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
