I’m sorry to start this all out on a sour note, but I’m sad to see that the fabulous Cutting Ball Theatre is calling it quits after 25 years—although they are sending out the call to folks to help put on one grand finale production, aiming to raise $40,000 by the end of August and $100,000 by the end of November:
It’s incredibly aggravating to see another vital cultural institution bite the dust, in a city known for its vibrant arts scene—despite obviously lacking the proper support infrastructure for independent arts. We’ve covered Cutting Ball productions since its beginning, and they were among the first supporters of 48 Hills. I’m hoping their final play will be bonkers, you can support them here. Let’s keep going out to these great places!
EVENTS OF NOTE
THROUGH SUN/21: SF ART BOOK FAIR I am having a lot of trouble typing this because I am salivating at the thought of getting my mitts on the delectable art books, offered from dozens of vendors and galleries at Minnesota Street Projects. My husband totally did that thing where he froze my credit card in a b lock of ice, but little does he know I have a wad of “In Case Of Art Books” cash under my mattress. Minnesota Street Projects, SF. More info here.
THROUGH JULY 30: JEWISH FILM FEST Any film festival that kicks off with a behind-the-scenes story of a famous sock puppet has my attention, but this year’s SFJFF is packed full of goodies. Read Dennis Harvey’s in-depth guide here, and go see something why don’t you. Various venues, SF. More info here.
THROUGH JULY 21: ODC SUMMER SAMPLER The ODC Dance troupe serves up some summer bon-bons with “newly premiered and critically acclaimed A Brief History of Up and Down by Founding Artistic Director Brenda Way, as well as the world premiere of 10,000 Steps: A Dance About Its Own Making by Guest Choreographer Catherine Galasso.” ODC, SF. More info here.
FRI/19-SUN/21: GODZILLA FEST Get your fix of the Big Guy at this annual hoot, with monsters galore in about a dozen films, from Godzilla vs Space Godzilla to Terror of Mechagodzilla. Rawr. Balboa Theater, SF. More info here.
FRI/19: THE NEVERENDING STORY The theme song by Limahl (the French version!) has not left my mind in well-nigh four decades (eep), and this children’s classic movie is full of warm fuzzies for kids of all ages. But wait! Lo, there is also an accompanying “Fantasy” drag preshow, courtesy of the always game Trixxie Carr, who has been bringing crowds back to the theater with her inimitable flair. 7:30pm, Landmark Theater, SF. More info here.
FRI/19: CHAPPELL MEETS CHAPEL I tried so very hard to resist falling under the spell of new avant-pop prince/ss Chappell Roan, but her catchy tunes, fabulous persona, and terrific live skills got me, I am afraid. Now I am like all the other gays (and everyone else who put her lesbian anthem ear worm “Good Luck, Babe” into the Billboard top 10 this week). This tribute singalong-and-dance night, led by DJ MPHD, will tide us Chappellettes over until she comes live to Outside Lands. 9pm, The Chapel, SF. More info here.
SAT/20: CELESTIAL NAVIGATION Break out the chronometer and the astrolabe: The SF Maritime Museum is hosting a special talk with Bruce Castleman, docent at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park, as he discusses the fascinating skill and lost art of celestial navigation. Presented by the Manilatown Heritage Foundation. 1pm, SF Maritime Museum. More info here.
SAT/20: DETROIT LOVE The Motor City is where techno was born, but SF added its own countercultural spin to it. Detroit techno giants Carl Craig and Moodymann drop into the Great Northern club for some booming Bay Area mutual adoration. Plus, there will be an outdoor area with food trucks and aerialists, why not. 4pm-late, Great Northern, SF. More info here.
SAT/20: RADIUM RUNWAY: SUNNY WAR The former Alameda Naval Air Base is converted into a real cute outdoor concert space for the Radium Runway summer concert series. This week’s feature is Sunny Way, who’s billed as a “Blues/Folk/Punk Master Fingerstyle Nashville Guitarist,” which, come on, how can anyone resist that? 2pm, Alameda Point, Alameda. More info here.
SAT/20: CIVIC CENTER VINTAGE MARKET Not quite a flea market, not quite a vintage store, it’s taking over Civic Center every third Saturday. Dive into Midcentury Modern, ’60s kitsch, and probably a few of those sassy leg lamps on display from 30+ vendors. 10am-3pm, Fulton Plaza, SF. More info here.
SAT/20: DARK ENTRIES 15-YEAR ANNIVERSARY One of our most essential record labels just blew up the Great American Music Hall last weekend with a wild show from its roster of darkwave, punk, hi-NRG, and highly queer acts from the distant past and today’s future. Now they’re at the Midway for part deux of the celebration, with three of my favorite electronic wizards: DJ Carlos Souffront, producer Dax Pierson, and DJ-producer Bill Converse. Plus the inimitable enchantment of Group Rhoda and DJ Pre Op Trans. 9pm, Midway, SF. More info here.
SAT/21: THE PINE BOX BOYS They call themselves “4 guys who make a lot of clatter (hollerin about killing folks) that sounds vaguely ‘grassy, but is mostly just noisy,” and their raucous live show, with elements of old-timey comedy and radio shows, is ghoulish fun. They’re supported by Secret Emchy Society, one of SF’s best country secrets. 8:30pm, Bottom of the Hill, SF. More info here.
SUN/21: MUSCLECARS This incredible NYC DJ duo pushes all my deep and soulful house buttons, while keeping the sound 21st century. They’re in town for the I Found Luv party, thrown by one of my favorite people in the world, DJ Said of Fatsouls Records, with local fave DJ Jayvi Velasco in tow. Get into it on a warm Sunday afternoon. 3pm-9pm, The Foundry, SF. More info here.
