The showcases started in Houston, Tx in 1994 as an outlet for students to get real-life performing experience in real-life clubs. It continued every year (except 2009) and evolved into a highly respected forum for up and coming performers – thousands of players, future-signed bands, and world-famous guest musicians.
Many of the over 100 showcases were tightly scripted, 8-hour multi-art, multi-discipline productions. Each featured nonstop stage and floor acts with up to 75 performers and 16 bands. During the 5-minute onstage set changeovers, floor acts kept the energy flowing—turning stage set changes into part of the spectacle. Lindsey handled all administration, promotion, booking, and, most importantly, stage managed every showcase with strict precision ensuring a seamless, uninterrupted experience. Floor acts included robotics, modern and butoh dance, spoken word, slam poetry, comedy troupes, magic, mime, cosplay, large-scale projection art, fire dancers and more.
From 1999 thru 2008, these marathon events were held quarterly. 40+ showcases alone held at the Red Devil/Polk St/SF during Dotcom era 2001-2002.
Everyone came, famous & not.
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San Francisco venues that hosted Musicians’ Showcase multiple times include Slim’s, Bottom of the Hill, Fort Mason, Thee Parkside, Red Devil Lounge, Tupelo, Grant&Green, OmniCircus, Pyramid, Storyville, Conn. Yankee, El Rio, The 23 Club, Hotel Utah…
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Here is a list of some of the incredible players in the San Francisco scene, who performed over the years: