August Hall

San Francisco Music Venue Spotlight: August Hall

in Music News by
The new August Hall has officially opened and the word is spreading about this hip new venue for live music located right here in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Opened by Scott Murphy, Chad Donnelly, Nate Valentine, and Justin Roja, this new event venue is set to be the highlight of modernist style right here in San Francisco, and because of its partnership with Live Nation, it’s bound to include a killer music lineup. Here’s a breakdown of what this new venue has to offer.

The Location

Located right in the historic building of the Native Sons of the Golden West, this bustling neighborhood location is ideal for a San Francisco music venue since it is set literally in the heart of Union Square. The architect of the building is the inspiration for the name of the venue, and August Hall has the beautiful architecture to prove just how talented August Headman truly is. The building features things like arched walls, vaulted ceilings, and stained glass windows. There are even restored filigree, crown molding, and flooring that give the place a historical look that highlights the beauty of this stunning building.

The Layout

This San Francisco music venue has an entire space that totals 15,000 square feet and was designed by a culmination of work by two individuals: Britt Hull and Clinton Miller. Their ultimate goal was to combine the richness of the classical elements and the simplicity of contemporary elements, resulting in a striking and unique look. In addition to the expansive stage, the venue also has a grand mezzanine that wraps around as well as a gorgeous open balcony, new lighting booth, and new sound booth to take live music in San Francisco to new levels.

The technology is a huge component of this venue since it provides a modern concert sound without overpowering the room. It includes things like D&B Audiotechnik and an LED screen right on the stage. The capacity can seat up to 1,000 guests, but the hall is constructed to be versatile to fit many needs. It’s perfect for a variety of shows and performances like major music concerts but can also host a variety of other options like seminars, conferences, and charity events.

The Features

August Hall has many features. One of the biggest is the multiple viewing areas that are semi-private. This allows guests a unique way to experience the show. The venue also features three full bars that have food service for private viewers, and there is a Green Room, which is set on the second floor behind the main marquee sign for private interactions.

When you see the Green Room, it is easy to understand why this experience is really a notch above. It has forest green walls with texture, a brass bar, tufted upholstery, vintage novelties, and more, giving it a vintage vibe that truly fits the scene. There is also a wooden library on the wall that has a vintage piano that was inherited from the first venue at this location.

The Neighbors

Another exciting feature of August Hall’s location is its neighbors. Right next to it, you’ve got Fifth Arrow, a cocktail bar, dining place, and gaming parlor for guests to enjoy. It features a great lively location for those to enjoy before the concert and after it ends, making it a great social gathering spot in the city. The name was inspired by a target point that bowling aficionados use for their optimal scoring. Because of this inspiration, Fifth Arrows also features three expansive bowling lanes inside, which is a first for Union Square. On the menu are delicious and comforting California-Italian food cooked by the Executive Chef, Joey Booterbaugh.

With the old Fillmore West opening, and now August Hall, San Franciscans have been truly blessed these days when it comes to music venues. The team that put it together wanted a place for modern entertainment that still provided that rich historical atmosphere for guests. They sought to add to the entertainment portion of the city as well, and they are doing so by giving a place for hospitality, events, and musical performances. The Union Square location makes it especially convenient. August Hall has all the makings of a great venue and a breath of fresh air for San Francisco’s nightlife, which has been in need of a jolt for some time now.

Photo Credit: Michael David Rose

Having released albums under Digital Nations, a label founded by Steve Vai, music critic Louis Raphael has remained deeply connected to the pulse of the San Francisco music scene. Following his tenure as the San Francisco Music Examiner for Examiner.com and AXS.com, he embarked on creating Music in SF® to authentically highlight the vibrant offerings of the city's music scene.

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