San Francisco Voice

The truth is that I don’t even know where to start with telling you about the art and entrepreneurship of Illyanna Maisonet. That’s because this chick (who was Mission before Mission was cool) has got so much going on and she’s doing it all well. She’s a graffiti artist, a fashion line produced, an illustrator for various projects including stuff affiliated with bands and her own upcoming ‘zine. Really, there’s not much this girl isn’t doing. And somehow, she finds the time to set goals related to using art to help latchkey kids. But I’ll let her tell you all …read more

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*painting by Ken Keegan, see his virtual art gallery for more images and information*
Ken Keegan is a San Francisco artist originally from New York. His use of color draws in your attention and creates a kind of flow to his artwork that makes it seem almost as if it is in motion. This effect is enhanced when you view his work in his virtual art gallery which is one of the best website set-ups for an artist that I’ve ever seen. In this interview, Ken tells San Fran Voice about his work and his experiences so far in San Francisco.
What …read more

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San Fran Voice is switching over to posts that are all about the local art and music scene. We’ll be giving equal attention to both here but this week is going to be art week. Every day, we’ve got an interview posted with a local artist. They’re each really different … from the graffiti art and fashion designs if Illyanna Maisonet (interview on Tuesday) to the paintings of MFA-degreed Japanese artist Ryoko Tajiri (interview on Tuesday). Check them all out.
And then come back next week for CD review week at San Fran Voice!!!

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Okay, maybe it isn’t “long-awaited” but I asked people last week to give their opinions on what they would like to see from San Fran Voice and I’ve incorporated those comments into my planning and come up with the improved version of the site. Since you all were so kind to spread your comments my way, I’m happy to give you the update:
San Fran Voice will be (at least temporarily) suspending all posts that are unrelated to either local music, local art or information about the blog itself. This means that the YouTube picks of the day, the San Francisco …read more

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As you may know, photographer Ginny Mangrum caught my eye with stunning images of storage units (see the post). They turned my vision upside down and gave me a new perspective into something that is fairly every day. So, of course, I’m happy to be able to say that San Fran Voice interviewed Ginny and got some more info on what motivates this artist.
What can you tell us about the basics of your artwork? Specifically, how do you become drawn to the topics that you cover? My curiosities about empty public spaces normally filled with people contemplates memories …read more

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LOW RED LAND is just about to release their first acoustic EP. It’s a true DIY project from the linoleum-block cover print to the way that it’s hand-packaged. The five songs that are on it can probably be heard (and can definitely be purchased) at the first show after its release. That show it July 27 at Bottom of the Hill.
Playing with LOW RED LAND on that date will be other local bands Tartufi, Silian Rail and Sky Pilots. This performance is a showcase of Thread Productions, a collective of local bands who work hard to not only promote the …read more

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Jeff Rolka will tell you in one breath that he got a Master’s Degree in saxophone performance as well as that his music is like ‘Neil Young and Sting have a drink at a Beatles tribute party’. What does this mean? That he’s got a unique style with some great influences and he’s got the training and the ability to back it up. He’s playing tonight at The Rockit Room so go check him out. But first see what he has to say in this interview with San Fran Voice.
What can you tell us about your musical history?
My history …read more

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Take a guy that will tell you he used to busk on the streets of Philadelphia (without getting arrested and without getting rich), give him the experience of playing in a number of bands including one indie rock group that got some recognition and then move him out to the West Coast. What have you got? Chris Stroffolino, a guy who isn’t about to stop making the most of his musical career. He’s currently playing solo (with upcoming shows in the city at City Lights and at The Knockout) making a kind of music that merges instrumentals and emphasizes them …read more

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There are plenty of runners in San Francisco. They compete against the hills or the jog along the coastal paths with their dogs. But then there are those people who head to the extremes … today’s YouTube clip is a video interview with San Francisco ultra marathon runner Jonathan Gunderson. He’s already completed the marathon once before and the interview discusses his plan to do it again, better than the time before. Totally passionate and absolutely fascinating. That race starts today.

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As we found out recently from his San Fran Voice interview, Rob Owen is a local indie singer/songwriter whose work takes a serious look at emotional tumult but spins it with personal insight that makes it enjoyable to listen to. Rob’s new CD, Barefoot in the Rain, is filled with songs that exhibit this thread in his work. And while it could be difficult to listen to the heartache that he displays so matter-of-factly in his songs, it proves to be quite the opposite because of the tack he takes and the music with which he supports his message.
Take, …read more

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