Arts Forecast: A Princely debut, the Science of Rhythm, Haight Street Fair, more …

ARTS FORECAST It’s not every day a new art gallery opens up in this SF economic climate, especially one in tune with the laidback, music-loving, funky groove of Lower Haight. So I was stoked when I heard about Family Affair, next door to Groove Merchant Records, opening this Thursday. 

I was even more stoked that its first exhibit will celebrate the 40th anniversary(!) of the release Prince’s first album For You—and that it would feature photos of the 19-year-old Purple One by photographer Robert Whitman. Called PRINCE Pre-fame, it illustrates the tale of the young genius coming to California to record the album at Sausalito’s famous/infamous Record Plant studios in 1977.

The opening party is on June 7 (Prince’s birthday, natch), 7pm-10pm, and features a Q&A between photographer Robert Whitman and Family Affair Creative Director Freddy Anzures. Also featured: a special guest appearance by Owen Husney, “the man who discovered Prince,” plus demos and tracks from For You providing the soundtrack for the evening. The show runs through July 7. More info here.  

MORE UPCOMING ARTS

THU/7-JUNE 28 ART A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE Tis the season for queer-themed exhibits, and this one, curated by local artist Rudy Lemcke, springboards off the work of that great ’80s lightning rod of queer rage against AIDS, David Wojnarowicz. An astounding collection of artists contribute, from Jamil Hellu and Sandra Ibarra, to Arthur Dong and Wojnarowicz himself. Opening reception 6pm-9pm, free. SOMArts, SF. More info here.  

THU/7 NIGHTLIFE SCIENCE OF RHYTHM The Nightlife Thursdays events at Cal Academy remain unbeatable as both wildly fun educational experiences and total meat markets for hot, smart singles. This installment is particularly nice: Legendary nightlife writer Bill Brewster (“Last Night a DJ Saved My Life”) gives a talk and spins underground records with local fave Chris Orr. Plus you can play with vintage synthesizers! 6pm-9pm, $15. Cal Academy, SF. More info here. 

FRI/8 MUSIC MEAT BEAT MANIFESTO The giants of driving yet quirky electronic music beat their way to Mezzanine with opener (and legend in his own right) MC 900 Ft Jesus. 9pm, $31. Mezzanine, SF. More info here. 

SAT/9 PERFORMANCE TENDERLOIN MUSEUM THIRD ANNIVERSARY Vietnamese folk music! Drag history! Dancing on buildings! “2018 marks year number 3 for the Tenderloin Museum! Please join us for our Anniversary Party, a full day of free, family-friendly programming at the Museum that celebrates the diverse and impactful efforts of the Tenderloin community both past and present. In a time marked by an urgent and invigorating surge in advocacy, community organizing, and civic engagement, the Tenderloin’s history is more relevant and inspiring than ever.” Noon-10pm, free. Tenderloin Museum, SF. More info here. 

SAT/9 MUSIC LYDIA LUNCH RETROVIRUS “An all-star cast of sonic brutarians in a no-holds-barred survey of the great punk/No Wave poet’s musical output from 1977 to the present, Including music from Teenage Jesus and the Jerks, 8 Eyed Spy, Queen of Siam, 1313 and Shotgun Wedding.” 9pm, all ages, $15. Rickshaw Stop, SF. More info here. 

SUN/10 FESTIVAL HAIGHT STREET FAIR Hey, it’s the Haight Street Fair, y’all. 

SUN/10 MUSIC SPEEDY ORTIZ The indie darlings return, with “Massachusetts-based songwriter/guitarist Sadie Dupuis’ knotty, lyrically dense songs fully realized by her bandmates: intricate guitar lines crisscrossing over Darl Ferm’s fluid bass and Mike Falcone’s precisely executed drumming in a way that’s simultaneously catchy and jarring.” 7pm, $20. Cafe Du Nord, SF. More info here. 

SUN/10 VISUAL ART THE ART OF ROMANOWSKI More Lower Haight love (hey, it’s my hood), with this iconic LH artist’s show in Oakland, which is full of his idiosyncratic way with found objects and stencils and brilliant eye for color. Oh hey, and it’s the Temescal Street Fair that day, so walk around. Opening reception 3pm-7pm, free. Concept 47, Oakland. More info here. 

SAT/10 CELEBRATION JUNETEENTH RITUAL OF REMEMBERING “Unlike most Juneteenth celebrations, this one honors our ancestors through the faith traditions they held before they were enslaved. Prayers will be offered by people of the First Nation; traditional African belief systems known as Khemet, Vodun, Ifa, Palo Mayombe; Abrahmic traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam and Eastern traditions including Bhuddhism and Hinduism. The First Nation drum is brought by members of the Black Native American Association and the African Bata drums are brought by members of Awon Ohun Omnira (Voices of Freedom) who are the performing arm of the the event host, Omnira Institute. The Emancipation Proclamation will be read and the audience will be asked to join in some freedom and ring shout songs.” 11am-1pm, free. Lake Merritt Boathouse picnic area, Oakland. More info here. 

MON/11 TALK JANET MOCK The transgender powerhouse, one of Time’s “most influential people,” is currently a big part of new FX show about voguing called “Pose”—continuing to fulfill her mission of bringing transgender people of color more visibility. She’ll talk about her life, work, and a lot of things besides at the Nourse. 7:30pm-9:30pm, $30. Course Theatre, SF. More info here.