Looking for something to do with those out of town visitors who think the sun shines in SF in the summer?  Heath Ceramics offers tours in its two factory locations, you won’t leave empty handed. Hilarity ensues in “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” a comedic spoof brilliantly acted by the Palo Alto Players. You know there is always a wine festival to be found in our fair city and Pinot Days is here, my taste buds are watering. FREE – you heard me correctly, FREE at Stern Grove. The 79^th year of free concerts begins this weekend with Janelle Monae. Bring a picnic, blanket and get ready to groove

Heath Ceramics

Perhaps you are one of the lucky ones in ownership of an original Heath Ceramic piece from the 1950’s. If not, it’s time to discover this amazing brand. Started in 1948 by the Heaths, in a factory in Sausalito (still there) the ceramic tableware and architectural tile created by Edith was revolutionary in its design and implementation. Another couple bought the company in 2003 and since then it continues to grow and grow!

The Mission Street “campus” is a must visit destination. You can make a day of it viewing the tile factory, sipping from the Blue Bottle Coffee kiosk and shopping of course. 3^rd Friday of the month at 2, Saturdays and Sundays at 11:30.

The dinnerware tour in Sausalito occurs Saturdays and Sundays at 11:45 and 2:30 or check out the working factory tour Friday at 11:15 a.m.

A retail location is in the Ferry Building where you can now buy their newest creations, ceramic bead jewelry and bags. Great idea for those friends and relatives who have seen enough of Fisherman’s Wharf! Get more information.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike

This hilarious Christopher Durang play is now being presented by The Palo Alto Players. A comedic masterpiece that runs through June 26^th blends classic Chekhov themes with modern theatrics creating comic mayhem. The synopsis will have you going “what?” Vanya and his stepsister Sonia, live a quite country life, a life that goes crazy when movie star sister, Masha brings her 20-something boy toy along. Can you say sibling rivalry?  I highly recommend this Tony award winning absurdly comedic force. Get more info and tickets.

Pinot Days

Another wine event – hooray!  Since we are so fortunate to live by “the wine country” in this case many are from the Russian River Valley in Sonoma (Sorry France!) there are always festivals and events surrounding the grape. Tomorrow on June 18^th, the largest single gathering of pinot noir producers in the world, come together for the Grand Festival at Bespoke at Westfield Center at 835 Market Street.

Tomatoes, this is one day only and features Pinots from over 70 producers (make sure your Uber app is updated!).  What I love about this wine is that it is low in tannins and a bit mellower than some of the heartier reds. A couple of my favorites will be featured including DeLoach Vineyards and J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines.  Public tasting is from 2 – 5 and tickets are $75. VIP tasting tickets are $125 and include a one-hour sit down tasting. Get tickets.

Stern Grove Festival

It’s only been a mere 78 years that Stern Grove has been gifting our community with free concerts. Can you believe it?  Free, after all these years. Beginning this Sunday through August 21^st, there is a musical artist performing that is sure to bring a smile to your face no matter your taste in tunes.  This weekend, the opening day benefit and concert begins at 11 a.m. and the free concert with Janelle Monae begins at 2. Midtown social, a local SF group performs toe tapping funk, rock, gospel and “California Soul”.

The Symphony performs later this month and in July you get to see (for free, let me say it again!) artists with the San Francisco Ballet performing selections from their current repertory. Tomato friends, if you find yourself moving and grooving to soulful sounds of the O’Jays, they will be one of the August performers. So get on the “Love Train” and boogie to Stern Grove and wake up that dormant soul train groove. Get more information.