Surabhi Saraf Artist, Singer, Composer, Noise Maker and Experience Designer

What are you up to these days? Other than enjoying the spring/summer bird calls in my backyard, I am working on producing my first album, a compilation of recordings from past performances along with a couple of new tracks.

What event will we find you at in the next couple weeks? I am performing at this fantastic one night only event at SOMArts called Night Light on April 27th. I am particularly excited as it’ll be my first solo performance at this scale: I will be performing with multiple vintage fans, lights, and live video while singing and processing my voice on top it.

Where do you get your local gossip? We do this bar night every Wednesday, where we go check out a new bar mostly in the Mission. It’s a great time to get all the local news!

Why do you love your neighborhood? Unlike some more established neighborhoods in the city, the Mission is always in flux and is full of possibilities. With new businesses, art organizations, and amazing restaurants coming up (and going away!) every few weeks, there is always lots of action, and great energy. I really appreciate and enjoy that!

What's your favorite under-the-radar SF restaurant? Arabian Nights. It’s a new Mediterranean place that opened up a few months ago just a block from us and I would give their food and service the full five stars, but for some reason it is always empty. I would encourage my fellow Mission dwellers to definitely try it!

What's your favorite SF institution? I always look forward to events organized by MEDIATE, a great non profit that supports experimental sound, art and technology projects. They also organize an art and music biennial called Soundwave in San Francisco.

What local merchant have you been meaning to check out? Miranda Caroligne Boutique. I love what I see of her work on the web but have never made it to her store, it’ll be great to try some of her wonderfully designed dresses in person!

What's next for you in your work/creative world? I am really looking forward to spending a month in a ranch on top of a hill at the Djerassi Artist Residency in Woodside, CA in May-June this year.