Pass the word! Jerry Ferraz, a permanent fixture since days gone by on the Bird & Beckett cultural front, invites you over to his flat and sunny backyard this Saturday, May 12th, 1-5pm, for chili & salad & garlic bread, plus:

— live jazz in the gazebo by the Vince Lateano Trio

— a live auction of paintings by some of North Beach’s (& other climes’) finest artists

— a silent auction of a few select items

— camaraderie and high spirits

It’s a rent party for the bookshop, so bring some cash to throw in the treasure chest, and don’t forget your checkbook either, ’cause it’s a benefit to gather the funds needed to keep Bird & Beckett humming along through another summer!

Call the store if you’re coming (415-586-3733) — or send us an email ([email protected]) — and we’ll give you the address and directions!

Starting bids for the art to be auctioned off for our benefit starting at 3pm range from about $75 to $150…

Take some San Francisco culture into your home! It’s a touch of the marvelous, it’s great for you, and it’s great for the culture!

Many thanks to the artists who have donated these pieces for their incredible generosity– all proceeds go to Bird & Beckett to support its programming! And to Jerry for making the chili and lending his place! And to Jerry’s mom, Billie — a San Francisco treasure — who each year for three years has paid the musicians, staff and bartender, as well as footing the bill for the food, beer and wine! And to you, for throwing money our way each May! We’re floored by the community’s generosity!

In the silent auction, you’ll have a chance to bid on just a few, choice items — a set of San Francisco Blues Festival posters from days gone by, a batch of theater tix, earrings made by Tom Wishing, tshirts off the proprietor’s back, a case of wine, a haircut!

Convento de San Pablo, Oaxaca – photo by Dennis Hearne, 2015

Diary of a Tidepool, Rebecca Peters