19th Aug 2010
SF Weekly’s “All Shook Down” music festival highlights local talent, local clubs
On Sunday, July 25, SF Weekly hosted the first-ever All Shook Down music festival, and judging by the success, it should be safe to expect it back next year. Even with rapper Forrest Day passing out mid-song, the vibes were good all around. Besides introducing various Bay Area artists like Day, Birds & Batteries, and Ghosts on Tape, the event also spotlighted ten of the best SF bars and clubs.
- Amante: A hidden North Beach gem with cheap but delicious small-plate options and cocktails. Watch live music from their plush bar stools.
- Grant & Green Saloon: Offers free 21 shows almost every night in a variety of genres.
- Maggie McGarry’s: Karaoke every Wednesday night and a historic roster of performing artists, including Janis Joplin and Robert Plant.
- Mojito: A funk- and electronica-based club that also features a big screen for the best sporting events (like the World Cup).
- Royale: One of the most upscale of the venues, with velvet benches and a mahogany bar. Dancing is the name of the game here.
- Savoy Tivoli: Founded as a local restaurant in 1906, Savoy-Tivoli is now a popular local club with no cover but enough popularity to keep the waiting lines long.
- Columbus Caf: Features a traditional parlor caf upstairs (with26 microbrews on tap) and a full-service bar below for private parties and events.
- The Church Key: Renowned for its extensive beer list and informative bartenders.
- Bocce Caf: A classic Italian restaurant that caters to individual diners, group parties, and bands alike. Fridays and Saturdays feature selections from jazz, Bossa Nova, and other classic standards.