PHOTOS & REVIEW CONTRIBUTED BY PAMELA GERSTEIN (a.k.a Miss BISS) | PUBLISHED ON October 30, 2024

San Francisco’s vibrant music scene got a serious shot in the arm on Saturday, October 19th, with the Third Annual Songwriter’s Festival and Grand Opening Party of Music City SF. This wasn’t just a live music event; it was a full-blown musical takeover of a block on Polk Street and a celebration of everything that makes San Francisco’s music community special.

The Daytime: Polk Street from Bush to Hyde

I arrived at the Music City SF Songwriter’s Festival just in time to catch the end of Ben Misterka’s set. Ben invited my friend, the incredibly talented Pamela Parker, to sing vocals on a cover of “Foxy Lady.” The crowd’s cheers escalated as Pamela took over the mic, her energy contagious. Mid-song, in a spontaneous act of showmanship, Ben handed his guitar over to Pamela, who launched into a solo that brought the house down. The performance was pure, raw energy—the kind that embodies San Francisco’s music scene at its best.

I got a chance to speak with the Founder of Music City SF, Rudy Colombini about this endeavor a few days after the event and he shared this with me. “Music City is about inspiring these kinds of moments, moments when artists connect with each other and audiences can be a part of that connection. That’s what we’re building here—a place where artists are encouraged to try new things, to take those risks.”

Ben Misterka Band

Ben Misterka

Ben handed his guitar over to Pamela, who launched into a solo that brought the house down.

Ben later told me he just felt the urge to hand his guitar to Pamela mid-song, and boy, did she kill it! It was a spontaneous moment of pure musical magic, the kind that reminds you why live music is so special.

Ben felt the urge to hand his guitar to Pamela mid-song.

Next up was Pamela Parker’s Fantastic Machine, and the band delivered an incredible set featuring special guest Bella Rayne. Pamela was in her element, her powerhouse vocals matched by her band’s dynamic instrumentals. The band is tight, and the interplay between Pamela and the young guitarist Bella Rayne is a joy to watch. It was a testament to the city’s talent and the musical camaraderie that Music City SF aims to promote.

Rudy added, “Music City is a sanctuary for musicians, a place that brings people together and bridges generations. Whether you’re established or just starting out, there’s a space for you here.”

Pamela Parker’s Fantastic Machine w/ Bella Rayne

As I bounced between stages, I caught a few songs by the talented Tom Qwell before ducking into Mayes Oyster House for a quick cocktail and a photo op with their wonderfully weird clowns.

Tom Qwell

Photo op with the wonderfully weird clowns at Mayes.

Refreshed, I headed back out to catch the man himself, Rudy Colombini. Rudy, the driving force behind Music City, exudes passion for music. He’s a true believer in the power of community and collaboration. As Rudy said in our interview, “This is the biggest, most important single product that could actually unify the artistic musical qualities of San Francisco, where the people that really matter… can know each other.” And that’s exactly what Music City aims to do.

Rudy Colombini Band

Rudy Colombini, the driving force behind Music City.

As Rudy’s set was coming to a close, he called out from the stage to a group of people channeling Sly and the Family Stone. After a quick discussion and some urging from the crowd, they hopped up on stage and launched into “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).” It was the perfect end to a magical afternoon.

The Curtis Family C-Notes watching Rudy Colombini’s set.

The Curtis Family C-Notes performing “Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin).”

*For videos and more photos of the day time music and vibes: https://bit.ly/MusicCitySongwriterFest_10-19-24

The Nighttime: Music City Comes Alive

As the sun set, the party moved inside for the official Grand Opening of Music City SF, and the place was packed. With six stages downstairs and one massive stage upstairs, the building was pulsating with music. It was like a musical choose-your-own-adventure.

I confess I spent a good chunk of my time downstairs in Stage 3. This room was my jam, filled with my people: Pamela Parker, Jordan Feinstein, Daria Johnson, Kelly Costello, and Bella Rayne. Kelly started things off with a killer solo set, and then Jordan, Pamela, Bella, and Daria joined in for a full-on jam session.

“This is exactly what we need,” Rudy had told me. “A place that’s flexible and can bring in different styles and people. It’s why we built so many stages—to give everyone a space and let the music flow.”

Meanwhile, down in Stage 6, The Unauthorized Rolling Stones were holding court. Led by Rudy Columbini himself, the band delivered a blistering set of Stones classics that had the entire room rocking. Rudy channeled Mick Jagger’s swagger and stage presence with uncanny accuracy, while the band nailed every riff and drumbeat. It was a true rock ‘n’ roll spectacle, and a fitting tribute to one of the greatest bands of all time.

Of course, I made sure to explore all the nooks and crannies of Music City, venturing into each room and heading upstairs to check out the main stage. Each stage had its own vibe and visuals, setting the stage for a night packed with unforgettable moments.

Rudy emphasized, “It’s a whole musical world. Every room has a personality; every stage is a canvas for these artists.”

*For videos and more photos of the grand Opening party: https://bit.ly/MusicCityGrandOpening_10-19-24

Music City: More Than Just a Venue

Music City SF is Rudy Colombini’s vision come to life. It’s a 29,000-square-foot haven for musicians, with rehearsal studios, a hotel, a restaurant, and a bar. It’s a place where musicians can create, connect, and thrive.

“I wanted to create a Grand Central Station for musicians,” Rudy explained. “A place where you walk in and feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself.”

The rehearsal studios are top-notch, equipped with backline and air conditioning – a luxury for any San Francisco musician who’s lugged their gear up countless flights of stairs to a stuffy practice space.

But Music City is more than just a building; it’s a community. As Pamela Parker so eloquently put it, “I think it’s going to be a community hub. It’s got enough room for all of us… I teach vocal coaching here, I rehearse here with my bands, and I even have a friend that lives here. It’s an open door.”

The Musicians Speak

I asked quite a few of the musicians what they think of Music City and the impact it will have on the local community and musicians. All were universally enthusiastic about Music City. Here’s what some had to say:

• David Blood: “Music City SF is already having an impact. It’s a place where you can try out your stuff in intimate rooms and play for small audiences. It’s what the Bay Area needs.”

• Ben Misterka: “I’m a big fan of Music City. Everyone here is genuine, and they’re really doing something special—supporting musicians with heart. Plus, having a vintage vibe and a place to stay makes it all the more unique.”

• Anthony Arya: “I’m stoked. This is exactly what San Francisco needs—an epicenter for music. It’s about bringing that culture back, creating a space where music can thrive again.”

• Kelly Costello: “It’s a really cool idea to have this space. It’s going to create new opportunities for musicians, from rehearsing to performing, all in one spot.”

A Final Note

The Third Annual Songwriter’s Fest and the Music City SF Grand Opening Party were a resounding success. They were a celebration of music, community, and the creative spirit of San Francisco. As Rudy put it, “Music City is here to amplify the voices of this city and give them the space to grow.” Music City SF is a welcome addition to the city’s cultural landscape, and it’s destined to become a vital hub for musicians for years to come.

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Review and photos by Pamela Gerstein | www.bisslist.com | IG: @bisslist