Current information now at CypriansCenter.org

Check CypriansCenter.org for current information about upcoming shows.  We've got an SF Live Arts show this Saturday:

Jon Raskin & Carla Harryman cd release performance for Open Box

Music, poetry, performance art & electronics - plus Pamela Z

Saturday April 21 @ 8 pm

Feb 17: Bluegrass Duo Night - Three Big Acts

Nell Robinson & Jim Nunnally
More sunshine for San Francisco – but at night – with Nell Robinson’s big, bright, sunny charm and way down-to-earth bluegrass rhythms. Robinson (of Red Level, the Henriettas) is making a stop at Cyprian’s at the end of a much-acclaimed East Coast tour. Joining her is world-class picker and signer, Jim Nunally (David Grisman Bluegrass Experience, John Reischman and the Jaybirds) to make this duo one stand-out performance for the annual Bluegrass & Old-Time Fest.

Sam Misner & Megan Smith
With the gift of engaging story-telling through music and acting, Sam Misner & Megan Smith enthrall audiences with their unique vocal harmonies and lyrics that take flight. They’re a gem of a musical pairing, offering a fresh take on contemporary folk music. They earn applause and deep appreciation for the connection to roots music that’s been called “the perfect balance between traditional and contemporary.” Can anyone resist asking them to perform their award-winning Madeline (Paradise Cracked)? (West Coast Songwriters Association award, 2007).

Jeanie & Chuck Poling
Cyprian’s has some of the best, most talented neighbors, and Jeanie and Chuck Poling rank right at the top. They say it best: “our mission is first and foremost to give folks a show.” Hands-down and feet-stomping – they know just how to do that with bluegrass, honky-tonk, powerful vocals and fine guitar work. Jeanie and Chuck have been playing music together since 1982, and they were featured at Strictly Bluegrass in Golden Gate Park (before the “Hardly” was tacked on). They formed their Country Roundup band in 2001 to include whoever else they could add to their masterful musical mix.

Tickets
Friday, Feb 3, 7:30 pm
Adv $16, door $18; over 65, under 12, students with ID $14
brownpapertickets  

Feb 3: An Evening of Kirtan with David Newman & Mira

A Special Appearance at Cyprian’s. International performing artist David Newman, also known as Durga Das, brings India’s ancient chant tradition to San Francisco on Saturday, Feb 3. David is “a sacred singer songrwriter and a practitioner and educator of Bhakti Yoga – the Yoga of Love.” David shares Kirtan (a very old call-and-response music) and the spiritual, meditative and musical aspects of Yoga at his many stops during world tours. His music carries a “distinctive musicality, poetic intimacy and a deep respect for India’s ancient chant tradition. 

David tours extensively with his wife Mira, a celebrated devotional singer, recording artist and percussionist. He is the author of Merging with Grace and is the founder of The Stay Strong Project and of Yoga  On Main in Philadelphia.

Please join David Newman & Mira and Girish for an ecstatic evening of chant and sacred song.

Tickets:

$30/adv ; $35door 

kirtanwithdavidnewman.eventbrite.com

Check Getting to Cyprian's above for info on bus lines (with a stop across the street) and off-street parking options. Secure bike parking provided on site.  Refreshments for sale. 

Jan 21: Grammy Winner Ramblin' Jack Elliott Cowboys-Up to Cyprian's

For SF Live Arts, the concert year begins with a performance that only Ramblin’ Jack Elliott can deliver. He “sings the blues as only he can” after a close association with more of the big-name blues artists than you might recall – Leadbelly, Mississippi John Hurt, Reverend Gary Davis, Son House, Brownie McGhee and Sonny Terry, Furry Lewis, and Big Bill Broonzy.

Ramblin’ Jack was the last musical partner of Woody Guthrie, he mentored Bob Dylan, and is considered the “sonic grandfather of just about every scruffy-voiced folksinger in the Western world.” Nominated five times for Grammy awards, he claimed one in 2009 for Best Traditional Blues Album after taking it in 1998 for Best Traditional Folk Album. Before that, in 1995, he received the National Medal of Arts.

Cyprian’s is honored – no, we’re Cowboy-Up! Ready and excited – to host Ramblin’ Jack Elliott for his annual visit to San Francisco.

Try to catch the award-winning film The Ballad of Ramblin’ Jack for the story of the man who shaped and celebrated the great folk traditions and then be sure to make Cyprian’s a must-stop for this amazing performer. Vikki Lee, the Americana/Country/Rockabilly sensation opens the concert.

Ramblin' Jack Elliott with opener Vikki Lee
Doors open 7:30 pm, performance begins at 8pm
Cyprian's, 2097 Turk St. at Lyon
$20 adv/$22 door; $18 for kids, seniors, and students with ID

Tickets:
brownpapertickets
Swankety Swank, 289 Divisadero, San Francisco
Phoenix Books & Records, 3957 24th St., San Francisco
Down Home Music, 1034 San Pablo, El Cerrito

Check Getting to Cyprian's above for bus lines (with a stop across the street) and off-street parking options. Secure bike parking provided on site.
Refreshments for sale and you can drink in the church.

Ramblin' Jack Elliott appears at Cyprian's as part of the SF Live Arts Music Series.

Dec 3: Wake the Dead and The Rowan Brothers

Deadheads, folkies, rockers and musical adventurers alike: the time has come to embrace the entire Summer of Love with the world's first Celtic all-star Grateful Dead jam band. Wake the Dead was formed on a whimsical inspiration by three Celtic performers who shared a love for the Grateful Dead back in 2000. Inspired by the cultural joy and expression of love and appreciation celebrated at Irish wakes, a full band was assembled and today the very talented septethave recorded three CDs and wowed audiences all across the country. Let them rock your world at Cyprians.

Speaking of the Grateful Dead, also performing are the Rowan Brothers who had Jerry Garcias as a backing musician on their first album, released in 1972. Brothers Chris and Lorin Rowan have a long history as a band in San Francisco and their tight harmonies and haunting melodies come together over crisp guitar and mandolin and steel guitar picking to offer a versatile and exciting combination of bluegrass-flavored folk that you won’t want to miss.

Saturday, Dec 3 Wake The Dead and The Rowan Brothers
Doors open 7:30pm, performance begins at 8pm
Cyprian's, 2097 Turk St. at Lyon
$18 adv/$20 door; $16 for kids, seniors, and students with ID.

Tickets:
Brownpapertickets.com
Swankety Swank, 289 Divisadero, San Francisco
Phoenix Books & Records, 3957 24th St., San Francisco
Down Home Music, 1034 San Pablo, El Cerrito

Cyprian's is pleased to host SF Live Arts Music Series with this special appearance of Wake the Dead and The Rowan Brothers.

Check "Getting to Cyprian's" for transport on foot, bike, bus or car. Secure bike parking provided. On-street and secure vehicle parking within two blocks. Cyprian's is located within St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church, "the green tower at Turk & Lyon."

Refreshments will be available, and you can drink and dance in the church.

Dec 17: The Nutcracker for Two Guitars, Judson-Tyler Duo

Tchaikovsky’s orchestral masterpiece has lost an incredible 13,890 pounds,* but The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, The March of the Toy Soldiers, The Waltz of the Flowers remain for this unique holiday experience at Cyprian's. The Judson-Tyler Duo captures the soaring grandeur of The Nutcracker in the intimately beautiful voice of two classical guitars. Hear this perennial classic refreshed with new color—and a few twists. (*figure based on the average weight of a modern symphony orchestra).

The Judson-Tyler Duo (Zachary Judson Selissen and Michael Tyler Roberts) joined forces in 2006 as graduate students at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. They discovered not only a shared history as electric guitar-wielding classic rockers who developed a passion for the classical guitar, but also a common interest in a wide range of music, from jazz to tango to the Baroque. Their repertoire reflects these diverse interests, though they share a particular weakness for the amazing music of Latin America. Always focused on creativity, they frequently incorporate improvisation into their repertoire, and possess a growing body of original compositions and arrangements.

Judson-Tyler has honed their duo skills through coachings with the Katona Twins, March Teicholz, David Tanenbaum, and Larry Ferrara, and have performed numerous times in concert halls and at private events.

Nutcracker for Two Guitars: A Perfect Early Evening Treat for the Whole Family
Doors open 6:30 pm, performance begins 7 pm
Approximately one-hour performance
Meet the artists after party in community hall
Wine, beer, sodas, water and treats available
Cyprian’s 2097 Turk at Lyon (located within St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church)

Tickets sold at the door: $10 - $15 sliding scale with kids 10 years & younger free

Check Getting to Cyprian’s above for bus lines (with a stop across the street) and secure off-street parking options. Secure bike parking provided on site.

Dec 5: LIVE IN SAN FRANCISCO - The Best in Chamber Music from Stanford

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Students from the St. Lawrence String Quartet’s acclaimed chamber music program at Stanford University perform in Cyprian's intimate performance hall with superior sound. For this special engagement in San Francisco, the students will play works by Mozart, Haydn and Arensky.

Tickets: sold at door only, sliding scale $12 - $20
A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit the scholarship fund for the St. Lawrence String Quartet's Summer Chamber Music Seminar at Stanford.

Refreshments will be available: wine, beer, sodas, water, baked goods

See "Getting to Cyprian's" above for information on Muni  bus lines (the #31 Balboa stops across the street from Cyprian's) and secure off-street parking two blocks away. Secure bike parking provided.

Cyprian's is a community program of  St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church, located at 2097 Turk @ Lyon.

Dec 2: Cascada de Flores and The Stairwell Sisters

Cascada de Flores (“waterfall of flowers”) has been interpreting the traditions and diversity of Mexican and Caribbean folk music and dance for the past 10 years with elegance and originality. The trio, who have all traveled domestically and internationally to grow and perform their talents, showcase a remarkable number of traditional instruments including, but definitely not limited to, guitar, flute, donkey jawbone, and zapateado (percussive dance).


Members of Cascada de Flores are all highly regarded. Vocalist, dancer, and player of traditional Mexican rhythm guitar Awren Lawrence had her performance described by the Los Angeles Times as “one of the most authentic moments of the evening, performed with such loving purity that it stayed with the audience long after the curtain fell." Guitarist Jorge Liceaga comes from a rich musical heritage and has been part of other notable innovative groups such as Potaje, which explores the musical bridges between Spain and Cuba. Sabra Weber is trained in classical flute performance and is currently director of SONando Santa Barbara, a Latin American cultural arts organization.

The Stairwell Sisters return to Cyprian's stage for another "old-time tear-down" with a punk-rock intensity. Sweet country music, rowdy fiddling, steel strings, step dancing and bluegrass through-and-through claim raves for these five San Francisco women on tours all across the U.S. and Europe. Ten years, three albums, from the Lincoln Center to Prairie Home Companion -- The Stairwell Sisters could not be more welcome at Turk & Lyon.


Awesome Double Bill: Cascada de Flores & The Stairwell Sisters
Doors open 7:30pm, performance begins at 8pm
Cyprian's, 2097 Turk St. at Lyon
$18 adv/$20 door; $16 for kids, seniors, and students with ID


Tickets:
brownpapertickets
Swankety Swank, 289 Divisadero, San Francisco
Phoenix Books & Records, 3957 24th St., San Francisco
Down Home Music, 1034 San Pablo, El Cerrito


Check Getting to Cyprian's above for bus lines (with a stop across the street) and secure off-street parking options. Secure bike parking provided on site.
Refreshments for sale and you can drink in the church.


Cascada de Flores and The Stairwell Sisters appear at Cyprian's as part of the SF Live Arts Music Series

Nov. 19: An Evening with Holcombe Waller -- Songs of Intimacy, Courage and Stunning Virtuosity

Holcombe Waller returns to San Francisco to play a special one-evening engagement at Cyprian's. Starting at 8pm Waller will play two sets with his long-time musical collaborator Ben Landsverk. The concert will focus on brand new songs (Waller is currently writing a new album) as well as old favorites, delivered on a range of instruments including St. Cyprian's concert piano. If you've been looking for "the perfect date" on a Saturday night, you just found it.

Waller's appearance coincides with the release of a new music video for his cover of Buffy Sainte-Marie's song "Qu'Appelle Valley, Saskatchewan," a track from his critically acclaimed 2011 album Into the Dark Unknown. This year he and his album have been lauded by Ann Powers, The New York Times, and PASTE Magazine, among others. His song "Hardliners" was featured in August as a Pick of the Week download card in Starbucks cafes throughout the US and Canada.

Waller is an "SF ex-pat" now living in Portland, Oregon. He has a rich history with San Francisco, having collaborated with Joe Goode Performance Group, performed in Marc Bamuthi Joseph's Left Coast Leaning East Festival at YBCA, and generally kicked around the Mission for seven years until he moved to Portland in 2005.

Cyprian's is excited to welcome and host Holcombe Waller. He was looking for an alternative venue in San Francisco that is intimate with superior sound. We think we're a good match.

An Evening with Holcombe Waller

Saturday, Nov 19

Doors open 7:30pm, performance begins at 8pm
Cyprian's, 2097 Turk St. at Lyon
$12 - $20 sliding scale at door and for tickets:

Brownpapertickets.com
Swankety Swank, 289 Divisadero, San Francisco
Phoenix Books & Records, 3957 24th St., San Francisco
Down Home Music, 1034 San Pablo, El Cerrito

Check "Getting to Cyprian's" for bus lines (with a stop across the street) and secure off-street parking options. Secure bike parking provided on site.

Refreshments for purchase and you can drink in the church

Nov 18: Kathy Kallick Band Brings Hit Songs from "Between the Hollow and the High Rise" to Cyprian's

Extraordinarily talented Kathy Kallick has been writing and performing traditional bluegrass music since the mid 1970s. Fifteen album releases later, this award-winning artist is continuing to wow with the Kathy Kallick Band. Their most recent album, “Between the Hollow and the High Rise” has been receiving great praise from critics, and the single “Where is My Little Cabin Home” has had more bluegrass chart time than any other song in 2010-2011.

The current Kathy Kallick Band lineup has been described by Chris Stuart of Sing Out! as “a wonderful combination of youth and experience.” Adventurous mandolin player Tom Bekeny has been singing and playing with Kallick since 1996. Alaskan born, Bay Area resident Dan Booth contributes soulful lead and harmony singing in addition to acoustic bass. Greg Booth, Dan’s father, plays the banjo and dobro, and won a dobro playing competition in 2006 after playing for only one year. Annie Staninec, at the age of 22, has already won the Fiddler Player of the Year Award from the Northern California Bluegrass Society twice.

Jeanie & Chuck's Country Roundup open  the show with honky tonk and bluegrass favorites on acoustic instruments and their specialty of strong, rich duets.

This is another SF Live Arts performance at Cyprian’s not to be missed!

Doors open 7:30pm, performance begins at 8pm
Cyprian's, 2097 Turk St. at Lyon
$18 adv/$20 door; $16 for kids, seniors, and students with ID.

Tickets:
Brownpapertickets.com
Swankety Swank, 289 Divisadero, San Francisco
Phoenix Books & Records, 3957 24th St., San Francisco
Down Home Music, 1034 San Pablo, El Cerrito

Nov. 5: An Evening with Latif Bolat -- Folk Music, Sufi Mystic Stories & Images from Ancient Turkey

Latif Bolat: One of the most well-known Turkish musicians in the U.S.

Latif Bolat mesmerizes audiences with his mastery of a vast repertoire of Turkish folk music, Sufi devotional songs, classical pieces and sacred ballads that he composed. He employs traditional instruments such as the long-necked lute, the baglama, and the oud, bendir and ney flute.

Now residing in New Mexico and Turkey, Bolat is in the midst of a world tour. He regularly performs in India, Indonesia, Bulgaria, Turkey,the Philippines, Australia, England, and all across Canada and the United States. He has appeared at Carnegie Hall, recorded four popular CDs, and composed music for the PBS Documentary: "Mohammed: Legacy of a Prophet" and George Lucas's TV series "Young Indiana Jones." He also co-authored a book with the compelling title "Quarreling with God." The Turkish Ministry of Culture has sponsored translations of his work on Sufi poetry, and the California Arts Council awarded Bolat with a grant for his contributions to the preservation of Turkish traditional music.

Bolat performs at Cyprian's Saturday, November 5 following a special bonus lecture and discussion on 1000 Years of Turkish Sufi Mystic Music, Poetry and Philosophy.

Cyprian's is honored to host Latif Bolat for this exceptional evening of music, reflection and cultural awareness. His appearance is part of the SF Live Arts series at Cyprian's. The concert and lecture are separate events, but there is no charge for the lecture.

LECTURE

Saturday, November 5

Doors open 6pm for 6:30pm start, free event

Lower level community hall

PERFORMANCE

Saturday, November 5

Doors open 7:30pm, performance at 8pm

Concert in upper level

CYPRIAN'S, 2097 Turk St at Lyon
$18 adv/$20 door; $16 for kids, seniors, and students with ID.

Tickets:
Brownpapertickets.com
Swankety Swank, 289 Divisadero, San Francisco
Phoenix Books & Records, 3957 24th St., San Francisco
Down Home Music, 1034 San Pablo, El Cerrito

See Getting to Cyprian's above for transit and parking information.

Refeshments served for both events.

More information on Bolat: www.latifbolat.com

Grammy-Winner Jim Lauderdale Coming to Cyprian's

On September 24th SF Live Arts brings international recording artist and multi-Grammy winner Jim Lauderdale to Cyprian’s for an exceptional evening of music. With success in both bluegrass and country music, Lauderdale won Artist of the Year and Song of the Year at the first Honors and Awards Show held by the American Music Association in 2002. He’s been hosting the ceremonies ever since. Known as well for his outstanding songwriting talent, Lauderdale has had his songs recorded by The Dixie Chicks, George Strait, Solomon Burke, Mark Chesnutt, Vince Gill, John Mayall, Kathy Mattea, Lee Ann Womack, and many others.

We’re thrilled to welcome Jim Lauderdale to Cyprian’s. And there’s even more.

Tune in to your favorite neo-noir, honky-tonk songs performed by San Francisco native singer/songwriter Maurice Tani and the nothing-short-of-sexy Jenn Courtney with her full-sized, luxurious, June Carter-like voice. You’ll want to stomp and sway in the aisles when Tani and Courtney take the stage. We last saw them play with 77 El Deora, and now we get them on their own.

Doors open 7:30pm, performance at 8pm
Cyprian's, 2097 Turk St. at Lyon
$18 adv/$20 door; $16 for kids, seniors, and students with ID.
Tickets:
Brownpapertickets.com
Swankety Swank, 289 Divisadero, San Francisco
Phoenix Books & Records, 3957 24th St., San Francisco
Down Home Music, 1034 San Pablo, El Cerrito

Back to Bali: Traditional Balinese Shadow Theatre for the Family at Cyprian's Saturday September 10

Back to Bali series

Images: Larry Reed

ShadowLightProductions c 2010

You are cordially invited to an experience of a lifetime- a Balinese shadow theatre performance. ShadowLight Productions presents The Marriage of Adimbi, performed by Artistic Director and founder Larry Reed. This is a wonderful event for children and adults alike and has a special early starting time, 7:30pm, to accommodate families. Production includes gamelan accompaniment (a treat in itself).

The ancient art of Indonesian shadow play, known as wayang kulit, is a unique form of theater in which light, shadows, and intricate handmade puppets are used to tell stories of folklore and myth. The performances are important in ritual, lesson, and entertainment. Each performance is a unique, improvised experience that depends upon the shadow master and his rendition of the tale as well as his connection with the audience.

Artistic Director and puppet master Larry Reed is one of the few Americans who has been trained in Balinese shadow theater. During his young adulthood he completed a decade of intense study with an Indonesian shadow master. Reed is known for his expansion of the art form, which includes a new shadow casting method that allows for integration of traditional theatre techniques as well as cinematic effects and modern theatre and dance styles.

“Afterward their whole dreamscape changes and they start dreaming differently or remembering things differently,” says Reed of his audiences in a KQED Spark segment. “It makes it worth doing these projects, even though they are so much work.”

Note: Back to Bali is a series of six performances. One of the six will be presented at Cyprian's.

-- Constance Cavallas

Saturday September 10

Doors Open 7pm, performance begins 7:30pm, ends at 9pm
Cyprian's, 2097 Turk St. at Lyon
$13 adv/$15 door; $11 for kids, seniors, and students with ID

Tickets:

• brownpapertickets.com
• Swankety Swank, 289 Divisadero, San Francisco
• Phoenix Books & Records, 3957 24th St., San Francisco
• Down Home Music, 1034 San Pablo, El Cerrito

More info: please see the website for ShadowLightProductions http://www.shadowlight.org/slp/

Back to Bali is a presentation of SF Live Arts (formerly the Noe Valley Music Series) noevalleymusicseries.org

Who Says You Have To Be Gay To Fight? Arizona Filmmaker Finds Her Own "Activist Within"

The Activist Within Official Trailer from Purling Place Productions on Vimeo.

Music in film by Holcombe Waller

Two states -- one red, one blue

Three marches -- San Francisco, Phoenix, Washington DC

One cause -- the right to marry

Arizona filmmaker Rachel Lack presents the struggle over same-sex marriage -- from both perspectives, for and against -- in California and her home state in this new documentary, The Activist Within. In the midst of tracking the passionate positions of those for and against same-sex marriage, Lack finds her own voice, one that will not and cannot be stilled.

Cyprian's is pleased to present the Bay Area premiere of this compelling story of courage, wisdom and commitment. Please join us Tuesday, August 23, 7:30 pm for The Activist Within.

$10 tickets at the door only.

Q & A to follow screening.

The Africa Project Comes to Cyprian's: Film Premiere & Live Concert with 14 Musicians

Image: Duncan Ramsay

One man can help change the world. Joe Baker is doing it through music. Fired up with the vision to bring together musicians from three countries and two continents, Baker traveled to Ghana and South Africa with versions of three classic American songs and field-recorded musicians in Ghana and South Africa contributing to them. They also donated nine other songs for American performers to complete the circle of collaboration.

Baker and his colleagues at Bay Area Recorders Organization (BRO), based in San Francisco, produced a 74-minute film of the musicians performing. Sales of the DVD/CD package of the film and the songs will benefit education programs in Africa. Joe Baker named his undertaking The Africa Project.

Cyprian’s is excited to host the Bay Area premiere of The Africa Project on this upcoming Saturday, August 20th at 7:30 pm. After showing the film on a large screen – everyone gets a good seat – 14 of the musicians from the film will perform live on Cyprian’s stage.

The Africa Project DVD/CD features an amazing collection of songs -- emotion-charged, lilting and inspiring – by the artists playing hand-made drums, organ and grand piano, acoustic guitar, banjo, flute, stick & snake shaker, bell trea, donno drum, gome drum, trombone, trumpet, laspsteel guitar and many more with vocalists and choirs.

A few of the local contributors include
• Garrin Benfield, acoustic guitar
• Michael Manring, fretless bass
• Larry Kassin*, flute
• Unity Nguyen, flute
• Jordan Feinstein, organ and grand piano
• Edna Love, vocalist

The Africa Project at Cyprian’s benefits the Ghana Initiative for Valued Education (GIVE) and Amajika Performing Arts of South Africa, and St. Cyprian’s Building Fund.

*A huge thanks to Larry Kassin, producer of SF Live Arts, for bringing The Africa Project to Cyprian’s and to Duncan Ramsay for the remarkable poster image.

The Africa Project
Saturday, August 20
Doors open 7pm, film begins 7:30 pm, live concert 9:30 pm
DVD/CD and refreshments available for purchase
Tickets: $13 advance / $15 door
Tickets: brownpapertickets.com
See transportation and parking info above -- "Getting to Cyprian's"

Cyprian's Celebrates Six Months -- 22 Acts with Local, US and International Performers, 1000 Patrons

We touted Cyprian's as San Francisco's newest venue in February this year, wondering how much success would follow. Now we know -- it's been a smash 6 months. Performers continually extol the great acoustics of the space and the welcome, intimate atmosphere. Patrons keep coming back, glow during the performances, love the home-baked goods on sale, and delight in taking their drinks upstairs "in the church." Our favorite quote from a performer: "We love this place."

Everyone loves the music too. San Francisco Live Arts (formerly the Noe Valley Music Series) brings an amazing array of music and performers to Cyprian's each month. Cyprian's also co-produced several independent shows. During the six months of music, patrons enjoyed

• 3 nights of bluegrass (the San Francisco Bluegrass & Old Time Festival)
• gypsy jazz
• Irish fusion violinist (jazz, Brazilian, Cuban, Indian, and gypsy)
• classical guitar
• country western
• acoustic fusion vocals and guitar
• folk, rock, pop, jazz elements
• banjo riff of Beatles tunes
• yodeling and chicken clucking
• Irish/Cajun rebel sound
• a master guitar class
• old-time gospel
• traditional gospel quartet
• Indian and new world sound
• blues and more blues
• tango

So many artists -- bands, duos, and soloists -- have graced our stage in just six months. We hope they all return:

• The Stairwell Sisters
• Nell Robinson with John Reischman & The Jaybirds
• James Nash and the Nashvillains
• The Water Tower Bucket Boys
• Cahalen Morrison & Eli West
• Jackstraw
• Misner & Smith
• Glass House
• George Cole Quintet
• Brothers Comatose
• Merle "Ian Shoales" Kesler & Joshua Raoul Brody with their Evening of Song
• Colm O'Riain
• Justin Houchin
• Culann's Hounds
• Lucia Comnes
• Vieux Farka Toure
• Men of Endurance
• Fret Not Gospel
• Tango No. 9
• Maurice Tan, Jean Courtney & 77 El Deora
• Jeffrey Halford & Band
• Lisa Sangita Moskow

Just under 1000 patrons have found their way to Cyprian's to hear sometimes stirring, sometimes raucous, always amazing music. For a few hours each time they create a community of kindred spirits.

A huge thanks to

• Larry Kassin, SF Live Arts producer, and his staff (Marlene, Ron, Elliot)
• St. Cyprian's congregation and Rev. Will Scott
• Gigi Smith for the best home cooking available at many concerts
• Cyprian's many volunteers -- ushers, greeters, parking attendants, and promoters
• Lucia Comnes for bringing Vieux Farka Toure to Cyprian's
• Everyone who came to Cyprian's for the amazing sounds and good spirits
• All the artists who grace our space and make it glow

The performance schedule for the next six months is filling up. We're anticipating some fine folk, amazing acoustic sounds, premieres of classical violin compositions, opera cabaret, string quartets, and an emerging artists series. Check back for listings.

Jug Band Festival Returns to San Francisco, Three Bands Perform Saturday, August 6th at Cyprian's

Who can resist The Amazing Dr. Zarcon's Breathing Machine? But there's even more: The How Long Jug Band and Devine's Jug Band. Three big bands in one evening at Turk and Lyon. Cyprian's is thrilled to partner with Bebo White and the California Jug Band Association to bring back to San Francisco the phenomenal Jug Band Festival. After a hiatus of a few years, this hugely popular festival returns to the city with a one-night-only appearance at Cyprian's. This is a stop you don't want to miss, a chance to experience this original American music art form.

Dr. Zarcon has just released its new CD Jug Envy with favorites like Mississippi Mud, Send Me to the 'Lectric Chair, Kitchen Man and several new songs you'll be the first to hear. (Get a $5 discount on the CD at the Cyprian's show). Getting its start in Niagara Falls, New York, Dr. Zarcon commands crowds across the country.

Find more artists like Devine’s Jug Band at Myspace Music

Take a listen to Ted's Stomp by Devine's Jug Band. Good thing toe-tapping and dancing in the aisles is encouraged at Cyprian's. How could we stop it with songs like this? And it's ok to bring that jug or bottle upstairs while you're getting that good jug band sound. San Francisco-based, DJB "captures the sound and spirit of the great jug bands from the 20s and 30s." They'll bring along their CD Terrible Operation Blues for you to take home with the Fourth Street Mess-Around just one of the songs to keep you company.

From Portland comes The How Long Jug Band, playing vintage blues, jazz and ragtime on standard and homemade instruments. Baritone ukulele, harmonica, banjitar, washboard, washtub bass, jug, fiddle, mandolin and guitar -- the How Long Jug Band plays them all. We love the Portland sound!

Tickets at Door Only

$15 general/ $12 students with ID and seniors (65+)

Music upstairs, great food and party downstairs

Great company, ample car parking, secure bike parking, superb acoustics

This Saturday, August 6th, 8pm

Summer Sounds: Concerts Lined Up for July & August

Just how summer should be -- full of good music and great performances in a welcoming space among friends and neighbors. Cyprian's is set to present another powerful concert in July and a benefit celebration of the finest jug band playing in August.

Live at the Columbarium: CD Release Concert & Celebration

Tango No. 9

Saturday, July 30, 8pm

A SF Live Arts performance

$13 advance through Brown Paper Tickets / $15 door

See "Getting to Cyprian's" above for bike, bus info and car parking tips

Listen to previous albums of Tango No. 9

"Critically acclaimed Tango No. 9 is back with their 4th album, recorded LIVE at the Chapel of the Chimes. It features Astor Piazzolla’s rarely recorded, austere compositions like "Coral", "Novitango" and "El Gordo Triste", demonstrating the cooler side to the fiery image of tango, while losing none of its rhythmic excitement. Tango No. 9 commingles traditional tango elements with classical counterpoint, wild jazz improvisation with modern tango, from Piazzolla to Kurt Weill, creating tango nuevo with a unique American twist.

"Heat and cool. Departures and arrivals. Life and death. Tango No. 9’s new CD, "Live at the Columbarium", expresses them all." www.TangoNumber9.com

Saturday, August 6, 8pm
San Francisco Jug Band Festival
Benefit for St. Cyprian's
Co-Produced by California Jug Band Association & Cyprian's

Image: misisipimike.com

Tickets at Door Only

$15 general / $12 students w ID & seniors

Music upstairs, great food & party downstairs

Cyprian's is thrilled to partner with Bebo White and the California Jug Band Association to produce the return to San Francisco of the Jug Band Festival on August 6th. This special benefit celebration will help Cyprian's bring more music and programs to the community and better equip our space as the newest venue in town.

You don't want to miss Devine's Jug Band, The Amazing Dr. Zarcon's Breathing Machine, and The How Long Jug Band. Save the Date, More Info to Come

25 Singers! 25 Songs! Special Price, New Time

Photo: americanidol.com

OK, Cyprian's isn't a tryout venue for American Idol. Yet. But this Saturday night the newest performance space in San Francisco features 25 singers each singing a favorite song celebrating Spring, Summer and New Beginnings. Joshua Raoul Brody and Merle (Ian Shoales) Kessler will host the performers along with The Experimental Love Orchestra in SF Live Arts' Evening of Song.

New Ticket Prices and New Start Time
Evening of Song
Cyprian’s at Turk & Lyon (2097 Turk)

Saturday, June 4

7:30 pm, doors open 7pm
$13 adv / $15 door
More information: noevalleymusicseries.com (415) 454-5238

Tickets available:
Brownpapertickets.com or (800) 838-3006
Swankety Swank, 289 Divisadero (415) 932-6615
Phoenix Books & Records, 3957 24th St, SF, (415) 821-3477
Down Home Music, 10341 San Pablo Ave, El Cerrito (510) 525-2129
$11 for kids, seniors & students with ID – at the door or online only

Bus, Bikes, Cars (and Walking too)
Any way you travel is good. See Getting to Cyprian’s above for info on each, including secure bike parking on site and free vehicle parking two blocks away. On-street parking is often available on Nido, the small local street north of Turk Street one block west of Cyprian’s.

Celebrated African Guitarist Vieux Farka Toure Stops at Cyprian's during World Tour

Vieux Farka Toure with students in Masterclass at Cyprian's

15 students gather with Vieux Farka Tour. Event producer, Lucia Comnes, standing.

Photos: Michael Helquist

Vieux Farka Toure with St. Cyprian's members Michael Helquist and Robyn Amos

Monday night Vieux Farka Toure, the sensational guitarist from Mali, filled the Cyprian's stage with students eager to learn from the man who thrilled more than a billion people with his performance at the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa. Vieux ensured that each student picked up the tune, and he gave the students close attention and encouragement no matter their skill level.

Vieux Farka Toure filled the Independent the previous night as part of his current U.S. tour before additional stops in California. His tour then returns to Europe with gigs in France and Switzerland. The acclaimed artist is about to release -- on May 24th -- his sixth studio album The Secret (Six Degrees Records). The album features Dave Matthews, Derek Trucks, John Scofield, Ivan Neville and Vieux's final collaboration with his legendary father, Ali Farka Toure.

At the conclusion of the class Toure commented on how good it was to be with the group in Cyprian's intimate space, sitting close and being able to hear and watch each other practice the tune he suggested. One of the other guitarists remarked on St. Cyprian's vaulted wood-beam ceiling, "It's a grand lofty feeling here but then still has this special intimacy and closeness."

Special thanks to Lucia Comnes, Bay Area music promoter, violinist and singer, for bringing the guitar masterclass to Cyprian's. Lucia performed at Cyprian's last month, bringing many in the audience to their feet and moving everyone with her powerful singing and playing.

Learn more about the Vieux Farka Toure at his website.

Captivating Men of Endurance, Inspiring Fret Not Gospel -- Cyprian's Expects Everyone on their Feet

Gospel Singing Award Winner: Men of Endurance

Photo: Men of Endurance

The seven member gospel singing group Men of Endurance has a primary goal: "To keep traditional quartet music alive, spreading the good news as far as they possibly can, captivating the audience of young and old." Captivating? They've got that down. Think you can sit still during one of their performances? Just watch this video of One More Time. And then again. Men of Endurance is coming to Cyprian's Saturday, May 14 as part of the SF Live Arts Music Series. We're sure you'll want to be there. Any seat will be good, and, besides, you'll likely be on your feet once they take the stage.

Boot-stomping old-time roots gospel -- "It's in their blood."

Photo: Fret Not Gospel

Opening for Men of Endurance is Fret Not Gospel, a band that plays Americana gospel with "the old-time roots from the traditions of the black and white rural American churches." Most all the performers lead or play in church worship bands, front their own gospel bands of two-timing pickers, or teach true and right music to kids. It's not only in their blood, they believe it's their calling too. They bring the old-time gospel to the dispirited and disheartened with frequent appearances in prisons, recovery missions, funerals and benefits.

"There is something in the old songs, borne out of the suffering of slavery and company towns, failing farms and untimely death, that prepares the heart to hear in the Word the only Uplifting Gospel there is."

Cyprian's is honored to host this special appearance by a band of inspiration and commitment.

Men of Endurance and Fret Not Gospel

Cyprian's

2097 Turk Street @ Lyon, San Francisco

Saturday, May 14, 8 pm (doors open 7:30 pm)

$13 Advance / $15 door

Tickets available at www.brownpapertickets.com

Swankety Swank, 289 Divisadero, SF

Phoenix Books & Records, 3957 24th St, SF

(415) 454 5238

SF Live Arts at Cyprian's site here

Free Concert for All - Justin Houchin, Guitarist, Plays Music of Venezuela, J.S. Bach, Ravel's Pavane

Cyprian's, San Francisco's newest venue, presents a free guitar recital for neighbors and friends on Wednesday, May 4th from 6:30-7:30 pm. Justin Houchin, a senior guitar student at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, will play music of Venezuela, J.S. Bach, the classical and romantic guitar masters, his own transcription of Ravel's Pavane, and a set of pieces written for him by the extraordinary composer Nicholas Pavkovic.

Houchin has been playing guitar for 11 years. During the last year he's been working to present a series of 50 minute concerts highlighting a variety of guitar music from the last few hundred years and from around the world. Cyprian's is excited to have Justin Houchin join us for this gift to the neighborhood.

Please note: easy transit to Cyprian's via Muni buses #5, #24, #31, #43), secure bike parking on-site, and free vehicle parking in a lot two blocks away. See Getting to Cyprian's above.

Upcoming concerts: Men of Endurance, previous winner of the Gospel Singing Award from the Bay Area Blues Society, and Fret Not with its old-time roots gospel singing on Saturday, May 14th, 8pm. Produced by SF Live Arts (noevalleymusicseries.com)

Culann's Hounds with Lucia Comnes, April 16

Join us for another raucous show at Cyprian's, with Culann's Hounds, or the "Irish/Cajun Rebel Roots Rock Dance Party," as they like to call themselves. Foot stomping seems to be a theme with us here lately, and this is exactly what the Hounds deliver. The musicians in this group are some of the most intriguing individuals around, and together they produce lively tradition-rooted music with a punk sensibility. Read more about the Hounds here and a recent SFGate interview with their accordionist Renee de la Prade here.

Opening for the Hounds will be Lucia Comnes, another homegrown talent whose virtuosity as both a singer and fiddler were evident from an early age. She's performed as a member of the women's vocal ensemble Kitka and is now enjoying a solo career playing music inspired by traditions from Ireland, Eastern Europe, and many other points on the globe. Read more about her here. Here is her recent hit, Potpourri:

THE SHOW STARTS AT 8 P.M. 

Delicious, homemade treats and beverages, including beer and wine, will be sold downstairs. 

Tickets are $16 advance/$18 door/$14 students with ID at the door only.

Tickets available at:
www.brownpapertickets.com
Swankety Swank, 289 Divisadero, SF
Phoenix Books & Records, 3957 24th St., SF

An Evening of Song Wants You: Call for Singers

Performers at Cyprian's: "We love this place."

Do you have a favorite song you've always wanted to sing in public? Perhaps the one you wrote, an old standard, or one inspired by the themes Spring Break or Busting Out or something completely different of your own choosing? Cyprian's has the performing space with full production services ready for you on June 4th. All levels of experience welcomed.

Sing a cappella, accompany yourself, or perform with Joshua Raoul Brody at the piano or accordion or go for the full band treatment (guitar, bass and drums). Sound, lighting and promotion provided at no cost. All will take place at San Francisco's new venue, Cyprian's at Turk and Lyon on Saturday, June 4th, 8pm. Merle "Ian Shoales" Kessler will host the evening. The event is part of the SF Live Arts music series at Cyprian's.

SF Live Arts and Cyprian's have more great concerts scheduled for April and May (check this site for announcements), but we hope you or someone you know will be interested in performing at the June event. Deadline for signing up for Evening of Song is April 4th.

Evening of Song

Saturday, June 4, 8pm

Cyprian's at Turk & Lyon

2097 Turk

Info and sign-up:

Joshua Raoul Brody: mail@jraoul.org

"Just Because It's In A Church Doesn't Mean You Can't Dance!": Colm O'Riain

Photo: wordandviolin.com

Colm O'Riain has just the thing for you this weekend -- "Celebrate Irishness and all that goes with it." He's got a party going Saturday night at Cyprian's and dancing might be mandatory or at least encouraged. Not only can you dance in church, you can drink wine and beer and feast on snacks.

All the while Colm and his band will offer up a "fireworks display of virtuosity" with their "characteristic intelligence and pizzazz." (Irish Herald) Colm on his fiddle, and his band on guitar, bass and percussion take on Gypsy, Tango, Jazz, Blues and Irish Music for a full evening starting at 8pm. And, says Colm, "Bring a friend or two -- your best ones." Colm is doing the same: his friend is a special guest, an official Bulgarian National Treasure.

Cyprian's is located at the corner of Turk and Lyon and easily accessible for however you travel: an easy walking distance for neighbors, a good spin for cyclists across town, a Muni stop just across the street, and free car parking in a lot two blocks away. (Bike parking available at Cyprian's)

Colm O'Riain & Band will perform as part of the SF Live Arts series (formerly the Noe Valley Music Series).

Saturday, March 19th, 8:00pm

SF Live Arts presents at Cyprian's

Colm Ó Riain & Band

2097 Turk Street at Lyon

$20/door, $18/adv, $16 for folks 65+, kids, and students with ID at the door

Tickets available:
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/159917
Swankety Swank, 289 Divisadero; Phoenix Books & Records, 3957 24th Street

Listen to Colm here

"He Knows How To Dance You"

Photo: colmoriain.com

Photo: colmoriain.com

Click here for Quicktime movie of Colm at Cafe du Nord

Take the word of Grateful Dead lyricist John Perry Barlow when it comes to the accomplished and fiery improviser in many genres, Irish-born violinist Colm O'Riain: he really does know how to "dance you." Colm brings a worldly touch to SF Live Arts at Cyprian's for the St. Patrick's Day Weekend. Exploring the connection between Irish music and Jazz, Brazilian, Cuban, Indian, Gypsy and other musical genres, he has performed in festivals and venues throughout the world—from Argentina and Brazil to Sweden and Vietnam — while also thrilling audiences at festivals and venues across the United States.

Colm's CD Bridge Across the Blue, produced with partner-in-crime, poet Pireeni Sundaralingam, features a dazzling array of musicians and poets and was cited by About.com as "one of the Top 7 recordings of poetry and music of all time."

Join Colm, his band - Geoff van Lienden (guitar), Joe Kyle Jnr (bass) & Wade Peterson (percussion) - and some very special guests for a wonderfully diverse night of music from Bach to Blues and many sideroads along the way.

More buzz about Colm:
“A genius fiddler.”
—Mike Scott, The Waterboys

“Ó Riain’s fireworks display of virtuosity easily spans the diverse genres of gypsy, tango, jazz, blues and Irish music all with his characteristic intelligence and pizzazz.”
—The Irish Herald

Visit Colm's website here, another Quicktime clip from his performance at Cafe du Nord here, and invite friends to join you at the 3/19 concert via his Facebook event page.

Glass House Opens for George Cole Quintet Saturday Night

Glass House, an acoustic fusion group comprised of beat-boxing vocalist Dave Worm and guitar virtuoso Mark Vickness and his exotic acoustic & harp guitars. Dave, whose many talents include founding the ensemble SoVoSo as well as being a founding member of Bobby McFerrin's Voicestra, has remained a regular performer with McFerrin, being featured on recordings, videos and touring internationally.

Dave teams up with guitar virtuoso Mark Vickness and his exotic acoustic & harp guitars. Mark’s interest lies in classical, rock, jazz, folk and even the sitar. Not to mention he’s also written several film scores and scored music for numerous dance pieces.

Together their songwriting, producing and performing experience blend to create music that’s an acoustic fusion combining guitars, 8 string guitar/bass, voice and looped vocal percussion in songs that incorporate elements of folk, rock, pop, jazz and Indian music. The group is based in Oakland, California.

Glass House will be performing songs from their new album, expected to release this June. Their new CD relies exclusively on David’s vocals and Mark’s guitars and tabla playing. All drums are done vocally by David while Mark will be playing an eight string acoustic guitar-bass.
That’s a lot of strings! And, we can’t wait to hear their cover of Robbie Robertson's Broken Arrow.

Glass House appears this Saturday night at Cyprian's at the corner of Turk and Lyon Streets in San Francisco as the opening act. Following them is headliner George Cole Quintet. One amazing night of music.

-- Larissa Zimberoff

George Cole Quintet & Glass House Headline Cyprian's March 5th

Returning from Carnegie Hall:

George Cole -- gypsy jazz with the Django Reinhardt-inspired ensemble

"George's music suggests a hot, sultry evening in a Parisian nightclub in the 1940's and the sophistication of a master craftsman. The mix of high energy guitar playing, soaring violin flights by Julian Smedley, and propulsive "le pompe" rhythm guitar style creates a dynamic musical experience." www.georgecole.net

Sharing the billing at Cyprian's March 5th: Glass House with David Worm and Mark Vickness

David Worm
"A native of Oakland California, David began his singing career in 1985 with the Bay Area groups Jazz Mouth and Vocal Front. In 1989 he became a founding member of Bobby McFerrin's Voicestra and has remained a regular performer with McFerrin, featured on recordings, videos, and touring internationally. Most recently, David performed with McFerrin at the San Francisco debut of McFerrin’s Vocabularies with the Pacific Mozart Ensemble." glasshousemusic.org

Mark Vickness
"As a guitarist, Mark has played and studied rock, jazz, classical, and folk guitar. He is a devotee of the Michael Hedges school of steel string players. He plays a Matthew Mustapick 8 string guitar/bass, a Michael Greenfield G4 fan fret and a Duane Noble harp guitar using original tunings, harmonics, percussive techniques, and looping. Mark was recently chosen to perform and teach at the next Healdsburg Guitar Festival in California." glasshousemusic.org

Cyprian's is pleased to host Larry Kassin's SF Live Arts (formerly Noe Valley Music Series) and salute the series in its 30th year of bringing stellar performances to San Francisco.

Online tickets here at brownpapertickets.com

Fans Brave Rain and Cold for More Bluegrass

Portland's Water Tower Bucket Boys drew patrons in from the cold and wet

The Brothers Comatose added their huge Bay Area following

And Jackstraw, also from Portland, packed the house with walk-ins to the end

A little pre-performance jamming downstairs with Jackstraw

A cold -- really cold for San Francisco -- and drenching wet night simply made bluegrass fans all the more resolute in their pursuit of the sweet picking and fine vocals of three top bands at Cyprian's Friday. More than 120 people packed into the new performance space for another night of the San Francisco Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Festival, produced in cooperation with SF Live Arts.

The two Portland bands -- Jackstraw and The Water Tower Bucket Boys arrived at Turk and Lyon direct from a long trip south with some of the guys traveling in a truck without heat, little fluid for the windshield, and wipers that didn't quite work. Through the mountains, in the rain, reaching out the window with a bottle of water to splash on the windshield. These are guys who really want to play San Francisco.

Robyn Amos, a long-time member of St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church, welcomed the audience at intermission, and reflected on the church's 50 years at Turk and Lyon streets. "We've been in the neighborhood a long time," she said, "but now we're becoming of the community as well." Then she added, "And we're Episcopalian, you can drink wine and beer, if you want, in our church."

Three hours of prime bluegrass for three nights -- a perfect launch of Cyprian's. We're excited to be the new venue for SF Live Arts (formerly Noe Valley Music Series).

Next on the schedule: Saturday, March 5th, 8pm:

• The George Cole Quintet - gypsy jazz with the Django Reinhardt-inspired ensemble
• Glass House - Bobby McFerrin vocalist Dave Worm & exotic guitarist Mark Vickness

At Cyprian's, 2097 Turk (@ Lyon)

Tickets $18 advance/$20 door, $16 students w/ID, seniors and kids at door only

brownpapertickets.com (800) 838-3006

Swankety Swank, 289 Divisadero; Phoenix Books, 3857 24th Street