Great American Music Hall

Acts and audiences alike revere this saloon-like ballroom in the Tenderloin that recalls San Francisco’s scandalous past. Opened by a crooked politician as Blanco’s Café, at one time it was an elegant bordello catering to the hedonism of the emerging metro. (If only the frescoed ceilings, baroque details, ornate balconies, and marble columns could talk.) Over the years, acts who’ve played here have ranged from Duke Ellington and Sarah Vaughan to Arctic Monkeys, the Radiators, and She Wants Revenge. All shows are all ages 6 and up, so you can bring your family, too. Purchase tickets online, over the phone (tel. 888/233-0449) for a $4 to $5 service fee, or via fax (download form from the website) to tel. 415/885-5075 for a $2 service fee per ticket. Stop by the box office to buy tickets directly the night of the performance (assuming the show isn’t sold out).