Featured
Photos | Alameda Health System Foundation Raises Funds to Advance Health Equity
Event: Soul of Spring (2024)
Date: May 18, 2024
Location: Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, Oakland
Photos (28): Courtesy of Alameda Health System Foundation
Alameda Health System Foundation celebrated with the community at Soul of Spring, an inspirational evening fundraiser held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at the historic and newly renovated Henry J. Kaiser Center for the Arts, overlooking Lake Merritt in the heart of Oakland.
Attendees enjoyed savory and sweet treats, signature cocktails, and late-night bites in a striking indoor and outdoor setting, allowing them to let loose under the stars for an unforgettable evening!
The event featured 5x Grammy Award-winning artist LALAH HATHAWAY live in concert!
2024 Honors were awarded to Alameda County Supervisor for District 5, Keith Carson, Legacy Award, and the Alameda County Community Food Bank, Community Partnership Award.
Proceeds from the event benefited Alameda Health System and Alameda Health System Foundation, focused on advancing health equity with a shared mission of serving all in Alameda County.
View more images in Event Photo Galleries and Videos
Photos | McMullen Spring Fashion Presentation
Event: McMullen Fall Presentation 2023
Date: April 11, 2024
Location: McMullen, Oakland
Photos (59): Ando Caulfield for Drew Altizer Photography
Guests were treated to an exclusive glimpse of Sherri’s favorite Spring runway looks and trends from Dries van Noten, Khaite, The Row, Zankov, and Rosie Assoulin. Established since 2007 and named as one of the top boutiques in the country by Vogue and Women’s Wear Daily, McMullen proudly features an exquisite curation of highly coveted brands from all over the world.
View more images in Event Photo Galleries and Videos
Photos | Sharon Stone Launches Latest Works of Art at 181 Fremont
Event: 181 Fremont Celebrates the Art Work of Sharon Stone
Date: April 10, 2024
Location: 181 Fremont, San Francisco
Photos (22): Drew Altizer for Drew Altizer Photography
Sharon Stone returned to San Francisco on April 10 to launch her latest works of art at Gallery 181 in 181 Fremont with a gala reception in the gallery surrounded by her art work.
Guests from many of San Francisco’s art organizations welcomed her back and were treated to an interview with Sharon led by 181 Fremont’s Matt Lituchy. This collection of art work is inspired by her life in San Francisco, and will be on show until August 31, by private appointment by reaching out to [email protected]..
View more images in Event Photo Galleries and Videos
Photos | Alonzo King LINES Ballet Gala
Event: Alonzo King LINES Ballet Gala
Date: April 6, 2024
Location: YBCA, San Francisco
Photos (32): Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography
Over 350 guests attended the event, which featured a reception, a performance of Artistic Director Alonzo King’s works, including the premiere of Spring and a reimagining of The Collective Agreement, and a three-course dinner for Dinner Sponsors and their guests. A live auction included a once-in-a-lifetime walk-on role at the 2025 Gala Performance, an iconic LINES Ballet prints by RJ Muna, a private dinner with Alonzo King at Spruce, and an Italian escape to wine country during truffle season. The Gala’s honorary chair was Angela Davis, Professor Emerita of History of Consciousness and Feminist Studies at the University of California, Santa Cruz, celebrated for her activism and contributions to social justice. Proceeds from the event will support LINES Ballet’s initiatives, including the creation of new work and educational programs.
View more images in Event Photo Galleries and Videos
Photos | Powerful Women of the Bay Awards Luncheon (2024)
Event: Powerful Women of the Bay Awards Luncheon (2024)
Date: March 28, 2024
Location: Scott’s Seafood Pavilion Grill & Bar, Oakland
Photos (78): Photographer-At-Large
One of the most highly anticipated annual events that celebrate and acknowledge powerful women took place at Scott’s Pavilion in Jack London Square, Oakland, California on March 28, 2024. It’s the Power Women Of The Bay, where for the last 15 years Cathy D. Adams, Founder and Event Producer, has packed the house.
The Powerful Women of the Bay (PWOTB) Selection Committee choses eight distinguished and powerful women in recognition of Women’s History Month, and this year the event drew over 350 guests, from entrepreneurs and small business owners to political leaders and corporate executives.
Over the years Adams has awarded Bay Area women across a variety of industries. PWOTB features a prestigious cohort of amazing women leaders who are passionate about educating, empowering, and connecting women in business and community.
“This was my first year attending. It was an honor to be in the room amongst so many powerful and successful women of the Bay Area, and witness them be awarded for the work they do in the community. I look forward to attending many more.” – April Hendrix, IVF Coordinator, Laurel Fertility Care.
PWOTB is committed to introducing unique, intelligent and ambitious women to the roles of leadership. Their desire is to not only spotlight achievements, but also offer support for their efforts to make a difference in their lives, their families, and our community. (Pictured – Pam Moore, April Hendrix)
This year’s awardees:
• London Breed – Mayor, San Francisco, CA
• Lynell Bevels – AVP, Community Lending Mgr, Umpqua Bank
• Patricia Brooks – Chief of Staff, Councilmember Kevin Jenkins
• Jenny Flores – Head of Small Business Growth, Philanthropy, Wells Fargo
• Sally Kay – Public Policy & External Affairs, Amazon
• Mary Massella – Professor, UCSF; Nurse Practitioner, La Clinica
• Janani Ramachandran – Councilmember, City of Oakland
Special Awards
• Dr. C. Diane Howell Entrepreneur Award: Lila Owens – Founder, Cupcakin Bake Shop
• Special Recognition Award: Pam Moore – Anchor, KRON 4
Partial proceeds from the event benefit The Training Institute for Leadership Enrichment.
(TILE) is a nonprofit organization created under the leadership of Black Women Organized for Political Action (BWOPA). TILE’s work is to increase the number of African American women in public leadership across California. TILE’s vision is to create a world where African American women see themselves as changemakers and formally engage in the processes to craft new, and refine existing, public policies for social change to benefit communities of color.
View more images in Event Photo Galleries and Videos
Photos | Cal Performances Gala raises over $1 million
Event: Cal Performances Gala 2024
Date: April 4, 2024
Location: UC Berkeley’s Alumni House, Zellerbach Hall, Pauley Ballroom, Berkeley
Photos (68): Ando Caulfield or Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography
Cal Performances’ 2024 Gala was held on Thursday, April 4, with all proceeds benefiting Cal Performances’ artistic initiatives and education programs..
Gala festivities began at 5:30 pm with a celebratory cocktail reception at UC Berkeley’s Alumni House. At 7 pm, guests took their seats for a performance by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at Zellerbach Hall. The performance was capped by an exceptional performance of Alvin Ailey’s iconic Revelations accompanied by live music under the direction of Damien Sneed.
Following the performance, the Ailey company dancers were invited to join gala attendees in Pauley Ballroom for an elegant dinner with a menu designed by award-winning chef Tanya Holland. The wine sponsor for the evening was Sonoma County winery LynMar Estate. The seasoned San Francisco Bay Area event planners at McCalls Catering & Events and Got Light led the event’s design. Auctioneer Greg Quiroga led the Fund-A-Need paddle raise. Cal Performances presented Spotlight Awards to Ailey Executive Director Bennett Rink, Ailey Interim Artistic Director Matthew Rushing, and philanthropist Joan Weill.
The 2024 Gala raised more than $1 million from tickets, sponsorships, donations, and the evening’s live Fund-A-Need. All proceeds from Cal Performances’ 2024 Gala support Cal Performances’ mission to produce and present performances of the highest artistic quality, enhanced by programs that explore compelling intersections of education and the performing arts.
View more images in Event Photo Galleries and Videos
Photos | Annual Gala Raises Nearly $1.5 Million for the Fine Arts Museums
Event: Annual Gala 2024 with The deYoung and the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco Museums of San Francisco
Date: April 4, 2024
Location: de Young Museum, San Francisco
Photos (90): David Zahrobsky for Drew Altizer Photography
ANNUAL GALA 2024 RAISES NEARLY $1.5 MILLION FOR THE FINE ARTS MUSEUMS, MUSEUMS HOST MORE THAN 1,300 GUESTS FOR GALA AND LATE NIGHT AFTER-PARTY CELEBRATION
On Thursday, April 4, 2024, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (the “Museums”) welcomed artists, luminaries, and museum supporters to the de Young for its largest fundraiser, its Annual Gala and Late Night after-party.
Chaired by Mary Beth and David Shimmon, the black-tie Annual Gala celebrated the dynamic arts and culture offerings that make San Francisco a world-class city for residents and visitors alike, and featured performances and activations by local artists and decor inspired by famous landmarks and residences in our city.
San Francisco’s renowned blend of art, activism, and innovation was evident throughout the evening. San Francisco Mayor London N. Breed, artist Lee Mingwei, and Ford Foundation president Darren Walker were honored for their unwavering commitment to the arts and outstanding achievements in this area, while guests savored a multi-course seated dinner, catered by McCall’s, with caviar by local favorite The Caviar Co. and wines by Bryant Imports.
The Annual Gala raised nearly $1.5 million, and record-breaking net revenue for the Museums. Proceeds support the programming that makes the de Young and Legion of Honor museums dynamic spaces for sharing and appreciating the art and ideas that shape our city and strengthen the cultural fabric of San Francisco.
View more images in Event Photo Galleries and Videos
Photos | Cal Performances Gala
Event: McMullen Fall Presentation 2023
Date: April 11, 2024
Location: UC Berkeley’s Alumni House and Zellerbach Hall
Photos (59): Ando Caulfield or Jessica Monry for Drew Altizer Photography, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in Alvin Ailey’s Revelations
Gala festivities began at 5:30 pm with a celebratory cocktail reception at UC Berkeley’s Alumni House. At 7 pm, guests took their seats for a performance by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at Zellerbach Hall. The performance was capped by an exceptional performance of Alvin Ailey’s iconic Revelations accompanied by live music under the direction of Damien Sneed.
Following the performance, the Ailey company dancers were invited to join gala attendees in Pauley Ballroom for an elegant dinner with a menu designed by award-winning chef Tanya Holland. The wine sponsor for the evening was Sonoma County winery LynMar Estate. The seasoned San Francisco Bay Area event planners at McCalls Catering & Events and Got Light led the event’s design. Auctioneer Greg Quiroga led the Fund-A-Need paddle raise. Cal Performances presented Spotlight Awards to Ailey Executive Director Bennett Rink, Ailey Interim Artistic Director Matthew Rushing, and philanthropist Joan Weill. The 2024 Gala raised more than $1 million from tickets, sponsorships, donations, and the evening’s live Fund-A-Need. All proceeds from Cal Performances’ 2024 Gala support Cal Performances’ mission to produce and present performances of the highest artistic quality, enhanced by programs that explore compelling intersections of education and the performing arts.
.
View more images in Event Photo Galleries and Videos
Gilead Sciences, Inc. Named Lead Production Sponsor of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award-Winning Acclaimed Musical, A Strange Loop
SAN FRANCISCO (March 25, 2024)—American Conservatory Theater (A.C.T.) and Center Theatre Group (CTG) announced that Gilead Sciences, Inc. has been named the Lead Production Sponsor of the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award–winning acclaimed musical, A Strange Loop, making its West Coast premiere at A.C.T.’s Toni Rembe Theater (415 Geary St., San Francisco) from Thursday, April 18 through Sunday, May 12, 2024 and then moving to Center Theatre Group’s Ahmanson Theatre (135 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles) from Wednesday, June 5 through Sunday, June 30, 2024. Single tickets for the San Francisco engagement are on sale now by visiting act-sf.org/strangeloop. Single tickets for the Los Angeles engagement are on sale now by visiting ctgla.org/a-strange-loop.
“We are incredibly grateful to have the vital support of Gilead,” said Jennifer Bielstein, Executive Director at American Conservatory Theater. “Their contribution enables A.C.T. and CTG to elevate voices and celebrate the transformative synergy of art and science.”
“As a not-for-profit theatre organization, we share in Gilead’s belief in the power of art to help spread awareness and create change,” said Meghan Pressman, Center Theatre Group’s Managing Director/CEO. “We are thrilled they have joined CTG and A.C.T. with their support of A Strange Loop, a musical that’s timeliness is matched only by its artistic excellence.”
“At Gilead, we realize that it takes more than medicine to improve well-being for people,” said Alex Kalomparis, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at Gilead. “We are honored to partner with American Conservatory Theater and Center Theatre Group to leverage the power of storytelling to help break down stigma, discrimination, and other societal barriers affecting the well-being of our communities. Through our partnership we look to use the power of storytelling for education, changing hearts and attitudes, and in celebrating the Black LGBTQ+ community.”
Meet Usher: a Black, queer writer writing a musical about a Black, queer writer writing a musical about a Black, queer writer. Winner of the Tony Award for Best Musical, Michael R. Jackson’s Pulitzer Prize–winning, blisteringly funny masterwork exposes the heart and soul of a young artist grappling with desires, identity, and instincts he both loves and loathes. Hell-bent on breaking free of his own self-perception, Usher wrestles with the thoughts in his head, brought to life on stage by a hilarious, straight-shooting ensemble. Direct from Broadway and the West End to San Francisco, A Strange Loop is the big, Black, and queer-ass Great American Musical for all!
The cast of A Strange Loop includes (in alphabetical order): Dave J. Abrams (Understudy, Thought 2 & 3), Angela Alise (Understudy, Thought 1), Jordan Barbour (Thought 5), J. Cameron Barnett (Thought 2), Carlis Shane Clark (Understudy, Thought 5 & 6), Alvis Green Jr. (Usher Alternate), Albert Hodge (Understudy, Thought 4), Avionce Hoyles (Thought 3), Tarra Conner Jones (Thought 1), Malachi McCaskill (Usher), Jamari Johnson Williams (Thought 6), and Tony Award nominee John-Andrew Morrison (Thought 4).
A Strange Loop features book, music, and lyrics by Michael R. Jackson. Members of the show’s Broadway creative team will join the West Coast engagements. They include Tony Award nominee Stephen Brackett (Director), Raja Feather Kelly (Choreography), Tony award nominee Arnulfo Maldonado (Scenic Design), Montana Levi Blanco (Costume Design), Tony Award nominee Drew Levy (Sound Design), Tony Award nominee Jen Schreiver (Lighting Design), Aaron Tacy (Associate Lighting Design), Candace Taylor (Associate Choreography), Cookie Jordan (Hair, Wig, and Makeup Design), Chelsea Pace (Intimacy), and The Telsey Office / Destiny Lilly, CSA (Casting).
Rounding out the creative team are Nailah Harper-Malveaux (Associate Director), Sean Kana (Music Director), David Möschler (Associate Music Director), Randy Cohen (Keyboard Programmer), Edmond O’Neal (Production Stage Manager), Julia Formanek (Assistant Stage Manager), and Camella Coopilton (Assistant Stage Manager).
A Strange Loop made its world premiere at Playwrights Horizons in May 2019. In December 2021, the show had a critically acclaimed run at Washington D.C.’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company prior to coming to Broadway in spring 2022. A Strange Loop won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama and was the recipient of 11 Tony Award nominations, the most of any show in 2022. The production took home the Tony Award for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical. A Strange Loop was also named Best Musical by New York Drama Critics’ Circle, Drama Desk, Outer Critics Circle, Drama League, and Off-Broadway Alliance. A Strange Loop recently played a limited 12-week engagement at London’s Barbican Theatre.
Lead Production Sponsor: Gilead Sciences, Inc.
A special thank you to A.C.T.’s A Strange Loop Production Sponsors: Paul Asente and Ron Jenks; Jesse Lee Eller, Studio 5 – Learning and Development, Inc.; John L. Garfinkle; Kirke and Nancy Sawyer Hasson; Linda and Frank Kurtz; Donald J. and Toni Ratner Miller; Michelle Shonk; and one Anonymous supporter.
A.C.T. gratefully acknowledges its Season Presenters Barbara Bass Bakar; Stephen Davis and Jill Cowan; Jerome L. and Thao N. Dodson; Kathleen Donohue and David Sze; Priscilla and Keith Geeslin; Arjay R. and Frances F. Miller Foundation; Barbara Ravizza** and John S. Osterweis; Toni Rembe and Arthur Rock; Robina Riccitiello; Mary and Steven Swig; and one Anonymous supporter; and Company Sponsors Lily Chu and Daniel Sturman; Ray and Dagmar Dolby Fund; Linda Jo Fitz; Jo S. Hurley; Fred M. Levin in honor of Nancy Livingston Levin, The Shenson Foundation; John Little and Heather Stallings Little; The Marymor Family Fund; Deedee McMurtry; Donald J. and Toni Ratner Miller; Patti and Rusty Rueff; Kay Yun and Andre Neumann-Loreck; and one Anonymous supporter.
**in memoriam
Additional support provided by San Francisco Grants for the Arts and The Shubert Foundation.
Official Hotel Partner: Westin St. Francis
View more images in Event Photo Galleries and Videos
Photos | Award Winning Film “Pursuit of Equality” Marked Its 20th Anniversary at the Castro Theater
Event: 20th Anniversary “Pursuit of Equality”
Date: February 1, 2024
Location: Castro Theater, San Francisco
Photos (45): Drew Altizer, Ando Caulfield or Katie Ravas for Drew Altizer Photography
An exclusive anniversary film screening event sponsored by Salesforce was held on February 1 in San Francisco celebrating the 20-year milestone of the groundbreaking pursuit of same-sex marital civil rights as told through the film “Pursuit of Equality”. The private event was attended by over 700 guests and included a welcome reception, opening remarks by California State Governor Gavin Newsom, the screening of the film, a surprise performance by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, and concluded with a post-presentation by the filmmakers and cast.
Two decades ago, former San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom, now California State Governor, courageously issued marriage licenses to same-gender couples, sparking a nationwide movement for marriage emancipation. Newsom teamed up with Callan and Shaw to document loving partners via film while they tirelessly advocated for equal rights during this historic moment. “Pursuit of Equality” originally premiered at the Castro Theatre during the 2005 San Francisco International Film Festival and has gone on to win multiple awards and accolades encompassing the film’s unapparelled storytelling surrounding the intimate lives of those at the forefront of the marriage justice movement.
“Pursuit of Equality” is a true testament to the enduring fight for impartiality and stands committed in their support of the ongoing importance of advocacy and solidarity in the pursuit of justness and equitability for one and all. Callan & Shaw plan to bring the film to mass audiences everywhere, with a second screening scheduled for February 29, 2024, at the USC School of Cinematic Arts, and more to follow in the coming months.
View more images in Event Photo Galleries and Videos
