Author: Alfredo Casuso

media contact: David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

San Francisco’s Cartoon Art Museum Reopens: Saturday, October 28

www.cartoonart.org

Esteemed 32 Year-Old Institution Now In Heart of SF’s Tourism District

28 October 2017 – San Francisco, CA:  After a two-year hiatus, the Cartoon Art Museum (www.cartoonart.org) reopens to the public this Saturday, October 28, 2017, at its new location (781 Beach Street) in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf. The museum marks its long-anticipated return with three new exhibitions: Smile! The Comics of Raina Telgemeier, A Tribute to Mike Mignola’s Hellboy, and the Emerging Artist Showcase featuring Nidhi Chanani’s Pashmina.

“We’re so thrilled to be at the center of San Francisco’s waterfront and tourism hub,” said Museum Executive Director Summerlea Kashar noting special assistance from the Northern California Community Loan Fund and the City and County of San Francisco in helping the Museum reopen after its move from its longtime downtown location. “Our new, permanent home is bigger, better and exactly where we want and need to be to serve our loyal fan base and build new audiences.”

With operating hours Thursdays through Tuesdays from 11am to 5pm, visitors can peruse the opening exhibitions and enjoy the spectacular views of the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands and Alcatraz that the neighborhood provides. On Saturday, October 28th, guests in costume will receive a treat for Halloween in honor of our Tribute to Hellboy exhibition. On Sunday, October 29th from 3pm to 4pm, Academy Award-nominated Cartoon Saloon Studios will have a filmmaker presentation on the soon to be released feature animation, The Breadwinner.

Located at 781 Beach Street (just one block from Aquatic Park, the Maritime Museum, Ghirardelli Square, and the Hyde Street cable car turnaround), the 1912 brick building features a beautiful historic façade, prominent street presence, convenient parking, and easy access to and from public transportation. It offers highly visible public access to the museum’s nearly 8,000 square feet of space featuring galleries, screening area, workshop, classroom, bookstore, library and collections facility.

Founded in 1984, the Cartoon Art Museum has something for everyone — from comic strips, comic books and anime to political cartoons, graphic novels and underground comix. Visitors of all ages can view original cartoon art at exhibitions and screenings, produce their own comics and animation at classes and workshops, research deeply into our collection and library, and mingle with professional and aspiring cartoonists. The Museum’s mission is to ignite imaginations and foster the next generation of visual storytellers by celebrating the history of cartoon art, its role in society, and its universal appeal. The Museum’s vision is to be the premier destination to experience cartoon art in all its many forms from around the world, and a leader in providing insight into the process of creating it.

During the Museum’s past three decades, nearly 200 exhibitions have featured hundreds of artists from almost every continent and artistic style, including Mary Blair, Dan Clowes, Robert Crumb, Will Eisner, Phil Frank, Edward Gorey, Hayao Miyazaki, Spain Rodriguez, Charles Schulz, Ronald Searle, Dr. Seuss, Art Spiegelman, Garry Trudeau, Morrie Turner, Bill Watterson and many more.

The Museum’s unique permanent collection houses 7,000 pieces, including original Disney animation art from the collection of Mike Glad; historic comic strip art from Charles Schulz (Peanuts), Bill Watterson (Calvin & Hobbes), Bil Keane (Family Circus), Walt Kelly (Pogo), George Herriman (Krazy Kat) and Winsor McCay; political cartoons from Bill Mauldin and Lou Grant; comic book art from Bob Kane, Jack Kirby and Steve Ditko, and many others.

Admission to the Cartoon Art Museum is $10 for Adults, $6 for Students, Seniors and Military, and $4 for Children 6 to 12 years old. Children 5 and under and members are free. San Francisco residents will also receive a locals discounted rate of $7. For more information on scheduling educational groups, please contact education@cartoonart.org.

Opening Exhibitions

Smile! The Comics of Raina Telgemeier (October 28, 2107 – March 19, 2018)
Celebrate the comics of San Francisco native Raina Telgemeier including her highly popular autobiographical works Smile and Sisters, her award-winning graphic novels Drama and Ghosts, and her acclaimed adaptations of Ann M. Martin’s The Baby-Sitter’s Club series. The exhibition features an in-depth look at Telgemeier’s creative process and includes rare comics and photos from the artist’s own archives.

About Raina Telgemeier

Raina Telgemeier is the author and illustrator of the graphic novels Smile, Drama, and Sisters, all New York Times #1 bestsellers. She also adapted and illustrated four graphic novel versions of Ann M. Martin’s The Baby-Sitters Club series, and has contributed short stories to many anthologies. Raina’s accolades include two Eisner Awards, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor, a Stonewall Honor, and many Best Of and Notable lists. Her latest graphic novel is Ghosts. Raina lives and works in San Francisco, CA.

A Tribute to Mike Mignola’s Hellboy (October 28, 2107 – January 7, 2018)

Since his debut in 1994, the supernatural hero Hellboy has become a cultural sensation—racking up a dozen Eisner Awards and developing numerous spinoffs including  novels, video games, and feature films. The Cartoon Art Museum pays tribute to creator Mike Mignola with an exhibition featuring original artwork from today’s top graphic novelists, animators, and cartoonists who have drawn inspiration from the master storyteller’s signature creation. Featured artists include Harry Bliss (The New Yorker), Jeffrey Brown (Darth Vader and Son), Cliff Chiang (Paper Girls), Sam Kieth (The Maxx) Patrick McDonnell (Mutts), Steve Purcell (Sam & Max), and Kent Williams (The Fountain), among others.

About Mike Mignola

Mike Mignola’s fascination with ghosts and monsters began at an early age; reading Dracula at age twelve introduced him to Victorian literature and folklore from which he has never recovered. Starting out in 1982 as a bad inker for Marvel Comics, he swiftly evolved into a not-so-bad artist. In 1994, he published the first Hellboy series through Dark Horse Comics. It lead to 19 Hellboy graphic novels (and counting), several spin-off titles (B.P.R.D., Lobster Johnson, Abe Sapien, and Sir Edward Grey: Witchfinder), novels, animated films, and two live-action films. Along the way he worked on Francis Ford Coppola’s film Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), served as a production designer for Disney’s Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001), and became the visual consultant to director Guillermo del Toro on Blade II (2002), Hellboy (2004), and Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008). Mike’s books have earned numerous awards and are published in a great many countries. Mike lives in Southern California with his wife, daughter, and cat.

Emerging Artist Showcase: Nidhi Chanani’s Pashmina (October 28, 2017 – February 12, 2018): In this heartwarming graphic novel debut, Nidhi Chanani weaves a tale about the hardship and self-discovery that is born from juggling two cultures and two worlds.

Priyanka Das has so many unanswered questions: Why did her mother abandon her home in India years ago? What was it like there? And most importantly, who is her father, and why did her mom leave him behind? But Pri’s mom avoids these questions―the topic of India is permanently closed.

For Pri, her mother’s homeland can only exist in her imagination. That is, until she finds a mysterious pashmina tucked away in a forgotten suitcase. When she wraps herself in it, she is transported to a place more vivid and colorful than any guidebook or Bollywood film. But is this the real India? And what is that shadow lurking in the background? To learn the truth, Pri must travel farther than she’s ever dared and find the family she never knew.

About Nidhi Chanani

Nidhi Chanani was born in Kolkata, India, and raised in Southern California. She holds a degree in literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She creates illustrations that capture the love in everyday moments. In 2012, she was honored at the White House as a Champion of Change for her art. Her illustrations are sold in boutiques along the West Coast and she has worked with companies such as Disney and Hasbro. Nidhi lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, daughter, and two cats. Pashmina is her first graphic novel.

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

11th “Home for Halloween” Campaign Reminds Revelers to

Keep It Close to Home on October 31

www.homeforhalloween.com

26 October 2017 – San Francisco, CA: What will you be doing in your hometown and home neighborhood on Tuesday, October 31 — Halloween 2017? For the 11^th year, San Francisco’s Home for Halloween campaign (www.homeforhalloween.com) is urging people to celebrate the costume-filled holiday close to home in an effort to spur their local business communities and also remind revelers to keep the holiday safe and sane.

“Halloween is a fun family tradition, and I encourage all San Franciscans and our visitors to be safe when they are out celebrating,” said San Francisco Mayor Edwin M. Lee. “There are many wonderful and safe events happening in San Francisco neighborhoods and throughout the Bay Area, and we are encouraging people to celebrate Halloween in their local neighborhoods and cities.”

“We want to be clear, there will be NO street closure and NO event in San Francisco’s Castro District. The Castro, while open for business, will not be closed for a street party,” said San Francisco Police Chief William Scott.

The multi-layered Home for Halloween campaign was launched in 2007 to discourage individuals who live outside of San Francisco from coming into the Castro neighborhood on October 31 and overwhelming the mostly residential neighborhood and its smattering of small businesses and bars. In addition, the campaign has proved a catalyst for other San Francisco neighborhoods to sponsor activities outside of the Castro. The Home for Halloween website includes a broad list of activities occurring around the Bay Area on Halloween evening. Comprehensive transportation and public safety information is included.

“Above all, this is a public safety campaign,” says Scott, noting that over the years, Halloween has sometimes become an excuse for nuisance and even violent behavior. “For those people who would come into the Castro — or any part of the City — with bad intentions and exhibiting bad behavior, the message is very clear: stay home.”

media contact: David Perry & Associates, Inc. (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

Media Advisory / Onsite Coverage Request: Thursday, October 19

NOTE: San Francisco City Hall will be illuminated in “Commons” logo colors RED/YELLOW/BLUE

WHAT: The Commons on 3^rd Thursdays free “Block Party” event

Public Private Partnership Brings Family-Friendly Event

Featuring Live Music on Three Stages, Roller Skating by Church of 8 Wheels, Food Trucks, Beer Gardens, and Activities for All Ages to 

San Francisco’s Central Public Plazas between City Hall and Market Street

WHO: Entertainment by: Another Planet Entertainment, Noise Pop & People in Plazas

Food and Drink by: Off the Grid and Bi-Rite Creamery

Coordination by: SF Office of Economic & Workforce Development and Civic Center Community Benefit District

WHERE: Three linked public spaces: UN Plaza, Fulton street between the Library and the Asian Art Museum, and Civic Center Plaza

WHEN: October 19: 5pm – 9pm

WEB / SOCIAL: www.civiccentercommons.org / #commonsthursdays

HOW MUCH:               FREE and open to the public

OCTOBER 19 FULL LINEUP

Civic Center Plaza Stage (programmed by People in Plazas)
Stompy Jones:  6:30-7:20pm, 7:40-8:30pm
Live DJ: 5:00-6:30pm, 7:20-7:40pm, 8:30-9:00pm
Swing Dancing All Night!
Bocce Ball, Giant Jenga, Cornhole and other games

Fulton Street Stage (programmed by Another Planet Entertainment)
DJ Funklor: 5:00-6:15pm
No Vacation: 6:15-7:15pm
Bells Atlas: 7:45-8:45pm
Church of 8 Wheels – Free Roller Skating
#StickyQuestions Asian Art Museum LIZ Installation

United Nations Plaza Stage (programmed by Noise Pop)
xxi: 5:00 – 8:00pm
Vinyl Williams: 8:00 – 9:00pm
‘Paradise Cove’ – Jimmy Buffett themed activities, art, beverages,and more!

Nearby attractions:
City Hall photo exhibit on the Ground Floor and North Light Court by artist Tabitha Soren (formerly MTV) called Fantasy Life (open til 8pm); San Francisco Main Library’s special exhibitions, Jewett Gallery, Summer of Love & Haight and Skylight Gallery, Calligraphies in Conversation (open til 8pm); San Francisco Arts Commission 155 Grove Street Window Installation featuring design by Cliff Hengst and Martin Venezky

WHY: The “Commons on 3^rd Thursdays” series of events grew out of the Civic Center Commons initiative, a strategic effort led by the City of San Francisco and community partners to transform daily experiences in these public spaces and create a unified, inclusive civic “commons”. 

media contact:  David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

October 19^th – 5pm to 9pm — “The Commons on 3^rd Thursdays”

Fourth in a Series of FREE Evening Events

San Francisco’s Central Public Plazas between City Hall and Market Street

www.civiccentercommons.org / #commonsthursdays

Live Music on Three Stages with Food Trucks, Beer Gardens and Activities for All Ages

13 October 2017 – San Francisco, CA: The last in a series of four evening events in 2017, The Commons on 3^rd Thursday is October 19^th from 5pm – 9pm.  The event is a free “block party” featuring live music on three stages, roller skating by the Church of 8 Wheels, food trucks, over-21 beverages, games, interactive installations and other activities for all ages in Civic Center Plaza, UN Plaza, and Fulton Street between the Asian Art Museum and the San Francisco Main Public Library.   

Musical headliners for October features a diverse lineup of pop, rock, soul and blues acts – Bells Atlas and No Vacation will be performing in Fulton Street, Stompy Jones in Civic Center Plaza, and Vinyl Williams in UN Plaza. Church of 8 Wheels is bringing back their funk music, bright lights and outdoor roller rink on Fulton Street. Free skate rentals of all sizes will be available to the public throughout the night.

With Jimmy Buffet performing at the Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, a mini ‘Paradise Cove’ experience will be curated featuring Jimmy Buffett themed activities, art, beverages, and more in UN Plaza for Parrotheads and anyone looking for a tropical good time!

Off the Grid is bringing food and beverage trucks to please all palettes – trucks in October include Caribbean Spices, Jackrabbit, Jeepsilog, Judie’s Tacos Locos, Kabob Trolley, Lamas Peruvian Food and QBC. Bi-Rite Creamery will be back in Civic Center Plaza, bringing their ice cream and other menu items to customers in their future location. Bi-Rite will operate a new café kiosk in Civic Center Plaza in early 2018, when the new Helen Diller Civic Center playgrounds open.

The Commons on 3^rd Thursdays is a public-private partnership among the City of San Francisco, Another Planet Entertainment, Off the Grid, Noise Pop, and the Civic Center Community Benefit District.  The event series grew out of the Civic Center Commons initiative, a strategic effort led by the City of San Francisco and community partners to transform daily experiences in these public spaces and create a unified, inclusive civic “commons.”  As a result of the effort, visitors to the area also will experience a dynamic sound installation in UN Plaza, courtesy of the Exploratorium, an outdoor art gallery by the Asian Art Museum, and a new yarn wrapping installation on trees throughout the area.  The latest installment includes clusters of giraffes in Civic Center Plaza, parrots on Fulton Street, and octopuses at UN Plaza. The Asian Art Museum is unveiling a new Art/Lit Living Innovation Zone exhibition on Fulton Street: #StickyQuestions is a civic, visual and digital installation inviting participants to ask important questions to ourselves and our neighbors through curated prompts. The #StickyQuestions installation launches October 15, 2017 and will be open for public participation for The Commons on 3^rd Thursdays.

OCTOBER 19 FULL LINEUP

HEADLINE PERFORMER DETAILS

Bells Atlas: Bells Atlas emerges from the vibrant cultural and musical backdrop of Oakland, CA. The epicenter of the group’s start was Guerilla Café (“art.coffee.vibes”) – a fateful location that fostered friendship and musical connection between the core members, sparking the beginnings of a beautiful artistic collaboration and unique blend of sounds. Primarily made up of 4 members with a musical chemistry that surprises and compliments, the sonic palette that makes up Bells Atlas is deep, cinematic and colorful. They capture the spirit of eclectic influences – soul, West African & Brazilian rhythm, noise pop, psychedelia – and draw a wide audience with diverse tastes.

No Vacation: No Vacation began in early 2015, and quickly received attention for the nostalgic bedroom-pop sounds off of their debut mixtape, Amo XO, and surf-rock single, “Draem Girl”. A few months following the release of their second mixtape, Summer Break, No Vacation went on an indefinite hiatus. The five-piece officially reassembled in 2017 after playing shows under various names and a few line-up changes. Since their reunion, No Vacation has released 2 singles, “Mind Fields” and “Yam Yam”, off of their new EP Intermission, which is set to be release with Topshelf Records this November. As they transition out of San Francisco, No Vacation will bring the novice “wavy-gravy dream-pop” sounds of Intermission to Brooklyn.

Stompy Jones: Little David Rose’s thumpin’ stand-up bass, the double-shuffle drumming of Lee Beary, and the bounce piano of Scott Lawrence provide the rhythmic foundation of the band’s jump style. Riffing on top is the trumpet sound of Robert Dehlinger and Jeff “Erv” Ervin on the saxophone. These two fellas create the fireworks of vintage rhythm and blues. The charming Glen Earl Brown Jr on vocals and have become a trademark of Stompy Jones.

Vinyl Williams: Vinyl Williams is a celestial rock band from Los Angeles which aims to transmute personal experiences of religious dissonance into multi-religious harmony through music & artwork.  The band consists of Lionel Williams (composer) Ian Gibbs (keys & guitar) Billy Winger (bass) and James Lake (drums).  Their 3rd LP “Brunei” came out on August 26, 2016 on Company Records. (Chaz Bundick of Toro Y Moi’s subsidiary of Carpark Records) They have toured extensively with Toro Y Moi, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Temples, & Mount Kimbie.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

About Another Planet Entertainment

Another Planet Entertainment, LLC (Another Planet) was created on July 18, 2003 when Gregg W. Perloff, President/CEO of Bill Graham Presents, left to build his own company.  Since its inception in 2003, Another Planet Entertainment has been honored by a vote of its concert industry peers for a total of 14 nominations and 4 wins by Pollstar Magazine. In 2016, Gregg Perloff received the “Promoter of the Year Award” from Pollstar Magazine.

Another Planet is the exclusive promoter for the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, the Fox Theater in Oakland, The Independent, a 500-capacity nightclub in San Francisco, and Harvey’s Outdoor Amphitheatre in Lake Tahoe.  In 2010, APE was honored to be awarded the exclusive contract to operate the historic Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco, a flexible capacity multi-use event and concert space that holds up to 8,500.  Another Planet also successfully produces three major festivals – Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival (beginning in 2008), Treasure Island Music Festival (beginning in 2007) and Life is Beautiful (beginning in 2013). 

Another Planet Entertainment has produced well over 5,000 events with artists as diverse as Paul McCartney, Radiohead, Neil Young, Daft Punk, Arcade Fire, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Metallica, Jack Johnson, Kanye West, Muse, Robert Plant, Phish, Elton John, Pearl Jam, Kenny Chesney, Adele, Lady Gaga, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Simon & Garfunkel.

About The Civic Center Commons Initiative

The Civic Center Commons initiative is a strategic effort led by the City of San Francisco and community partners to transform daily experiences in the City’s central public spaces between Market Street and City Hall and create a unified, inclusive civic “commons”.  Neighbors, community organizations and cultural institutions are working with City agencies and people who frequent these spaces to bring interactive art installations and play structures; more frequent activities and events; additional food and drink options; new stewardship approaches; and innovative workforce development partnerships. The goal of the initiative is to create a strong foundation for future capital improvements, including the Helen Diller Civic Center Playgrounds, set to open in spring 2018, and the Civic Center Public Realm Plan, which is redesigning the area’s open space. For more information; visit: https://civiccentercommons.org/CCC_Initiative_Overview.pdf

About Civic Center Community Benefit District:

Civic Center Community Benefit District (CCCBD) is a privately funded, not-for-profit organization that works in tandem with City agencies to provide public safety, maintenance, marketing and special events that benefit Civic Center.

About Noise Pop:

Established in San Francisco in 1993, Noise Pop is one of the nation’s leading independent music promoters. Over the last 25 years Noise Pop’s namesake festival has provided exposure to some of the top emerging artists, many of which have gone on to widespread acclaim. Noise Pop is also the year-round talent buyer for the venerable San Francisco venue the Swedish American Hall, which includes Cafe du Nord, as well as producer of the free celebration of musical and culinary delights, the 20th Street Block Party. Additionally, Noise Pop partners with various organizations, venues and institutions to produce events throughout the year including the SFMOMA, California Sunday Magazine and Academy of Sciences. Noise Pop is honored to activate these San Francisco spaces and deliver an experience that celebrates the community and history of this City.    

About Off the Grid:

Off the Grid Markets are founded on the idea of bringing communities together through amazing shared food experiences. Started in 2010, Off the Grid currently operates over 50 weekly public markets throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento. Off the Grid seeks to maintain a shared sense of space by collaborating with local businesses and communities to activate novel public spaces with truly unique experiences.

About People in Plazas

What began as a forum for street performers who were paid by passing the hat has become a program that provides wide exposure and more than 500 paid “gigs” annually for local musicians The series has grown to producing 120 + free performances at lunchtime in public plazas Monday through Friday in July, August and September. The program reaches an audience of more than 30,000 annually. In addition, we have produced community gatherings including movie nights, poetry readings, artisan fairs and other events that encourage community use of public spaces. Its mission is to encourage visitors, residents and workers to use our outdoor public spaces. We strive to make these spaces “everyone’s neighborhood.” We do this by producing free events in public spaces that are often underused. The “People in Plazas” series is supported by the Mayor’s Office, Art Commission, SFPD the SF Entertainment Commission and a grant from the Hotel Tax Fund /Grants for the Arts.

Inaugural 2017 Virgin Sport Festival of Fitness Cancelled Due To Bay Area Wildfires

Decision Driven By Air Quality, Public Health Concerns, and Need to Free Up First Responder Resources For Communities Affected

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, Thursday, October 12, 2017 – Today, Virgin Sport announced that after careful consideration and consultation with local officials, it was cancelling the 2017 Virgin Sport Festival of Fitness, including the Twin Peaks Mile and SF Bay Half marathon, scheduled to take place this weekend, October 14-15.  The start-up cited official precautions of prolonged or heavy exertion due to poor air quality from various sources, such as the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the San Francisco Department of Public Health, and the ongoing impact on Bay Area communities from the Napa and Sonoma wildfires, as factors in the decision. 

“Air quality is a major concern,” said Mary Wittenberg, CEO of Virgin Sport. “Another priority for us is making sure that city and local officials, as well as first responders, have no distractions in doing what they need to do to help affected communities manage this situation. This was a big decision, given that this was our inaugural event and many stakeholders, including volunteers and of course the athletic community, worked hard to make it a reality. It’s also the right and necessary thing to do, for the sake of everyone’s health and safety. We truly appreciate the City’s flexibility in supporting our decision – and all those affected have our deepest sympathies.”

“We appreciate Virgin Sport’s commitment to San Francisco and the Bay area, and their willingness to act responsibly with regard to both public health and local resources, including first responder personnel,” said, Martha Cohen, Office of the Mayor, Director, Special Events. “This is a difficult and uncertain time for the Bay Area, and the Mayor has been active in warning the public about air quality concerns. We agree with Virgin Sport’s decision and look forward to working with them in the future, at the appropriate time.”

The Company will refund entry fees to all participants and will be in communication about that process over the next several weeks.

Additionally, to support the North Bay fire relief efforts and all those impacted by recent events, Virgin Sport will be making a $25,000 donation to the Northern California coastal region chapter of the American Red Cross, which will be matched by a $25,000 donation from Virgin Sport founding partner ASICS America. 

For media inquiries please contact:

Sylvie Barak

FTI Consulting

415-926-3507

About Virgin Sport

Virgin Sport is an active life style company within Sir Richard Branson’s global Virgin Group that’s on a mission to move the world through sport. Virgin Sport creates Festivals of Fitness that celebrate and bring host communities to life through fitness, running, art, music, food, fashion and more – sport with a red-hot twist. Virgin Sport plans to grow to new cities and active experiences in the coming years.

About Virgin Group

Virgin is a leading international investment group and one of the world’s most recognized and respected brands. Conceived in 1970 by Sir Richard Branson, the Virgin Group has gone on to grow successful businesses in sectors including mobile telephony, travel & transportation, financial services, leisure & entertainment and health & wellness.

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