Michael Chabon in Berkeley - Monday, January 5th

Jon Carroll in Conversation with Pulitzer Prize-Winning Novelist Michael Chabon - Jan. 5, 2009 at the Berkeley Repertory Theater - Thrust Stage. Here's what they say about him:

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Michael Chabon is "one of the most celebrated writers of his generation." His first novel, The Mysteries of Pittsburgh (1988), was published when Chabon was 25 and catapulted him to literary celebrity. He followed it with a second novel, Wonder Boys (1995), and two short- story collections. In 2000, Chabon published The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, a critically acclaimed novel that The New York Review of Books called his magnum opus; it received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2001. His most recent novel, The Yiddish Policemen's Union, an alternate history mystery novel, was published in 2007 to enthusiastic reviews and won the Hugo, Sidewise, and Nebula awards.

Let me know if you'd like to join me.

Josh Kornbluth at the Contemporary Jewish Museum, January 2009

Josh Kornbluth is doing a new show on Andy Warhol's '10 Jews' exhibit at the Contemporary Jewish Museum on January 10, 11, 17, and 18. Here's what Josh says about the show:

In 1980 Andy Warhol -- then at a low ebb in his storied career -- was commissioned to do portraits of 10 famous Jews of the 20th century. As a mnemonic device, I have grouped these 10 into pairs (regardless of whether they actually belong together):

Rhapsody in Lou: George Gershwin & Louis Brandeis.
Acting Out: Sigmund Freud & Sarah Bernhardt.
I & Thou & Thou & Thou: Martin Buber & The Marx Brothers.
Ein/Stein: Gertrude Stein & Albert Einstein.
Metameirphosis: Golda Meir & Franz Kafka.

When the portraits originally were shown, they were greeted (for the most part) with great disdain by the critics and with great joy by the people who flocked to see them at various Jewish institutions. One of the things that is so fascinating about the "Warhol's Jews" installation at the CJM is that it is really an exhibit not only of the artworks themselves, but also of how they were conceived and received. It also raises the question of what it means to be showing them again now, 28 years later, when Martin Buber's masterwork "I and Thou" (for example) may no longer be in the forefront of everyone's consciousness. (He certainly wasn't in mine, until I started working on this piece. Now it's all Buber, all the time!)

And who was Andy Warhol? And why did this practicing Catholic choose to do portraits of 10 famous Jews? And why these Jews? And why is a Jew ending this paragraph with yet another question?

I'll tell you why: I don't yet know the answers. I keep returning to the CJM, revisiting "Warhol's Jews" (and their other fine exhibits), and sipping a meditative matzoh-ball soup in the museum café as I ponder Warholosity, Jewishness, and 10-ism. I can't promise to have solved every conundrum by the time my piece opens on Jan. 10 -- or even by the last performance, on Jan. 18 -- but I can promise that the presentation will look and sound fantastic, as I am working with some of my favorite collaborators: designer Alex Nichols, composer Marco d'Ambrosio, director David Dower, and producer Jonny Reinis. I can also promise that your attendance will warm the heart of my brand-new company, Quixotic Projects; this piece is our first commissioned work!
If you're in the Bay Area, I hope you can catch one of these performances -- each of which will be followed by me interviewing a terrific expert on one of the portrait subjects. Your ticket will also get you into the museum, where you can wander, observe, slurp, and kibbitz in their spectacular new building. I look forward to seeing you there!

Let me know if you want to join me and I'll get tix!

Dr. Katz - TOMORROW NIGHT!

I'm supposed to go to the 'Dr. Katz Professional Therapist' show tomorrow (Monday) night at the Herbst Theatre, but my friend who I'm supposed to go with can't make it. So there is a free ticket if anyone wants to join me.... let me know if you're interested.

Bazaar Bizarre - Sunday, November 30th

Looks to be a cool indie craft fair, just in time for holiday shopping. It goes from 10 to 5 at the SF County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park. Admission is $1 (50% of Proceeds go to charity)

Let me know if you'd like to join me.

St. George Spirits Holiday Open House, Sat, Nov. 11th

St. George Spirits (home of Hangar One vodka) is having a Holiday Open House. Here's what they say about it:

After months of hard work in our holiday workshop, we have found the solution for this year's holiday shopping gloom: a Holiday Open House! Seriously, shopping while eating and drinking is a lot more fun than waiting outside in the cold for a department store to open.
Like always, the stills will be running most of the day, allowing you a rare opportunity to see the process up close with a live distillation. Entrance will include 3 lil' cocktails, our spirits (including the new Hangar One Spiced Pear Vodka release), and the iced vodka luges. Music and food will be supplied throughout the day to keep everyone upright.

To make the shopping even easier (and tastier), our friends, who just happen to run some of the best specialty food companies around, will be there to sample and sell their wares: Recchiuti Confections with truffles and chocolates; June Taylor Jams, with amazing jams, preserves, and syrups; Boccalone with salumi, cured meats, and all things pork; and La Cocina, with a variety of sweet treats made with organic ingredients.

All of our delicious spirits and holiday gift packs will be available for sampling and sale, naturally, including the St. George Absinthe Verte and the Hangar One Spiced Pear Vodka.
Finally, we are once again providing shuttle service between the West Oakland BART station and the Alameda Main street ferry building to and from the distillery. Yes, it's free --- just get on!

BART Shuttle service begins at 12:30pm and continues at 1:30pm, 2:30pm, 3:30pm with the last pick-up at 4:30pm. From the ferry at 1:45pm and 4:15pm.
Will-call tickets will be available in the distillery store starting today and by phone for $30. Call us at 510.864.0635 to reserve your spot. We sold out last time so don't wait!

Tasting tickets to try both the Absinthe Verte and De Profundis (20-year aged Pear Brandy) are $10.

Entry, if not sold out, will be $40 at the door.
Saturday, November 22nd, 2008 from 1pm to 6pmSt. George Spirits/Hangar One DistilleryEntry Fee is $30 in advance, $40 at the door.This is a 21 and over event. Please bring your picture ID!

Sounds great, doesn't it? Let me know if you'd like to join me!

Nirvino Mixology Contest - Thursday, November 13th

Sounds like a fun event, here's what Nirvino has to say about it:

"This month Nirvino and SF City Dish are joining forces to bring you an exclusive evening of cocktails, music, and good company.
• Featuring - Domain de Canton Ginger Liqueur
• Mixology Contest - Five of San Francisco's hottest bartenders
• Mobile Judging - Bring your iPhone, Treo, or Blackberry. We'll be reviewing the drinks live at the event to select the winner of the mixology contest
• Limited Space - This is a private event exclusively for our active Nirvino members
• Your Mission - Rate each of the cocktails from your mobile phone and choose the best drink of the evening"

The event is at Level III in the JW Marriott Hotel at 500 Post Street (at Mason).

I've already RSVP'd for me and 1 guest (that's all they'd allow), so let me know if you'd like to join me.

You Bazaar in Golden Gate Park - Sunday, November 2nd

It's time for another cool indie craft fair. You Bazaar is at the SF County Fair Building in Golden Gate Park (at 9th & Lincoln Ave.) this Sunday... and it's free too. Let me know if you'd like to join me.

Sarah Vowell @ Stacey's Bookstore - Friday, October 17th @ 12:30

For all of my fellow downtown workers, Sarah Vowell will be doing a lunchtime reading and book signing at Stacey's Bookstore this Friday at 12:30. She'll be supporting her new book "The Wordy Shipmates". I'm sure it will be another great book. Let me know if you'd like to join me!

Slacker Uprising - Monday, October 13th

The Independent is showing Michael Moore's Slacker Uprising for free! Here's what they say about the movie:

Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Michael Moore has never been afraid of a fight, and this year's presidential election is no exception. Slacker Uprising, a new movie about his swing state tour in the 2004 election maximizes the reach of his message and as a thank you gift to his fans. Moore is adopting a novel approach to distribution appropriate to politics in the age of the internet: he's teaming up with Robert Greenwald's Brave New Films to distribute the movie online, free of charge.

Doors open at 7:30... let me know if you want to come along!

MP3 Experiment - Saturday, October 4th

It's time for another flashmob event... go here to find out about this cool Improv Everywhere event. Let me know if you'd like to join me.

Vertigo in Union Square - Saturday, October 4th

It's the last film night in the park. This time the classic 'Vertigo' (set in SF) shown in Union Square. Come along with wine, food and a blanket!

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass - Saturday & Sunday, October 4ths & 5th

It's HSB time again!! I'm planning to go on Saturday and Sunday. Let me know if you'd like to join me.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? in Dolores Park - Saturday, September 20th

It's the penultimate (I just love that word) SF movie in the park this Saturday, with the wonderful Coen Bros film 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' playing at Dolores Park. I'm sure it will be another great night, so join me!

Il Postino @ Washington Square Park - Saturday, September 6

It's another film night in the park, this time the wonderful Italian film 'Il Postino' at Washington Square Park, of course. Let's get some pizza and see the movie!

Mamma Mia Sing-Along - Labor Day Weekend

Come on ABBA fans... join me to see, and sing along with Mamma Mia. They're putting on a special sing-along version of the film this weekend at the Century Theatre in the San Francisco Centre. Let me know if you'd like to go with me sometime this weekend.

Supperclub Picnic in GG Park - Sunday, August 17th

Supperclub is putting on a picnic (called Grass) in Golden Gate Park this Sunday. Here's how they describe it:

Supperclub and Bassyx bring youGRASS, Supperclub in the Park!

A free, outdoor all-day event with food, beer & wine bars, all the Supperclub beds and tables to chill out on, freaky live entertainment, fire dancing and much more! w/Mad Science (DJ GUNZ & Ace Tatsu), Michael Anthony, Sen-Sei and Andrew Phelan, Tall Sasha and more TBA.. afterparty at Supperclub. This is a FREE party folks, and there's NEVER been one like this so don't miss it!

It sounds very cool, and they have picnic beds! I'd love to check it out, so join me!!!

Zombie Alert: This Saturday

IMG_1251
Originally uploaded by sfmallon

Zombie Alert: This Saturday

Friends and countrymen, it is with a heavy heart that I report on the state of Zombie Activity in our fair city of San Francisco. The time has come to once again activate the radio-attraktor towers to funnel hundreds of zombies through downtown to a secure location. This is a risky maneuver, as evidenced by carnage enshrouding last year's event. Rest assured, we have made improvements to the technology.

We will turn on the radio-attraktor towers at 2:05pm on Saturday, August 16th. All zombies in the area will be telepathically compelled to march down a route which we will disclose in a future email. The radio waves will also cause undead to crave duct tape instead of human flesh. If you are unfortunate enough to be standing along the route with a duct tape "X" on your torso, you will be attacked and consumed by the horde, after which you will be one of them. Don't wear your favorite shirt.

Please, please tell your friends and family not to be anywhere near the route at 2:05pm this Saturday! Have them sign up for updates ( http://eatbrains.com/announcements ) or follow the movement live on Twitter with up-to-the-minute zombie migration forecast, Beijing Olympic protest style ( http://twitter.com/SFZombieMob ). If we loose radio control of the mob, the result will be catastrophically gruesome!

The Zombie Wrangler
http://eatbrains.com

Top Button Sample Sale - Saturday, August 9th

This looks like it will be a good sample sale this weekend at Fort Mason. Here's what they say about it:

BCBG, Ella Moss, And Splendid Sample Sale
Shop over 2,000 dresses, tops, cashmere, bags, and more. Find sizes 0-12 in all categories, including fabulous cocktail dresses. Get some retail therapy for one day only and receive 50-70% off everything! The sale will be held in the marina, at The Fort Mason Center, Building D. Parking will be available.

Let me know if you'd like to go!

Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid - Saturday, August 9th

It's time for another film night in the park. This time it's 'Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid' at Union Square. Let me know if you want to join me!

Flashdance Flash Mob - Saturday, July 19th @ Van Ness across from CITY HALL

I've been dying to check out the Flashdance flash mob. It's going on Saturday night on Van Ness across from City Hall. Please come with me and DANCE!!!

Sarah Silverman @ Nob Hill Masonic - Sunday, September 7th

Sarah Silverman is performing at the Nob Hill Masonic Center on Sunday, September 7th. Should be funny. Let me know if you want to join me...

Renegade Craft Fair - Saturday & Sunday, June 12 & 13

This looks like a very cool craft fair.... and it's FREE! It's at Fort Mason this Saturday and Sunday. I'm up for going either day, although there is a 'punk marching band' playing on Sunday at 2:00. Let me know if you'd like to go.

The Warehouse Sale - Saturday, June 14th

The Warehouse Sale is a great demin sample sale. I've been a few times and always have gotten great deals on designer jeans. I'm planning to go sometime on Sunday, it goes from 10-4. Let me know if you'd like to join me!

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon - Saturday, June 7th

Film Night in the Park is on again! The next film is Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon at Washington Square Park on Saturday, June 7th at 8:30. Bundle up, bring something to eat, something to drink, and something to sit on and you'll have a great time. Let me know if you're coming along.

Dine About Town Launch Party - Wednesday, June 4th

This looks like fun, here's the scoop:

Join the San Francisco Convention & Visitors Bureau at a launch party in The Cellar at Macy’s Union Square June 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. With your $10 donation to Meals On Wheels you’ll receive tastes from featured Dine About Town restaurants Asia de Cuba; Colibri; Cortez; First Crush; Garibaldis; Horizon; Jack Falstaff; PlumpJack Cafe and Roots; a cooking demonstration by Scott Sasaki, executive chef of Garibaldis, moderated by Marcia “the tablehopper” Gagliardi; wine tastings from Cellar 360 and Wattle Creek Winery and a keepsake “Only in San Francisco” wine glass.

Let me know if you wanna come along. We have to make a reservation here.

Elixir Cocktail Club - Thursday, May 22nd

Elixir bar in the Mission has a Cocktail Club I've been wanting to check out. Next week is Tequila! Let me know if you'd like to join me.

Reiss Private Shopping Event- Thursday, 8th

This looks like fun, here's the message from Billion Dollar Babes:

Our friends at the REISS store in San Francisco are holding a private shopping night especially for Billion Dollar Babes. Mingle with friends, enjoy complimentary cocktails and shop at a 20% discount at this exclusive sale on Thursday May 8 from 6pm-9pm. To RSVP visit www.billiondollarbabes.com/reisssanfrancisco. Enjoy the sale!

Let me know if you'd like to join me!

Juno @ The Independent, Monday 4/21

Join me at The Independent to see Juno for free, and drink cocktails! Doors open at 7:30 and the movie starts at 8:00. Seats fill up fast, so it's good to get there by 7:30. Let me know if you want to join me.

Cafe Zoetrope

I got this tip from Tablehopper:

"For those who like to mix lit with libations, ~CAFE ZOETROPE~ is celebrating the special spring edition of All-Story (Francis Coppola's award-winning art and literary magazine) with complimentary wine tasting and appetizers on Tuesday, March 25th, from 6pm–8pm. No reservations are required and admission is free. 916 Kearny St. at Columbus, 415-291-1700."

Let me know if you want to join me..... you know the drill!

Bouquets to Art @ the de Young - Saturday, March 15th

If you've never been to the Bouquets to Art Festival at the de Young museum before you really should go. It's actually going on from March 11th through the 15th, but I'm free to go on the 15th.

I'm a member of the de Young, so I can get one person in with me for free. Let me know if you'd like to join me.

Chinese New Year Parade - Saturday, February 23rd

Katherine has scored some VIP passes in Union Square for the Chinese New Year parade and there are still 3 left. Let me know if you'd like to join me.

Gilbert & George Party @ the de Young - Friday, February 22

I keep seeing promo's everywhere for the new Gilbert & George exhibit at the de Young. As part of the Friday Nights at the de Young they're having a party for the G&G show. I read that Good Vibes will be there giving out 'adult' toys too ;-) The party is free, and I'm a member so can get myself and one other person into the exhibit for free too. Let me know if you'd like to go....

Public Marching Band - Sunday, February 10th

I'm hoping that this will cure my high school marching band trauma. Believe it or not I still have my old flute, though there are no guarantees how well I can play it!

So here's what they say about it:

Everybody!

Gather to make sweet noise in a semi-impromptu marching band.

Bring the following:

1. A hat!
2. An instrument!

Anything can make music: kazoos, spoons, paint cans...But PLEASE , no weapons or amplified instruments (but little Casios are ok).

We will be departing at 1:00 pm on February 10,from the corner of 18th and Church St. at Dolores Park.

Look sharp and don't forget your materials --your conductor cracks a mean whip!!

Battle of the Chefs - Monday, February 11th

Our own little SF version of Iron Chef.... here's what they say about it:

At the Macy’s Cellar “Battle of the Chefs” series, you’ll see two of San Francisco’s talented chefs compete head to head in front of a panel of food-celebrity judges. With one specific ingredient to work with, this action-packed hour will feature a true cook-off complete with play-by-play commentary. While only one chef will be awarded the winner, the real winner is you as you’ll get to enjoy the flavors of both. $10 admission includes the demonstration, samples of the food and drink and a recipe card. Events begin at 6:30pm on the specified dates below, space is limited.

Feb 11th, 2008 6:30 PM
Rick Corbo
Ducca Restaurant
VS
Travis Flood
Moose's Restaurant

March 10th, 2008 6:30 PM
Mark Sullivan
Spruce
VS
Mark Denham
Laïola

April 7th, 2008 6:30 PM
Joel Huff
Silks
VS
Ian Begg
Café Majestic

Let me know if you want to join me for any of the dates.

Lunar New Year Flower Market - Saturday, February 2nd

Here's what it's all about:

Welcome to San Francisco Botanical Garden's 9th annual Lunar New Year Flower Market. Shop for traditional plants and flowers for New Year celebrations, such as flowering quince, plum blossoms, kumquats, orchids and camellias. Celebrate the new year with Lion dancers, lively demonstrations, activities, and gifts. Stay later into the evening for a New Year fundraiser for the Sunset Recreation Center. Plants and flowers, raffle prizes, dancing and refreshments.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

10:00 am – 3:00 pm Traditional Flowers and Plants for Sale

9:45 am – Lion Dance Troupe

10:00 am – Doors open

10:30 am – Red Panda Acrobats

11:00 am – Chung Ngai Dance Troupe

12:15 pm – Red Panda Acrobats

1:30 pm – Story Time for Children and Families (in the HCR Library)

Demonstrations and activities throughout the day Refreshments available

Let me know if you'd like to join me.

No Pants San Francisco - Saturday, January 12th

Here's another hilarious flash mob-type event going on in SF (and nationwide)... ride BART without Pants!!! Here's the description:

Description taken from other cities' events...

First things first, if you don't know what this is you MUST go to www.improveverywhere.com and read, read, read! Also Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=5021079203

New York is holding their annual No Pants Subway Ride on January 12th and WE NEED TO PARTICIPATE!

Improv Everywhere is a group based in NYC that stages large-scale "Scenes". The No Pants Subway Ride is an annual event that gets upward of 200 participants, some veterans and many new volunteers aka 'agents.'

Mission:

Ride BART WITHOUT YOUR PANTS. You can wear socks, shoes, boots, coats, gloves, shirts and hats - just no pants. Dress warmly as you will have no pants. (Please no thongs, it's just impolite. You might get jumped, groped or thrown in jail) The hard part is to be completely solid about it. Do not break a smile or get all giggly about it. You have to pretend like you don't know any of the other pantless riders. And when asked about it, don't acknowledge the wierdness. You should be acting like it is perfectly normal to have been waiting for and riding BART without your pants!

REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATION

1) Willing to take pants off on BART

2) Able to keep a straight face about it

**THIS IS A PARTICIPATORY EVENT. DO NOT SHOW UP UNLESS YOU PLAN TO TAKE YOUR PANTS OFF. **

DETAILS

When: Saturday, January 12 at 3:00 PM, Sharp! (Over by around 5:30)

Where: I'm thinking we should meet across the street from Embarcadero station, but I'm open to ideas here.

Bring: A backpack or other place to stow pants once they've dropped.

Do NOT bring: A camera, this would make things waaay too obvious

Wear: Normal winter clothes (hat, gloves, etc)

Further instructions to follow.

INVITE EVERYONE! It needs to be amazing.

Soooo, let me know if you're interested in going with me and maybe I'll have the nerve to take off my pants!!!

New Concert Blog!

Hi all,

I've decided to start yet another blog. This one is to invite you to concerts (one of my most favorite things to do). Subscribe here if you're interested!

-Susan

Rob Corddry performing with Naked Babies @ SF Sketchfest on Friday, January 11th

Rob Corddry (of The Daily Show) is performing at the Eureka Theater. Anyone interested in joining me?