When you're not thanking our dear Mother Earth in the Mission or getting an early start to 4/20 in Golden Gate Park, there’s plenty to get into in central city this weekend, especially if you like free or affordable events. Here's what's on tap:
- The Friday Night Market has returned to UN Plaza tonight. Stop by between 5pm and 10pm for live entertainment, an open-air bar, food trucks and more.
- The Basement reopened 222 Hyde St. just last weekend, and is hosting brief Friday evening happy hours while the venue waits for its full entertainment license to clear. Drop by tonight from 5-8pm to start your weekend off with $2 drink specials and “the chillest vibes” while Play It Cool’s resident DJs Matthew Favorites and Xander M spin “an eclectic mix of dance music from past and future”.
- Award-winning blues artist Castro Coleman, a.k.a. Mr. Sip, kicks off the launch tour for his new album "The Mississippi Blues Child” right here in San Francisco. He’ll be playing six high-energy shows packed with soulful storytelling and gut-wrenching guitar riffs tonight through Sunday at Biscuits and Blues at 401 Mason St.
- Sip a drink and earn a free Master’s degree in Fine Arts at the opening reception for the Tenderloin Institute of Art, a “conceptual social sculpture art piece” by artist Jeremiah Jenkins. The community is invited to stop by SFAQ [Project] Space at 449 O’Farrell St. to “produce a cohesive body of work, learn art theory and history and walk away with a MFA degree”. While Jenkins warns that “any degree earned from TIA will not get you any job or other opportunity,” students will present and defend their theses before their pieces are displayed in the gallery. The opening reception is 6pm-9pm Friday, April 17th, and the Institute will be open from 11:30am-5pm April 17-18 and April 24-25.
- The Cadillac Hotel’s free concert series continues at 380 Eddy St. from 12:30pm to 1:30pm Saturday, April 18th, with a performance by SFJAZZ's Monday Night Band. The all-ages band has a diverse lineup planned, including classical jazz, big band swing, funk, pop and alternative arrangements.
- Restaurant, bar and theater space PianoFight (144 Taylor St.) opens its stage at 11pm every Saturday night to improv artists of all experience levels. Sign up with a group or solo to perform in a seven-minute set or simply get a free laugh.
