The Panhandle Bandshell project is a temporary public art installation made from reclaimed materials and designed to:
- create a space for non-amplified, acoustic neighborhood performances such as:
- jazz combos
- classical music
- spoken word
- solo instrumental performances
- acoustic contemporary music
- vocal and choir performances
- theatrical performances
- children’s performances
- puppet shows
- poetry readings
- demonstrate through creative reuse of materials that a beautiful structure can be built from material that would otherwise have been thrown away, raising collective awareness of our impact on the environment.
- provide a place for neighbors to come out of their homes and gather in ways that support the local community and community-building.
- provide an accessible venue for the many talented performers who live and work in the area.
- provide a neighborhood place for play and creative expression.
- provide a place for teaching and learning about how we in our neighborhood can support the environment through recycling, reuse and participation in the new curbside composting programs.
Where will the bandshell be placed?
The project team is asking for a permit to place the Bandshell in the Panhandle Park between Clayton and Cole, on an asphalt surface just west of the basketball courts. The Bandshell would face west and onto a grassy area.
How long will the Bandshell be in place?
The proposed project would be in place for just over three months – from June 1 through September 15, 2007 (pending approvals).
What kind of performances will there be at the Bandshell?
The Bandshell is intended to provide a welcoming place for neighborhood-based community performances. It is important to note that the Bandshell would host only non-amplified, acoustic performances. We have asked the Recreation & Park Department not to issue amplified sound permits for the Bandshell.
When will performances happen?
Performance sign-up slots will be available between noon and dusk daily from June to mid-September. The Bandshell does not provide electricity for lighting nighttime performances. (Low-powered, amber-colored LED solar-powered lights will provide safety lighting at night.)
How will the performances be scheduled? How will neighbors know what performances are planned?
Gatherings Under 25 People
We expect most performances will attract less than 25 audience members. The Bandshell project team has set up a web-based "sign up" sheet for small gatherings and neighborhood performances. For performances expected to attract fewer than 25 people, neighbors are invited to let people know that they are planning to perform by signing up for a specified hour on the project web site. A list of those who have expressed an interest in performing on a Saturday or Sunday will be displayed on the project web site and will be posted at the Bandshell daily.
Small Performances (25 or more attendees anticipated)
For performances expecting 25 or more people to attend, performers must secure a permit from the San Francisco Department of Recreation and Parks. The Department of Recreation and Parks permit application form will be available via the Bandshell Project website. Permits must be applied for a minimum of 10 days in advance of the planned performance. The Bandshell Project website will list pending permit applications and note performances that have received permits from the Department of Recreation & Parks.
Will performances have amplified sound?
No. Amplified performances are not generally permitted in the Panhandle Park due to the proximity of people living along Oak and Fell Streets. We have asked the Recreation and Parks Department not to issue amplified sound permits for the Bandshell. Additionally, The Bandshell does not have electricity to support amplification equipment.
What materials will be used to create the Bandshell?
The outer skin of the Bandshell will be crafted by overlapping 75 automobile hoods and will be painted (on the outside) the same color as the Golden Gate Bridge. The underside of the car hoods will be painted a silver color and the structural support arches will be covered with computer circuit panels. The back wall will be crafted from stacked plastic drinking water bottles and will be illuminated with low-powered, amber-colored LED solar-powered lights. The stage surface will be made from reclaimed solid-core doors.
Will the Bandshell structure be safe?
Yes. The Bandshell has been designed to meet all local applicable building codes. It will have stamped certification from a qualified structural engineer and all applicable building permits from the San Francisco Department of Building Inspections.
Will the Bandshell be ADA accessible?
Yes. The Bandshell stage will have a ramp for wheelchair accessibility and will meet other ADA requirements.
Will the project involve major construction in the park?
No. The bandshell would be fabricated at another site and would then be transported to and assembled at the site.
Will the Bandshell cause damage to the park?
No. At the suggestion of the Department of Recreation and Parks, the Bandshell would be sited on an asphalt surface. The Bandshell Project team would be responsible for repairing the grass in front of the Bandshell if needed at the close of the installation.
What will happen when the Bandshell gets tagged with graffiti?
Graffiti and tagging is a persistent problem in San Francisco as it is in other major urban areas. The Bandshell project team has developed a neighborhood supported plan for addressing tagging and graffiti on the structure. The outer surface of the Bandshell will be painted one consistent color (International Orange - the same color as the Golden Gate Bridge) and the inside will be painted another color (silver). Paint and supplies will be kept in a combination locked storage compartment underneath the Bandshell stage. Neighborhood volunteers will be scheduled to support graffiti abatement by painting over any safely accessible tagging on a daily basis. Bandshell Project team members will take responsibility for painting over any graffiti that requires a ladder for access with 48 hours.
What about the extra trash that will be generated when performances happen in the Bandshell?
The Bandshell Project is being undertaken with a grant from the San Francisco Department of the Environment with the specific objective of using public art as a means to generate conversation about the importance of recycling, re-use and composting. The project team will work with the Department of the Environment to place educational signage and extra regularly-serviced recycling and composting bins at the site of the Bandshell installation.
How will we deal with homeless people occupying the Bandshell?
The Bandshell Project Team will work with our neighborhood partners to establish a schedule for regular volunteer review and reporting of problems related to inappropriate use of the structure by homeless or other people.
How can I get involved?
If you would like to volunteer to become involved with the Bandshell Project, please send a note to: volunteer@panhandlebanndshell.com.
Who do I contact if I have questions or comments about the project?
Please send a note to: rachelann {at} blackrockarts {dot} org or call the Black Rock Arts Foundation office at 415-626-1248.
