San Francisco-Ca NightLife

San Francisco-Ca NightLife information

Music

Classical San Francisco Symphony The San Francisco Symphony gave its first concert in December 1911, and has been one of the country's top symphonies since. Under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas, the orchestra has recently won a number of prestigious recording awards. Performances take place at the exquisite Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall, which holds more than 2,700 people and boasts a 72-foot-high ceiling. The hall, opened in 1980, cost USD27.5 million to build and over USD10 million to renovate in the early '90s. It is equipped with a 9,000-pipe Ruffati organ. If you can't make it to a performance here the hall is open for tours during the week. 210 Van Ness Ave.; Tel: +1 (1)415-864-6000. Contemporary San Francisco is blessed with numerous top-quality live music venues for all genres. The free weekly papers, SF Weekly and the Bay Guardian, are the best sources for live-music information and you'll need to scan them closely - there is simply loads going on. Fillmore The most historic of San Francisco's music venues, the Fillmore opened in 1912 as a dance hall, and later became renowned for hosting just about every thinkable legendary act of the 1960s. Photos of the stars that played the Fillmore line the walls, and upstairs, where food is served, the walls are filled with posters from hundreds of Fillmore shows. Free posters at the end of a concert is still a tradition. This is one of the city's best live music venues. 1805 Geary at Fillmore. Tel: +1 (1)415-346-6000. Warfield Opened in 1922, The Warfield is the city's main venue for large contemporary acts that are not quite stadium bands. The architecture is of Victorian influence, with ornate touches. The floor is gradated into a few levels, and there is an upper balcony, making it easy to get a decent view even in the most crowded of shows. Sound quality is usually excellent. 982 Market Street. Tel: +1 (1)415-775-7722. Bill Graham Civic Auditorium Though it's mostly used for conventions or parties, this four-storey Beaux-Arts building has been occasionally used as a concert space for megastars, such as Madonna. 99 Grove Street. Tel: +1 (1)415-974-4000. Great American Music Hall One of San Francisco's legendary music spots is the Great American Music Hall, built in 1907. It started out with the name Blanco's and was a popular restaurant and bordello until 1933. A few years later it was turned into a dance spot called the Music Box. The concert hall still sports marble columns, ceiling frescoes and an ornate balcony. 859 O'Farrell St, Tel: +1 (1)415-885-0750. Yoshi's Though it's a bit of a drive from San Francisco, Yoshi's is worth the trip for jazz lovers. This live music venue attracts the top names in the jazz scene, both classic and contemporary. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square, Oakland. Tel: +1 (1)510-238-9200.

Theatre

The centre of San Francisco's theatre district lies within the city's Union Square region. Some of the travelling Broadway shows stop here, but many of the performances at these theatres are original scripts from local playwrights. Main theatres include: The Curran (445 Geary St. Tel: +1 (1)415-551-2000), Golden Gate (1 Taylor St. Tel: +1 (1)415-551-2000), Theater on the Square (450 Post St. Tel: +1 (1)415-433-9500), the Geary (415 Geary St. Tel: +1 (1)415-433-9500), Mason Street (430 Mason St. Tel: +1 (1)415- 982-5463), and the Lorraine Hansberry (620 Sutter St. Tel: +1 (1)415-474-8800). Other major performance spaces include the The Orpheum Theater (1192 Market Street at 8th Avenue. Tel: +1 (1)415-512-7770) and the Herbst Theater in the Civic Center (401 Van Ness Avenue. Tel: +1 (1)415-621-6600). The Herbst Theater features the City Arts and Lecture Series as well as spoken word, solo musical performances, and other theatrical events. Interestingly this was the spot chosen for the signing of the United Nations charter in 1945. The massive murals were originally painted by Frank Brangwyn for the Panama-Pacific International Exposition of 1915 in San Francisco. Yerba Buena Gardens Yerba Buena Gardens is home to the Center for the Arts complex, more than five acres of gardens, the Martin Luther King Memorial waterfalls, exhibition galleries, and Zeum, an arts and technology centre for children from eight to 18. The centre includes a 755-seat auditorium and the Charles Loof Carousel. 701 Mission St; Tel: +1 (1)415-978-2787. Beach Blanket Babylon Beach Blanket Babylon has become a permanent feature in San Francisco's entertainment scene. This kitschy cabaret show is loosely based on a story of Snow White travelling the world to find her prince and along the way encounters a cast of local and national "stars", portrayed by the wacky cast. The costumes are outlandish. Reserve in advance. Club Fugazi. 678 Green at Powell. Tel: +1 (1)415-421-4222.

Opera

San Francisco Opera Following a USD85 million renovation several years ago, the 3,400-seat War Memorial Opera House now features gilded chandeliers, an orchestra pit on hydraulic lifts, and other lavish touches. Productions are often grandiose and performances of high calibre. 301 Van Ness Ave; Tel: +1 (1)415-864-3330 (tickets). Tel: +1 (1)415-861-4008 (general information). For information about tours of the Opera House, call Tel: 510-524-5220 (from within the city).

Cinema

Although you're not in tinsel town - that's a good 600km down the coast - San Francisco more than holds its own when it comes to the big screen. The city is liberally sprinkled with movie houses from the last century and going to the cinema remains a popular night out for just about everyone. Castro Theater By far the most regal movie house in the city, the Castro Theater retains the Art Deco design from its '20s origins. The theatre is adorned with murals, a stately chandelier and red-carpeted staircases that lead to a large balcony. The centrepiece is the mighty Wurlitzer organ that is still played before movies and as accompaniment to silent films. The Castro screens classic and art films, and is home to the renowned San Francisco International Film Festival, as well as other film festivals throughout the year. 429 Castro St. Tel: +1 (1)415-621-6120. Metreon Sony's Metreon is a full family entertainment centre. Aside from a 15-screen movie theatre and San Francisco's only IMAX screen, the Metreon offers nine restaurants, PlayStation, an area for all ages called Where the Wild Things Are, and numerous gift shops. Open: daily 10h00-22h00. 4th between Mission and Howard Streets. Tel: +1 (1)415-369-6000. Kabuki 8 Located in the heart of Japantown, the Kabuki is an 8-screen multiplex. Some of the screens are small, but for the most part the Kabuki is a comfortable spot to catch first-run films. It can get overcrowded on weekends, so popular movies tend to sell out. Post and Fillmore. Tel: +1 (1)415-922-4262. Red Vic One of San Francisco's premiere independent movie houses, the Red Vic shows many smaller name films as well as second-run Hollywood flicks. The theatre itself has a homey feel. Popcorn is served in wooden bowls, and tea and coffee come in real mugs. 1727 Haight St. Tel: +1 (1)415-668-3994.

Nightlife

San Francisco is renowned for its nightlife, which is always eclectic and evolving. You'll find absolutely everything to suit somewhere in the city, from Latino salsa clubs, to hardcore dance and everything in between. Check local listings for events and club nights during your stay - or head for one of these favourites. If you're looking for gay or lesbian bars and clubs you're in the right place. Best spots to head for include the area around Castro Street, as well as the trendy South of Market (SoMa) and Nob Hill districts. Local publications like Gay Pocket San Francisco and Gloss have listings of what's on and are widely available. Matrix Fillmore 3138 Fillmore St Tel: +1 (1)415-563-4180 In 1965 Marty Balin, lead singer for Jefferson Airplane, opened the Matrix Club in San Francisco for his own band, and it became one of the three most influential clubs in the city, hosting the likes of Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead and the Doors. Though the Matrix closed in 1972, a new Matrix recently reopened in its place, and is now one of the hottest bars in the Marina. MatrixFillmore, as it is called now, features DJs every night, playing a variety of groove and lounge music. A gas fire and comfortable sofas greet visitors, while the back of the club offers some privacy with booths and more couches. Special cocktails such as an apple pie martini cost from USD7 to USD10. There is an extensive wine list, and pricey small meals are available. Elbo Room 647 Valencia St, between 17th and 18th Tel: +1 (1)415-552-7788 The first-floor bar at this Mission area venue is almost always packed in tight. There is no cover to sip cocktails downstairs, but upstairs there is usually a small charge for the live-music performance or DJs. Different nights feature different genres, anything from acid jazz to funk and dub. Many of the city's most popular jazz musicians had their start at the Elbo Room. For live shows, the upstairs can get quite crowded, and the dance floor pretty sweaty. But the crowd, mainly locals, is upbeat and the vibe always positive. Beauty Bar 2299 Mission St at 19th Tel: +1 (1)415-285-0323 Originally a New York phenomenon, the San Francisco Beauty Bar has been quite a hit among the locals since opening about four years ago. The funkyincludes a room with old hair salon paraphernalia, such as giant hair dryers. The best deal is a USD10 manicure inside that includes a cocktail. Different nights offer different musical themes, such as hip-hop, funk and soul on Saturdays. Wednesday is a popular night as well, featuring a well-known local DJ. That's also the only night there is any cover charge - USD5. 2202 Oxygen Bar 795 Valencia St Tel: +1 (1)415-255-2102 At the Oxygen Bar, patrons don't do shots, they stick tubes in their noses and inhale oxygen. People of all ages chat on couches under lava lamps during their oxygen sessions, not quite the usual bar pickup scene. The bar also sells herbal elixirs, aromatherapy blends and body purifying tonics. Music appropriately includes ambient, futuristic, electronic soundscapes and world beats. Closed on Mondays. Bimbo's 365 Club 1025 Columbus Ave Tel: +1 (1)415-474-0365 A speakeasy that originally opened in 1931 at a Market Street location, Bimbo's turned into supper club after Prohibition ended. The plush- red carpet and velvet curtained stage - still evokes a big band era feel, though the live acts that perform here are much more eclectic, ranging from contemporary blues to alternative rock. The main bar, also known as The Continental Lounge, is home to Dolfina, the projection of a mermaid in a fish bowl.

Comedy

Located in the city's historic Cannery Building, Cobb's Comedy Club has been the main comedy venue in the city for more than 20 years. There are comedy performances nightly, and two show times on Friday and Saturday nights. The Cannery, 2801 Leavenworth. Tel: +1 (1)415-771-3112

Sports

San Francisco can boast several top class professional teams that play at several venues around the city, in America's nationwide baseball, American football and basketball leagues. There are few better places to be if you want to check out the thrills of American spectator sport. SBC Park Opened in 2000 as a new home for the San Francisco Giants baseball team, SBC Park has been quite a success so far. The park was built as an old-style, intimate stadium in China Basin, on the east of the city. The views from the stands overlooking the bay are worth the visit, and it's fun to watch the boats roll in during the games, waiting to retrieve any home-run balls lofted into the water. Out front is a statue dedicated to baseball legend Willie Mays. Tickets are on the expensive side, but there is a hole in the right field fence purposely built to allow fans a free peak at the game. Tours of the park are available. Third and King St. Tel: +1 (1)415-478-2277 for tickets and Tel: +1 (1)415-972-2400 for tours. 3Com Park Formerly known as Candlestick Park, 3Com is home to the San Francisco 49ers football team. Games are almost always sold out. There is parking at or near the ballpark. Shuttle buses run from downtown to 3Com Park on game days as well. Winds tend to whip up at 3Com, so dress in layers. The ticket office can give schedule and ticket advice Tel: +1 (1)415-656-4900. McAfee Coliseum The McAfee Coliseum (formerly known as the Oakland Coliseum) is home to both the Oakland A's baseball team and the Oakland Raiders football team. Though it doesn't have the views of SBC Park, the Coliseum offers much more reasonably priced baseball tickets. Raiders tickets are hard to come by. There is a parking lot at the Coliseum, but it's easier to take BART directly to the Coliseum from the city. 7000 Coliseum Way. Tel: +1 (1)510-625-8497. Oakland Arena In the same complex as the Coliseum, the Oakland Arena is home to the Golden State Warriors basketball team. Basketball tickets are readily available. 7000 Coliseum Way. Tel: +1 (1)510-762-2277.

Special Events

San Francisco loves a party and most of the annual events see the entire city revel in a carnivalesque atmosphere. Parades are a favourite, and there are simply loads of them - most celebrating one of the different cultures and lifestyles that are represented in San Francisco's unique cultural make-up. January On the second Saturday of each January, locals come together for the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr's Birthday. Celebrations, which take place on the Saturday and Monday of that weekend include a youth and family day at the Yerba Buena Gardens, free entrance to local museums, parades, speeches, music and performers. Monday is an official bank holiday and is when most of the major events of the weekend take place. Contact the Tourist Board for further information. February The Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade claims to be the largest outside Asia and you can easily believe it. There are floats, marching bands, martial arts groups, lion dancers, stilt walkers and acrobats followed up the rear by a spectacular Golden Dragon, which is over 200ft long. The day ends with a bang as over 6000 firecrackers are set off. The parade takes place along Market and Second Street. March Another large parade takes place in March, this time to celebrate St Patrick's Day. It begins just after midday, starting at Second and Market Streets and concluding at the Town Hall. Street performers get the chance to display their talents to captive audiences in March during the annual Street Performers Festival. The festival takes place at Pier 39 with performances staged at the Entrance Plaza and Center Stage. April Head to the Japantown area of San Francisco in April for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The festival comprises two packed weeks of performances, Japanese food, martial arts exhibitions and traditional crafts. Each spring, film lovers will enjoy the San Francisco Independent Film Festival. The festival showcases approximately 200 new films, including documentaries and short films produced by local and international talent. Contact the San Francisco Film Society for further details. Tel: +1 (1)415-561-5000. The last Sunday in April marks the official opening of the boating season. Head along to Pier 39 where you will see over 150 decorated boats sailing out in the Bay. May Paramount's Great America theme park plays host to one of the biggest gay and lesbian festivals during Memorial Day weekend. Rides are open until midnight and the fun continues on until dawn and through until Sunday for the T-dance day at Club 1015. June The North Beach Festival in San Francisco's Little Italy attracts over 100,000 people to its door each June. This is one of the most popular street festivals on the yearly calendar. There is plenty for everyone to enjoy including music, poetry, street chalk art, and arts and crafts stalls. Stalls offering traditional Italian fare are one of the major draws and you might even spot the celebrity pizza toss. Over half a million people are expected to take part in San Francisco's annual Pride Parade held in June to celebrate the alternative and gay lifestyles of many of San Francisco's inhabitants. If you are in the city then you can't miss the colourful floats, which make their way through the centre. July The fourth of July is celebrated in San Francisco as elsewhere in the USA with an amazing firework spectacular. The display can be viewed from around the bay as the colourful explosions fill the sky. If you prefer to get closer to the action the bay is full of boats and cruisers.