As big fans of Taylor Jay, we are happy to report you can now shop her sustainable, inclusive women’s clothing in Union Square. California’s biggest curated rummage sale is happening in Oakland. The SF Indie Film Fest is ongoing, featuring a film with a bit part by moi. A PBS documentary is screening at the Roxie. The SF country music scene is heating up—here’s the best spot to kick up your heels. Two theatrical events for theater lovers are now on stage. And one of the best entertainment evenings I have ever experienced is illusionist Kevin Blake. Happy Valentine’s Day, Tomatoes.

The Taylor Jay Pop Up

The long-term pop-up is the first of a handful of new stores to open as part of Vacant to Vibrant’s latest initiative to rev up Union Square’s retail activity while also helping small businesses, artists and entrepreneurs. Vacant to Vibrant works with small business owners to stage pop-ups in vacant buildings. This concept is on fire. Jay, a SF native is bringing fresh energy to Union Square and hopes to inspire people with her designs and welcoming space. Her two Oakland stores were broken into multiple times and, yet she still keeps her Broadway store open. Let’s support this fabulously creative woman and her timeless, sustainable designs created for all bodies.  220 O’Farrell Street (Union Square), taylorjay.com

Now to Feb. 22. California’s Biggest Curated Rummage Sale

If you love browsing for a bargain, finding the unusual, or just need a break from the mall, The Oakland Museum’s Women’s Board presents California’s biggest curated rummage sale, select days through February 22. This is recycling on steroids and has been a bonanza of one of a kind items for over 50 years. It’s a bargain hunter’s dream come true. 20 departments in a warehouse the size of a football field, you WILL find something. Thousands of volunteers work over the course of a year, to sort, clean and repair a massive selection of prices ranging from low cost to an outright steal. The Oakland Museum of California is the beneficiary of all of this hard work. Open February 12^th – 15^th and the 17^th, 20^th -22^nd. You must purchase a ticket but it is only $7. Happy rummaging. WHITE ELEPHANT SALE

Now – Feb. 18. San Francisco Independent Film Festival

Indie Films have taken the country by storm. I should know as your SF Editor has had the opportunity to act in a few films by local filmmakers. In fact, one will be screened as part of the 27^th San Francisco Independent Film Festival. The festival runs from Feb. 6 – 18^th with 80 new independent films from around the bay and around the world. My bit part is in “Good Boy” . The story of an isolated widower who yearns for the good old days and spends the present trying to bring them back. When reality fails to meet expectations and things come crashing down, he must decide whether to accept a new companion, warts and all. Of course, there are many more short films that will challenge your perception of life, teach you new ideas and entertain you. SF Indie Film Fest

Feb. 22. Singing for Justice at the Roxie

KQED Live and the Roxie Theater present a  screening of the new PBS documentary about a joyous performer who united folk music and activism across nearly a century, singing to change the world — and herself. “Singing for Justice” reveals the story of Faith Petric (1915-2013), a San Francisco-based political radical, musician, mother, worker and grandmother who united folk music and activism through almost a century of American social movements. Over her long and purposeful life, Faith inspired all to take responsibility for social change, women and elders to defy stereotypes, and everyone she met to sing along. A true tomato and one we need to know about. February 22^nd at 1:00 p.m. Roxie Theatre, 3117 16^th St. SF, SINGING FOR JUSTICE

Feb. 18. New Faces of Country Music

Country Music is having a moment. As stars like Beyonce and Post Malone embrace the sound, The Bay Area’s country music scene – historically based in more rural areas – is taking root in the city and growing more diverse. On Tuesday Feb. 18 you can meet new faces of country from local artists. Love to break out your boots, this is the evening for you. In fact, you can take classic beginner line dances all night. Kick up your heels. Brick and Mortar Music Hall 1710 Mission St. SF. LET’S DANCE

Now – March 2. An Enemy of the People

Fans of Ibsen will want to see “An Enemy of The People” staged by the San Jose Stage Company. Running from Feb 5 – March 2^nd, this bold reimagined play is more relevant than ever. This 143-year-old work has a dark history and asks what the cost of moral integrity is and what are the consequences of standing for truth. A play that will make you think, ponder, and question. AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE

Now – March 9. The Thing About Jellyfish

Berkeley Rep presents, “The Thing about Jellyfish” – critically acclaimed and visually stunning. This is a deeply emotional coming-of-age story that explores themes of love, loss, friendship and the profound expansiveness of the human spirit. It is an awe-inspiring journey that offers a poignant reflection on life’s most profound questions. THE THING ABOUT JELLYFISH

Kevin Blake, A Master of Illusion

Here I am with Kevin Blake. He is amazing.

Over the holidays I took my family to see the extraordinary illusionist, Kevin Blake. We were blown away by his incredible performance. Is he a psychic? A magician? A master of illusion? We could not understand how he was able to seemingly read minds, remember numbers and stun the audience with his amazing magical prowess. His comedic chops will have you laughing as you are pondering just HOW? How did he do that……I will say no more, only please go see him. The Palace Theatre where he performs is intimate and cozy, located in Chinatown near China Live. One of the best night’s out for us, ever. You will be amazed and entertained and will talk about this show for years. He performs at various times throughout the year so check it out here. KEVIN BLAKE ILLUSIONIST