San Fran Voice

Remember way back in July when we interviewed Chris Stroffolino about his music? If you don’t, you can check out the original interview with Chris. But as a refresher course, we learned about his solo music, his busking days, and his work with “literate garage rock” band Continuous Peasant. I’m sure you already know this, but reading about music isn’t the same as actual going to hear music. So now’s your chance to get off the page and go check out what Chris is doing.

The event is called “A Tribute to Unacknowledged Godmother of ‘Freak Folk’, Helen Adam”. The title pretty much says it all, but for those of us that are looking at this through a haze of some sort, Chris is taking some of the lyrics to Helen Adam’s original music and performing it to some music of his own. This all happens tonight, November 1st, over at the SFSU Poetry Center. For those who don’t know, that’s located at the Unitarian Church off Geary street near Franklin and Polk.

If you like the show, be sure to ask Chris about a project that he’s putting together in which other musicians will also be recording versions of Helen Adam’s work for an eventual album.

Technorati Tags: san francisco, music, poetry, helen adam, folk, event

If you don’t have plans yet for your Halloween night, you can head to The Thrillhouse and catch The Reaction. (You know them from our interview here on the site, if not from somewhere else in the city.) You can also learn more about the band from their MySpace page. The Thrillhouse is at 3422 Mission St. I’ve never been there so I can’t give you the gist about it but if you know, you should leave your comments here so everyone else can get to know about it as well!

Back in August, San Fran Voice had the opportunity to interview Bay Area painter Angela Simione. Her strikingly intense work sends both personal and political messages to her viewers. You can check them out on her art blog, The Shape of Secrets. But art is always much better in person. And Angela’s work can be seen this month at HANG Annex Gallery. The gallery is located on the 2nd floor of 567 Sutter Street. The artist will be there for the opening reception this Thursday, November 1st from 6-8. The exhibition, titled “Relativity” is part of a group show in which you can also see the work of Jose Arenas and Jeanne Lydon.

As you might have noticed, the Thursday of the event is the first Thursday of the month. If you didn’t already know it, that means its the Union Square Art Walk. Galleries are open throughout the area and the neighborhood is filled with creativity and fun. Learn more from this old blog post on the topic.

*The above untitled image is a 10″ x 10″ oil on canvas by Angela Simione.

Technorati Tags: art sanfrancisco painting gallery opening reception

When I first heard about the Mission Indie Mart (through local vintage designer Dena Rose) it was a small affair held in the backyard of the founder’s Mission home. The mart is still in the Mission but it’s grown too large for backyards and has moved into its new space at 12 Galaxies.

What is it? It’s a place where you can go to check out the creative works of all different types of local San Francisco designers. Need new clothes? Fashion designers are on site with their stuff. Thinking that accessories are more along the lines of your immediate needs? Those will be there as well. You’ll also be able to find antiques and crafts and all sorts of off-the-wall stuff. And since Halloween is just days away, you might find that perfect strange thing you needed to compliment your not-yet-complete costume.

Even if you don’t find something to buy, you’ll probably have a good time. There will be local music and BBQ food and that terrific atmosphere that comes about when over forty different designers come together in one space with their creative energy. At least that’s what I’m counting on since I’m going to (fingers crossed) finally make it to this event for the first time since hearing about it months ago.

It happens on Sunday, October 28th at 12 Galaxies which is at Mission and 22nd St. It runs from noon to five. See you there?

Technorati Tags: san francisco, mission, fashion, designer, indie, event

Most of the events that I post about on San Fran Voice are music or art events that I’m personally interested in. Sometimes this is just because they catch my eye and sound like something worth checking out. Often it’s because I know the people involved in them and am sure it’ll be a fun time. Today’s recommended event (which starts tonight and runs through Wednesday, October 24th) wouldn’t have caught my attention if it weren’t for a tip from a reader. The reader happens to be a Los Angeles resident who is going to be in the San Francisco area (welcome SoCal) and wanted us to know about the event.

The details:

Actress Elaine Joyce known for previous work on Broadway but more so for her appearance on game shows like Match Game is going to be performing at The Empire Plush Room. The performance, called Second Time Around, is a small Broadway style show that highlights the ups and downs of female life today. Should be funny, touching and entertaining in its turn. It’s tonight, tomorrow and Wednesday.

Added tidbit:

From the research that I did for my book, Ghosts of San Francisco, I happen to know that there are strong rumors that The Plush Room is haunted. Reportedly, a piano player named Lester died down there during the secret days of the Plush’s past. Even if it’s not true, this place has got an interesting history as a hidden speakeasy during the days of Prohibition. If you haven’t been there, it’s a San Francisco landmark that oughtta be on your list.

Technorati Tags: elaine joyce, match game, san francisco, broadway, theater, events