Bay Area/ San Francisco
Published on August 27, 2015
SoMa Week: Michael Jackson Tributes, Playa Pre-Party, Andre Nickatina And MorePhoto: telmo32/Flickr

With another week winding down, it's just about time to think about those weekend plans. But first, let's review the top happenings in SoMa this week.

First of all, today saw the debut of The Keystone, a new eatery and drinking hole at Fourth and Mission, while a ton of new restaurants are racing to open their doors by the end of this year. Offering flavors from the Middle East, Brazil, France and the American South, there's definitely going to be something for everyone. 

If picnicking is your more your style, may we suggest checking out the public rooftop terrace at the new Hampton Inn on Mission at Mint Street? While the construction crew is still putting the final touches on the space, the public is more than welcome to head 17 floors up to take in the view.

Or maybe a yacht club is more your speed. Meet the down-to-earth folks behind the South Beach Yacht Club; their organization dates back to 1986, when the Embarcadero Freeway was still in use and AT&T Park didn't yet exist.

On a more serious note, a pedestrian suffered life-threatening injuries Tuesday after being hit by the driver of a vehicle on Sixth Street. While witnesses on the scene told the Examiner that the driver ran the man over in an apparent attempt to flee the scene, the police have yet to issue details on their investigation. 

Now, for those not skipping town for Black Rock City, here are your options for the last weekend of August:

Thursday, August 27th

Thursday Nights: Laser Lights

Exploratorium, Pier 15, Kanbar Forum
6pm, $15

Host Description: "Join Exploratorium scientist Ron Hipschman for colorful explorations of the physical world. In 1960, the laser was known as 'a solution looking for a problem.' Now we can hardly imagine life without them. Learn what’s special about laser light, how it’s made, and how it’s used in everything from DVD players to eye surgery and fusion energy research."

Benefit for The Riptide: “Class of ’84” DJs
The Cat Club, 1190 Folsom St.
9pm

Host Description: "A fire at The Riptide bar, a popular Outer Sunset hangout for locals and surfers, broke out around 10:15 am Tuesday morning, 8/18, and within 90 minutes it was gutted, dealing a blow to the bar staff and to loyal customers who saw the watering hole as a second home. Many people are coming together to help in their time of need. They will be having $2 well drinks before 10pm a silent auction, raffles and selling jello shots all night long. 100% of these proceeds will be benefiting The Riptide staff."

Party Like It’s 1999: Michael Jackson Tribute
Raven Bar, 1151 Folsom St.
9pm

Host Description: "Every week you can Party Like It’s 1999, as Raven Bar transports you back in time to boogie down like you did in the good old days of boy bands, teen pop starlets, and R&B grooves like they don’t make anymore. Bring your sweetest dance moves and they’ll bring a throwback VJ mix to match. The event starts at 9pm every week and there is no cover all night."

Friday, August 28th

Pump 'n' Grind: Happy Hour Heels Dance Class
111 Minna St.
6:30pm, $15

Host Description: "Don that fierce outfit, pick out your hottest heels, and get in a workout while enjoying a post-work happy hour. This hour-long heels optional dance class is set to the tunes of different divas each week. Stick around after class for a fun dance party with a DJ and your new friends."

So Stoked Freak Show
DNA Lounge
7pm-after hours

Host Description: "So Stoked and Switchblade's annual Freak Show combine on August 28th to bring you a rafe like no other. For the first time ever, we will feature a live band. Production will be, let's just say, freaky. House due power Gettoblaster and one of our all time favorite hardcore artists from Phoenix, Maromi. And, of course, Switchblade's birthday bash!!!"

Outdoor “Jaws” Movie Night: Free Popcorn & Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream
The Yard, 3rd St. and Terry Francois Blvd.
8pm

Host Description: "Bring the family or a date for an outdoor movie night featuring the classic, Jaws, along with free popcorn and free Haagen-Dazs ice cream samples."

The Brothers Comatose w/ Marty O'Reilly
Slim's, 333 11th St.
8pm

Host Description: "Despite their name, the band is anything but Comatose. 'It's just one, big, extended Morrison music party,' they say. Ben and Alex Morrison, guitar and banjo, and lead vocalists, front this rocking string band that has become a West Coast headliner and national touring act in a mere four years. With stellar accompanists Phil Brezina on fiddle and Ryan Avellone on mandolin, their high energy, audience engaging shows have caught fire with fans from San Diego to Seattle to Salt Lake to Silk Hope, NC and beyond. In home turf Northern California they sell out shows in San Francisco, Santa Cruz and Petaluma and played the enormous Outside Lands Festival in San Francisco, August 2014."

KONNEKTED presents YOLANDA BE COOL + WORTHY
1015 Folsom
10pm

Host Description: "Yolanda Be Cool have played after Pitbull and Justin Martin, Flo Rida and Jesse Rose. They probably have Chuckie's latest bootleg, but they also likely have every song Jamie Jones played last night at their favourite Ibizan club, DC10. Their songs are in Britney's playlists and Switch’s. They have had a world wide number one, yes, but they also have a growing list of Beatport hits, made only for the club."

[SET] with HERNAN CATTANEO & NICK WARREN
Mighty, 119 Utah St.
10pm

Host Description: "For the second time in San Francisco, [SET] is bringing together two of the most respected artists in the progressive house world for one of their trademark B2B sets - Argentina's HERNAN CATTANEO and the UK's NICK WARREN. We're massive fans of both of these pioneers, and to bring them together for this night will be magical and, unforgettable journey."

Saturday, August 29th

Big Sippin' in SOMA: Craft Beer Pub Crawl
Thirsty Bear Brewing Company, 661 Howard St.
1pm, $69

Host Description: "Craft beer lovers, rejoice. SF on Tap is taking to the streets of SOMA to offer enthusiasts an afternoon of craft beer drinking, education, and celebration. Each tour showcases three to four of SF's best breweries and beer bars."

Yoga Playshop: Rediscover Your Core
OMpower, 66 Townsend St.
3pm, $35

Host Description: "Bring your questions and your readiness to advance your asana practice by playing to your strong, steady, and creative edge. This 'playshop' is for students who want to learn how to link strength into yogic alignment, a feeling of buoyancy, and graceful core-centered transitions and postures."

Paradigm Rhymes: Visual Art Gallery & Spoken Word Poetry
The Urban Center, 732 Bryant St.
7pm

Host Description: "The Urban Center and Lyrical Opposition present Paradigm Rhymes, a visual art gallery and poetry event that showcases various artistic mediums. The theme of the event is based on paintings from each visual artist and matched with a spoken word poet to perform storytelling of each piece."

Andre Nickatina w/ Fam Bizz, Rell Money
Slim's, 333 11th St.
8pm, $30

Host Description: "Born and raised in the Fillmore District of San Francisco, Andre Nickatina has been a Hip-Hop/Rap luminary since the release of his critically acclaimed debut, The New Jim Jones. A favorite at public venues and on college campuses, Andre Nickatina continues to sustain a loyal fan-base, while engaging new supporters throughout North America. Nickatina’s classic stage show combined with his rare interviews, maintains his mystery and unique musicianship that has spanned two decades."

Pre-Playa Send-Off Party
DNA Lounge, 375 11th St.
9pm

Host Description: "It's that time of year when it seems like half of the Bay Area heads off to Burning Man ... and our Bootie DJs are no different! Many of our residents will be on their way out to the playa, but not before throwing down one helluva party for you first! At 11 PM on the main stage, Hubba Hubba Revue will have a special mashup burlesque show, featuring the Bowtie Beauties, and hosted by Kingfish. On the decks, DJs VoicedudeTripp, and Mykill hold down the Main Room with mashups that will make you feel like you're already dancing in the dust!"

Sunday, August 30th

August Sultry Sunday
W San Francisco, 181 3rd St.
3-8pm, $25

Host Description: "Sultry Sunday is San Francisco's elite day party. Sultry is celebrated once a month on the rooftop terrance at the ultra sexy W San Francisco. Parking available in the W Valet, local parking lots and on the street meters."