On May 10, 2022, San Francisco’s music scene experienced a vibrant resurgence as local venues, which had been dormant for over two years due to pandemic restrictions, began to host live shows once again. The return of live music was marked by a celebration at The Fillmore, one of the city’s most iconic venues, where bands, artists, and fans reunited to share in the power of live performance. The event signaled a turning point for the city’s cultural recovery and drew attention to the city’s growing music economy.
The event was attended by several prominent figures in the local music scene, including San Francisco Mayor London Breed and popular Bay Area musician and activist, Michael Franti. Mayor Breed emphasized the importance of the arts to the city’s identity, noting, “San Francisco has always been a beacon for creativity, and as we emerge from the pandemic, the return of live music signifies the spirit of resilience in our community. Our music venues are not just entertainment spaces; they are cultural lifeblood for this city.”
The reopening celebration featured live performances by local indie artists, as well as big names from genres ranging from rock to electronic. The Fillmore, which has hosted legendary performances by artists like Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin, was the perfect backdrop for this highly anticipated comeback, packed with eager fans enjoying their first in-person concert in months.
Among the night’s performers was California-native artist, Emily Palen, whose band had been forced to cancel multiple tours during the pandemic. “This is an incredible moment for me personally, but also for all of us in the music industry,” Palen said. “We have seen firsthand how much we’ve missed the connection that live performances bring—not just to us as artists but to our audiences. Music is a shared experience, and this return feels like a homecoming.”
Alongside the musical performances, the event highlighted the importance of supporting local venues that were hit hard during the pandemic. Many of these spaces, such as The Fillmore, have relied on grassroots efforts to stay afloat, and organizations like the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) have played an instrumental role in lobbying for relief funds. NIVA’s advocacy led to the creation of the Shuttered Venue Operators Grant, a federal program that helped venues across the country remain operational during the closures.
Despite the celebration, challenges remain for many of the smaller music venues across the Bay Area. Many venues are still dealing with reduced capacity limits and a slow return of ticket sales. Nonetheless, the event on May 10th underscored the optimism that exists within San Francisco’s music scene. As live performances make their grand return, the city’s cultural fabric continues to rebuild, and the recovery of the live music industry promises to play a pivotal role in the city’s artistic resurgence.
