It's finally Friday, and that means a look back at the week that was, and a look at your upcoming weekend events.
Items of note this week included further discussion on the repeated gas line ruptures resulting from Haight Street's infrastructure improvement project. In particular, this week commenced discussion between Department of Public Works officials and local merchants to try to understand why apparently avoidable disruptions and hazards have continued to occur.
Local bicycle bookmobile Bibliobicicleta recently announced the successful completion of its Indiegogo campaign to fund a new electric bike, complete with safety gear. The change will allow the bookmobile to venture further away from its Panhandle home base.
And in a scant month-and-a-half, Ginza Japanese Restaurant will be taking over the space at 1793 Haight St., currently occupied by Great Indian Food.
And now for a lineup of weekend events to enjoy, starting today.
Friday, September 11th
Alembic Bar's New Dining Space Debuts
According to bar manager Larry Piaskowy, Alembic Bar is finally, finally ready to unveil its expanded dining alcove to the public, which will allow the restaurant to seat about 30 more patrons at a time. The revamped space will include a tall communal table and sumptuous booths (pictured above), added banquettes in the original space, decor improvements and a spiffed-up behind-the-bar setup. The space was still a flurry of saws and ladders yesterday afternoon, but Piaskowy said it would be ready tonight, as an investor's party was held last night. (1727 Haight St.) [Note: Alembic is a Hoodline advertiser]
$10 to $25 sliding scale, 8pm
As mentioned earlier this week, tonight is the exclusive preview screening of #BeRobin: The Movie, a documentary about a homeless advocacy program launched a year ago in the Haight by comedian Margaret Cho to commemorate the passing of Robin Williams. (Second Act, 1725 Haight St.)
5pm to 8:30pm
This week's Friday Nights (free entry into the museum's main atrium, $15 into special galleries) features live violin by Christen Lein, docent tours of the J. M. W. Turner exhibition and a chance to visit with artist-in-residence Taro Hattori. (50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr.)
Saturday, September 12th
8pm, $8
Tonight's lineup at Milk Bar features a new artist, Vision, hailing from local label Burger Records. The show also includes The Vatcher Brothers, Spacefire, Buttefly Knives, Attik Door, and Bastidas, with Visions coming onstage at midnight. (Milk Bar, 1840 Haight St.)
Sunday, September 13th
Inside Perspective: Life As an Afghan Woman
1pm to 3 pm, free
Host description: Humaira Ghilzai will present a revealing slide show, “Afghanistan’s History Through Afghan Women’s Eyes.” It's an overview of Afghanistan’s recent history and how it has affected Afghan women’s lives. Lori Noack of the Afghan Women’s Writing Project, will discuss how the AWWP provides a platform for Afghan women to share the stories of their lives. (Second Act, 1725 Haight St.)
1:30pm, free
Host description: Join the San Francisco Opera for an afternoon in Golden Gate Park as we celebrate the opening of San Francisco Opera's 93rd season. Featuring music director Nicola Luisotti conducting the acclaimed San Francisco Opera Orchestra, and stars from the fall season including Leah Crocetto, Diana Damrau, Heidi Stober, Ekaterina Semenchuk, Piotr Beczala, Michael Fabiano and Elliot Madore. (Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park)
2pm, free
Host description: Join Young Empires at Amoeba SF for a live show and signing in support of their debut full-length album, The Gates (out now on Votiv Music, available on CD & LP). A triumphant tour de force, the stunning debut deftly delivers chant-worthy choruses and weaves together head bobbing beatcraft and avant-pop melodies with gospel vibes, hip-hop savvy, and a modernist Motown feel that takes only one listen to be forever etched in your brain. (Amoeba Records, 1855 Haight St.)IMQ, FourSixty8, Raymond Anthony, [zerowolf], A.V., B 1 & Guests
8pm, $8
Milk Bar's Sunday night lineup features partly-local R&B singer-songwriter IMQ. Doors at 7pm, music at 8pm. (Milk Bar, 1840 Haight St.)
