Conductor-less San Francisco-based orchestra One Found Sound celebrates the start of its twelfth season of democratic music making with a one-night-only cabaret at Saint Joseph's Arts Society December 11. The festive "Holiday Pop Rox!" show features drag sing-alongs, a merry mixture of "A Christmas Carol" and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" and, some classically arranged seasonal favorites.
Oboist and magnetic vocalist Jesse Barrett performs and emcees with cohost Jamael Smith (a multi-talented performer and educator). Holiday hits from Mariah Carey, Gloria Gaynor, John Williams, Handel and more get the lush OFS orchestral treatment. Hold on to your hat (or wig), as "Queen of the Fleet" drag diva Nikki Jizz (or Nikki J to the faint of heart) snatches the spotlight to entertain in her own inimitable style.
OFS acquired its own intriguing name as the embodiment of the players' mission, according to co-founder Sarah Bonomo. The musician-run orchestra makes artistic decisions together. Making reference to the concept of 'Found Art', Bonomo said, "We come together as one to create a unified and powerful sound." In finding commonality that connects directly with audiences, she added, "We create One Found Sound."
The orchestra's classical concerts are decidedly unconventional, performed in offbeat spaces that invite intimate communication with listeners. No stages, no conductor and no need for binoculars make the experience more up close and personal.
For fans, supporting a democratically-governed arts organization feels good as we watch less egalitarian institutions weaken all around us.
Hooking up with Saint Joseph's Arts Society for "Holiday Pop Rox!" is smart, too. The Society, founded by designer Ken Fulk in 2018, celebrates arts, design, and culture in the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.
The SoMa arts hub houses the for-profit Saint Joseph's Arts Society and the not-for-profit Saint Joseph's Arts Foundation in a former church and National Historic Landmark located at 1401 Howard Street, another unorthodox, but perfectly fitting venue for One Found Sound.
"Holiday Pop Rox!" offers a variety of seating and standing options. General Admission $30, standing room (free for Saint Joseph's Arts Foundation members) and VIP front-row, cabaret-style reserved seating (limited availability) $60. Attendees are encouraged to bring canned goods that will be donated to the San Francisco/Marin Food Bank.
A non-denominational, free-spirited holiday spectacular sounds like a pretty good way to close out a stressful year. Maybe it's time to find One Found Sound.
'Holiday Pop Rox!,' $30-$60, Dec. 11, 8pm, St. Joseph's Arts Society, 1401 Howard St. www.onefoundsound.org
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