I met this smiling gentleman last weekend while he was playing his ukulele on a bench atop Bernal Hill. He said he was visiting from Brooklyn, and that he was enjoying the view. I’m glad, because I enjoyed his music. Listen in:
PHOTO, VIDEO: Telstar Logistics
Here’s yet another MTV moment for Bernalwood.
Bernal Hill gets some key cameos in this music video for a romantic song that tells a classic tale of “artsy loner dude meets smoking’ hot girl, loses hot girl to douchebag other guy, gets hot girl back when douchbag guy reveals his douchey inner nature, but in the end it turns out the whole thing is just a made-up fantasy, because really, he’s an artsy loner dude.” In other words, it’s a very typical Bernal Heights relationship story.
The song itself is called “What If” by Summer Breeze. It isn’t as clever or as funky as that one from Jahmeel, but as we all know… that’s showbiz.
I spied these two instrument-headed mutants strolling down the street in South Bernal last weekend. Let’s call them Mr. Keyboard and Mr. Peavey. They seemed harmless enough, but it’s just fortunate they weren’t plugged in. I half-expected to see someone with a Stratocaster or hi-hat head walking right behind them.
And for all you videogame-addicted kiddies out there, let this serve as a warning: Step away from Rock Band and Guitar Hero, or you could end up just like these people.
PHOTO: Telstar Logistics
Jackie Jones has been a Saturday fixture at Bernal’s own Alemany Farmer’s Market for as long as I can remember, entertaining foodies — and their kids — with her charming musical act. She was at Alemany last weekend, and — the passage of time being what it is — I confess that each time I see her I always fear it may be the last. She is a Bernal Heights treasure.
Jackie’s instruments include a washboard guitar, a hand saw she plays like a fiddle, and a battered boombox she uses to DJ her backbeats via well-worn cassette tapes. Best of all, however, is Jackie’s feline sidekick — a dancing wooden controlled by a foot pedal.
Now more than 80 years old, Jackie was featured in a 2005 article in the San Francisco Chronicle that described at her musical repertoire:
Since she arrived in San Francisco in March 1952 from New Orleans Jones has played music continuously in dance bands bar bands Latin bands Russian bands stage bands gay bands Hawaiian bands country bands and even with the legendary Cockettes. She’s played at county fairs and strip shows and everywhere in between.
Of course, the only way to really experience Jackie Jones is to see her in action. But if it’s been a little while since you last visited the Alemany Farmer’s Market — San Francisco’s very best, as we all know — this short video may refresh your memory. The really fun stuff starts at around 0:55, when Jackie makes her hand saw sing:
PHOTO: Top, Jackie Jones on July 30, 2011, by Telstar Logistics
Okay, so, in a strictly geographical sense, this hilarious video isn’t about Bernal Heights. After all, like, we don’t even have a Whole Foods yet! (Editor’s Note: WHEW!)
But psychographically, the video hits close to home. Dawg, this is the big Bernalood life here at the intersection of urban grit, contemporary hip-hop, and organic produce! And besides… as @smurfcore points out:
She’s totally right. Replace “Whole Foods” with “Good Life” and the song raps just as real, yo.
Last week it was glamorous fashion shoots, and this week it’s music videos by the hipster undead…
San Franciso’s Cool Ghouls recently filmed a video for their cute song “Oh California” on our rapidly-browning hill, and the finished product is a lot of fun to see. There’s no embed for the finished video via the band’s Facebook hoo-hah, but by all means watch it right here. To grab the music, download the free Cool Ghouls EP.
PHOTOS: Kate Shay
This musical event announcement arrived via the pneumatic tube that connects Bernalwood’s editorial facility with the outside world:
My name is Cristina and I perform music and make stuff under the moniker of The Heated. I wanted to let you know about a kick ass show coming up at Wild Side West for a great cause. This show is a benefit for three riders in the AIDS Lifecycle. Local (and all women) bands, The P’s & Q’s, The Heated and Tik-Tik Fly (a duo, one of whom tap dances!) will be performing. There will be bottomless PBR for a 10$ donation and there will be a raffle with a chance to win many rad prizes (like a Get Awesome tote bag printed by The Heated). And BBQ! Plus, who doesn’t love getting a little toasty in the afternoon? Here are the details and the flyer is attached.
Date: Sunday, May 1st
Location: Wild Side West
424 Cortland Ave
San Francisco, CA 94110
Time: 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm (music starts at 4:00 pm)
PHOTO: Courtesy of The Heated
This video captures Antonino Musco moving the Hill during an improv session with a Yamaha Tenori-On earlier this month. Sweet!
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