Film Fests in person, yes please – check out Windrider’s fab movies and discussions. “Check Please Bay Area” has a live event with sips and bites, Shakespeare in the Park is coming, and Juneteenth celebrations abound. We have a few shows we think you Tomatoes will love, so enjoy this month of fun in the sun and “Get Happy!”

June 23-24. The Windrider Film Festival

As film fests go this one is intimate and always inspiring. The theme this year is “Lens of Hope” and the two films and discussions will lift your spirits in what has been a trying time for all.

On June 23^rd enjoy a screening of the filmed version of the Broadway show, “Come From Away”. Based on the story of the 7,000 passengers who were stranded in a small town in Newfoundland after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, this musical will touch you deeply. Having had the chance to see it live on stage, I encourage all of you to attend this screening. “Come From Away”, tells the true story of what transpired when 38 planes were ordered to land unexpectedly at Gander International Airport in the small town of Gander as part of Operation Yellow Ribbon. The characters in the musical are based on (and in most cases share the names of) real Gander residents as well as some of the stranded travelers they housed and fed. The screening is followed by a Q & A with the filmmaker.

On June 24^th you can experience a deeply moving and laugh-out-loud funny documentary, Mission: JOY. You will get unprecedented access to the unlikely friendship of two international icons who transcend religion: His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu. In their final joint mission, these self-described mischievous brothers give a master class in how to create joy in a world that was never easy for them. They offer neuroscience-backed wisdom to help each of us live with more joy, despite circumstances. Film screening followed by audience Q&A with Peggy Callahan – Co-Director and Producer, Doug Abrams – featured in the film, and Dr. Elissa Epel – vice chair of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco. Get the details.

Shakespeare in the Park

SF Shakes is back for its 40th season with the bard’s comedic send-up to deception, confusion, and love, Much Ado About Nothing. The free outdoor production takes the stage in three locations throughout the summer, beginning in Cupertino (July 23 through Aug. 7) and Redwood City (Aug. 13-28). In September, it arrives at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in SF’s McLaren Park. This beloved classic features the intermingling of two different love stories – Hero and Claudio, whose love is challenged by jealousy, and Beatrice and Benedick who work through their past history with each other to find love again. It’s time for comedy tomatoes, and this is a free way to LOL. sfshakes.org.

June 27. Taste & Sip

One of our past Happy Hour Podcast guests, Leslie Sbrocco hosts a live event with her beloved show, “Check Please Bay Area.” Celebrate the resilience of the Bay Area’s culinary spirit with the return of Taste & Sip! Sample the diverse flavors that define our region with food from more than 50 restaurants featured on the show and wines from Leslie’s favorite local wineries. Monday, June 27, 2022 6:30 PM at the San Francisco Design Center Galleria – 101 Henry Adams St. Get the details.

June 18. The Juneteenth SF Freedom Celebration

This event commemorates the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans and celebrates African American culture in recognition of black contributions and progress. Now, more than ever it is important for us all to recognize everyone! As usual no one does celebrations better than the bay area. The Fillmore District’s Juneteenth event will a enlighten, entertain, and bring awareness to this important date. The Freedom Celebration will span eight city blocks featuring dozens of retail and food vendors, music, a sky-high ferris wheel and more. A classic car show, gospel singers, fashion boutiques and obstacle games will wow us all. Free admission for all.

Juneteenth celebrations continue on the 18^th at the MoAd, (Museum of African Diaspora). Admission to the museum is Free all day on the 18^th from 11 – 6.  Special programs that day include a virtual program, Art As We See It: Artists Responding to Representation and Equality Paired with Music. In person MoAD Docents present selected pairings of revolutionary art and music. Join in the  informal conversation as the docents discuss history, context, imagery, and distinctive artistic expressions. Get the details.

Now – June 19. Pajama Game

Who remembers the classic song “Steam Heat”? Now you can see the play from which it came, “Pajama Game” at the Gateway Theatre. “What makes this great theatre is that many of the themes which resonated in the 1950s still resonate today – workplace romance, clashes between management and labor, and the great middle-class struggle to do more than just get by,” says Executive Director Daniel Thomas. Although a decades old classic this iteration is contemporary and updated. 42ndstmoon.org/the-pajama-game

June 29. Get Happy:  A Judy Garland Centennial Celebration

If you have been wanting to venture back to Davies Symphony Hall, perhaps this show will woo you back. Breathtaking Broadway talent with full symphony orchestra commemorates Judy Garland’s most precious life moments projected live-to-screen. Broadway star Jessica Vosk brings Garland’s legendary songbook to life, accompanied by rare performance footage, intimate home movies, and cherished photographs and interviews. June 29^th. 7:30 p.m. Get tickets.