In the past few years, San Francisco has doubled down on bringing live music to the masses. With a combination of free concerts spread throughout the city and huge takeovers of Civic Center and Golden Gate Park, SF has flexed a diverse set of musical muscles. Embarcadero Plaza, under the shadow of a very big naked statue in front of the Ferry Building, has become one of the most notable sites for a free party, with last year’s Back to Baysics event from Dirtybird Records drawing thousands.
Outside Lands promoter Another Planet Entertainment, in coordination with San Francisco Recreation and Parks, just announced its next big Embarcadero party: a collaboration with Om Records on May 9 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Much like Dirtybird, Om has deep roots in San Francisco’s house music community. Founded after a chance meeting in an apartment on Haight Street in 1995, the label has released over 800 records, from renowned names like Groove Armada, J Boogie’s Dubtronic Science and 40 Thieves, which just released a new single “Déjà Vu.” Those three are part of Om’s 30th anniversary album. Other notable names associated with the label include Underworld, Dirty Vegas, Bassnectar, Kaskade and Mark Farina, who released his seminal Mushroom Jazz series through the label. Another Planet has yet to announce the artists on the bill, but one can expect some heavy hitters, plus an after-party at the Great Northern.
It’s unclear whether Golden Gate Park will see another “summer of music,” similar to what the park had last year with major bookings like the Dead & Co. and Zach Bryan, who bookended Outside Lands, but fans of free music will be happy to hear that the Illuminate Live series will continue to activate the Golden Gate Bandshell with over 125 free concerts this year.
Editor’s note: This story was updated at 1 p.m., March 24 to clarify that Dead & Co. performed at Golden Gate Park.