As we head into the inevitable holidays, here’s a range of preholiday events (mostly), including music, from a cappella to classical and contemporary; a film festival and a speaker series; sips and shopping; and more, like a beautiful light installation.
Thursday, Nov. 13
There’s still time to see AURA: An Immersive Odyssey of Breathtaking Proportions, a light projection that’s been traveling the globe to rave reviews. It comes to us here at Grace Cathedral accompanied by original symphonic music. Select days and times through December. Tickets from $28.
Friday, Nov. 14
Francophiles will enjoy the third edition of San Francisco French Cinema Days, which opened last night, celebrating the best of French cinema with five movie screenings. Tonight is the drama Les Enfants vont bien, which involves a mother who disappears after unexpectedly showing up with her kids at her sister’s. 4 p.m. at the Vogue Theatre. Screenings of additional films through Sunday. Tickets: $27.
Tonight is the launch of the “Making History Fun Again Speaker Series” at the legendary Redwood Room. The monthly program is designed to bring the city’s colorful history to life, “while connecting generations through storytelling, culture, and spirited conversation” with speakers like the last living ex-con from Alcatraz, travel writers, and journalists. Several specialty cocktails inspired by the city’s past will also be available for purchase, including Pisco Punch, martinis, and others. Go early if you want to sip and shop. 6 p.m. at the Clift Hotel through Saturday (5 p.m.). Free with RSVP here.
Saturday, Nov. 15
Louis Pearl, the Amazing Bubble Man, will perform his bubble magic tonight. He started on a street corner in Berkeley, and is a huge hit in the U.K. with sell-out crowds, and will surely bring smiles, awes, and wows to all here. 2 to 3 p.m. in Landmark Building B at Fort Mason. Tickets from $23 and change.
The Wine Country comes to you with the Golden Gate Bridge as a backdrop at Sip, Savor & Spark. Taste wines from a wide selection of California vineyards and nibbles from a charcuterie station. Proceeds benefit the Guardsmen’s programs for underserved youth. 1 to 5 p.m. at Fort Mason’s Gateway Pavilion. Tickets from $75.
Join the a capella group Fog City Singers at “10 @ 10” to celebrate their 10th anniversary, which will feature one song from every year presented in chronological order. 7 to 9 p.m. at the Alcatraz Theater. Tickets from $34.
Sunday, Nov. 16
Mozart to Mendelssohn, the San Francisco Civic Music Association’s second full orchestra, provides musicians the experience of performing large orchestral works and focuses on works written from 1756–1847. Today’s concert is “Mozart to Mendelssohn: Beethoven & Reicha” 3 p.m. at the Herbst Theatre. Free admission (donations accepted); RSVP here.
Classical cellist Gautier Capuçon will perform a recital program, Gaïa, dedicated to and inspired by our home, Earth. Presented by the San Francisco Symphony, the program will feature world premiere commissioned performances by 16 composers. 7 p.m. at Davies Symphony Hall. Tickets from $30
Notable next week
Wednesday, Nov. 19
Get in the spirit at this Holiday Market, where you can sip and shop local businesses, enjoy live music and savory bites, and cap it all off with the lighting of 17,000 lights on the three Embarcadero Center towers. That’s when I know the holidays have arrived. 4 to 6 p.m. at Three Embarcadero Center. Free; reserve here (and arrive early if you’d like a free drink or food voucher).
Enjoy this time of the year and remember to be nice and laugh and enjoy and be safe.