FYI: Week of February 15, 2010

Posted on February 14, 2010 by admin

Hey, gang! So, this week — as in, Post-Valentine’s Day Week, now get your ass out there and rock out to work off all of that freakin’ wine and chocolate! — we have a veritable cornucopia of aural treats for your Live Music pleasure! Here are some highlights for tomorrow, and I will be covering the rest of the week in a separate post on Monday:

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH:

LIVE:
Artist/Event: The Pick’s 3rd Monday Bluegrass Jam
Genre: Bluegrass
Venue: Amnesia
Location: 853 Valencia Street (between 19th & 20th Streets)
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Anything Else?: Apparently, this is sort of the opener for a for-charge show at the same location. The Pick-Up show starts at 6:30 p.m. and is free, but if you stay, you can pay $5 to see three excellent bluegrass and roots bands as part of the San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival. FYI, I did try calling the venue to confirm both shows, but apparently their phone is not currently functioning.

Artist/Event: Glenn Farr & Friends
Genre: Celtic
Venue: The Chieftain
Location: 185 5th Street (between Natoma & Howard Streets)
Time: 9:00 p.m.
Anything Else?: This venue is kind of tight on space, so get there early, and order some grubbin’ Irish pub food while waiting for the band to start.

DJ:
Artist/Event: “Punk Rock Sideshow”
Genre: Punk
Venue: Hemlock Tavern
Location: 1131 Polk Street (between Hemlock and Sutter Streets)
Time: 10:00 p.m.
Anything Else?: Often this weekly DJ-driven punk rock party will have a live band earlier in the evening. Sometimes the live shows are free, sometimes they’re not. This week there is a live show scheduled to start at 9 p.m. that carries a $6 cover, and features Oceanography, The Pentacles, and mumble mumble.

NOT QUITE FREE:
Artist/Event: Golden Boy, Chris Von Sneidern, Curtains For You
Genre: Alternative/Indie/Pop/Power Pop/Rock/Swing
Venue: Thee Parkside
Location: 1600 17th Street (between Carolina & Wisconsin Streets)
Time: 8:00 p.m.
Anything Else?: Nope!

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San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festvial 2010

Posted on February 14, 2010 by admin

Hey, gang! So, as some of you no doubt already know, the annual San Francisco Bluegrass & Old-Time Festival is happening right now! True, many of the events do carry a cover charge, but there’s a ton of venues where admission is free! Plus, for those of you who are not in the city proper, this festival is happening all over the East Bay and Marin County, too — so you have no excuse to stay homebound for the next week! Get out, kick up your heels, and getcher fiddle and ukelele on!

Here is listing of some of the FREE shows hosted by the Festival this week:

Monday, Feb. 15th
Taco Jam at Baja Taqueria in Oakland.

Tuesday, Feb. 16th
Fiddle Tunes Jam at SoCha Cafe in the Mission, S.F.

Wednesday, Feb. 17th
The Whiskey Brothers at the Albatross Pub in Berkeley.

Thursday, Feb. 18th
High Country Bluegrass and Dark Hollow at the Atlas Cafe in the Mission, S.F.

Friday, Feb. 19th
Paul Knight and Friends at the Station House Cafe in Point Reyes.

Saturday, Feb. 20th
Oops, no free shows listed for Saturday! But there’s a couple of Not Quite Free events, including a children’s show at the Randall Museum in the city center of S.F., featuring Gayle Schmitt & the Toodala Ramblers (adults $9, kids $6); and the “Bluegrass & Old-Time Revue” at the Swedish American Hall in the Castro, S.F. ($5, all ages).

Sunday, Feb. 21st
“Fabulous Duos” at the Velo Rouge Cafe in the Inner Richmond, S.F.

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What I’ll Bring to the Table

Posted on February 8, 2010 by admin

So, if it’s all right with you, I think we should perhaps take a moment here and just kind of evaluate our relationship. Lemme go first, ’cause I have a lot of things I wanna say.

First, I want you to know that I know that I haven’t been very attentive lately. At least, I know that’s how it must’ve seemed to you, and I’m sorry if you felt neglected or unimportant. The truth of the matter is that I’ve been doing a lot of thinking and planning about us, and perhaps I should’ve included you in that process, but it was just something I think I had to go through on my own, which I’m sure you can understand.

And, so, I think it’s important that you know that I am committed to us, to what we’re doing here, and now I feel like I can make these commitments to you:

1) Every Sunday, I will post an “FYI” item that will list at least two non-DJ-driven and one DJ-driven live music events for each day of that coming week.

2) I will post a “Coming Soon” item every first and third week of the month, which means that I will review a new act every second and fourth week of the month, and I will post those reviews within a week of seeing the show.

3) I will complete and post one interview every month, either with an artist, a venue operator, a booker, or someone otherwise involved with the local live music scene.

4) I will continue to develop this site to include a social network/discussion board, podcasts, and a media library.

5) And, finally, I will continue to encourage all of you to contribute to this site with your recommendations and feedback. Your participation is invaluable to me, and anything that you would like to see in this space…well, let’s just say, I’m listening and eager to please. :-)

That’s it! That’s what I wanted to say. And please feel free to respond; I’d love to hear your thoughts on the subject. You can either leave a comment on this site, or feel free to send an e-mail to info@hearfreelivemusic.com. Thank you, all of you, and tomorrow, the new structure shall reign!

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Announcement: The Scene Gets Organized!

Posted on February 3, 2010 by admin

 
Bob Dylan – The Times They Are A-Changin’

Hello, all of you beautiful readers and fans! So, I just wanted to let you know that, despite all appearances, The Scene has been hard at work these last couple of weeks. I am formalizing my process in bringing good content and information to you on a daily basis, which is to say that you, Dear Reader, will be able to get some good ideas about where to hear awesome free live music pretty much any day of the week.

“But what if I like things the way they are?” you may ask.

Lemme ‘splain.

All of the reasons why you love The Scene will still be intact: I’ll still be doing reviews, I’ll still be doing interviews, I’ll still be giving you last-minute heads-up and FYIs when appropriate. Plus, you’ll still be getting my signature cunning and witty confabulations. I just want to add a little structure and reliability to the mix, and to offer up more media content and opportunities for you to interact with both The Scene and other readers. The Scene will be more than a resource; it’ll be a community of music lovers, casual or impassioned, and the artists and venues who bring us all together.

Sounds pretty good, no?

Sweet!

And so, with all of that being said, on Monday, February 8th…well, all will be revealed. Sort of like “Lost” season six, but with only slightly less showy special effects.

Peace, babies!

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FYI: Gayle Lynn and the Hired Hands (Today!)

Posted on January 17, 2010 by admin

Bird & Beckett Books & Records

Hey, gang! So, Misisipi Mike — whom you, dear readers, will know as one of the members of the illustrious Mission Three band, reviewed here by The Scene — gave us a heads-up on a cool show that’s happening today! If you like roots and/or country music, check it out:

Who: Gayle Lynn and the Hired Hands

Where: Bird & Beckett Books & Records, 653 Chenery Street

What: Country, Roots, Bluegrass

When: Sunday, January 17th from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Anything Else?: Misisipi Mike of The Mission Three will also be performing! Also, this venue streams their live events via an in-window media player you can find on their Web site’s home page (although the player appears to be down at the moment). This venue happens to be one of those quintessential city neighborhood stores, chock full o’ great books and music, and hosts an average of 20 live music and literary events every month! And, finally, you should know that, while this event is free, there is a suggested donation of $10, although the venue operators are adamant that a lack of money should not keep you away from joining in on the fun! (Oh, and this is a family friendly venue; kids are not only welcome, but encouraged!)

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Not Quite Free: Sneakeasy Speakeasy (Special Event!)

Posted on January 12, 2010 by admin

Sneakeasy Speakeasy

So, as well all know already, Annie’s Social Club has officially closed — that’s it! Gone kaput! No longer with us! So long, suckas!

Erm, except for…

This Thursday, Annie’s Social Club is putting on the Sneakeasy Speakeasy, an underground event that (if any officials ask) is not happening…except that it is. Here’s the requisite info:

Who: Sneakeasy Speakeasy

Where: Annie’s Social Club, 917 Folsom Street (between 5th and Falmouth Streets)

When: Thursday, January 14th, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

What: Burlesque, Gypsy, Bellydancing, Striptease

Anything Else?: This is a “Not Quite Free” event, so there is a $4 cover at the door. There will be drink specials, including $3 beers and $5 cocktails. The festivities will be hosted by Dottie Lux, and performers include Sister Kate, Bunny Pistol, Honey Lawless, and many, many more!

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Coming Up: Theresa Perez

Posted on January 11, 2010 by admin

Flyer for T-Licious Thursday

Well, gang, as previously promised, T-Licious Thursday is back, which means that The Scene gets another opportunity to review the incomparable Theresa Perez! Here are the details:

Who: Theresa Perez (T-Licious Thursday)

What: Latin Fusion, Funk, Soul, Jam Session

Where: Duboce Park Cafe, 2 Sanchez Street (at Duboce Avenue)

When: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Anything Else?: For more information about Theresa Perez, the host of T-Licious Thursdays, check out this interview The Scene did with her last November. Also, if you are a musician at pretty much any level and love to jam, come along for the ride! This group of musicians and performers are hugely welcoming; there’s no better place to play!

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FYI: January 8th through 10th

Posted on January 7, 2010 by admin

 

Danny Dee's Birthday Bay @ Pissed Off Pete's

Once again, we have managed to travel past the middle of the week, and it is now time to dust off our toe-tappers and make plans to go see some of the glorious free live music that this variegated city has to offer! Here are some of The Scene’s picks for this weekend (and pay special attention to Saturday’s killer line-up at Pissed Off Pete’s, and then Sunday’s one-of-a-kind pedal steel extravaganza at The Riptide): 

 

Friday, January 8th

Who: Kally Price
What: Vintage Blues, Vintage Jazz
Where: Revolution Cafe, 3248 22nd Street (between Bartlett & Mission Streets)
When: 8:45 p.m. — ?
Anything Else?: Kally Price hails from Oakland, and is known for her vintage blues and jazz vocal stylings.

Who: Jimmy Ryan Quintet
What: Jazz
Where: Bird & Beckett Books, 653 Chenery Street (between Carrie & Diamond Streets)
When: 5:30 p.m. — 8 p.m.
Anything Else?: This is part of Bird & Beckett’s “Jazz in the Bookshop” series.

 

Saturday, January 9th

Who: Lighter Thieves / Rottencore / Of The Other
What: Rock, Punk, Alternative
Where: Thee Parkside, 1600 17th Street (between Carolina & Wisconsin Streets)
When: 3 p.m. — ?
Anything Else?: This is Thee Parkside’s regular Saturday Happy Hour show, which is all ages, and features drink specials; later that night (at 9 p.m., to be exact) will be their “Dinner and a Movie” event, where they’ll be screening The Hangover, and will have $5 burgers and $2 PBRs!

Who: Lucabrazzi / The Jibbers / Capp Street Girls / Bite
What: Industrial, Punk, Rock, Blues, Garage, Southern Rock, Glam
Where: Pissed Off Pete’s Bar and Grill, 4528 Mission Street (between Harrington Street & Santa Rosa Avenue)
When: 9 p.m. — ?
Anything Else?: This is part of “Danny Dee’s Birthday Bash,” and I, unfortunately, have no idea who that is. Maybe he’s one of the owners or a manager?

 

Sunday, January 10th

Who: Instrumental Dynamic Duo Crack Spackle
What: Rock, Experimental
Where: El Rio, 3158 Mission Street (between Powers & Precita Avenues)
When: 5 p.m. — 7 p.m.
Anything Else?: El Rio is a gay-friendly bar; the band will be playing in the front room; band members are Dawn Richardson (who is also a member of local band Dolorata, and who recently toured as a member of Tracy Chapman‘s band in Europe) and Joe Gore (who is a local composer/musician/producer that has worked with an impressive array of musicians, including Tom Waits, Aimee Mann, the Eels, and PJ Harvey).

Who: Joe Goldmark and the Seducers
What: Pedal Steel Guitar, Americana, Country, Rock, Roots
Where: The Riptide, 3639 Taraval Street (between 46th & 47th Avenues)
When: 7 p.m. — 10 p.m.
Anything Else?: You should know that Joe Goldmark is considered to be an expert at the pedal steel guitar; this is by far a golden opportunity to hear a master at his best!

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POSTPONED: Coming Up: Glenn Farr & Friends

Posted on January 5, 2010 by admin

Updated 1/11/10:

Well, tonight I learned a new lesson: always call a venue to get verbal confirmation that a particular show is actually happening! Turns out, the band is “still on vacation,” and so The Scene will have to review this show another time. I’ll let all y’all know. And I apologize for any confusion — it’s a process, people! :-)

The Chieftain irish Pub & Restaurant

On Monday, January 11, 2010, The Scene will be reviewing Glenn Farr & Friends at The Chieftain Authentic Irish Pub & Restaurant in San Francisco’s SOMA District. The details are as follows:

What: Glenn Farr & Friends (Celtic Music)

Where: The Chieftain, 198 5th Street (between Natoma & Howard)

When: 9 p.m. to ? (waiting for a call back to confirm how late the music goes)

Anything Else?: The Chieftain has live celtic music every Monday night beginning at 9 p.m.; please note that this is the start time for the Winter months; normally, the live music begins at 7 p.m.

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FYI: Free on NYE

Posted on December 29, 2009 by admin

Penny Pincher's Ball & Annie's S.C. Closing Party

Hey, gang! In the city on NYE, but can’t afford the astronomical and butt-ass-ridiculous NYE tix prices? Welcome to the club! (Seriously, members get blazers and learn a secret handshake. O.K., that’s not true; I made it up; moving on…)

The way I got it figured, those of us who may be more in the red than your average S.F.-er – especially after Christmas/Chanukah/Kwanzaa/Solstice/What-Have-You – and who haven’t locked down our Yay-It’s-A-New-Year plans yet, we can choose one of three options: (1) stay home and watch Ryan Seacrest try to be funny; (2) throw our own house party and hope that we don’t have the kind of friends who bring other friends that yak all over our very absorbent carpet/rug/untreated hardwood floors; or (3) go to one of the free events listed in this post.

Just for giggles, let us explore Option #3.

 

Specially Scheduled NYE Events

These are a couple of events that are specially scheduled for NYE 2009-10. Keep in mind, these are DJ-driven parties, so no bands here, which is not the norm for this site. That being said, they’re FREE on NYE! So, if you like to dance, drink, laugh, and generally have a good time, here’s where to go!

What: Penny Pincher’s Ball & Annie’s Social Club Closing Party
Where: Annie’s Social Club, 917 Folsom St. (between 5th and Falmouth Sts.)
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Anything Else?: This club is known for bringing kick-ass underground metal, rock, and punk rock music, and established itself as something of a local institution over the last four years. Alas, they are closing their doors, and this party is the Final Event. It’s heartbreaking, but they’re going out in style! So, all you rockers, get out and show your love! Also, there will be punk rock karaoke in the back room, and drink specials all night long – how can you beat that?

What: Black Gold N.Y.E.
Where: KoKo Cocktails, 1060 Geary St. (between Polk and Van Ness Sts.)
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Anything Else?: The music is DJ-driven, and is primarily dance and funk; also, note that this is not a big place, but is very affordable, so drink up!

What: Blackout: N.Y.E. 2010 Dance Party
Where: Laszlo Bar, 2526 Mission St. (between 21st and 22nd Sts.)
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Anything Else?: This place is a little more upscale, but has a cool industrial feel to it; it’s attached to the Foreign Cinema, and has a wrap-around mezzanine area with comfy couches.

 

Not Specially Scheduled NYE Events

O.K., so, I’m now gonna list a couple of free live music shows that supposedly are taking place on NYE. Here’s the thing, though: these shows happen on a regular basis. That means that they happen, say, the fourth Thursday of every month, or every Thursday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. So, why am I including them  in this NYE-specific post when this coming Thursday is a special occasion? Because, according to the venues’ Web sites, these regularly scheduled shows (a) are indeed happening, and (b) are still free.

What: King’s Night
Where: Skip’s Tavern, 453 Cortland Ave. (between Andover and Wool Sts.)
When: 9 p.m. to ?
Anything Else?: This is an all-star, invitational blues jam session, hosted by The Shadow Man, who has been lauded as the “unofficial Mayor of Bernal Heights.”

What: Nicole McRory
Where: Johnny Foley’s Irish House, 243 O’Farrell St. (between Cyril Magnin and Powell Sts.)
When: 9:30 p.m. to ?
Anything Else?: The music is largely acoustic rock; also, Ms. McRory has played with The Drifters! How cool is that?

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