The Blog

We recently added two new designers to our stable of talented interns. Say hi to Jessica Saia and Tamar Pacheco-Theard. You'll soon be seeing their work on our site and in our upcoming magazines, as well as reading their blog posts. In the meantime, here's a little bit about each of these lovely ladies.

Jessica Saia

Jessica is a sunny little optimist, but generally keeps the bubbles under a rolling boil. She grew up in Michigan and studied Art & Design in Chicago, with an intermission to study landscape architecture in Budapest, Hungary. After graduating, she indulged a light whim one Tuesday and bought a one-way ticket to Berlin, rented an apartment in Prenzlauerberg, and charmed her way (so she thinks) into a set of apprenticeships with some really refreshing designers. Life was good and schnitzel was plentiful, but as Euros and visas don't grow on trees (nor anything else in a German December), when her visa expired she deliberated for 3 or 4 minutes before migrating to San Francisco. After the initial shin splints wore off from wandering uphill, she settled into the cozy hub of The Duboce Triangle, where she has been trying to figure out the heating system in her apartment for the last two years. Her likes include free samples, turbulence, and infomercials about cleaning supplies. Dislikes include the current postage stamp options, newscaster voice, and being peer pressured into a standing ovation.

Tamar Pacheco-Theard

Tamar is a designer and illustrator who grew up in the woods of Northern Idaho. She replanted herself in New York and then California, enjoyed a stint in the Netherlands, and then finally headed back to the comforting hustle and bustle of the Bay Area. Tamar enjoys donning fancy threads and heading out for fine eats, or felicitous evenings being casually seduced by the symphony. Always looking for inspiration and in awe of nature, Tamar is a perpetual people-watcher, and shoot, just plain ol' happy to be alive.

Hi, how was your weekend? My weekend rocked. Literally. It all started at 3 p.m. on Saturday, when I got a phone call to let me know I had just won a contest for two tickets to the Surfer Blood concert at The Independent that night – and, wait for it – to play a song on stage with the band. Oh shit.

Of course I was excited, but I was also ridiculously nervous. Sure, I’ve been playing guitar since I was 16, but the last time I played on stage was over five years ago. Oh, and that show was probably for 15 people who I begged to come. But one never turns down a chance at five minutes of rock-stardom, so I grabbed my girlfriend and her best friend (camera in hand, of course) and headed to the show.

From the moment I arrived, it felt like everything was a blur. I got whisked backstage by Surfer Blood’s tour manager, Joe, and got to meet the band, who were laid back, friendly, and did their best to put my mind at ease. Still, I was worried: shouldn’t we practice the song together? Didn't they want to make sure I wouldn't faint on stage, or at the very least throw up all over the audience who bought tickets to see someone other than me? The band gave me no time to ponder such self-inadequacies as they walked out to start their great set. 

Photos by Erin Conger

The song I was going to play was eighth on the set list, but it felt like only a few seconds had passed before frontman JP Pitts was introducing me and calling me to stage. With a rush of blood to the face, and some heavy footsteps, I vaulted on stage with the best rockstar swagger I could muster, which probably looked a lot more like walking in lead boots. Thank god my girlfriend and her friends were doing their best impressions of groupies, screaming my name and giving the ol’ ego a quick fist bump. I gave a quick wave to the crowd, threw a guitar around my neck, and the next thing I knew, drummer Tyler Schwarz was counting off the beat to start the song. Here we go.

Photo by Erin Conger

Did I play the song perfectly? Probably not. But the band threw me big grins, the crowd was jumping up and down, and I even managed to scream out the chorus a few times. JP left the stage for a while mid-song, letting me take the spotlight, which of course I completely missed because I was so lost in the moment. 

Photo by Chase Ottney

It was a great moment though, and one I will most definitely remember for a long time. Big thanks to my friends for supporting me, and for grabbing pictures and videos of my potential embarrassment. 

Photo by Erin Conger

Also, thanks to Surfer Blood, their manager Joe, and Jaime at Zeitgeist Management for the experience. You guys are awesome. 

Photo by Erin Conger

I’ll try and not forget you all when I write my memoirs in rockstar rehab.

"The Big Easy" photo by Luke Fontana

Samantha Oare is a server at Brenda's French Soul Food, a Creole diner in the Civic Center that serves up rich Southern-style comfort food with a distinct French flair. The food at Brenda's isn't the only thing full of flavor— the music is, too. They play lots of bouncy soul, funk, and big bands with heavy-hitting horns to keep the dining room atmosphere bright and dynamic. You might find yourself bopping your head while munching away on a plate of shrimp and grits or a tasty catfish po'boy sandwich! Samantha has always been into collecting records, but since working at Brenda's she's become quite educated on influential musicians out of New Orleans. It's been a rewarding experience that's really rounded out her understanding of the culture and traditions of the city. 

Here is Samantha's mixtape, booming with soul, called "The Big Easy."

1.  Dap Walk – Ernie & The Top Notes 
2.  Handclapping Song – The Meters
3.  Check Your Bucket – Eddie Bo  
4.  I've Got Reasons – Mary Jane Hooper  
5.  Hip Drop – The Explosions 
6.  Gator Bait – The Gaturs  
7.  Hung Up – Salt
8.  Street Parade – Earl King
9.  The Twitch – Danny White
10.  Funky Belly – Warren Lee

Go into Brenda's French Soul Food any day of the week to check out Samantha's jams. And if you've got a craving for Creole brunch late in the day, go in for "Breakfast for Dinner" (served every Sunday until 8 p.m.) to get your fix! 

Are you the music master at your place of work? Do you want to make a mixtape for The Bold Italic? Email me here: nikkigrattan@yahoo.com