This 25-Year-Old Arts Education Nonprofit Is Hosting A Swanky Gala

CASA’s big gala is on Brannan Street this year, bringing lots of energy and lots of silver to the January 19 shindig. (CASA)

There are too many wonderful programs for young people in San Francisco to praise in just one sentence. 826 Valencia never ceases to provide, nor does the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and its ever-expanding roster of programming, and who can forget about Salted Roots (nee Brown Girl Surf) or Queer Surf for that matter and what about Chapter 510? Sure the last one is in Oakland, but in the city’s SoMa neighborhood one of San Francisco’s premiere arts education nonprofits is ringing in its 25th birthday in a big way. No amount of “doom loop” madness can stop these Baydestrians from celebration.

Children’s After School Arts, better known as CASA (but not to be confused with San Francisco CASA), will take over warehouse gallery space SOMArts on January 19 for a party that is definitely not for the youth it serves. The silver-riddled festivity is for those 21 and older with drinks and dancing thanks to numerous art performances from the multi-hyphenate staff including drag phenom Per Sia and DJ Nico. The organization is well-loved not only for its weekly after-school support at Rooftop Alternative School in Twin Peaks but also for its unifying power for LGBTQIA+ artists in the city.

The best way to get involved with CASA is to attend the event that Friday for the event as the nonprofit’s staff and supporters will be there dressed head-to-toe in silver. The doors open at 8 p.m. and tickets are available at a sliding scale online. If you worried that the kids would feel left out, don’t worry: The nonprofit rented SOMArts for the whole weekend, and the whole family is welcome following day for CASA’s Family Art Fest on Saturday, January 20 at 2 p.m. At this follow-up event, the kids’ art will be on display gallery-style for fans to enjoy as the students take to the stage for periodic performances.

While some can’t handle San Francisco’s raw and ready vibe — that’s a shout out to TikTok food star Keith Lee who went from repping his intense Detroit upbringing to heading out of the Bay real quick — there are those investing in the city, starting with downtown neighborhoods including SoMa. Food industry pro Angelina Hong opened MOSA in the area in the fall, bringing decadent food to the neighborhood as CASA brings the cheap drinks and silver outfits. Saint Frank Coffee just opened its second ever San Francisco cafe in the East Cut, if we’re using that name for the area most-near the waterfront on Folsom Street. Needless to say, CASA’s party looks to be a winner for the history books, and no mean headlines can stop the artists from cutting a rug and dropping the disco ball hard.