Celebrating the Car-Free Hayes Music Series
Over ten recent afternoons and evenings, our Car-Free Hayes Music Series transformed the 400 block of Hayes into a vibrant hub of music, dance, and thriving community spirit.
The idea for our series came from Three-Handed Jazz, whom I met through Hayes Valley for All. Wanting to help promote car-free Hayes, they kindly offered to donate their time and talent for our inaugural performance. From there, thanks to a generous grant from the Hayes Valley Neighborhood Association, we were able to sponsor Three-Handed Jazz, along with two other musical acts, DrClock and Briana Scales, for a 10-concert series. Finally, the Hayes Valley Merchant Council sponsored a holiday-themed finale featuring Love Machine.
Throughout the series, children, elderly, disabled, and neighbors from all backgrounds danced, enjoyed music, and made chalk drawings, all in the safety of a car-free street.
This all came together because of broad support in our community. Some folks brought their musical talents, others grant money, some provided free electricity (thanks ANINA and PROXY!), and of course everyone else brought their love for live music, art, and dance.
If you enjoy spending time in car-free spaces, please sign our petition to support continuing our Hayes Street Shared Spaces program, and expanding it to a fully pedestrianized Hayes Street.
