There’s always a lot going on here in the city, and here are just a few highlights that caught my eye.
Friday, May 10
Smuin Contemporary Ballet promises a rollicking good time in its new ballet inspired by Elvis, Tupelo Tornado, featuring music from the King of Rock ’n’ Roll on the program with three additional ballets with music from Vivaldi to electronic and found sounds, and Michael Smuin’s Starshadows, which explores intimate relationships. Performances through Sunday at Yerba Buena Garden’s Blue Shield of California Theater, tickets $25–$89.
After the War Blues, presented by the CCSF Theatre Arts Department, is set in 1948 in the Fillmore District and tells the story of the marginalized African-American and recently interned Japanese-American communities, accompanied by the swing and jazz music of the era. Performances through Sunday at Z Space’s Steindler Stage, tickets $15.
Saturday, May 11
We Players, the site-specific interactive performance group reprises their popular production of Adventures with Alice where audiences follow the White Rabbit and Alice throughout the wonderland of Golden Gate Park. Eight performances through June 2, tickets $55–$60.
Patti Austin, legendary Grammy Award-winning R&B, pop, and jazz singer, who first performed at the famous Apollo Theater at age 4 at the urging of Dinah Washington, will perform three shows through Sunday at S.F. Jazz, tickets $30–$85.
Sunday, May 12
Celebrate Mother’s Day at the Exploratorium with a special day of programming including folklórico dances, a mariachi band, paper flower-making, and more. Community Day pay-what-you-wish admission.
Golden Gate Park Band celebrates its 142nd season with weekly concerts starting at 1 p.m. and running for 30–45 minutes at the Bandshell (between the de Young Museum and Cal Academy). This Sunday’s concert honors moms everywhere. Free admission.
Enjoy the weekend!
