CMCBD News

Central Market Summer Concerts

06/16/2010 12:00am

San Francisco’s Central Market district heats up with free lunchtime concerts featuring a diverse mix of local music all summer long.

Sponsored by the Central Market Community Benefit District (CMCBD), the Central Market summer concerts are produced by People in Plazas as part of its summer concert program. In its third year in Central Market, the concert series has expanded its venues to include Market Street itself, a first for the series.

Kicking off on July 2 and continuing through September 29, concerts take place on Mint Plaza (co-sponsored by Friends of Mint Plaza) and at 949 Market Street, from noon to 1pm. A third concert venue in Central Market is at Ninth and Market Streets, sponsored by California State Compensation Insurance.

Concert dates and venues are:

• Fridays on Mint Plaza (on Fifth Street between Market and Mission Streets) - July 2 through 24
• Wednesdays in front of 949 Market Street mural - July 7 through Sept 29
• Every other Tuesday at 1275 Market Street Plaza (off of Market & 9th Streets) - July 13 & 27, August 10 & 24, Sept 14 & 28

A diverse lineup of local musicians representing genres ranging from Latin and mambo jazz to swing and ska will entertain lunchtime audiences throughout mid-Market. In addition to the inclusion of a Market Street venue this year, the Central Market concert series is pleased to feature select dance performances by the acclaimed troupe KUNST-STOFF, which relocated to the 900 block of Market Street in December 2009.

Daniel Hurtado, executive director of the CMCBD, sees the concert series as a perfect opportunity for audiences to not only enjoy free professional music, but also to appreciate the flourishing arts scene in the neighborhood. “The concert series is a great way for people to experience one piece of the vibrant arts and culture that the Central Market has to offer,” notes Hurtado. “People can bring a lunch or buy a lunch at one of the many restaurants in the area, and visit with friends over food and music.”

The CMCBD, which launched in 2008, helped bring People in Plazas’ summer concerts to Central Market with a vision to provide welcoming public spaces for all to enjoy. The Central Market concert series is part of the CMCBD’s many programs and services to improve the quality of life experienced in the public realm in the neighborhood.