Revitalizing Mr. Smith’s: Roar Shack Emerges as a Hub for Experimental Music
A Shifting Landscape
Mr. Smith’s, a cocktail bar previously located in San Francisco’s Mid-Market district, closed its doors in late 2019. The owner cited rampant drug dealing outside as a significant factor deterring patrons. Fast forward to today, the venue is poised for a transformative reopening under a new name: Roar Shack.
A Collaborative Transformation
The Roar Shack is the result of a partnership between Market Street Arts and The Living Earth Show, a local chamber music duo. This new entity aims to redefine the space by hosting a series of innovative performances over the next ten months. Their inaugural show is designed as an “audiovisual love letter to San Francisco,” utilizing video projections and field recordings to create an immersive experience.
Pushing Musical Boundaries
Andy Meyerson, co-founder of The Living Earth Show along with guitarist Travis Andrews, expressed their vision: “One of our goals is to use music as an insight for exploration, where you can hear something you’ve never heard before, and then hear the world differently.” This commitment highlights their intention to challenge conventional perceptions of music and sound.
Looking Ahead
The Roar Shack is set to become a platform for experimental music, drawing varied collaborators to enhance the cultural landscape of San Francisco. This approach not only seeks to revive the location but also aims to foster new artistic dialogues within the community.
