The Local Music Series Revitalizing the SF Music Scene and Businesses

Thank You Come Again at Zeitgeist, Noise Pop Festival 2023. Photo by Marc Fong

This article was made possible by the fine folks at Summer of Music.

San Francisco is once again hitting the high notes as its music scene experiences a much-anticipated revival with the launch of the Summer of Music concert series starting June 17th, 2-5pm. A collaboration between Noise Pop, the city’s renowned music promoter, and Civic Joy Fund, a newly-formed nonprofit organization, this massive citywide event aims to drive economic activity, support local businesses, and provide paid performance opportunities for talented Bay Area musicians and performers. 

Ariana Nichole (@ariananicholemusic), a local singer/songwriter who makes alternative pop music, expressed hope in the revitalization of the music scene, stating, “I think the pandemic gave us the opportunity to revitalize it and push local artists and local talent. What gives me hope, as an artist, is having these opportunities presented to us.”

You can apply to perform right here.

Over 70 local organizations have already pledged their participation in the program, ranging from restaurants, bars, and retail shops to wellness centers, libraries, and pet stores. The Summer of Music series promises to transform nine essential SF neighborhoods and shopping corridors, including Valencia, The Castro, Clement Street, Polk Street, Chinatown, Divisadero, Haight Street, The Bayview, and Cortland Avenue.

Eric Lindley (@carefulmusic), who performs as “Careful,” a local musician and composer, shared his perspective on the scene, saying, “When someone says the scene is dying, I kind of hear someone who is missing out on a lot of music…or a musician that expects the scene to exist without realizing they have a part in creating it…I hear a lot more about people creating new scenes online, globally…feeling empowered to create the kind of scenes they want to see…any kind of scene is what we choose to create together.”

Pity Party at Noise Pop’s 20th Street Block Party 2019. Photo by Ian Young

The participating businesses represent the entrepreneurial spirit of SF and include notable establishments such as Amoeba Music, Rare Device, Moody Goose Vintage, Queer Arts Featured, Cliff’s Variety, Bernal Heights Branch Library, Green Apple Books, Valencia Street Vintage, Often Wander, Bean Bag Cafe, BASA SF, California Street Cannabis, Welcome Haight & Ashbury, Pinhole Coffee, Eureka Sky Castro, Smitten Ice Cream, Aldea Home & Baby, High Trails Cyclery, and Mendels.

Brian Kelly (@oceanographymusic), the singer and multi-instrumentalist behind the solo project “Oceanography,” acknowledged the challenges artists face in the Bay Area but expressed gratitude for the supportive audience, saying, “People are saying that the SF music scene is dying. I find it difficult to be an artist in the Bay Area with the cost of living as high as it is…a lot of great artists have left for that reason, but there still is a supportive audience here. I find it reassuring when someone comes up to me after a show and is excited enough to buy a t-shirt or a record. They might not realize it, but that kind of support is meaningful to me. I think it’s an indicator that the scene is still alive. That kind of support is all it takes.”

The Summer of Music series will feature hundreds of free performances by local Bay Area and NorCal musicians, allowing residents to enjoy live music while supporting local businesses. Each performance is a paid opportunity for artists, made possible through corporate sponsors and individual donors, with the Civic Joy Fund leading fundraising efforts.

Zelma Stone at Zeitgeist, Noise Pop Festival 2022. Photo by Mike Rosati

Manny Yekutiel, co-founder of Civic Joy Fund and a local business owner, highlighted the significance of music in San Francisco’s history and future. “Music is indelibly linked to the history and the future of San Francisco,” said Yekutiel. “I’m excited to help bring music to our streets every Saturday this summer!”

Tess Stevens of Tess Stevens and the Details (@tsandthedetails) says, “I’m very excited to be performing at Noise Pop’s Summer of Music…you can throw a rock and hit a great band in this town.”

The Summer of Music series, starting on June 17th from 2-5 pm, promises to infuse the streets of San Francisco with live music, fostering a sense of community, and supporting the local music ecosystem. To learn more about this exciting event or apply to participate, visit SummerOfMusicSF.com and stay updated on Facebook and Instagram at @SummerOfMusicSF. No, it’s not too late for you to apply on their website.