Eye On The Bay

Liam's List - Friday, April 25th

Greetings Chums, the weekend is here and so too is the opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the great Bay Area. From the San Francisco Film Festival to a dream machine show in Half Moon Bay there is much to enjoy around the Bay. Have a mad, fab one.

1- LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
San Francisco International Film Festival
Now through May 8th
Various Venues
The creme de la creme of the world's movie makers have descended upon San Francisco for the city's annual film festival. For the next two weeks view cinematic genius at various festival venues. Among those being honored this year, actress Maria Bella, and one of my favorite directors Mike Leigh. Venture to the festival web site for more.
www.sfiff.org

2- HALF MOON BAY'S WORLD OF WONDER
Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show
Sunday April 27th, 10am to 4pm
Half Moon Bay Airport
Admission $20 (adults), $10 (age 11-17 and 65+), free for kids age 10 and under.
The 18th Annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show comes to Half Moon Bay on Sunday. It's a spectacular showcase of 2,000 magnificent machines; from super cool cars, custom motorcycles and one-of-a-kind woodie busses to tricked out trucks, antique engines and tractors and more. The show benefits the Coastside Adult Day Health Center in Half Moon Bay

3- GET YOUR GROOVE ON
Jin Xing Dance Theatre
Memorial Auditorium, Stanford
Forget dancing with the stars, you will be seeing stars after an evening with the Jin Xing Dance Theatre. In it's United States debut the dance troup combines forces with the Stanford Symphony Orchestra. Prepare to have your socks blown off.
http://livelyarts.stanford.edu/

4- AT THE MOVIES
Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay
Now Playing in Bay Area movie theaters
R Rating
A riotous lampoon on homeland security is the meat of this new Harold and Kumar caper and if that tickles your joy spot, go see it. These guys are funny, period. However, as ever when Hollywood tries to recapture a little movie magic, it falls short. The writers perhaps puffed a little too much while penning this script. If nothing else go to see the chemistry between actors Jon Cho and Kal Penn, our new Cheech and Chong.
http://www.haroldandkumar.com/

5- FREE: SHEAR A SHEEP
Ardonwood Historic Farm
Sunday April 27th
Noon to 2pm
Ever wondered how sheep are sheared? Your questions will be answered this Sunday at the historic Ardonwood Farm in Fremont. An entertaining and educational experience will be had by all.
www.ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood

6- READ THIS
Harlem of the West
By Elizabeth Pepin and Lewis Watts
Explore the story of The San Francisco Jazz era in this wonderful book filled with great photos and stories. This is the tale of a hidden musical city within San Francisco, The Fillmore. Learn how the music and community thrived and then quickly vanished at the hands of redevelopment. The book is available online.
http://www.chroniclebooks.com/index/main,book-info/store,books/products_id,5164/title,Harlem-of-the-West/

7- HEAR THIS
REM - Accelerate
Out NOW
"The best REM record in years" say the critics and well, I have to agree. Each and every track is delivered with the musical punch that Stipe and his band of two not always merry men, can deliver. Track 7 Until The Day Is Done is pants down the stand-out cut on the record;.poignent and passion filled Stipe delivers a social commentary that gets right under your skin. Run NOW to your local music shop and get this BRILLIANT new REM record.
http://remhq.com/index.php

8 - HOT TICKET
Black and White Ball, San Francisco
May 31st 2008
Get tickets NOW
Purchase a ticket now for one of the hottest events on San Francisco calendar, The Black and White Ball. Over fifty artists and bands will be performing in an evening of fun and fundraising. Headlining is superstar SEAL. You do not want to miss this great charity event. Proceeds to the San Francisco Symphony.
http://www.sfsymphony.org/

9- EAT HERE
SPQR
1911 Fillmore St (between Bush St & Pine St), San Francisco
Phone (415) 771-7779
Mon-Fri 11:30am.-2:30pm.
Mon-Sun 5:30pm.-11pm
Sat-Sun 9:30am -2:30pm
The food is rustic Italian fare, the stuff you might find in Rome. There are many tasty dishes offered on the menu here. I say, do the small plates, at $8 a piece you cannot go wrong. Get the fried Brussel Sprouts - heaven. The pasta is delicious too and a steal at $14 a plate.
Treat yourself to a naughty treat for dessert too. No reservations taken here, just show up and hope for a table. Get the counter space by the kitchen if you can. The sensational smells and the full on chef show throughout my meal sent me to culinary heaven. A great meal and a great deal.
www.spqr.com

10- HAPPY HOUR
Horizon Restaurant and Lounge
498 Broadway (between Kearny St & Rowland St), San Francisco
(415) 576-1118
Tuesday to Friday, 5pm to 8pm
This new North Beach restaurant is fast becoming a popular afterwork hangout. The three hour long session of cheap drinks and affordable nibbles will leave you happy long before the sun sets. Beers at $3 , $4 dollar well drinks and $5 martinis. Love that. Small plates at $5 with offerings of ribs and wings. And wait for it, fries and truffled pop corn for $2.. Now that is what I call a happy hour. See you there.
www.horizonsf.com

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