Author: Alfredo Casuso

media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 767-1067 / news@davidperry.com 

Submissions Open for International Ocean Film Festival on July 9th

Filmmakers around the world encouraged to submit works that inspire people to appreciate and care for the ocean by revealing its wonders through independent films.

16^th annual celebration of features films about marine life, the ocean, coastal cultures and conservation takes place in San Francisco March 7 – 10, 2019

www.intloceanfilmfest.org 

2 July 2018 – San Francisco, CA: “It is a curious situation that the sea, from which life first arose should now be threatened by the activities of one form of that life,” said Rachel Carson author of the iconic and prescient book, The Sea Around Us. The warnings and wonder of that tome are brought to the big screen every year by the San Francisco based International Ocean Film Festival. Beginning on Monday, July 9, 2018, filmmakers from around the world are now encouraged to submit works that inspire others to a love – and respect – for our ocean home. The winning entries will be featured at the Festival’s 16^th annual celebration March 7-10, 2019. Entry details may be found online at www.intloceanfilmfest.org. 

“In this a crucial election year, we have many choices to make,” said Ana Blanco, Executive Director for the International Ocean Film Festival. “One of those choices is how we as a nation – as a planet – will continue to confront the issues of preserving our oceans. Our goal at the Festival is simple: saving our oceans one film at a time.”

Submissions may include films of all genres – documentaries, narratives, shorts, and animation films of all lengths. Subjects may focus on all oceanographic themes including but not limited to: ocean exploration, wildlife, environmental, conservation, oceanography, seafaring adventures, maritime issues, ocean sports and coastal cultures.

Since its launch in 2004, the San Francisco-based International Ocean Film Festival has attracted thousands of spectators of all ages from around the world, including film enthusiasts, sea athletes, educators, and environmental supporters. Since then, the Festival has presented over 50 films from 15 different countries and featured post-film Q&A sessions with visiting filmmakers, special panel discussions with content experts, and the Annual Free Student Education Program. It was the first event of its kind in North America, inspired by the well-established ocean festival in Toulon, France, which has continued to draw large audiences for more than 40 years.

“Our mission is to inspire people to appreciate and care for the ocean by revealing its wonders through the independent lens,” said Blanco, noting that the Festival is now recognized as the premier venue in North America for ocean-related films. “Our work is made possible by the spirit, passion, and hard work of numerous volunteers and artists dedicated to using film as a medium to increase public awareness of the environmental, social, and cultural importance of marine ecosystems and foster a spirit of ocean stewardship.”

The 16th Annual International Ocean Film Festival will take place March 7-10, 2019 at venues around San Francisco. The International Ocean Film Festival is a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit.

Media Contact: DP&A, Inc., David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival
Marries Gourmet Food & International Artistry
September 21, 22 & 23
www.musicamarinfestival.com 

First-of-its-Kind Effort by Violist Ruth Kahn and Chef Mark Furr at Old St. Hilary’s Chapel in Belvedere and St. Stephens Church Tiburon

18 June 2018 – San Francisco & Marin, CA: “There’s a friendly tie between music and eating,” opined Thomas Hardy. That tie is what binds together internationally-acclaimed violist Ruth Kahn and master chef Mark Furr: a culinary adventure given gourmet melody at the Inaugural Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival (www.musicamarinfestival.com)   Over three days, September 21, 22 & 23, Musica Marin will unfold in Tiburon and Belvedere at Old St. Hilary’s Chapel (201 Esperanza Street), St. Stephen’s Church (3 Bayview Avenue) and at an exquisite nine-acre private estate overlooking San Francisco Bay.

“Magical music paired with delectable dishes in unparalleled private settings with world-renowned international artists is what we’re all about,” says Kahn, a Juilliard graduate known to legions of fans for her performances both in the Bay Area and in Europe including 20 years with the New York City Ballet orchestra. “Mark and I believe we have created a unique experience, for a unique audience: people who appreciate world-class food and world-class music in world-class settings.” 

Founded in 2014 by Kahn, the nonprofit Musica Marin executes a vision to inspire, educate and cultivate appreciation and support for the classical arts. For the last four years,  as part of Musica Marin’s in-home concert series, scores of fans have been treated to concert events, including world premiere commissions, with renowned musicians in private residences and other intimate settings. With the Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival, the organization is expanding its artistic footprint.

“For the last several years I have been honored to participate in Ruth’s vision,” said Furr, for 20 years known to Bay Area foodies for his time at Radius, Broken Record and appearances on The Travel Channel. “My passion for creative cuisine with Ruth’s passion to create a music festival with global connections is even better than a marriage made in heaven. It’s a marriage made in Marin.”

The locale for Musica Marin is of equal importance to the artistry note both Kahn and Furr. 

“Belvedere-Tiburon is the ideal place for the Musica Marin Festival,” they said in a joint statement. “The area’s natural beauty, storybook neighborhoods, fine dining and breathtaking vistas provide an elegant setting for this first-of-its-kind experience. It is truly for those palettes both educated and curious.”

Musica Marin Festival attendees can choose from a variety of performances, food and wine options and ticket packages. In addition, for a limited time, Founding Festival Member packages are available with special VIP add ons. A portion of the proceeds benefit Musica Marin, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving musical culture for all ages through unique music programs and concert events throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

“This will be a unique international chamber music and culinary experience,” sums up Kahn. “It will be a weekend festival promising stunning settings, exquisite food and chamber music both intimate and profound.”

About Musica Marin:
Musica Marin is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving musical culture for all ages through unique music programs and concert events that benefit young musicians throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. The organization award grants to Bay Area schools and nonprofit organizations that promote musical education and culture and also offers world-class concert events with internationally-renowned musicians in intimate settings that cultivate and grow audiences’ awareness and participation in musical arts. Additional programs include the Young Artists Performance award, the Young American Composer’s Award, the Composer-in-Residence Program and educational fund. In addition, Musica Marin partners with such esteemed organizations as The Juilliard School, Mill Valley Film Festival, San Francisco Boys Chorus and Merola Opera Program.  

A detailed schedule of the Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival follows:

Friday, September 21
3pm
San Francisco Bay Yacht Cruise *

The Musica Marin International Chamber Music Festival kicks off with a Festival Founding Members Yacht Cruise around San Francisco Bay. Guests aboard this intimate cruise will experience a private concert by celebrated German-Italian Baritone, Marco Vassalli. Gourmet hors d’oeuvres will be provided by elite “Best of the Bay” Chef Mark Furr along with perfectly paired wines.

5:30pm *
Pre-Concert Dinner

After the Bay Cruise, Founding Festival Members will enjoy a private four-course dinner with wine pairing prepared by one of our celebrated guest chefs.

7:30pm
Opening Night Concert
St. Stephen’s Church

World-renowned musicians will perform masterpieces from the chamber music repertoire including Mozart’s viola quintet in B-flat minor and Johannes Brahms sextet in G-major.

Saturday, September 22
1pm
Afternoon Symposium and Concert, String Trio Giacometti
Old St. Hilary’s Church

Festival guests are invited to take part in an informative discussion on the music to be performed this afternoon lead by our Festival master musicians from Europe. Trio Giacometti will perform Mozart and Sibelius.

5:30pm
Chef and Vintner Reception hosted by special guest
Liam Mayclem, KCBS “Foodie Chap”
St. Stephen’s Church

Award-winning chefs will present beautifully prepared food alongside select exceptional local wines while renowned harpist, Krista Strader, serenades with an auditory backdrop that will complement and enhance the exquisite dining experience. Our special guest host for the evening is Liam Mayclem, known to legions of fans as KCBS “Foodie Chap.”

8pm
Saturday Evening Festival Concert
St. Stephen’s Church

The last concert of the day will be held in St. Stephen’s magnificent sanctuary. We invite you to enjoy an informative Q&A with Musica Marin’s Composer-in-Residence Clint Borzoni and Baritone Marco Vassalli. Our esteemed guest Marco Vassalli joins our Festival strings in the inspired performance of Samuel Barber’s “Dover Beach”, and Clint Borzoni’s two songs for Baritone and String Quartet. The concert will end in grand style with Festival musicians performing Mendelssohn’s B-flat viola quintet.

Sunday, September 23
12pm
Garden Luncheon & Intimate Outdoor Concert

Our venue is a spectacular nine-acre Tiburon estate that has played host to many memorable events over the years, opening its gardens for a truly memorable afternoon. Founding Festival Members are invited to this special afternoon performance and al fresco lunch served on the grounds of this expansive estate. World-renowned Festival Cellist, Jeffrey Solow, will give a lively discussion and concert on the life and music of J.S. Bach and perform a selection his Cello Suites.

1:30pm
Wine Tasting on the Terrace

The terrace of this spectacular nine-acre Tiburon estate is the venue for an afternoon of fine wines and special performance given by Simple Harmonic Motion, an a cappella quartet performing a range of music from barbershop to pop.

3pm
Festival Concert Finale

The Festival concludes at a gorgeous Tiburon estate with a combined concert by all of the Festival musicians, concluding with the magnificent Mendelssohn octet.

4:30pm
Closing Festival Party

After the concert, guests will enjoy a festive soiree to celebrate, mix and mingle with fellow attendees, chefs, festival musicians and Founding Festival Members. Enjoy scenic views of the estate, outstanding wines, and delectable bites by Chef Randy Gardner.

*Founding Festival Members Only

Media Contact: DP&A, Inc., David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

Tony Bennett Honored with Street in front of Fairmont San Francisco 

Famed Singer Will Unveil “Tony Bennett Way”
During Free Block Party – Saturday, June 2: 12noon – 3pm

30 May 2018 – San Francisco, CA: San Francisco’s singing ambassador, Tony Bennett, will unveil “his” street sign on Saturday, June 2nd in front of the storied Fairmont Hotel where his first public performance of the iconic classic “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” took place in December 1961. From 12noon – 3pm on June 2, a free-and-open-to-the-public block party with food, music, big-band dancing and a special interactive “Heart Salute” to the legendary crooner will take place on the 900 block of Mason Street, hitherto to be known as Tony Bennett Way.  The legislation renaming the street was passed unanimously by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in November of last year, and was one of the last official acts of the late Mayor Edwin M. Lee.

“Tony Bennet forever immortalized our great city with the legendary song ‘I Left My Heart in San Francisco,’ so it is only appropriate that we return the favor by renaming a portion of Mason Street in his honor,” said Mayor Mark Farrell. “Throughout his iconic career, Tony has been a wonderful ambassador for our City, always eager to literally sing the praises of our home. It fills me with pride to formally recognize San Francisco’s longtime relationship with our great friend by announcing the unveiling of Tony Bennet Way.”

Scheduled to be on-hand for the event are U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, House of Representatives Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, former San Francisco Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr. Supervisor Aaron Peskin, Italian Consul General Lorenzo Ortona and San Francisco Director of Protocol Charlotte Shultz among other dignitaries.  Liam Mayclem, KCBS Radio’s “Foodie Chap”, will emcee the event.  Providing entertainment will be the Cosmo Alley Cats, Accordionist Suzanne Ramsey, the San Francisco Girls Chorus, the San Francisco Boys Chorus, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and The Dick Bright Orchestra. Shawna Ferris from Beach Blanket Babylon will lead the crowd in a sing-a-long of “I Left My Heart in San Francisco.”

“On any street in the world, you can hear San Francisco’s singing ambassador singing his signature song, our song,” said Charlotte Mailliard Shultz, San Francisco Director of Protocol and organizer for this weekend’s event. “So, it’s perfectly appropriate for us to now have a street named in his honor here, right in front of his statue. I promise, this Saturday will be a true love in on the streets of San Francisco.”

This weekend’s salute will include a number of free family-friendly activities including face painting, circus acts and a Cable Car “Bell Ringing Contest” for youth in addition to bringing two famous San Francisco landmarks into the streets from the Fairmont: the Tonga Room and the Venetian Room “outside” for one day.

“Fairmont San Francisco is thrilled to honor Mr. Bennett with this special tribute that offers  visitors a glimpse into our city’s history,” says Paul Tormey, Regional Vice President  & General Manager of Fairmont San Francisco (www.fairmont.com/san-francisco). “Our iconic property has enjoyed an incredible relationship with this legendary artist that has spanned more than five decades and included countless performances in the Venetian Room , a time capsule buried here in 1999, and the 2016 installation of a bronze statue of his likeness in front of the hotel to mark the celebration of his 90^th birthday.  We thank Mr. Bennett for always being there, as our ambassador for Fairmont San Francisco and  an enthusiastic promoter and friend of his City by the Bay.”

In honor of the occasion, Humphry Slocombe Ice Cream will be serving its unique flavor, “Duet,”  a Tahitian Vanilla ice cream swirled with Limoncello sorbet and house-made fennel biscotti. Inspired by his “Duets” album, the ice cream is an unexpected pairing of two classics with an Italian twist.  The ice cream was first served at the public dedication and unveiling of the Tony Bennett statue in front of the Fairmont to mark the singer’s 90^th birthday in August 2016.  

About Tony Bennett
Entering his seventh decade as a recording artist with over 100 albums and 15 Grammy Awards including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Bennett has earned his legendary status many times over. He remains the Columbia recording artist with the greatest longevity at the label. His 2007 prime-time special, “Tony Bennett: An American Classic,” won seven Emmy Awards and was directed by Academy Award winner Rob Marshall. He has performed for 10 U.S. Presidents, from Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton, Bush Jr. and Obama. He also worked with and marched alongside Martin Luther King in his 1965 civil rights march and was honored with the Martin Luther King’s Salute to Greatness Award. In addition to performing, he is a visual artist as well, with three of his original paintings featured in the permanent collection at the Smithsonian, including his portraits of Ella Fitzgerald and Duke Ellington. His humanitarian efforts are renowned and the United Nations honored him with their Humanitarian Award in 2007. He has published three books – his autobiography, “The Good Life,” and two books of his paintings, “Tony Bennett: What My Heart Has Seen,” and “Tony Bennett In the Studio: A Life of Art and Music.” Bennett founded, in association with the Department of Education in New York City, the Frank Sinatra School of the Arts – a public arts high school in his hometown of Astoria, Queens. With his wife Susan, he established Exploring the Arts, a charitable organization which supports arts education in NYC public high schools. Exploring the Arts supports 14 public high schools throughout New York City. For more information about Tony Bennett, go to: www.tonybennett.com 

Media Contact: DP&A, Inc., David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com 

25^th Anniversary Gala for Family Connections Honored “25 Hearts of the Community” 

www.portolafc.org

May 10^th Event at Sons of Italy Hall Celebrates Nonprofit 

Serving Immigrant Families in SF’s Portola / Excelsior Neighborhoods

15 May 2018 – San Francisco, CA: A crowd of more than 150 people came out to San Francisco’s Sons of Italy Hall last night to salute Maryann Fleming and her bold idea 25 years ago – an idea that gave birth to the respected nonprofit Family Connections (www.portolafc.org): dedicated to developing strong, healthy families that build thriving communities in San Francisco’s Portola and Excelsior neighborhoods. Rose Aguilar of KALW Radio emceed the festivities right across the street from the future home of a newly expanded Family Connections center at 5016 Mission Street, set to open later this fall. The event raised $50,000 for the organization.

“We are truly honored and humbled by this show of support,” said Fleming, who first conceived of Family Connections when she was serving on the Advisory Board of E.R. Taylor Elementary School’s Healthy Start program in the Portola neighborhood. “When we started 25 years ago, we had a vision but thanks to the people in this room and countless others, the Principles of Family Support were able to take root and positively impact thousands of families.” 

Dubbed the “25 “Hearts of the Community” Gala, the evening paid tribute to 25 people and organizations who have been instrumental in realizing the ongoing success of Family Connections: volunteers, philanthropists, community and political leaders and city officials. The honorees (in alphabetical order) were: Margaret Brodkin * Mollie Ward Brown * Willie L. Brown, Jr * Warren Browner * Dr. Eddie Chan * Flora Colao * The Cowell Foundation * Bevan Dufty * Barbara Fenech * Nicole Termini Germain * Mary Gregory * September Jarrett  * Greg Keech * Laurel Kloomok * Jenny Lam * Stephanie Lee * Kingman Leung * Betty Liao * Mimi Ly * Gina Mendicino * Naomi Powers * Lorena Sanchez * Joaquin Torres * Suzy Vogler * Neva Walker

Also, on-hand for the event were San Francisco Board of Supervisors members Hillary Ronen (District 9), Ahsha Safai (District 11) and City & County Assessor Carmen Chu.  Personal greetings and letters of congratulations were sent from Senator Dianne Feinstein, House of Representatives Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi and San Francisco Board of Supervisors President London Breed. San Francisco Mayor Mark Farrell proclaimed May 10, 2018 as “Family Connections Day” by presentation of an official embossed civic proclamation. 

Family Connections serves primarily low-income, immigrant working families and individuals in community centers located in San Francisco’s Portola and Excelsior neighborhoods. Their array of more than 30 interconnected, participant-driven programs is designed to provide a comprehensive continuum of care from early childhood education to grandparent support groups and from family literacy to intensive case management. The goal is to support and empower parents and caregivers to develop healthy families that will, in turn, create a thriving community in which to raise children. Using the Principles of Family Support as the underlying philosophy and framework, Portola Family Connections was launched in 1993 to deliver the initial community requested services. In 2004, after an invitation from a local advocacy group and survey of families in the district, they expanded into the Excelsior neighborhood.

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Media Advisory / Request for Onsite Coverage: Thursday, May 10 – 6pm

Media Contact: DP&A, Inc. / Erin Saberi  (916) 952-5080 / erin@davidperry.com

WHAT: Family Connections Honors “25 Hearts of the Community”

Nonprofit serving immigrant families in SF’s Portola / Excelsior Neighborhood  Celebrates 25 Years of Service

WHEN: Thursday, May 10: 6pm – 9pm

WHERE: Sons of Italy Hall  / 5051 Mission Street,  San Francisco

WEB: www.portolafc.org

What a difference a quarter century makes.  25 years ago, Maryann Fleming had an idea with a lot of heart: develop strong, healthy families to build thriving communities in San Francisco’s underserved Portola and Excelsior neighborhoods. 25 years later, Fleming’s idea, Family Connections (www.portolafc.org), is one of the Bay Area’s most respected nonprofits, having served more than 40,000 people and set to open an expanded facilty late this year.  On Thursday, May 10^th, 6pm – 8pm, that heritage is celebrated and “25 Hearts of the Community” will be honored for their contributions in a Gala Celebration at the Sons of Italy Hall (5051 Mission Street) – right acoss the street from Family Connections under-construction and expanded facility. Rose Aguilar of KALW Radio will emcee the festivities. Tickets for the Gala, a fundraiser for Family Connections, are $100 and may be purchased online by clicking on the at “Get Tickets Now” button at http://portolafc.org/support/celebrating-25-years/ Family Connections serves primarily low-income, immigrant working families and individuals in community centers located in San Francisco’s Portola and Excelsior neighborhoods. Their array of more than 30 interconnected, participant-driven programs is designed to provide a comprehensive continuum of care from early childhood education to grandparent support groups and from family literacy to intensive case management. The goal is to support and empower parents and caregivers to develop healthy families that will, in turn, create a thriving community in which to raise children. Using the Principles of Family Support as the underlying philosophy and framework, Portola Family Connections was launched in 1993 to deliver the initial community requested services. In 2004, after an invitation from a local advocacy group and survey of families in the district, they expanded into the Excelsior neighborhood.

The 25 “Hearts of the Community” honorees are Margaret Brodkin * Mollie Ward Brown * Willie L. Brown, Jr * Warren Browner * Dr. Eddie Chan * Flora Colao * The Cowell Foundation * Bevan Dufty * Barbara Fenech * Nicole Termini Germain * Mary Gregory * September Jarrett  * Greg Keech * Laurel Kloomok * Jenny Lam * Stephanie Lee * Kingman Leung * Betty Liao * Mimi Ly * Gina Mendicino * Naomi Powers * Lorena Sanchez * Joaquin Torres * Suzy Vogler * Neva Walker