Performers, musicians, and dancers lit up the stage at the corner of 18th and Valencia streets to participate in the ninth annual 415 celebration, an outdoor party honoring old-school San Francisco.
Many wore retro and vintage 49ers, Giants and Warriors hats and jerseys; some spoke in a circle about the Giants’ poor start to the season as they compared their one-of-a-kind jackets. Others said that, more than anything, they came because of the vibes.
“It is a bunch of love going around the city. It is a bunch of people from different walks of life celebrating one thing, all being together,” said one artist. “It makes me feel like I don’t have friends. It makes me feel like I have more of a family. Everyone around here is a close group of family.”
San Francisco was officially incorporated 174 years ago today — April 15, 1850. Cosmically, “415” is also the city’s much beloved area code.
This was not lost on the at least 200 people who filled the parking lot where the party took place Monday evening. On the stage, a DJ spun between performances to keep people dancing as they waited for the next act.
One of those performers said that it was special to be able to take the stage on this day.
“It feels amazing. Giving back to my community with my vocals means so much to me,” said Miss Nanaa. “My late grandfather, who recently passed away, is the reason why I sing so, for me, to be performing in the Mission is big for me, because I am representing him and his vocals all the way from the skies.”
And, as usual in the Mission, some revelers took the opportunity to drive up in their shining low-riders. A couple of the drivers were kind enough to show people the interior of their vehicles.
While others partied, some took the opportunity to sell art, crafts and vintage wear. At least half a dozen vendors offered a variety of hoodies, T-shirts, hats, prints and even beer cans and koozies. All of them had one thing in common: The San Francisco theme.
“The turnout has been very good. I love it. It is like our holiday, and all of my art is city stuff. My whole brand is to keep the nostalgia of the city alive,” said artist Casandra Pintor.
Pintor said that she wanted to pick something for her art that everyone in the city could relate to.
“I do different districts, but I try to pick Muni, because I feel [Muni] is very generalized with the city, and workers, and all of us, how we grew up,” said Pintor. ”415 day means a lot to me, because I try to keep my art to where it keeps the city alive.”
What a shame this wasn’t more widely advertised! The first I’m hearing of it is a day after it happened…
I sure wish I’d known about this. All that was on was protesting and bad news. I had some pieces I could have sold definitely all SF theme