In February 2012, film festivals, indie art, creative and fun fundraisers (no boring banquets or keynote speakers!) and music of all types will keep you busy all month. And that's not counting the many Chinese New Year (Year of the Dragon) celebrations in San Francisco’s Chinatown and elsewhere in the Bay Area.
Haute Dog | SF
Feb. 3, at 5:30-8:30 pm
San Francisco launched a dog film festival last year, so it’s no surprise that haute couture has gone to the dogs, too. More than 50 canines stroll the catwalk in fine ensembles fashioned by Bay Area interior designers and made of fabrics from San Francisco Design Center showrooms. Wilkes Bashford and his dachshund Duchie emcee the show. Bid on doggie adventures in a silent auction and browse pooch products and gifts. Benefits Canine Companions for Independence, which provides trained assistance dogs free to people with disabilities.
At the San Francisco Design Center Galleria, 101 Henry Adams St. Tickets $15. Free for design professionals; RSVP to rsvp@sfdesigncenter.com.
Sketchfest
Through February 4
This comedy festival has everything from improv and films to music and game shows, and features a tribute to Robert Altman (led by Elliott Gould and Sally Kellerman).
At various venues in San Francisco. Ticket prices vary.
Kumzitz-a-Palooza Sing-Along
Feb. 4, at 7 pm
"Kumzitz," from the Yiddish word for "come sit," refers to a relaxed gathering, often around a fire. The fire here is imaginary, but bring blankets, sleeping bags, pillows and musical instruments to this re-creation of summer camp in chilly February (don’t worry, it’s indoors). Singers will lead rounds of Jewish and non-Jewish camp tunes and take requests. Refreshments served.
At the Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St. Free.
African Film Festival 2012
Various dates through Feb. 29
Films made in Africa and/or by Africans—including features about Beethoven fans and gang-bangers in Kinshasa (in two separate films) and Tuareg immigrants in Italy, and a startling documentary about the painful history of the Congo.
At the Pacific Film Archive Theater, 2575 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. Ticket prices vary.
The Windows
Opening Feb. 9, at 5:30-8 pm; on view through March 28.
Artwork and stories made by children living at Rafael House were the inspirations for teams of local designers, architects, artists and general contractors to create displays in empty storefront windows along the seedy central section of Market Street. At this official opening event, tours of the window-dressing begin at 5:30 pm. Judges announce the winning window at The Windows Reveal Party, which starts at 6:30 pm and includes entertainment, refreshments and door prizes. Part of the proceeds benefit Raphael House, a shelter for homeless families.
On Market between 5th and 9th streets. Tours begin at the Art Institute, 1170 Market St.; free. Party at the International Museum of Art of America, 1025 Market St.; tickets $15-30.
SF IndieFest
Feb. 9-23
The SF Independent Film Festival is as famous for its parties (themed on Spinal Tap, The Big Lebowski, Dance Dance Revolution and roller disco) as its flicks (this year, Bullhead, Belgium's Oscar candidate; Skater 26, a documentary about one of the Bay Area Derby Girls; 4:44 Last Day on Earth, starring Willem Dafoe; and dozens of others).
At the Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., and other venues in the Mission. Ticket prices vary.
Bones: 20th Street Corridor Crawl
Feb. 10, at 7 - 11 pm
To celebrate “Bones,” the latest issue of Meatpaper, the magazine is throwing a party with art (including installations, performances and open doors at Rebar studio and Southern Exposure gallery), music and libations in the Mission. A 20-minute multi-sensory experience in the home of David Ireland has apparently sold out the same day it was announced.
On 20th Street, between Capp and Florida. Free.
Harmonia Felice: Music of the French Baroque
Feb. 10, 11, 12
Harmonia Felice, a new Bay Area ensemble of musicians playing the violin, viola da gamba, violoncello and harpsichord, delivers music from 18th-century France—including pieces that were favorites of Louis XIV.
At venues in Palo Alto, Berkeley and San Francisco. Tickets $12-35.
San Francisco Bluegrass and Old-Time Festival
Feb. 10-19
This extravaganza of wide-ranging Americana music includes alt-bluegrass, two square dances, a band contest, workshops and 30 shows at Bay Area clubs. Performers include The Brothers Comatose, The Deadly Gentlemen, Mad Cow String Band, Henhouse Prowlers, BrownChicken BrownCow StringBand, singer Nell Robinson and guitarist Jim Nunally, and The Bee Eaters. The nonprofit festival also arranges concerts in schools upon request.
At various San Francisco and Bay Area clubs. Ticket prices vary.
Screenagers: Bay Area High School Film and Video Festival
Feb. 11, at 3 pm
Documentaries, narratives and experimental films by high school students throughout the Bay Area were selected for this screening by Berkeley High students. Q&A with the filmmakers and a reception follow.
At the Pacific Film Archive Theater, 2575 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. Tickets $5.50.
Mardi Gras Mambofest
Feb. 17, at 9 pm-12 am
Rhythmtown-Jive and special guest vocalist Bonnie Hayes dish out original music and covers of New Orleans R&B, funk, swamp-pop and other tunes in the new Sweetwater Music Hall, which recently opened in a renovated, century-old Masonic Lodge. The likes of Bob Weir (an investor in the new club), Carlos Santana, Clarence Clemons, Elvis Costello, Jerry Garcia and Maria Muldaur performed at the original Sweetwater, which was established about 25 years ago.
At 19 Corte Madera Ave., Mill Valley. Tickets $15, 17.
Noise Pop
Feb. 21-26
This indie music, arts and film festival turns 20 this year, with Glass Candy, the Dodos, Bob Mould, Archers of Loaf, Die Antwoord and 100 other bands; films that cut across movies and music, like Andrew Bird: Fever Year; exhibits of Death Cab For Cutie photos and other art; happy hours; and discussions and hands-on workshops with indie artists and DIYers.
At various San Francisco venues. Ticket prices vary.
100% SF
Feb. 22-March 2
For this exhibit, San Francisco designers dedicated to "good design, good craftsmanship and good business" have combined their locally-made products; expect Blackbird guitars, Taylor Stitch's menswear, sleek lights from Phoenix Day, The Grqp graphic prints and Tellason jeans on and next to black walnut chairs and trestle tables by Varian Designs. Exhibit opening is on Feb. 22 at 6-9 pm.
At Varian Design's pop-up showroom, 540 Jackson St. Free.
SF FLEA
Feb. 25, at 11 am-6 pm; Feb. 26, at 11 am-5 pm
A curated, public flea market of upscale products by San Francisco Bay Area businesses, neatly laid out indoors (this is not your Alameda, Paris or Bangkok flea market). Includes clothing, toys, home design items, cosmetics, artisan foods and drinks, art and DIY demos.
At Herbst Pavilion, Fort Mason Center. Admission $5 (free for those under age 12).
Accentuate the PAWS-itive
Feb. 28, at 7 pm
San Francisco native & cabaret star Carly Ozard moves to the Big Apple in March, and her farewell show includes her pal-performers such as Donna Sachet, Katya Smirnoff-Sky and Mrs. Trauma Flintstone. Proceeds benefit PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support).
At DNA Lounge, 375 11th St. Tickets $20.
