The Magic of Kate Kilbane
Less than 5 years ago, an up and coming New York Theater Director named Kate Kilbane picked up a bass guitar for the first time. A new man in her life felt it just might be her instrument. The move struck a chord that would send her in a new direction. Nearly 3,000 miles from…
One last shout out for the SF Giants Fans!
We may not be dancing in the streets this week, but the SF Giants World Series win can still be felt everywhere you go. There’s just a certain sparkle in the eyes of everyone. This morning I was doing laundry with a neighbor and we were showing off our Giants T-shirts. She watched the final…
San Francisco Goes Wild with World Series Win
History was made on this night as the SF Giants scored World Series Victory and the city is crazy with excitement. Because the team was playing in Texas, San Francisco put up a jumbo screen outside City Hall and thousands upon thousands turned out. As people got off work, the crowd became unbelievable. Perhaps it…
Rail Journey to Seven Secret Dance Destinations
Nature, wildlife and rails are the backdrop and inspiration behind an amazing dance journey down San Francisco’s backroads. “Trolley Dances” is a mix of artful performances designed to both delight and inspire. San Francisco’s MUNI escorts the curious down hidden paths into a mystical musical awakening. There’s even a political statement or two along the…
The Secret Sauce of North Beach
Celbrate Italia – The Italian Heritage Parade is a buffet of beauty — and it’s been a celebration of wine, song, chefs and fraternal organizations for going on 150 years (back when the average lunch was 25 cents). What other parade would you catch a pepperoni roll flying through the air in lieu of bubble gum?…
Cityscape in the Sand
Imaginations ran wild this year with San Francisco as the theme of the LEAP Sandcastle Contest (now 27 years strong). Architects pair up with kids to build extraordinary designs and the creativity kicks up as high as the waves down at Ocean Beach. Future innovators are born here. But what really impressed me is the…
On any given Sunday
San Francisco is always a celebration — and this is just a taste of what one weekend day can bring. Blues, kazoos, artful dance, rising musicians, even an event that brings out 400,000 to showcase leather-clad accessories — it’s all a brilliant blend of all that makes the city shine. This day brought me to…
Art in the Sky
With the sky as their canvas, professional kite fliers take to the Marina Green for The Family Day Kite Festival. There’s the Teddy Bear with his honey pot, a giant octopus, a whale, giant frogs – it’s one spectacular display of color. There’s something so peaceful about watching the giant figures dance on the horizon…
Altered Barbie Exhibition Fascinates Everyone
As we prepare for the 2010 show, take a look back at 2009 — Altered Barbie celebrates the most creative doll in history. Artists love her and find so many ways to give her new form and meaning. There’s even Barbie Poetry night coming up this month. It’s an ‘only in San Francisco’ experience that’s…
Argentine Tango – Outside in the Open Air
The Bay Area Argentine Tango Association encourages everyone to grab a partner and learn to dance. And they’ll teach you for free in the open air – whether it’s near the ocean or in the heart of Union Square! They’re hoofing it everywhere and bringing in incredibly talented performers to boot. I had the privilege…
Autumn Moon Festival – celebrating summer’s harvest
The Autumn Moon Festival falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month of the Chinese calendar. It’s a time to celebrate and remember the lore of Chang E – the mythical Moon Goddess of Immortality. But the moon shines upon everyone. From moon cakes to ribbon dances, it’s a colorful array of rich…
American Idol hopefuls converge on San Francisco
More than 10,000 people flocked to San Francisco for their chance in the spotlight this month. A sea of dreamers with tickets to audition brought their vocal talent, instruments, and a much needed supply of patience. By 5am, there wasn’t a parking space to be found outside AT&T Park as Hollywood hopefuls lined the pavement…
Same-sex marriage – a yo-yo of approvals and denials
The last six years have been a whirlwind of back and forth decisions on the rights of same-sex couples to legally wed. The latest hurdle in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals puts another postponement on marriages while the legal process plays out — ultimately heading to the U.S. Supreme Court. So I guess it’s…
San Francisco Celebrates Peruvian Flavor
Postcards from SF 