Ozier: "it's going to be a kickass summer in the 'Stro."

The BAR's Matthew Bajko filed a report about the Casto/Upper Market Community Benefit District's new hire who will help organize and expand this summer's Jane Warner Plaza event offerings. The CBD has sponsored "LIVE! In the Castro", a semi-monthly event in the summer, for many years, highlighting local musicians, poets, dancers and more. The organization received a $10,000 grant from the city in April to expand the Castro's public entertainment offerings. To help organize this summer's events, the CBD is bringing on Kile Ozier, a self-professed itinerant creative director who has managed events and entertainment for organizations such as Universal Studios Hollywood, Gay Games, and Amnesty International. The BAR reports that Ozier will utilize his experience in the entertainment industry to "inject a bit of theatricality to the heart of the Castro." The $10k grant was awarded to the CBD through the Invest in Neighborhoods Initiative started by Mayor Ed Lee in an effort to "marshal City and private sector resources and services to help revitalize the City’s neighborhood commercial corridors, support neighborhood small businesses and boost neighborhood job creation." The idea is to "activate" JWP so that it lives up to the purpose it was created for: a place for the community to gather and relax (as long as you're not nude or homeless). Auditions for summer performers will take place at JWP at noon on Saturday, June 8th. To line-up your spot for the "live audience" auditions email [email protected].