Presidio Offers Recession Proof Nights Out

Presidio of San Francisco (October 28, 2008) — In these turbulent economic times going to a concert, museum, or even a movie can seem too extravagant. There’s no need to bust your budget to enjoy a night out, however. Two free concert series resume next month at the Presidio, highlighting a bounty of free, first-rate entertainment and cultural experiences.

On Thursday, November 13, the Presidio’s Golden Gate Club will be transformed into a Spanish tablao or nightclub for an evening of authentic Spanish flamenco dancing when the Consulate General of Spain presents Live at the Presidio: Casa Patas with Guadalupe Torres. The show takes its name from a world-renowned tablao in Madrid that features some of the finest flamenco dancing in Spain. The evening starts at 8 pm at the Golden Gate Club, 135 Fisher Loop on the Presidio’s Main Post.

The following week, Broadway meets Vienna when Pacific Union, in partnership with the Presidio Trust, presents their latest Concerts at the Presidio, a series of free classical concerts and recitals highlighting young artists. This year’s pre-holiday gala on November 20 and 21 features selections from Strauss’ Die Fledermaus plus a sampling of classic Broadway show tunes. Performances begin at 7:30 pm at the Golden Gate Club.

The Presidio’s own exhibition, War and Dissent: The U.S. in the Philippines 1898-1915, runs Wednesdays to Sundays through February 22, 2009. The free, mixed-media exhibit tells the story of a little-known war that had momentous consequences for both Americans and Filipinos. The exhibit chronicles the growth of the Presidio into a major military installation and the rise of the United States into an imperial power. Its nine themed galleries feature San Francisco monuments, photographs, diaries, letters and political cartoons that trace the full sweep of the conflict.

In addition, there are several special programs that accompany the exhibition. Noted Filipino historian, journalist and author Ambeth Ocampo offers a Filipino perspective on the Philippines War of Independence when he delivers the annual Redmond Kernan Annual History Lecture. Mr. Ocampo’s talk will be held Wednesday, October 29 at 7 pm at the Presidio Officers’ Club.

And on November 6, San Francisco’s Bindlestiff Studios presents the first of four performances of Shadows of War: The Lopez Family in the Philippines 1901. This free multi-media production incorporates live actors and music silhouetted against a backdrop of historical photos that will illustrate the stories of the Lopez family and their involvement in the Philippine war.

For more information about these and other FREE cultural experiences at the Presidio visit http://www.presidio.gov/calendar or call the Presidio Events Line at (415) 561-5500.

The Presidio Trust was established by the United States Congress in 1996 to oversee the Presidio of San Francisco, an urban national park located at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. The 1,500-acre site contains expansive open space and spectacular views, a 300-acre historic forest, and rare and endangered plants and wildlife. It also comprises nearly 6 million square feet of buildings, including 469 historic structures that contribute to its status as a National Historic Landmark District.