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.

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.