Author: Alfredo Casuso

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

Berkeley’s Crowden Music Center Presents
Cello Phenom Jay Campbell on November 12
www.crowden.org/jay-campbell-cello/ 

23 October 2023 – Berkeley, CA:   Crowden continues its 40^th anniversary season on Sunday, November 12, presenting acclaimed cellist Jay Campbell—an Oakland native and an alum of the Crowden School—with Eric Zivian, pianoforte, in an all-Beethoven program.

A global phenomenon who is the only musician ever to receive two Avery Fisher Career Grants —as a soloist, and again as a member of the JACK Quartet—Crowden alum cellist Jay Campbell’s performances have been called “electrifying” (New York Times) and “gentle, poignant, and deeply moving” (Washington Post). He will be joined by local favorite Eric Zivian (Left Coast Ensemble, Valley of the Moon Festival) playing a historic pianoforte, performing three Beethoven sonatas and 7 Variations on “Bei Mannern, welche Liebe Fuhlen.”

General admission tickets are $35, with discounted rates for seniors and students, and a free “Meet-the-Artists” reception. Children 8 to 18 can attend free of charge.

Crowden Music Center is celebrating its 40^th anniversary this 2023-24 season, presenting illustrious alumni like Jay Campbell from throughout its history. Established in 1983 and still the only school of its kind in the country, The Crowden School’s unique chamber music-inspired curriculum for grades 3–8 features intellectually engaging collaborative academics side by side with its esteemed music program. Crowden also serves more than 1,000 community music students of all ages and levels of experience. Flagship programs for the general community include its John Adams Young Composers Program and acclaimed chamber music workshops for youth and adults. Crowden reaches a combined audience of 8,000 with a rich array of workshops, events, and concerts each year.

Learn how music changes everything at https://www.crowden.org.  

Jay Campbell, cello (Crowden School Class of 2003)

Crowden alum Jay Campbell (’03) is a cellist actively exploring a wide range of creative music. He has been recognized for approaching both old and new music with the same curiosity and commitment, and his performances have been called “electrifying” by the New York Times and “gentle, poignant, and deeply moving” by the Washington Post.

The only musician ever to receive two Avery Fisher Career Grants — in 2016 as a soloist, and again in 2019 as a member of the JACK Quartet — Jay made his concerto debut with the New York Philharmonic in 2013 and in 2016, he worked with Alan Gilbert as the artistic director for Ligeti Forward, part of the New York Philharmonic Biennale at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. In 2017, he was Artist-in-Residence at the Lucerne Festival along with frequent collaborator violinist Patricia Kopatchinskaja, where he gave the premiere of Luca Francesconi’s cello concerto Das Ding Singt. In 2018 he appeared at the Berlin Philharmonie with Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin. He has recorded the concertos of George Perle and Marc-Andre Dalbavie with the Seattle Symphony, and in 2023/2024 will premiere a new concerto, Reverdecer, by Andreia Pinto-Correia with the Gulbenkian Orchestra in Portugal, and in Brazil with the Orquestra Sinfonica do Estado de Sao Paulo. In 2022 he returned to the Los Angeles Philharmonic as curator and cellist for his second Green Umbrella concert, premiering two concertos by Wadada Leo Smith and inti figgis-vizueta. 

Jay’s primary artistic interest is the collaboration with living creative musicians and has worked in this capacity with Catherine Lamb, John Luther Adams, Marcos Balter, Tyshawn Sorey, and many others. His close association with John Zorn resulted in two discs of new works for cello, Hen to Pan (2015) and Azoth (2020). Deeply committed as a chamber musician, he is the cellist of the JACK Quartet as well as the Junction Trio with violinist Stefan Jackiw and pianist Conrad Tao, and multidisciplinary collective AMOC.

Jay is a graduate of The Crowden School, Class of 2003.

Eric Zivian, pianoforte

Eric Zivian received music degrees from the Curtis Institute of Music, the Juilliard School, and the Yale School of Music. He studied piano with Gary Graffman and Peter Serkin and composition with Ned Rorem, Jacob Druckman, and Martin Bresnick.

Eric is equally at home on modern and period instruments. He is Music Director of the Valley of the Moon Music Festival, a festival in Sonoma specializing in Classical and Romantic chamber music played on period instruments, and a longtime member of the Left Coast Chamber Ensemble in San Francisco.

Eric recently performed the Mozart C minor Concerto with the Portland Baroque Orchestra and the Beethoven Choral Fantasy with the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra. At the height of the pandemic, Eric livestreamed all 32 Beethoven piano sonatas on period pianos.

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Crowden 40th Anniversary 2023–2024 Season Calendar

November 12, 2023, 4:00pm
Sundays @ Four: Jay Campbell (’03)
Crowden Music Center (1475 Rose St., Berkeley)

The only musician ever to receive two Avery Fisher Career Grants —as a soloist, and again as a member of the JACK Quartet—Crowden alum cellist Jay Campbell’s performances have been called “electrifying” (New York Times) and “gentle, poignant, and deeply moving” (Washington Post).

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March 3, 2024, 4:00pm
Sundays @ Four: Fry Street Quartet
Crowden Music Center (1475 Rose St., Berkeley)

Hailed as “a triumph of ensemble playing” by the New York Times, this globally acclaimed, Fischoff Grand Prize-winning quartet of sometimes Crowden summer faculty members perform Beethoven, Lena Frank, and Shostakovich.

Program:
Ludwig van Beethoven Quartet in F Major, Op.135
Gabriela Lena Frank: New commission, due Fall 2023 (will not be premiere
performance)
Dmitri Shostakovich Quartet No. 9 in E-flat Major, Op. 117

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April 21, 2024, 4:00pm
Sundays @ Four: Catalyst Quartet
Crowden Music Center (1475 Rose St., Berkeley)

Grammy® Award-winning Catalyst Quartet, featuring alumna Karla Donehew Perez (’99), tours the world to acclaim for its “perfect ensemble unity” and “unequaled class of execution” (Lincoln Journal Star).

Program:
 “But just a minute”, Paquito D’Rivera
“Farewell mambo”, P. D’Rivera
“Wapango”, P. D’Rivera
Angel Suite, Astor Piazzolla (arr. Catalyst Quartet)
String Quartet, Germaine Tailleferre (Gershwin lullaby)
String Quartet in F Major, Maurice Ravel

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May 25, 2024

Crowden 40th Anniversary Concert & Reception
Hertz Hall, UC Berkeley
An unforgettable showcase at of Crowden alumni, mentors, and friends at Hertz Hall, including Bonnie Hampton, Audrey Vardanega, the Catalyst Quartet, and more. This program features perennial Crowden favorites paired with special moments, including a work composed by our greatest benefactor, composer Gordon Getty, and the world premiere of a new work for two violins and string orchestra by Samuel Adams, commissioned for our 40^th anniversary and premiered by two acclaimed Crowden violinists: Nora Chastain, a student of founder Anne Crowden, and alumnus David McCarroll (’99), Concertmaster of the Pittsburgh Symphony, formerly a member of the famed Vienna Piano Trio.

Program:
* David McCarroll (’99) and Nora Chastain performing Samuel Adams premiere with an orchestra of Crowden faculty, alumni, and current students.
* Catalyst Quartet performing a movement of Mendelssohn Octet
* Bonnie Hampton-led cello ensemble
* Friction Quartet performing Carrot Revolution by Gabriella Smith
* Audrey Vardanega and violinist TBA performing works by Piazzolla
* Gordon Getty composition TBA
* Crowden faculty and alumni orchestra performing Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas
* Tallis by Ralph Vaughan Williams (an Anne Crowden favorite)
* Premiere of a John Adams Young Composers Program student composition, performed by The Crowden School Lower School Orchestra

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May 26, 2024
Crowden 40th Anniversary Alumni Brunch
Crowden Music Center (1475 Rose St., Berkeley)
Crowden alumni from all programs, alum families from all eras, and current and former faculty from throughout Crowden’s history to join us for a joyous brunch honoring Crowden alums from the past 40 years.

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June TBD
Cello Bash
Crowden Music Center (1475 Rose St., Berkeley)
How many celli fit into Hoefer Auditorium? Find out at our informal cello play-in!

Contacto con los medios: DP&A, Inc / David Perry / (415) 676-7007 / news@davidperry.com

El Chef Joe Sasto se Une a la Alineación
del Festival de Comida y Vino de Palm Springs El 11 y 12 de Noviembre, 

el Escaparate Culinario También Presenta a los Chefs Celebridades
Martin Yan, Susan Feniger, Tanya Holland, Michael Chung y Andre Carthen Como Atractivos Principales Junto a 40 Restaurantes, 80 Bodegas Boutique 

El Invitado Especial y Presentador Liam Mayclem, Famoso por “Foodie Chap” El Evento Beneficia al Programa Fellows del Instituto Culinario de América, Les Dames D’Escoffier y DAP Health.

23 de Octubre de 2023 – Palm Springs, CA: El Festival de Comida y Vino de Palm Springs (www.palmspringsfoodandwine.org) se enorgullece de dar la bienvenida al renombrado chef Joe Sasto a su alineación. Es posible que reconozcas al Chef Joe Sasto por su victoria en “Chopped” de The Food Network y su tiempo compitiendo en Top Chef y Top Chef All-Stars de NBC. Recientemente, fue reconocido por The Food Network en su primera “Hot List” de 2022. Sasto se ha vuelto muy popular en las redes sociales, con más de 20 millones de “me gusta” y numerosos videos virales. Sasto es un juez recurrente, presentador y personalidad chef en Food Network y un competidor All-Star para shows como el Torneo de Campeones de Guy Fieri y los Juegos de Supermercado de Guy. El Chef Joe también ha desarrollado una línea de herramientas personalizables de alta gama para pasta y pizza con el conocido fabricante de cuchillos y herrero Doghouse Forge. Sasto lanzó recientemente un snack de pasta inflada, titulado TANTOS, que está programado para salir al mercado en 2023. Actualmente, el Chef Sasto también está escribiendo su primer libro de cocina.

“Participar en el Festival de Comida y Vino de Palm Springs es un honor”, dice Sasto. “Estoy ansioso por compartir mi pasión por la comida con los asistentes al festival”.

Desde joven, el amor de Sasto por la cocina era evidente. Aprendiendo junto a su madre, desarrolló un talento que lo llevaría a cocinas prestigiosas en todo el país. Tras formarse bajo chefs respetados en el Área de la Bahía, el viaje de Sasto lo llevó al Restaurante Quince en San Francisco, donde su pasión por la pasta floreció. Bajo la guía del Chef Michael Tusk, dominó el arte de la pasta hecha a mano y las tradiciones culinarias italianas.

“Tener al Chef Joe Sasto en nuestra alineación es un verdadero privilegio”, dijo el Productor del Festival Jeff Hocker, conocido por su larga experiencia en la producción de eventos y las artes culinarias. “Su experiencia culinaria y dedicación a la calidad lo convierten en una adición destacada para el festival de este año, y la diversidad de su experiencia garantizará una ocasión que complacerá a la multitud.”

Como Chef Ejecutivo Adjunto en Lazy Bear, Sasto continuó construyendo relaciones sólidas con los agricultores locales, mostrando los hermosos productos de California. Sus contribuciones ayudaron a elevar restaurantes como el Lazy Bear con dos estrellas Michelin y el Quince con tres estrellas Michelin.

Durante la pandemia, Sasto se adaptó ofreciendo lecciones virtuales de pasta, curando contenido de alimentos y conectando con una creciente audiencia en redes sociales. Sus recientes emprendimientos incluyen el muy solicitado popup de focaccia Luna Focacceria y una línea de herramientas personalizables para pasta y pizza desarrollada con Doghouse Forge. Además, Sasto está trabajando en su primer libro de cocina y lanzando la línea de snacks de pasta inflada TANTOS.

El Festival de Comida y Vino de Palm Springs se llevará a cabo el 11 y 12 de noviembre, contando con chefs de clase mundial, enólogos y entusiastas de la comida. Los asistentes participarán en demostraciones de chefs celebridades como Sasto, además de colegas como Martin Yan de “Yan Can Cook”, Susan Feniger de “Two Hot Tamales” y su nuevo restaurante en Palm Springs Alice B’s, Tanya Holland de “Tanya’s Kitchen Table” en la red OWN, y los chefs Michael Chung y Andre Carthen de Kathy Ireland Worldwide y muchos más por agregar. Además, se llevarán a cabo paneles de expertos dirigidos por Shelley Lindgren, fundadora del aclamado restaurante A16 de San Francisco, la galardonada sumiller Katie Finn de Desert Wine Shop, y el astronauta convertido en vinicultor José M. Hernández.

El Festival de Comida y Vino de Palm Springs no sería posible sin el apoyo de The Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival Presentado por The City of Palm Springs, Stellar Artois, Sotheby’s International Realty, Maker’s Mark Prime Time Produce, Stolzle Lausitz, Chill Bar Palm Springs, Kevin Crockett Law Group, Town Real Estate y Stars Travel, Sun Community Federal Credit Union, AAA, Costco Wholesale, Palm Springs Disposal, Team McTavish, Gravitas Wine Company, Hotel Zoso, 420 Bank Dispensary and Lounge, Bright Event Rentals, Mike Thompson RV Super Stores Phyllis Eisenberg y Kerry Hendrix y Eric Flora de Capstone Partners.

Los socios de medios para el Festival de Comida y Vino de Palm Springs incluyen: Los Angeles Magazine, KCBS Radio, KESQ News Channel 3, Spectrum News, Grape Encounters, MeTV Radio 103.1 FM, KGAY 106.5 FMD, Gay Desert Guide, David Perry & Associates, Inc, Kathleen Bennett, Desert Charities News, CV Independent, Desert Sun, Market Broadcasting System, Alpha Media, The Standard Magazine, Desert Business Association y The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce.

Para más información y boletos, visite www.palmspringsfoodandwine.org

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

Timothy Bradley Wins Alumnae Spotlight Award  at One Night Out Bollywood Benefit for  the Foundation for the Palm Springs Unified School District

Next Year’s Event “One Night Out Rio De Janeiro Slated for October 2024

20 October 2023 – Palm Springs: The Foundation for Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD)honored Timothy Bradley, a former PSUSD student and world champion boxer, with the Alumnae Spotlight Award at its annual One Night Out Bollywood Dance Party on Saturday, October 7, 2023. The event, held at the Palm Springs Air Museum, was a dazzling celebration of cultural diversity and creativity, featuring live music, dancing, food, drinks at the sell-out evening.

Bradley, who graduated from Cathedral City High School in 2001, is a five-time world champion in two weight classes. He is also a motivational speaker and a philanthropist who supports various causes in the Coachella Valley. He received the Alumnae Spotlight Award for his outstanding achievements and contributions to the community.

“I am humbled and honored to receive this award from The Foundation and PSUSD,” Bradley said. “I owe a lot to my teachers and mentors who helped me overcome challenges and pursue my dreams. I hope to inspire the next generation of students to work hard, stay focused, and never give up.”

Sponsors for One Night Out, Bollywood included Amazon, La Quinta Brewing Company, Jim & Carol Egan, Barton CPA, Steve Tobin/Johnny Krupa and The Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation, Western Wind Foundation, Spencer’s Restaurant, Mendez Air Conditioning & Heatingand Lulu Catering & Events, Terri and Bart Ketover and David Perry & Associates, Inc.

The Palm Springs Unified School District and The Foundation are committed to celebrating our valley’s brilliantly diverse and significant cultures,” said Ellen Goodman, Foundation Director. “One way to unify us all is our annual One Night Out event. What a thrilling evening to see our community come together for such a great cause, our 20,000+ students, our next generation. Our sponsors, school district members, our production team and every attendee is to thank for this marvelous success.”

Longtime Foundation supporter, and owner of Lulu’s who provided the evening’s food and beverages agreed:

“What an amazing, fun, happy and colorful evening with lively, very danceable music — and a dance floor absolutely filled with very diverse and beautiful dancers — and delicious food and drinks,” said Jerry Keller. “It was a wonderful gala that made many, many new friends for The Foundation and the Palm Springs Unified School District.”

Next year’s event, which will be the third annual, will continue its international and multicultural theme: “One Night Out Rio de Janeiro will take place in October 2024 at the Palm Springs Air Museum 

“The PSUSD Foundation’s annual One Night Out event has quickly become one of the highlight events of the year,” said Jeffrey Bernstein, Palm Springs Mayor Pro Tem. “This year’s Bollywood event was the epitome of creativity and diversity. It’s wonderful to see such a fun, happy and affordable event to benefit our kids.”

A nonprofit supporting the Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD), The Foundation for PSUSDbuilds public-private partnerships to strengtheneducation and create opportunities for students. The Foundation leads innovative initiatives in technology, science, the arts, leadership, and health and wellness, designed to prepare students and open doors to new pathways for the future, either in postsecondary education or a career after high school. Partnering withindividual investors, businesses, community leaders, mentors, teachers, and parents boosts rates of student success and helps sustain a thriving, vibrant community. The Foundation’s first program awarded micro-grants to classroom teachers; today, the teamsupports a dozen initiatives at any given time, ranging from FAA student drone training to students performing with Broadway musical artists, from college prep mentoring and college tours to major wellness initiatives in schools, all aimed at increasing achievement and opening possibilities for student futures.

To inquire about becoming an event Partner or Sponsorfor next year’s “One Night Out: Rio de Janeiro”, call (760) 416-8455 or connect with Ellen Goodman, Director, The Foundation for PSUSD. For more information on The Foundation for Palm Springs Unified School District at www.psusdfoundation.net

Wednesday, October 18, 2023  

Contact: Mayor’s Press Office, mayorspressoffice@sfgov.org  

SAN FRANCISCO PREPARES FOR THE WEEK OF APEC ACTIVITIES  

The international economic forum will be the largest convening of world leaders in San Francisco since the UN Charter was signed in 1945 

San Francisco, CA – Today, the U.S. Secret Service, in coordination with the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), held a joint press conference at the Multi Agency Communication Center to discuss planned public safety measures for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting in November. San Francisco City leaders have been working with the federal government, including representatives from the U.S. Secret Service, State Department and White House, to ensure security and operational plans are robust while minimizing impacts to the public wherever and whenever possible.  

Due to the national security measures required for the event, the Economic Leaders’ Meeting holds a National Special Security Event (NSSE) designation between November 15 and 18, which allows the federal government to fully implement event security and incident management plans to ensure the safety of all event participants and residents. As part of the NSSE structure, the U.S. Secret Service leads the design and implementation of security plans through an executive network of representatives from agencies holding various primary jurisdictions. 

This is the first time an NSSE event has ever occurred in the State of California.  

The U.S. Secret Service today outlined thatvehicular, public transportation and pedestrian impacts should be expected in the areas around the Moscone Center, the Embarcadero, and Nob Hill during the designated dates and times.  

Though the NSSE designation only applies to one portion of APEC Week from November 15-18, residents and businesses will begin to experience street and access impacts in and around the designated areas beginning several days before, and throughout the entire week of APEC in the areas designated by the NSSE. The areas within the secured perimeter will still be accessible to businesses and residents, but people needing access to these areas should expect to go through additional security screenings. Commuters should plan for transit reroutes and traffic congestion. Everyone in and around the secure areas should expect heightened security throughout the week.  

As part of the City’s response to ensure a safe APEC week, the San Francisco Emergency Operations Center (EOC) will be activated at its highest level to closely coordinate with federal response entities, as well as real time dissemination of timely and accurate information for residents, businesses, and visitors.  

Additionally, the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) and the Office of Small Business (OSB) will conduct direct, door-to-door outreach engaging with residents, business owners, and employers in the areas designated by the NSSE. Team members will distribute flyers available in multiple languages to help in planning for the week, including information on how to coordinate deliveries and the process to enter the secure perimeter.  

Residents and visitors should plan ahead by accessing the following local resources to ensure they are fully informed about APEC-related activities and expected impacts to the public.   

SF.gov   

SF.gov, San Francisco’s centralized website for all City services, will serve as a landing page directing residents and guests to information on City services continuity during APEC, including public transit temporary reroutes, adjustments to hours of public-facing services at City buildings, and information for small businesses. Visit SF.gov/apec for more information.  

3-1-1   

Residents and guests can call 3-1-1 for updates on key APEC-related activities, including traffic disruptions and transit reroutes, from the 311 Customer Service Center. 3-1-1 offers customer service support with translation services in over 200 languages.   

AlertSF   

San Francisco’s emergency notification system, AlertSF, provides emergency updates to subscribers via email, text message or phone call. AlertSF would be used to inform all who live in, work in, or visiting San Francisco significant APEC related impacts to city services such as transit disruptions and emergency public information and alerts. AlertSF by texting their zip code to 888-777, or by texting APEC2023 to 888-777 for APEC-related emergency information.   

Federal and local agencies will hold a press conference the week prior to APEC to reiterate impacts and provide any updates.   

APEC in San Francisco    

APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) is the premier platform for the United States to advance economic policies in the Asia-Pacific region to promote free, fair, and open trade and investment and advance inclusive and sustainable growth. As part of our enduring commitment to the region and broad-based economic growth, San Francisco is excited to serve as host of the APEC Leaders’ Meeting taking place in San Francisco, November 11-17, 2023.    

APEC will be the largest convening of world leaders in San Francisco since the UN Charter was signed in 1945 during the UN Conference on International Organization, also called the San Francisco Conference.    

This November, the United States will chair the 2023 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting in iconic San Francisco, California. The 21 APEC Member Economies account for nearly 40 percent of the global population and nearly 50 percent of global trade.  

APEC’s themes this year are sustainability, inclusivity, innovation and resilience.   

San Francisco residents and businesses looking for official City updates and information are encouraged to visit this page. Media, visitors and attendees should visit this page for more information, please visit: https://www.apec2023sf.org. 

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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Julie Richter, Prismatic Communications | julie@prismaticcommunications.com
(For Union Square Alliance) David Perry, David Perry & Associates | news@davidperry.com / 415.676.7007

Click here for hi-res images

THE SAFEWAY HOLIDAY ICE RINK PRESENTED BY KAISER PERMANENTE RETURNS TO SAN FRANCISCO’S UNION SQUARE

Opening Celebration to take place Wednesday, November 1 at 5 P.M.

San Francisco’s only outdoor ice rink, the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink will host favorite on-ice traditions including Learn to Skate, Drag Queens On Ice, Flashback Fridays, Simba Saturdays, Silent Skate, and Polar Bear Skate SAN FRANCISCO (September 18, 2023)—Today, Willy Bietak Productions announced the return of The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente, open to the public daily from November 1, 2023, through January 15, 2024.

Set in San Francisco’s iconic Union Square, the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink is the only outdoor ice rink in the City, and is one of the Bay Area’s favorite annual holiday traditions. The season of outdoor skating and special on-ice events kicks off with an Opening Celebration on Wednesday, November 1 at 5 p.m. The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink’s roster of events includes the return of the highly anticipated Drag Queens On Ice, Learn to Skate presented by Kaiser Permanente, Simba Saturdays presented by Disney’s The Lion King, Flashback Fridays presented by 80s+, Silent Skate, and Polar Bear Skate. Tickets are on sale now at www.unionsquareicerink.com.

For over 15 years, The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente has delighted children and adults with its holiday-themed ice park in San Francisco’s Union Square. From families to friends, and couples to colleagues, everyone can enjoy ice skating in San Francisco’s iconic plaza surrounded by festive lights and the sights and sounds of the season.

Novices and naturals alike will love the outdoor ice skating experience in the heart of San Francisco.

“Kaiser Permanente is pleased to sponsor the San Francisco holiday ice rink, located in San Francisco’s Union Square, once again. This beloved and popular holiday tradition is a fun way to keep families active during the fall and winter months,” said Tarek Salaway, senior vice president and area manager for Kaiser Permanente’s Golden Gate service area. “Skating can improve balance and strength and is a great workout for cardiovascular health. We hope to see you, your friends and family on the ice!”

The hours for the Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente are 10 a.m.–11 p.m. daily through January 15, 2024, with special extended hours December 18–29 (8:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.) on weekdays. The rink will close at 9:30 p.m. on December 31, 2023.

Tickets for The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink are $20 for adults and $15 for children 8 and under, with skate rental included in the cost of admission. All tickets must be purchased in advance by visiting unionsquareicerink.com. A portion of ticket proceeds benefit the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department.

OPENING CELEBRATION
Wednesday, November 1, 2023 | 5–7 p.m.

The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente will open with a festive evening ceremony to kick off the holiday ice skating season. Guests are invited to skate before and after the celebration, which will include on-ice performances and a performance from a cast member from Disney’s The Lion King. Additional special guests will include local dignitaries and celebrities, who will be invited to take to the ice alongside guests of all ages for the first official skate of the season.

LEARN TO SKATE PRESENTED BY KAISER PERMANENTE
Select Saturdays & Sundays | 8–9 a.m.

Kaiser Permanente invites skaters with little to no experience to The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente to learn from professional skate instructors every weekend. Lessons are free (including skate rental) to those who sign up in advance. Space is limited to 50 participants per day. All registered skaters must check-in no later than 7:30 a.m., or spot will be released to another guest. Advanced registration opens 2 weeks before each lesson date. Reservations will be allotted through a lottery system.

SIMBA SATURDAYS PRESENTED BY DISNEY’S THE LION KING
Saturdays through December 30 | 5:30 and 7 p.m. sessions

This season, “Simba Saturdays” roar to life at The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente. Guests will glide across a golden-hued wonderland transporting every skater to the heart of the Pride Lands. Sway and skate to the iconic tunes from the original Broadway cast recording of Disney’s The Lion King. Whether skaters are mastering their roar or their rink moves, families of all ages will find magic on the ice. A roaring good time awaits with special giveaways for the first 100 guests at each session.

FLASHBACK FRIDAYS PRESENTED BY 80s+
November 10, December 8 & January 12 | 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sessions

The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente invites skaters to ride the retro wave by throwing it back to the musical hits of the ‘80s at “Flashback Fridays.” On the second

Friday of each month, the rink will host 80s+@103.7 personalities who will crank up the ‘80s vibes, dropping iconic tracks from Duran Duran, Pat Benatar, Madonna, Lionel Richie, and more! Dust off the legwarmers and rock the unitard at the rad rendezvous at the rink!

DRAG QUEENS ON ICE
Thursday, December 7, 2023 | 6:30–8:00 p.m.

The ice rink never sparkles more than when the City’s most radiant event, “Drag Queens on Ice,” returns in full splendor to The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente. It’s an evening of glitz, glam, and unmatched on-ice exuberance. Attendees can lace up their skates and twirl alongside the Queens or grab a prime spot ringside to watch the fiercest drag queens in the San Francisco Bay Area deliver holiday performances that’ll sleigh your heart away.

SILENT SKATE PARTY
Thursday, December 14, 2023 | 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sessions

The popular Silent Skate Party returns to The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente for one night only! It’s a silent disco on ice that transports skaters to an on-ice dance party like no other! Lace up your skates, don a cool pair of headphones, and skate the night away with WiLD 94.9 Magic Matt, Star 101.3’s Janine Da Feen, and Bay Area’s DJ Von onsite, spinning your favorite tunes.

POLAR BEAR SKATE
Monday, January 1, 2024 | 2:30–3:30 p.m.

The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente welcomes skaters of all ages to start the New Year off in your swimsuit…on the ice…in the middle of Union Square! As a nod to the popular Canadian tradition, this version of “taking the plunge” skaters are invited to wear their wildest and most inventive beach attire, in hopes of walking away with cool prizes, awarded on theme, originality, and overall appearance.

Sponsors of The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente are Safeway, Kaiser Permanente, Disney’s The Lion King, Hilton San Francisco Union Square, Parc 55 San Francisco, San Francisco Marriott Union Square, Galleria Park Hotel, Grand Hyatt San Francisco, Hotel Emblem, King George Hotel, Union Square Alliance, KTSF26, BART, SFMTA, STAR 101.3, 98.1 The Breeze, 106.1 KMEL, 80s+, WiLD 94.9, PRIDE Radio and Telemundo 48.

About Willy Bietak Productions

Los Angeles-based Willy Bietak Productions is a full-service production company specializing in the development and production of high-quality family entertainment. With a staff of award-winning designers, directors, choreographers and musical arrangers – backed by a talented production and management team – Willy Bietak Productions conceives, packages and tours international entertainment spectaculars as well as special events. For more information, please visit bietakproductions.com.

About the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department currently manages more than 220 parks, playgrounds and open spaces throughout San Francisco, including two outside city limits—Sharp Park in Pacifica and Camp Mather in the High Sierras. The system includes full-complex recreation centers, swimming pools, golf courses, sports fields and numerous small-to-medium-sized clubhouses that offer a variety of sports- and arts-related recreation programs for people of all ages. Included in the Department’s responsibilities are Golden Gate Park, Coit Tower, the Marina Yacht Harbor, the San Francisco Zoo and Lake Merced. In 2017, San Francisco became the first and only city in the nation where all residents have access to a park within a 10-minute walk, a direct result of the Department’s commitment to increasing and improving parkland in the city.

Find The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente on social media with the hashtag #unionsquarerink, and connect on Facebook (Facebook.com /UnionSquareRink), X (@UnionSquareRink), Instagram (@UnionSquareRink), and TikTok (tiktok.com/@unionsquarerin