San Francisco, CA— Today, Mayor London N. Breed and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development announced a new outdoor concert series in San Francisco. Taking place between May and October 2024, the SF Live series brings arts and culture into our parks and plazas through free performances curated by live music and entertainment venues that showcase a variety of local, national and international talent.
SF Live debuts on May 4 at the Golden Gate Park Bandshell with “Electric Fields,” a celebration of electronic music presented by The Great Northern and Monarch and featuring performances by Doc Martin, Galen, and DJ M3. Additional events will take place across May and June at Fulton Plaza, Union Square, and the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater. More information about all upcoming SF Live events may be found at www.sflivefest.com This website will be regularly updated with announcement of new concerts in the series over the coming months.
"San Francisco recognizes the profound impact and contribution of our nightlife and entertainment industry, not only as a source of cultural vitality but also as an engine driving economic growth,” said Mayor London Breed. “SF Live will show off our talented local artists, promote our world class venues and boost the city as a premiere music and arts destination. And SF Live will bring the joy and fun our city and residents deserve right now.”
The goals of the initiative are to showcase and support the San Francisco music and entertainment sector, boost neighborhood vitality, activate open spaces and enhance the City’s economic revitalization through arts and culture. Funding through SF Live covered the costs of producing the outdoor event series as well as stipends to participating entertainment venues that curated talent lineups and promote the performances. The $2.5 million investment is funded through an allocation from the California State Legislature led by City Attorney David Chiu, when he was an Assemblymember.
“San Francisco’s live music scene is legendary and helps make us such a special city,” said City Attorney David Chiu. “I am thrilled the state funding we secured will support our live music venues, aid in San Francisco’s economic recovery, and bring a lot of fun to our neighborhoods. Thanks to OEWD and all of the participating venues for curating incredible talent and bringing us all together.”
“Nightlife and entertainment are economic drivers in San Francisco and will be critical to our city’s continued economic revitalization,” said Sarah Dennis Phillips, Executive Director of the Office the Economic and Workforce Development. “The SF Live concert series is a celebration of live music in San Francisco, and I’m really excited for our residents, workers, and visitors to experience the amazing concerts that SF live music venues are creating in our world-class parks and plazas.”
Each concert offers a diverse lineup of artists, ranging from rising indie bands to well-established jazz ensembles and high-energy pop acts. Attendees can expect a unique and dynamic concert experience that showcases the breadth and depth of San Francisco's musical talent. The SF Live concert series was produced in partnership with Illuminate, San Francisco Parks Alliance, Noise Pop, the Union Square Alliance and Plinth Agency.
“The SF Live project has been a bright spot for Bottom of the Hill this year. It allowed me to book a headlining band I've always wanted to book but was too big for my venue. Partnering with Illuminate, who knows the ins and outs of putting on larger productions in outdoor spaces, has allowed us to focus on the fun stuff! And knowing we're providing this programming to the general public for free is a really great feeling!” said Lynn Schwarz, owner of Bottom of the Hill. “This program is a gem that emerged from the darkness of the COVID era and can get our name out to people who might not be familiar with us, as well as help turn SF into a real music city again.”
Over the next six months, SF Live series concerts will take place throughout San Francisco at iconic open spaces and locations such as the Golden Gate Park Bandshell, Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, Union Square Plaza, Civic Center Plaza, Crane Cove Park, Fulton Plaza, and Eagle Plaza.
Participating entertainment and music venues include: Mr. Tipple’s, The Great Northern, Monarch, Madrone Art Bar, Bottom of the Hill, El Rio, Neck of the Woods, Great American Music Hall, Rickshaw Stop, The EndUp, Pandora Karaoke, Kilowatt, Cafe Du Nord, The Chapel, and The SF Eagle.
SF Live is closely aligned with other successful efforts to promote the City’s recovery through arts and entertainment, and to support the local music and entertainment sector. During the pandemic, Mayor Breed led several important programs to increase access to outdoor commercial and cultural activities, including the $3 million Music and Entertainment Venue Recovery Fund and the Just Add Music outdoor entertainment permit, which is now a permanent program. Since the end of the pandemic, Mayor Breed has continued to champion the nightlife and entertainment sector through fee waivers to help businesses continue to offer outdoor music and streamlining legislation to simplify entertainment permitting and reduce barriers for entrepreneurs starting live music venues.
SF Live is also made possible from the support of the Recreation and Parks Department. "SF Live embodies the natural harmony between music and parks,” said San Francisco Rec and Park General Manager Phil Ginsburg. “Concerts remind us that parks aren't just green spaces; they're stages for community gathering and celebration. Events like SF Live foster a deeper connection between people and their surroundings, amplifying the joy and sense of belonging that music brings to our outdoor spaces."
Prior to the pandemic, an economic impact study by the City Controller found that San Francisco’s nightlife and entertainment sector -- including restaurants, bars, nightclubs, live music venues and performing art spaces -- generated $6 billion in local spending while employing over 60,000 people. Nightlife also plays a critical role in the City’s economic recovery and revitalization moving forward.
To stay updated on SF Live events and performances, visit www.sflivefest.com and follow @sflivefest on Instagram.
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