Here we are, on the cusp of another weekend, and perhaps looking for how to enjoy it, and into next week when we’re all back at work, but still need something to balance our lives. We’re a bit heavy with music here, but as Nietzsche said, “Without music, life would be a mistake.”
Thursday, July 24
Ravi Coltrane and Coltraxx, the acoustic quartet that includes pianist David Virelles, bassist Dezron Douglas, and drummer Johnathan Blake, — all bandleaders and composers — will perform tonight at S.F. Jazz. And yes, Ravi is that Coltrane. Through Friday. Tickets from $25.
Friday, July 25
Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience features the Hollywood icon narrating the history of Delta Blues, accompanied by performances from musicians from Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Miss., and the San Francisco Symphony. Tickets from $150.
Grace Cathedral will host a screening of Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home as part of its Movies on the Plaza series. We all remember that movie where the crew time-travels to 1986 San Francisco to save the planet and find humpback whales (they are extinct in Stardate 8390), and are the only creatures that can communicate with that pesky alien probe that’s mucking with the environment and putting Earth in jeopardy. Free admission and free popcorn! Register here.
Saturday, July 26
The San Francisco Orchid Society will host its annual Orchids in the Park, which includes workshops and orchid sales and tons of beautiful flowers. Tickets $10.
There’s a Pier Party happening under the crab sign in Fisherman’s Wharf this afternoon (3–7 p.m.) featuring Reggae and Latin music by the Bayonics and a D.J. set by The Big Guy. So wander down or over, and enjoy the many dining options. Free admission.
Sunday, July 27
The Boston-based indie folk band Dispatch, who released their ninth album, Yellow Jacket, last month performs tonight at the Masonic with John Butler, G. Love & Special Sauce, and Donavon Frankenreiter. Tickets from $48.
Grammy Award-winning pianist/composer Tammy Hall will perform two shows tonight at the Keys Jazz Bistro along with her trio as they explore “expressions of beauty” in a program aptly titled “But Beautiful.” Tickets: $30.
Bon Odori Street Dance Festival will present its popular 94th street dance festival in Japantown, honoring ancestors and the community, and featuring music, food, and more. Free admission.
Notable next week
Monday, July 28
Tonight is the Grand Lighting Celebration of Naga & The Captainess, a 100-foot long, 25-foot tall sea serpent installed in Golden Gate Park. The sculpture is made from over 5,000 shimmering scales and will occasionally blow bubbles from its nose, like of course all serpents do. But this sounds more fun than encountering one in your backyard. Free.
Manny’s is hosting What’s Next in End of Life Care: A Conversation on Trends and Rituals, which will cover the impact of nature on death and dying, creating death rituals that reflect modern values, how the funeral industry is evolving, and more. Tickets: $9 and change.
Tuesday, July 29
Enjoy your lunch outdoors with some live music as part of the People in Plazas Summer Music Festival. Hear some bluegrass from the High Water Line at 101 California Street and some Afro-Latin funk and folk rock by Sang Matiz at 303 Second Street. Noon–1 p.m. Free.
Enjoy your week, and if you want to celebrate The Dead next weekend as the rest of the city does, there are still limited tickets available here.
