Storefronts were filled to the brim with festival goers as they were holding special sales for the “Pickin on Polk” event which took place on April 25. People sat and laid on the fake grass taped to the street, chatting while dogs and kids ran loose around the main stage. The street was lined with lots of vendors, selling tasty treats like ice cream and cotton candy, and novelty products such as handmade toys.
The free music festival, hosted by local non-profit Discover Polk and event planning firm BD+20, is “all about kicking back, jamming out and enjoying great company” according to their eventbrite page. This year’s festival featured a lot of bluegrass, folk and rock, with bands like Bay Area Special, The Vivants and Careless Whisper.
The grass patch was packed, everyone squeezing in, sitting criss-cross apple sauce, trying to get a glimpse of the openers, Sam Chase and the Untraditional. The sounds of trumpets blasting, piano keys being smashed and guitar strings ringing could be heard from blocks away. Fans and casual festival goers alike sang along and screamed back to lead singer Sam Chase when he did a call and response.
Shea Rittschof found out about the festival last minute, but it quickly became the highlight of her week. “I came to the festival to try something new, it was also free, which was a huge plus and something we don’t see enough of in San Francisco and I love live music,” said Rittschof.
Fabiola Vasquez was sitting on the curb, outside of the massive crowds, next to a couple of panting dogs. Fabiola is from Puerto Rico, and it’s her first time in California, and she’s a bit of an introvert. “I was looking for things to do, and I googled, and I saw that the festival was here today. I like outdoor things and I like people watching, so I decided to go,” said Vasquez. She didn’t know what type of music was being played, but was happy to listen to something new, “Actually, I don’t listen to these types of genres at all, but I think what I’ve been listening to is pretty cool, I’m open to any type of music,” Vasquez said.
Vasquez believes that events like this make a difference in people being more open and communal, “In Puerto Rico, they don’t have a lot of events like this, It’s a very different environment to what I’m used to, and I’ve seen that the people here are really nice compared to where I’m from,” Vasquez said.
Free festivals like Pickin on the Polk are ways for San Franciscans and people at large to come together and connect. A way for people to take their mind off their troubles and the issues happening around the world, and just listen to some really great music. “They just bring people together in such a wholesome way and push for supporting smaller businesses and organizations and bands, which is very important in the city,” said Rittschof.
