Grunt's Minutia

When Ruben Dann is drafted out of a dead-end job delivering furniture, he hopes the army will teach him a useful trade. Instead he finds himself in another dead-end job, in the infantry, being herded around the battlefield by sergeants and officers, searching for an elusive enemy he doesn't want to find. Vesuvio in San Francisco will present an evening of readings from "Grunt's Minutia," Jack Yaghubian's account of sixteen days as a soldier in Vietnam, at 7 pm on Tuesday May 22. The program will be free, open to anyone 21 and older. Yaghubian, a longtime bartender legendary among North Beach pub crawlers who know him as "Jack the Hat," based the book on his own experiences on the DMZ in the fall of 1969. Alternately hysterical and harrowing, it follows 20-year-old "Ruben Dann" as he is transformed from a green draftee from a California beach town into a man who learns the hard way how to deal with war and death. Vesuvio is at 255 Columbus Ave. at Jack Kerouac Alley. For more information, please call (415) 362 3370.

VESUVIO CAFE TO PRESENT "HOW I GOT THAT STORY"

Vesuvio Cafe in San Francisco will present a free staged reading of
Amlin Gray's "How I Got That Story" on Tuesday June 21 at 7 pm.
Admission must be limited to those 21 and older.

The short, two-act play is a dark satire that follows an idealistic
reporter through his assignment to "Am-bo Land," a thinly-disguised
Viet Nam. The parallels to our current involvement in Iraq and
Afghanistan are striking as the reporter meets everyone from American
soldiers to local government officials and guerrilla fighters, a
religious leader and a teenage prostitute.

The production will be directed by Jim Reese who, in a tour-de-force,
will read 20 of the 21 roles. The reporter will be read by Tony Lioce,
a former editor for the Los Angeles Times and the San Jose Mercury
News.

When first produced in 1979, the play was hailed by the Hollywood
Reporter as "wildly funny, yet chronicling the horror and devastation
of war... a stunning theatrical achievement."

Vesuvio is at 255 Columbus Ave. in North Beach. For more information
please call (415) 362-3370.


WHAT: A STAGED READING OF "HOW I GOT THAT STORY" BY AMLIN GRAY
WHEN: TUESDAY JUNE 21 AT 7 PM
WHERE: VESUVIO CAFE, 255 COLUMBUS AVE., SAN FRANCISCO
HOW MUCH: FREE (MUST BE 21 OR OLDER TO ATTEND)
FOR MORE INFORMATION: (415) 362-3370

GREIL MARCUS TO READ AT VESUVIO

Selections from his book on Bob Dylan's Basement Tapes will kick off national tour

Acclaimed writer and critic Greil Marcus will launch a national tour of readings from his book "The Old, Weird America: The World of Bob Dylan's Basement Tapes" at the legendary Vesuvio Cafe in San Francisco on Tuesday, May 3 - exactly three weeks before Dylan's 70th birthday. The program will be free, open to anyone 21 and older and will start at 7 p.m.

Marcus' analyses of Dylan's work (recently collected in an anthology that spans 42 years, and which include the liner notes for the original release of "The Basement Tapes" by Columbia Records in 1975) have been hailed widely as some of the most astute and penetrating ever done. "No previous writer has so transportingly or authoritatively revealed Mr. Dylan against the receding vistas of American music and culture,” wrote Robert Polito in The New York Times Book Review. In Newsday, Stephanie Zacharek called "The Old, Weird America" the "year’s best work of criticism, hands down" while David Remnick in The New Yorker praised its "mad, sparkling brilliance." Dylan himself has said the book "goes deeply into the subconscious and plows through that period of time like a rake. Greil Marcus has done it again.”

Marcus, whose writings on popular culture also have focused on artists from Harmonica Frank and Robert Johnson to Elvis Presley, Randy Newman, Van Morrison, David Lynch and Marlon Brando, has taught at U.C. Berkeley, Princeton and the New School in New York City. He will take questions from the audience.

Vesuvio, at 255 Columbus Ave. in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood, is an especially appropriate place for Marcus' tour to begin. In the '50s and early '60s, it was the bar of choice for the beats who would gather at City Lights Books right across the alley: Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, writers who were exerting an enormous influence on a kid named Robert Zimmerman - who over the years himself would have a few drinks at Vesuvio. Now more than 63 years old, it remains a hangout for poets, artists, actors and musicians, cab drivers and chess players, exotic dancers and seamen, business people and barflies - bon vivants from all walks of life, who have come from as close as the next street over and as far away as Mars.

For more information, call (415) 362-3370.

A Fair To Remember

Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, kids of all ages. Art, Music, Candy Goodies, Good Times... all at "A Fair To Remember". Sunday, April 17th, from noon to six pm in Jack Kerouac Alley.

VESUVIO READING SERIES TO EXPAND WITH WORK BY LOCAL AUTHOR M. CAZADORES

SAN FRANCISCO - Vesuvio in North Beach will expand its series of free readings on Tuesday, September 28 with selections from "Nothing Left for the Dead," the first novel by M. Cazadores of Berkeley, who will be a featured participant. Accompanying music will be provided by David & Joanna, the up-and-coming duo whose sound has been described as "the Everly Brothers meeting the Velvet Underground."

For several years, the celebrated bohemian barroom at 255 Columbus Ave. has presented readings of work by writers long associated with the place, from Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg to Richard Brautigan . This will be the first time a promising new author will be in the spotlight - and himself one of the readers, along with Vesuvio bartenders, waitresses and denizens under the direction of James Reese. It also will be the first time a local band is part of the program.

"Nothing Left for the Dead" is a novel that begins as a mystery and "degenerates" - the author's word - into a form of neo-existential literature. Its themes are indentured servitude, technology, American corporate plutocracy, racism, sheep, sex, love, music, drugs and time.

The reading will be free and open to anyone 21 and older, starting at 7 p.m., and will be followed by Cazadores taking questions from the audience.

For more than 60 years, Vesuvio, located where Columbus Avenue meets Jack Kerouac Alley, has been a hangout for writers, artists and actors, cab drivers and chess players, exotic dancers and seamen, business people and barflies - bon vivants from all walks of life, who have come from as close as the next street over and as far away as Mars.

World Cup Pancake Breakfast!

Come watch the US National soccer team take on the mighty United Kingdom on Saturday, June 12th.

Before the kickoff at 11:30 am, from 9 to 11am, we will be offering up a pancake breakfast with all the fixin's -- eggs, bacon, toast, the whole shebang! Only a five dollar donation is required, so come on down, support the US soccer team and fill your belly in the process.

Oh yeah, we have drinks, too.

See you there!

Come Celebrate The Work Of Richard Brautigan

A night in Paris without the jetlag!

1920 Paris was the place most people wanted to be, especially people like Hemingway, Picasso, the Fitzgeralds, Gertrude Stein… need we go on? Kiki de Montparnasse was Man Ray’s mistress and model, and she knew how to throw a party! Daisy of Omaha meets them all in Postcards From Paris.

Music will shake the joint, Kiki’s film debuts in Léger and Man-Ray’s famous short films will play, and you’ll meet friends and supporters of Art & Film, and Francophiles from around the Bay Area.

Join us for great music, films, food, drink & company!

SF Art & Film for Teenagers has been making all the arts a vital part of young people’s lives since 1993 with a number of free programs – a Friday night Cine/Club, Art Saturdays to museums and galleries, and free tickets throughout the year to opera, symphony, theater and dance performances – serving 600+ students a year.

Since 1998 its Sunday Film Workshop has produced some of the finest prize-winning student films in the nation. Its films have shown in the festivals of San Francisco, Mill Valley, Los Angeles, Chicago, Nashville, London, Paris, Lisbon, Berlin & Athens among others. Students work with mentors who take them through the entire film process—from treatment to finished film.

SF Art & Film depends on support from the community and needs your help. We hope you will help encourage the cultural education of Bay Area youth by joining us at Vesuvio!

A Fair To Remember

A back-alley fest featuring 20 plus: local designers, artists, collectors and scavengers. Come celebrate eclecticism and local flair while listening to sweet tunes played by dj's:

Primo (Oldies Night)
Joanna (River's Edge)
Matt B. (1964)
Rob (Church Key)

Sunday, September 27, 2009
Jack Kerouac Alley (Columbus & Broadway)
11am - 6pm
Free and Fun

If interested in becoming a vendor for this event, please email A Fair To Remember and tell us a little about your work. Please include a photo and/or link.

Art in the Alley rescheduled, now on May 10th!

Sunday, May 10, 2009
noon to 6pm

Spontaneous Jazz combustion featuring Vesuvian Andy in the trio: Alt Tal



ARTISTS: John Kraft, Mary Ann Scanlan, Adam Gastelum, Lars Laurinovics, Coco Hayward, Hugh Linn, Graham Linn, Vince Storti, Marsha Bellavance, Riki Chen, Ronald Sauer, Fanny Renoir, Jennifer Barone, Edward Barone, Samantha Kopf, Constantina, Phyllis M Grosz, Josephine Ramos, Julia Farrow, David Lovins, Hilary Williams, Zabrina Tipton, Eric Brooks, Jason Pogo, Abi McCannon, Rosemary Manno, Roger Strobel, Danny Machiarini, Rebecca Peters, Emma Macchiarini Mankin, Jessica Loos, Elizabeth Ashcroft, Funky & Fabulous, Van & Ello

"Special Art in the Alley'' Vesuvio 60th Anniversary Edition

In addition the our poetry reading celebration, we're also having a party in Jack Kerouac Alley on Sunday, October 5th, featuring some of San Francisco's best up and coming bands. The Jone$, David and Joanna, Brigid Be Gone, Seth Augustine and many more will be rocking the alley from noon until 6pm.

This is an event you're not going to want to miss, come by and join us in celebrating 60 years of Vesuvio history!

Vesuvio 60th Anniversary Reading

On Wednesday, October 1st, Vesuvio is presenting a live reading event to kick off our 60th anniversary celebration. Come join us from 7 to 9 pm, there will be poetry reading, some selections from Jack Kerouac and a little music as well. 21 or over, as always.

Tell your friends, it's sure to be quite a night!

September Jazz in the Alley

Come join the Jesus Diaz Latin Ensemble in Jack Kerouac Alley on Wednesday, September 10th. The event lasts from 5 to 8pm and, best of all, it's free!

Hope to see you down there.

Jazz in the Alley, August Version

Due to circumstances beyond our control, our friend Kahlil Shaheed and his Quartet regrettably had to cancel. However, do not despair Jazz in the Alley fans, we're pleased to report that the Gerry Grosz Jazz Kitchen will be subbing in for Kahlil this month.

Join us on Wednesday, August 13th, in Jack Kerouac Alley. The music begins at 5, ends at 8 and, best of all, it's free!

All ages welcome, though you must be 21 with a valid ID to enter the bar should you want a pre-show drink.

See you there, jazz fans.

Alan Black Reads On July 8th, 7pm

City Lights Books and Vesuvio join forces to bring you local writer - and former Vesuvio bartender - Alan Black as he makes his triumphant return to North Beach on Tuesday night, July 8th at 7pm, in celebration of his first book, Kick The Balls: An Offensive Suburban Odyssey, published by Penguin Books.

Kick The Balls is a biting, oftentimes hilarious, account of Alan's misadventures as a youth soccer coach in the East Bay suburbs. Come celebrate the book's release, listen to Alan read a few selections, maybe get your book signed and have a pint or two while you're at it.

OOPS!

We here at Vesuvio would like to offer up our most humblest of apologies to Khalil Shaheed for misspelling his name on our poster for the Jazz in the Alley series.

We're looking forward to the Khalil Shaheed Quartet's night in Jack Kerouac Alley on August 13th, when we'll be able to apologize properly.

Sorry about that Khalil!

Art in the Alley for Kids!

Jazz in the Alley

Join us in Jack Kerouac Alley for the very first Jazz in the Alley series, from 5pm 'til 8pm, free and open to all ages.

Kicking off the series will be Rudi Mwongozi and the SONWA Trio.

Don't miss it!

Art In The Alley - Sunday, May 4, 2008

Art Event: Art in the Alley – Outdoor Art Exhibition

Date: Sunday, May 4, 2008 - 12 to 6 p.m.

Location: Kerouac Alley in North Beach @ Columbus & Broadway ~
Between City Lights Bookstore & Vesuvio

Contact # for Listing / Day of show info: Vesuvio, 362-3370, www.vesuvio.com

Music: AlTal ~ Jazz Trio

Sponsors: Vesuvio, North Beach Chamber of Commerce & Pilsner Urquell

Organizer: Elizabeth Ashcroft - 415-263-8959 – artinthealley@yahoo.com

On Sunday, May 4, 2008, the beautifully renovated Kerouac Alley in North Beach will once again be turned into an open-air art gallery when we hold our 12th Art in the Alley event. The alley is now a delightful, stroll-friendly cobblestone pedestrian way embedded with engraved tablets featuring quotations by LiPo, Confucius, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, and, of course, Jack Kerouac himself - among others - successfully creating both a literal and literary link between North Beach and Chinatown.

Over 25 emerging and established artists will showcase their work in the alley named for one of North Beach's most famous Beat icons. There will be something to appeal to the art lover in everyone - art books by Jack Carter, jewelry by Colleen Maur, drawings of North Beach by Elizabeth Ashcroft, whimsical sculptures by Cherry Elliot, silk screen prints and funky dolls by Hilary Williams and evocative collage ensembles by Rebecca Peters - just to mention a few of the artists exhibiting their work on the 4th......

AlTal will serenade the crowd throughout the afternoon.

Art in the Alley honors the irreverent spirit of North Beach by creating an opportunity for both local and regional artists to strut their stuff. Janet Clyde, manager of Vesuvio, feels it's an ideal way to give back to the community and to celebrate this fabled neighborhood and its artistic roots.

Those wishing to get a sneak preview of work by the participating artists should stop by Vesuvio and check out the Art in the Alley Group Show, on display from April 15 - 30.

Contacts: Elizabeth Ashcroft -- 415-263-8959 – artinthealley@yahoo.com Janet Clyde -- 415-362-3370 - janet@vesuvio.com

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