There is never a shortage of activities for CISL San Francisco students. Between Giants or A’s baseball games, museums, festivals, or simply exploring different neighborhoods, our students keep themselves quite busy! With all the local events, it is tough to choose a short list of suggested activities for visitors, but seeing a show at The Fillmore is a highly recommended activity for anyone studying English in San Francisco. The theater’s history, beauty, and acoustics make it one of the most incredible theaters in the U.S.
This grand theater was created in the early 1900s. Its original owner, Emma Gates Butler, asked designers to create an “Italian style” dance hall on the corner of Fillmore and Geary. The theater, originally named “The Majestic Hall and Majestic Academy of Dancing,” was opened in 1912. Typical events at The Majestic Hall and Majestic Academy of Dancing included socials and masquerade balls, and the decor was (and still is) exquisite.
Since its opening at the beginning of the century, The Fillmore has not only hosted many famous bands: it has been responsible for starting the careers of many artists. According to The Fillmore’s website, “The careers of the Grateful Dead, the Jefferson Airplane, Santana, Quicksilver Messenger Service, Big Brother and the Holding Company, Moby Grape, the Butterfield Blues Band, and countless others were launched from The Fillmore stage.”
Along with starting the careers of so many artists, the theater has hosted countless performances by some of the greatest artists of our time, including Jimi Hendrix, Otis Redding, Cream, Howlin’ Wolf, Captain Beefheart, Muddy Waters, and The Who. Current artists who frequent The Fillmore stage include No Doubt, Radiohead, The Cure, Sonic Youth, Prince, The White Stripes, comedian Dave Chappelle, and Tom Jones. Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, known for their hit “Freefalling,” have played a total of 27 times at The Fillmore!
For a complete listing of upcoming shows, check out The Fillmore website.