Sarah Holtz

When Covid started, Rob Ready was staring down a live entertainment apocalypse and, potentially, the demise of his creative community.&nbsp;

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When Covid started, Rob Ready was staring down a live entertainment apocalypse and, potentially, the demise of his creative community.&nbsp;

“It sucked,” said Ready, the co-founder and artistic director of PianoFight, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/popular-venue-to-close-two-bay-area-locations/">an independent arts venue</a> with locations in the Tenderloin and Downtown Oakland that centers local visual and performing artists. “And it’s been touch-and-go for the past three years.”

“It sucked,” said Ready, the co-founder and artistic director of PianoFight, <a href="https://sfstandard.com/arts-culture/popular-venue-to-close-two-bay-area-locations/">an independent arts venue</a> with locations in the Tenderloin and Downtown Oakland that centers local visual and performing artists. “And it’s been touch-and-go for the past three years.”

The theater quickly organized an online fundraiser that brought in $50,000—enough to keep staff on the payroll until they could sign up for unemployment. Unfortunately for PianoFight, it was merely the first act in a three-year saga that is about to end on a tragic note. The venue will permanently shutter on March 18.

The theater quickly organized an online fundraiser that brought in $50,000—enough to keep staff on the payroll until they could sign up for unemployment. Unfortunately for PianoFight, it was merely the first act in a three-year saga that is about to end on a tragic note. The venue will permanently shutter on March 18.

PianoFight’s closure is only the latest in a long line of Covid casualties. On March 18, 2020, Boz Scaggs informed his staff that Slim’s final days would be cut short—the musician and owner had privately decided to close his nightclub in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood in late 2019. Two months later, the Saddle Rack, a beloved honky-tonk in Fremont (originally in San Jose) <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/05/26/coronavirus-bay-area-bars-music-venues-restaurants-weve-lost-to-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">also shuttered for good</a>.&nbsp;

PianoFight’s closure is only the latest in a long line of Covid casualties. On March 18, 2020, Boz Scaggs informed his staff that Slim’s final days would be cut short—the musician and owner had privately decided to close his nightclub in the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood in late 2019. Two months later, the Saddle Rack, a beloved honky-tonk in Fremont (originally in San Jose) <a href="https://www.mercurynews.com/2020/05/26/coronavirus-bay-area-bars-music-venues-restaurants-weve-lost-to-pandemic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">also shuttered for good</a>.&nbsp;

The fall of 2020 ushered in more closures. The <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2020/sf-closed-restaurants-stores-landmarks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uptown Nightclub in Oakland</a> called it quits. The Stud—San Francisco’s longest-running queer bar—remains in a holding pattern to this day, as its ownership collective <a href="https://sf.eater.com/2020/5/21/21266456/the-stud-soma-closing-lgbtq-gay-bay-san-francisco" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">searches for a new home</a>. The future of countless live performance venues appeared to be hanging in the balance.

The fall of 2020 ushered in more closures. The <a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/projects/2020/sf-closed-restaurants-stores-landmarks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Uptown Nightclub in Oakland</a> called it quits. The Stud—San Francisco’s longest-running queer bar—remains in a holding pattern to this day, as its ownership collective <a href="https://sf.eater.com/2020/5/21/21266456/the-stud-soma-closing-lgbtq-gay-bay-san-francisco" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">searches for a new home</a>. The future of countless live performance venues appeared to be hanging in the balance.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-necessity-is-the-mother-of-invention">Necessity Is the Mother of Invention</h2>

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<h2 id="h-necessity-is-the-mother-of-invention">Necessity Is the Mother of Invention</h2>

D’Arcy Drollinger, a drag performer and the owner of SoMa club Oasis, quickly dreamed up creative ways to keep his business afloat, launching “Meals on Heels,” a delivery service where drag performers provided dinner and a show from the safety of the curbside.&nbsp;

D’Arcy Drollinger, a drag performer and the owner of SoMa club Oasis, quickly dreamed up creative ways to keep his business afloat, launching “Meals on Heels,” a delivery service where drag performers provided dinner and a show from the safety of the curbside.&nbsp;

“It wasn’t a huge money maker, but we were able to bring sparkle into people’s lives and employ some drag performers,” Drollinger said.&nbsp;

“It wasn’t a huge money maker, but we were able to bring sparkle into people’s lives and employ some drag performers,” Drollinger said.&nbsp;

When Covid’s one-year mark rolled around, and Oasis hadn’t yet received a relief grant from the local or federal government, Drollinger said he realized he had spent all of his savings and needed to go back to the drawing board. He and his team got to work producing a live fundraiser in the spirit of <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/08/21/jerry-lewis-telethons-raised-billions-for-muscular-dystrophy-many-cheered-when-he-went-off-the-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jerry Lewis’s annual Labor Day telethon</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

When Covid’s one-year mark rolled around, and Oasis hadn’t yet received a relief grant from the local or federal government, Drollinger said he realized he had spent all of his savings and needed to go back to the drawing board. He and his team got to work producing a live fundraiser in the spirit of <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/08/21/jerry-lewis-telethons-raised-billions-for-muscular-dystrophy-many-cheered-when-he-went-off-the-air/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jerry Lewis’s annual Labor Day telethon</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Producers sit behind a desk as they monitor the show for online viewers. Oasis produced a telethon on Saturday March 6, 2021 from 12PM –12AM to help the club from closing down. | Courtesy Emily Curiel/Golden Gate Xpress

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINE_VenueSpecial031523.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-138382"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Oasis produced a telethon on March 6, 2021 to help keep the club from closing down. | Courtesy Emily Curiel/Golden Gate Xpress</figcaption></figure>

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<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINE_VenueSpecial031523.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-138382"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Oasis produced a telethon on March 6, 2021 to help keep the club from closing down. | Courtesy Emily Curiel/Golden Gate Xpress</figcaption></figure>

“We were drowning in debt,” he said. “This was a make-it-or-break-it kind of moment.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We were drowning in debt,” he said. “This was a make-it-or-break-it kind of moment.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

With help from celebrity video appearances from performers like Alaska of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Cindy Wilson of the B-52’s and actor John Cameron Mitchell, Oasis hosted a telethon where donors called in and spoke with drag queens who were fired up and ready to take their calls.

With help from celebrity video appearances from performers like Alaska of RuPaul’s Drag Race, Cindy Wilson of the B-52’s and actor John Cameron Mitchell, Oasis hosted a telethon where donors called in and spoke with drag queens who were fired up and ready to take their calls.

Drollinger said that after 12 hours, Oasis raised $270,000 that he put toward the hundreds of thousands of dollars Oasis owed in back rent and utilities.

Drollinger said that after 12 hours, Oasis raised $270,000 that he put toward the hundreds of thousands of dollars Oasis owed in back rent and utilities.

“It was the only way we survived,” he said. “And it was 100% community-driven. It’s like I always say: ‘Necessity is the mother of invention.’”&nbsp;

“It was the only way we survived,” he said. “And it was 100% community-driven. It’s like I always say: ‘Necessity is the mother of invention.’”&nbsp;

Other venues followed the same rule of thumb. Kathleen Owen and Lynn Schwarz, co-owners of Bottom of the Hill with Ramona Downey, said that during shelter-in-place, several local bands organized their own impromptu livestream benefit shows for the club. Bottom of the Hill also co-produced a webathon with an alliance of independent venues that brought in $50,000 in emergency funding, which is still earmarked for dormant venues like The Stud.

Other venues followed the same rule of thumb. Kathleen Owen and Lynn Schwarz, co-owners of Bottom of the Hill with Ramona Downey, said that during shelter-in-place, several local bands organized their own impromptu livestream benefit shows for the club. Bottom of the Hill also co-produced a webathon with an alliance of independent venues that brought in $50,000 in emergency funding, which is still earmarked for dormant venues like The Stud.

Owen said that her club was fortunate to not lose any employees during the pandemic, coming up with makeshift solutions like encouraging them to cash in on sick days and even housing one worker for a brief time in the club’s green room.&nbsp;

Owen said that her club was fortunate to not lose any employees during the pandemic, coming up with makeshift solutions like encouraging them to cash in on sick days and even housing one worker for a brief time in the club’s green room.&nbsp;

The Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco on March 14, 2023. | Courtesy Bottom of the Hill

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED01_VenueSpecial031523.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-138386"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco on September 1, 2020 | Courtesy Bottom of the Hill</figcaption></figure>

The UC Theatre, a music venue and education nonprofit in Downtown Berkeley, hosted an outdoor music series each weekend called Out Front. CEO David Mayeri said that the purpose of the concerts was to support local bands whose income had vanished with the shelter-in-place order, provide a whisper of the live music that locals yearned for and encourage the public to support neighboring restaurants by ordering takeout.&nbsp;

The UC Theatre, a music venue and education nonprofit in Downtown Berkeley, hosted an outdoor music series each weekend called Out Front. CEO David Mayeri said that the purpose of the concerts was to support local bands whose income had vanished with the shelter-in-place order, provide a whisper of the live music that locals yearned for and encourage the public to support neighboring restaurants by ordering takeout.&nbsp;

According to Mayeri, the Out Front series essentially broke even. “We weren’t doing it for the money,&#8221; he said. &#8220;We were trying to keep people in jobs and preserve our sanity.”&nbsp;

According to Mayeri, the Out Front series essentially broke even. “We weren’t doing it for the money," he said. "We were trying to keep people in jobs and preserve our sanity.”&nbsp;

According to Mayeri, the Out Front series essentially broke even. “We weren’t doing it for the money,&#8221; he said. &#8220;We were trying to keep people in jobs and preserve our sanity.”&nbsp;

These venue owners shared one major lesson they learned during the first year of Covid: that in order to survive, they had to band together. PianoFight, Oasis, Bottom of the Hill and the UC Theatre all joined venue alliances that were established at the dark dawn of the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

These venue owners shared one major lesson they learned during the first year of Covid: that in order to survive, they had to band together. PianoFight, Oasis, Bottom of the Hill and the UC Theatre all joined venue alliances that were established at the dark dawn of the pandemic.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Banding Together&nbsp;</h2>

In the spring of 2020, these venue operators, along with Fred Barnes of Great American Music Hall, Allyson Moulton of Bimbo’s 365 Club, Casey Lowdermilk of Another Planet Entertainment and dozens of others, formed venue alliances to provide emergency funding to struggling venues and lobby local, state and federal lawmakers to do the same. The Independent Venue Alliance (IVA) was the first in San Francisco. PianoFight and Bottom of the Hill were among its founding members. The SF Venue Coalition and the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) formed shortly after.&nbsp;

In the spring of 2020, these venue operators, along with Fred Barnes of Great American Music Hall, Allyson Moulton of Bimbo’s 365 Club, Casey Lowdermilk of Another Planet Entertainment and dozens of others, formed venue alliances to provide emergency funding to struggling venues and lobby local, state and federal lawmakers to do the same. The Independent Venue Alliance (IVA) was the first in San Francisco. PianoFight and Bottom of the Hill were among its founding members. The SF Venue Coalition and the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) formed shortly after.&nbsp;

Dylan MacNiven, the owner of Cafe du Nord, also joined the Independent Venue Alliance that spring. At the time, he said the alliance provided a much-needed feeling of solidarity.

Dylan MacNiven, the owner of Cafe du Nord, also joined the Independent Venue Alliance that spring. At the time, he said the alliance provided a much-needed feeling of solidarity.

“It was like group therapy,” he said.

“It was like group therapy,” he said.

Ready said that thanks in large part to critical support from former Supervisor and current Assemblymember Matt Haney, the IVA and the SF Venue Coalition worked with the city to pass the Music and Entertainment Venue Recovery Fund, which allocated grants of at least $10,000 to individual venues in the spring of 2021.&nbsp;

Ready said that thanks in large part to critical support from former Supervisor and current Assemblymember Matt Haney, the IVA and the SF Venue Coalition worked with the city to pass the Music and Entertainment Venue Recovery Fund, which allocated grants of at least $10,000 to individual venues in the spring of 2021.&nbsp;

According to Gloria Chan of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, the city has provided more than $83 million to small businesses since Covid started. In an email, Chan told The Standard that the office supported California’s Venues Grant Program and the Save Our Stages Act on the federal level—a $16 billion grant package that NIVA was also instrumental in helping to pass. Schwarz said that Bottom of the Hill received its federal Shuttered Venue Operators Grant around June 2021, helping her staff to finally reopen two months later.&nbsp;

According to Gloria Chan of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, the city has provided more than $83 million to small businesses since Covid started. In an email, Chan told The Standard that the office supported California’s Venues Grant Program and the Save Our Stages Act on the federal level—a $16 billion grant package that NIVA was also instrumental in helping to pass. Schwarz said that Bottom of the Hill received its federal Shuttered Venue Operators Grant around June 2021, helping her staff to finally reopen two months later.&nbsp;

The Broadway theater district in Manhattan stands mostly empty and closed as Covid-19 restrictions keep performances closed on December 22, 2020 in New York City. The $900 billion coronavirus relief stimulus package offers some hope to beleaguered theaters and performers with the Save Our Stages Act. The act will provide $15 billion for independent venues as well as Broadway theaters, comedy clubs and other venues and will be included in the relief package.  | Spencer Platt/Getty Images

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED02_VenueSpecial031523-2500x1880.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-138389"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The Broadway theater district in Manhattan stands mostly empty and closed as Covid-19 restrictions keep performances closed on December 22, 2020 in New York City. | Spencer Platt/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>

This degree of governmental support for the performing arts was somewhat unprecedented. Mayeri noted that public funding for the arts increased by somewhere between 300% and 400% in California during Covid. Ready pointed out that the National Endowment for the Arts is typically only budgeted $150 million for an entire year, which pales in comparison to the outpouring of public funding that the performing arts and entertainment industry received over the course of the pandemic.&nbsp;

This degree of governmental support for the performing arts was somewhat unprecedented. Mayeri noted that public funding for the arts increased by somewhere between 300% and 400% in California during Covid. Ready pointed out that the National Endowment for the Arts is typically only budgeted $150 million for an entire year, which pales in comparison to the outpouring of public funding that the performing arts and entertainment industry received over the course of the pandemic.&nbsp;

“This must’ve been the biggest funding for the arts since the WPA,” Ready said, referring to the Works Progress Administration, a New Deal program of the 1930s that funded more than 10,000 artists across the country, including San Franciscan and famed Depression-era photographer Dorothea Lange.&nbsp;

“This must’ve been the biggest funding for the arts since the WPA,” Ready said, referring to the Works Progress Administration, a New Deal program of the 1930s that funded more than 10,000 artists across the country, including San Franciscan and famed Depression-era photographer Dorothea Lange.&nbsp;

“We didn&#8217;t know we could count on the government,” Schwarz said. “We were pretty sure we couldn&#8217;t because we never have before in the music industry.”

“We didn't know we could count on the government,” Schwarz said. “We were pretty sure we couldn't because we never have before in the music industry.”

“We didn&#8217;t know we could count on the government,” Schwarz said. “We were pretty sure we couldn&#8217;t because we never have before in the music industry.”

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">An Uneven Recovery&nbsp;</h2>

Covid may not be a global health emergency any longer, but Bay Area venue owners agree that, in many ways, things feel even more dire than they did in 2020.&nbsp;

Covid may not be a global health emergency any longer, but Bay Area venue owners agree that, in many ways, things feel even more dire than they did in 2020.&nbsp;

“The alliances did the thing that they set out to do—getting venues enough money to get through the pandemic,” Ready said. “But now it’s the after-pandemic.”

“The alliances did the thing that they set out to do—getting venues enough money to get through the pandemic,” Ready said. “But now it’s the after-pandemic.”

When clubs finally reopened in the summer of 2021, venue owners, musicians and promoters realized they had entered a brave new world of live entertainment. The Delta and Omicron variants brought on a deluge of show cancellations.

When clubs finally reopened in the summer of 2021, venue owners, musicians and promoters realized they had entered a brave new world of live entertainment. The Delta and Omicron variants brought on a deluge of show cancellations.

Rob Ready moderates A Dating Game, a comedy-matchmaking show at PianoFight in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, Mar. 9, 2023. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED03_VenueSpecial031523-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-138393"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Rob Ready moderates A Dating Game, a comedy-matchmaking show at PianoFight in San Francisco on Thursday, Mar. 9, 2023. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Schwarz said that in 2022, Bottom of the Hill had 36 show cancellations that did not reschedule. Of the more than 100 shows the UC Theatre booked in 2022, Mayeri said, around 30 were canceled, postponed or rescheduled for a whole host of Covid-related issues. MacNiven told The Standard that when SF Sketchfest 2022 was postponed entirely, it eliminated several key nights for his club. Cancellations like these—along with no-shows from ticket holders translate to losses in alcohol and food sales that cut into a venue’s bottom line.

Schwarz said that in 2022, Bottom of the Hill had 36 show cancellations that did not reschedule. Of the more than 100 shows the UC Theatre booked in 2022, Mayeri said, around 30 were canceled, postponed or rescheduled for a whole host of Covid-related issues. MacNiven told The Standard that when SF Sketchfest 2022 was postponed entirely, it eliminated several key nights for his club. Cancellations like these—along with no-shows from ticket holders translate to losses in alcohol and food sales that cut into a venue’s bottom line.

But cancellations and other Covid-related snags—like supply chain disruptions—aren’t the only forces impacting local live performance spaces, according to Ready. Gentrification is also playing a role, and the PianoFight co-founder said Covid has accelerated that process.

But cancellations and other Covid-related snags—like supply chain disruptions—aren’t the only forces impacting local live performance spaces, according to Ready. Gentrification is also playing a role, and the PianoFight co-founder said Covid has accelerated that process.

“A lot of people left,” he said. “When you’re 25, you’re down to hang at a bar at 11 p.m. on a Thursday. When you’re 35, 40, 45 and you have a wife and a kid and a mortgage, you can’t really do that. There’s an organic process of people moving on, but there’s always a younger group of people to take over, and during Covid, that didn’t really happen.”

“A lot of people left,” he said. “When you’re 25, you’re down to hang at a bar at 11 p.m. on a Thursday. When you’re 35, 40, 45 and you have a wife and a kid and a mortgage, you can’t really do that. There’s an organic process of people moving on, but there’s always a younger group of people to take over, and during Covid, that didn’t really happen.”

Owen explained that there’s also been a blue-collar and middle-class departure from the Bay Area, meaning that venues lack the engineers, electricians, cooks and other workers that allow clubs to keep their lights on.&nbsp;

Owen explained that there’s also been a blue-collar and middle-class departure from the Bay Area, meaning that venues lack the engineers, electricians, cooks and other workers that allow clubs to keep their lights on.&nbsp;

As a booker, Schwarz said she’s seen promoters start to pass over San Francisco, because they no longer consider it a major market like Los Angeles or New York.

As a booker, Schwarz said she’s seen promoters start to pass over San Francisco, because they no longer consider it a major market like Los Angeles or New York.

“The scene is small, and it’s getting smaller,” she said. “It’s been decimated.”&nbsp;

“The scene is small, and it’s getting smaller,” she said. “It’s been decimated.”&nbsp;

Over at Cafe du Nord, MacNiven recently started a partnership with a primary booker at Live Nation, and he said that’s helped his venue stay solvent. For him, success as a venue in the post-Covid era depends on how much debt a venue carries, its lease situation and whether it’s booking shows for a broad enough demographic.

Over at Cafe du Nord, MacNiven recently started a partnership with a primary booker at Live Nation, and he said that’s helped his venue stay solvent. For him, success as a venue in the post-Covid era depends on how much debt a venue carries, its lease situation and whether it’s booking shows for a broad enough demographic.

Forty Feet Tall, a post-punk band from Portland, perform at Cafe du Nord in San Francisco on March 10, 2023. | Sarah Holtz/The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED04_VenueSpecial031523-2500x1681.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-138396"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Forty Feet Tall, a post-punk band from Portland, perform at Cafe du Nord in San Francisco on Friday, March 10, 2023. | Sarah Holtz/The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Drollinger said his experience with Oasis’s telethon clarified the future of his nightclub, particularly in light of ongoing violence directed against queer spaces and the recent onslaught of anti-LGBTQ legislation.&nbsp;

Drollinger said his experience with Oasis’s telethon clarified the future of his nightclub, particularly in light of ongoing violence directed against queer spaces and the recent onslaught of anti-LGBTQ legislation.&nbsp;

Drollinger plans to continue collaborating with local artists—particularly drag performers of color—to plan programming that resonates with his regulars. He said that in terms of gross revenue, the past year has been the most successful in Oasis’s history. With any luck, he said, he’ll also bring back Meals on Heels in the near future.&nbsp;

Drollinger plans to continue collaborating with local artists—particularly drag performers of color—to plan programming that resonates with his regulars. He said that in terms of gross revenue, the past year has been the most successful in Oasis’s history. With any luck, he said, he’ll also bring back Meals on Heels in the near future.&nbsp;

Likewise, Mayeri said the UC Theatre is on track to continue recovering in 2023 and already put a few sold-out shows on the books this year. He emphasized that venues should maintain a “good of the many” mindset.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Likewise, Mayeri said the UC Theatre is on track to continue recovering in 2023 and already put a few sold-out shows on the books this year. He emphasized that venues should maintain a “good of the many” mindset.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We can’t just look out for ourselves; we have to look out for each other,” he said.&nbsp;

“We can’t just look out for ourselves; we have to look out for each other,” he said.&nbsp;

On the eve of PianoFight’s closure, Schwarz said she believes the venue alliance failed the performing arts venue.

On the eve of PianoFight’s closure, Schwarz said she believes the venue alliance failed the performing arts venue.

“The issues are so much deeper than what we could possibly have helped with,” she said. “But I still feel like it was a failure on our part to lose even one.”

“The issues are so much deeper than what we could possibly have helped with,” she said. “But I still feel like it was a failure on our part to lose even one.”

Ready said the decision to close PianoFight was based on a confluence of factors. “There’s never one reason to close—it’s more like 12.”&nbsp;

Ready said the decision to close PianoFight was based on a confluence of factors. “There’s never one reason to close—it’s more like 12.”&nbsp;

Getting down to the numbers, Ready explained that in 2019, the theater hosted around 750 revenue-generating shows. In 2022, that number plummeted to 200.&nbsp;

Getting down to the numbers, Ready explained that in 2019, the theater hosted around 750 revenue-generating shows. In 2022, that number plummeted to 200.&nbsp;

Guests drink at PianoFight’s bar in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, Mar. 9, 2023. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard

<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/INLINED05_VenueSpecial031523-2500x1668.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-138399"/><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Guests drink at PianoFight’s bar in San Francisco on Thursday, Mar. 9, 2023. | Michaela Vatcheva for The Standard</figcaption></figure>

Still, he said there’s a silver lining he refuses to ignore. “It’s sad, but we’re really proud of what we’ve accomplished, producing more than 7,000 shows over 9 years in San Francisco,&#8221; he said. &#8220;We’ve been able to pay a lot of artists.”&nbsp;

Still, he said there’s a silver lining he refuses to ignore. “It’s sad, but we’re really proud of what we’ve accomplished, producing more than 7,000 shows over 9 years in San Francisco," he said. "We’ve been able to pay a lot of artists.”&nbsp;

Still, he said there’s a silver lining he refuses to ignore. “It’s sad, but we’re really proud of what we’ve accomplished, producing more than 7,000 shows over 9 years in San Francisco,&#8221; he said. &#8220;We’ve been able to pay a lot of artists.”&nbsp;

Drollinger said he sees PianoFight’s closure as a threat to the already-fragile ecosystem of live entertainment in the Bay Area.&nbsp;

Drollinger said he sees PianoFight’s closure as a threat to the already-fragile ecosystem of live entertainment in the Bay Area.&nbsp;

“Every time something closes, it makes San Francisco less desirable as a destination,” he said. “We need a diverse scene. It’s terrifying, and the city should not let it happen. What’s going to happen next?”&nbsp;

“Every time something closes, it makes San Francisco less desirable as a destination,” he said. “We need a diverse scene. It’s terrifying, and the city should not let it happen. What’s going to happen next?”&nbsp;

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Correction: Oasis has been supported by Cindy Wilson of the B-52s.

Correction: Oasis has been supported by Cindy Wilson of the B-52s.

This local venue survived Covid, but it couldn’t survive crushing debts

David Sjostedt

California’s redistricting could have major implications for next year’s District 17 State Assembly (AD-17) race, potentially reshaping which local candidates have a shot at representing roughly half of San Francisco’s population over the next decade.&nbsp;

California’s redistricting could have major implications for next year’s District 17 State Assembly (AD-17) race, potentially reshaping which local candidates have a shot at representing roughly half of San Francisco’s population over the next decade.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the state’s redistricting commission released <a href="https://www.wedrawthelinesca.org/map_viewer">a new draft map</a> of AD-17 that turns what used to be the eastern half of San Francisco into a carve-out of eastern and western neighborhoods that eliminates Bayview and swaths of the Mission while adding the Presidio, Marina and Seacliff.&nbsp;&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the state’s redistricting commission released <a href="https://www.wedrawthelinesca.org/map_viewer">a new draft map</a> of AD-17 that turns what used to be the eastern half of San Francisco into a carve-out of eastern and western neighborhoods that eliminates Bayview and swaths of the Mission while adding the Presidio, Marina and Seacliff.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-style-rounded"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Redistricting-LAYERED-map.png" alt="" class="wp-image-14750"/><figcaption>A visualization shows the difference between the current map and the proposed changes. Districts drawn using 2010 census data are outlined in green. The most recent draft from the California redistricting commission is in blue. </figcaption></figure>

The draft map sparked rancor among some political observers, who charged that it could disenfranchise voters of color clustered in the southeastern part of the city. Jim Ross, a longtime political consultant, said that the changes could lead to more politically moderate candidates competing for the seat in the assembly primary next June.&nbsp;

The draft map sparked rancor among some political observers, who charged that it could disenfranchise voters of color clustered in the southeastern part of the city. Jim Ross, a longtime political consultant, said that the changes could lead to more politically moderate candidates competing for the seat in the assembly primary next June.&nbsp;

“In ideology, the candidates running for the race right now are not dramatically different,” Ross said. “It&#8217;s very possible that a candidate could run in the new district, but not run for the special [election] and be successful.”

“In ideology, the candidates running for the race right now are not dramatically different,” Ross said. “It's very possible that a candidate could run in the new district, but not run for the special [election] and be successful.”

“In ideology, the candidates running for the race right now are not dramatically different,” Ross said. “It&#8217;s very possible that a candidate could run in the new district, but not run for the special [election] and be successful.”

Currently, the four candidates for the AD-17 assembly seat include David Campos, who formerly represented District 9, which includes the Mission; District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney; entrepreneur and scientist Bilal Mahmood; and Thea Selby, a member of the City College Board of Trustees. The seat was vacated by David Chiu, who had served in the seat since 2014 and was recently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall-gets-mostly-back-to-business-with-swearing-in-of-city-attorney-david-chiu/">sworn in as City Attorney</a>.

Currently, the four candidates for the AD-17 assembly seat include David Campos, who formerly represented District 9, which includes the Mission; District 6 Supervisor Matt Haney; entrepreneur and scientist Bilal Mahmood; and Thea Selby, a member of the City College Board of Trustees. The seat was vacated by David Chiu, who had served in the seat since 2014 and was recently <a href="https://sfstandard.com/city-hall-gets-mostly-back-to-business-with-swearing-in-of-city-attorney-david-chiu/">sworn in as City Attorney</a>.

Given the timing of the vacancy, candidates for the seat must navigate a sequence of elections that will include up to four races and a redistricting change that takes effect next year.

Given the timing of the vacancy, candidates for the seat must navigate a sequence of elections that will include up to four races and a redistricting change that takes effect next year.

Chiu’s vacancy spurred the process of two distinct elections for the seat: a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/special-election-to-replace-david-chiu-in-state-assembly-set-for-april-2022/">special election to replace Chiu</a>, followed by a regularly scheduled statewide primary that includes a contest for the same seat. A special primary election, which is scheduled for April 2022 with a primary in February, will use the current AD-17 map. A subsequent general election, scheduled for November 2022 with a primary in June, will use the new map. The redistricting commission plans to finalize the map on Dec. 27.&nbsp;

Chiu’s vacancy spurred the process of two distinct elections for the seat: a <a href="https://sfstandard.com/special-election-to-replace-david-chiu-in-state-assembly-set-for-april-2022/">special election to replace Chiu</a>, followed by a regularly scheduled statewide primary that includes a contest for the same seat. A special primary election, which is scheduled for April 2022 with a primary in February, will use the current AD-17 map. A subsequent general election, scheduled for November 2022 with a primary in June, will use the new map. The redistricting commission plans to finalize the map on Dec. 27.&nbsp;

Campos voiced concerns that the proposed changes to the assembly district would muffle voices of historically disenfranchised groups of voters.&nbsp;

Campos voiced concerns that the proposed changes to the assembly district would muffle voices of historically disenfranchised groups of voters.&nbsp;

“The visualizations really harm communities of color, and they raise a lot of concern about diluting the voting power of these communities,” Campos told Here/Say in an interview. “My hope is that this is so bad that this outcome won’t be accepted. Hopefully, more people will be weighing in to keep that from happening.”

“The visualizations really harm communities of color, and they raise a lot of concern about diluting the voting power of these communities,” Campos told Here/Say in an interview. “My hope is that this is so bad that this outcome won’t be accepted. Hopefully, more people will be weighing in to keep that from happening.”

The state’s redistricting commission redraws district lines every ten years based upon changes to the census. The process is subject to changes in district populations, as well as demographics and community characteristics, designed to give populations the ability to elect representatives of their choice.&nbsp;

The state’s redistricting commission redraws district lines every ten years based upon changes to the census. The process is subject to changes in district populations, as well as demographics and community characteristics, designed to give populations the ability to elect representatives of their choice.&nbsp;

Fredy Ceja, a spokesperson for the redistricting commission, stressed that while public opinion is an important barometer in adjusting the maps, commissioners must also account for how the entire state will shift as a result.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Fredy Ceja, a spokesperson for the redistricting commission, stressed that while public opinion is an important barometer in adjusting the maps, commissioners must also account for how the entire state will shift as a result.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We have to come back and restructure certain parts of the state,” Ceja said. “But once you start editing one part of the state, it has a ripple effect to the other parts&#8230;It’s just a jigsaw puzzle that’s never ending.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We have to come back and restructure certain parts of the state,” Ceja said. “But once you start editing one part of the state, it has a ripple effect to the other parts...It’s just a jigsaw puzzle that’s never ending.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“We have to come back and restructure certain parts of the state,” Ceja said. “But once you start editing one part of the state, it has a ripple effect to the other parts&#8230;It’s just a jigsaw puzzle that’s never ending.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

The commission allows for public input on the drafts until Dec. 27., and accepts comments either through an online form or by attending a <a href="https://www.wedrawthelinesca.org/meetings">public input meeting</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The commission allows for public input on the drafts until Dec. 27., and accepts comments either through an online form or by attending a <a href="https://www.wedrawthelinesca.org/meetings">public input meeting</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ross said he imagines that the district map will change before the comment period has expired, and that it could reshape what types of local candidates are most viable in AD-17 for the next decade. While it may not have much impact on the state’s overall political landscape, a changing AD-17 could open up new pathways for San Francisco politicians.&nbsp;

Ross said he imagines that the district map will change before the comment period has expired, and that it could reshape what types of local candidates are most viable in AD-17 for the next decade. While it may not have much impact on the state’s overall political landscape, a changing AD-17 could open up new pathways for San Francisco politicians.&nbsp;

“Based on that map, there’s a real path for a much more moderate candidate, but that’s by San Francisco’s standards,” Ross said. “The way it would impact the assembly wouldn’t be that different, but it would be a big difference for San Francisco politics.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Based on that map, there’s a real path for a much more moderate candidate, but that’s by San Francisco’s standards,” Ross said. “The way it would impact the assembly wouldn’t be that different, but it would be a big difference for San Francisco politics.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

California’s redistricting poised to shake up dynamics of AD-17 race

Meaghan Mitchell

The pandemic dealt a serious blow to the entire global economy. But here in San Francisco—home to an outsized number of tech companies with generous work-from-home policies—boarded-up storefronts, a hollowed-out hospitality industry, and decreased foot traffic in retail corridors are especially concerning for local businesses owners and city leaders. And the recent string of brazen and high-profile smash-and-grab burglaries haven’t exactly helped put anyone at ease.

The pandemic dealt a serious blow to the entire global economy. But here in San Francisco—home to an outsized number of tech companies with generous work-from-home policies—boarded-up storefronts, a hollowed-out hospitality industry, and decreased foot traffic in retail corridors are especially concerning for local businesses owners and city leaders. And the recent string of brazen and high-profile smash-and-grab burglaries haven’t exactly helped put anyone at ease.

Finding solutions to these issues won’t be easy. However, if the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CW4nkTOFewT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">annual lighting of the Castro Holiday Tree</a> is any indication, large glowing objects seem to cheer people up.

Finding solutions to these issues won’t be easy. However, if the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CW4nkTOFewT/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link">annual lighting of the Castro Holiday Tree</a> is any indication, large glowing objects seem to cheer people up.

In that spirit, a new creative collaboration between the Downtown SF Community Benefit District and audiovisual company A3 Visual Solutions aims to give visitors and locals a reason to return to (and perhaps spend a little money in) the Financial District—a neighborhood where many small businesses <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-financial-district-merchants-long-recovery-ahead/">felt the sting of the pandemic especially acutely</a>.

In that spirit, a new creative collaboration between the Downtown SF Community Benefit District and audiovisual company A3 Visual Solutions aims to give visitors and locals a reason to return to (and perhaps spend a little money in) the Financial District—a neighborhood where many small businesses <a href="https://sfstandard.com/san-francisco-financial-district-merchants-long-recovery-ahead/">felt the sting of the pandemic especially acutely</a>.

“<a href="https://www.downtownsf.org/events/letsglowsf/">Let’s Glow SF</a>” illuminates the towering walls of our city’s urban canyons with a dazzling light show. Featuring the work of nine international and local artists—including muralist <a href="https://www.downtownsf.org/wp-content/uploads/Amandalynn-Bio.pdf">Amanda Lynn</a>, caricaturist <a href="https://www.downtownsf.org/wp-content/uploads/Erika-L.-Chan-Bio.pdf">Ericka L. Chan</a> and multimedia artist <a href="https://www.downtownsf.org/wp-content/uploads/Sophia-Lee-Bio.pdf">Sophia Lee</a>—Let’s Glow projects holiday-themed images, including ice castles, poinsettias, dancing polar bears, swirling instruments and rotating presents, on one of four skyscrapers downtown.

“<a href="https://www.downtownsf.org/events/letsglowsf/">Let’s Glow SF</a>” illuminates the towering walls of our city’s urban canyons with a dazzling light show. Featuring the work of nine international and local artists—including muralist <a href="https://www.downtownsf.org/wp-content/uploads/Amandalynn-Bio.pdf">Amanda Lynn</a>, caricaturist <a href="https://www.downtownsf.org/wp-content/uploads/Erika-L.-Chan-Bio.pdf">Ericka L. Chan</a> and multimedia artist <a href="https://www.downtownsf.org/wp-content/uploads/Sophia-Lee-Bio.pdf">Sophia Lee</a>—Let’s Glow projects holiday-themed images, including ice castles, poinsettias, dancing polar bears, swirling instruments and rotating presents, on one of four skyscrapers downtown.

A projection at One Bush Plaza in San Francisco a part of Lets Glow SF hosted by Downtown SF on December 9 2021| Elliott Alexander

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://content.sfstandard.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Elloitt_Lights-4.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-19232" width="670" height="447"/><figcaption>A projection at One Bush Plaza in San Francisco a part of Lets Glow SF hosted by Downtown SF on December 9 2021| Elliott Alexander</figcaption></figure>

Last week, Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Aaron Peskin helped kick off the event outside of One Bush Plaza. With the flick of a switch, the 19-story building was transformed into massive canvas for &#8220;Holiday Star,&#8221; a five-minute immersive light show by artist <a href="https://www.downtownsf.org/wp-content/uploads/Sean-Capone-Bio.pdf">Sean Capone</a>. It was accompanied by music from Nick Andre and Matthew Shaw.

Last week, Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Aaron Peskin helped kick off the event outside of One Bush Plaza. With the flick of a switch, the 19-story building was transformed into massive canvas for "Holiday Star," a five-minute immersive light show by artist <a href="https://www.downtownsf.org/wp-content/uploads/Sean-Capone-Bio.pdf">Sean Capone</a>. It was accompanied by music from Nick Andre and Matthew Shaw.

Last week, Mayor London Breed and Supervisor Aaron Peskin helped kick off the event outside of One Bush Plaza. With the flick of a switch, the 19-story building was transformed into massive canvas for &#8220;Holiday Star,&#8221; a five-minute immersive light show by artist <a href="https://www.downtownsf.org/wp-content/uploads/Sean-Capone-Bio.pdf">Sean Capone</a>. It was accompanied by music from Nick Andre and Matthew Shaw.

&#8220;Holiday Star&#8221; is just one of many works that will appear on the sides of One Bush Plaza, the Pacific Stock Exchange, 345 Montgomery Street, and the Hyatt Regency. The light exhibits run from 5:30 to 10 p.m. every night through Dec. 12.

"Holiday Star" is just one of many works that will appear on the sides of One Bush Plaza, the Pacific Stock Exchange, 345 Montgomery Street, and the Hyatt Regency. The light exhibits run from 5:30 to 10 p.m. every night through Dec. 12.

&#8220;Holiday Star&#8221; is just one of many works that will appear on the sides of One Bush Plaza, the Pacific Stock Exchange, 345 Montgomery Street, and the Hyatt Regency. The light exhibits run from 5:30 to 10 p.m. every night through Dec. 12.

In addition to Let’s Glow SF, a few other radiant displays of creativity are currently showing around the city. Read on to learn more.

In addition to Let’s Glow SF, a few other radiant displays of creativity are currently showing around the city. Read on to learn more.

<a href="https://sfrecpark.org/1586/Winter-Lights-in-Golden-Gate-Park">Winter Lights In Golden Gate Park</a>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-winter-lights-in-golden-gate-park"><a href="https://sfrecpark.org/1586/Winter-Lights-in-Golden-Gate-Park">Winter Lights In Golden Gate Park</a></h3>

<h3 id="h-winter-lights-in-golden-gate-park"><a href="https://sfrecpark.org/1586/Winter-Lights-in-Golden-Gate-Park">Winter Lights In Golden Gate Park</a></h3>

After sundown through Feb. 2022 Golden Gate Park

After sundown through Feb. 2022 Golden Gate Park

A free holiday art crawl the whole family can enjoy. There is a little something for everyone. Start at McLaren Lodge to capture a glimpse of &#8220;Uncle John&#8217;s Tree,&#8221; which is adorned with hundreds of lights and accompanied by a charming holiday train display. Make your way through Peacock Meadow for the return of the &#8220;<a href="https://sanfranciscoparksalliance.org/entwined/">Entwined</a>&#8221; by artist Charles Gadeken, who has covered the trees with funky lights and filled the open space with abstract sculptures. After that, head to the Conservatory of Flowers for a psychedelic light experience inspired by the Summer of Love. And of course there&#8217;s the <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2021/03/ferris-wheel-skystar-golden-gate-park/">SkyStar Wheel</a>: In the spirit of the holidays, peace on Earth, and all that good stuff, we’ll just say that it offers spectacular views of the park and is real pretty at night.

A free holiday art crawl the whole family can enjoy. There is a little something for everyone. Start at McLaren Lodge to capture a glimpse of "Uncle John's Tree," which is adorned with hundreds of lights and accompanied by a charming holiday train display. Make your way through Peacock Meadow for the return of the "<a href="https://sanfranciscoparksalliance.org/entwined/">Entwined</a>" by artist Charles Gadeken, who has covered the trees with funky lights and filled the open space with abstract sculptures. After that, head to the Conservatory of Flowers for a psychedelic light experience inspired by the Summer of Love. And of course there's the <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2021/03/ferris-wheel-skystar-golden-gate-park/">SkyStar Wheel</a>: In the spirit of the holidays, peace on Earth, and all that good stuff, we’ll just say that it offers spectacular views of the park and is real pretty at night.

A free holiday art crawl the whole family can enjoy. There is a little something for everyone. Start at McLaren Lodge to capture a glimpse of &#8220;Uncle John&#8217;s Tree,&#8221; which is adorned with hundreds of lights and accompanied by a charming holiday train display. Make your way through Peacock Meadow for the return of the &#8220;<a href="https://sanfranciscoparksalliance.org/entwined/">Entwined</a>&#8221; by artist Charles Gadeken, who has covered the trees with funky lights and filled the open space with abstract sculptures. After that, head to the Conservatory of Flowers for a psychedelic light experience inspired by the Summer of Love. And of course there&#8217;s the <a href="https://missionlocal.org/2021/03/ferris-wheel-skystar-golden-gate-park/">SkyStar Wheel</a>: In the spirit of the holidays, peace on Earth, and all that good stuff, we’ll just say that it offers spectacular views of the park and is real pretty at night.

<a href="https://nocturne-x.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_campaign=general&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAhreNBhAYEiwAFGGKPIMvbKC730N58m-lIENPIcrxKhUOTtZ8pbu-HEgXtSMOf6_r1rSw1xoCul4QAvD_BwE">Nocturne X</a>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-nocturne-x"><a href="https://nocturne-x.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_campaign=general&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAhreNBhAYEiwAFGGKPIMvbKC730N58m-lIENPIcrxKhUOTtZ8pbu-HEgXtSMOf6_r1rSw1xoCul4QAvD_BwE">Nocturne X</a></h3>

<h3 id="h-nocturne-x"><a href="https://nocturne-x.com/?utm_source=google&amp;utm_campaign=general&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAhreNBhAYEiwAFGGKPIMvbKC730N58m-lIENPIcrxKhUOTtZ8pbu-HEgXtSMOf6_r1rSw1xoCul4QAvD_BwE">Nocturne X</a></h3>

Thu-Sun 12 p.m.-7 p.m., through Dec. 31 Gray Area, 2665 Mission St.

Thu-Sun 12 p.m.-7 p.m., through Dec. 31 Gray Area, 2665 Mission St.

Head to the Mission District and journey to another planet with Gray Area and Planet Numina Studio. Nocturne X is presented by a group of more than 100 Bay Area artists and creative technologists. Gray Area has activated all 10,000 square-foot of its space with hundreds of bioluminescent sculptures and interactive installations. 

Head to the Mission District and journey to another planet with Gray Area and Planet Numina Studio. Nocturne X is presented by a group of more than 100 Bay Area artists and creative technologists. Gray Area has activated all 10,000 square-foot of its space with hundreds of bioluminescent sculptures and interactive installations.

This experience takes visitors on a journey through the galactic ecosystem of planet Nocturne X, which is a 4,000-square-foot interactive forest with surprising stories and hidden puzzles. The team at Numina Studio made hundreds of hand-sculpted glowing plants that respond to touch, sound, and movement. Tickets are $15 for kids and $30 for adults.

This experience takes visitors on a journey through the galactic ecosystem of planet Nocturne X, which is a 4,000-square-foot interactive forest with surprising stories and hidden puzzles. The team at Numina Studio made hundreds of hand-sculpted glowing plants that respond to touch, sound, and movement. Tickets are $15 for kids and $30 for adults.

<a href="https://naked.co.jp/en/works/11869/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dandelion Project</a>

<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dandelion-project"><a href="https://naked.co.jp/en/works/11869/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dandelion Project</a></h3>

<h3 id="h-dandelion-project"><a href="https://naked.co.jp/en/works/11869/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dandelion Project</a></h3>

This local venue survived Covid, but it couldn’t survive crushing debts

California’s redistricting poised to shake up dynamics of AD-17 race

A festival of lights: ‘Let’s Glow SF’ and other lustrous displays illuminate the city

New, old, quirky, costly: Get familiar with SF’s Civic Art Collection

Excitement, some jitters as students return to San Francisco’s classrooms

Search Results for: board of supervisors

This local venue survived Covid, but it couldn’t survive crushing debts

California’s redistricting poised to shake up dynamics of AD-17 race

A festival of lights: ‘Let’s Glow SF’ and other lustrous displays illuminate the city

New, old, quirky, costly: Get familiar with SF’s Civic Art Collection

Excitement, some jitters as students return to San Francisco’s classrooms