June 1 to 6 • The Nob Hill Gazette
We’re only weeks away from the official start of summer, and the Bay Area continues to heat up with a long list of new and exciting in-person events (as well as numerous virtual exhibits, lectures, and classes). Take a look at what this week has to offer and plan accordingly.
Discover the latest work by this Oakland artist
San Francisco Public Library continues long-standing On the Same Page book club with Oakland-based artist Brontez Purnell‘s 100 boyfriends. The book is true to Purnell’s punk-rock roots and Editors Weekly called it an immersive dive into “black and queer desire with humor, self-awareness and just the right amount of vulgarity.” During this virtual event, Purnell will speak with the author Alvin Orloff to discuss her perspective on dating, relationships, dating and more.
Tuesday June 1st 7 p.m.
Iinfo: sfpl.org/events/2021/06/01/author-brontez-purnell-conversation-alvin-orloff
Watch a special performance of a musical masterpiece
Renowned multi-instrumentalist Jordi savall makes selections from Monteverdi‘s Madrigals of love and war in Cal Performances at Home’s latest virtual event. Shot in Barcelona, the show features musical groups La Capella Reial de Catalunya and The Concert of Nations perform special pieces like Lamento della Ninfa and Fight between Tancred and Clorinda.
On request from Thursday June 3.
Info: sfarts.org/event/-cal-performances-at-home-jordi-savall-1u0XAtWgzXtcJptHzlx4x3
Hear a literary legend describe his new novel
He is known as one of the greatest living writers. Now Richard Flanagan unveils his latest novel, The living sea of daydreams. The Booker Prize winner will discuss the book from his home in Tasmania, which is also the setting for the novel about the progressive loss of species and ecosystems on our planet. In this Bay Area Book Fest event, Flanagan will be in conversation with the poet Jane hirshfield, including the most recent collection, register, also focuses on the themes of ecology and politics.
Thursday June 3, 7 p.m.
Info: baybookfest.org
Take part in an immersive art experience centered on science, technology and more
Don’t miss your last chance to see what’s on display at San José Art Museum Koret Gallery: Art learning laboratory, a dedicated exhibition space inspired by the institution’s award-winning STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics) educational program, Sowing Creativity. Until June 6, the gallery will present a diverse selection of works from the permanent collection that highlights the different ways in which artists engage with meaning across disciplines. Visitors are invited to participate in the interactive experience by also experimenting with various tools and techniques.
Until Sunday June 6.
Info: sjmusart.org/exhibition/koret-gallery-art-learning-lab
Enjoy brand new dance performances from local legends
Over two weekends, the annual ODC theater festival will offer a range of entirely virtual performances, ranging from contemporary to experimental. The festival will feature nine world premieres and several additional newly adopted pieces from stage to screen. The studio’s flagship dance company, ODC / Dance, will join the participating artists including Garrett + Moulton Productions, Robert Moses’ parents and Margaret jenkins, and the event will kick off with feature films from ODC / Dance and the 2021 Opportunity Fund winners at ODC Theater, Jeremy Bannon-Neches, Nicole Maria Hoffschneider and Noah Wang.
from Thursday June 3 to Saturday June 5; and from Thursday June 10 to Saturday June 12
Info: odc.dance / festival
Inspiring creativity in children of all ages
The San Joséé The Museum of Art will host a special free morning of creativity for all ages with its online Maker Day. Participants are invited to learn through participation, reimagining new uses of everyday materials and objects. The online event will also include a live performance by a performing arts group. ZunZun on the art of reusing, a live and interactive pottery throwing workshop with Dana Child, and a demo on alternative energy cars.
Saturday June 5 from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Info: sjmusart.org/event/makerday-2021
See this Scottish quartet bring classical and folk songs to life
The Maxwell Quartet will perform Dvořák‘s String Quartet No.13 in G major, Op. 106 and a selection of Scottish folk songs in a Music at Kohl Mansion virtual broadcast. After debuting in America in 2019, the New York Times described the Scottish string players as “eloquent performers who bring the same charisma and sense of adventure to their lineup”.
Sunday June 6 7 p.m. and Thursday June 10 6 p.m.
Info: musicatkohl.org/maxwell-quartet/
Watch a virtual performance from a playwright’s perspective on the lives of Asian Americans
TheatreWorks Silicon Valley presents Write fragments, a piece of Jeffrey Lo which he calls a “shameless Filipino American story”. Directed by Victor Malana Maog, the work focuses on Jay, a struggling playwright who has just returned to live with his mother after losing his job and his girlfriend. Virtual performance is presented by Compassion in Oakland, an organization formed in response to the upsurge in anti-Asian attacks in the Bay Area.
Live broadcast Saturday, June 5 at 7 p.m. (on-demand viewing June 6 from noon to 7 p.m. on June 9)
Info: theatreworks.org/writingfragmentshome/
Commemorate an important milestone in the fight against AIDS
June 5 marks 40 years since the first cases of AIDS were reported in the United States, and to commemorate what is also known as Long-Term HIV Survivors Awareness Day, the National AIDS Memorial will honor and remember the more than 700,000 lives lost to AIDS over the past four decades. The National AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park will be open to the public to view the 40-block quilt exhibit and view the 10-acre living memorial that honors lives lost and affected by the crisis. Participants will have the option to leave personal tributes on the quilt signature panels, and members of San Francisco Gay Men’s Choir will perform.
Saturday June 5 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Info: aidsmemorial.org/
Stock up on cool collectibles
Are you looking for a unique way to spend a Sunday? Head to Strangeways Friends Day Market in Oakland to browse an eclectic assortment of vintage clothing, ceramics, books, records, magazines and more. The event will also feature live DJs doing everything from hip hop to house, and COVID-19 security protocols will be in place.
Sunday June 6, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Info: eventbrite.com/e/strangeways-friends-market-iii-tickets-156049439073
