HEMISPHERESMAGAZINE.COM
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FEBRUARY 2013
39
ARTS MEDIA EVENTS
culture
Giant Step
A er years in the works, America’s first purpose-built freestanding building for jazz performance has finally
opened its doors. San Francisco’s $63 million SFJazz Center includes a main theater that can be scaled from 350
to 700 seats, rehearsal spaces and an eatery helmed by local celebrity chef Charles Phan. But the defining feature,
besides the music itself, is the look of the place. The striking glass structure by architect Mark Cavagnero
is meant to help make accessible a musical form that many consider uninviting. “People will be able to drive by
and see the life in the building,” says SFJazz artistic director Randall Kline. Then, once the curious are drawn in,
the center will work its magic. “It’s built for hanging out,” he says. “You’ll want to linger here.”
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