Here are some exciting after-school and weekend summer options, from opera to a free tour of the San Francisco Botanical Gardens, a Litquake poetry reading and a jazz performance at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and an unusual documentary about Frida Kahlo.
Enjoy!
Tuesday
Free Admission Day & Flower Piano| San Francisco Botanical Garden
Link: http://www.sfbotanicalgarden.org/visit/index.html
Need to Know: Free days are the second Tuesday of every month. Be sure to seek out the 12 pianos on display in the garden!
Time: 7:30am – 6:00pm
Cost: Free
Description: Take a tour of the 55-acre oasis of natural beauty in Golden Gate Park with over 8,000 different kinds of plants from around the world. Also, tour the grounds to find the 12 hidden flower pianos to play a tune on or view the website for more details on free performances in the park.
LitQuake | Poetry Readings
Link: http://ybgfestival.org/event/litquake-2016-jul/
Need to Know:
Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Cost: Free
Description: Join the Bay Area’s best poets and musicians for a lunch break and hear some great lines from James Cagney, Chris Davidson, Karen Llagas, and Julia B. Levine.
Wednesday
Redefining Balance: An All Levels Slackline Workshop
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/slackline-classes-2016-tickets-20156233838
Need to Know: Yoga + a Slackline
Cost: $5
Time: 6:00pm or 7:15pm
Description: YogaSlckers open up their studio at Sports Basement Bryant for and hour long workshop. Develop your practice with basics such as kneeling, standing, and arm balancing on the slackline by focusing on power, breath, flexibility and confidence.
Nike Schroeder: Cityfold
Link: http://minnesotastreetproject.com./exhibitions/1275-minnesota-st/nike-schroeder-cityfold
Need to Know: Exhibition open from July 2-August 6
Cost: Free
Time: 11:00am – 6:00pm
Description: Nike Schroeder celebrates her first solo exhibition with Jack Fischer Gallery showcasing her new body of work, Cityfold. Schroeder uses a minimalist approach to draw the viewer into the piece of layered and folded forms intended to be an aesthetic interpretation of downtown Los Angeles. Using mixed media and machine embroidery, the canvas becomes the tool to simply hold the sensitive hanging threads, the actual artwork.
Thursday
Tiffany Austin Quintet
Link: http://ybgfestival.org/event/tiffany-austin/
Need to Know: Festival has events until October 1
Cost: Free
Time: 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Description: Known as the “West coast’s fastest rising jazz vocalist,” Tiffany Austin delivers a perfectly executed blend of blues and classic swing from iconic artist including Bessie Smith, Elola Fitzgerald and Nina Simone. Joined by the drums, bass, piano and trombone, Austin’s love of old-school and contemporary R&B will shine at the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival.
Paul Madonna: Artist Talk & Closing Reception
Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/paul-madonna-artist-talk-closing-reception-tickets-26122031700
Need to Know: RSVP required
Cost: Free
Time: 7:00pm
Description: John SF based artist and author, Paul Madonna, for an evening discussion of his new work, Close Enough for Angels, that features original drawings from Thailnad, China and Japan as well as the release of his new novel under the same name. The evening is perfect for fans, students and artists to engage with Madonna on his technique and approach to the new body of work. Refreshments will be served.
Friday
Fiestas Fridas
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1212638358767870/
Need to Know: The same program will appear Saturday and Sunday
Cost: $15
Time: 6:00pm
Description: Mexican director Gabriel Santander and producer Noemi Cadena present a rough edit of their new documentary, Entre el Dolor y el Placer, featuring Frida Kahol’s wardrobe that is currently on display at the Casa Azul museum. Following the viewing, enjoy a live multi-media performance featuring the music that influenced Frida’s art.
William Swanson: Bloom Chamber
Link: http://eleanorharwood.com/exhibitions/william-swanson-solo-show/ 11-5:30
Need to Know: Exhibition ends July 30
Cost: Free
Time: 11:00am – 5:30pm
Description: Using techniques of pooling and puddling paint, William Swanson abstractly represents terrain and architecture. Swanson uses natural forces like gravity as well as a variety of painting techniques such as overlaying, thinning and masking to manipulate the paint to create both physical and illusionary depth.
Saturday
Shedding Light / Arrojando Luz Reception
Link: http://www.sparkarts.com/talavera-ballon/
Need to Know: Exhibition ends July 31
Cost: Free
Time: 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Description: Peruvian-born painter, Talavera- Ballón, now based in San Francisco, uses his work to pay tribute to immigrants like himself who left the comfort of their homes in search of the new. He depicts the essence of the ordinary people among their diverse regions and cultures.
Clarion Alley Tour
Link: http://clarionalleymuralproject.org/tours/
Need to Know: Tours occur every other Saturday
Cost: $5 donation suggested
Time: 1:00pm
Description: Take a walk down the infamous Clarion Alley with Clarion Alley Mural Project leaders who will give you the history of the alley, tidbits on the murals currently on display and an idea of their work in the community. Tours last approximately 45 minutes.
Sunday
Heart of the City Farmers’ Market
Link: http://heartofthecity-farmersmar.squarespace.com
Need to Know: Open every Sunday and Wednesday
Cost: Free
Time: 7:00am – 5:00pm
Description: In the heart of San Francisco at the United Nations Plaza, locals and tourist alike can enjoy this colorful farmers market. A non-profit run by local farmers, it’s aim is to provide high quality and affordable produce from small, local farms. Get there before 3pm for the best variety of produce.
Kelly Ording: The Shape of Things
Link: http://lunarienne.com
Need to Know: Exhibition ends July 25
Cost: Free
Time: 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Description: Kelly Ording presents her new collection that uses juxtapositions to create beauty. With intent juxtaposing organic processes and experimental juxtaposing precise geometry, Ording creates pieces that are as much about the process as the image that results.
