Dave Eggers
Author
My January picks are all music-related, because San Francisco is sorta secretly one of the great music towns of the world.
Event Picks
I don’t know how the 245 members of this great band will fit on the Chapel stage, but it’ll be worth the squeeze. With Karina Denike along, this can’t be anything but ludicrous fun.”
Friday, Jan 16
Bluegrass Bonanza @ The Plough and Stars
“This is such a great series, going on 20 years now. How is it that SF has such a rich bluegrass history? No one knows. Do not question it.”
Saturday, Jan 17
Gardner Conducts The Planets @ San Francisco Symphony
My recommendation is to sit above the musicians, in that narrow ring of seats just around the stage. Everything’s far more frenetic and electric up there, and for this show, it’ll be beautiful madness.
Venue Picks
You can’t have a bad time at Mr. Tipples. People dress up and act civilized, the food is very good, and the acts — mostly from out of town — are constantly surprising. Impress your date and bring them here. You will look sophisticated for a few hours at least.
Legend has it that this is SF’s oldest bar, and it looks it. The music’s great, there’s a dog alseep on the bar, the beers are cheap, and the wine (only “red” and “white”) is served in the kinds of glasses you used to drink your apple juice out of in junior high. I could not love this place more. Don’t miss Jinx Jones when he plays the room — the place explodes.
This is a newish, very unassuming club that feels like you’re in someone’s living room. The owner, Simon Rowe, knows his jazz and introduces each act himself. Chances are the guy sitting next to you brought his trumpet and will guest in the middle of the set. This is that kind of place — a tight community brought together by a passionate curator.