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May 18th, 2026
From the desk of President Henry Karnilowicz
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Greetings from the largest small business association in area in San Francisco, advocating for all our businesses, including for issues such as security, legislation, and marketing.
We invite you to explore our website archive to access all our past newsletters.
SOMA offers a wide variety of services, restaurants, and more. Whether you’re looking for a great place to eat, need motorcycle repairs, want to explore local art, print or copy documents, visit an optometrist, enjoy a night out at a club, or even try an assisted stretch — you’ll find it all in our Member Directory.
We encourage all to share this newsletter with friends and associates. Help us spread the word!
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HIGHLIGHTS:
- Yerba Buena Gardens - Live Music by Larry & Joe
- Casa Sofia Kitchen & Bar - Grand Opening Celebration
- San Francisco Chamber of Commerce - Small Business Workshop
- TJPA - SF Scottish Fiddlers
- SOMA Party not to be missed at The Stud!
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Yerba Buena Gardens: Larry & Joe |
Discover live performances at Yerba Buena Gardens...
Date: Thursday, May 21st
Time: 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Where: Great Lawn, Yerba Buena Gardens
Location: Mission St. between 3rd & 4th St., San Francisco, CA
Born from an unlikely connection during the pandemic, Larry & Joe bring together the rich traditions of Venezuelan música llanera and Appalachian folk music in a way that feels both timeless and entirely new. Larry Bellorín, a celebrated Venezuelan harpist and asylum seeker, and Joe Troop, a Grammy-nominated bluegrass musician from North Carolina, met by chance after both found themselves unexpectedly back in North Carolina during lockdown. What began as a spontaneous collaboration quickly evolved into a powerful musical partnership rooted in storytelling, cultural exchange, and the belief that music has no borders.
Blending harp, banjo, cuatro, fiddle, maracas, upright bass, and more, the duo creates a vibrant fusion of their musical inheritances while sharing stories about migration, resilience, and community through song.
For more details about this event and to explore the full lineup of summer events at Yerba Buena Gardens, click the button below:
| REMINDER: Casa Sofia Kitchen & Bar Grand Opening Party | |
Casa Sofia Kitchen & Bar makes its debut in SOMA...
Date: Thursday, May 21st.
Time: 4:00 pm
Where: Casa Sofia
Location: 701 2nd Street, San Francisco
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Just a reminder, Casa Sofia Kitchen and Bar invites the whole community to celebrate its Ribbon Cutting & Grand Opening Ceremony.
Located just steps from Oracle Park at 701 2nd Street in San Francisco’s SoMa District, Casa Sofia is the newest concept from Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Altamirano and the Altamirano Restaurant Group. Named after his daughter, Sofia, the restaurant brings together his Peruvian heritage and a California-driven, seasonal approach, creating a vibrant, welcoming space centered on family and community.
Event Details:
-Arrival & Mingling: 4:00 PM
-Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: 4:15 PM
-Remarks from city officials and the Casa Sofia team
After the ceremony, join in meeting fellow entrepreneurs over passed bites and signature cocktails inspired by Latin American flavors.
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San Francisco Chamber of Commerce:
Small Business Workshop
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Stories by Design: A Panel On Legacy...
Date: Wednesday, May 27th
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Where: Red Bay Coffee
Location: 220 Montgomery Street, San Francisco CA 94104
This is the final workshop in a four-part series hosted by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, designed to help small businesses harness the power of storytelling through intentional and practical design decisions.
Success is rarely defined by a single moment. Instead, lasting brands are built through their ability to stay relevant, resonant, and resilient over time. In this session, participants will explore how brands can evolve through changing seasons while remaining grounded in their core identity, purpose, and vision.
Topics include:
- The Philosophy of Evolution
- Legacy as Stewardship
- The Timeless Narrative
Who this is for:
Business owners and Founders who want to ensure their brand remains a grounded, timeless reflection of their vision.
| | TJPA: SF Scottish Fiddlers | | |
Soak in the sounds of live music at Salesforce Park...
Date: Thursday, May 30th
Time: 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Where: Salesforce Park
Location: 425 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Join the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers for a concert of rousing tunes from Scotland and beyond. This multi-generational string orchestra features fiddles, cellos, guitar and other instruments in a program featuring Scottish jigs, reels, strathspeys, and airs as well as tunes from the rich fiddling repertoire of Quebec, Brittany and Sweden. It's a musical adventure that always has audiences tapping their toes, and often dancing in the aisles. This program is free and open to the public.
Explore this summer’s upcoming lineup of events at Salesforce Park:
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STEAM Towel Party not to be missed!
Date: Thursday, May 30th
Time: 9:00 pm - 2:00 am
Where: The Stud
Location: 1125 Folsom Street, San Francisco CA 94103
Hump Events presents the STEAM Towel Party, a sensual, body-positive experience transforming The Stud into a Moroccan bathhouse with a dark, seductive vibe and pulsing tech house music. Attendees can expect to connect, dance, and unwind in this judgment-free, 21+ environment, featuring sexy dancers, a steamy play area, and an infamous play maze. Guests are strongly encouraged to wear towels, with jocks, underwear, or leather gear also welcome, and can enjoy short sessions in a dedicated massage room.
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