Asian Vaginas take the stage at Castro Theater
May 16, 2012 | By Jeremy Joven

In the midst of all the Art festivities this week in San Francisco is a group of vocal, angry, asian vaginas on stage at the historic Castro Theater for the Asian Pacific American Vagina Monologues, presented by The National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum.

Whatever it is you find yourself doing thursday night, don't miss out on all the Vaginas on stage telling you what's what. They will be talking issues… hair (not the one up top)… Your Mom's vaginas, your friends vaginas, their own vaginas and VAGINA VAGINA VAGINA. Its a glorious thing. Celebrate it with an all Asian cast - never before seen in such a vagina frenzy.

Their Vaginas are angry, and to find out why, you should head over to the Castro Theater! Show starts at 7:30. Locals Julia H. Rhee and Linda Yang takes center stage along with an inspiring list of powerful women for a fiery night of Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues. The performance profiles the intimate stories of women impacted by sexual assault, war, and pain with a celebratory perspective on sexual self-discovery, empowerment and love.

The production is directed by Gabrielle Patacsil and features an all Asian Pacific American women-identified cast. Proceeds benefit the local Bay Area chapter of the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum, the nation's only multi-issue women's organization for Asian Pacific American women and girls.

www.apavaginamonologues.com
www.napawf.org
www.vday.org

WHEN:
May 17, 2012, Thursday
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

WHERE:
Castro Theater
429 Castro Street, San Francisco
$15 - 65

tickets available online or at box office

Asterisk San Francisco Magazine
DIGITAL EDITION Volume 2 Issue 4 - Throwback 1912 Issue

San Francisco, you’ve come a long way from 1912. Just think, 100 years ago you had to take steam trains to get to the Richmond from downtown. You picked yourself up from the ashes of the 1906 earthquake and turned yourself into a metropolis envied by cities all over the world. One hundred years later, you keep proving to the world that a small city with passionate dwellers is a thing of beauty.

Your buildings speak of your history—every street a reminder of the colorful life you have lived. All the while, you modernize yourself to meet today’s needs for sustainable living. You continue to be a haven of creativity, a community of lovers, and a preserver of beauty. May you continually establish a society of critical thinkers, a bevy of inventors, and a community strengthened by its camaraderie in the next 100 years, as you reach your goal of becoming a utopian paradise to which the rest of the world aspires.

Menswear and San Francisco go together like a well stitched seam, as this bay city boasts some of the most original and fashionable mens clothing designers. That being said, it isn't a huge surprise that San Francisco's own Banana Republic flagship store on Grant Avenue decided to collaborate with the popular local tailors, Taylor Stitch, to launch a new shop-in-shop featuring their beautifully constructed ready-to-wear and custom made shirts. Founders and co-owners Michael Maher, Barrett Purdum, and Michael Armenta, are excited about the collaboration which began after Banana Republic's senior merchandiser, Tom Gerard visited their Valencia Street location last Christmas to buy a shirt. After thoroughly enjoying the experience, the two companies went back and forth, and now Talyor Stitch's gorgeous designs will be available in B.R.'s flagship store for the next 18 weeks.

The clever and vintage inspired display at Banana Republic will offer not only a fine selection of their collection but also the aide of Taylor Stitch's trained staff to assist those wanting something custom made from one of the many fabric and pattern choices available. Be sure to stop by and browse the dapper looks, and remember, many may think that there is nothing better than a man in a suit, but in reality there is nothing sexier than a man in a well-made shirt.

Check out a previous feature on Taylor Stitch in Asterisk San Francisco's MADE IN SF ISSUE. (Published 2010)

For more info visit:
Banana Republic
256 Grant Avenue San Francisco, CA 94108
(415) 788-3087

Taylor Stitch
383 Valencia Street San Francisco, CA 94103
(415) 322-8773

San Franciscan's cannot have enough of SF MADE Products - and the whole world is taking notice. Quality, passion, and community, makes for great promotional tools when it comes to SF Made stuff, but what really makes it all happen is the support of the locals.

SF MADE, established in 2010 has been inspiring local entrepreneurs; big and small to keep our city's manufacturing industry alive. They encourage innovation and job creation in a outsourcing world.

Support the SF MADE ORG by attending their Annual Fundraiser - with this year's "RAMP IT UP! - Poured, Shaken and Stirred" A speakeasy themed celebration of local artisan beverages all to promote and support local businesses.

DETAILS:
SFMade’s annual fundraiser is a celebration of local manufacturers and their products at Speakeasy Brewery, featuring: - Keynote address from Mayor Ed Lee - A unique interactive live showroom of SFMade beverage companies and their products -Artisan food and beverage pairings from SFMade companies -Networking with over 250 community members.

Specialty cocktails provided by: Distillery No.209 & SFVodka
Wine and Beer provided by: Speakeasy Brewery, Cellars 33, Bluxome Winery, The Winery SF, and Bravium.
Delicious food provided by: S & S Brand, Sinto Gourmet, Kika's Treats, Humphry Slocombe, and Whole Foods
Coffee from Ritual Coffee Roasters.

NOTE: This is a no-host, CASH ONLY bar, beer tokens are $3 each, cocktails are $6
All event proceeds go towards SFMade's programs.
Parking info: Street parking will be available, look along Fairfax Ave and Evans Ave.

Getting there on public transit:
Take the 19, 44 or the KT.

WHEN:
Thursday, May 9, 2012
5:30PM - 8:30PM

WHERE:
Speakeasy Brewery
1195 Evans Ave San Francisco, CA 94124

E-mail has spoiled you. You want instant gratification in everything you do. Why not travel back in time and send messages via Telegrams? In a sense anyway. Send a telegram to your mistress or to your adoring gentlemen callers and show them how you care!

How does it work? We imagine (because we are too lazy to research) that Telegrams were processed magnetically by FUN-gineers and sent to a hub then read by darling old ladies. They then print what is socially acceptable and hand it to a courier. A courier in case you didn't know was a form of e-mail back in the day. Balderdash, you say? Tough!

MESSAGE FROM THE ASTERISK SAN FRANCISCO TELEGRAM SERVICE.
Dear Visitor,
If it is instant gratification you seek
you have time traveled to the wrong era.
By using the magic that is known to you as the “INTERWEBS”
we bring back the art of the Telegram.

Your messages will be received
but not as instantly as you’d wish.

Savour the wait. Watch that E-mail Box.
A copy of your telegram will be sent to you and your recepient.

Enjoy!

Caption this artwork - via Facebook Comments.
Here is the second installment of our weekly "Sketchings".
Titled - Couple Dynamics

What do you think is happening? Help us caption this cartoon by commenting on the facebook comment form to the right.
We'll publish the best caption with the most likes.

Enjoy!

We have missed the Mission Community Market so much! This thursday, rain or shine, the mission's favorite market is back with more to love! The market, now in its third year brings in new exciting vendors to add to the regular fair of produce, musical performances, food trucks and entertainment. New vendors like Spring Hill Cheese from Petaluma, the 'whole beast buchery' of San Francisco 4505 Meats and Georgie Girl Design Jewelry along with past favorite vendors, Hapa Ramen; Emmy's Pickles and Jams; and Coast Side Farms.

MCM offers more than a traditional farmer’s market. Opening day will feature musical performance by the renowned LoCura, recently featured in the National Geographic World Music series; and ABADÁ-Capoeira dance performance.

The market is only as exciting as the people who take part. So unwrap your canvas grocery bags and join the community in celebrating one of the best Farmer's Market in San Francisco today (April 12) and every Thursday from 4-8.

WHEN:
OPENING
April 12
4-8 pm

Every Thursday!

Market Photos Courtesy of MCM
Where:
Bartlett and 22nd Street

For more info visit MCM's website
missioncommunitymarket.org

Help us caption this cartoon by commenting on the facebook comment form to the right. We'll publish the best caption with the most likes.

Enjoy!

The San Francisco LGBT Community Center will hold its 10th Anniversary celebration this weekend, March 24th - SOIREE 10 - à la mode française at the San Francisco Design Center Galleria. This amazing event will transform the space in to a decadent turn-of-the-last century Parisian salon. An era of optimism, period of invention, style, rebellion, and flamboyance.

Local comedian Marga Gomez hosts the event, kicking off with vintage tunes by blues spun on antique crank-up gramophones by blues chanteuse (turned DJ) Veronica Klaus. Also entertaining to your hearts delight at the soiree are the hottest DJs of San Francisco; Hard French, Stay Gold, Viennetta Discotheque and Some Thing.

What Soiree wouldn't be complete without a silent auction with dozens of collectibles, gift baskets and a full bar of cocktails beer and wine. Tickets are available at the door for $125, all for a good cause. Show your support for the LGBT Community and the center contributing to stronger, healthier, and more equitable world for LGBT people and our allies.

You can learn more about The SF LGBT Community Center at www.sfcenter.org

WHEN
March 24, 2012
7pm

WHERE
SFDC Galleria
101 Henry Adams Street, San Francisco, CA

What are you doing Thursday night? Sitting at home watching YouTube clips about cats? Come on now… Get off your butt and see the best of the best in mobile film making at the 5th annual Disposable Film Festival.

The festival starts March 22-25 with an exciting (usually sold out) Opening Night at the historic Castro Theater followed by an after hours party at the LOOKOUT.

To find out more: visit disposablefilmfestival.com

"The Disposable Film Festival supports and celebrates the democratization of cinema made possible by new, inexpensive video technology, offering a legitimate forum in which the work of zero-budget and non-traditional filmmakers is taken seriously and exhibited in theaters around the United States and internationally. Through workshops, competitions, panels, and other events intended to educate and inspire, the Disposable Film Festival promotes experimentation and helps build the track record needed for a new generation of filmmakers to enter and change the industry."

-The Disposable Film Festival, Mission

Solo ESAS Mujeres: Documenting the Universal | Material

Curated by iona rozeal brown and Veronica Jackson, this 25th Annual Solo Mujeres exhibition utilizes photography, watercolor, graphite, textiles, audio, video, and mixed-media to explore aspects of female empowerment through documentation. As documenters of their identity, lives, loves, losses, and related matter, these artists, as narrators, are chroniclers of the worlds around them. They are the visual story tellers interpreting their visual voices through these various mediums.

The distinguished line up of artists includes: Nina Chanel Abney, Dawn Black, Zöe Charlton, Gina M. Contreras, Lisa Cortés, Martha Diaz, LaToya Ruby Frazier, Deborah Grant, Jessica Ingram, Nicole Markoff (Nicacelly), Kelly Ording, Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz (Chuleta), Stephanie Syjuco, and Robyn Twomey.

These artists acknowledge and continue the tradition of documentation using their own language.

WHEN:
Opening Reception
March 21, 6:30-9:30pm
$5 Donation

WHERE:
2868 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA
415-821-1155

Winter Chills Lingers | Spring Blossoms Again
Merchandise Picks by Dawn Hunt

Style picks for Spring 2012 from local vendors - Seedstore, Fiat Lux, Revolver, Detox Market, Confier and more.

ART BY: Jenifer Wofford
Artist Profile by Dorothy Santos

To exist within an art community and thrive, one must be able to grow, learn, develop, and maintain an incredibly multi-faceted practice to stay relevant. To take it a step further, as an arts educator and practitioner, it is imperative to make work that is accessible to the public and be ready to engage. Jenifer Wofford is a rare gem in the arts. From artist residencies in Denmark, Italy, and most recently, Norway, she continues to make profound connections between ideas, cultures, and people through her work. Her travels and thirteen years of providing arts education in the San Francisco Bay Area public school district as well as at the university level, including California College of the Arts, UC Berkeley, and University of San Francisco have produced a unique combination of art practice and theory that illuminates as much as it entertains. Wofford thrives on collaboration and participation from her peers as a part of the creative process. Her observations, conversations, and dynamic global studio practice are not only imaginative but showcase a multitude of talent across genres… read more

On February 24th, Asterisk San Francisco opened the doors to our new HQ. Hundreds of art lovers and publishing fanatics joined the celebration in the lively 24th Street corridor of the Mission District. Honored guest artists Carissa Potter, Boris Jovanovic, Erik Otto and Trev Yoder attended the event where their new works are exhibited on the new gallery walls to meet and greet readers and followers. The group show featuring previously featured artists in the publication is open to the public wed-sat until March 24.

The opening event doubled as our new issue release - PEOPLE ISSUE to a great reception of local admirers, excited to see their local heroes highlighted in the new issue accompanied by fantastic drinks. (Compliments of King's Ginger and Black Bull Whisky from Anchor Distribution) Venga Empanadas provided us with cocktail sized empanadas to enjoy an evening of community, art and fun.

Many people have asked, why does a print and online magazine have an open office with gallery? The answer is, Why Not?
The HQ and Gallery is a manifestation of our love for the community and art. Instead of having a closed office we decided to share our space to our readers. At our HQ, you may stop by and talk with our editors about story ideas or worthwhile features about the city, submit artwork for our gallery and perhaps hold an event for your projects all in one space...

Your contribution helps us continue writing, highlighting and promoting local people, businesses and places while creating a creative place for writers, contributors, artists and photographers to hone their skills. As a special thanks for your continued readership - We are offering half-off subscriptions mailed directly to you!

NEXT ISSUES:
Throwback Issue - (March 2012)
See San Francisco Then and Now inspired by lifestyles of the people of 1912 and 2012.

Art & Design Issue - (May 2012)
From local artists to local furniture designers, read and browse an issue exposing talented people in San Francisco making, painting and designing things you use daily.

Food Issue V2 - (June 2012)
This year's top restaurant picks, budget conscious hot spots and food trends making it big in San Francisco and all over the Bay Area. Our second Food Issue that is guaranteed to satisfy your hunger!

Educational porn is ubiquitous at the new exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences: Animal Attraction. Not the kind of porn you're probably thinking but you'd be surprised just how wild animal sex can be!

What could be wilder than two lions getting it on? Well, take a Devil's Flower Mantis for example. Females eat their mate after sex! There’s also a harem of fish with one alpha male and if he dies, a female fish in the group goes through a sex change to take his place! Let’s not forget about the Banana Slugs. These beautiful creatures of the squishy variety are simultaneous hermaphrodites, meaning that each individual is male and female at the same time! You'd think they won't need to find a mate but… these horny slugs need a mate to perform the yin-and-yang position to consummate their relationship! Sometimes, they mate so hard the penis of one gets wound up so tightly the other one has to bite it off! Ouch! Ever had a man who won’t leave after a night of passion? Maybe you slept with a Triplewart Seadevil Anglerfish! The male literally latches on and won’t let go once they do the deed. After he bites the female, the two fuses permanently until the male gradually atrophies and turns into nothing more than a pair of gonads. Yuck! Perhaps this exhibit will help you spot the type miles away...

There is nothing like a little mystique to get you in the mood for romance as V-Day approaches. Start early and join ARTPOINT in what promises to be one of the most talked about events of the year - Masters of Venice: A Masked Ball. The spectacular masquerade will transport you to 15th Century Venice, surrounded by flawlessly dressed art lovers in ornate masks dancing and indulging in spirits and appetizers. Where else? The DeYoung of course.

Dynamic performances will mystify you as you revel in the anonymity of your venetian mask. After the ball, you may even roam the lower level of the museum to gaze your eyes on the masterpieces of the 15th Century.

So dust off your ball gown, and dry clean your tux because an event this exciting doesn't come but once a year. Who knows, you might find a masked mate to date!

VIP guests will enjoy priority entry an hour before the main event, tours of the stunning exhibition, and access to a private VIP lounge all evening serving Stags' Leap Winery Petit Sirah and Viogner, along with Greg Norman Sparkling Wine and heavy appetizers provided by Union Street Catering...

This weekend is your last chance to check out SexRev, a musical comedy that tells the story of gay activist and drag performer José Sarria. SexRev draws on camp, sketch comedy, opera parody, and queer confrontation to show his impact on gay entertainment and LGBT politics. Many people don't know that Sarria ran for SF Supervisor a decade and a half before Harvey Milk appeared on the scene...

“’Sex Rev:’ is a romping biography of the famous San Francisco drag queen from serving in the United States Army during World War 2 in France, to being a waiter and then a famous entertainer at the notorious “Black Cat”, to running for San Francisco supervisor (he lost but received over 6000 votes making the start of gay power in this city) to being the first to form the yearly “elections” of Emperors and Empresses (usually gay men and drag queens respectively). Today the Imperial Court is international and raises millions for AIDS patients. Jose also encouraged gay people who were caught in embarrassing situations to plead guilty and request jury trials when they were arrested on sexual offense charges. This would clog the court system with these cases that were difficult to sustain for lack of evidence. Throughout this 2-hour romp he would say “Swallow the evidence and ask for a jury trial”.

The snow flake lights on Market are up and cheer is all around - it's our favorite time of year! This year, Black Friday showed great numbers of sales compared to the last few years signaling some hope that the economy, though gloomy may just be getting better. Now, it's time we support our local economy by attending an amazing shopping event put together by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center & Working Solutions with your favorite local merchants!…

It's that time of the year again... and no we don't mean Christmas. Halloween, silly. Everyone in the city is getting creative coming up with showstoppers, sexy costumes and crazy-out-there-wild get ups to get noticed in a sea of disguised halloween gallavanters.

We're sure we will see several Sue Sylvesters and Michelle Bachmann's this year along with a group of angry birds - so why not get a little more creative and do two costumes at once?

WORDPLAY DUO COSTUME IDEAS
Kim Jong Il Kardashian - Imagine a guy dressed as Kim Jong il with a Kim Kardashian booty and bust... If anyone found you sexy, you should definitely go home with that.

Transformerica Pyramid - This is fairly easy, all it takes are some scrap cardboard. Make the TransAmerica Pyramid with robot leggs and arms and cause havoc all around town.

Ke$hup - Since most of you look like Ke$ha already with your torn jeans, messed up hair and whiskey breath, just get one of those ketchup bottle costumes from Party City and say you're dressed as Ke$hup. Who knows, you might meet your dream man Mustard Green Lantern.

Ronald McDonald Trump - Clown Face and red wig? Doesn't take a lot to do - this one's for the lazy. Best if you make your wig with a comb over... Wear a suit and yell at people they're fired all night. Good times will be ahead...

When you empower and increase the entrepreneurial capacities of a socially and economically diverse community you create Big Impact, creating new jobs, local trade, a strengthened community, and generally a happier, more loving people. That is Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center's mission. With their help - hundreds of bay area businesses thrive, promoting financial self-sufficiency. Asterisk SF is proud to sponsor this fantastic organization and help spread the word about their wonderful contribution to our city. Join the Ren Center in celebrating local businesses, incubators and supporters for a night of fun at the Bentley Reserve. Tickets available…

Event Info...

Art as means for social change and awareness struck a chord for a group of Bay Area artists who looked towards utilizing their own skills and network in developing an event that would soon be recognized as one of the preeminent venues to help affect much needed change in services to those stricken with HIV/AIDS. Like most grassroots organizations, the impetus was the deep seeded desire to care for friends, but in a powerful way. Since its inception, Art for AIDS has garnered much attention and engaging talented artists such as Ryan Reynolds, Deborah Oropallo, Jock Sturges, Pamela Merory Derhnam, Rex Ray, and Ross Bleckner.

Although the event itself involves the auctions, the Bay Area community is able to show support and become involved with such incredible gathering. Behind the scenes, committee and jury members ensure logistics and curatorial aspect of the show to ensure a diverse and gifted program of artists is showcased. They also work closely with the sponsors, galleries, and collectors donating works of art. In addition, whether you are purchasing tickets to sponsor the event or donating services, Art for AIDS relies on the generosity of many individuals and organizations to assist in making the occasion a success. For this year’s benefit, special guest and contributing artist Franc D’Ambrosio will be performing for patrons and event supporters.

As one of the major annual art events in San Francisco, Art for AIDS benefits the UCSF AIDS Health Project (an evening when the art community comes together for an incredibly important cause). With over 150 art works for sale during the live and silent auctions, patrons will take part in bolstering the care for those affected by this epidemic and enhance AIDS prevention through education. Asterisk SF is extremely proud and honored to serve as a media sponsor for this extraordinary benefit.

For more information visit
artforaids.org...

ArtSpan's SF Open Studios is happening all month long this October with 5 weekends of art in artist studios near you. Over 800 local artists making art here in the city will open their studios to art enthusiasts for the biggest annual art event in the Bay.

ArtSpan's mission is to connect the art community with the general public. With an immense offering of both famous and emerging artists working in varying mediums here in SF - you have a lot of art to see. Meet local artists and other art lovers on your crawl while immersing yourself in art and new discoveries in districts you may not be familiar with.

SF Open Studios is a month long art crawl that starts with you. Find ArtSpan's guide in your hood and start plotting the artist studios you want to visit...

Capsule Urban Air Market is happening this Sunday with over 130 independent designers of clothing, accessories, jewelry, paper goods, glassware, and unique home décor.

This must-attend event boasts a collection of the city's best local jewelry designers from the likes of Colleen Mauer, Corey Egan Metalsmithing, Dear Mina and many more with fashion forward designs that would compliment this season's fashions and retain their timeless appeal. Aside from gorgeous rings and bracelets you'd find a variety of clothing designers, home products and more at the event.

Asterisk SF faves like... Neives offers a number of alternative therapy skin care & bath products that are handmade. Type.lites soy candles, made in their kitchen with honestly the best smelling candles you'd find crafted in the city and countless other great wares from great locals that value the importance of small batch products.

With quality over quantity in mind, Capsule picks local talent showcasing products that are truly San Francisco. Attendees would also appreciate being able to meet the makers of the goods offered at the festival and learn about their process and inspirations, adding a wonderful connection and community to a leisurely Sunday stroll at Hayes Valley Patricia's Green Park.

Find more info about Capsule and our top picks in the next issue of Asterisk SF Magazine...

Do you like to jump around, bounce, and hop? Yeah you do! This weekend the House of Air is celebrating their first year anniversary with AIRFEST! It's going to be a bouncy good time so you best come down to the Presidio!

Airfest happens this Saturday, September 17 with live music @ Crissy Fields (next to the House of Air), The fest includes entertainment like demos from aerial heroes like Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley and gang, a "Silent Disco", 50 foot slack line and live street art and local food vendors… let's not forget free jump time at the Trampoline park.

The House of Air opened its doors last year adding an exciting new place for locals and tourists alike to enjoy an afternoon in the city. Equipped with athletic and recreational facilities, the HOA became an instant SF past time with fun indoor activities such as trampoline jump, aerial and physical training, dodgeball and fitness classes...

Highlights of the amazing works exhibited include the awe-inspiring a 23-foot-tall masking tape lamp post suspended inches above the ground by a set of giant red balloons, and tintype photographs produced in the trunk of an artist's car.

The closing reception to be held this Friday, September 16 will be an art filled soiree with entertainment by local band Yesway, DJs and food for purchase from the Taco Bueno Truck. During the event, awards will be presented to the recipients of the $3,500 Fellowship tuition awards, plus an additional $3,500 Juror's Choice award, presented to all exhibiting artist.

This is your last chance to view this extraordinary exhibit -
Don't miss it… Read More

We all know what the first Saturday of the month means don't we? Time to get our groove on at Hard French @ El Rio. This special Labor Day Dance Extravaganza is happening today with the beats that get your heart pumpin' and a crowd that gets your hips swayin! Asterisk SF will be there taking pics of your sexy mugs for the STYLE ISSUE coming out this september!

Join Hard French for a dance contest of "epic proportions" with celebrity judges and prizes including $100 cash and tickets to Deviants 2011 (Hard French's official Folsom Street Block Party.) Click here for more details on Deviants...

The Independent Artists' event turns the Fillmore District into a festival of artists with live Art Shows, Performances, Music, Film Screenings and… Break Dancing! The event happens September 5-11 at various galleries in the neighborhood with pop-up art studios, industry education and networking events. To learn more about this great event visit IAW's website.
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