Bay Area’s ‘Brightest Star’ - Page 2

For people who have never been to a neon event before, don't miss the guided tour that's given just once a year, and only for 'Neon Speaks.' Set for Sunday September 8, Jim Rizzo of Neon Works in Oakland will conduct a tour of his working neon shop and vintage neon sign collection. Tube bender Adam Taylor will give neon glass demonstrations throughout the day, and Al Barna will be on hand in the sign boneyard to chat about neon history.

'Neon + Punk' takes place on Thursday September 12, and is another fun event you'll want to check out. Popular Bay Area recording artist Chuck Prophet will be the deejay, spinning punk and proto-punk right in the Tenderloin Museum, in one of San Francisco's most historic and gritty neighborhoods, a location where punk‐rock bands from 40 years ago famously recorded.

Eventgoers can also head over to the Roxie Theatre, the longest‐running cinema in San Francisco, on Saturday September 14. There, audiences will get to see a recently remastered print of Francis Ford Coppola's neon‐bedazzled movie 'One from the Heart.' The event includes a VIP reception and Q&A session with neon artist and signmaker Bill Concannon, who created the miniature neon for the Las Vegas streetscape seen in the opening of the 1981 film.

"Bill will talk about his movie career and art career," says Homan, "and there'll be cake, champagne, coffee, and popcorn. The VIP reception will sell out, but movie tickets can be purchased separately from the Roxie."

For the festival finale on Sunday September 15, make your way to the 'Neon Symposium and Curiosity Lounge' at the lovely Verdi Club in San Francisco. There, a 'Neon Pub Quiz' will give visitors the opportunity to chat with neon experts in an atmospheric, neon‐filled room.

As the authors and photographers of the popular book San Francisco Neon: Survivors and Lost Icons, Homan and Barna are also excited to announce the new soft‐cover book launch of their 2014 book.

Bringing people together is what 'Neon Speaks' is all about, according to the organizers. "More than half of our audience is made up of graphic designers, typographers, and architects," says Homan. "Everybody's looking for inspiration."

For the full schedule of 'Neon Speaks 2024' and registration, click here.