Entertainment in SoMa (San Francisco)

YBCA Yerba Buena Center for the Arts

Fine and performing arts are the focus of the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, which includes art galleries, a movie theater, a theater for live performances and a beautifully landscaped garden with striking fountains. Take time to visit the one dedicated to Martin Luther King, Jr., that invites strollers to walk behind a waterfall as they contemplate quotations from both him and other assassinated leaders of the Civil Rights movement. Music and theater groups perform among the five and one-half acres of rolling gardens during lunch from May through September. Concurrent with exhibits are informative lectures and seminars, poetry workshops and resident artist programs.

Footloose Dance Company and Shotwell Studios

Formerly known as Venue 9 Theatre, Footloose Dance Company and Shotwell Studios is part of many a cultural event. Dance performances, film, live music, and women's night (showcasing the work of female artists) are among examples of what you will find. Events change constantly, so every visit here is a new experience. The artistry is cutting edge and the attitude is anything but a celebration of the status quo, but whatever the art form, the work will be challenging and intriguing. Admission and credit card acceptance varies with with performance.

Smuin Ballet - Spring Program (Yerba Buena Center)

Split into three unique performances, the Smuin Ballet mixes classical ballet with bits of Hawaiian-inspired hip shaking and some Salsa sass. The internationally renowned dance company has put together an eclectic mix in its Spring program including Chants d'Auvergne (Songs of the Auvergne), Eliot Feld's Pacific Dances, and Frankie and Johnny. Starting off the show slowly was the traditional styling of Chants d'Auvergne, highlighting difficult partner movements and dance sequences set to French folksongs by Joseph Canteloube. Next, the show takes an entire new twist as the Smuin Ballet presents Pacific Dances, a piece choreographed by Eliot Feld. With only nine women en pointe, the performance is mesmerizing as a white, silk parachute envelopes the stage acting as a backdrop, a sea of clouds to roll and float through, and an experimental prop in which the dancers use to complement their swinging hips and flowing limbs. Finishing off the program, is the fun and energetic mambo ballet, Frankie and Johnny. The detailed and realistic Salsa club setting enlivens the story of romance, lust, and ultimately Frankie's (Celia Fushille-Burke) vengeance on her lover, Johnny (James Strong). The intensity and passion on stage is contagious. The dancers' love for performing is clearly evident as they continue to mambo, swing and shake even as the curtain goes down.

Brain Wash

Brain Wash is the only place in the city where the buzz of guitar amplifiers and the murmur of human voices can mix harmoniously with the clank of an industrial clothes dryer. Grab a beer or a sandwich and catch the night's live music or maybe chat with a visitor from the nearby international hostel. Or head upstairs to see what is playing at the 'mat's avant-garde theatre. Finally, if dirty laundry's got you down, come in Thursday nights for live comedy acts.

Supperclub

Supperclub brings together a night of dinner, drink, music, art, and performance all in one. Started in Amsterdam, this international sensation has made its way to the City by the Bay. In one evening you can sip on your favorite cocktail while relaxing amongst fluffy pillows, examine funky wall paintings, gasp at circus-style aerial dancers, and savor a dinner perfected just to your liking. A single course meal lasts a minimum of three hours with plenty of entertainment to pass the time. Supperclub also features Le Bar Rouge, a busy bar especially on the weekends with a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails. La Salle Privee is a smaller sitting area in the club, which features additional art and performance, and is also used as a private dining room.

Slim's

Well-known bands play at this renowned club, as well as local talent and an occasional unknown. Both Nirvana and the Red Hot Chili Peppers played here before anyone had ever heard of them. The staff here really knows music and books bands accordingly. Whether on the dance floor or in the comfortable balcony, all ages are welcome so the whole family can enjoy an evening of live entertainment!

Mama Calizo's Voice Factory

The Voice Factory creates an outlet for creative, imaginative members of the community to unleash their talents and ambitions in the arts, whether in the form of song, dance, painting, sculpture, video, theater, you name it. Mama Calizo offers classes and workshops of all sorts, crash cabaret, and much more. Check the event calendar to see what cutting-edge performance pieces are currently playing and attend a production or two to support homegrown artists and enjoy an evening of raw, unfiltered entertainment.

Concourse Exhibition Center (San Francisco Design Center)

This 125,000 square-foot, old railroad warehouse has been transformed into a chic, modern entertainment venue. Located South of Market in the Design Center District, Concourse Exhibition Center (San Francisco Design Center) is an annex to the San Francisco Design Center and exemplifies how old buildings can be transformed into creative spaces. The large circular lighting attached to the wood and steal building structure looks rustic over the concrete floors and raised stage. You can see a famous rock band, rent out the center for a trade show, or even attend an elegant banquette here, as indoor lighting and movable décor transforms it.

Bay Area Now (Yerba Buena Center for the Arts)

The 'Bay Area Now' exhibition is an exciting event presented by the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, running from July 2005 to May 2006. Honoring emerging Bay Area artists, the exhibition studies contemporary trends in local video art, performance and film/video. Featuring 33 artists and collaborators, the visual art exhibition runs from July 16 2005 to November 6 2005, showcasing traditional and experimental art projects. The Ted Purves Momentary Academy offers instruction by 'Bay Area Now' artists. The Performing Arts presentation showcases innovative work in the genre, and highlights include performances by: The Campo-Santo Company, The Kunst-stoff Dance Company, and The Kronos Quartet.

Folsom Street Fair

The people of San Francisco take to the streets in late September to celebrate the BDSM lifestyle. Music, food and kinky sex are on the minds of the many native San Franciscans who come out to this colorful street fair in SoMa. Vendors sell food, as well as a wide range of items from ethnic jewelry and souvenirs to implements of pain. Of special interest are the many people who dress in leather costumes, which are sometimes shockingly skimpy, to celebrate the fair, which takes place on Folsom Street between Fifth and Eighth Streets. The event is free and some vendors may accept credit cards. Donations are greatly appreciated.

The Warfield

On one of the city's busiest commercial streets, Warfield hosts huge bands all week long. From Brian Setzer to Ministry, the biggest names play at the historic Warfield. Note the ornate Victorian moldings on ceilings and walls in this well maintained Victorian with not a few Edwardian flourishes. All ages welcome inside for food and entertainment. The bar, of course, is for 21-year-olds and older.

Esurance Icer Air

Knee pads? Yeah, right. These extreme athletes take it to the max day in and day out to prepare for wicked events like this. Icer Air gathers the most loco BMX bikers, insane big air snowboarders, extreme freestyle motocross racers, and downright out of their mind skateboarders at AT&T Park for the wildest weekend of extreme sports San Francisco has to offer. No snow? No problem. It's all been taken care of. Huge jumps and out of control air come stock. If that's not enough, guest DJs and headliners keep the bass rattling for miles. Grab a few friends and marvel at these athletes taking their stunts to the absolute max.