This week in Hayes Valley, we took a trip back in time to the late 1990s, when the Central Freeway was being demolished. Check out the article for some fascinating photos of the neighborhood, and for a peek into the drama that ensued when a highway was brought down.
We also looked at Hayes Valley (sans freeway) from above, thanks to some drone photographs posted on Twitter.
Marlena (a.k.a. Garry McClain) had a Love Roast this week at the LGBT Center, an event which helped raise funds for an LGBT senior housing non-profit. In honor of Marlena's, we reposted our story from 2013 about the events surrounding the bar's last weekend.
For those with the desire to travel (but perhaps not the time or funds), start looking forward to September 1st, when a gold "Portal" shipping container moves in next to Patricia's Green. The "Portal" will connect interested participants with someone from Cuba, Honduras, Afghanistan or Iran through a 20-minute live video and audio feed, complete with translation.Closer to home, the controversy surrounding Kit and Ace rages on, with merchants and our commenters taking a stand for or against the clothing chain. But it appears everyone can get behind one retail project: a raffle for Kanye West-designed sneakers at Undefeated drew a huge crowd along Hayes Street early Thursday morning.
Looking ahead, here's a few key events in the neighborhood that can't be missed:
Saturday, August 22nd
12-5pm, Azalea Boutique, 411 Hayes St.
Host Description: Meet the founder of denim brand Naked + Famous and try on Naked + Famous styles. Denim origami, free beer. Come hang!
Cost: Free
Birdman: Film & Live Drum Score
7pm and 9:30pm, SFJazz Center, 201 Franklin St.
Host Description: The visually stunning 2015 Oscar winner for Best Picture, by maverick director Alejandro González Iñárritu, stars Michael Keaton as a washed-up action star trying to reinvent his career as a credible actor and director on the Broadway stage. For this special event, the film will be accompanied live by the man behind its Golden Globe-nominated score, renowned jazz drummer Antonio Sánchez.
Cost: $25+Guy Fox Album Release Party, with City Tribe and Kendra McKinley
8:30pm, Rickshaw Stop, 155 Fell St.
Host Description: Guy Fox crafted new atmospheres using the analog equipment at Tiny Telephone to add abstract sound to their already rich arrangements. The single “Antique Furniture” encapsulates the adventurous instrumentation, while delivering the rich explosive sound at the core of Guy Fox. This record was built in the studio and recorded to tape by taking risks and scrapping material, but most importantly capturing the vibe of the place and the moment.
Cost: $10; tickets here
Sunday, August 23rd
7:30pm, San Francisco Symphony, 201 Van Ness Ave.
Host Description: Country and pop phenom LeAnn Rimes comes to Davies Symphony Hall for a spirited concert of her infectious hit songs, like “Can’t Fight the Moonlight” and “How Do I Live.” Rimes is a powerhouse entertainer and industry veteran who landed her first Grammy with “Blue” at the age of 11. “I loved entertaining,” she said of her young self. “I loved being able to escape through my music.” An incomparable chanteuse, Rimes has sold 44 million albums and earned two Grammys, three Academy of Country Music Awards, and 12 Billboard Music Awards.
Cost: $20+; tickets here
Monday, August 24th
Monday Night Mixology: The Agave Experience
6:30-9pm, Two Sisters Bar & Books, 1699 Market St.
Host Description: The mighty agave plant, provider of that Scotch from south of the border, mezcal, and its cousin, tequila, can get a bad rap. Forget about the worm stereotype and discover why both spirits are making a splash in SF. Join Michael Cecconi, Bar Chief at Two Sisters Bar & Books, as he guides you through a tasting of the different ages of tequila and varietals of mezcal. After the tastings, tequila and mezcal get the mixology treatment in four cocktails that you can sip and savor in our cozy Hayes Valley bar.
Cost: $85; tickets here
Tuesday, August 25th
7-8:30pm, SF Zen Center, 300 Page St.
Host Description: Young Urban Zen is a group under the auspices of the San Francisco Zen Center, with a particular focus on those between 25 and 35. We meet on Tuesday evenings to meditate together and discuss our experience of Zen practice. People of all experience levels are welcome. If you have not meditated before, it would be helpful to go to Zen Center's Saturday morning meditation instruction before coming to a meeting.
Cost: Optional donation
Thursday, August 27th
7-9pm, Gather, 541 Octavia St.
Host Description: Ever see a project on Pinterest you'd love to re-create, but need a little motivation to get started or a teacher to guide you? Join us on Thursday, August 27th at 7pm for a special workshop at Gather, where we'll tackle the first Pinterest project that we've been lusting over. Rebecca Saylor will be teaching everyone how to make pillows using a unique watercolor effect! You'll be able to create a beautiful piece like the ones you've seen in all the design magazines, without breaking the bank! During the class, we'll provide some drinks and snacks to fuel your creativity. We'll even give you you 10% off any Gather purchase before you head home! Be sure to sign up soon, spaces will fill up fast.
Cost: $30
Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association Community Meeting
7pm, Hayes Valley Playground Clubhouse, 699 Hayes St.
Host Description: Come hear news relevant to the Hayes Valley neighborhood. Make a positive impact. Get information and have your voice heard. You are invited to join us for our next general meeting. HVNA meetings are productive and informative focusing on issues such as public safety, transportation & planning, beautification, and small business. Hope to see you there!
Cost: Free
