May 2, 2008 12:44 pm US/Pacific
Liam's List - 5/2/08
Greetings Chums,
From the San Francisco Film Festival to a happy hour in San Jose there is much to enjoy around the Bay. Don't forget Monday is Cinco de Mayo. Look out for special events in your neck of the woods.
1 - LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
San Francisco International Film Festival Now through May 8th
Various Venues International cinema is being celebrated now through next week as part of the San Francisco International Film Festival. Among those being honored this year, versatile actress Maria Bella, and one of my favorite directors Mike Leigh (
Naked, Topsy Turvey). Head to the festival web site for more. See you at the movies.
www.sfiff.org 2 - VIVA VINO
Livermore Wine Country Festival Saturday and Sunday May 3rd and 4th
10am to 6pm
Historic Downtown Livermore
One of the oldest wine regions in California, Livermore invites you to join them for their annual wine festival this weekend. From family run wineries to back yard winemakers, you'll see it all here. Go on spoil yourself and go soak up a little Livermore vino, some olive oil from the region and arts and crafts.
www.livermoredowntown.com/winecountryfestival3 - ARTS AND CRAFTS
Maker Faire San Mateo Expo Center
Saturday and Sunday May 3rd and 4th 10am to 5pm
From arts to crafts, DIY and science, the Maker Faire has a little something for creative beings of all ages. Enjoy two days of one-of-a-kind crafts at the San Mateo County Fairgrounds thanks to Make magazine.
www.makerfaire.com4 - IN CONCERT
James Oakes and The Bellows Great American Music Hall
859 O'Farrell Street, San Francisco
Sunday May 4th, 8pm James Oakes and The Bellows are actually the opening act for Marty Wilson Piper on this night but in my mind they deserve top billing. These seasoned music makers will grab you by the ears, pull at your heart-strings and leave you wanting more. It's 1995 all over again.
www.thebellows.net5 - FREE DAY AT THE MUSEUM
Asian Art Museum
200 Larkin Street, San Francisco
Sunday, May 4th
10am to 4pm The Asian Art Museum is hosting a day-long celebration with live performances, workshops, artist demonstrations, hands-on activities, author readings and more. This is the first of the FREE first Sunday of every month program. How cool is that?
www.asianart.org6 - READ THIS
The Cheap Bastard's Guide To San Francisco
By Karen Solomon In Bookstores Now At last, a book for those among us who want to explore and enjoy the great Bay Area without breaking the bank. This useful book is bursting with great ideas. From film to food to things to do with the family for cheap, there is a little something for everyone here. A must-read for the Bay-loving budget conscious.
www.globepequot.com
7 - FREE MUSIC
Coldplay - "Viva"
Online NowEver the giving bunch, British music makers Coldplay are giving their music away for free. Venture to their web site for a downloadable copy of their new single "Viva." And what's more, Mr. Martin and his band of merry men are playing free shows in London and New York. Full marks to Coldplay for their spirit of giving. Next comes the news that their new album will be fifty bucks a pop. I hope not.
www.coldplay.com8 - SAVE THE DATE
Hope Gala Fairmont Hotel
950 Mason St., San Francisco
Saturday May 17th 2008
Get tickets NOW Purchase a ticket now for an event that promises food, fun and fundraising. A live auction is among the evening's highlights. Yours truly will be manning the gavel. Proceeds go to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. See you there.
www.jdrf.org/index.cfm?page_id=104391 9 - EAT HERE
Vitrine at Hotel St.Regis
125 3rd Street, San Francisco
Monday to Friday 6:30am - 10:30am
Saturday & Sunday 7:00am - 10:30amI rarely recommend a fancy spot for breakfast but for the ultimate power breakfast look no further than the elegant Vitrine restaurant at Hotel St.Regis in downtown San Francisco. Sure, you can get the usual breakfast fare here; omelettes du jour, pancakes and more but they come with a sophisticated twist. And all dishes are crafted with the freshest, local ingredients, some of it plucked just feet away, from the rooftop garden.
www.stregis.com/sanfrancisco 10 - HAPPY HOUR
Horizon Restaurant and Lounge 498 Broadway, San Francisco
Tuesday to Friday, 5pm to 8pm This new North Beach restaurant is fast becoming a popular after-work 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 well drinks and $5 martinis. Love that. Small plates at $5 with offerings of ribs and wings. And, wait for it, fries and truffled popcorn for $2. Now that is what I call a happy hour.
www.horizonsf.com
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