international discussion, and a variety of barbeque and picnic delights. 415-293-4600,
www.itsyourworld.org
GET ACROSS TOWN
S.F. International Festival of Short Films
Wed-Sat, Aug 6-9
Victoria Theatre (2961 16th St.)
& Red Vic Moviehouse (1727 Haight St.)
This short film festival strives to screen a wide range of films to challenge audiences. www.sfshorts.org
Pride and Succubus
Thu-Mon, Aug 7-23
New Langton Arts (1246 Folsom St.)
The Thunderbird Theatre Company
presents a new original comedy. The story upholds the finest traditions
of a Jane Austen tale but adds a
vampire twist. 415-289-6766,
www.thunderbirdtheatre.com
14th Annual Arts & Crafts
San Francisco
Sat-Sun, Aug 9-10
San Francisco Design Center
(8th & Brannan Sts.)
The West Coast’s largest show
and sale of furniture, pottery,
textiles and other art and
collectibles from periods including
Arts & Crafts, Art Nouveau and
California Rancho. 707-865-1576,
www.artsandcrafts-sf.com
Tasty
Reception: Thursday, Aug 14, 7-9 p.m.
Exhibition: Mon-Sat, Aug 14-Oct 1
Creativity Explored Gallery
(3245 16th St.)
This food art exhibition features
original drawings, paintings and sculptures from dancing radishes to the midcentury modern joys of Jell-O. 415-863-2108, www.creativityexplored.org
Simply Shaker: The Ben and Toby Rose Collection of
Shaker Arts and Crafts
Tue-Sun, Aug 15-Nov 2
Museum of Craft and Folk Art
(51 Yerba Buena Ln.)
This exhibition highlights the
masterpieces of Shaker furniture, and includes other objects representing Shaker life and Shaker style, including household items, tools and equipment, textiles, and graphics. 415-227-4888, www.mocfa.org
|
