One of Northern California’s biggest hip-hop stars is rolling through San Francisco to mark a new career milestone. Sacramento’s Mozzy drops his brand new album—Survivor’s Guilt, his first with a major label (Interscope)—on Friday.
Also this weekend: Deal With the Dragon, a new play opening at The Magic Theater at Fort Mason, is a “grown up fairy tale;” the folks at Non Stop Bhangra invite you to “Crash an Indian Wedding Party;” the community remembers San Francisco bar owner Sam Jordan with a block party in his honor; and the San Francisco Jewish Film Festival—in partnership with the Contemporary Jewish Museum—present a screening of Labyrinth followed by a Q&A with one of the film’s puppeteers.
Read on for all this and more.
Thursday, July 21
The Chapel,
8 p.m. | $18
Sam Evian’s most recent album, Time To Melt, is as gorgeous as it is poignant. Lyrics like “Heaven has a ways to go, But I found you,” on “Dream Free,” are in stark contrast to “Living in America, we tell ourselves almost anything but truth,” on “Knock Knock.” But what connects these disparate themes is wonderfully-arranged psychedelic folk instrumentation. Fender Rhodes keys, interstellar strings and even a horn section tip a cap to the sounds of the ’70s, for an artist who speaks in dreamy soundscapes. Opener Maia Friedman is a singer with Brooklyn’s prolific indie rock band Dirty Projectors, who just released her debut solo album of gently stitched vocal cinematica, Under The New Light. This is an ideal Thursday night foray at The Chapel. (AS)
Friday, July 22
The Regency Ballroom, 1300 Van Ness Ave
9 p.m. | $30+
Good things come to those who grind. Just ask veteran Sacramento emcee Mozzy, who comes to the city this Friday on the heels of a brand new studio album. The Oak Park ambassador’s latest effort, Survivors Guilt, drops on July 22—the same night as his show at The Regency. While fans and NorCal hip-hop heads have been in the know for years, it looks like the wider rap game is starting to catch on to Mozzy. The 15-song set is getting some major label love. Survivors Guilt is being released through Interscope and boasts a number of high-profile features, including YG, Yo Gotti and 2 Chainz, with production help from in-demand talent like DJ Mustard (NV)
The Masonic, 1111 California Street
8 p.m. | $40
A giant of roots reggae, Burning Spear (born Winston Rodney) has been making music since 1969. His lyrical world vision focuses upon Rastafarianism, Black pride, and the plight of the poor, oppressed and marginalized. His work has been an important part of spreading reggae’s popularity beyond its native Jamaica. Burning Spear has earned many honors including two Grammy Awards (and 10 more nominations) as well as an Order of Distinction from the Jamaican government. He dannounced his retirement in 2016 but has returned for select engagements this year, including the popular Rototom Sunsplash festival in Spain. (BK)
The Magic Theatre, Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Boulevard
8 p.m. | $20-$70
We all need cautionary fables to understand ourselves and the world around us, but not everyone is able to locate the moral of the story in their own lives. Deal with the Dragon is a new play at Magic Theatre written and performed by Kevin Rolston and directed by M. Graham Smith. This self-described “grown up fairy tale” tackles the made up monsters we fight within ourselves, and it isn’t afraid to point out that sometimes, our inner demons win the war. The show debuts this Friday and runs through Aug. 13. (BF)
Fort Mason, 2 Marina Blvd.
5 p.m. | Free
Celebrate the spirit of Karl the fog at Fort Mason’s street food fair by the water. In honor of San Francisco’s frequent atmospheric friend, food vendors will be serving up their foggy notions of what Karl might enjoy—from foam-topped dishes to dry ice cocktails. A local celebrity meterologist will be on hand to geek out about all things climate, and attendees are encouraged to show up like it’s a French all-white attire dinner party for a 10% discount at the bar all night. Many San Franciscans may pray that Karl does not rain on their parade, but this is one occasion where his cloudy presence may be most welcome. Admission is free. Food costs vary. (CJC)
Saturday, July 23
The Cliff House, 1090 Point Lobos Ave.
11 a.m., Weekends Through Aug. 21 | Free
Explore the real and imagined history of “Naiad Cove”—the name American settlers gave to the small bay at the foot of Sutro Baths’ ruins—and its Lands End environs at this interactive and family-friendly exhibition at the historic Cliff House. Bringing the legacies of the famous restaurant, Sutro Baths and Playland into conversation with contemporary photography of SF’s Pacific edge, the exhibit showcases historical artifacts rescued for the sake historic preservation at auction from the Cliff House’s closure at the end of 2020. Highlights include: an early 20th century wooden bear sculpture from the Black Forest region of Germany that used to greet visitors to the Cliff House, the iconic Sheriff C.U. Soon cowboy from Playland, hand-painted signs by artist Reino Niemela from the beloved amusement park, and a pair of “porcelain ladies,” once believed to be Grecian “muses,” that used to hang in the Sutro Baths. On view through mid-August, this exhibit is a must for local history nerds and those looking to learn more about SF’s storied past. (CJC)
Yerba Buena Gardens, Mission St. between 3rd & 4th streets
1 p.m. | Free
Bicoastal contemporary dance company RAWdance’s trio of artistic directors curate an afternoon of free dance performance in Yerba Buena Gardens’ lush and green Esplanade. Day one of this two-weekend-spanning festival kicks off on Saturday with Fact/SF, a local contemporary dance company that specializes in helping their dancers get in tune with their bodies through the Down Under-favored Countertechnique and prioritizes the work of women-identifying artists, queer artists and artists of color in its programming. Project-based Fullstop Dance brings their contemplative brand of contemporary dance to the open-air stage and Nava Dance Theatre, which fuses southern Indian classical bharatanatyam with modern dance to fight for social justice, rounds out the lineup. The festival continues with another afternoon of free dance performance, featuring the work of Filpinx American choreographer Sammay Dizon, Vietnam-born choreographer hien huynh, and the bold moves of Push Dance Company, on July 30. (CJC)
Embarcadero and Mission St.
Sat-Sun | Free
This weekend marks the 45th annual San Francisco Marathon. While the race always generates some buzz in the fitness community, this year the event is making headlines at the intersection of gender inclusivity and running by increasing the number of gender options for registration to include non-binary, trans and two-spirited people. There will also be a program for runners with disabilities. Runners at every level will be able to participate in the inaugural Family Lollipop 1k, 5k, 10k, half and full marathon, an ultra race, and virtual runs, among other race options that will be offered throughout the weekend. An Expo at Fort Mason will also be part of the festivities, with a huge party to celebrate the running community, a beer garden and vendors. Events and races will be held on Saturday and Sunday. (MM)
August Hall, 420 Mason St.
8:30 p.m. | $25
Touring behind their new album, Night Drive, New York-based indie outfit VHS Collection come to San Francisco this Saturday for a synth-heavy road trip down at August Hall. (BF)
Scrap 2150 Newcomb Ave.
11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. or 4 p.m. | Free
Are you single and looking to mingle while also flexing your creativity for a good cause? This Saturday, San Francisco’s beloved nonprofit art supply store, Scrap, is working in partnership with Bumble to give locals the chance to get crafty and possibly meet someone new. You can collaborate with fellow San Franciscans (or your future bae) to create art activity books for senior women who reside at Dr. George Davis Senior Center in the Bayview District. (MM)
Saint Joseph’s Arts Society, 1401 Howard St.
8 p.m. | $35
When it comes to lavish parties, traditional Indian weddings have a reputation for being some of the biggest ragers of them all. If you have ever wanted to crash one of these luxe affairs, this Saturday may be your chance. Non Stop Bhangra returns after a two-year absence with its most popular themed event: “Crash An Indian Wedding Party.” Beautiful colors, hypnotic rhythms and great food are just the beginning. Guests will have the chance to take dance lessons and watch energetic performances against the backdrop of a 22,000-square-foot Romanesque church in San Francisco's SoMa neighborhood. Free sweets and snacks, multiple full bars, beautiful visuals, henna, a picture booth, live drumming, DJs, a dance party and more. (MM)
The Midway, 900 Marin St.
2 p.m. | $50+
The annual Burning Man fundraiser returns with a four stage block party. Be prepared for flaming swords, neon-saturated stages and the infamously bacchanal merriment of the Black Rock Desert crowd. Diplo will be headlining the higher ground stage with smaller acts playing other stages throughout the sprawling venue at Pier 80. (BF)
Sunday, July 24
Fox Theater, 1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland
6:30 p.m. | $36
Purity Ring put on one of the best live performances on the planet. Period. The Edmonton duo of Megan James and Corin Roddick are no strangers to the Bay, having dazzled at both the Fox Theater in 2015 and at the 2016 Treasure Island Music Festival. The band pushes the envelope of on-stage lighting, with stringed lights draping above James as she sings, moving behind each strand like miniature curtains and Roddick’s percussion-activated light-up electronic drum machine/sampler. But save for an opening slot for Katy Perry in 2017 at San Jose’s SAP Center, Purity Ring hasn't performed locally for the better part of a decade. On Sunday, they’ll be bringing their dark electro pop to the Fox once again, supporting their newly-released Graves EP. Songs like “Neverend” and “Soshy” are just as spellbinding as the orchestral-trap from their standout albums, Shrine and Another Eternity. (AS)
Ashton & Ocean Ave.
12 p.m. | Free
In case you were wondering, “OMI” stands for “Oceanview- Merced Heights-Ingleside.'' The neighborhood will be hopping this Sunday with live music and local eats for the first annual Taste of the OMI. Java on Ocean, That's Amore Woodfired Pizza, Ocean Ale House, Muscle Maker Grill and Sakesan Sushi will be among the restaurants participating in the event, which will take place on Ashton Avenue between Ocean and Pico avenues. Suenos Jazz Band, Raag & Norton and Al Lazard & the World Street Players are all scheduled to perform. (MM)
Sam Jordan’s Bar & Grill, 4004 3rd St.
12 p.m. | Free
This Sunday, in honor of what would have been Sam Jordan’s 97th Birthday, his family members, community and lovers of the iconic watering hole will be hosting a special block party with a full service bar outdoors in the backyard of the Sam Jordan’s Bar & Grill. Alongside the “bar” garden on Sam Jordan’s Way will be local food vendors like Big H Barbeque, Fry Daddy, Gumbo Social and Omegalicious. And scattered throughout the event will be activities for kids, like giant checkers, bubbles and chalk art. Numerous R&B acts, including The Seastrunk Brothers, Talk of the Town, Will Rock Band and Sheronda Gray are all slated to perform. Also featured: hip-hop music by Footz the Beast, So Vicious and Lady Red. (MM)
Contemporary Jewish Museum, 736 Mission St.
1 p.m. | Free with Museum Admission
The stars may move for no man, but something special is nonetheless in the forecast at the Contemporary Jewish Museum this Sunday. Arranged as a special event tied into the museum’s ongoing “The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited” (on display through Aug. 14), the CJM will host a special screening of the Henson-directed fantasy cult hit Labyrinth. Originally released in 1986, the film stars David Bowie as the Goblin King. He sets the plot in motion when he abducts the baby brother of a teenage Jennifer Connelly, setting-up an epic quest to get him back. The film is populated with one-of-a-kind puppets created by Jim Henson’s Creature Shop. As a bonus, longtime Henson puppeteer Karen Pell will be on-hand for an in-person, post-screening Q&A. Known for performing the puppeteering for Firey 2 and Junk Lady in Labyrinth, Pell’s experience also includes stints on Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock, and The Muppet Show. Admission for the event is free, though a ticket to the museum is required. Those attending the screening are invited to visit the full “Imagination Unlimited” exhibit either before or after the event. The event is presented part of the 42nd annual San Francisco Jewish Film Festival. (ZR)