Potrero Hill Festival

     (Go ahead and click on the band images for the full effect!)

     October 17 saw the Potrero Hill neighborhood explode into celebration with the 19th Annual Potrero Hill Festival.  Held this year on 20th Street high above the city, the Potrero Boosters Association attempted to bring some business to the sometimes neglected retailers on this scenic street.  Eighteenth Street tends to attract most of the commercial attention here, not least because it is two blocks further down the hill.
     Nevertheless, the festival was pretty well attended if not quite rivaling the Haight Street Fair or North Beach Jazz Fest.  Mezisto, pictured above, featured the horn section from San Francisco's own Tower of Power.  I think this photo turned out pretty well.  The big dude wasn't much of a singer, but they were more about the music than the lyrics.

     Also featured at the party was a petting zoo; this being a family neighborhood and all.  I couldn't resist this critter.
     Naturally, I crave Belgian waffles.  Score!  Seriously though, they had tons of great food vendors.
      The best part was the Bobbie Webb Smooth Blues Band lead by local sax man Bobbie 'Spider' Webb.  PHUNKY!!!!!!  This was the dance portion of the show, and Webb didn't hold back by leading off with JB's 'Sex Machine'.  I said this was a family event right?
     Webb brought the funk despite it being the middle of the day.  It was a delight and a surprise to hear some funky music after watching Aztec dancers and the aforementioned Mezisto.  No disrespect to those performers, but when it comes to a party, I gots ta have the Funk! 

It's Friday Mutha*****!

     This is the view from McKinley Square on 20th Street near the top of the curviest part of Vermont Street.  The park itself (that I was standing in) was improved last year with new play structures and sod for the doggies. 
     The hump off in the distance is Mt. Davidson and if you squint, you can see Bethel Christian Church in the middle.  It's the array of dark triangles that looks like it could be one big housing complex.

   It being Friday afternoon, there was virtually no one at the park.  There was also no one at Jay's Deli, about five blocks away.  The windows were papered over and just a sign that said they were closing for awhile.  I called Jay and he said that since he just got back to the states, he would have to talk to me on Monday. 
    The sign on the door said it was due to 'circumstances beyond their control..'  He said he'd talk to his wife and then speak with me.  I have to say that he has my attention now.  He spoke with a thick Australian accent, so maybe his brother got arrested back home or some other embarrassing family situation. 
   

Baraka now Sunflower

     Baraka restaurant had been closed for almost a year, but the building has finally been transformed into a snazzy new Vietnamese joint.  Baraka was too expensive for me, but it always got great reviews.  Sunflower should be a good draw in Potrero Hill just because it is different.  Goin' there Friday night!
http://www.sunflower-restaurant.com/
The Web site still says 16th Street, but don't be fooled, it's on Connecticut at the corner of 18th (across from Goat Hill Pizza).