The stars aligned over San Francisco recently as music aficionados gathered for a night of enchantment at the annual Community Music Center gala. Their soirée on March 8 celebrated the center’s 103-year history and commitment to music education and community engagement.
Friday’s party gave me warm and happy feels, and I found myself in throngs of attendees regaling me with stories of how music affected their lives and the importance of community support. Evening attire was a blend of sophistication and personal style, creating an unexpectedly relaxed energy inside the very ritzy Garden Court. This is hands-down one of my favorite rooms in San Francisco:
Music dominated the night — The band Sexteto la Moderna Tradición opened cocktail hour, followed by a packed dinner lineup that included two CMC student ensembles and its children’s choir, and a headline performance by singer and guitarist Diana Gameros. La Doña kept us going at the after party with pretty Latin beats.
Standouts for me included Gameros, the choir, and Laura Chen on piano. I’ve always said that children are great at getting donors to open their pocketbooks.
Community Music Center has been a cornerstone of the city’s cultural landscape for over a century, with a mission to make music accessible to all since opening in 1921. They offer a wide range of classes and programs to cater to every musical interest; from classical to jazz, Latin to world music, there is something for everyone.
“CMC is a place that’s allowed me to dream big, and make many of those crazy dreams come true,” said Martha Rodriguez-Salazar, a longtime teacher for Community Music Center, at Friday’s gala.
She noted CMC has “created bridges that have connected thousands,” adding: “Very importantly, it’s where I met my wife Jennifer 19 years ago.”
CMC serves as a hub for community gatherings and events. Whether it’s a concert in the park, a neighborhood block party, or a fundraising event, the Community Music Center is always using music to foster connections and strengthen communities. The center recently unveiled its new facility, a 140-year-old Victorian at 552 Capp St. that’s been restored in a $15.1 million project, and painted a vibrant sky blue alongside its neighbor.
“CMC believes in the power of music to connect people, celebrate cultures and transform lives,” said Greg Quiroga, the evening’s auctioneer. “Lucky for us tonight: We get to do all three.”
The night wouldn’t feel complete without dancing, and of course some mingling with San Francisco society and luminaries. We saw speeches and appearances from CMC Executive Director Julie Rulyak Steinberg, theater director Jonathan Moscone, arts philanthropist Rosalyne “Cissy” Swig and her grandson Adam Swig, and Senator Scott Wiener.
Community Music Center also honored three women with its highest accolade, the Gertrude Field Community Impact Award: Frances Phillips, arts funding luminary; and Martha Rodríguez-Salazar and Jennifer Peringer, longtime CMC faculty, artists, and advocates for community music.
The highlight for me of course was the music; as the evening came to a close, the melodies of the night reminded how music can inspire and unite. Maybe sometime soon I’ll pick up an instrument again, or at least visit this tight-knight community San Francisco is lucky to have — right here in Mission.
Saul Sugarman is editor in chief of The Bold Italic.
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More photos from CMC Gala 2024
Photos by Drew Altizer Photography.
