Balmy Alley kicks off block party seasonBy Caitlin Donohue
"Naya Bihana" (A New Dawn), a Martin Travers mural in Balmy Alley commemorating the struggle for freedom in Tibet.
Balmy Alley is awesome. In general, I am content to mosey through this painty wonderland with a loved one, preferably with a cup of coffee from Phil’z or a $1.50 24th street taco grasped firmly in my paw. But this Friday there’s a top-shelf chance to enjoy Balmy in my most favoritest form of celebration: the block party.
The alleyway gallery on Balmy Street was started in 1975 by Mujeres Muralistas, and exploded into its present glory in 1985, when three dozen muralists threw up 27 pieces on the back road’s garage doors, walls and sitting stoops. Originally a celebration of Latin American indigenous culture and refutation of our government’s malicious shenanigans south of the border, its walls now include send-ups of Mission gentrification and a commemoration of the Katrina tragedy. It has become an important focal point of the neighborhood and is a kickass place for a block party.
Just add lawnchairs and a light show.
This year’s isn’t Balmy's first block party, but thanks to sponsor entertainment law firm Oliver & Sabec, its going to the biggest and baddest. From six to seven, Precita Eyes will offer tours of the murals, whose loveliness will make stunning backdrop later on for the block party stage. Music will feature Diop Percu, a Senegalese drumming group that has a member with an alley address, plus musicians from Bay Area fave Tea Leaf Green - folk rockers whose website likens their tunes’ allure to running away to join the circus. There’ll be food on sale from local taquerias and- a key component of any self respecting block party- a light show!
The neighborhood gears up for the biggest Balmy get down yet.
If a single Friday doesn't fill your block party yearly allowance (I think we’d get along great!) keep that lawn chair easily accessible and save your brown bag for reimplementation October 24th at the slightly more hipster Clarion Alley Block Party. Yay fun!
Fri/2, 6 p.m.- 11 p.m., free
Balmy Alley
24th Street between Treat and Harrison
(415) 641-1116
www.oliversabec.com
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