Total Embrace

Last night was nearly life-changing. A couple of my girlfriends and I had no idea what we were getting into when we decided to drive to San Francisco’s Mission area on Valencia to watch Audiafauna perform. My college friend's old high school friend, Kelly Koval, is the lead singer for Audiafauna.

First of all the Mission is such an amazing area. The San Francisco hipster culture hit me directly in the face. Valencia street is lined with Italianate townhouses, intimate restaurants, wine bars, and the Viracocha where we attended the candlelit concert. I believe this area truly encompasses what San Francisco is all about!

Upon arrival we didn’t think we had the right location because as we entered Viracocha it was filled with old antiques in a museum-like set up (not a price tag in sight and twine roping guiding you throughout). However, as we headed down stairs into an artsy basement music began to fade in. I couldn’t believe a concert was being held in this place! As soon as I entered the room I received vibes of openness and acceptance from everyone. It was so comfortable.

The first group to perform, Ramon & Jessica, had the feel of the last song in the movie Juno ‘Anyone Else but You’ by the Moldy Peaches. The duo was just a young woman and man with a guitar. They couple didn’t have amazing vocals or instrumental skills, but I loved them! They have the effect of putting a smile on people’s faces. I felt like I was watching them in their own home, performing just for fun, with no one to impress.

Up next was Foxtail Brigade. This group was also small, just a man on the violin with a small vocal part and a young girl with amazing vocals, similar to Regina Spektor, and her guitar which was played with harp-like vibrations. They were great, although several of their songs sounded too similar.

After the Foxtail Brigade closed Audiafana began to set up. As they set up I knew I was in for a great treat when I saw a cello, violin, keyboard, upright bass, guitar, drums, and a laptop all being tuned to create music. As soon as they began to perform their opening number the audience went nutts! People filled the isles, were standing in the back, and every seat was taken. Audiafana rocked the house!

All of my senses were overwhelmed. As I looked around the candlelit room I noticed I could be entertained just by observing the audience. This was hippie central. People were wearing western hats with feathers, layered flowing tops, skinny leggings (men too), and of course dreadlocks galore!

One girl was what I will call 'flow dancing' barefoot during the entire performance. She was moving her body as if it were connected directly to the music. Her movements were not necessarily in rhythm with the music, but her entire body smoothly felt the music's vibrations. This girl was the only one dancing in the center isle and I knew she felt completely comfortable with herself. She added to the atmosphere.

The air smelled of spilt beer, just lit marijuana, and extreme body odor. But, what I was hearing was the most incredible of all senses! This group is so talented and all six of the group members was rocking out on their instruments. They kept the audience interactive with clapping, snapping, and singing along. I was filled with music and I couldn’t sit still.

Honestly, this concert was one of my absolute favorite things I have experience in San Francisco so far. Now that I got a taste of the true San Fran I am inspired to explore even further. Audiafana, based out of Santa Cruz, has two performances coming up in the next two months.  I hope I will be able to make the December 2^nd performance when they come back to the city.

This night surprised me with the opportunity to fully embrace what San Francisco is all about! I’m addicted.