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THIS WEEK IN SF
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4 – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 2010

Run Along Now… After all the beer and pizza we’ve been guzzling the past few weeks watching the game – this might be something to consider. The US Half Marathon digs its heels into San Francisco this Saturday with over 5,000 runners signed up. So prep yourself for a pack of very sweaty, very fit people booking it through Golden Gate Park and the Presidio at 7am… that is if you manage to wake up before they’re done.

Snapshots: If you haven’t heard of “I Live Here: SF” yet – it’s time to get your city pride on. Collecting portraits and personal stories from San Franciscans since 2009, the exhibit dissects the each neighborhood and the characters within it. Check out over 170 of the portraits at SOMArts starting November 5th.

Glen E. Friedman’s international photo exhibit – sweetly titled “Fuck You All” – is headed to 941Geary on November 6 to showcase his photos and collaborations with Shepard Fairey (who used Friedman’s photos as the basis for some of his own work). Grittily capturing iconic images from the fledgeling subcultures of skateboarding, hip hop and punk rock in the 70s, 80s and 90s – his work has been the inspiration for documentaries like Dogtown and includes startlingly raw images of the Beastie Boys, Run DMC, Black Flag, Minor Threat and a tons lot more.

Providers Providing: Let’s be honest. Cell service sucks here… but it doesn’t suck so bad when they bribe us back with free concert tickets. And it’s even better when they’re competing over it. For the Rogue Wave fans out there, head over to the Verizon store on Market street to nab VIP tickets (more details can be found here) to their show tonight.

And for the Maroon 5 lovers out there (don’t worry. We won’t tell anyone), walk your booty on over to any AT&T store on Monday, November 8th (the day of the show at The Fillmore), to get your free tickets.

Ski for Free: This is a good deal if I’ve ever heard one… Buy a $20 ticket to the Ski & Snowboard Festival and get three free lift tickets just for being great. The tickets are valid at Bear Valley, Dodge Ridge and China Peak. Drop a whopping $40 for a VIP ticket and get a commemorative glass and an open bar for four hours. Now that, my friends, is money well spent.

The Month of Movember: Mustaches may have infiltrated the Mission months ago, but – for a good cause – why not make it a mainstream Movember? It’s an international competition to groom the finest mustache to raise awareness for prostate cancer. Sign up and start sproutin’ or just donate a few bucks (proceeds benefit Prostate Cancer Foundation and LIVESTRONG).

Cali Caffeination: With the news that no, Blue Bottle will not be joining us at Dolores and that yes, Ecco Caffe [via sf.eater] will be opening up by the end of the year comes Ma’velous. Opening last week on Market Street (between Polk and Fell), this new addition to SF’s growing coffee bean scene dishes out specialty brews and a Norwegian micro-roastery – and boy does pretentiousness taste good.

Street Food 2.0: What if San Francisco street food was as easy to track down as a click of your mouse? Welcome to roaminghunger.com. Combining food cart tweets, an interactive map for every meal time, and a blog complete with food reviews, ratings and a comments section – late night munchies may never be the same…

This Week’s Music Lowdown:
Nov 5: Florence & The Machine @ The Fox (SOLD OUT)
Nov 5: Bear in Heaven @ The Independent
Nov 5: Sebastian Ingrosso @ Ruby Skye
Nov 6: Pepper and Fishbone @ The Warfield
Nov 6: Thee Oh Sees @ Uptown Oakland
Nov 6: Massive Attack / Thievery Corporation @ Greek Theatre
Nov 6: D:FUSE @ Ruby Skye
Nov 6: M.I.K.E. @ INFINITI
Nov 9: Kurt Vile / The Soft Pack @ Rickshaw Stop
Nov 9: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart @ The Independent
Nov 10: Delorean @ Great American Music Hall

Photo Courtesy of Hanna Quevedo

If San Francisco’s good at one thing it’s live music. Throwing down music fests like Treasure Island and Outside Lands (and that whole rock and roll/counterculture/psychedelic/music-revolutionizing thing), it’s no doubt SF has good taste. Stocked full of gritty dives, bass-heavy clubs and deluxe dancefloors – here’s our helpful picks for the best places to catch live music.

The Fillmore
1805 Geary Blvd (at Fillmore St)
You can’t talk about San Francisco music venues unless you’re gonna talk about The Fillmore. Made famous by Bill Graham, the invention of liquid light shows, the poster art that flowed out of it and the cutting edge bands within it – The Fillmore revolutionized music with performances by Miles Davis, Jefferson Airplane, CCR, Pink Floyd and (of course) The Grateful Dead. While the bookings may no longer stay strictly psychedelic, it’s still a musical rite of passage.
Tips: Make sure you don’t leave before checking the historic concert posters coating the walls in the upstairs lounge.

The Independent
628 Divisadero St (between Grove St & Hayes St)
Right in the heart of Divis and near neighborhood cafes, cheap drinks and tons of bars – The Independent is a good excuse for a night out. Despite its fairly regular name changing (ie The Half Note/Vis Club/Kennel Club/Justice League), 628 Divisidero has been showcasing live music for over 30 years and The Indy brand has been around for a strong 5. With full throttle bass, spot-on light shows and a wildly diverse lineup that’s almost always rad – grab a ticket or swing by on one of their Free Movie Mondays.
Tips: Recently refurbished, keep in mind that besides shiny new light fixtures – they switched the bathrooms. Awesome for women’s lines. Not so awesome when you drunkenly stumble into the wrong one.

Mezzanine
444 Jessie St (between Mint St & 6th St)
If indie, hip hop and electronic music is the name of the game, this is your club. Packed full with energy and sweat – Mezzanine at full capacity can be a wild experience. With an ear for what will get the venue moving, they’ve brought in the likes of Bassnectar, Justic, Grizzly Bear, Snoop Dog and Lady Gaga (4 realz). Three stocked bars, an upstairs with bottle service, and a dank sound system make this SOMA hotspot the perfect Friday night.
Tips: Tickets tend to sell out when shows are announce here. Stay dialed in and try your best not to wait to grab them at the door. Chances are you’ll get turned away.

Bottom of the Hill
1233 17th St (between Texas St & Missouri St)
Sticky floors. Underground bands. Cash-only bars. If that’s the stuff that gets your juices flown’ – this is place for you. Once dubbed “the best place to hear live music in San Francisco” by Rolling Stone, The Bottom has an ear and a knack for booking up-and-coming bands for insanely cheap ticket prices. Our tip for getting there? Definitely grab a cab.
Tips: Need a breather or a smoke? Squeeze by the bathrooms and hit up the backdoor patio – or grab a seat in the back room next to the kitchen… it’s almost always empty.

The Warfield
982 Market St (at Mason St)
If you’ve walked down Market Street, you know where this place is – and if you’ve only seen it from the outside, you’re in for a treat. Built back in the ’20s as a vaudeville theater, the interior drips with glass chandeliers, sculpted walls and an impressive balcony that calls to mind more opera than rock and roll. Nonetheless, The Warfield has played host to the likes of the Grateful Dead and The Clash (who refused to perform unless the first two rows of seats were removed). With a variety of acts coming in every month, there’s a reason those crowds packed all the way down the street.
Tips: If you’re looking for a fast drink, sneak your way to the upstairs balcony bar. There’s almost never a line.

Great American Music Hall
859 O’Farrell St (between Larkin & Polk)
Definite competition for The Warfield in terms of its attention to decorative detail, the Great American Music Hall holds its pride in ornate gold-leafing, swirled molding, and a wrapping balcony that is impressively and totally over-the-top. Once a burlesque theater and constructed right after the 1906 earthquake, the venue is just small enough to be intimate and just big enough to have some breathing room. With a penchant for the indie scene and a dabbling in everything else – this place books great bands without denting your wallet.
Tips: Looking to keep your buzz going after the show? Jump up the block for a great Friday night funk and soul party at Edinburgh Castle. Warning: their tall well drinks can be deadly.

Runners Up:
Rickshaw Stop – Great indie bands, cool upstairs balcony, a big bowl of sangria and (you guessed it!) a rickshaw.
Hemlock Tavern: Right on the Polk Street strip, enjoy a hipster crowd, pool tables, and lots of live music.
Amnesia: Right in the hip part of the Mission, show up on Mondays for free bluegrass and Wednesdays for Gypsy Jazz. Everyone needs to change it up sometime – right?
Li Po Lounge: The last time I went here, someone punched a hole through the ceiling with their fist. Though it may just look like a bar, head down the stairs towards the bathroom… and then keep going. Yep. That’s the venue. And they throw sick underground shit in there.
Milk Bar: Straight across from Amoeba on Haight, this place pulls in underground music nearly every night of the week in their small back room. Bring a crowd, grab a big booth by the door, and hope that it’s $1 PBR night.

New Years Eve isn’t as far away as it seems and tickets for Sea of Dreams 2011 are now on sale! If you are looking for the NYE party in SF with the craziest decor, biggest headliners and most people, this is it.

This year, Sea of Dreams is celebrating its 11th year – themed as GalaxSea: A New Years Eve-O-Lution – as a tribute to Benoit Mandlebrot, the recently-deceased father of Fractal Geometry. Teaming up with Sunset Promotions, An-Ten-Nae Presents, Opulent Temple and Opel Productions and HOOKAHDOME, Sea of Dreams will transform the Concourse Center into a multi-stage, multi-environment undersea fantasyland with cabaret and circus performers, balloon drops, confetti explosions, over 50 pieces of inflatable art and tons more.

Here is the Sea of Dreams NYE 2011 Lineup
Thievery Corporation
Balkan Beat Box
Modeselektor
MiMosa
Beats Antique
Lucent Dossier Experience
Dgiin
LowRIDERZ
Elite Force
Meat Katie
Motion Potion
Syd Gris
Dex Stakker
Drew Drop
Gaudi
Govinda
Joro Boro
Feral
+more TBA

So start gathering your friends and your costume (here’s a little inspiration to get you started), nab your pre-sale tickets, and we’ll see you there at the stroke of midnight!

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THIS WEEK IN SF
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11 – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 2010

Hellooo Holiday Season: Even if it was 70 degrees this past weekend (oh the memories!), this town’s been chilling down and packing the stores with tinsel and trimmings. As of yesterday, the Holiday Ice Rink has arrived in Union Square! Staying open until 10pm weekdays and 11:30pm weekend nights – a late night skate sesh seems like the perfect way to avoid tripping over some teetering toddler and spark a little romance instead.

And right down the block Embarcadero Center Ice Rink, Giant’s Friday kicks off the weekend. Just show up at Justin Herman Plaza this Friday in your Giants gear and skate for free. Stay tuned for further holiday merriment.

Amoeba Turns 20: It’s a big Bay Area birthday this week, so hop the BART and head over to Berkeley for the original Amoeba Records’ 20th Anniversary. Offering up huge sales, DJs like The Coup’s Pam the Funkstress, gift bags, prize wheels, live performances by Foxtails Brigade and Lyrics Born, and a whole lot more. Or, if you’re feeling extra lazy, head to the Haight’s Amoeba on Saturday for gift cards, DJs and a big birthday sale.

Street Frites: Frijtz may be your usual fry of choice, but there’s new competition brewing in the Mission’s deep fryer and they’re taking it to the streets. Meet Street Frites (originally That Guy’s Fries) – a new, casual street-food cart with a flair for Belgian style. Try the traditional (with your choice of mayo, ketchup or curry ketchup), Speciaal (mayo, curry ketchup and red onions), or the Backpacker (“Belgian Frites with Southeast Asian flair). Follow their Twitter feed to find their next location.

Beerfest: This city definitely has a passion for beer and open bars – and this weekend they’re ready to do it all over again with the Bay Area Brew Fest. Stemming off drink:eat:play’s success in LA and Orange county – SF’s ready to rally with 4 hours of unlimited, respectable-beer guzzling. Dogfish Head, Hobgoblin, Sierra Nevada, Speakeasy, Stone, Colt 45 (sure, why not!), and dozens more brews will be available. While tickets run a steep $50, there’s definitely cheaper deals to be had.

There’s a New Kid in Town: And if a weekend of boozing ain’t enough, get ready for SF’s newest Southern Pacific Brewery – set to open in the Spring of 2011. Promising a new brewery, bar and restaurant – it gives you just one more reason to head to the Mission more often next year.

Popping Up: The San Francisco pop-up trend just keeps getting better. This past Saturday, artist Freya Prowe made her debut at 890 Valencia with a new pop-up space, Slingshot Gallery. Pulling in up-and-coming talent to share the art space with her, the goal is to give artists a chance to exhibit in SF before they would normally be able to do so.

San Francisco’s Got An App for That: Golden Gate Park’s intimidating acreage have you stuck on hippie hill? Fear no more. Meet the Golden Gate Park Field Guide. With interactive maps, GPS features, self-guided itineraries, and field guides – you’ll be finding those buffalo and windmills in no time.

Yum Yum Gimme Some: Nothing goes better with some mulled cider or hot chocolate than a donut (I mean… maybe some other stuff, but stay with me). Lucky for us, Travel + Leisure has dubbed not one – but TWO shops in SF to be the keepers of “America’s Best Donuts”. All riiiight. So swing on by Bob’s Donut & Pastry Shop for face-size donuts to please your belly. Or hit up Dynamo Donut and Coffee for their Maple Glazed Bacon Apple Donut. It’s legit.

Photo Courtesy of Union Square Ice Rink’s Facebook Album

Here is the lowdown on the must see and not to miss events and shows for this week in San Francisco! So dust off your dancing shoes and let’s begin:

Thursday, November 11

Great American Music Hall – Fistful of Mercy
Yes this show sadly already sold out. To see Joseph Arthur, Ben Harper, and Dhani
Harrison together I would be rummaging around Craigslist looking for a ticket.

Fox Theatre – Brandon Flowers
Frontman of The Killers will be playing a solo show.

The Regency Ballroom – Bo Burnham
At only 20 years old Bo has won multiple awards at the Edinburgh Comedy Awards’ this year – along with a full-length LP, a Comedy Central special and a deal to write a film for Judd Apatow.!

Friday, November 12

Oracle Arena – Usher, Trey Songz, Miquel
According to wikipedia he is the King of R&B come watch him bust a move and serenade all the ladies in the audience. According to Glamour Magazine he is one of the 50 sexiest men alive.

Rickshaw Stop – Nosaj Thing, Toro Y Moi, Jogger
This tour will future the long awaited visual show of Nosaj Thing and Toro Y Moi, which was actually produced by Fair Enough.

103 Harriet – Get Dirty with Panty Raid, Low Riderz and more
This well-produced electronic music will get more then your toes tapping this Friday.

Saturday, November 13

Mezzanine – Jazz Mafia 10 Year Anniversary Celebration
Make sure you have got your ticket early to see more the 35 Jazz Mafia musicians. You won’t want to be left out this year. Performers include: Realistic Orchestra, The Shotgun, Brass Mafia, and much much more.

Rockit Room – Nappy Roots
Their new album Pursuit of Nappyness was released in June check out their new songs live this Saturday and enjoy some good ol’ Southern Hip Hop.

Nob Hill Masonic Center – Lisa Lampanelli
Bring an extra pair of pants because you will laugh the first ones off. This “Loveable Queen of Mean” is both raunchy and racy and not afraid of a taboo topic.

Monday, November 15

Great American Music Hall – Explosions in the Sky
Even though tickets are Sold Out it couldn’t be over looked in the not to miss of SF.

The Independent –The Thermals, White Fang
You can’t deny the passion these guys have when you see them live. I caught a show in Washington last month and not a person was standing still. Be ready to get wild! And, of course, who doesn’t love a gal who can rock out on bass.

Bottom of the Hill – Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin, The Lonely Forest
This is not a show where you want to miss the opener. The Lonely Forest has slowly been making their mark on NW music. How could they not be great when Death Cab For Cutie’s Chris Walla signs them to his label!

Tuesday, November 16

Slim’s – Bruno Mars, Donnis
With many of Mr. Mars’ upcoming shows sold out. Unfortunately San Francisco is no different. So, Congrats to those who will be enjoying Just the way I am, Billionaire and many more of his chart toping hits.

Wednesday, November 17

The Fillmore – A Perfect Circle
This is the second of the three nights! They will be performing Thirteenth Step . You can see them all three night and if you are willing to throw down the big bucks you can even enjoy and meet and greet + wine with a Perfect Circle. The other two nights they will perform Mer de Noms 11/16 and eMOTIVe 11/17.

The Independent – Or, The Whale, Chris Pureka
Touring with some of top names in indie music right now including Fleet Foxes and The Dodos this SF alt country band will help get you past the mid –week hump.

That’s it for this week. We will catch you next week for another rundown of San Francisco’s biggest and best concerts and events!

San Francisco New Years Eve 2011 is almost here and it’s never too early to start making your plans. Lucky for you, we here at MetroWize have been hard at work compiling every party, concert, massive and more to keep you in the know on the best way to dance, drink and celebrate your way into the new year.

And if you know a San Francisco New Year’s party that just has to be listed, email kelsey (@) metrowize.com and we’ll look into it.

Last Updated – 11/15/2010

Sea of Dreams NYE 2011
San Francisco’s largest NYE party has finally announced the full line up to their annual blowout (Thievery Corporation for NYE!). Celebrating their 11th year, Sea of Dreams will transform the Concourse Center into a multi-stage, multi-environment undersea fantasyland with cabaret and circus performers, balloon drops, confetti explosions, over 50 pieces of inflatable art and tons more.
Read More
Buy Tickets Now

NYE 2011 w/ Markus Schulz @ Ruby Skye
Ruby Skye knows how to throw a New Years Eve party. Serving up a menu by Executive Chef Eric Treis, guests can enjoy rum raisin truffles, herb encrusted filet mignon, saffron-scented Mediterranean paella and more. Plus a 4am breakfast, complimentary champagne/Red Bull toast at midnight, party favors and – of course – special guest Markus Schulz to keep the party going all night.
Buy Tickets

SF NYE BALL 2011 @ San Francisco City Hall
The minds that brought you the SF Halloween Ball are at it again this New Year’s Eve with the SF NYE Ball 2011. Returning to San Francisco’s historic City Hall with top DJ talent including Colette, Mr. V, and Fred Everything – the NYE Ball combines 3 rooms of sound, special live performances by the Ladies of Desired Temptations and an all night party to rock you right into the new year.
Buy Tickets

Streets of San Francisco w/ Steve Aoki @ Fort Mason Center
Promising new decor, new layout, and new props (not to mention Steve Aoki!) – this classic event brings you a premium Hosted Bar from 9pm-2am, front row seats to check out fireworks and a gorgeous Bay view, and a midnight champagne toast.
Buy Tickets

The Dresden Dolls @ The Warfield
Formed back in 2000, this dark cabaret duo blend punk and theatrics with a massive cult following. Catch them on their reunion tour at The Warfield.
Buy Tickets

Primus @ The Fox Oakland
Playing two nights at The Fox, Primus – comprised of bassist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry LaLonde and Jay Lane bring the weirdness for New Years… probably in a pig suit.
Buy Tickets (Thursday, 12/30)
Buy Tickets (NYE – Friday, 12/31))

Nerf Herder @ Bottom of the Hill
Santa Barbara’s nerd rock band (best known for writing the theme song for Buffy the Vampire Slayer) is at Bottom of the Hill for New Years along with Sassy!!! and The Hooks
Buy Tickets

An Evening with Further feat. Phil Lesh & Bob Weir @ Bill Graham Civic
Tickets may already be sold out for this one, but you just know Craigslist is gonna be a-buzzin’ the closer we get. Led by the former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Phil Lesh, the brothers are back and guaranteed to jam straight into the new year.
More Info

The Mother of All New Year’s (MOANY) @ Regency Center Ballroom
Ranked as AOL’s 7th “Must Attend” party in the USA last year, this NYE head to the Regency Center to check out American producer, singer and rapper Mike Posner performing live.
Buy Tickets

Rebirth Brass Band @ The Independent
If you’re looking for some New Orleans flavor on your New Years Eve, look no further than Rebirth Brass Band. Formed in the early 80s on the streets of the French Quarter and growing in popularity ever since, their distinct and vibrant brand of funk, soul and hip hop is guaranteed to keep you dancing into the New Year. And if you’re in the mood to get extra rowdy – grab an $85 ticket for access to an Open Bar all night! Tickets go on sale 11/5.
More Info

Cosmic Voyage w/ Donald Glaude @ Vessel
Vessel goes intergalactic this New Year’s Eve with San Diego’s DJ/producer Donal Glaude. Advertising their state-of-the-at LED lighting and their award-winning Funktion One sound system, the music won’t stop until 6AM.
Buy Tickets

The 11th Annual Breakfast of Champions @ Mighty
Ready to kick off 2011 in playa style comes The Space Cowboys’ 11th annual Breakfast of Champions. Bringing out all the Space Cowboy favorites and the likes of SEISMIC, Pink Mammoth, Janky Bus and tons more – the big event takes place at Mighty and all the way down a blocked-off Utah Street starting at 6am on Saturday, January 1st. Pre-sale tickets start at a price-friendly $10.
Buy Tickets

Passport to the World 2011@ Westin St. Francis Hotel
If NYE means glitz and glam to you, the 5th annual upscale party at the Westin St. Francis over in Union Square may be your answer. The evening transforms the hotel into 10 themed areas that include “views” off the Empire State Building and the Eiffel tower, the North Pole and retro rooms – as well as offering a Hosted Bar, 40+ bars, a fashion show, live bands, live art and more. This semi-formal event will keep you entertained all night.
Buy Tickets

A Midnight in Paris @ Julia Morgan Ballrooms
Yet another Black Tie affair, “A Midnight in Paris” invites you to spend New Years in two incredible, French-themed ballrooms conjoined by a courtyard. The event includes multiple rooms, balconies, DJs and an optional VIP Open Bar all night.
Buy Tickets

Sin City New Year’s Eve @ ROE
ROE’s taking their NYE for a different spin with a Sin City Las Vegas theme aimed to be San Francisco’s hottest New Year’s Party. Be a high roller for a night with three floors of music and a premium Open Bar – “All night, nothing but sin until 2am.”
More Info

The Ultimate Black & White NYE 2011 @ Carnelian by the Bay
Ring in the New Year at the waterfront on Pier 2, with wide open views of the Bay Bridge and the city skyline. Enjoy deluxe cocktails, live music, a midnight champagne toast and catered food and hor d’oeuvres within three rooms and two levels of entertainment.
Buy Tickets

See more from our friends at Yap Club about San Francisco New Years Eve 2011 events.

The days are ending earlier and the nights are cooling down (er… kind of). So in the spirit of ice rinks, Market Street lighting up, and the holiday shopping frenzy that’s about to engulf us – here’s a breakdown of the best ways to dodge the mall, buy local, and get all your shopping done in one fell swoop.

SF Vintners Market
November 20-21 @ Fort Mason Center
There isn’t much out there that makes holiday shopping wonderful, but wine definitely helps. A $40 ticket gets you into the Vintner’s Market from 1-5pm for all the tastings you (and your liver) can muster. With over 200 wineries from Napa, Sonoma, San Luis Obispo and more – it’s the perfect way to buy local, nab great (and delicious!) holiday party gifts, and keep yourself cheerful through it all.
Buy Tickets

THREAD Holiday Pop Up Shop
November 21 @ The Metreon
It’s always good to see The Metreon being put to good use (Come back to me farmers’ market! Come back!) and we’re definitely digging the sound of this event. Promising all the favorites and a few new surprises, THREAD’s main purpose is to give shoppers more unique gift options, while also giving back to the local economy. They’ll be showcasing the latest SF indie designers, live giveaways, design booths, cocktails and live music.
RSVP for $5 admission ($10 at the door)

Chillin Holiday Show
December 4 @ Mezzanine
If craft fairs make your skin crawl – this is the spot for you. Chillin’ Productions is bringing back their holiday show this year with 200 painters and photographers, 80 fashion designers, video installations and a bucketload of DJs spinning till 2 am. Sip some cocktails, groove to the beats of Dirtyhertz, Rondo Brothers and more, and check out live painters throughout the venue. Even if you can’t find that perfect thing for mom and dad – at least you’ll have a good time looking.
$10 at the door

Holiday Capsule
December 5 @ TBD
Shopping. Holiday Fashion. Refreshments. Music. Photo Booth. You know you like it. After getting rained out last year, Capsule’s moved inside and we’ve got to say – this sounds pretty good. With 70+ local designers reppin’ themselves in a multi-level Mission warehouse, this holiday Trunk Show could be a one-stop shop. It’s free admission, just RSVP on their Facebook event page.
RSVP Now

Bazaar Bizarre San Francisco
December 11 & 12 @ Fort Mason Center
Yep, it’s another DIY craft fair – but if home-made gifts are what make your family smile (…and maybe you’re a little broke), try your hand at one of the Bazaar Bizarre’s free workshops and learn how to make everything from your own tea to silk screening aluminum can gift boxes. PLUS – they’re dishing out drink tickets on Saturday night for free cocktails, wine and beer along with door prizes and giveaways. And if those free cocktails give you the munchies, Off The Grid is sponsoring a whole gamut of food courts. Yum.
Buy Tickets and receive a Free Gift

2nd Annual Renegade Craft Fair
December 18 – 19 @ Concourse Exhibition Center
The Renegade Craft Fair Holiday Sale is back again this year in the Concourse Exhibition Center with 200+ indie designers and crafts. Whether you’re looking for cool screen-printed calendars, unique jewelry, sweet tees or something else, you’re bound to find some great DIY stuff here.
Free Event

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THIS WEEK IN SF
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 – WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2010

SFX Fest: The Third Annual SFX Festival hits Kelly’s Mission Rock this Saturday, November 20th, from 4pm to 2am. Presented by Crawl SF and The Vapor Room, the festival was created to showcase the San Diego and San Francisco buzzing bands (with a few LA groups thrown in for good measure) like Music for Animal’s and The Ferocious Few – plus the Workshop and San Franpsycho will be doing onsite silkscreening. Asking a whopping $10 a ticket, this ain’t a bad way to spend your Saturday night!

Wino-liscious: This weekend, wine country descends on San Francisco with the SF Vintners Market. With over 200 wineries from Napa, Sonoma, San Luis Obispo and more – taste as many wines as you can muster and then buy the ones you like – no road trip required (Or check out our Holiday Shopping Guide!).

Brewtastic: And if Beer’s the name of the game – head on up to Fort Mason this Saturday evening to taste 150+ seasonal brews from around the world at the Holiday Beerfest. With a wide range of live music (bluegrass/funk/indie pop) and tasty food being dished out by Luganos and RoliRoti – not to mention specialty tastings from 21st Amendment, Chimay, Delerium Tremens, Green Flash, Magic Hat, Unibroue and well… a lot more.

Pie N Poptart Pop Up: If the idea of cooking for Thanksgiving turns your stomach into knots, the Black Jet Baking Co may be the answer for you. Taking over NOPA’s Workshop at McAllister and Baker for the day, swing by for a home made pie ($20), a pie in a jar ($5), or a Pop ($3). With flavors like Oaty Pumpkin, Chocolate Pecan, Apricot Brown Sugar and a whole bunch more – it’s probably better you brought this one to family dinner anyway…

Let Them Eat Cake: And in the spirit of all things sweet and delicious, 10-year-old Citizen Cake recently opened up in its new home in Pacific Heights with some mighty big plans. Continuing with their amazing gourmet-comfort food and a huge marble counter filled up with bakery options (raspberry-rose eclair or curry-mango macaron anyone?), Citizen Cake 2.0 will also be releasing a molecular gastronomy menu with options like liquid nitrogen ice cream and… did someone say beer floats?

On the Dolores Park Front: Sure you can always buy overpriced Hamms off those guys with the cooler, but why not step it up a notch? Respect yourself? Meet The Jello Shot Girl – San Francisco’s latest (and sadly temporary) Dolores Park addition with a menu that knocks warm beer way outta there. Death By Chocolate Pudding, Vegan Lychee, Spicy Strawberry Mojito, Pumpkin Pie with Spiced Rum, and a whole lot more jello shots are being offered up. So keep your eyes peeled or follow her location on Twitter to sample one of her latest creations.

Listen up: There’s two days left to check out the way-trippy exhibit Milieux Sonores: Sound and Imaginary Space, which premiered in Zurich back in 2009 as a project designed to create imaginary space through sound. The result is five different spaces that play interactively with sound and visuals – be that full audiovisual immersion, hidden sounds that slowly reveal themselves as you move through the room, or something even more out there.

Drink Up: Swing on by The Republic tonight (November 18th) for their 1 Year Anniversary Party. From 8:30 – 10:30 sip vodka drinks and margaritas, taste some passed appetizers, and groove to some DJ tunes. Did we mention all of this is free? It’s free.

Photo Courtesy of backgroundwallpapers.com

Nowhere to go for Thanksgiving weekend? Or maybe family holidays aren’t your thing. MetroWize has got you covered. Here’s a list of the hottest San Francisco music and events over the Holiday weekend.

Tuesday, November 23

Warfield – Robyn
Start your Thanksgiving week off with this Swedish electro-pop sweetheart. Dance the night away to her newer hit Dancing on My Own or her classics like Show me love. You will have a blast!

Wednesday, November 24

Fox Theatre – Pretty Lights
Electronic mixes of everything from hip-hops greatest hits to funk and soul Pretty Lights creates a party atmosphere for their crowds that is only enhanced by the lights, lasers and videos coming from the stage. This is an experience not to miss!

Ruby Skye – 8th Annual Give Thanks with DJ Mark Farina
Get in free with a new unwrapped toy or food donation for Toys for Tots. Help make some ones Holiday season more enjoyable and dance your night away.

Harlot – Salted with Miguel Migs and Julius Papp
Dance your night away with two well known San Francisco DJs; they will be mixing the best house music. Don’t worry that its mid-week you will have tomorrow to recover!

Thursday, November 25 (THANKSGIVING)

Ruby Skye – Menno DeJong
Having spun alongside some of the biggest names in the world and ranked in DJ Magazine’s Top 100 Chart of 2009 (number 59), Dutch DJ Menno DeJong will help you work off that turkey coma.

Friday, November 26

The Independent – Yard Dogs Road Show
This circus which includes a live band, burlesque dancers, belly dancers, magician and much more put on a an eclectic show in true vaudeville style. After seeing Yard Dogs Road Show you may want to give up your day job buy some fishnets and hit the road.

Nob Hill Masonic Center – Dane Cook
One of the biggest names in comedy – do we need to say more?

The Fillmore – Black Mountain
Canadian psychedelic – rock group, Black Mountain, is inviting fans to help name their new album take an introspective journey with them and get some inspiration.

Saturday, November 27

Mezzanine – Bonobo, Tokimonsta
Touring in support of a new album, Black Sand, Bonobo will DJ along side of a full band.

Infusion – Set Saturday with DJ Solarz
One half of Rock It! –Scientist, DJ Solarz will be spinning everything from the hottest of today’s hits and those from back in the day.

Sunday, November 28

The Fillmore – The Frames
What better way to end a busy Thanksgiving weekend than with the sweet melodies of Irish indie folk rock band The Frames.

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THIS WEEK IN SF
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 25 – WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2010

Thanksgiving Eve: The night before Thanksgiving is always a good excuse to rally hometown friends and get rowdy. Lucky for those sticking it out in San Francisco for the holiday weekend, here’s a sampling of what’s going down:
- SOMA’s John Colins is dishing out $4 Jameson and keeping their Happy Hour specials going all night long ($2 beers anyone?).
- Ruby Skye’s throwing down their free 8th Annual Give Thanks event with DJ Mark Farina. Just bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
- Intimate venue, Harlot, is holding a Thanksgiving edition of SALTED with Miguel Migs.
- Bassgiving will be getting their womp on in the Mission at new venue, Blue Macaw.
- Pretty Lights is dropping beats at The Fox Oakland.
- New, super-cool “warehouse” venue, Public Works is pulling in house/techno DJs Jesse Rose and Claude VonStroke.
- Upscale club, Infusion Lounge, is bringing in DJ Spryte for their Turkey Day Edition of the dance-infused weekly party, Rock-It Wednesday

A Thanksgiving Feast for Free: Vegan restaurant (from the minds behind Gracias Madre), Cafe Gratitude, is inviting the Bay Area community to their San Francisco, Berkeley and San Rafael locations for their annual Free Thanksgiving Feast. Emphasizing all things local, sustainable and environmentally-friendly – here’s a great chance to sample some of their innovative concoctions (here’s guessing there’s a gourmet tofurkey in the works). Or volunteer your time serving, cleaning and setting up. The whole shebang last from 11am – 3pm.

Burn Off That Turkey: The Annual Turkey Trot will be taking place on the Polo Field in Golden Gate Park with the choice between a 5 mile run or a 3 mile walk. And if you’d rather nap away your Thanksgiving, Run Wild for a Child will be taking place on Sunday and benefit the San Francisco Firefighters Toy Program.

Or if you’re looking to get all that exercising done before Turkey Day – hit up MIGHTY on Wednesday for their Thanksgiving Edition of Roller Disco. $5 cover and $5 skate rentals all night.

Lighting Up: As the days get darker, San Francisco’s brightening the streets with a whole bunch of tree lightings (a good excuse to get out of the kitchen and have a little family-bonding time). Friday, Nov 26, Macy’s “Great Tree Lighting” brings on the holidays in Union Square with an American Idol performance, free hot chocolate and Santa Claus. On the same day, Ghirardelli Square will also be lighting their tree.

Monday brings the Castro Tree Lighting with the Gay Men’s Chorus. And Wednesday, December 1st, brings the lighting of 25-foot tall Menorah in Union Square for the first night of Hanukkah.

Everyone Needs a Movie Night: That damn Harry Potter movie and all those holiday groceries leave you strapped for cash? Great American Music Hall is taking a cue from The Independent with their “Free Movie Night at GAHM“. This Friday, they’ll be showing Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (along with a “holiday sale” that sounds more like a lot of leftover merch they need to get rid of. But sure, why not?).

Or head to The Independent Monday for Tron. The 80s have never looked more ridiculous.

Photo Courtesy of countrymusictattletale.com