26 December 2024

BISS List 12.26.24: Spotlight on Object Heavy + Sun Hop Fat (12.27) + Best of BISS this Week

Happy Holidaze and Happy New Year BISS Listers!

As we wrap up this year and celebrate the holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to all of you—our incredible BISS community. Your unwavering support keeps the music alive and fuels the passion behind the BISS List.

A special thank you goes out to those who have made a tax-deductible donation through our non-profit fiscal sponsor, joined our Patreon, or contributed in your own unique ways. Whether you’ve helped by spreading the word, sharing your captures from shows, or just showing up to support live music, your efforts mean the world to me.

Together, we’ve created something truly special—a community that not only celebrates music but uplifts the artists and venues that make it all possible. I look forward to sharing more music, more memories, and more magic with you all in the coming year.

This will be the last edition of BISS List of the year, but thankfully, due to your recent contributions, BISS List will be back in your inbox in 2025!

Highlights from last week: This past week was a whirlwind of incredible music and special moments! Click the links below to check out what I have uploaded so far and then check back later for more to come!

Friday, 12/20: Hipmas with The Mother Hips @ Great American Music Hall was a festive and rocking night, filled with good vibes and amazing tunes. They kicked off the first set with the full Shoot Out album! The energy in the room was electric, with excited chatter about the album and nostalgic comments from the crowd – one woman next to me even exclaimed, “I need a lighter for half of this album!” This was a die-hard crowd, with many folks planning to attend all three nights. I even spotted some out-of-towners. The whole room was singing along all night.

Saturday 12/21:

During the day, I went down to see Tie Dye Santa (x2) at Love on Haight and got some fun pictures taken— it’s become a holiday tradition!
Next, the energy was off the charts with Arrested Development, The Pharcyde, and Digable Planets @ The Warfield. It was a night filled with nostalgia, grooves, and hip-hop excellence.
Late Night, the Joe Marcinek Band @ Boom Boom Room was a highlight, with special guests, their stellar musicianship and funky jams lighting up the night.

More Saturday 12/21: The Allman Betts Family Revival @ The Fillmore was a truly special night of music, honoring the legacy of the Allman Brothers Band & I wish I was there! However, thanks to Rick G for capturing and sharing his videos and to Gabriel Barkin for another incredible review and beautiful photo gallery, I relived the magic through their eyes, and you can too.

Monday, 12/23: I ventured to Union Square to meet up with my visiting cousin. The hustle and bustle of the holiday season was in full swing! There was so much to take in: ice skating, the beautifully lit tree, the menorah, and, of course, the people-watching—musicians playing (some amazing and some, well, unique), a Santa on a motorized wheelchair doing karaoke, and even a surprise proposal with a serenade. My favorite? The dude playing electronic violin while standing on the fire hydrant. Such sights, sounds, and holiday spirit!

Closing Out the Year in Style: Here are my personal highlights and plans leading into NYE:

Friday, 12/27: Object Heavy + Sun Hop Fat @ The Independent (*WIN*) – A soulful night with some of my favorite bands bringing the funk to SF. For more info on this show and why I love these bands, check out the spotlight below!
Saturday, 12/28: LAZWELL @ Boom Boom Room (*WIN*) – A must-see for me! LAZWELL, my favorite and an artist I proudly manage, is bringing his signature mix of originals and Bowie tributes for an unforgettable evening.
Sunday, 12/29 Hanukkah celebrations all day and night for the fifth night of Hannukah! It’s a perfect day to share love, light, and latkes with family and friends. The fifth night is special as it tips the menorah to more light than darkness. We could all use some of that extra light.
Monday, 12/30 Primus @ Fox Theater – Les Claypool and company are set to deliver their trademark quirky, high-energy rock with a side of unparalleled musicianship. Their performances are a feast for both the ears and the imagination. This promises to be an unforgettable journey into the unique world of Primus!
Tuesday, 12/31 (New Year’s Eve) Starting the night with Luna + Vetiver @ The Fillmore (*WIN*) – an iconic way to celebrate NYE with some dreamy rock vibes.
Tuesday, 12/31 (New Year’s Eve – cont’d) Then, we’ll head to Afrolicious @ Boom Boom Room (*WIN*) – for a funky and soulful countdown to 2025!

New Year’s Eve in the Bay Area offers something for everyone, from exciting live shows and popping parties that run past sundown on Jan 1st, to cozy nights with loved ones. If live music is your calling this NYE, be sure to check out the Best of BISS section below for our picks or browse the full calendar on our website. You might even score some free tickets!

Have an amazing end of year, and we will be back in the second week of 2025! Stay safe out there!

P.S. There’s still time to make your tax-deductible donation for 2024 to show your support for the BISS List! Every donation helps keep the list flowing. Click here to make your tax-deductible donation: https://bit.ly/BISSListDonateNow.

~ Pamela aka Miss BISS
#seeyouattheshows

SPOTLIGHT ON FUNKY FRIENDS

Object Heavy + Sun Hop Fat

Dec 27th @ The Independent

Longtime friends Object Heavy and Sun Hop Fat bring the funk to the Independent in this special co-bill this Friday! Object Heavy has been setting the stage ablaze opening for icons like Rebirth Brass Band and ORGŌNE. Object Heavy’s magnetic blend of classic Cadillac soul, effortlessly contagious dance grooves, vocal harmonies, and blazing musicianship is ripe for an unforgettable live experience. Sun Hop Fat’s infectious energy and unique fusion of Ethiopian jazz and funk promise to add an unforgettable dynamic to this incredible lineup. Together, these two powerhouse acts are poised to deliver a night of music that will have you dancing from start to finish. Don’t miss this chance to see these two hot acts heat up San Francisco just before the new year!

**Check out all of our Featured Shows.

BISS REVIEW

Allman Betts Family Revival

At The Fillmore on Dec 21st, The Allman Betts Family Revival delivered a heartfelt tribute to the enduring legacy of their iconic families and the music that defined a generation. “When the children of rock and roll legends follow in their parents’ footsteps, it’s fair to wonder: is this gonna be any good? A big nod goes to Devon Allman and Duane Betts, the sons of Allman Brothers frontmen Gregg and Dickey, respectively. Their sound and skill were consistent with the Allman Brothers oeuvre—not too shabby. The magic of the evening was, for many, the masterful instrumental soloing. Devon, Duane, and Johnny Stachela can hold their own playing the classic catalog of Allman Brothers hits, no doubt.” Check out the full review and photos from Gabriel Barkin.