“What’s New” is a listing of new venues, attractions and activities compiled by the San Francisco Travel Association. Past editions of “What’s New” and a list of “Recent and Coming Attractions” are available in the Media section of SF Travel’s website, www.sanfrancisco.travel. The next edition of “What’s New” will be sent in June 2012.

 

CITY NEWS

San Francisco Visitor Information Center Moves to Temporary

Location in Westfield San Francisco Centre June 2012

San Francisco’s Visitor Information Center, located at Powell and Market streets on the lower level of Hallidie Plaza, will be moving to a temporary location in the Westfield San Francisco Centre, 865 Market St., in June 2012. The move will accommodate an extensive remodeling of the city’s official “front desk,” where some 400,000 visitors, 80 percent from overseas, are assisted annually. The Hallidie Plaza location will be closed the entire month of June. Hours at the Westfield San Francisco Centre location will be 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Maps, guides and reference materials will be available at the temporary location and staff will still assist visitors with hotel, car and attraction reservations.

 

When the new center opens in late summer it will still feature a “high touch” experience, something that the VIC is noted for; however, visitors will now have access to interactive screens at the rear of the center and staff will be “dealing” information from casino-style tables at two locations in the 5,000-square-foot location. Gensler is the architect of record for the remodeling and all construction is being handled by Webcor. The center has been located at Hallidie Plaza since Aug. 6, 1976. “The staff and the volunteers at the Visitor Information Center are curators of the San Francisco experience, providing one-on-one interaction with visitors from around the world while providing impeccable service in 14 different languages,” noted Lars Bair, director, Visitor Experience.  For information visit www.sanfrancisco.travel. Media contact: Laurie Armstrong, 415-227-2615, larmstrong@sanfrancisco.travel.

 

New METREON Opens Initial Venues in First Phase of Transformation

In March 2012 Westfield opened the first venues at the new METREON, 135 Fourth St., as part of the initial phase of improvements at the downtown San Francisco destination for dining, shopping, entertainment and special events. The improvements offer expansive views of Yerba Buena Gardens, a new dining terrace, eateries, shops and renovated AMC theaters and City View event space. METREON’s transformation will be complete with the opening of the city’s first Target store this fall and will be called CityTarget. METREON is located adjacent to Yerba Buena Gardens and steps from Moscone Center, world-renowned museums, galleries, shopping, hotels and transit in the dynamic Yerba Buena neighborhood.

 

As part of the transformation natural light now floods the 470-seat Dining Terrace through its glass façade. Additional seats along the exterior of METREON allow diners to enjoy the park, concerts and events. Escalators were moved to allow customers to enjoy garden and city views. There is now a direct connection and views from Fourth Street to Yerba Buena Gardens. Business’ entrances open along Fourth and Mission Streets and gardens, a major change from previous designs where entrances were in the interior of the building.  

 

Open at Street Level or in the Dining Terrace are Jillian’s Billiard Club, Sanraku, Buckhorn Grill, San Francisco Soup Co., SoGreen Yogurt and National University. The third floor is home to AMC Theaters METREON 16 and IMAX. METREON’s fourth floor features the exciting City View event space. City View offers 20,000 square feet of special event space indoors, a 10,000-square-foot outdoor terrace, 20-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic views of downtown. City View is able to accommodate 2,000 guests.

 

Also opened are Cako Bakery, Cako Creamery, Chronicle Books, Coriander Gourmet Thai, Creperie Saint Germain, Inay Filipino Kitchen, La Boulange and Massage Envy. Opening in April will be Brandy Ho’s Hunan Food, Firewood Café, Freshroll Vietnamese Rolls & Bolls, Sorabol Korean BBQ + Asian Noodles, Super Duper Burger and Stone Oven Gourmet. In June and July, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Split Bread will open.

 

This fall marks the long-awaited arrival of CityTarget to San Francisco. CityTarget focuses on the urban shopper, and San Francisco will be one of a select group of major metropolitan areas to benefit from this new store format, which will offer guests a selection of merchandise tailored for city-dwellers, including fresh grocery offerings. For information visit www.metreon.com or call  415-369-6000. Media contacts:  Casey Shaughnessy, Courtney Finley, Lauren Englehardt and Dana Pelfini at Glodow Nead Communications, 415-394-6500, info@glodownead.com.

 

 

 

Golden Gate Bridge Celebrates 75th Anniversary in 2012 with “75 Tributes” Spanning the Year

May 27, 2012 marks 75 years for the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco Bay Area is making big plans to honor the history, beauty, and ingenuity of this famous span.  The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District and the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, in partnership with the National Park Service, the Presidio Trust and the City and County of San Francisco, have developed a 75th anniversary program that includes a “75 Tributes” program which began in January 2012 and permanent enhancements to the Golden Gate Bridge experience.

 

A spectacular two-day celebration is being planned May 27, 2012.  Located along the San Francisco waterfront, the event will tell the story of the Golden Gate Bridge and provide an opportunity for the Bay Area community to celebrate together.  Under the theme of “Bridging Us All,” the Golden Gate Festival will include an historic watercraft parade, multiple music and dance stages, art installations, history and educational presentations and a display of cars from 1937 to the present. At 9:30 p.m. the anniversary celebration will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display and grand finale. The bridge will not close to vehicles as it did for the 50th anniversary celebration in 1987.

 

Activities and special commemorative events will take place throughout the coming year. Leading up to and following the Memorial Day weekend in 2012, many civic, cultural and educational organizations will produce their own tributes to the Golden Gate Bridge. The Bay Area Discovery Museum, California Academy of Sciences, California Historical Society, Exploratorium, Golden Gate Brass Band and YMCA San Francisco are among the many organizations participating in the “75 Tributes” program. Some of the community tributes will be ticketed events; however,  the majority will be free.

 

Plans are underway to transform this international gateway into a visitor destination befitting its natural beauty and historic significance.  Improvements to the site include: 

 

·         New 3,500-square-foot Bridge Pavilion to welcome visitors, house celebratory merchandise and display interpretive exhibits

·         Conversion of the iconic Round House from a gift shop to a space for visitor and education programs

·         Revitalization of the bridge plaza to serve as a gathering and orientation space

·         Restoration of trails and scenic vistas

·         A “green screen” photo area where visitors can picture themselves in locations not accessible to the general public such as the top of the tower or climbing the cables

·         New, personally guided, 45-minute (day) and 60-minute (evening) bridge tours utilizing the latest in audio technology spring through fall

·         Construction of a dramatic new Golden Gate Overlook on the southwest side of the bridge

 

A complete schedule is posted on www.goldengatebridge75.org.  Media contacts: Mary Currie, 415-923-2222, mcurrie@goldengate.org or David Shaw, 415-561-3064, dshaw@parksconservancy.org.

 

San Francisco’s Central Market Area Gains New American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) Performance Venue

On Feb. 29, 2012 San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee announced that the American Conservatory Theater's purchase of the Strand Theater, 1127 Market St., would provide another boost to the Central Market area of San Francisco. First opened in 1917, this newly revitalized theater has been closed since 2006. The Strand will give A.C.T. a much-needed second space in which to produce and present new work and new artists as part of the rapidly transforming Central Market neighborhood. A.C.T.'s purchase of the Strand comes on the heels of the company's opening of a small performance space, The Costume Shop at 1117 Market St. The 300-seat Strand will also be home to performances from A.C.T.'s Master of Fine Arts Program students. The Strand will expand the scope of A.C.T. performances, as productions will be staged both at the American Conservatory Theater, A.C.T.'s 1,040-seat mainstage space, and at the Strand's more intimate proscenium space. Current plans for the Strand include a 300-seat theater, a mixed-use space for classrooms, rehearsals and cabaret performances, and a small restaurant. For information visit www.act-sf.org. Media contact: Kevin Kopjak, 415-296-0677, kevink@charleszukow.com.

 

San Francisco Hosts the 34th America’s Cup in 2013

At almost 160 sixty years old, the America’s Cup is the oldest trophy in international sport. America’s Cup has evolved into one of the world’s leading sporting competitions featuring the best sailors on the world’s fastest boats — the wing‐sailed AC45 and AC72 catamarans. The 34th America’s Cup consists of three main stages:

·         America’s Cup World Series is a professional circuit that brings America’s Cup-level racing and the America’s Cup  experience to top international venues. There are two seasons of the AC World Series; the 2011-12 AC World Series concludes on July 1, 2012 in Newport, R.I. The 2012-13 AC World Series stops in San Francisco, Naples and Venice before concluding in May 19, 2013, prior to the beginning of the 34th America’s Cup events in San Francisco in July 2013. The AC45 wing-sailed catamarans, forerunner to the AC72 that will be sailed in the Louis Vuitton Cup and America’s Cup finals in 2013, is the official boat of the America’s Cup World Series. The hull length is approximately 44-feet long and the mast height 70.5-feet tall.

·         Louis Vuitton Cup, the America’s Cup Challenger Series is used as the selection series to determine who will race the Defender in the America’s Cup finals. Slated for July 4-Sept. 1, 2013 on San Francisco Bay, the Louis Vuitton Cup will draw challengers from around the world for the opportunity to compete for the America’s Cup; 2013 marks the 30th anniversary of the Louis Vuitton Cup, first held in Newport, R.I. in 1983.

·         America’s Cup Finals will take place Sept. 7-22, 2013 in San Francisco Bay and will pit the winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup against the Cup’s Defender – the U.S.’ own ORACLE Racing. The events will be sailed in the cutting-edge AC72 wing-sailed catamarans, the next generation America’s Cup boats that are 131-feet tall, 72-feet long and are capable of speeds of more than 35 mph.

The America's Cup World Series will be covered by NBC, with live coverage on national television in 2012 on July 1, Aug. 26 and Oct. 7 at 5 p.m. EST/2 p.m PT. For information visit www.americascup.com. Media contact:  http://mediacenter.americascup.com/.

 

ACsailingSF Offers America’s Cup Sailing Experience on San Francisco Bay

As the San Francisco Bay Area prepares for the arrival of the 34th America’s Cup, visitors will have an opportunity to sail on a former America’s Cup racing yacht. For those with a craving for speed, adrenalin and the latest America’s Cup technology, sign up for a ride on the 85-foot, 20-passenger USA 76, the ORACLE Racing challenger for the 2003 America’s Cup.  Public sailing from Pier 39 on San Francisco Bay and charters for corporate events are available now. An  exceptionally deep keel makes USA 76 "the smoothest ride on San Francisco Bay" according to Captain Jonathan Buser and no cases of seasickness have been reported to date. Passengers have ranged from five years and up. There is a special family rate (expires Dec. 31, 2012) of $349 for two adults and two children 5-12 years of age. For information visit www.acsailingsf.com or call 855-ACSF-2013 (855-227-3201). Media contact: Beth Schnitzer, 917-287-7064, beth@spritzsf.com.

 

“Nature’s Music Box” San Francisco’s Stern Grove Festival Turns 75 June 24-Aug. 26, 2012

Stern Grove Festival, the longest running admission-free outdoor music festival in the U.S., celebrates its

75th anniversary season June 24- Aug. 26, 2012. A beloved San Francisco summer tradition in a magnificent natural setting, the annual festival offers visitors the opportunity to experience world class concerts by well-known performers as well as emerging innovative artists. Every summer, from June through August, more than 100,000 people attend Stern Grove Festival.  In the last 75 years, Stern Grove has presented more than 800 performances and has attracted more than six million concertgoers, fifty percent from outside San Francisco. In addition to Target Corp. as presenting sponsor, Stern Grove Festival is presented in collaboration with the San Francisco Recreation and Parks and Department and Commission. For information visit www.sterngrove.org or call 415-252-6252.  Media contact: Anne Abrams, aabrams@sterngrove.org, 415.625.6014.

 

HOTELS

Inn at the Presidio Opens April 1; Only New Property to Open in San Francisco in 2012 and a First for Presidio

On April 1, 2012 the 22-room Inn at the Presidio is scheduled to open. It will be San Francisco’s only new hotel property to open in 2012 and the first hotel to open in the Presidio of San Francisco, a National Historic Landmark and national park site. Located on the Main Post at 42 Moraga Ave., the new inn is a member of the Historic Hotels of America. Originally Pershing Hall Bachelor Officers Quarters (BOQ), the building that houses the Inn at the Presidio is a three-story, Classic Revival brick building built in 1903. A grand front porch, entrance hall with a central staircase, outdoor deck with fire pit and views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge from the top level are complemented by comfortable, contemporary furnishings. Two meeting rooms accommodating up to 25 individuals are available. Guests have access to a complimentary continental breakfast buffet as well as an evening wine and cheese reception. For the younger set, there’s milk and cookies. Room rates start at $195 per night based on single/double occupancy. The Presidio spans 1,491 acres including more than 1,000 acres of open space that frames the majestic Golden Gate Bridge; it became a national park site in 1994. Founded in 1776, the Presidio is currently the largest historic preservation project underway in the U.S. For information visit www.innatthepresidio.com or call 415-689-4287. Media contact: Paul Burditch, 415-874-9696, paul@burditchmc.com.

$51 Million Transformation of Hilton San Francisco Union Square Nearing Completion

The Hilton San Francisco Union Square, 333 O’Farrell St., has embarked on a $ 51 million project that will transform 550 guestrooms and function space. The project which is slated to finish in April 2012 incorporates 21st century design features to reinforce the hotel’s positioning as the city’s premier hotel and conference venue. The renovation is part of a three-year, $3 billion plan of significant property renovations currently underway across the global portfolio of Hilton Hotels & Resorts, the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide. The project began Nov. 22, 2011 and will ultimately encompass a complete makeover of all guestrooms in the hotel’s original building, constructed in 1964. Major improvements designed to enhance the guest experience include the addition of a second window to improve views of the city and sound-proofing. The guestrooms will also feature new furniture, soft goods, refrigerators and wired and wireless high-speed Internet service. King rooms additionally will feature glass shower stalls. The hotel’s 20,000-square-foot Continental Ballroom and 31 of the additional meeting rooms (ranging in size from 430 to 1,090 square feet) will be expanded and updated with contemporary design features.  Those facilities, together with the hotel’s new 13,500 square-foot Golden Gate Ballroom, comprise a large part of the 134,500 square feet of function space in the hotel. The hotel’s public areas will also be renewed with contemporary furniture. In the hotel’s corridors, guests will be able to enjoy artistic cityscapes commissioned by the hotel from local photographers.  For more information visit www.hiltonsanfranciscohotel.com or call 415-771-1400. Media contact: Scott Baublitz, 415-923-5085, scott.baublitz@hilton.com  or visit www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com/sanfrancisco.

 

Mystic Hotel by Charlie Palmer Debuts in San Francisco in Early Spring 2012

Renowned chef and hotelier Charlie Palmer is transforming a 79-room boutique hotel (former Crescent Hotel) into a contemporary haven for comfortable luxury.  Nestled in the heart of Union Square at 417 Stockton St., the hotel houses The Burritt Room – an intimate film noir-inspired bar devoted to carefully crafted cocktails, and will soon debut Charlie Palmer’s newest restaurant concept, Burritt Tavern, offering classic food such as steaks and chops paired with local and seasonal inspirations.  Although many of the rooms were recently renovated, Palmer will revitalize the 16 largest rooms facing Stockton Street into junior suites.  The new hotel and restaurant concept will debut early April 2012. The hotel and Burritt Room will remain open throughout construction with little to no effect on guests. For information visit www.crescentsf.com or call 415-400-0500. Media contact: Erin Jevis, 212-755-7050, ext. 21 or 315-415-7300, ejevis@charliepalmer.com.

 

$2 Million “Reinvention” of Personality Hotels’ Hotel Diva Completed December 2011

The Hotel Diva, 440 Geary St., just completed a $2 million “reinvention” in December 2011. Led by Edmonds + Lee Architects, all guestrooms, common areas and the exterior were re-envisioned with the dramatic yet clean, modern style signature of the San Francisco-based designer. Part of Personality Hotels,  the Hotel Diva exudes an urbane style all its own; each of the 116 guestrooms is done in three shades of grey with deep plum accents; black and white furnishings, and crisp white bedding. Windows are dressed in custom shades printed with two dramatic images —one of a woman’s curvaceous form in a lacy corset and thigh-high fishnet stockings and another of shapely legs in heels. Both designs incorporate hints of the structural elements of the hotel and the Diva logo. A one-of-a-kind Perrier Lounge opened  in February 2012; it take its cues from the iconic green bottle and other elements of the brand including custom glass bottle light fixtures, an intimate seating/meeting space and a Perrier vending machine. Hotel Diva’s lobby has been redesigned as an open, airy lounge. For information visit www.personalityhotels.com or call 415-885-0200. Media contact: Kelly Chamberlin, 415-336-4332, kelly@chamberlinpr.com.

 

Newly Renovated Meeting Space Debuts at Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf

Inspired by its location in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Hyatt at Fisherman’s Wharf , 555 North Point St., will soon  complete a comprehensive $1 million renovation of the hotel’s more than 19,000 square feet of function space.  The new décor resembles the colors and images of the San Francisco Bay, the community  of fishermen based at the wharf and the merchants along Fisherman’s Wharf.  Designed by Chicago’s Simeone Deary Design Group, the renovation includes new fireplaces, custom hand blown glass chandeliers, shimmering fountain and wall sconces, as well as a cozy area that serves as a quiet workplace or convenient, one-on-one networking.  Additionally, the lounge provides additional power outlets for mobile devices and lap tops. The Hyatt is also offering special group rates and value-added group concessions through May 31, 2012. For information visit www.fishermanswharf.hyatt.com or call 415-563-1234 or 800-233-1234. Media contact: Molly Blaisdell, 925-300-7252, mollyb22@gmail.com.

 

San Francisco-based Joie de Vivre Hospitality to Be Renamed JdV Collection This Summer

Joie de Vivre’s parent company, Commune Hotels & Resorts has announced that the eclectic collection of 31 independently branded boutique hotels founded by Chip Conley in 1987 in San Francisco, will be renamed JdV Collection. The new name will be introduced this summer along with a redesigned jdvhotels.com website. Joie de Vivre properties in San Francisco currently include Galleria Park, Hotel Carlton, Hotel Del Sol, Hotel Kabuki, Hotel Rex, Hotel Tomo, Hotel Vitale, Laurel Inn, Petite Auberge, Phoenix Hotel (the first JDV property) and White Swan Inn. Commune Hotels & Resorts, which was formed in October 2011, owns the Joie de Vivre and luxury lifestyle Thompson Hotels brands and manages 46 hotels. The company is focused on global expansion, targeting locations in Asia, South America, Mexico, Europe and the United States. Currently under development are Thompson properties in New York, Chicago, Miami and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico along with Joie de Vivre hotels in Honolulu and Palo Alto, California. In addition, a design-driven, value-oriented brand combining elements of Thompson Hotels and Joie de Vivre will be introduced later in 2012. For information visit www.jdvhotels.com or call 800-738-7477. Media contact: Lori Lincoln, 415-773-1067, llincoln@jdvhotels.com.

 

Grand Hyatt San Francisco Offers New Meeting Facilities

The latest phase of the Grand Hyatt San Francisco’s, 345 Stockton St., multi-phased $70 million renovation includes the completion of an extensive $14 million upgrade to its meetings facilities, positioning the property as one of the city’s most flexible, tech-forward choices for group meetings, events and corporate travel, with more than 27,000 total square feet of renovated space. The re-envisioned facilities include an expansive new Grand Foyer boasting 5,700 square-feet of flexible meeting space, as well as a refresh of the hotel’s Theatre Level meeting rooms and Conference Theatre, all reflecting a sense of place through custom local artwork and other design flourishes. For information visit www.grandsanfrancisco.hyatt.com or call 415-398-1234. Media contact: Jane Flandez, 415-392-2211, janef@cinchpr.com.

 

PERFORMING ARTS

A.C.T. Leavens Drama with Humor for Balance of 2011-12 Season

Internationally recognized for its groundbreaking productions of classical works and bold explorations of contemporary playwriting, the American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) includes “The Scottsboro Boys,” “Maple and Vine” and “The Scottsboro Boys” — for the balance of their 2011-12 season. In order of appearance:

                                     

·         West Coast premiere of Jordan Harrison’s provocative comedy, “Maple and Vine,” March 29-April 22, 2012

·         Two landmark plays by modernist master Samuel Beckett (replacing  “Twelfth Night”): “Endgame,” featuring two-time Tony Award winner and A.C.T. associate artist Bill Irwin, and “Play,” a rarely performed tour de force about marriage and infidelity, May 9-June 3, 2012

·         Bay Area premiere of “The Scottsboro Boys,” recipient of 12 Tony Award nominations including Best Musical. The true story of nine young African American men, unjustly accused of a shocking crime, is transformed into an unforgettable theatrical event, June 21-July 15, 2012.

 

Unless otherwise noted, all performances are at the American Conservatory Theater, 415 Geary St. (at Mason Street).

Tickets (starting at $10) are available by calling the A.C.T. Box Office at 415-749-2228 or at www.act-sf.org. Media contact: Randy Taradash, 415-439-2351, press@act-sf.org.

 

SHN Season Continues with Harold Pinter’s “The Caretaker” and Return of “American Idiot”

Formerly known as Best of Broadway, the SHN Series will bring Broadway to the Bay Area this winter and spring with a dynamic series at the Orpheum, Curran and Golden Gate Theatres. Upcoming shows in order of performances are:

 

·         “Harold Pinter’s classic psychological drama “The Caretaker,” starring Jonathan Pryce, is slated for the Curran Theatre March 28-April 22, 2012.

·         “The funniest show on earth,” Monty Python’s “Spamalot” returns to the Orpheum Theatre to spread laughter and cheer through the kingdom, April 10-22, 2012.

·         Called “the first great musical of the 21st century” by critics, “American Idiot” returns home to the Bay Area June 12-July 8, 2012. The Tony Award-nominated Best Musical and 2010 Grammy Award winner for Best Musical Show Album features the music of Green Day with lyrics by its lead singer Billie Joe Armstrong at the Orpheum Theatre.

·         New staging and re-imagined scenery mark a brand new 25th anniversary production of Boublil & Schonberg’s legendary musical, “Les Miserables,” July 10-Aug. 5, 2012 at the Orpheum Theatre.

·         London and Broadway’s smash hit, “War Horse” gallops into the Curran Theatre, Aug. 1-26, 2012. The powerful story of young Albert’s beloved horse, Joey, who has been enlisted to fight for the English in World War I, comes alive through life-sized puppets which bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to thrilling life.

 

For ticket information visit www.shnsf.com. Media contact: Erin Garcia, 415-551-2075, pr@shnsf.com.

 

Lorraine Hansberry Theatre’s 31st Season Culminates with “Blues for an Alabama Sky” April 4-May 12, 2012

“Blues for an Alabama Sky,” by renowned American author and playwright Pearl Cleage, will be the final play for the 2011-12 season of the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre , 450 Post St. Directing the piece will be Michele Shay, and heading the cast will be Robert Gossett (TNT’s “The Closer”). The full production runs April 4-May 12, 2012. This acclaimed and anticipated tale is set in Harlem in 1930, and touches on hot-button topics such as religion, reproductive freedom and sexual orientation. The play introduces a rich group of characters, scrambling to survive the early days of the great depression and make some sense of their overlapping love lives. For tickets visit www.lhtsf.org or call 415-474-8800. Media contact: Sandra Varner, 510-910-5652, sv@varnerpr.com.

 

42nd Street Moon Opens 2012 Schedule on a Sweet Note with “Sugar” April 4, 2012

Known for their ongoing commitment to celebrate and preserve the art and spirit of the American musical theatre, 42nd Street Moon presents intimate productions of “uncommon musicals,” classic and rarely performed shows by the great 20th century composers. Their first main stage show of 2012 is set in Chicago and Miami in 1929.  “Sugar” (1972), with music by Jule Styne and lyrics by Bob Merrill, is based on Billy Wilder’s screenplay, “Some Like It Hot.”  “Sugar” will run April 4-22, 2012.  Finally, 42nd Street Moon journeys to Greece and Crete, for the Kander and Ebb classic, “Zorba” (1968), which runs May 2-20, 2012. All shows are at the Eureka Theatre, 215 Jackson St. For information visit www.42ndstmoon.org or call 415-255-8207. Media contact: Brenda Hughes, 415-244-9770 or brenda@theatricalpr.com.

 

Alonzo King LINES Ballet Features Three Celebrated Works in Spring Season April 12-22, 2012

Alonzo King LINES Ballet, the celebrated contemporary ballet company, returns to the Novellus Theater, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts for its spring season April 12-22, 2012. From April 12-15, Alonzo King LINES Ballet remounts “Triangle of the Squinches,” the groundbreaking 2011 collaboration between choreographer Alonzo King, musician/composer Mickey Hart and architect Christopher Haas. King's wildly popular “Scheherazade,” originally commissioned by the Monaco Dance Forum to inaugurate the Centenary of the Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, returns April 18-22. 

Also on the program April 18-22 is the revival of King's 2006 work, “Migration,” set to music by Pharoah Sanders, Miguel Frasconi and Leslie Stuck. For information visit www.linesballet.org or call 415-978-2787. Media contact: Mona Baroudi, 415-615-2735, mona.barudi@sbcglobal.net.

 

Yerba Buena Gardens Festival Adds New Program “Lines & Lyrics” to 2012 Season Starting May 6, 2012

The 2012 Yerba Buena Gardens Festival (YBGF), May 6-Oct. 30, will present more than 90 free events including music, theater, circus, dance, poetry, family festivals and children’s programs with artists from Africa, Colombia, Japan, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Spain, the Philippines, Sweden, China, Venezuela and the Bay Area. New this year is the series, “Lines & Lyrics,” curated by Litquake’s Robin Ekiss. Lines & Lyrics presents words and music in nearby Jessie Square in front of the Contemporary Jewish Museum from up-and-coming local poets, writers, songwriters and musicians. The series opens with “Visible Cities” on May 22 featuring musical guest Dana Kletter and poetry from Mira Rosenthal, Ryan Teitman, Xochiquetzal Candelaria and Brittany Perham. The Festival will also debut Let’s Go Salsa@Jessie!, an open-air salsa dance party in Jessie Square in front of the Contemporary Jewish Museum.  The series takes place on the second Thursday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m. with salsa dance lessons at the beginning of every program.  Yerba Buena Gardens is located between Mission and Howard streets and Third and Fourth streets in downtown San Francisco.  For information, visit www.ybgfestival.org or call 415-543-1718. Media contact: Marshall Lamm, 510-928-1410, marshalllamm@earthlink.net.

 

Playwrights Foundation Announces Major Cultural and Theater Exchange with Paris

Playwrights Foundation presents Des Voix…Found In Translation, a Festival of French and U.S. Playwrights May 25-27, 2012 in San Francisco at Z Space, 450 Florida St. The Festival features translations of provocative new plays by three of the most dynamic emerging writers working in France today, all performed in English: Marion Aubert’s “Pride, Pursuit, and Decapitation” a ferocious and unsparing comedy of the everyday insanity of our world; Nathalie Fillion’s “Out There,” an highly-charged Chechovian drama for the 21st century; and Samuel Gallet’s much darker work, “Communiqué No. 10,” that explores the explosive, rebellious world of Paris’ underclass banlieue (suburb), set in a futuristic apocalyptic landscape. Des Voix…Found In Translation also features for the first time in America a “Bal Littéraire” A New Play Night Club on May 25 presented in association with Litquake.  Wildly popular throughout France  “Bal Littéraire” is performed for one evening only, a unique hybrid of flash plays, songs, club dancing and literature, created the week of performance by six writers – three French and three American. The engaging evening “tells a story, a story with songs we can all dance to” as it unfolds in a celebratory club atmosphere with audience and artists dancing between scenes, a no-host bar and food. For information visit www.zspace.org or call 800-838-3006. Media contact: David Hyry, 415-864-3547, daldenh@aol.com.

Z Space Presents World Premiere of Joe Goode Performance Group’s “When We Fall Apart” June 14-30, 2012

Commissioned by Z Space, “When We Fall Apart” is a new work by choreographer Joe Goode, an award-winning artist who has been heralded for his innovative form of dance theater. In collaboration with architect Cass Calder Smith, Goode explores the intricate and fragile relationship between house and body, and what defines a "home." Smith is best known for his high-profile restaurant designs in San Francisco and New York City. This is the first time Smith's work will be integrated into a live stage performance. Scheduled for June 14-30, this evening-length work features live, original music by Ben Juodvalkis. Founded in 1993, Z Space, 450 Florida St., is a hub for artists and audiences to revel in the creation, development and production of outstanding new work. Z Space commissions, develops and produces a full season of new works from a variety of disciplines including theater, dance, music, performance art and new media. For information visit www. zspace.org. Media contact: Mona Baroudi, 415-615-2735, mona.baroudi@sbcglobal.net.

New Location Announced for Teatro ZinZanni; Reopens in Late 2012.

After more than 11 years, 800,000 visitors, hundreds of guest artists and 40 different shows, Teatro ZinZanni shuttered the fabled Palais Nostalgique Spiegeltent on Pier 29 after its 2011 New Year’s Eve show, Dec. 31, 2011. Teatro’s current home on Piers 27 and 29 is scheduled to be a part of the upcoming America’s Cup. On Dec. 6, 2011 Teatro ZinZanni announced that they will build a new permanent home on the Embarcadero. The new site is a triangular parcel, located where Broadway and Davis meet the Embarcadero. For information visit http://love.zinzanni.org. Media contact: Karen Ames, 415-641-7474, karen@karenames.com or Brenden Guy, 415-641-7474, brenden@karenames.com.

 

San Francisco Symphony Announces Summer Performances June 18-Aug. 3 and 2012-13 Season

Even as the San Francisco Symphony (SFS) continues to celebrate its 100th season, it has announced its 101st season and the details of its Summer & the Symphony concerts June 18-Aug. 3, 2012. The summer concert line-up includes the world premiere of “Pixar in Concert,” with the orchestra accompanying stunning clips from each of Pixar’s films; Natalie Merchant; salsa band Tiempo Libre and Classical Mystery Tour, featuring the music of The Beatles. Michael Feinstein performs Sinatra classics with his Big Band, and the orchestra will accompany screenings of “The Wizard of Oz.”  The acrobats and circus performers of Cirque Musica will perform to live orchestral accompaniment by the Symphony and the legendary Smokey Robinson performs on July 5. The orchestra also performs a summer classical concert series, and two free outdoor concerts, celebrating the 75th anniversary of Stern Grove Festival and with Tiempo Libre in Dolores Park. On the Fourth of July, the Orchestra will play inspiring folk, pop, and classical favorites at the annual Shoreline Amphitheatre Independence Day concert and fireworks extravaganza.

 

On June 2, 2012 the Black & White Ball, an evening of music, food and dancing to benefit the San Francisco Symphony’s nationally acclaimed music education programs, unfolds in the War Memorial Performing Arts Center and City Hall. The ball opens with a concert featuring Grammy award-winning recording artist Paul Simon and his band, for the first time, with the San Francisco Symphony in Davies Symphony Hall. The festivities continue with a six-decade dance party featuring 10 bands on five stages. Cyndi Lauper headlines the Civic Center outdoor stage, and Janelle Monáe will appear as a special guest performer at the party featuring the greatest hits from the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and today.

 

The orchestra’s 101st season highlights include explorations of music by Beethoven, Stravinsky and enhanced concert experiences around Grieg’s “Peer Gynt” and Beethoven’s “Missa solemnis”  by Music Director Michael Tilson Thomas (MTT). Thomas will also conduct the SFS in the first concert performances by an orchestra Leonard Bernstein’s complete West Side Story. The orchestra will perform two world premieres, three U.S. premieres, three West Coast premieres and 13 San Francisco Symphony premieres and also inaugurates the new Bing Concert Hall at Stanford University in January 2013. Soprano Renée Fleming and pianist András Schiff will perform in Project San Francisco residencies. Distinguished guests include Joshua Bell, Pinchas Zukerman, Julia Fischer, Lang Lang, Yuja Wang, Marc-André Hamelin, Gil Shaham, Jonathan Biss, Yefim Bronfman, David Robertson, Vasily Petrenko and Marek Janowski, with debuts by Vladimir Jurowski, Jaap van Zweden, Juraj Valcuha, Jean-Efflam Bavouzet, Michael Fabiano and The Dmitri Pokrovsky Ensemble. The Great Performers Series will feature concerts by the Warsaw Philharmonic and Russian National Orchestra plus recitals by Itzhak Perlman, Gil Shaham, Renée Fleming with Susan Graham, and Matthias Goerne with Christoph Eschenbach. Details are available at www.sfsymphony.org or call 415-864-6000. Media contact: Public Relations, 415-503-5474, publicrelations@sfsymphony.org.

 

San Francisco Opera Summer Series Includes “Nixon in China,” “Attila” and “The Magic Flute”

Performance Schedule for 2012-13 Repertory Season Includes Three World Premiere Commissions

The summer of 2012 opera season will feature three productions never before seen in San Francisco, opening Friday, June 8 with the long-awaited Bay Area premiere of “Nixon In China” by Bay Area composer John Adams and librettist Alice Goodman. These performances mark the 25th anniversary of this work, originally co-commissioned by David Gockley.  The season continues with the San Francisco debut of a new co-production of Verdi’s “Attila,” opening June 12, which premiered at La Scala in June 2011 and features legendary Italian bass Ferruccio Furlantto in the title role and Lucrecia Garcia in her Company debut as Odabella. Completing the summer season is Mozart’s “The Magic Flute,” beginning June 13, presented in a new production designed by visual artist Jun Kaneko.

 

The San Francisco Opera Company’s 2012–13 repertory season includes three world premiere commissions slated for 2013 by Nolan Gasser and Carey Harrison (“The Secret Garden”), Mark Adamo (“The Gospel of Mary Magdalene”), and Tobias Picker and J.D. McClatchy (“Dolores Claiborne”). The Company’s 90th season opens Friday, Sept. 7, 2012 with a gala performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s “Rigoletto.” The Opera Ball, the Company’s celebrated signature benefit event, will precede the opening night performance at the historic War Memorial Opera House. In addition to “Rigoletto,” which features two international casts of singers, San Francisco Opera’s 2012–13 season offers Vincenzo Bellini’s bel canto gem “I Capuleti e i Montecchi” (“TheCapulets and the Montagues”); the Bay Area premiere of Jake Heggie’s “Moby-Dick,” commissioned and produced by San Francisco Opera, The Dallas Opera, San Diego Opera, Calgary Opera and the State Opera of South Australia; Richard Wagner’s “Lohengrin”;  Giacomo Puccini’s “Tosca,” interpreted by two casts of widely acclaimed singers; Jacques Offenbach’s “Les Contes d’Hoffmann” (“The Tales of Hoffmann”); Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “ Cosi fan tutte;” the world premiere of Mark Adamo’s “The Gospel of Mary Magdalene,” and the world premiere of Nolan Gasser and Carey Harrison’s “The Secret Garden,“ a co-production with Cal Performances.

 

All performances are at the War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. For information visit www.sfopera.com or call 415-864-3330. Media contact: Robin Freeman, 415-565-6451, rfreeman@sfopera.com.

 

EVENT VENUES

Editor’s Note: Also see writeup for new City View at METREON under City News.

 

Historic General’s Residence Re-Opens at Fort Mason Center

In October 2011 Fort Mason Center, in partnership with the National Park Service, reopened the General’s Residence. Located in San Francisco’s Golden Gate National Recreation Area in upper Fort Mason, the residence offers sweeping views of San Francisco Bay. This unique event venue in a national park setting recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation. Dating to the mid-18th century, the historic property was first occupied by the U.S. Army during the Civil War. From 1865 onward a succession of generals occupied the home. In World War II it was converted to an officers open mess; in 2004 it was transferred to the National Park Service. The residence, which  offers four distinct meeting rooms with capacities ranging from 50 to 250 for a reception and 30 to 170 for a banquet, is Fort Mason Center’s newest addition to its 25 venues.  For information visit http://www.fortmason.org/venuerental or call 415-345-7550. Media contact: Pat Schultz Kilduff, 415-345-7540, patk@fortmason.org.

 

One Kearny LLC Debuts “One Kearny Club” at 23 Geary St.

Combining three buildings that date back to the 1900s, One Kearny Street, 23 Geary St., has recently opened a rooftop event venue dubbed the “One Kearny Club.” John King, urban design critic for the “San Francisco Chronicle,” described it as “San Francisco’s most exhilarating new public space” in a recent article. The 11th floor terrace overlooks Market Street and offers a 270-degree view of unusual perspectives of downtown landmarks as well as the building’s handsome mansard-roof. Located between Yerba Buena Gardens, Union Square and the Financial District, the “One Kearny Club” serves as an executive boardroom and lounge available for corporate meetings, conferences and social events.  The exclusive facility sits atop the One Kearny building with an adjoining, landscaped roof terrace. In addition to top-of-the-line audio/video equipment, the Club offers optional lighting schemes and is Internet and Wi-Fi ready. It is furnished with contemporary lounge sofas and conference tables, which can be re-configured to suit individual event themes. The  Club also offers a full-service kitchen and an oversized bar equipped with beverage refrigerators and an ice-making machine.  Capacities range from 40 to 200 for sitdown functions inside the Club plus 120 for outdoor receptions on the terrace. For information visit www.onekearny.com or www.onekearnyclub.com (under construction), or call 415-788-1133. Media contact: Wendy Lo, 415-788-1133, wlo201088@hotmail.com or Derrick Chang at dfc01@aol.com.

 

RESTAURANTS & NIGHTCLUBS

The following restaurants have also opened in recent months:

 

AQ Restaurant & Bar

1085 Mission St., 415-341-9000, www.aq-sf.com

Cuisine: American

Neighborhood: Mission District

Media contact: Keelin Czellecz, 415-274-2510,keelin@wagstaffworldwide.com

Opened: November 2011

AQ, which means “as quoted,” features innovative Californian cuisine. Modern design elements have been adapted to an historic structure that was built following the 1906 earthquake. The 105-year-old building was constructed from ballast bricks, formerly used to balance the weight of ships laden with gold leaving the port of San Francisco. AQ’s tall ceilings, original brick walls and large timber beams give the space a loft-like setting. Executive Chef Mark Liberman has created an interactive environment in the large open kitchen. A trademark feature of the restaurant, it is bordered by 10 counter stools as well as two larger tables seating 12. An additional 60 seats are located throughout the dining space. AQ offers private dining for groups up to 50; a full buyout will accommodate up to 150 guests. Menus change with the season as does the AQ logo and décor to reflect the freshest local ingredients.

 

Bottle Cap

1707 Powell St., 415-529-2237, www.bottlecapsf.com

Cuisine: American

Neighborhood: North Beach

Media contact: Elizabeth Ferro, 415-529-2237, liz@bottlecapsf.com

Opened: July 2011

“An old-school tavern takes a fresh turn” on the home page of Bottle Cap’s website gives an indication of what’s in store for diners at the former location of the Washington Square Bar & Grill. Chef/owner Dane Boryta and his wife, co-owner Elizabeth Ferro have created a casual neighborhood bistro featuring American cuisine, handcrafted cocktails and live music in the heart of North Beach’s historic Washington Square Park. Bottle Cap will accommodate 40-to-60 for receptions and sit-down functions.

Note to editors: Photos and press releases are available at http://www.sanfrancisco.travel/media/. 

 

Caffe Como Ristorante Italiano

2550 Van Ness Ave., 415-529-2615, www.caffe-como.com

Cuisine: American

Neighborhood: Russian Hill

Media contact: Rico Marino, 415-529-2615, rmarino@davincivilla.com

Opened: January 2012

Located in the recently opened da Vinci Villa, Caffe Como is named after Lake Como, one of Italy’s most famous lakes. Using the finest ingredients the San Francisco Bay Area has to offer, Caffe Como prepares in-house outstanding casual American-Italian food specialties giving an option for all appetites. The open kitchen and inviting décor yields an intimate and casually elegant dining area that includes poolside alfresco dining.

 

Claudine

8 Claude Lane, 415-362-1988, www.myclaudine.com

Cuisine: Californian

Neighborhood: Union Square

Opened: October 2011

Media contact: Leila Seppa, 415-956-1310, leila@claudelane.com

The team behind Claude Lane (Gitane, Café Claude and 5 Claude Lane Art Gallery and Event Space) has created this new addition to the family. The 31-seat hybrid eatery and gourmet market offers an all-day menu of seasonally-inspired  small plates and a handful of heartier entrees such as olive oil poached local albacore with linguine. There’s also a five-seat raw bar with oysters and crudo, and a horseshoe-shaped bar for a post-work glass of wine and a bite. Claudine also features a retail area stocked with cookware, cookbooks, local food products and apothecary items. The space will accommodate receptions up to 100, banquets up to 40.

 

Cupola Pizzeria

Westfield San Francisco Centre, 845 Market St., 415-896-5600, www.cupolasf.com

Cuisine: Italian/Northern Italian

Neighborhood: Union Square

Media contact: Carissa Remitz, 415-274-2510 ,carissa@wagstaffworldwide.com

Opened: June 2011

Offering Neapolitan-style pizza from a handcrafted Stefano Ferrara pizza oven as well as salads, Panini, housemade pastas and desserts from Chef Christian Hermsdorf, Cupola Pizzeria is the Lark Creek Restaurant Group’s second restaurant to open in the Westfield San Francisco Centre. Cupola Pizzeria seats 94 in the dining room and 20 on the adjacent patio. Founded in 1989, the Lark Creek Restaurant Group includes a portfolio of 14 restaurants including One Market Restaurant and LarkCreekSteak in San Francisco.

 

Jake’s on Market

2223 Market St., 415-431-0692, www.jakesonmarket.com

Cuisine: American

Neighborhood: Castro

Media contact: Joan Simon, 707-795-4885, jsimon@fullplateconsulting.com

Opened:  February 2012

The brainchild of long-time Castro residents Tim Travelstead and Brad Becker (and named for their son Jake),Jake’s on Market brings American fare and a touch of whimsy to the Castro. Offering a personal  interpretation of American cuisine that draws from the Midwest’s hearty farm fresh fare, the Northeast’s all-night restaurants and the founders of California cuisine, Chef Erik Hopfinger (“Top Chef Season 4”) has  created an ambitious menu  offering something for every taste, budget and appetite size — from early dinner to late night dining specials, with Saturday and Sunday brunch proving to be a popular draw. A private meeting room seating up to 20 people, a quality kids menu and full bar make this a true neighborhood place for everyone — no matter where you’re from.

 

Parallel 37

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, 600 Stockton St., 415-773-6168, www.parallel37sf.com

Cuisine: American

Neighborhood: Nob Hill

Media contact: Steven H. Holt, 415-312-8264, steven.holt@ritzcarlton.com

Opened: December 2011

Inspired by the geographic latitude running near the San Francisco Bay Area, Parallel 37 is The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco’s new destination restaurant. In celebration of that geographic location, for restaurant Parallel 37 Chef Ron Siegel features meats, fish, fruits and vegetables from the bountiful region found locally in and around the San Francisco Bay area, complemented by a wine program focused on regional California wines, many from Napa and Sonoma. Clean architectural lines and modern, glass wall treatments combine with natural materials to create an informal sense of tailored sophistication.

 

Salito’s Crab House & Prime Rib 

1200 Bridgeway, Sausalito, 415-331-3226, www.salitoscrabhouse.com

Cuisine: Seafood

Neighborhood: Marin County, Sausalito

Media contact: Thom Ward, 415-362-8000, stinkingthom@gmail.com

Opened: December 2011

With views of San Francisco and Richardson Bay complementing its “surf and turf” menu, Salito’s is one of the latest additions to The Stinking Rose group which also includes Bobo’s, Calzone’s, the Franciscan Crab Restaurant and four other Bay Area favorites.  Built in the ‘50s and recently remodeled, Salito’s has a long Sausalito history—originally Zack’s with weekend turtle races and parties on the deck, then Margaritaville and Paradise Bay.  Now it’s the newest  hot spot in Sausalito, brought back to its glory.  The crab and prime rib spot offers outdoor seating and is becoming known for its fresh beignets and house-made kettle bread. The complimentary parking is a plus as well.

 

Tacolicious

741 Valencia St., 415-626-1344, www.tacolicioussf.com

Cuisine: Mexican

Neighborhood: Mission District

Media contact: (Mr.) Kory Cogdill, 415-987-5787, kory@tacolicioussf.com, or Tracy Potter Gomez, press@tacolicioussf.com

Opened: November 2011

The team behind Tacolicious has declared itself as ardent supporters of a city that likes things “seasonal, vibrant and bright,” and they have created a “place where the words local, sustainable and organic have become so redundant that they need not be said.” The idea for Tacolicious sprang from a fun, little taco stand at the Ferry Plaza Farmers Market. From there it has expanded to a sitdown, cocktail-driven restaurant with 100 tequilas for the asking and a menu anchored by a selection of tacos (mostly tacos de guisado filled with juicy, braised meats) that extends to other dishes such as beet salad, tuna tostadas and grilled squid served Veracruz-style. The large patio has a massive Paul Madonna (of “All Over Coffee” fame) mural of San Francisco. The private room with more Madonna artwork, exposed rafters and a table crowned by succulents will accommodate up to 60 seated and 75 standing.

 

Txoko

504 Broadway, 415-500-2744, www.txokosf.com

Cuisine: Spanish

Neighborhood: North Beach

Media contact: Ryan Maxey, 415-318-9314, ryantxoko@gmail.com

Opened: May 2011

Influenced by the Basque concept of a \"txoko\"— pronounced \"choco\"—a gastronomical society in which a group of individuals gather to cook together, eat, drink and socialize, Txoko is a gastro bar influenced by the cuisine of the Basque (both French and Spanish), while utilizing the bounty that California delivers  each season. Opened on the site of the old Enrico’s on Broadway, Txoko offers great libations in the form of a strong cocktail program and includes a broad range of options from a quick bite and cocktails, beer and wine at the bar, to a full meal, including delicious desserts, in the dining room. The restaurant will accommodate 110 for reception and 85 for sitdown functions.

 

MUSEUMS

Museum of Craft and Design (MCD) Announces Move to Historic Industrial

Center in San Francisco’s Burgeoning Dogpatch Neighborhood in Mid-2012

The Museum of Craft and Design (MCD) announced in February 2012 that it will move to an 8,000-square-foot space in the historic American Industrial Center, 2569 Third St., in San Francisco’s  Dogpatch neighborhood. Scheduled to be open by mid-2012, the move will allow MCD to significantly expand its exhibition space and to build its first-ever dedicated education room for its popular public programs, includingMakeArt workshops and special events. The new location comes following MCD’s comprehensive search for a location that would allow for the continued growth of its artistic mission and future exhibition plans. MCD’s addition to the neighborhood will support the continued transformation of the Dogpatch area into a thriving enclave for arts, culture, dining and entertainment. Dating to 1915 the three-block-long American Industrial Center structure was originally home to American Can Company, fitting in with the industrial and manufacturing industries in the area at the time. Today, as Dogpatch has evolved and benefitted from public access provided by San Francisco’s Third Street light rail, the building houses a mix of tenants including San Francisco Art Institute, architects, artists, photographers and graphic designers. For information visitwww.sfmcd.org or call 415-773-0303. Media contact: Rob Farmer,  415-359-2316, rob@landispr.com or Tarah Beaven,  415-359-2306, tarah@landispr.com.

 

Major New Exhibit Rumbles into California Academy of Sciences May 26, 2012

Prepare to be moved!  In the upcoming 8,000-square-foot “Earthquake” exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr., delve into the science behind earthquakes and learn how societies prepare for and respond to these destructive phenomena.  Occupying the entire west hall of the Academy, the exhibit will feature a number of large-scale installations, including a walk-through model of the Earth, an enclosure for live baby ostriches (yes, there are surprising connections between earthquakes and ostriches), an earthquake simulator resembling an old Victorian home, and an interactive “obstacle course” designed to teach earthquake preparedness. Concurrently, a new planetarium show will launch audiences on a breathtaking tour through space and time—flying over the San Andreas fault before diving into the planet’s interior, traveling back in time to witness both the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and the break-up of Pangaea 200 million years ago, and much more. For information visit www.calacademy.org or call 415-379-8000. Media contact: Andrew Ng, 415-379-5123, ang@calacademy.org or press@calacademy.org.

 

First Large Scale Contemporary Art Exhibition Organized by Asian Art Museum Opens May 18, 2012

Beginning May 18, 2012, the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, 200 Larkin St., will present “Phantoms Asia: Contemporary Awakens the Past,” the first large scale exhibition of contemporary art organized by the museum. “Phantoms” explores cross-cultural Asian perspectives of spirituality and the cosmos through a compelling interplay of 150 artworks from the present (60 works by 31 living artists) and past (90 objects—some 2,000 years old—from the museum\'s renowned collection). Together, the artworks invite visitors to view traditional objects not as relics of the past, but as vibrant connections to the present.All public spaces and galleries within the museum will include elements of the exhibition, providing visitors an immersive experience. Highlights include Breathing Flower, a 24-foot kinetic sculpture of a red lotus by Choi Jeong Hwa (Korea). “Phantoms” opens concurrently with three major art events in San Francisco—ArtMRKT, ArtPadSF, and SF Fine Art Fair. or information visit www.asianart.org or call 415-581-3500. Media contact: Cara Vivian, 415-581-3560, cvivian@asianart.org.

Choose Paint! Choose Abstraction! Museum of the African Diaspora

Exhibition Features Nine Influential Bay Area Artists Through Sept. 23, 2012

“Choose Paint! Choose Abstraction!,” celebrating Bay Area abstract artists, launches the Museum of the African Diaspora’s (MoAD) Curator’s Choice exhibition series by featuring nine influential Bay Area artists. Over several decades starting in the 1970s, they consistently chose abstraction over figuration as their preferred approach to art-making. Dr. Lizzetta Le-Falle Collins, organizer of the exhibition, former MoAD Director of Curatorial Affairs and noted scholar of African American art has elected to inaugurate MoAD’s new visual arts exhibition series with more than 35 paintings by Robert Colescott, Mary Lovelace O’Neal, Mike Henderson, Joan Brown, Dewey Crumpler, Jay DeFeo, Arthur Monroe and Squeak Carnwath. Choose Paint! celebrates their influence on the Bay Area art scene and examines the aesthetic beauty of their work, the expressive power of the medium and the cross cultural exchange between this selected group of black and white artists who helped define the West Coast abstract art movement. The exhibition is on view at MoAD, 685 Mission St., through Sept. 23, 2012. For information visit www.moadsf.org or call 415-358-7200. For information visitwww.moad.org. Media contact: Michael DeFlorimonte, 415-203-9801, marketing@moadsf.org.

 

 “Do Not Destroy: Trees, Art and Jewish Thought” Takes Root at Contemporary Jewish Museum Through Sept. 9, 2012

Inspired by the Jewish holiday of Tu B’Shevat, the New Year of the Trees, this three-part show at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., explores the role of the tree in Jewish tradition. Part One of the exhibition, The Dorothy Saxe Invitational, builds upon the museum’s long-standing tradition of asking artists from a variety of backgrounds to explore a Jewish ceremonial object, holiday or concept. More than 50 artists across the U.S. created new works of art in response to this year’s invitation. Part Two:  “An International Survey of Trees in Contemporary Art” is a selection of more than 20 works by international artists who have examined the tree — conceptually or formally — in their work. Part Three of the exhibition is a site-specific piece in Jessie Square by Rebar using recycled lumber to create a group of brightly colored gem-shaped planters. A number of public programs are planned in association with the exhibition. For information visit www.thecjm.org or call 415-655-7800. Media contact: Nina Sazevich, 415-752-2483,nina911@pacbell.net.

New Photography Exhibition at GLBT History Museum Focuses on History of AIDS Activism Through July 1, 2012

A new exhibition at The GLBT History Museum, 4127 18th St., \"Life and Death in Black and White: AIDS Direct Action in San Francisco, 1985-1990,\" focuses on the work of five gay photographers who documented the emergence of militant AIDS activism in San Francisco through the medium of black-and-white film. With sharp focus and deep compassion, they turned their lenses on their own community, capturing sorrow and outrage, courage and wit, a fierce will to live and a deep commitment to honor the dying and remember the dead. The exhibition features the work of Jane Philomen Cleland, Patrick Clifton, Marc Geller, Rick Gerharter and Daniel Nicoletta. Some of their images of AIDS activism have become iconic; others have never before been publicly displayed. The exhibition will be on view through July 1, 2012. For information visit www.glbthistorymuseum.org or call 415-621-1107. Media contact: Gerard Koskovich, 415-641-5364, gkoskovich@gmail.com.

 

Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco Offer an Eclectic Spring  Exhibition Season

In one of its most diverse exhibitions schedules in recent memory, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco offer an eclectic and arresting array of work including a world exclusive:

 

Through April 22, 2012

“Matter and Spirit: The Sculpture of Stephen De Staebler”

de Young Museum

This exhibition, which includes approximately 55 ceramic and bronze works, and the accompanying monograph commemorate the life and work of Stephen de Staebler, the renowned Bay Area artist. For more than 50 years, De Staebler created figurative sculptures from clay. Drawing inspiration from childhood experiences with nature, a transformative adolescent encounter with human mortality, and adult studies in the history of art and religion, he explored and extended a tradition of human representation that includes the religious monuments of ancient Egypt, the Renaissance humanism of Michelangelo’s finished and unfinished figures, and the modern existentialism embodied in the works of Alberto Giacometti.

 

Through June 3, 2012

Arthur Tress: San Francisco 1964

de Young Museum

In the summer of 1964 San Francisco was the setting for both the 28th Republican National Convention (the “Goldwater” convention at the historic Cow Palace) and the launch of The Beatles’ first North American tour. It was a seminal moment and a young photographer named Arthur Tress arrived at this opportune moment in the city’s history and found himself in the midst of civil rights demonstrations and chaotic political pageantry. This is the first museum exhibition of a virtually unknown body of Tress’ early work. More than 70 photos capture the urban landscape of this quirky metropolis.

 

Through June 10, 2012

“The Art of Anatolian Kilim: Highlights from the McCoy Jones Collection”

de Young Museum

A world-class collection of Anatolian kilims, given to the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco by H. McCoy Jones and his wife, Caroline, is showcased in a choice exhibition of two dozen of the finest examples. Presented in the textile arts gallery at the de Young, the Anatolian flat-woven kilims on view, dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries, include a variety of design types and regional styles, as well as superb examples of artistic and visual prowess.

 

Through June 17, 2012

“The Cult of Beauty: The Victorian Avant-Garde, 1860-1900”

Legion of Honor

The Legion of Honor is the only U.S. venue on the world tour of the first major exhibition to explore the unconventional creativity of the British Aesthetic Movement. The superb artworks on view encompass the manifold forms of Victorian material culture by artists as diverse as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, James McNeill Whistler, and Edward Burne-Jones and designers E.W. Godwin, William Morris and Christopher Dresser; architecture and interior decoration; furnishings for the “artistic” home; art photography and the new modes of dress.

 

Through Aug. 19, 2012

“The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk”

de Young Museum

Dubbed fashion’s enfant terrible, Jean Paul Gaultier launched his first prêt-à-porter collection in 1976 and founded his own couture house in 1997. This dynamic, multimedia exhibition includes 120 haute couture andprêt-à-porter designs created between the early 1970s and 2010, along with numerous sketches, archival documents, fashion photographs, and video clips that spotlight Gaultier’s collaborations with filmmakers, choreographers and musicians, most notably Madonna. For this presentation, Gaultier partnered with the Montreal-based theater company Ubu Compagnie de Création in the design of 30 animated mannequins who talk and sing.

 

For information visit www.famsf.org or call 415-750-3600. Media contact: Cheryl McCain, 415-750-3554,cmccain@famsf.org.  

 

SFMOMA Showcases Works of Mark Bradford, Cindy Sherman and Buckminster Fuller

As SFMOMA prepares for the groundbreaking for the $555 million expansion in the summer of 2013, it is mounting a full range of exhibitions. Among those announced are:

 

Through May 28, 2012

“Rineke Dijkstra: A Retrospective”

 Dutch artist Rineke Dijkstra presents a contemporary take on the genre of portraiture. Whether adolescents, soldiers or new mothers, Dijkstra is fascinated by people in states of significant transition. Bringing together 70 large-scale color photographs and five video installations, this is the artist\'s first major retrospective in the United States.

 

Through June 17, 2012

“Mark Bradford”

This major traveling exhibition is the first museum survey of the work of Mark Bradford, a Los Angeles–based artist and MacArthur Foundation \"genius\" award recipient who is a leading figure in American contemporary art. Co-presented by SFMOMA and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, this comprehensive account of Bradford\'s career to date is on view at both venues, offering more than 50 works spanning 2000 to 2010, including those produced in response to Hurricane Katrina for Prospect.1, the first New Orleans Biennial.

 

Through November 2012

“Jim Campbell: Exploded Views”

This new installation in SFMOMA\'s Haas Atrium features hundreds of flickering LED lights creating the illusion of figurative images that explore and reflect the human experience.

 

Through July 8, 2012

“Photography in Mexico: Selected Works from the Collections of SFMOMA and Daniel Greenberg and Susan Steinhauser”

This exhibition explores the diverse tradition of photography in Mexico, from the medium\'s first flowering in the wake of the Mexican Revolution (1910–20) and the explosion of the illustrated press at mid-century to the intense documentary investigations of the 1970s and \'80s and more recent considerations of the U.S./Mexico border region. Drawn from SFMOMA\'s world-class photography holdings and highlighting recent major gifts and loans from Daniel Greenberg and Susan Steinhauser, the selection underscores particular strengths in the collections, with photographs by Edward Weston, Tina Modotti and Paul Strand.

 

March 31 - July 29, 2012

“The Utopian Impulse: Buckminster Fuller and the Bay Area”

The Bay Area attracts dreamers, progressives, nonconformists and designers. Buckminster Fuller was all of these, and though he never lived in San Francisco, his ideas spawned many local experiments in the realms of technology, engineering, and sustainability—some more successful than others. The first to consider Fuller\'s Bay Area design legacy, this exhibition features some of his most iconic projects, primarily drawn from the recently acquired print portfolio Inventions: Twelve Around One.

 

March 31-July 29, 2012

“Parra: Weirded Out”

This exhibition combines a 60-foot-long mural and a selection of print works by Dutch graphic artist Parra in his first U.S. museum presentation.

 

July 14-Oct. 7, 2012

“Cindy Sherman”

Cindy Sherman is recognized as one of the most important contemporary artists of the last 40 years and arguably the most influential artist working exclusively with photography. This retrospective, which brings together more than 170 key photographs, traces the groundbreaking artist\'s career from the mid-1970s to the present. The presentation constitutes the first overview of her career since 1997 in the U.S.

 

For information visit www.sfmoma.org or call 415-357-4000. Media contact: Robyn Wise, 415-357-4172, 
rwise@sfmoma.org

California Dreaming: New Exhibition at Contemporary Jewish Museum Explores Jewish

Life in the Bay Area from the Gold Rush to the Present Through Oct. 16, 2012

From Levi’s blue jeans to the Sutro Baths, Gump’s to Alan Ginsberg’s “Howl,” the history of the Bay Area’s Jewish community is the history of the region itself. The first exhibition of its kind, “California Dreaming” at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St., explores Jewish life in the Bay Area from the Gold Rush to the present and demonstrates how Jewish life today is informed by the pioneering, entrepreneurial spirit of the many Jews who came out West in the booming decades after the Gold Rush. A documentary video by award-winning independent filmmaker Pam Rorke Levy, as well as a commissioned series of photographs by local artist Rachel Schreiber will join an array of original objects, photographs, and more documenting the development of the Bay Area Jewish community. Visitors will be invited to  add their stories to the timeline and submit photographs to an ever-evolving exhibition website that can be browsed online or in the gallery. For information visit www.thecjm.com or call 415-655-7800. Media contact: Nina Sazevich, 415-752-2483,nina911@pacbell.net.

 

FAMILY NEWS

San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park Visitor Center Opens New Exhibit: The Waterfront on April 19, 2012

A major new, free exhibit in San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park’s Visitor Center, “The Waterfront,” includes more than 360 artifacts from the park’s museum collection. Painted murals, huge timbers and single-piston steam engines invite park visitors to walk though time and see, hear and touch San Francisco’s historic working waterfront. Stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf circa 1920 and examine part of a Gold Rush vessel unearthed from under San Francisco’s Financial District. Eavesdrop on sailors trading yarns at a raucous Barbary Coast bar and hear the voices of Yelamu, a Native American tribe of Ohlone people from the San Francisco Bay Area. “The Waterfront” will be open daily 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Visitor Center, 499 Jefferson St. For information visit http://www.nps.gov/safr or call 415-447-5000. Media contact: Lynn Cullivan, 415-561-7006,lynn_cullivan@nps.gov.

 

San Francisco Mayor Lee Announces the Return of Sunday

Streets with Biggest Season to Date Through Oct. 21, 2012

San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee has announced the return of the popular Sunday Streets program with a full schedule of car-free events. The Sunday Streets 2012 season which began in March opens streets to pedestrians, cyclists and people-powered wheels of all kinds by temporarily removing vehicular traffic on select Sundays, transforming street-space usually reserved for cars into recreational space for everyone to enjoy safely. Founded in 2008, Sunday Streets has grown from two events to 10 and creates miles of car-free space on city roads. San Francisco was the third city in the United States to premier this free, community-oriented initiative. Since then it has become the nation’s largest, and one of the city’s most exciting initiatives promoting benefits such as biking, walking, recreation and community-building. The program was one of only eight programs in the country to be selected for possible inclusion in Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move” anti-obesity campaign. For the complete schedule visit www.sundaystreetsfs.com.

 

Aquarium of the Bay Offers Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Aquarium of the Bay, PIER 39, The Embarcadero at Beach Street, is now offering two new experiences for visitors to learn more about how their naturalists care for some 20,000 marine animals. On the Behind-the-Scenes tour visitors traverse the catwalk above the tanks and learn about dive operations. Available for ages five and older; a $10 upgrade will be added to general admission. The tour lasts 45 minutes and occurs daily at 1 p.m. and twice a day on weekends, with the second tour going out at 4 p.m.  The 75-minute Feed-the-Sharks tour is available Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Each tour participant will receive a bucket of seafood to feed to sharks, rays, skates and other fish in the Aquarium’s 350,000-gallon, Offshore tunnel exhibit. Participants also get to try their hand at aquatic biology, testing the pH and oxygen levels of San Francisco Bay water in the Aquarium’s research lab. As part of the tour, naturalists guide guests down the catwalk over the Aquarium’s Nearshore and Offshore tunnel exhibits and allow them to view areas not on exhibit, such as the baby jellies nursery, the skate grow-out and holding space, and other behind-the-scenes animal care work areas. Feed-the-Sharks tours are a $25 upgrade on the basic Aquarium admission; there is a limit of five per tour and participants must be eight and older to participate. Reservations for tours are recommended  at least seven days in advance. A Spanish-language Behind-the-Scenes tour is available on the second Saturday of every month at 2 p.m.  For  information visit www.aquariumofthebay.org or call 415-623-5300. Media contact: Mallory Johnson, 415-623-5340, mallory@bay.org.

 

EVENTS

Macy’s Annual Flower Show Strikes a Tropical Note with “Brasil: Gardens in Paradise” Through April 7, 2012

The oldest of the Macy’s Flower Shows, Union Square’s 66th annual show celebrates the arrival of the spring season. For two weeks Macy’s will showcase millions of live flowers, plants and trees from around the world. This year the gardens reflect everything from the dense rainforests of the Amazon to colonial Brasil as well as the colorful inner cities and the beautiful gardens framed by the modern architecture of Brasilia. Macy’s Flower Show is also a prime showcase for some of the nation’s most renowned floral and entertaining designers. This year’s Bay Area designers include Michael Daigian (Michael Daigian Design), Svenja Brotz (Chestnut and Vine Floral Design), Talin Tascian (Fleur de Vie), Dominique Pfahl (Floréal) and Rhonda Stoffel (Grace Street Catering). For a schedule of events, visit www.macys.com/flowershow or call 415-397-3333. Media contact: Kristen Green, 415-567-2999  or 516-983-5511 (cell), kgreenpr@kristengreen.com

Celebrate Easter in San Francisco at Union Street Spring Celebration and Easter Parade April 8, 2012
Take in the festive sights, sounds and scents of spring at Union Street’s 21st Annual Spring Celebration and Easter Parade in San Francisco on Sunday, April 8. Everyone is invited to share in the festivities from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Union Street, between Gough and Fillmore streets. Set in San Francisco’s renowned historic shopping district, this fun-filled day is packed with free events, children’s activities, live entertainment, tasty treats and, of course, the ever-so-popular Easter Bonnet Contest.  Look for an appearance from one very special bunny as well as an interactive show by The Radio Disney Road Crew. Proudly boasting the nickname, “The Biggest Little Parade in San Francisco,” the Union Street Easter Parade showcases all that is wonderful, unique, wacky and elegant about the San Francisco Bay Area. Beginning at 2 p.m. at the corner of Gough and Union streets, nearly 50 parade contingents with hundreds of enthusiastic participants will make their way down the five blocks of Union to Fillmore. The main stage, located at Union and Buchanan streets,  will feature live entertainment for all ages. For information visit www.SRESproductions.com orwww.unionstreetsf.com. Media contact: Denise Lamott, 415-381-8793, denise@deniselamottpr.com

 

Oldest Japantown in U.S. Welcomes 45th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival April 14-15 and 21-22, 2012

San Francisco’s colorful Japantown will burst into full bloom on the weekends of April 14-15 and 21-22, 2012, when members of Northern California’s Japanese American community gather to present the 45th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival. Anyone with a yen to experience a bit of Japan won’t want to miss this vivid and varied cultural festival, which celebrates the rich heritage of Japanese Americans. Held at the oldest of three remaining Japantowns in the United States, the 2012 Festival will celebrate the 100th year anniversary of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington D. C. and will also pay tribute to the 100th Infantry Battalion, the 442nd Regimental Combat Team and the Military Intelligence Service comprised of all Japanese American soldiers receiving the Congressional Gold Medal of Honor.  The festival will also recognize the one-year anniversary of the Tohoku region earthquake and tsunami. The five-acre Japan Center, at Post and Buchanan streets, and the adjacent blocks of Japantown will be filled with hundreds of performers. Classical and folk dancers will perform both weekends. Experts in martial arts will demonstrate their skills. There will be exhibits and demonstrations of Japanese crafts as well. A two-hour parade will bring the festival to a dazzling close on Sunday afternoon, April 22. The 2012 Cherry Blossom Queen and her court as well as colorfully costumed dancers and musicians by the hundreds, modern-day samurai, floats, ladies in exquisite kimonos, taiko drummers, and scores of young men and women carrying mikoshi (portable shrines) will take part in this unique procession which begins at City Hall, Polk and McAllister streets, at 1 p.m. and winds its way along a 15-block route to Japantown. For information visit www.nccbf.org or call 415-563-2313. Media contact: Richard Hashimoto, 415-567-4573.

 

55th San Francisco International Film Festival Runs April 19-May 3, 2012

The 55th San Francisco International Film Festival (SFIFF) runs April 19-May 3, 2012 at the Sundance Kabuki Cinemas, the Castro Theatre, SF Film Society Cinema and SFMOMA in San Francisco and the Pacific Film Archive in Berkeley. Held each spring for 15 days, the International is an extraordinary showcase of cinematic discovery and innovation in one of the country\'s most beautiful cities, featuring 200 films and live events, 14 juried awards and $70,000 in cash prizes, upwards of 100 participating filmmaker guests and diverse and engaged audiences with more than 70,000 people in attendance. Among the announced films is the world premiere of Sam Green’s “The Love Song of R. Buckminster Fuller” with a live score performed by Yo La Tengo, co-presented by the SFIFF and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. Kenneth Branaghwill be the recipient of the Founder\'s Directing Award (FDA); the FDA will be presented to Branagh at Film Society Awards Night, Thursday, April 26 at the historic Warfield Theatre. The  Golden Gate Persistence of Vision Award will be presented to veteran documentary filmmaker Barbara Kopple,preceding the screening of her landmark documentary “Harlan County, USA.” For the complete schedule visitwww.sffs.org. Media contact: Bill Proctor, 415-561-5024, bproctor@sffs.org.

 

Ready to Groove? Largest Free Festival of Dance Bay Area Dance Week April 20-29, 2012

Last year more than 600 free events were featured during Bay Area Dance Week (BADW), and this year organizers are hoping to shatter that record. Presented as part of Dancers\' Group\'s 30th Anniversary, BADW will feature the broad variety of events and styles the public has come to expect from this popular festival: classes, performances, open rehearsals and lecture demonstrations in a wide range of dance styles. This year\'s festival opens and closes with two events that exemplify the inclusivity of BADW. On Friday, April 20 at noon, the festivities kick off with One Dance, led by Rhythm & Motion, at Union Square. One Dancefeatures dance groups, families, professional companies and students from public and private schools, from a wide array of dance styles — all coming together to perform a short dance from choreography posted on www.bayareadance.org. Downtown visitors, shoppers, office workers, dancers and non-dancers are invited to join in the dancing fun. More than 2,000 people watched and boogied to a remix version of \"The Time of My Life\" in Union Square last year. To close out the celebrations, postmodern dance and performance pioneer 91-year-old Anna Halprin will host her Planetary Dance at Union Square on April 29. The planetary dance is a participatory dance for peace and healing. With a legacy of annual performances for more than three decades, it is considered to be one of Halprin\'s most powerful works. For information visitwww.bayareadance.org. Media contact: Mona Baroudi, 415-615-2735, mona.baroudi@sbcglobal.net.

 

San Francisco Decorator Showcase Marks 35th Anniversary April 28-May 28, 2012

A storied mansion at 2020 Jackson St. that once served as the temporary headquarters of Wells Fargo Bank is the setting for the 35th annual San Francisco Decorator Showcase, considered the West Coast’s premier design event. Dozens of the region’s top interior and landscape designers will transform the 11,500-square-foot home in the heart of Pacific Heights between Laguna and Octavia streets. Designed by Julius Krafft, 2020 Jackson was built in 1902 by Wells Fargo Bank President Isaias Hellman as a wedding gift for his daughter.  However, it served instead as the temporary headquarters of Wells Fargo following the 1906 earthquake and fire.  The Classical Revival home has four distinct levels with San Francisco Bay views from the formal dining room, large terrace and upper floors.  The striking interior features of the mansion include sumptuous warm mahogany wood paneling, herringbone wood floors, box beamed ceilings and a double-curved grand staircase to the upper floors. This year’s Showcase will run from April 28-May 28, Tuesday-Sunday and Monday, Memorial Day. “Friday Nights at Showcase” will return this year with special events and seminars from 5-7 p.m. each Friday. Tickets $30, $25 for seniors;  group rates available. For information visitwww.decoratorshowcase.org or call 415-447-5830. Media contacts: Grier Mathews, 415-246-4054,griermathews@mac.com or Denise Lamott, 415-381-8793, denise@deniselamottpr.com.

 

Ninth Annual San Francisco International Arts Festival Kicks Off May 2, 2012

The Ninth Annual San Francisco International Arts Festival (SFIAF) will kick off on May 2 with more than 40 performances being presented at multiple venues throughout the city. With its annual theme, “The Truth in Knowing/Now: Threads in Time, Place, Culture,” SFIAF 2012 will include world premieres, U.S. debuts and international collaborations featuring leading artists from the Bay Area performing alongside their peers from around the world. SFIAF 2012 will feature artists from the Bay Area, Southern California and the countries of Colombia, Cuba, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iran, Japan, the Netherlands, Russia and Switzerland. Both of the headlining companies in 2012 are practitioners of traditional arts. Eighty-year-old National Living Treasure of Japan, Mansaku Nomura will bring his Mansaku-no-Kai Company to the U.S. for a two-city tour. The performance, which will consist of traditional theatre works from the 600-year-old kyogen tradition, will be the company\'s first appearance in San Francisco since 2005; Mansaku-no-Kai\'s only other US performances will be at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. The equally venerable Juan De Dios Ramos Morejon, artistic director of the legendary Afro-Cuban ensemble Raices Profundas, will also be at the head of his company for what will be their much anticipated U.S. debut at SFIAF as a co-presentation with PlazaCUBA. For complete performance schedule and venue information visit www.sfiaf.orgor call 415-771-6900. Media contact: Andrew Wood, 415-399-9554 or 415-305-1102 (cell), andrew@sfiaf.org.

 

 

 

We Players to Stage “The Odyssey on Angel Island” May 12-July 1, 2012

Inspired by Homer’s ancient poem, We Players will present an island-wide performance adventure, “The Odyssey on Angel Island,”  May 12-July 1, 2012, on Saturdays, Sundays and select Fridays in partnership with the California State Parks. We Players’ adaptation of “The Odyssey” will unfold across Angel Island State Park, as an all-day adventure through the hills, historic buildings, cement bunkers and natural environs of Angel Island, surrounded by stunning views across the San Francisco Bay. Each performance runs from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., not including travel time to island. “Our performance invites audiences to embark on a voyage around Angel Island, and we trust that, like Odysseus, all will be transformed by the journey itself,” explained Ava Roy, the company’s artistic director. Known as the “Ellis Island of the West,” Angel Island became a State Park between 1954 and 1962. We Players is known for its dramatization of stories in the midst of public landscapes in an effort to remember history, build community and inspire personal relationships with place. Past productions include Shakespeare’s “MacBeth” at Fort Point and “Hamlet” on Alcatraz Island.  For information visit www.weplayers.org or call 415-547-0189. Media contact:  Rebecca Longworth, 415.671.9574, rebecca@rebeccalongworth.com.

Carnaval Joins in Golden Gate Bridge 75th Anniversary Celebration May 26-27, 2012
California\'s largest annual multi-cultural celebration, San Francisco Carnaval 2012, will take place Memorial Day weekend, May 26-27, in San Francisco’s Mission District. Themed “Spanning Borders; Bridging Cultures,” the event will be held on the same weekend that the city marks the 75th anniversary of the Golden Gate Bridge. Presented by San Francisco Cultural Arts Traditions (SFCAT), Carnaval includes the free, family-friendly San Francisco Carnaval Festival May 26-27 and the Carnaval Grand Parade on May 27. The festival, located on Harrison Street between 16th and 23rd Streets, showcases a diverse array of food, live music and activities for all. Hours of operation are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. With its rich multi-cultural themes, spectacular costumes, music and dancing, the San Francisco Carnaval Grand Parade begins at 9:30 a.m. at the corner of 24th and Bryant streets where it will proceed west to Mission Street.  From there, the parade heads north on Mission down to 17th Street, where it will turn east and flow into the festival area. Some 65 parade contingents from around the world will be represented by thousands of participants of all ages. Grandstand seating is available for $30 per person, or two for $40. For information visit www.sfcarnaval.org. Media contact: Denise Lamott, 415-381-8793, denise@deniselamottpr.com

SPORTS

San Francisco Giants Announce Tentative 2012 Regular Season Schedule               

The San Francisco Giants are scheduled to kick off their 2012 campaign at Arizona on Friday, April 6, 2012 and play their home opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday, April 13, 2012.  It will be the ninth time since 2000 that the club has opened the season on the road. Following the opening road trip to Arizona and Colorado, the Giants will return to AT&T Park for their first homestand of the year with a three-game series against both the Pirates and Philadelphia Phillies. The 2012 season will feature an unbalanced schedule in which the Giants will play 18 games against each of their four National League West rivals — Arizona, Colorado, Los Angeles and San Diego. The Giants will face the American League West in interleague play, with a three-game home series against their 2010 World Series opponent Texas Rangers June 8-10, followed by a nine-game road trip to Seattle, Anaheim and Oakland June 15-24. The Giants will also host the A\'s May 18-20. Additional highlights of the San Francisco Giants\' 2012 home campaign include:

·         13 home weekends in all, including a pair of weekend sets against the Dodgers (July 27-29; Sept. 7-9) and one against the Cubs (June 1-4) and Braves (Aug. 23-26). Giants will play back-to-back weekends just once (June 1-4 and June 8-10).

·         A pair of 10-game homestands, including the final homestand of the year against Colorado (Sept. 17-20), San Diego (Sept. 21-23) and Arizona (Sept. 25-27).

·         Giants will face the Dodgers three times at AT&T Park: June 25-27, July 27-29 and Sept. 7-9. 

·         Home games on Memorial Day (May 28) and Labor Day (Sept. 3), both vs. Arizona.

For season ticket information visit www.sfgiants.com or call 415-972-2298. Media contact: Media Relations. 415-972-2445, media@sfgiants.com.

 

Tickets on Sale for U.S. Open Championship at San Francisco’s The Olympic Club June 11-17, 2012

Tickets are on sale for the 2012 U.S. Open Championship scheduled June 11-17, 2012 at The Olympic Club. This is the fifth time that the U.S. Open will be conducted at The Olympic Club and the first time since 1998. Limited tickets are still available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets include free public parking and shuttle bus transportation to and from the parking area and Championship entrance. Visitwww.USGA.org/tickets to purchase tickets or call 800-698-0661 for a written application.

 

Registration Opens for 2012 Giant Race on Sept. 16

The 2012 Giant Race will take place on Sunday September 16, 2012.  Featuring a half marathon, 10K and 5K, the Giant Race is one of San Francisco’s premier road races.  All courses will start in front of AT&T Park along King Street and travel the Embarcadero waterfront with the half marathon continuing through Pier 39, Fort Mason and the Marina.  All courses will triumphantly finish on the field at AT&T Park.   Registration is open at www.thegiantrace.com and www.sfgiants.com/giantrace.  While supplies last an entry in any distance also includes a custom Matt Cain runner bobblehead.  Last year’s Giant Race sold out months before race day with more than 10,000 runners. Project Open Hand will once again be the official non-profit partner of the Giant Race. Last year the Giant Race raised more than $125,000 for Project Open Hand. Media contact: Jens Weiden, 415-972-1808, jweiden@attpark.com.

 

ATTRACTIONS

Superman Ultimate Flight Roller Coaster Soars Above Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Spring 2012

Hang on to your capes, folks. This spring Six Flags Discovery Kingdom will open a new roller coaster: Superman Ultimate Flight. The ride, created in a partnership between Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Warner Bros. Consumer Products and DC Entertainment, is slated to open in spring 2012. This one-of-a-kind super launch coaster features the tallest inversion west of the Mississippi and will rank alongside the tallest coaster inversions in the world. At 150-feet-high, riders will experience lightning speeds of 62 miles per hour, with two upside-down twists and two vertical rolls over a track length of 863 feet.  Brightly painted in Superman’s colors — vibrant blue, red and yellow — the steel coaster will be visible from nearby highways and beyond from its location on the eastern side of the park. For information visit www.sixflags.com/2012news. Media contact: Nancy Chan, 707-556-5227, nchan@sftp.com.

 

Treasure Island Flea Marketplace Returns for Second Season Beginning April 28-29, 2012

After a series of “pop-up” indoor markets over the winter, the Treasure Island Flea marketplace returns to the Great Lawn on Treasure Island starting April 28-29, 2012. Now in its second season, the marketplace, in addition to antiques and collectibles, offers new independent designer merchandise, handmade one-of-a-kind items, repurposed and up-cycled goods, shabby chic and French garden pieces, home décor, emerging designers, art, specialty food providers and more.  Co-founders Angie and Charles Ansanelli are curating an experience where shoppers will be able to connect directly with designers and collectors and also offering a blend of local entertainment and special events. The open-air market is held on Treasure Island, Avenue of the Palms, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., the last weekend of every month. Admission $3, 12 and under free. Parking is free and the event is dog-friendly. Public transportation is available from San Francisco via Muni route 108 which departs every 20 minutes; for schedule and routing visit www.511.org. For information visit www.treasureislandflea.com or call 415-898-0245. Media contact: Charles Ansanelli, 415-898-0245,charles@treasureislandflea.com.

 

 

 

GREEN NEWS

Free Eco-Event Event for Everyone Planned for Earth Day in San Francisco April 22, 2012

On April 22, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., more than 15,000 people from the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond are expected to converge on Civic Center Plaza to celebrate Earth Day San Francisco 2012. The free, day-long event will feature multiple stages, more than 80 merchants offering earth-friendly products, an organic food court, entertainment, keynote speakers, community leaders, civic agencies, DIY workshops, green economy and collaborative business information in one powerful day of green sustainability discussions and solutions. Among the entertainers announced are Big Brother & The Holding Company, Forrest Day, DJ Jimmy Love and many more. Speakers include Sarah Hodgdon, conservation director, Sierra Club; Jamie Henn, co-founder, 350.org,  and Richard Heinberg, author of “Peak Everything.” For information visitwww.earthdaysf.org. Media contact: Bianca Velishek, 415-786-2780, bianca.velishek@yahoo.com.

 

WINERIES, BREWERIES & TASTING ROOMS

Bluxome Street Winery Opens in San Francisco’s SOMA District

Hard to believe but 100 years ago more than 100 wineries flourished in what is now San Francisco’s South of Market (SOMA) district. Bluxome Street Winery, 53 Bluxome St., is reviving this age-old San Francisco industry with the establishment of their working winery just a few blocks from the Caltrain station at Fourth and King streets and nearby AT&T Park. This working winery, bustling tasting room and one-of-a-kind event space has become a gathering place to entrepreneurs and modern day visionaries. The 2,500-square-foot space features large windows overlooking the working winery and guests (up to 300), can enjoy a flight of wine while watching the winemaking process unfold. To date Bluxome has focused on palate-friendly and age worthy Pinot Noir and a very distinct Bluxome Sauvignon Blanc. All of the fruit for the wines is sourced from cool climate regions within 100 miles of San Francisco. For information visit www.bluxomewinery.com or call 415-543-5353. Media contact: Jennifer Velasquez, 415-543-5353, jennifer@bluxomewinery.com.

 

Ghirardelli Square Presents Seventh Annual Uncorked! Wine Festival on May 19, 2012

Food and wine lovers should make note of May 19, 2012 on their calendar when the Seventh Annual Uncorked! Wine Festival returns to Ghirardelli Square, 900 North Point St., More than 50 top-tier wineries will be pouring and added to the mix will be live entertainment, cooking demonstrations by top San Francisco chefs and wine education seminars. Uncorked! has once again partnered with local non-profit organization, Save The Bay, and will donate a portion of proceeds raised from ticket sales to support the organization’s efforts to protect, restore and celebrate the San Francisco Bay. The event will take place from 1-6 p.m. throughout the courtyards of the historic square and extend onto Beach Street, adjacent to the Square and Aquatic Park. Tasting tickets are $50 each and include a souvenir wine glass and unlimited tastings. VIP tickets are available for $80 per person and include access to a VIP area from 1-5 p.m., which will feature exclusive wine education, special sponsored activities, reserved wine tastings and general admission to the event. All other activities and demonstrations featured at the festival are free of charge. Guests are also encouraged to visit all of the unique retail stores and restaurants on the Square to experience special offers available only during Uncorked! For information visit www.ghirardellisq.com or call 415-775-5500. Media contacts: Krislyn Hashimoto, 415-392-2235, krislynh@cinchpr.com or Natalie Pavich, 415-576-1237,nataliep@cinchpr.com.

 

SIGHTSEEING AND TRANSPORTATION

Amtrak and California Rail Partners Launch Free Wi-Fi® on State-Supported Services

Amtrak and its California passenger rail partners launched free Wi-Fi service in November 2011 on three state-supported routes: the Capitol Corridor (Auburn-Sacramento-Emeryville/San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose); San Joaquin (Sacramento-Oakland-Bakersfield), and Pacific Surfliner (San Diego-Los Angeles-Santa Barbara-San Luis Obispo). Using any laptop computer or Wi-Fi enabled device, passengers traveling on these routes can now connect to the Internet through AmtrakConnectSM for general Web surfing and email. Passengers can also use the Wi-Fi service to access corporate networks through most standard Virtual Private Networks (VPN), transforming train trips into productive work time. In Amtrak’s 2011 fiscal year, more than 5.5 million passengers rode the three California state-supported trains, up approximately 7.5 percent over the previous year. California ridership represents about 20 percent of all Amtrak passengers. Wi-Fi service was the most requested amenity by passengers using these trains. For information visit www.amtrak.com. Media contacts: Vernae Graham, 510-238-4360 or Luna Salaver, 510-874-7474 or mediarelationsoakland@amtrak.com.

 

Cute as a Bug: The Bugster Experience Features VW Convertibles Loaded with GPS-

Based Itineraries and Video Camera to Record San Francisco Sightseeing Excursion

Anyone who has ever played the game “punch buggy,” will delight in one of the latest sightseeing offerings from San Francisco.  A self-guided tour, The Bugster Experience uses restored VW convertibles equipped with a state-of-the-art GPS loaded with the coordinates for many of San Francisco’s famous sightseeing destinations. In addition to the GPS, each Bugster Experience convertible includes a remote controlled video camera that records every twist and turn of the tour; a copy of the video (up to four hours) is given to the visitor at the end of the tour. The GPS can be controlled by voice or touch and is available in 20 languages. Verbally activate The Bugster Experience GPS and a list of San Francisco sightseeing options will display, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, the Castro, Palace of Fine Arts, Exploratorium, Fisherman\'s Wharf, Cable Car Museum, Haight-Ashbury and Sausalito. Tours range in length from one-hour to all-day (9 a.m. to dusk). Reservations recommended. For information visitwww.thebugsterexperience.com or call 1-855-BUGSTER (855-284-7837). Media contact: Stan Hatfield, 916-966-6071, theoutsourcegroup@sbcglobal.net.

 

Free Golden Gate Park Shuttle Offers Weekend and Holiday Service

San Francisco’s Recreation and Park Department has welcomed spring with the launch of their free shuttle ride for visitors to Golden Gate Park. The shuttle is free to all residents and visitors in San Francisco and is the cornerstone of efforts to encourage the public to ride public transit when visiting Golden Gate Park. Shuttles will run 9 a.m.-6 p.m. every 15 to 20 minutes on Saturday, Sunday and all legal holidays. Shuttles will stop at all Golden Gate Park destinations such as McLaren Lodge, National AIDS Memorial Grove, Koret Children’s Playground, Conservatory of Flowers, de Young Museum, California Academy of Sciences, Rose Garden, Stow Lake, Marx Meadow, Spreckles Lake, Bison Paddock, Dutch Windmill, Murphy Windmill, Ocean Beach and more. For information visit www.sfrecpark.org. Media contact: Connie Chan, 415-895-0689,connie.chan@sfgov.org.

 

Free One-Hour Presidio Shuttle Tour Offered First Wednesday of Each Month

The Presidio of San Francisco covers more than 1,500 acres and includes historic areas, open spaces and hidden nooks and crannies. A number of new projects are also underway. Visitors can now get a new perspective on this urban treasure on a free, one-hour Presidio Shuttle tour. The tour departs at noon on the first Wednesday of each month. Among the locations visited are the Main Post, Crissy Field, Fort Winfield Scott, the western coastal bluffs and more. Space is limited and no more than four people per party. To reserve contact the Presidio Trust at 415-561-5418 or email presidio@presidiotrust.gov. Media contact: Jody Sanford, 415-561-5418, jsanford@presidiotrust.gov.

 

PowerHiking Guides Offer 12 Walks Through the Streets of San Francisco and Environs

Authors, long-time friends and “power hikers” Carolyn Hansen and Cathleen Peck have created a compact (6 x 6-inches) guidebook for visitors to San Francisco who want to explore the city on foot and pick up some historic, cultural and architectural insights and learn more about parks, gardens, shops and restaurants . They describe powerhiking as “walking with an agenda that excites not only your senses but also your spirit.” Available at bookstores throughout the area and online at www.powerhiking.com, the guides feature photos and an easy-to-follow color map for each walk. Among the areas covered are the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Chinatown, South of Market (SOMA), Lands End, Pacific Heights, the Union Square/Embarcadero, Yerba Buena neighborhood, The Presidio, Tiburon in Marin County, and the east and west ends of Golden Gate Park. PowerHiking guides are also available for Paris, London, Seattle, New York City and London. For information visit www.powerhiking.com or call 888-897-7242. Media contact:  Carolyn Hansen, 415-269-3064, powerhiking@gmail.com.

 

SAN FRANCISCO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Paris to San Francisco: Par XLence! XL Airways France Announces New Summer Season Starting May 26, 2012

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) will soon welcome XL Airways France.  From May 26 through Sept. 8, 2012, XL Airways will offer twice-weekly nonstop service between SFO and Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), with service on Mondays and Saturdays.   Flights will depart SFO at 8:40 p.m., arriving at CDG at 4:25 p.m. (plus  one day) and depart CDG at 3:50 p.m., arriving at SFO at 6:25 p.m. “XL Airways France’s new SFO route provides our customers with yet another choice for service to Paris, one of our top international destinations,” said San Francisco International Airport Director John L. Martin.  The route is expected to be popular with visitors to San Francisco from throughout France, the fifth largest international market for visitors to San Francisco. Paris and San Francisco have been Sister Cities since 1996. Service between SFO and CDG will operate on A330-200 aircraft, with 21 seats in Galaxy Class and 343 seats in Economy class.  Galaxy Class is equipped with comfortable leather seats, daily press and magazines, complimentary pre-takeoff champagne, choice of hot meals and desserts, fine wines, individual entertainment screens, comfort kits and warm towels. For information visit www.flysfo.com. Media contact: Michael C. McCarron, 650-821-4000,michael.mccarron@flysfo.com.

 

SFO Opens First of Its Kind \"Yoga Room\" in T2 January 2012;

Post-Security Facility Allow s Passengers to Relax and Reflect

The first of its kind Yoga Room in the San Francisco International Airport’s recently refurbished Terminal 2 (T2) opened in January, 2012. The room, located just past the security checkpoint and adjacent to the Recompose Area, offers visitors the opportunity to easily step into a space devoted to contemplation and self-reflection. Drawing inspiration from contemporary color and light artists, Gensler, the architects of T2, designed a room enveloped in a calming blue color. A floating wall symbolizes a buoyant spirit and enlightened mind.  Light levels are set low and warm in juxtaposition to the bright, light filled concourse.  To assist travelers, the Airport placed a unique pictogram of a stylized image of a person in the Lotus position on all directional signs that indicate the location of the Yoga Room. For information visit www.flysfo.com.

 

Arrivals and Departures: Upcoming New Airlines and Routes at SFO

The following new airlines and routes have recently been added or will be added at San Francisco International Airport:

 

Date	Airline	Destination	Frequency
March 24, 2012	United	Tokyo (NRT)	Second daily summer flight through Oct. 27, 2012
March 25, 2012	Lufthansa	Frankfurt (FRA)	Summer season through Oct. 26, 2012
March 26, 2012	Virgin Atlantic	London (LHR)	Additional summer service through Oct. 26, 2012
April 1, 2012	United	Frankfurt (FRA)	Second daily summer flight through Oct. 27, 2012
April 1, 2012	United	London (LHR)	Second daily summer flight through Oct. 27, 2012
April 6, 2012	United	Philadelphia (PHL)	Third daily flight through Aug. 20, 2012
April 6, 2012	United	Philadelphia (PHL)	Fourth daily flight through Aug. 20, 2012
April 10, 2012	Virgin America	Philadelphia (PHL)	New LLC Destination
April 15, 2012	Frontier	Kansas City (MCI)	Discontinue service
April 29, 2012	WestJet	Calgary (YYC)	Summer season through Oct. 27, 2012
April 29, 2012	WestJet	Vancouver (YVR)	Summer season through Oct. 27, 2012
May 1, 2012	Air Canada	Montreal (YUL)	Summer season through Oct. 27, 2012
May 1, 2012	Virgin America	Seattle (SEA)	Fifth daily flight through Sept. 3, 2012
May 9, 2012	Air Berlin	Duesseldorf (DUS)	Summer season through Oct. 26, 2012
May 14, 2012	United	Washington, D.C. (DCA)	Subject to government approval
May 21, 2012	Air France	Paris (CDG)	Second daily summer flight through Sept. 30, 2012
May 26, 2012	XL Airways	Paris (CDG)	Summer season through Sept. 8, 2012
June 7, 2012	United	Anchorage (ANC)	Summer season through Aug. 27, 2012
June 7, 2012	United	Honolulu (HNL)	Fourth daily flight through Aug. 27, 2012 plus one continuing flight
June 7, 2012	United	Kahului (OGG)	Third daily flight through Aug. 27, 2012
June 7, 2012	United	Missoula (MT)	Summer season through Aug. 27, 2012
June 11, 2012	XL Airways	Paris (CDG)	Summer season through Sept. 3, 2012
June 16, 2012	Air Canada	Vancouver (YVR)	Summer season through Sept. 3, 2012
June 17, 2012	Air Canada	Toronto (YYZ)	Summer season through Sept. 3, 2012
July 1, 2012	United	Jackson Hole (JAC)	New summer destination through Aug. 27, 2012
July 1, 2012	United	Missoula (MT)	Second daily flight through Aug. 27, 2012
July 1, 2012	United	Kahului (OGG)	Fourth daily flight through Aug. 27, 2012
August 26, 2012	United	Hilo (ITO)	Discontinue service

 

 

*LCC (Low Cost Carrier)

 

For information visit www.flysfo.com. Media contact: Michael C. McCarron, 650-821-4000, michael.mccarron@flysfo.com.

 

# # #

 

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San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop flights to more than 31 international points and over 69 non-stop cities in the U.S.  For up-to-the-minute information on the Bay Area\'s largest airport, visitwww.flysfo.com