San Francisco, CA
San Francisco’s famed Blackhawk jazz club showcased Black excellence
Exterior of the Black Hawk, January 27, 1961, the day after the raid for violation of liquor legislation. Photograph Credit score: San Francisco Historical past Heart/San Francisco Public Library.
SAN FRANCISCO – Many individuals aren’t even conscious San Francisco’s Blackhawk jazz membership existed, however in its time, the Tenderloin dive bar usually showcased Black musical excellence. It was the place town’s native son, Johnny Mathis, was found. On the nook of Turk and Hyde streets, what’s now a makeshift park in a neighborhood with a nasty popularity, is the place the likes of Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, and Billie Vacation as soon as graced the nightclub’s tiny stage.
“It isn’t the music historical past that will get prime billing within the San Francisco story, however possibly ought to. The Blackhawk enabled that world to interrupt in a extra widespread consciousness,” Alex Spoto, program director of the Tenderloin Museum says reflecting on the membership’s historic significance. “The membership launched the careers of Johnny Mathis, [Dave] Brubeck in a means, Gerry Mulligan, Cal Tjader all had in depth intervals originally of their profession the place the Blackhawk helped them construct up their chops and get some publicity and in some instances, make some data.”
The museum’s exhibit on the Blackhawk features a listening station that samples music recorded on the historic membership. Albums famously recorded there by Davis and Monk are included.
The membership’s roster of gamers was dynamic and complete for its time. Mongo Santamaria, Depend Basie, and Lester Younger are a few of the different greats who carried out there. The membership was open from 1949 to 1963.
Among the many reside albums, Spoto says his favourite of the bunch is Ahmad Jamal’s file. He stated Basie famously crammed an enormous band onto its tiny stage.
Modern musicians not too long ago paid tribute to the Blackhawk with an occasion at SFJAZZ Heart.
Jeannine Anderson, a classically-trained soprano, was there for a soundcheck forward of San Francisco Restoration Theatre’s manufacturing known as, ‘A Evening on the Blackhawk.’
“My information of the membership is zero. My connection to the membership is zero. Why is it vital for me to be right here tonight? To study. To study in regards to the membership,” she says. “I’ve heard about it. I did some analysis earlier than I got here right here tonight.”
Geoffrey Grier is the manager director of the theater firm.
“I’m nonetheless getting emails like, ‘Nicely, I imply, if the Blackhawk existed again then, how come we’ve by no means heard of it?’ Nicely, as a result of it was torn down. Additionally, it was in part of city individuals informed you not to enter… Even again at the moment, 1946, 1948, 1950, you already know, the Tenderloin was poppin’, however jazz was like hip-hop. Again then it was like solely the beatniks and solely the individuals and the perimeter society actually received into jazz,” Grier says.
He wrote ‘A Evening on the Blackhawk,’ basically a musical homage to the membership. The manufacturing featured the musical styling of what it was prefer to be inside what was basically a dive bar.
“The Blackhawk was one of many first golf equipment to introduce Latin jazz to the West Coast,” Grier says, referring partially to Tjader and Santamaria, neither of who’s African American. “All of the Latin jazz individuals got here via the Blackhawk. It actually piqued my curiosity, so I began to perform a little research, I kinda wrote this play.” He explains his distinctive identify, which references the bebop style, for the way he categorizes his musical. “I had this idea of this ‘bopera’. ‘I’m gonna do me a jazz opera. I am gonna name it a ‘bopera’, and in order that’s the way it developed.”
Anderson does not attempt to pretend it. She is aware of there’s worth on this under-the-radar story from San Francisco’s previous.
“I didn’t know that this was a venue for artists; Black artists, for individuals to be found….such as you stated, Johnny Mathis. So many others. I’m studying part of my very own historical past. Part of my San Franciscan historical past that I didn’t know,” she says.
She explains the magnitude of the occasion at SFJAZZ and the way the Blackhawk impressed a formidable collective of musicians and artists to return collectively this night. “It’s vital for me to be right here, as a result of initially, to be surrounded by these superb musicians and to simply be part of this group, part of this music making. It’s my favourite factor to do. I believe it’s vital to have completely different voice varieties. We’ve received some jazz singers. We’ve received some blues singers, we’ve received some cabaret singers. After which you’ve got little previous me. The classical singer.”
The collaborative spirit is a part of the Blackhawk’s legacy.
“I do know that there was a Sunday jam session that occurred there for a few years, usually. And I believe that jam session is the place younger Johnny Mathis would have been found,” Spoto says. He says Helen Noga, spouse of one of many membership homeowners, left the membership to handle Mathis full time.
Grier says an early incarnation of his manufacturing included a direct hyperlink to the Blackhawk within the type of saxophonist John Useful. The 90-year-old Oakland resident, a McClymonds Excessive College graduate, truly performed the membership. The achieved musician is taken into account “dwelling jazz historical past.” He went on to show at San Francisco State College, UC Berkeley, San Francisco Conservatory of Music and Stanford.
Useful had suffered a stroke in recent times, however nonetheless remembers sitting in with Davis on the Blackhawk. “When Miles Davis performed there, I sat in. I favored their music greater than others,” he says.
He moved round quite a bit from coast to coast, taking part in gigs on the Fillmore scene at a younger age earlier than getting into the Military. A few of his oral historical past from that point is included within the superlative ebook, Harlem of the West.
You may’t speak about San Francisco jazz with out mentioning the Fillmore jazz period. Useful says he by no means used the phrase ‘Harlem of the West’ when he was arising.
Spoto describes the colourful music scene that existed alongside Fillmore and Publish streets and the way throughout the ‘40s and the ‘50s it turned a predominantly African American neighborhood.
“Blacks from the South had been popping out to work within the army operations right here particularly.” He mentions the nice upheaval of the Japanese-People who had been dwelling in that neighborhood prior, however had been interned throughout WWII. “Harlem of the West was fairly a vibrant scene, and was the place loads of the jazz golf equipment had been. Numerous the reside music was occurring in each formal venues and casual venues as a result of everyone lived round there.”
Whereas this scene was thriving, racism throughout this period was nonetheless pervasive.
“Folks overlook how deeply and actually segregated San Francisco was earlier than the civil rights period, and if you happen to had been a Black musician taking part in a gig east of Van Ness, you in all probability weren’t strolling within the entrance door of the membership until your identify was on the marquee.”
And east of Van Ness Avenue is strictly the place the Blackhawk stood.
“And then you definitely go and look it up and also you see how the membership regarded and also you understand that it was a neighborhood membership. It actually was a gap within the wall, you already know and all these guys would play on the High of the Mark, they performed on the Fairmont and all that type of stuff, however after they received accomplished, oh they had been on the Blackhawk partying till 4 or 5 within the morning,” says Grier. “It was the Studio 54 of San Francisco from means again when.”
Spoto says the time interval of the membership’s existence from 1949 to 1963 was transformative for the Tenderloin.
SEE ALSO: Songstress Carrie Cleveland nonetheless making music at 82
“Early twentieth century, this neighborhood, whereas very working class, I believe was fairly sturdy economically. You had loads of working individuals dwelling within the SRO lodges. There have been two world wars right here, two world’s gala’s. There was a really lively port. There was blue-collar work,” Spoto says. “And this was the world the place loads of these individuals would reside.”
He describes cabarets, diners, eating places and bars that sprang as much as cater to this demographic.
“It was one of many solely golf equipment that permitted minors, restricted behind a sequence,” says Norman Brown, 86, of Oakland. He attended the membership usually. He labored as a photojournalist for the Solar Reporter, an African American newspaper based mostly in San Francisco.
“You’ve gotta keep in mind, they appealed to the youth. They didn’t exclude youth,” says Grier. However whereas the membership was thought of inclusive for its time, a very conservative mayor was at odds with the Blackhawk and ordered raids.
Spoto talks about Mayor George Christopher. “He was preoccupied for lots of his phrases I believe with cleansing up the Tenderloin. At one level in 1961 particularly, Mayor Christopher ordered a raid.”
Actually, there are images from the night time of the raid that depict the caged ‘younger grownup’ space contained in the membership. It was the place underage patrons may get pleasure from a Coke and jazz music, basically from behind a chicken-wire fence.
Younger grownup cage contained in the Black Hawk throughout San Francisco Police Division raid for violation of liquor legislation. That is the “caged” space for juveniles beneath the age of 21. Photograph credit score: San Francisco Historical past Heart/San Francisco Public Library.
Inside of The Black Hawk throughout San Francisco Police Division raid for violation of liquor legislation. Taken on January 26, 1961. Photograph credit score: San Francisco Historical past Heart/San Francisco Public Library.
“They typified San Francisco. That they had like a number of raids. The police raided them. All people was attempting to close ‘em down and so they stated, ‘Oh. So the issue is children are mixing with adults and there’s grownup drinks? Okay, we’ll repair that,’” says Grier.
After all, nothing lasts eternally, not even the brilliance that was the Blackhawk. By Spoto’s estimate, it was demolished in 1975 and have become a parking zone.
The area is at present rented by City Alchemy, a nonprofit that employs individuals to wash up metropolis streets.
Spoto describes it as a type of public picnic area known as the City Alchemy Oasis. Artist Adrian Arias’ good River to the Sky mural may be seen on the constructing subsequent to the place Blackhawk stood. It depicts Miles Davis and Billie Vacation; a clue to the locale’s storied previous.
Adrian Arias’ River to the Sky mural in 2021. A mural depicting Miles Davis and Billie Vacation on the facet of the 222 Membership close to Turk and Hyde the place the Black Hawk jazz membership as soon as stood. The Baggage Retailer Gallery helped arrange this mural funded by th
Music aficionados might know this historic landmark is a crucial a part of the jazz custom, but it surely represents a lot extra.
“That is one thing that examples what the Tenderloin actually was and what the magnificence of this historical past actually did produce and why it’s vital for individuals to grasp, be part of and interact,” Grier says.
By means of music, the Blackhawk introduced a mixture of individuals collectively, each on stage and within the viewers.
“Why I don’t learn about it? As a result of the place would you study it if you happen to’re not a musician, or if you happen to’re not linked to a musician? I’m not a jazz musician. I’m linked to jazz musicians,” Anderson says.
“However the place else do you study this? They definitely don’t train it in class. You understand? So I wouldn’t have a connection to it. It’s superb that at my age, in my fourth decade, I’m nonetheless studying.”
To develop your listening expertise of music from the Blackhawk, take a look at KPOO DJ Harrison Chastang’s curated playlist.
Younger grownup entrance at 216 Hyde Road for the Black Hawk, the day after the raid for violation of liquor legislation. Taken January 27, 1961. Photograph credit score: San Francisco Historical past Heart/San Francisco Public Library.
Nook of Turk and Hyde the place the Black Hawk membership as soon as stood. (February 8, 2023)
San Francisco Chronicle Datebook, Oct. 1959. Newspaper clipping reveals an commercial for ‘Jazz on the Blackhawk,’ that includes Oscar Peterson Trio and Thelonious Monk Quartet. Scheduled Oct. 20, 1959.
San Francisco Restoration Theatre’s Geoffrey Grier at ‘A Evening at The Blackhawk’ at SFJazz Heart, Feb. 2 2022.
San Francisco Restoration Theatre’s Geoffrey Grier at ‘A Evening at The Blackhawk’ at SFJazz Heart, Feb. 2 2022.
SF Mayor Breed touts lower crime rate in final full day in office
San Francisco Mayor London Breed touts a crime rate at a more than 20 year low as she prepares to leave office.
SAN FRANCISCO – San Francisco’s outgoing mayor is touting a drop in crime on her last full day in office. As the city prepares to transition from one mayor to another, crime is front and center.
The latest data shows crime is on the decline in San Francisco. The mayor and chief of police said property crime is down 31% from 2023, and violent crime is down 14%.
On her final full day in office, Mayor London Breed said it’s the result of hard work on several fronts. The mayor said a strong district attorney, new state and local laws and the adoption of new technology, have all contributed to the lowest crime rate since 2001.
“We have what we need to be a successful city and I feel strongly and proud that I laid the groundwork for what happened in 2024,” said Mayor Breed. “It’s only going to get better.”
The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a privacy watchdog in the digital and technological space, warned that “There is no magic “tipping point” the SFPD can hit in which more and more surveillance will suddenly be the primary reason for safer streets—the opposite is true. The more surveillance there is, the more vulnerable communities will feel the negative impacts of heavy-handed policing.”
San Francisco’s Police Chief Bill Scott said a focused approach to catching and convicting repeat offenders and adopting new technology played roles in reducing the crime rate. “Once we got that equipment in our arsenal of tools, drones and helicopters, they became even more effective,” said Chief Scott. “We’re seeing more arrests, we’re seeing more arrests on people that are prolific.”
The latest data comes as the city prepares for a new mayor to lead the city. Mayor-elect Daniel Lurie met with officers in Chinatown to listen to their concerns. He acknowledged the decrease in crime, but said there is still work to be done. “It’s incredibly hopeful,” said Lurie. “We have to continue to do our work. I’ve commended them on those crime stats going down, want to continue to see improvements there.”
Specifically, the mayor-elect said he wanted to see increased focus on the fentanyl epidemic and maintain the focus on public safety and said he will share more details on his plans on Wednesday.
With the San Francisco Giants’ first pick of the 2017 MLB draft, the club selected Heliot Ramos out of Leadership Christian Academy in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico.
Ramos would spend the next five years in the franchise’s minor league system, with many outlets ranking the outfielder as a top-100 prospect throughout before making his Major League debut on April 10, 2022. The young star would be optioned and recalled multiple times throughout the year, and see only 22 plate appearances at the MLB level.
After spending time at the Major League level in the first month of 2023, Ramos would once again be optioned to Triple-A, where he would succumb to injury less than three weeks later. A right oblique strain would see the outfielder sidelined for much of the year, again failing to eclipse 100 plate appearances at the top level of the sport, reaching only 65.
2024 would prove to be different. It served as the coming out party for Heliot Ramos. The outfielder was able to prove his ability with enough consistent playing time, hitting .269/.322/.469 with 22 home runs, 72 RBI, and a 125 OPS+ across 518 plate appearances while getting his first nod as a National League All-Star.
Now 25 and with one full year of Major League experience under his belt, Ramos’s production at the plate could take another step forward in the coming year.
Baseball Savant shows that Ramos’s power was not just beginner’s luck, as the analytics have the outfielder in the 85th or better percentiles for each of xSLG (90th percentile), average exit velocity (85th), barrel rate (92nd), hard-hit rate (85th), and bat speed (90th).
While the power is there for Ramos, the outfielder has not shown the best plate discipline, with only 37 walks and a massive 135 strikeouts. His walk rate of 7.1 percent ranks in the 36th percentile while his strikeout rate of 26.1 percent ranks in the 23rd percentile.
Defensively, Ramos played all three outfield positions but saw the majority of his time in center field. It proved to be his worst of the three, however, with -7 Outs Above Average, while he posted positive one Outs Above Average in each of the corner outfield positions.
Ramos has already proven to be a solid cornerstone of the Giants’ offense with what he was able to accomplish at the plate in 2024. The coming campaign should see the outfielder take another step forward in his development, and could even see him cement himself as the key to the team’s success.
Refreshing Lemon Drop Martini with a Garnish
getty
The San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC) has released the inaugural list of its 2024 Vodkas of the Year. Chopin Potato Vodka was chosen the Vodka of the Year. Below is a brief description and tasting notes of the SFWSC’s ten Vodkas of the Year.
These vodkas were Double Gold medalists at the SFWSC and received Gold Medals in at least four other major international spirit competitions. They are among the world’s best, offering diverse aroma and flavor profiles and range from established legacy brands to new offerings from craft producers. All of them are widely available and reasonably priced.
Global Vodka Trends
The global vodka market remained relatively stable in 2024 compared to 2023. According to Euromonitor International, vodka sales were expected to be 338.4 million cases by the end of 2024, a slight decrease from 338.44 million cases in 2023.
Despite this marginal decline in volume, the value of vodka sales experienced growth, increasing from $78.2 billion in 2023 to $79.4 billion in 2024. Sales in 2025 are projected to rise to $82.6 billion by 2025.
Economy and premium brands showed the most significant revenue increases as a combination of economic headwinds drove consumers to low-priced options while continued premiumization drove other consumers towards higher-priced expressions. The demand for premium vodka expressions seemed particularly prevalent among millennials and Gen Z consumers.
Flavored vodkas continued to outperform neutral expressions and are expected to surpass them in volume by 2025 or 2026. Flavored vodka volumes are growing around 6.5% while volume of neutral (unflavored) vodka expressions posted slight declines in 2024.
Botanical vodkas, those flavored with botanicals rather than artificial flavorings, are the fastest growing segment of the vodka market, albeit from a relatively small base. The emergence of botanical vodkas is creating a gin-like vodka category which differs from gin only in the prominence of juniper flavors and is often difficult to distinguish from “contemporary gins” that eschew a prominent juniper flavor.
Overall, while global vodka sales volume remained relatively steady with only a slight decline in 2024, the value of sales increased, indicating the trend towards premiumization in the vodka market is continuing.
Two vodka in shot glasses space
getty
SFWSC Vodka of the Year
These vodkas have been recognized with some of the most significant awards in the industry, including the Double Gold Medal from the prestigious San Francisco World Spirits Competition. These accolades are a testament to their exceptional quality and craftsmanship.
Grey Goose Vodka, Grey Goose Distillery, France
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold, Beverage Testing Institute: Gold, New York International Spirits Competition: Gold
Silky and smooth, Grey Goose features flavors of citrus zest and almond and a creamy mouthfeel, this vodka has a clean and elegant finish, making it a benchmark for luxury vodkas.
Belvedere Vodka, Polmos Żyrardów, Poland
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold
Belvedere is rich and full-bodied, with notes of vanilla and rye spice and a creamy, velvety texture. The finish is long, smooth, and subtly peppery.
Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Fifth Generation Inc., USA
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold, World Spirits Awards: Gold, New York International Spirits Competition: Gold
Corn sweetness with a creamy texture, subtle notes of bread, and a clean, slightly sweet finish. Tito’s Vodka is versatile for cocktails or sipping neat and pairs well with [specific food or mixers].
Vodka cocktails garnished with lemon, blueberries, and rosemary
getty
Absolut Elyx, The Absolut Company, Sweden
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold
Absolut Elyx is luxuriously smooth and silky with fresh grain flavors, subtle vanilla, and hints of fruit. The finish is crisp, elegant, and refined.
Cîroc Vodka, Distillerie de Chevanceaux, France
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold
Bright and crisp, with light grape, citrus, and tropical fruit flavors, the finish is clean, refreshing, and slightly sweet.
Stolichnaya Elit, Latvijas Balzams, Latvia
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold
Stolichnaya is ultra-smooth with a creamy mouthfeel and flavors of marshmallow, citrus zest, and a subtle peppery finish.
Caviar on a cracker with a glass of vodka makes a classic pairing.
getty
Reyka Vodka, William Grant & Sons, Iceland
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold
Clean and crisp with a soft minerality, notes of vanilla, and a hint of citrus. The finish is smooth and refreshing, with a slightly earthy undertone.
Chopin Potato Vodka, Polmos Siedlce, Poland
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, Beverage Testing Institute: Gold
Chosen as the Vodka of the Year, Chopin Potato Vodka offers a complex and nuanced aroma and taste profile.
It is full-bodied and creamy with earthy undertones, hints of vanilla, and a touch of sweetness. The finish is rich and smooth.
Crystal Head Vodka, Globefill Inc., Canada
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, New York International Spirits Competition: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold
Bright and clean with subtle notes of vanilla, peach, and soft grains. The finish is crisp and refreshing.
Black Cow Vodka, Black Cow Distillery, England
San Francisco World Spirits Competition: Double Gold, IWSC: Gold, World Vodka Awards: Gold, International Spirits Challenge: Gold, New York International Spirits Competition: Gold
It is smooth and creamy, with hints of vanilla, coconut, and soft sweetness from its milk-based distillation process. The finish is clean and slightly sweet.
These vodkas represent some of the finest in the world, having won the coveted Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and multiple other gold medals from prestigious international competitions. Each of these vodkas demonstrates exceptional quality and craftsmanship, presenting a broad range of aroma and flavor profiles. Each is an outstanding vodka and worth trying!
Man Charged in NYC Subway Burning Pleads Not Guilty and Says He Was Drunk
Palisades Fire threatens Southern California cultural touchstone
Detroit Red Wings, Patrick Kane top Ottawa Senators in overtime
San Francisco reports lowest crime rate in more than 20 years
Cotton Bowl Preparing for Dallas-Area Snowstorm Ahead of Ohio State-Texas Game
Colorado Rockies game no. 116 thread: Zac Gallen vs José Ureña
Why Marjorie Taylor Greene was ‘kicked out’ of the Freedom Caucus according to Rep. Buck
See it: Tesla crashes into Columbus convention center at 70 mph
Fox News Politics: Georgia the whole day through
Death of missing Oregon girl found in stream ruled homicide
Trump Again Hints at Jan. 6 Pardons, Including for Attacks on Police
Outgoing WH official calls for US to bolster cybersecurity workforce by hiring non-degree holders
Herbert Kickl invites ÖVP to hold coalition talks
Florida judge blocks release of special counsel report on Trump cases
Two Bodies Found in Plane’s Landing Gear at Fort Lauderdale Airport
-
Business7 days agoThese are the top 7 issues facing the struggling restaurant industry in 2025
-
Culture7 days agoThe 25 worst losses in college football history, including Baylor’s 2024 entry at Colorado
-
Sports6 days agoThe top out-of-contract players available as free transfers: Kimmich, De Bruyne, Van Dijk…
-
Politics5 days agoNew Orleans attacker had 'remote detonator' for explosives in French Quarter, Biden says
-
Politics5 days agoCarter's judicial picks reshaped the federal bench across the country
-
Politics3 days agoWho Are the Recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom?
-
Health2 days agoOzempic ‘microdosing’ is the new weight-loss trend: Should you try it?
-
World7 days agoIvory Coast says French troops to leave country after decades