Whitney Kidd Archives — San Francisco Bay Guardian Archive 1966

Run, Chewie, run: Star Wars fashions fly at ‘Run the Course’

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July 22, 2013

Many people say that the Star Wars movies are phenomenal, and I’m sure that if I’d seen any of them, I’d agree. Although I don’t know much about the series, there is one thing I do know – the fashion of Star Wars fans is vastly underrated.

A couple Wednesdays ago, die-hard fans ran in Course the Force, an Olympic-style torch relay benefitting the Make-A-Wish Foundation. They started at Pier 50, and ran across the Golden Gate Bridge, and then joined “Conival” at Justin Herman Plaza for games, food, expo booths, and live music.

Thirteen year-old Morgan McCarthy sported an outfit resembling Barriss Offee. “Barriss was a background character in the movies, but became a major player in the cartoon,” McCarthy said. McCarthy may have worn a new costume, but her sister, ten year-old Isabel, proved that hipsters come in all shapes and sizes as she wore a thrifted costume, handed down by her older sister.

One of the most talked about costumes of the event came from Traci Degerman, who dresses as a Jedi knight of the old republic. Not only did Degerman put in more elbow grease in dressing up by doing her own engravements on her outfit, but she still looked fierce and ready to kick ass even after participating in the Course the Force Relay. “Well, it was only half a mile,” Degerman said modestly of her triumph. “I’m just excited to see the video of us running.” I guess you can’t look fine and run gracefully.

I wish we could focus only on the cute children and over achievers, but with the bad always tags along with the good. “In all fairness, I’m dressed as myself,” Leif Bryor said. Bryor was technically dressed as a Jedi, as his robe had an official emblem on it. He described his attire choice as “Just a way to find granny,” as he handed over a business card and walked away. Bryor didn’t put any effort into his look but, Sith happens.

I see pugs, I see France…

Sue Vaughan

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July 11, 2013

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Vive Le Pug! isn’t your average dog park get-together — it’s a French revolution-themed party for pug lovers and their pups, with food, wine, and activities for both four- and two-legged friends. The festivities benefit Central Coast Pug Rescue, which is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of unwanted, abused, displaced, and neglected pugs, regardless of their age or condition.

The event is on Bastille Day — Sun/14, naturellement — and although the event focuses on raising money for pugs, it’s open to all breeds, so bring out your Air Buds and Scooby Doos, too. “We’re a very open society,” Layne Gray, one of the event coordinators, said. “The event is for pugs, but we’re lovers of all dogs.”

Prizes will be given out for the best Les Misérables or French revolution-inspired costume (pro-tip: pugs look smashing in towering powdered wigs!), and best owner-dog look-alikes. Pups can also enter “Let them Eat Cake!” (a treat-eating contest), and a kissing contest to see which pooch can smooch their owner the most in a limited time.

“My dogs love kisses,” Gray said. “But I’ll definitely be using peanut butter to get some extra effort from them.”

General admission is $50 in advance and $60 at the door, and there are two VIP (very important pug) prices: $100 and $250 “benefactor” levels, which include commemorative swag like a poster, a t-shirt, and a bottle of Pug Wine. You can also enter a raffle to win prizes like an autographed cartoon by Gemma Correll, author of Pug’s Guide to Etiquette.

Plus: celebrity guests! World-famous head-tilting pugs Minnie and Max will be there, so sip on some wine, eat food courtesy of strEAT Fare, and enjoy what happens when hundreds of pugs … probably wearing teeny berets … get together. Slobbery fun times? Oui!

Vive Le Pug!

Sun/14, 3-6pm, $50-250

Dogpatch Wineworks

2455 Third St., SF

www.centralcoastpugrescue.com

Possibly the coolest queer mental health concert tour ever

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July 2, 2013

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Possibly the coolest queer mental health concert tour ever

Accidental Bear Queer Music Summer Tour Benefit for LGBTQ Mental Health Services and Suicide Prevention. Now, that’s a mouthful.

“It’s the longest, most ridiculous title ever,” Accidental Bear blog owner and founder Mike Enders said in a Guardian interview.

It’s basically a really queer, really cool music concert series travelling to five cities with performances by Logan Lynn, Big Dipper, Conquistador, Darling Gunsel, and Rica Shay, who all put a different spin on the concept of “queer music.”

But it’s also a two-fer. It’s giving exposure to the bands playing while raising money to donate to LGBT foundations in support of mental health including the San Francisco-based Stonewall Project, the LAGay and Lesbian Center, Ali Forney Center, Pride Foundation, and Q Center.

“All of these people [performing] are up-and-coming and some people have been around longer than others,” Enders said. “I wanted to have people who are going to draw a crowd and each one of these bands has their own group or pull.”

There are some big characters and personalities performing, and it’s going to be a high energy show. It’s also something you don’t want to bring your grandma to.

“Parts of the show are going to be X-rated,” Enders said. “Not like, nude, but Big Dipper, he has a lot of songs about his private parts. His version of the twerking that’s going on, is a song he has out called ‘Dick Bounce.’”

The Accidental Bear Tour is going to be a fun, queer time that also aims to eliminate the stigma that surrounds mental health and bring awareness to the alarming rates of suicide in the LGBTQ community.
Enders has a personal connection to the cause as well.

“In 2007, I started having these out-of-the-blue horrible panic attacks. And, being someone who didn’t have a lot of money, that was uninsured, I couldn’t find a resource, couldn’t find anybody to help,” Enders said.

He went to LGBT-specific services that couldn’t help due to him being uninsured, or being put on the end of a waiting list.

“I ended up in the emergency room,” Enders said. “If you’re unaware of what’s actually happening with a panic attack, a lot of times people think they’re having a heart attack. It was just kind of an eye opener. Luckily, I had good support around me, but I just realized there’s a real lack in services.

“The fact is, everyone in their life has dealt with a mental health issue. It’s kind of embarrassing admitting it now. It’s weird with the stigma to it.”

Tickets start at $15, and are on sale now. The tour kicks off here in San Francisco on July 5 at Beatbox, and will travel to LA, Portland, Seattle, and finish in New York City on the 19th.

“This is something that the queer world is missing right now,” Enders said. “Everything right now’s like DJs and dance music.”

The Accidental Bear Tour features dance, rap, hip hop, and electro music – a little something for everyone.

It’s going to be a great, big, gay time, with awesome performances while simultaneously fighting for a good cause.

AB SUMMER TOUR

8pm, $15
Beatbox
314 11th St., SF.
www.accidentalbear.com

Welcome to the Bubbleverse

Jesse Hawthorne Ficks

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June 22, 2013

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As I attempt to explain Bubbleverse — “a cosmic portal into your childhood imagination” in SoMa, “offering a rare glimpse of this majestic hydrophysical phenomenon” — please keep in mind that I was not on any drugs.

Bubbleverse is located at a little hole-in-the-wall venue on Norfolk, and the journey begins as the ‘Happiness Scientists’ raise a garage door, let you in, and instruct to choose either the purple or blue path painted on the concrete floor and walk along it until you reach the laboratory door.

There, you’ll experience a stalling gimmick where a scientist asks you about happiness, what makes you happy, your first experience with bubbles, if you’re a fan of chocolate — and it’s all just “what the hell?” as you’re waiting for your turn and can hear muffled sounds coming from the inside. It’s goofy and wacky and mad-scientist-y — and sponsored by Nesquik, too.

“One of the Nesquik staff had experienced one of my prior installations,” Bubbleverse creator and Chief Happiness Scientist George Zisiadis told me, without breaking character, continuing to speak in a Johny Depp in Willy Wonka voice. “They had approached us with the idea of collaborating [and] sponsoring a similar type of engaging and inspiring art experience.”

“I began thinking about the themes of the [Nesquik] brand which are fun, playful, happiness and began meditating on that,” Zisiadis said. “And pretty soon, the idea of bubbles emerged because, let’s face it, it’s pretty hard not to be happy around bubbles” — not to mention shooting milk chocolate bubbles out of your nose in the grade-school cafeteria.

You’ll go inside and put on ‘standard issue happiness laboratory goggles,’ a lab coat, and bright-colored gloves with extended fingers, making it next to impossible to Instagram your life for the next 10 minutes. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll miff the happiness scientist by not smiling or making a funny face when he takes a group photo.

With so much hype in that first room, you’ll be like, “Let’s do this! Gimme some damn happiness!” and walk into the next room. It’s full of bubbles, bubbles everywhere, and chocolate fumes are being sprayed in to make you remember that, hey, Nesquik sponsored this. It’s also pretty dark, with flashing lights with kitschy pop music blasting — reminiscent of all the middle school dances I regretted attending. Also there’s an uneven floor – I’d advise wearing tennis shoes.

OK, so I didn’t jump and squeal with excitement like others in my group did. Go with kids you will achieve happiness, because what’s better than watching children as they belly laugh uncontrollably with glee? I went through with other 20-somethings, and the only feeling I attained was a slight uneasiness.

Is the Bubbleverse-Nesquik duo an innovative team, or is this all over-the-top subliminal marketing in hopes of raising milky sales? Either way, it’s free and family friendly, and there are certainly worse ways to spend 30 minutes of your weekend.

Bubbleverse continues Sat/22 and June 28 and 29, noon-6pm, free. 43 Norfolk, SF. www.facebook.com/thebubbleverse

On the Cheap listings

Andrew Lam

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June 11, 2013

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On the Cheap listings by Whitney Kidd. Submit items for the listings at listings@sfbg.com. For further information on how to submit items for the listings, see Picks.

ONGOING

"Alcatraz: Life on the Rock" Hyatt Regency, 5 Embarcadero Center, SF. www.sanfranciscoregency.hyatt.com. Through Oct. 25, free. For those for whom a $30 ferry ticket is not an option, this 3,000-square-foot exhibit aptly showcases the prison’s fascinating history and infamous inmates. Installations include "Preserving the Rock," which highlights the island’s current status as a national park and "Military History," that examines the island’s role as a Civil War-era fortress and military prison.

WEDNESDAY 12

Linda Tucker Book Passage 1 Ferry Building, SF. www.whitelions.org. 6-7:30pm, free. South African lion conservationist Linda Tucker is in the Bay Area promoting and reading from her second book, Saving the White Lions: One Woman’s Battle for Africa’s Most Sacred Animal. Tucker has successfully re-wilded three prides of white lions and her nonprofit Global White Lion Protection Trust is conserving cultural significance of this legendary animal.

Ricardo Scales The Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel, 999 California, SF. www.topofthemark.com. 6:30-11:30pm. $5 cover. Redefining smooth jazz for 11 years, Ricardo Scales will be performing at the Top of the Mark Sky Lounge, known for its panoramic view of the city. This Bay Area Music Awards-nominated pianist has 11 CDs to his credit and has performed for four U.S. presidents.

The Capitalism Papers: Fatal Flaws of an Obsolete System 1644 Haight, SF. www.booksmith.com. 7:30pm. Anti-globalization advocate Jerry Mander explores and expands on the inevitable failures of capitalism.

THURSDAY 13

"99% Gay Comedy" Esta Noche, 3079 16th St., SF. www.comedybodega.com. 8pm, free with one drink minimum. Come celebrate SF Pride at the only gay Latino bar and drag club in the city — recently rescued from financial ruin by a strong showing of local support — which is hosting performances by prominent LGBT comics from the Bay Area, Portland, and New York. This week’s line-up includes Marilyn Pittman, Pippi Lovestocking, Bob Mcintyre, Julia Jackson, and Justin O’Neil.

FRIDAY 14

"Night Visions: Dreams And Creatures Of The Night" Big Umbrella Studios, 906 Divisadero, SF. www.paintpensinpurses.com. 7-11pm, free with RSVP to www.facebook.com/paintpensinpurses. Divisadero’s sweet, small art collective presents its newest show featuring 14 artists from the Paint Pens in Purses, whose goal is to create a community, and bring artists together. Complimentary drinks for early birds and music by local bass label, Brap Dem Recordings.

Dancing Under the Stars Jack London Square, Broadway and Embarcadero, Oakl. 8:30-10pm, free. From established dancers to novice learners, everyone is invited to an evening of lessons lead by the Linden Street Dance Studio followed by a dance party to show off the sweet moves you’ve learned. Each week will feature a different style of dance including salsa, cha-cha, and swing.

Burning Man 2013 Desert Arts Preview Koret Auditorium, de Young Museum, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden, SF. www.deyoung.famsf.org. 6-8:30pm, free. Can’t wait three months for a dose of playa magic? At this annual event, you will hear from artists who are creating revolutionary works of art, often in radically collaborative ways. This is also a perfect opportunity to learn how you can become involved and support at Burning Man.

SATURDAY 15

North Beach Festival North Beach neighborhood, SF. 10am-6pm, free. www.sresproductions.com. Beer gardens for adults and chalk areas for the kids, set to the tune of live music. With over 150 arts and crafts booths and 20 gourmet food booths, the North Beach Festival has it all — including the beloved blessing of the animals ritual at the National Shrine of St. Francis of Assisi.

Jeremy Mann 750 Post, SF. www.johnpence.com. 6-8pm, free. Jeremy Mann’s fourth exhibit with the gallery encompasses a combination of grit and beauty found in cityscapes and figures, and urban milieu depicted with his signature, virtuosic flair.

SUNDAY 16

The Forum: a Conversation with Author Nora Gallagher Grace Cathedral, 1100 California, SF. www.Gracecathedral.com. 9:30-10:30am, free. Author Nora Gallagher is interviewed by the Very Rev. Dr. Jane Shaw about her new book The Moonlight Sonata at the Mayo Clinic, a memoir that explores her experience with a baffling affliction poised that took her sight.

MONDAY 17

Subnational Conflicts in Asia: Can Foreign Aid Help? 312 Sutter, SF. www.worldaffairs.org. 6:30-8pm, $5-$15. Members of the Asia Foundation will speak on subnational conflict in Asia, the most widespread and longest running armed struggle in the world. The panel will discuss findings in a new study, assessing the impact – or lack thereof – of international assistance to these areas.

TUESDAY 18

Nutrition & Breast Cancer Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, 1600 Divisadero, SF. www.cancer.ucsf.edu. 5:15-7pm, free, registration required. Geared towards people with cancer and open to health educators, clinicians, staff, and community, this is a great opportunity to learn the latest research on nutrition and breast cancer and how to better meet your nutritional needs at this event hosted by the UCSF Cancer Resource Center.

No weekend plans? Let us fill in your dayplanner

Andrew Lam

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June 7, 2013

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No weekend plans? Let us fill in your dayplanner

Good clean, squeaky, fresh, wholesome fun. That’s what you’ll be having this weekend, courtesy this rundown of (all totally family-friendly) (unless your children don’t like zombies) daytime events.

FRI/7

Corazon Under the Dome

Head from work to the mall where, after sifting through the pink and plastic fineries at Claire’s Accesories, you can sit back, relax, and take in a show projected on the Westfield’s glorious dome. Today’s offering is an animated 3D art show, showcasing an iconic medley of photography and images of San Francisco that celebrate the city’s incomparable saga. The show is set against the backdrop of classic San Francisco songs, bound to get those TGIF toes tapping.

5pm, free. Westfield Center, 865 Market, SF. www.westfield.com/sanfrancisco/corazon

SAT/8

Citywide Yard Sale

Part citywide block party, part scavenger hunt, part flea market, enjoy this beautiful day of shopping for bargains and searching for treasure. This South Bay yard sale promotes buying, selling, and donating used items to keep them out of the landfill, conserving natural resources.

8am-2pm, free. University and Cowper, Palo Alto. www.paloaltoonline.com/yardsale

Humans v. Zombies Nerf War: Triage

How well would you fare during a zombie apocalypse? Plan your Muni routes accordingly – an entire city neighborhood has been taken over by zombies. The human team must complete missions and defend themselves against the team of zombies, who are trying to infect the humans before they’re rescued. This is the perfect storm for Nerf gun, multiplayer game, and horror movie lovers alike.

2-5pm, free. Columbus and Union, SF. www.humansvszombies.org

Ukulele Love-In

Make merry with the happiest sounding instrument ever made. Ukulele fans will gather for a concert, sing-a-long, and lessons today. You don’t have to be a ukulele player or enthusiast to come, but you may be one when you leave.

7-10pm, $5-$10. Actual Café, 6334 San Pablo, Oakl. www.actualcafe.com

SUN/9

Civil War Reenactment

Men with sabers alert! Civil War reenacters take over the island today. Dodge their blades until you’re hungry, then check out the bread-making, butter-churning activities. Meet camp cooks and soldiers, and get a taste of life on an old-school military camp.

11am-4pm, free. Angel Island State Park, Angel Island, SF. www.parks.ca.gov/angelisland

Haight Ashbury Street Fair

This one-day annual street fair features live music, a variety of foods, dancing, and a festive assemblage of tie-dye. From street vendors to the Children’s Alley, everyone will have something to do here.

11am-5:30pm, free. Haight between Stanyan and Masonic, SF. www.haightashburystreetfair.org

Sailboat Ride Day

Come out and enjoy free sailboat rides with the Cal Sailing Club, a non-profit volunteer-run club on the Berkeley Marina. Get an introductory sail, a fun first-hand experience on the San Francisco Bay, and discover the joy of sailing.

1pm, free. 124 University, Berkeley. www.cal-sailing.org