SF LIFE: Performances, Bluegrass, Apples
Fall is (in my opinion or IMO, as the kids say) the most spectacular time in the Bay. The weather is resplendent and the mood anticipatory for the glories of the upcoming season. We have found a few places to head out and pick some apples for fall feasting. The opera and ballet have had their premieres, but we have so many other opportunities to see bay area talent shine. Read on for suggestions! And of course, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass is a comin’. Happy falling into fall!
Live Performances: Ballet and Theater
There’s so much great bay area talent to take in this fall from the ballet to Gilbert and Sullivan. Here are a few picks.
Lines Ballet
One of the most unique contemporary ballet companies I have seen is Lines Ballet and they’re coming to Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Oct 1-6. This season’s Lines Ballet premiere features the jazz stylings of tenor saxophonist Charles Lloyd and pianist Jason Moran, as well as another light art installation by San Francisco’s own Jim Campbell. linesballet.org
Rocky Horror Show
You could go to the fabulous Broadway touring company shows, but you can also join the appreciative audiences in many of the “community” type productions all across the bay. The Rocky Horror Show comes to the San Jose Stage Company Oct 2 – Nov 3rd. Tomatoes, you know you stood in line to see the midnight showing of this cult film when it came out decades ago. Now you get to go on this strange journey in a live theatre that will tantalize your senses and have you dancing the Time Warp in the aisles. www.thestage.org
Hot Mikado
Ready for two hours of fun, quirky, message-free entertainment? Enter Hot Mikado. This show takes the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta masterpiece and amps it up with a killer jazz interpretation of the score performed by a multicultural cast who will have you dancing in the aisles! Welcome to Titipu, a town turned upside down by the arrival of Nanki-Poo, a roving trumpet player looking for his lost love, Yum Yum. Before long, he’s embroiled in the topsy-turvy machinations of Titipu’s powers-that-be, with hilarious results. Now through October 13th. http://www.42ndstmoon.org
Apple Picking
Sure, it’s great when you have wee ones, but how about grabbing some gal pals and head for a day out in the sunshine grabbing nature’s medicine? Yes please. Pies, ciders, crisps – delish. Here are some places…
Gabriel Farm
If eating organic is important to you, head to Gabriel Farm (located in Sebastopol, a town practically synonymous with the fruit) where you’ll get a tour of the certified organic orchard in addition to the opportunity to pick your own apples through mid-November. Varieties include McIntosh, Gravenstein, Gala, Braeburn, Gilbert Golden Delicious, Fuji and Rome. To participate in u-pick at Gabriel Farm, visitors are asked to become members of their CSA by purchasing a case of their asian pear and apple juice for $40. U-pick price is an additional $2.50 per pound of fruit. The farm has a store with juice and jams for sale as well. 3175 Sullivan Rd. Sebastopol,
CA: gabrielfarm.com
Swanton Pacific Ranch
Owned and operated by California Polytechnic State University, Swanton Pacific Ranch produces over five tons of apples every year. The two-acre orchard hosts 12 different apple varieties, all with individual ripening periods, meaning that the picking season lasts into October. Nestled in the foothills along the central coast and outlying Monterey Bay, this orchard is the perfect distance away for a family day trip! 480 Swanton Road Davenport,
CA: spranch.org
Clearview Orchards
Located in the beautiful Santa Cruz Basin, Clearview Orchards offers a huge variety of certified organic apples, specializing in Gala and Fuji, Honey Crisp and Mitsu during their early-September through end of October season. Their beautiful terraced grounds with a view of the Watsonville valley is perfect for picnicking. clearvieworchards.com
Oct. 4-6. Bluegrass
Grab your sun visors, your down parkas, your blankets, for Hardly Strictly Bluegrass – the free fun concert weekend, is coming October 4 – 6. The performances are not all about banjos and blues, but many do have bluegrass roots in their background. Performers such as Emmylou Harris, gospel act Dry Branch Fire Squad and Steve Earle and the Dukes are on the program. 40 new acts will be joining the stages, including Oakland bluesman, Fantastic Negrito, folk pop bands, and blues rock singers among others.
Most of the delightful music takes place in Golden Gate Park and Hellman Hollow. Get there as early as 9 a.m. to grab a spot. Security has been tightened this year so be sure to check the website for all of the info, so you aren’t turned away. Food and nonalcoholic drinks will be served along with vendors selling eats, but you can bring your own adult beverages in non-glass containers. HSB is also partnering with a number of local venues for a few night performances in which $1.00 per ticket goes to Music in the Schools. http://www.hardlystrictlybluegrass.com
Kim Selby, the SF life editor of The Three Tomatoes, is your gal for info on what’s hot and happening in the beautiful bay area. Having lived on the Left Coast for 27 years, after almost a decade in NYC, she has explored and continues to have adventures all over the San Francisco area. Passionate about fashion, formerly with GLAMOUR magazine and Fashion Director at Saks Fifth Avenue , Palo Alto, Kim produced fashion shows in the bay area for over 20 years. She now creates events to empower, delight and inspire women, aka “Tomatoes”. Learn more about Kim at www.kim-selby.com
