Thursday, May 23, 6–10 p.m.
California Academy of Sciences
Shake your funky best alongside zebras, lions, and live African penguins to live D.J. music, and test your ’70s smarts with science and pop culture trivia. Don’t miss the live presentation on ’70s astronomy followed by two showings of Earthquake. $10–$12, 415-379-8000, www.calacademy.org
Thursday, May 23, 7:30 p.m.
Davies Symphony Hall
The 17 Grammy Award-winner may be best-know for his standards, but we all know him for our favorite. $75–$170, 866-920-5299, www.sfjazz.org
Friday May 24, 5–6:30 p.m.
Community Health Resource Center (2333 Buchanan St.)
Discover how different lifestyle factors and dietary habits can improve cardiovascular health. Learn the benefits of a Mediterranean diet, and new approaches to eating during this educational workshop. Free, $10 donation suggested,
415-923-3155, www.chrc.org
Saturday, May 25, 9:30 p.m.
Hemlock Tavern (1131 Polk St.)
Enjoy an evening featuring bands BOAT, Gold-Bears, and Surf Club. Cost TBA, www.hemlocktavern.com
Tue–Sat, May 1–26
Various Bay Area venues
See new works for the stage and screen in more than 40 performances, screenings, readings, and panel discussions featuring more than 150 Bay Area writers, directors, actors, filmmakers, and designers at this multi medium artistic extravaganza. $15–$50, 415-992-6677,
www.playground-sf.org
Sunday, May 26, 10 a.m.
14th Ave. East Meadow, Golden Gate Park
Conquer Strawberry Hill to earn fresh waffles at the finish line! Proceeds benefit Leap, which enhances classroom curriculum through creative projects. $20–$30, www.picnicdash.com
Sunday, May 5, 12, 19, & 26, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
JFK Dr btw de Young Museum & Music Concourse
Join the lesson at noon (partners not required — leaders and followers are rotated) then practice your new steps. Free, www.lindyinthepark.com
Through May 27, 2013, the Asian Art Museum will have on display 10 figures representing over 7,000 life-size sculpted soldiers found in the tomb of China’s first emperor, Quin Shihuang.
The emperor’s underground burial complex was first unearthed in 1974, revealing an elaborate array of objects and images reminiscent of riches found in the tombs of Egyptian pharaohs. The life-size figures vary in height, uniform, and hairstyle in accordance with rank. Each is unique and was created in an assembly-line style by laborers and artisans. Placement of the thousands of soldiers in the tomb was painstakingly ordered in terms of rank and duty.
The terracotta warriors originally held real weapons like spears, swords and crossbows, which rotted and decayed over time. The military guard came accompanied with horses, cavalry, infantry, and chariots. Details including slight variations in facial features and expressions were enhanced by lifelike paint that was applied in the finishing processes, later faded by time and erosion. Other figures were also found representing musicians, acrobats and other officials.
History remembers Quin Shihuang as a notorious tyrant obsessed with being assassinated. A committed anti-intellectual, he outlawed and burned books as a means of controlling the population. The scholars who wrote them were sometimes burned alive as well. Construction of his tomb and mausoleum started after he began his reign at age 13. Requiring the work of 700,000 men, most of whom were killed, the tomb construction was completed in secret. The emperor spent his later years seeking immortality, and he died in 221 B.C. after ingesting mercury pills which, paradoxically, were intended to make him immortal.
The ruler who sought eternal life and feared assassination is now remembered for his terracotta warriors, a frozen army keeping silent watch over him in the afterlife. The Asian Museum’s warriors present an opportunity to observe an ambitious example of funerary art and the troubled legacy of China’s first emperor.
Terracotta Warriors: Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin Street (at McAllister), Tuesday–Wednesday, Friday–Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m. & Thursday 10 a.m.–9 p.m., free–$22, 415-581-3500, www.asianart.org
–S. Anderson
Photo: courtesy Asian Art Museum
Opening Night Party: Friday, April 26, 6 p.m.–8:30 p.m.
Showcase: Tue–Sun, April 27–May 27
2800 Pacific St.
This premiere design show house event features top Bay Area interior and landscape designers. Proceeds benefit University High School. 415-447-5830, www.decoratorshowcase.org
If you’d like to avoid being on the road this holiday, consider staying in town and attending one of several ceremonies to honor and remember those who have served our country during wartime.
The Presidio‘s annual commemoration includes a parade of the 191st Army Band, veterans’ organizations, and distinguished guests. It starts at 10:30, Monday, May 27 at the Main Post (near Sheridan and Lincoln Streets) and ends at the San Francisco National Cemetery. An 11 a.m. ceremony follows, which will pay tribute to World War II and Korean War veterans, and features remarks by military and civilian dignitaries and live music. The program will end at noon with a 21-gun salute by the U.S. Army’s 75th Pacific Division. (415-561-5300, www.presidio.gov).
A commemoration at noon on Sunday, May 26 will be held at the USS San Francisco Memorial Park near Land’s End. The battle cruiser, built at Mare Island, returned to port safely after sustaining significant damage, injury and loss of crew in the Battle of Guadalcanal. The ceremony in the memorial park that features parts of its shell-ridden hull will remember those killed and acknowledge the remaining survivors, now in their 90s, some of whom will attend. Complimentary coffee and homemade cookies will be available (two blocks north of 48th Avenue & Point Lobos, 415-334-0263, www.usssanfrancisco.org).
The submarine USS Pompanito at Fisherman’s Wharf on Monday, May 27 at 10 a.m. will honor submariners lost at sea by hosting a lost boat ceremony bell tolling for the 52 submarines who did not return home during World War II (Pier 45 at Taylor, 415-775-1943, www.maritime.org).
— L. Majer
photo: Courtesy of the Presidio Trust
Tuesday, May 28, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Hotel Kabuki (1625 Post St.)
Meet and mingle with the entrepreneurs, developers, investors, musicians, and journalists who deal with the convergence of culture and commerce. Show up early for the “pre-show schmooze” at Yoshi’s on Monday, May 27, at 5 p.m. $699, www.sfmusictech.com
Presidio Dance Theatre: Dancing Across Cultures 2013
Friday, May 31, 7 p.m.
Palace of Fine Arts Theatre
Enjoy an evening of classical and folk dances from all corners of the globe featuring a cast of multigenerational, international artists and outstanding youth artists. $40–$120, 415-561-3997,
www.presidiodance.org
March 9 through June 2, 2013, the SFMOMA will feature the first major touring exhibition and catalogue in 25 years dedicated to the work of Garry Winogrand. A street photographer from the Bronx, Winogrand became best known for his documentary-style depiction of American life in the 1960s.
While working as a commercial photographer and a teacher, Winogrand wandered the streets of New York City with his 35mm Leica, rapidly taking photographs of the people in his immediate vicinity. Though he shot several rolls of film a day, he didn’t shoot from the hip — Winogrand’s methodology only appeared fast and loose, when in fact he always took meticulous care to frame his composition through his viewfinder, utilizing his prefocused wide-angle lens to aid in the swift capturing of images.
Winogrand’s process of developing film was conversely unhurried. He often let a roll of film sit for years before taking it to the darkroom so he could adequately detach himself from personal memories associated with the moments the photos were taken. The distance created a greater objectivity, and he felt the resulting photographs could be evaluated with a critical eye unspoiled by the emotions affiliated with that instant.
Yet for Winogrand, by all appearances, watching meant far less than doing. He died at the age of 56, leaving behind 2,500 rolls of undeveloped film. It is estimated at the time of his death, he had taken over five million photos and never saw a half million of his own shots. As an artist, he was prolific so he could be intentional; fleeting so he could be deliberate in selecting the form and content that would define his body of work.
SFMOMA’s curatorial research undertaken for this exhibition allows the public to see for the first time the expansive breadth of Garry Winogrand’s photos of post-World War II American life in all its enthusiasm and apprehension.
Garry Winogrand: SFMOMA, 151 Third Street (btw. Howard & Mission), March 9–June 2, Monday–Tuesday 11 a.m.–5:45 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m.–8:45 p.m., Friday–Sunday 11 a.m.–5:45 p.m., free–$18, 415-357-4000, www.sfmoma.org
—S. Anderson
Sat–Sun, June 1–2, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Union Street (Gough to Steiner)
Featuring arts and crafts created with recycled and sustainable materials and eco-friendly exhibits with over 150 arts and crafts booths, gourmet food booths, and two stages of live entertainment. Free, 800-310-6563,
www.unionstreetfestival.com
Sunday, June 2, 7:30 p.m.
Venetian Room, Fairmont S.F.
Hamlisch performed for the reopening of the Venetian Room; join this celebration of what would have been his 69th birthday with performances of his work. $75–$100, 415-392-4400, www.bayareacabaret.org
Monday, June 3, 7:30 p.m.
Nourse Theatre (275 Hayes St.)
The famed women’s rights’ activist appears with the award-winning journalist, opinion writer, and political activist. $27, 415-392-4400,
www.cityarts.net
Mon–Tue & Thu–Sun, thru June 6
SFMOMA
This highly acclaimed video installation is composed of thousands of film clips referencing the time of day, intricately edited into a 24-hour-long montage that matches real time minute for minute.
Free–$18, 415-357-4000, www.sfmoma.org
Image courtesy of SFMOMA
May 23–July 7
Walt Disney Family Museum
Featuring 50 works by the legendary author and illustrator, accompanied by 50 statements from celebrities, authors and noted personalities on the influence of his work, all in celebration the 50th anniversary of his universally revered book, Where the Wild Things Are. $15–$25, www.waldisney.org
Yerba Buena Gardens, one of San Francisco’s premiere urban parks, will present its 13th annual festival from May through October with music, theater, dance, poetry, international cultural celebrations, and children’s programs. It’s an exciting array of live performances and it’s absolutely free of charge. All programs take place outdoors in Yerba Buena Gardens, Mission Street between Third and Fourth Streets.
Upcoming in May is the Los Angeles-based rock group La Santa Cecilia with the Bay Area’s Dr. Loco’s Rockin’ Jalapeno Band, Anna Halprin’s Planetary Dance, Asian Improv aRts, Balinese music from Gamelan Sekar Jaya, Taipei Folk Dance Theater, violinist Anthony Blea and his Cuban charanga ensemble, and Lavay Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Lickers.
Poetry is represented with Poetry Tuesday, curated by Litquake’s Robin Ekiss and featuring Alejandro Murguia, San Francisco Poet Laureate. Salsa Thursdays will be featured, too, and will include salsa lessons.
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival: Mission Street (btw. Third & Fourth), May 4–Oct. 15, free, 415-543-1718, www.ybgfestival.org
— E. Beyl
Photo:Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
Saturdays, 10–11 a.m.
386 Arguello Blvd. (at Moraga), the Presidio
Targeted for Boomers, but all are welcome to exercise to songs from the ’50s and ’60s by dancing the Twist, the Pony and the Swim. RSVP to 415-608-4503 or marciejudelson@comcast.net, www.boomercize.com
Saturdays, 8 a.m. (coffee), 8:30 (ride)
Rapha Cycle Club (2198 Filbert St.)
Join the 40–70-mile ride to Marin County with plenty of options to split off to suit your schedule. No-drop policy with several chances to regroup. Bring food, water, tubes, and any tools you might need.
Free, 415-896-4671, www.rapha.cc.com