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Mayor Breed Announces SF LIVE Concert Series

Program will fund outdoor music performances in parks and plazas across San Francisco beginning in May 

22 April 2024 – San Francisco: Today, Mayor London N. Breed and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development announced a new outdoor concert series in San Francisco. Taking place between May and October 2024, the SF Live series brings arts and culture into our parks and plazas through free performances curated by live music and entertainment venues that showcase a variety of local, national and international talent.  

SF Live debuts on May 4 at the Golden Gate Park Bandshell with “Electric Fields,” a celebration of electronic music presented by The Great Northern and Monarch and featuring performances by Doc Martin, Galen, and DJ M3. Additional events will take place across May and June at Fulton Plaza, Union Square, and the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater. More information about all upcoming SF Live events may be found atwww.sflivefest.com This website will be regularly updated with announcement of new concerts in the series over the coming months. 

“San Francisco recognizes the profound impact and contribution of our nightlife and entertainment industry, not only as a source of cultural vitality but also as an engine driving economic growth,” said Mayor London Breed.  “SF Live will show off our talented local artists, promote our world class venues and boost the city as a premiere music and arts destination. And SF Live will bring the joy and fun our city and residents deserve right now.” 

The goals of the initiative are to showcase and support the San Francisco music and entertainment sector, boost neighborhood vitality, activate open spaces and enhance the City’s economic revitalization through arts and culture. Funding through SF Live covered the costs of producing the outdoor event series as well as stipends to participating entertainment venues that curated talent lineups and promote the performances. The $2.5 million investment is funded through an allocation from the California State Legislature led by City Attorney David Chiu, when he was an Assemblymember. 

“San Francisco’s live music scene is legendary and helps make us such a special city,” said City Attorney David Chiu. “I am thrilled the state funding we secured will support our live music venues, aid in San Francisco’s economic recovery, and bring a lot of fun to our neighborhoods. Thanks to OEWD and all of the participating venues for curating incredible talent and bringing us all together.” 

“Nightlife and entertainment are economic drivers in San Francisco and will be critical to our city’s continued economic revitalization,” said Sarah Dennis Phillips, Executive Director of the Office the Economic and Workforce Development.  “The SF Live concert series is a celebration of live music in San Francisco, and I’m really excited for our residents, workers, and visitors to experience the amazing concerts that SF live music venues are creating in our world-class parks and plazas.” 

 
Each concert offers a diverse lineup of artists, ranging from rising indie bands to well-established jazz ensembles and high-energy pop acts. Attendees can expect a unique and dynamic concert experience that showcases the breadth and depth of San Francisco’s musical talent. The SF Live concert series was produced in partnership with Illuminate, San Francisco Parks Alliance, Noise Pop, the Union Square Alliance and Plinth Agency.

“The SF Live project has been a bright spot for Bottom of the Hill this year. It allowed me to book a headlining band I’ve always wanted to book but was too big for my venue. Partnering with Illuminate, who knows the ins and outs of putting on larger productions in outdoor spaces, has allowed us to focus on the fun stuff! And knowing we’re providing this programming to the general public for free is a really great feeling!” said Lynn Schwarz, owner of Bottom of the Hill. “This program is a gem that emerged from the darkness of the COVID era and can get our name out to people who might not be familiar with us, as well as help turn SF into a real music city again.” 

Over the next six months, SF Live series concerts will take place throughout San Francisco at iconic open spaces and locations such as the Golden Gate Park Bandshell, Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, Union Square Plaza, Civic Center Plaza, Crane Cove Park, Fulton Plaza, and Eagle Plaza.

Participating entertainment and music venues include:Mr. Tipple’s, The Great Northern, Monarch, Madrone Art Bar, Bottom of the Hill, El Rio, Neck of the Woods, Great American Music Hall, Rickshaw Stop, The EndUp, Pandora Karaoke, Kilowatt, Cafe Du Nord, The Chapel, and The SF Eagle.

SF Live is closely aligned with other successful efforts to promote the City’s recovery through arts and entertainment, and to support the local music and entertainment sector. During the pandemic, Mayor Breed led several important programs to increase access to outdoor commercial and cultural activities, including the $3 million Music and Entertainment Venue Recovery Fund and the Just Add Music outdoor entertainment permit, which is now a permanent program. Since the end of the pandemic, Mayor Breed has continued to champion the nightlife and entertainment sector through fee waivers to help businesses continue to offer outdoor music and streamlining legislation to simplify entertainment permitting and reduce barriers for entrepreneurs starting live music venues. 

SF Live is also made possible from the support of the Recreation and Parks Department. “SF Live embodies the natural harmony between music and parks,” said San Francisco Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “Concerts remind us that parks aren’t just green spaces; they’re stages for community gathering and celebration. Events like SF Live foster a deeper connection bet between people and their surroundings, amplifying the joy and sense of belonging that music brings to our outdoor spaces.” 

 
Prior to the pandemic, an economic impact study by the City Controller found that San Francisco’s nightlife and entertainment sector — including restaurants, bars, nightclubs, live music venues and performing art spaces — generated $6 billion in local spending while employing over 60,000 people. Nightlife also plays a critical role in the City’s economic recovery and revitalization moving forward.  

To stay updated on SF Live events and performances, visit www.sflivefest.com and follow @sflivefest on Instagram.

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San Francisco Marks 45th Anniversary of San Francisco-Shanghai Sister City Relationship 

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Mayor’s Press Office
mayorspressoffice@sfgov.org

Established in 1979 by Mayor Dianne Feinstein, the Sister City was the first established between the United States and China and today remains an integral component for diplomatic relations  

21 April 2024 – SHANGHAI: San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed joined Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng of the People’s Republic of China, the U.S. Consulate General in Shanghai, local government leaders, members of the Shanghai Sister City Committee, and the Mayor’s delegation on Saturday in Shanghai to mark the 45th anniversary of the San Francisco Shanghai Sister City relationship. 

The Sister City memorandum of understanding between the two cities will be signed and renewed next month in May when Mayor Gong leads a Shanghai Sister City delegation to San Francisco. Yesterday during the anniversary reception, Mayors Breed and Gong reemphasized commitments on behalf of San Francisco and Shanghai to advance mutually beneficial economic cultivation opportunities, cultural exchange efforts including exploring possibilities for student exchange programs, and tourism promotion.  

Over the years, the San Francisco Shanghai Sister City partnership has seen more than 200 collaborative projects across various sectors. Notable events include “Shanghai Week in SF” and “SF Week in Shanghai.” The relationship has also facilitated interactions with future Chinese leaders and played a key role in San Francisco’s participation in the Shanghai Expo 2010.  

“I am deeply grateful to be in beautiful Shanghai with Mayor Gong to mark the 45th anniversary of the San Francisco-Shanghai Sister City Relationship,” said Mayor London Breed. “Our sister city relationship stands as a bridge between our nations, facilitating valuable exchanges that drive progress, innovation, and mutual understanding. We not only celebrate the rich history and achievements of our partnership but also reaffirm our commitment to a future built on mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration.” 

“Mayor Breed’s visit has been very productive, and I look forward to leading a delegation to visit San Francisco in May,” said Shanghai Mayor Gong Zheng. “I believe that such exchanges and visits will enhance the friendly ties and promote better cooperations in economy, culture and commerce.” 

Currently, the Sister City relationship includes judicial and government exchanges, business management fellowships, and the development of a Chinese Garden in San Francisco.  

Mayor Gong will lead a Sister City delegation from Shanghai to San Francisco this May. 

“As we celebrate the relationship between San Francisco and Shanghai,’ said Daphne Fang, Chair of the San Francisco Sister City Committee. ‘I am so honored to be able to help connect Mayor Breed and Mayor Gong, and their delegations with various institutes for so many meaningful exchanges among the people of the two cities. I look forward to continuing this work together by collaborating with both cities.” 

In 1979, San Francisco initiated a pioneering Sister City relationship with Shanghai, a major business and financial hub in China. This partnership, the first of its kind between the U.S. and China, was largely the result of dedicated efforts by community leaders like Supervisor Tom Hsieh, Gordon Lau, and notably James Fang. Tragically, Fang passed away in August 2020, but his legacy continues through the diligent stewardship of his wife, Daphne Fang, along with significant contributions from Mrs. Florence Fang and Jim Wunderman of the Bay Area Council.  

This relationship, founded during Mayor Diane Feinstein’s tenure, followed the normalization of U.S.- China diplomatic relations in the late 1970s. Feinstein led a delegation to Beijing and Shanghai, where she and Shanghai Mayor Wang Daohan agreed on a Sister-City relationship. The formal agreement was signed in early 1980, following President Carter’s announcement of official diplomatic ties.