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In May, SF Live began hosting six months of high-quality, free performances in San Francisco. The series has brought movement and joy to beautiful-yet-somewhat-hibernating public spaces all over the city with the help of DJs, bands, and other musical artists, both new and seasoned.
To see Golden Gate Park’s impossibly beautiful Bandshell in use is always a thrill, and SF Live has brought to it the most energy this space has seen in years. The project also given a fresh face to Union Square, which hasn’t exactly been the center of activity for the last several years. These shows do more than just imagine what’s possible in these spaces. (It was a particular delight to watch generations of fans of the city’s notorious after-hours club The EndUp dancing in with Saks and Neiman’s in the background.)
The series was developed by Illuminate, San Francisco Parks Alliance, Noise Pop, and Union Square Alliance. The California state legislature invested $2.5 million to fund the production of the series, which is also supported by Mayor London Breed and the San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development.
SF Live has several more free and family-friendly events planned through early November, including two shows this Sat/7 in Eagles of Death Metal at Potrero Del Sol and a punk rock showcase at the Bandshell, and Live with The Eagle at Eagle Plaza on September 22.
Along with night markets and other free events meant to activate the city, SF Live is planting seeds for this new bloom loop.
SF LIVE for more info, go here.
Tamara is the founder of Music Book Club.
