Author: Alfredo Casuso

media contact:  David Perry / (415) 767-1067 / news@davidperry.com

August 17^th – 5pm to 9pm — “The Commons on 3^rd Thursdays”:

Second in a Series of FREE Family-Friendly Events in

San Francisco’s Central Public Plazas between City Hall and Market Street

www.civiccentercommons.org / #commonsthursdays

Live Music on Three Stages, Food Trucks, Beer Gardens, and Activities for All Ages

10 August 2017 – San Francisco, CA: The second in a series of four planned evening events will happen Thursday, August 17 from 5pm – 9pm, featuring live music, food trucks, over-21 beverages, field games such as bocce ball, and other activities for all ages in Civic Center Plaza, UN Plaza, and Fulton Street between the Asian Art Museum and the San Francisco Main Public Library. 

Headlining the August 17 event will be Hot Flash Heat Wave on Fulton Street and Caribbean All Stars in Civic Center Plaza. UN Plaza will feature a variety of performances and activities celebrating San Francisco’s dynamic literary scene – including a spatial audio listening space, Music to Read By by Christopher Willits, who will be performing selections of his own catalog of ambient music and other beautiful classics. Other activities include Giant Scrabble hosted by 826 Valencia, a pop-up book store by Adobe Books and much more.

The Commons on 3^rd Thursdays is a public-private partnership between the City of San Francisco, Another Planet Entertainment, Off the Grid, Noise Pop, and the Civic Center Community Benefit District.  The event series grew out of the Civic Center Commons initiative, a strategic effort led by the City of San Francisco and community partners to transform daily experiences in these public spaces and create a unified, inclusive civic “commons”.  As part of the overall effort, visitors to the area will also see an Exploratorium sound installation in UN Plaza, an outdoor art gallery next to the Asian Art Museum, a pop-up playground in Civic Center Plaza, and a new yarn wrapping installation on trees throughout the area. 

“When our residents can share some great food with a friend or dance along with a neighbor, they are coming together to create a stronger, closer community,” said Mayor Edwin M. Lee. “These vibrant events reflect our commitment to make the Civic Center Commons safe, welcoming places for our families, visitors and workers.”

The first 3^rd Thursdays event on July 20 featured musically diverse performances by Sal’s Greenhouse, Xiomara and Sandor y su Mecanica Salsa Band and activities including bocce ball and music themed crafts by WorkshopSF. Additional events are scheduled for September 21 and October 19, with oMega Love and Stompy Jones already scheduled to headline performances these nights.

AUGUST 17 FULL LINEUP

HEADLINE PERFORMANCE/EXHIBITION DETAILS

Civic Center Plaza August 17 Headline Act: The Caribbean Allstars

The Caribbean Allstars are pioneers in the Bay Area reggae scene and longtime regulars at Ashkenaz.  The ensemble’s geographical roots range from Jamaica and South America to West Africa and the U.S.,They began joining together their musical forces and international backgrounds during the early 1970s. Out of such predecessors as Obeah and the Sons of Creation, the Caribbean Allstars were formed and became the founding fathers of Bay Area roots reggae.  Although many musicians have come through the band since its founding, it has long been guided by its director, Trinidad born drummer Hugh “Sweetfoot” Maynard.

The Caribbean Allstars not only play Jamaican reggae with a traditional electric bass-drumsguitars-keyboards lineup, but also add steel drums to bring in South Caribbean calypso and soca styles of Trinidad and Tobago, producing rhythms that drive listeners to the dance floor. Over the years the band has performed with an array of talent, including Taj Mahal, Narada Michael Walden, and Carlos Santana. Santana played on their second album and introduced them as “My favorite band” at the 1987 Bay Area Music Awards (Bammies). The Allstars were featured on Ashkenaz’s 30th anniversary cd and have for many years been one of the core bands of the Ashkenaz world music and dance community

Fulton Street Plaza August 17 Headline Act: Hot Flash Heat Wave

Hot Flash Heat Wave is the brainchild of four best friends from Davis, California. During their high school years, they met and bonded through participation in a small, tight-knit community of musicians that put on a slew of DIY shows in parents’ garages and local venues, at the time each playing in a variety of different projects. After leaving Davis for various cities in California, the four eventually reunited in San Francisco to write and record under the same roof. Their debut LP Neapolitan, released in 2015, quickly launched them to the forefront of the Bay Area music scene with its candied hooks, fuzzy guitars and tunes reminiscent of The Smiths gone new wave.

The boys have wasted no time following up with their sophomore release Soaked (LP and cassette out June 2nd on OIM Records), introducing a more diverse and groovy approach to their shimmering dream-pop sound. The album was recorded at Skyline Studios in Oakland with producer Jeff Saltzman (Hot Fuss, Green Day) and mixed by Eric Broucek (The Drums, Cut Copy, DFA Records). Where dirty guitars and speedy garage rock anthems once held the reigns, Soaked brings forth a colorful array of tones and instrumentation over compositions filled with sweeping emotion, achieving a higher level of production value and pop sensibility. It is apparent how the band’s sound has grown while still retaining loyalty to their classic, melody-centric songwriting.

United Nations Plaza August 17 Feature Exhibition: Music to Read By by Christopher Willits

Christopher Willits is a musician, artist and teacher based in San Francisco who believes that music and art can catalyze inner change. Willits creates meditative ambient electronic music created with guitar and voice, that is designed to overlap with his own cinematic film and video work. These immersive audiovisual experiences speak to a global audience on a universal level. His music on labels such as Ghostly International has garnered critical acclaim, sending him on continuous tours around the world. Multiple solo albums and collaborations with the likes of Ryuichi Sakamoto, Tycho, and Taylor Deupree have accounted for a diverse catalog with over 27 releases over the last 15 years. Christopher is the founder of the creative collective Overlap, and also Envelop, a spatial audio organization that creates listening spaces and open-source software tools. As an experienced teacher, Christopher strives to illuminate people’s vision and creativity in music and art and life, and has lectured at many leading institutions in the world.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

About Another Planet Entertainment

Another Planet Entertainment, LLC (Another Planet) was created on July 18, 2003 when Gregg W. Perloff, President/CEO of Bill Graham Presents, left to build his own company.  Since its inception in 2003, Another Planet Entertainment has been honored by a vote of its concert industry peers for a total of 14 nominations and 4 wins by Pollstar Magazine. In 2016, Gregg Perloff received the “Promoter of the Year Award” from Pollstar Magazine.

Another Planet is the exclusive promoter for the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, the Fox Theater in Oakland, The Independent, a 500-capacity nightclub in San Francisco, and Harvey’s Outdoor Amphitheatre in Lake Tahoe.  In 2010, APE was honored to be awarded the exclusive contract to operate the historic Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, a flexible capacity multi-use event and concert space that holds up to 8,500.  Another Planet also successfully produces three major festivals – Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival (beginning in 2008), Treasure Island Music Festival (beginning in 2007) and Life is Beautiful (beginning in 2013). 

Another Planet Entertainment has produced well over 5,000 events with artists as diverse as Paul McCartney, Radiohead, Neil Young, Daft Punk, Arcade Fire, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Metallica, Jack Johnson, Kanye West, Muse, Robert Plant, Phish, Elton John, Pearl Jam, Kenny Chesney, Adele, Lady Gaga, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Simon & Garfunkel.

About the Asian Art Museum

The Asian Art Museum is one of San Francisco’s premier arts institutions and home to a world-renowned collection of more than 18,000 Asian art treasures from throughout Asia spanning 6,000 years of history. Through rich art experiences, centered on historic and contemporary artworks, the museum unlocks the past for visitors, bringing it to life while serving as a catalyst for new art, new creativity and new thinking. Open until 9 pm on Thursdays and Fridays through Sept 29. www.asianart.org.

Swing by the Asian Art Museum to view Flower Power, a special exhibition exploring the hidden meanings of flowers in Asian art through gloriously gilded screens; sleek lacquers; rare porcelains; and participatory contemporary installations that speak to issues today, from climate change to social activism. And then stay for Tasting Menu: Filipino Flavors of the Bay Area. This latest installment of the museum’s popular Tasting Menu series invites four chefs to trace Philippine culinary heritage in the Bay Area. Visitors will have the opportunity to taste each chef’s take on contemporary Philippine food. 

About The Civic Center Commons Initiative

The Civic Center Commons initiative is a strategic effort led by the City of San Francisco and community partners to transform daily experiences in the City’s central public spaces between Market Street and City Hall and create a unified, inclusive civic “commons”.  Neighbors, community organizations and cultural institutions are working with City agencies and people who frequent these spaces to bring interactive art installations and play structures; more frequent activities and events; additional food and drink options; new stewardship approaches; and innovative workforce development partnerships. The goal of the initiative is to create a strong foundation for future capital improvements, including the Helen Diller Civic Center Playgrounds, set to open in Spring 2018, and the Civic Center Public Realm Plan, which is redesigning the area’s open space. For more information; visit: www.civiccentercommons.org

About Civic Center Community Benefit District

Civic Center Community Benefit District (CCCBD) is a privately-funded, not-for-profit organization that works in tandem with City agencies to provide public safety, maintenance, marketing and special events that benefit Civic Center.

About Noise Pop

Established in San Francisco in 1993, Noise Pop is one of the nation’s leading independent music promoters. Over the last 25 years Noise Pop’s namesake festival has provided exposure to some of the top emerging artists, many of which have gone on to widespread acclaim. Noise Pop is also the year-round talent buyer for the venerable San Francisco venue the Swedish American Hall, which includes Cafe du Nord, as well as producer of the free celebration of musical and culinary delights, the 20th Street Block Party. Additionally, Noise Pop partners with various organizations, venues and institutions to produce events throughout the year including the SFMOMA, California Sunday Magazine and Academy of Sciences. Noise Pop is honored to activate these San Francisco spaces and deliver an experience that celebrates the community and history of this City.    

About Off the Grid

Off the Grid Markets are founded on the idea of bringing communities together through amazing shared food experiences. Started in 2010, Off the Grid currently operates over 50 weekly public markets throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento. Off the Grid seeks to maintain a shared sense of space by collaborating with local businesses and communities to activate novel public spaces with truly unique experiences.

About People in Plazas

What began as a forum for street performers who were paid by passing the hat has become a program that provides wide exposure and more than 500 paid “gigs” annually for local musicians The series has grown to producing 120 + free performances at lunchtime in public plazas Monday through Friday in July, August and September. The program reaches an audience of more than 30,000 annually. In addition, we have produced community gatherings including movie nights, poetry readings, artisan fairs and other events that encourage community use of public spaces. Its mission is to encourage visitors, residents and workers to use our outdoor public spaces. We strive to make these spaces “everyone’s neighborhood”. We do this by producing free events in public spaces that are often underused. The “People in Plazas” series is supported by the Mayor’s Office, Art Commission, SFPD the SF Entertainment Commission and a grant from the Hotel Tax Fund /Grants for the Arts.

About San Francisco Public Library

The Main Library is the resource center for the entire San Francisco Public Library system and the libraries of Northern California. Its large collection and extensive programs and exhibits support the Library’s mission of “access to information, knowledge, independent learning and the joy of reading.”

Media Contact: DP&A, Inc., (415) 767-1067  / news@davidperry.com 

TV Listing

Ten Percent — LGBT-TV for Northern California

Wednesdays, 7pm

Rebroadcast: Thursdays – Tuesday,  11:30am & 10:30pm

Saturdays & Sundays at 10:30pm

On Comcast Hometown Network Channel 104 in Northern California and in High Def on Channel 819

Episode # 316

Wednesday, August 16,  7pm

David Perry interviews co- founder of Richmond Rainbow Pride Cesar Zepeda, about the impact of the Orlando massacre on the Latino community.

Episode # 317

Wednesday, August 23, 7pm

David Perry welcomes writer  and historian Dave Ford, discussing the lasting impacting of the Orlando shooting

Episode # 318

Wednesday, August 30, 7pm

David Perry speaks with the Right Rev. Marc Andrus, Episcopal Bishop of California, about the spiritual and religious ramifications of Orlando.

Episode # 319

Wednesday, September 6, 7pm

David Perry welcomes Kate Kendell Executive Director of National Center for Lesbian Rights, discussing the enduring legacy of Orlando on the LGBT community.

Episode # 320

Wednesday, September 13, 7pm

David Perry interviews California Senator Mark Leno about the political impact of Orlando.

Episode # 100

Wednesday, September 20, 7pm

David Perry interview Tales of the City author and LGBT advocate and activist Armistead Maupin.

Episode # 336

Wednesday, September 27, 7pm

David Perry of 10 Percent TV chats with Rob Petipas, radio DJ and Rodger Jensen, manager and event coordinator at Guerneville’s R3 Hotel, about the rebirth of the Gay Russian River.

Ten Percent is also available 24/7 through the “On Demand” Feature through your Comcast Cable Network. Choose “Get Local” and “Comcast Hometown” to access Ten Percent. Past shows may also be viewed online at www.comcasthometown.com.

Become a fan on Facebook: 10 Percent on Facebook

About Ten Percent:

Comcast Hometown Network (CHN), Comcast’s regional cable network covering Northern and Central California, continues its commitment to quality original programming with Ten Percent, a weekly interview series that focuses on lesbian, bisexual, gay and transgender (LGBT) issues.  The half-hour show, created and hosted by long-time San Francisco media professional David Perry, airs on Channel 104 and is available to all Comcast digital cable customers throughout Northern and Central California.  Each episode will then be available online at www.comcasthometown.com as well as on Comcast’s popular ON DEMAND platform, which is free to Comcast digital customers.  To view Ten Percent ON DEMAND, Comcast Digital Cable customers can tune to Channel 1 on their Digital Cable lineup or press the ON DEMAND button on their remote control, then click on the “Get Local” section, then click on “Comcast Hometown.”

“I jokingly call the show ‘Charlie Rose for the LGBT world,” said David Perry, Producer/Host of Ten Percent. “We may be only ten percent of the general population, in round numbers, but our issues are one hundred percent front-and-center in today’s world. Whether it’s the fight for marriage equality or debates about gay clergy or the right to serve openly in uniform, our issues are reflective of the world at large.”

“David has a well-known and unique voice that bridges many communities,” said Jason Holmes, Executive Producer at Comcast Hometown Network. “David’s talents and the launch of Ten Percent further enhance Comcast’s commitment to our communities and Comcast Hometown Network’s compelling, community-based regional programming,”

media contact: David Perry / (415) 767-1067 / news@davidperry.com

San Francisco’s Esteemed Sterne School Celebrates 40^th Anniversary with

New Home at Chinatown’s St. Mary’s School

www.sterneschool.org / @sterneschool

First Day of Classes is August 21

28 July 2017 – San Francisco, CA:  For 40 years, San Francisco’s Sterne School (www.sterneschool.org @sterneschool) has provided personalized educational experience for students who learn differently. With an expanded need for services over the past decade, Sterne is thrilled to be moving to an expanded new home at the site of St. Mary’s School and Chinese Catholic Center at 838 Kearny Street.  The community of teachers, students and families is celebrating its past and embracing its future.  The move is scheduled for August 1, with the first day of classes scheduled for August 21.

“I want to welcome the Sterne School to District Three and acknowledge their commitment to working with students who learn differently and their families,” said Supervisor Aaron Peskin. “This collaboration is going to ensure that the beloved community traditions and programming of historic St. Mary’s endure for generations to come.”

Sterne School is a non-profit organization and the only school in the Bay Area exclusively dedicated to Middle and High School students with learning differences.  Established in a storefront in the Sunset District in 1976 by visionary education professional Val Anthony, Sterne has since grown into a premier independent school, where specially trained faculty work with each student to foster academic achievement, self-confidence, and self-advocacy.

“For over 40 years Sterne has upheld a proud commitment to students with learning differences,” said David Bradlow, President, Sterne School Board of Directors. “Our move to Kearny Street is the most important moment in our history so far.  With space to grow our student body, this campus gives us the longed-for resources to secure the future of specialized education for thousands of Bay Area students in the decades to come.”

“Having grown up in the San Francisco Chinatown neighborhood, this new home for Sterne School is particularly meaningful, given the history of the location, how Sterne benefited our family, and knowing how many more students will benefit and thrive here into the future,” reiterated Janet Chen, Sterne School board member and site committee member. “We are grateful for this opportunity to work together with the St. Mary’s community.”

 In April 2016, St. Mary’s school building became available following the suspension of St. Mary’s School.  After a competitive RFP process and lengthy discussions with the Archdiocese and the St. Mary’s School and Parish communities, a 99-year lease agreement was reached with Sterne School. The new campus can accommodate up to 220 students, with space for a full-size gymnasium, art studios, and a science and engineering lab. The majority of the building was completed in 2011, and the unfinished spaces are exclusively available for Sterne to build out in the next 3-5 years. 

This move comes after a decade-long search for a suitable campus for Sterne School.  In the 2008 Strategic Plan, the Board of Directors cited space as the school’s most pressing priority for expanding its program – particularly around holistic co-curricular programs such as the arts and athletics. In 2012, the lease of a second campus at 245 Valencia Street allowed for the opening of Sterne High School and the development of robust athletics teams and visual and performing arts programs.  However the two-campus configuration was never an ideal choice for Sterne’s close-knit community, and the Board Site Committee never gave up hope that eventually Sterne would reunite the entire school under one roof, and pave the way for a secure future for specialized learning in the Bay Area.

“We are very excited to start the school year in our new home, and to bring this beautiful building to life with learning,” said Ed McManis, Head of Sterne School. “Moreover, our new neighborhood is rich with culture and history, right in the heart of San Francisco.  Getting to know the St. Mary’s and Chinatown communities these past few months has made us aware of the incredible opportunities for service and collaboration that are now right on our doorstep.”

“We are very excited about having The Sterne School share this magnificent building with us,” said Fr. Bart, Pastor of Old St. Mary’s Church. “While The Sterne School is independent of St. Mary’s, it is clear that we both share in the mission of academic excellence for our students.”

“There was much pain and sorrow from the St. Mary’s alumni, family and friends when the decision was made to suspend operations of the school.  The past year was painful with 90% of the building vacant without the creative energy and sounds that our hundreds of students bring.” said Jerry Lee, alumnus of St. Mary’s and also a former principal. “Looking forward, we are thankful that a quality institution like Sterne School will bring vibrancy, purpose and life to this building and, most importantly, to the community”

Helping to preserve a unique and beloved Chinatown tradition, Sterne School will continue to provide space for St. Mary’s community programs, including St. Mary’s Preschool and the Chinese Language School, along with St. Mary’s iconic and internationally-famous Drum & Bell Corps.

media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 767-1067 / news@davidperry.com

International Ocean Film Festival Hails Closing of CEMEX USA Cement Plant:

“A Win Win for the Environment and Sensible Business”

Last Coastal Sand Mine in the United States Closes After Documentary Film Shown at Festival Chronicled Environmental Damage from Cement Production

www.oceanfilmfest.org

26 July 2017 – San Francisco, CA: Call it a green-friendly business decision set in stone – actually, in concrete. After viewing a film sponsored by San Francisco’s International Ocean Film Festival (www.oceanfilmfest.org), the last sand mining company in the United States has decided to close, a direct impact of the film – Sand Wars directed by Denis Delestrac – and the Festival’s environmental impact and advocacy. On July 13, the California Coastal Commission approved an agreement whereby CEMEX USA’s Lapis facility on Monterey Bay will cease dredging operations that undermine beaches and cause irreversible erosion.

“This is a win win for the environment and for sensible business,” said Ana Blanco, Executive Director for the International Ocean Film Festival whose screening of the film Sand Wars in November 2015 in Monterey, California was the catalyst for CEMEX USA shuttering its business in Monterey. “Film has the power to illuminate, educate and in this instance, truly generate positive change. We want to publicly thank CEMEX and its leadership for this decision. This is truly a case of highlighting our mission to save our oceans, one film at a time.”

Details of the agreement will allow for a gradual shutdown of all operations by CEMEX, who said in an official statement that although they believed that had never broken any laws or consciously caused environmental damage, they “wanted to be a good neighbor.” With its headquarters in Mexico, the CEMEX plant on Monterey Bay will be allowed to process already-dredged sand for another three years before a complete shutdown. Operating since 1906, CEMEX has been extracting roughly 270,000 cubic yards of sand per year: “That’s the equivalent of a large dump-truck load every half hour, 24 hours a day — enough to cause severe erosion along the southern Monterey Bay coastline, according to geologists and oceanographers who have studied the impacts.” (San Francisco Chronicle, July 13, 2017). Such sea bottom sand has been used for over a century as a primary ingredient in high quality concrete mixtures. For decades, ocean advocates and scientists have been pointing to the environmental damage done by the practice, especially in a time whcn technology provides other reasonable options.

“You can draw a direct line between our showing of Sand Wars and this result,” reiterated Blanco, noting the Festival’s partnership with the Surfrider Foundation Monterey Chapter and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. “This is the real reason for the existence of the International Ocean Film Festival: education and real progress.”

Since its launch in 2004, the San Francisco-based International Ocean Film Festival has attracted thousands of spectators of all ages from around the world, including film enthusiasts, sea athletes, educators, and environmental supporters. Since then, the Festival has presented over 50 films from 15 different countries and featured post-film Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers, special panel discussions with content experts, and the Annual Free Student Education Program. It was the first event of its kind in North America, inspired by the well-established ocean festival in Toulon, France, which has continued to draw large audiences for more than 40 years. The 15th Annual International Ocean Film Festival will take place March 8 – 12, 2018 at venues around San Francisco. The International Ocean Film Festival is a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit.

media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 767-1067 / news@davidperry.com

WHAT: The Commons on 3^rd Thursdays

Public Private Partnership Brings Family-Friendly Inclusive Event

Featuring Food, Fun and Festivities to Plazas Around

San Francisco’s Tenderloin & Central Market

WHO: SF Mayor’s Office of Office of Economic & Workforce Development and Civic Center CBD Coordinate Series

Entertainment provided by:

Another Planet Entertainment, Asian Art Museum,

Noise Pop, Off the Grid, SF Recreation & Parks & People in Plazas

WHERE: Three linked public spaces

• UN Plaza
• Fulton Street between the Library & the Asian Art Museum
• Civic Center Plaza

WHEN: July 20: 4pm – 8pm

WEB / SOCIAL: www.civiccentercommons.org / #commonsthursdays

HOW MUCH:               FREE and open to the public

ENTERTAINMENT: Another Planet Entertainment:

• DJ Funklor: 4pm – 5:15pm
• Rojai: 5:15pm-6pm
• Sal’s Greenhouse: 6:30pm-8pm

Noise Pop:

• SF Rock Project: 4pm – 4:30pm
• SFJazz High School Ensemble: 5pm – 5:40pm
• Xiomara: 6:10pm – 6:50pm

People In Plazas:

• DJ Walt Digs: 4pm – 5pm; 5:50pm – 6:10pm; 7pm – 8pm
• Sandor y Su Mecanica: 5pm – 5:50pm; 6:10pm – 7pm

WHY: The “Commons on 3^rd Thursdays” series of events grew out of the Civic Center Commons Initiative: a strategy to significantly improve the day-to-day safety, comfort and experience of the three public spaces between Market Street and City Hall. The goal: transform the area’s public spaces into a unique gathering place that works for everyone, every day, especially for families and children who live and work in the Tenderloin and Central Market areas.

“With the ‘Commons on 3rd Thursdays’ series, San Francisco is working with our community groups and private partners to enliven public spaces within the Civic Center neighborhood,” said San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee. “These spaces play a critical role in our civic life and provide areas where San Franciscan families can come together to connect and unite around our shared values. With new housing opportunities attracting more families to this neighborhood, it is important that we foster a unified gathering place at the Civic Center.”

Three more “Commons on 3^rd Thursday” events are on the calendar: August 17, September 21 and October 19 with plans already under discussion for a Holiday period series.