Plymouth can have Thanksgiving and Bethlehem can have Christmas, but Halloween belongs to San Francisco. As you can see from these historic photos (taken in 1921 and 1946, respectively), San Franciscans can't help but parade in costume every October 31st. It's as natural an instinct as rooting for the Giants or complaining about Muni.

Amoeba San Francisco upholds this civic tradition every year with our annual Halloween employee costume contest. If you thought last year's costumes were good, wait till you get a load of this year's collection!

The festivities began with the dynamic DJing duo of Jamie Lee Roth and The Ancient Mariner spinning truly spooky tunes, such as the vocal track to "Running with the Devil" (see the end of this post for that special trick/treat). As customers in a variety of different stages of disguise browsed the aisles, a team of official costume contest judges was assembled (Tarin, Kathy, Suzanne, and Derrick) and Marketing and Promotions rep Tarin Muir took the stage to introduce the staff contestants. 

The 13th Annual San Francisco World Music Festival, one of the most distinguished festivals in the United States dedicated to producing traditional masters from the San Francisco Bay Area and around the world, brings together the music of many cultures in a festival-commissioned world premiere called The Opera Project.

The Festival officially kicks off on November 8th at 8pm with a special film screening of INTANGIBLE ASSET NO. 82 by Australian filmmaker Emma Franz. The film features Korean p’ansori singer Bae Il Dong and Korean percussionist Kim Dong Won, and won Best Documentary at the Durban International Film Festival in South Africa, Best Sound in Documentary at the AFI Awards Australia, and was runner up for the Most Popular Documentary at the Melbourne International Film Festival.

On November 8th and 9th, catch FROM BAROQUE TO BEIJING OPERA SCHOOL SHOW at 10am and 12pm. This specially designed experience for youths, teachers, and schools of the Bay Area features world renowned master opera singers and musicians plus members of the Festival’s Youth Orchestra.

Noise Pop and Amoeba Music continue the ever-popular and biweekly vinyl party Noise Pop Record Collective on Tuesday, October 23rd hosted by producer and writer (XLR8R) Glen Jackson! The party goes from 8pm till 11pm at Berkeley's Missouri Lounge.

Here's how it works: fans are invited to bring their own record for the carefully selected celebrity host DJs to play over the course of the evening. When you come, just check your records in at the DJ booth with the Record Collective Librarians and you'll be all set to party.

On Friday, November 2nd, Strangelove honors those who have passed by celebrating Dia de los Muertos - the Day of the Dead - at The Cat Club (Folsom and 8th, San Francisco).

In the back room, DJs Tomas Diablo (Villainy - R.I.P.) and Bryan Hawk (Asylum - R.I.P.) play the best of Dark Electro, Industrial, New Wave, and Goth. In the front room, enjoy spooky sounds and surprises from New York's Saint James (Limelight - R.I.P.) and local legend Andy T. (Covered Wagon - R.I.P.)

Of course, it wouldn't be a proper Day of the Dead celebration without macabre activities!

SKULL FACE PAINTING! Make-up artists will put a ghoulish grin on your face. It's FREE for everyone, though tips are always appreciated.

ALTAR TO THE DEAD! Bring a picture of a deceased loved one or celebrity to add to our altar. Please respect the altar and do not take anything from the ofrenda - items there are for the spirits.

PINATA! How often do you get to savagely swing a big stick in a nightclub (without getting arrested)? Whoever breaks it open will win a gift certificate from Amoeba Music, a Strangelove t-shirt, AND a pair of tickets to see The Birthday Massacre with Aesthetic Perfection at Slim's on Thursday, November 15th.

RSVP on Facebook HERE!

Having already entertained multiple sold out crowds, The Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive have their L@TE season in full swing!

Throughout the Fall season the BAM/PFA continues to partner with Amoeba Music and other curators to bring the public extended hours, discounted prices, and avant garde performances within the museum's expansive gallery on Friday nights!

Highlights in the coming weeks include T.I.T.S. & Eric Lyle (10/19), Peggy Honeywell & Bill Daniel (11/16), and a special E@RLY performance from former DNA drummer Ikue Mori (12/2)!

The Friday night programs typically begin at 7:30pm in Gallery B. Doors open at 5pm with DJs in the lobby or Gallery B at 6:30pm. Admission is $7; free for BAM/PFA members and Cal students, faculty, and staff. Tickets are available exclusively to members, students, faculty, and staff until one week before each event, at which time tickets go on sale to the general public. If a show is sold out, rush tickets may be available at the door beginning at 8pm.


Read the full season schedule HERE!

 

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