Musicians who live or work in San Francisco and can perform a 45-minute set of preferably-unamplified acoustic brilliance are now invited to apply to play at the “neighborhood shows” of the first Summer of Music.
The new 12-week Saturday series, which runs from June 17-September 2, is presented by Noise Pop and the Civic Joy Fund from Civic Space Foundation. Organizers also hope to attract the participation of local businesses in the selected performance areas, which a statement identified as “Valencia, the Castro, Clement Street, Polk Street, Chinatown, Divisadero, Haight Street, the Bayview, and Cortland Avenue.”
According to the application, artists need at least two years of professional music experience and to have performed live recently, but they can make any style of music. Those selected to participate in the Summer of Music series will receive $50 per hour to perform three 45-minute sets with 15-minute breaks and need a bank account to be paid. No gear will be provided, but power for “light amplification” is a possibility.
The Civic Joy Fund website also reveals plans to convene monthly volunteer and cleanup events, pay artists to paint public spaces, and to adopt and improve four blocks around San Francisco with $100,000 investment in each selected block. These initiatives are funded by an initial $2 million investment.
The call for Summer of Music performers follows the recent announcement that San Francisco Public Library is launching a music streaming site called Bay Beats. SFPL is currently accepting album submissions to be considered for inclusion and an honorarium. Artists will be asked to sign a non-exclusive license to allow their work to be streamed and downloaded for free.
The money involved in each of these opportunities is more symbolic than lucrative for artists who live or work in such an expensive city. But the spirit behind both is still going to make a positive difference in the community, who will get to hear what San Francisco sounds like right now. And the right artists will see how they can build on the experience (i.e. make Noise Pop see you’re dreamy to work with!) and will gain tools to grow in the city and far beyond. Summer 2023 could signal the start of revitalizing San Francisco with the pulse of local music.
For more information on how to apply for Summer of Music, go here.
