My City By The Bay

Russ Lorenson is one of the many talented singers living and working in San Francisco.  I met him through friends a while ago and have since seen him perform at various clubs and events.  He has a very smooth voice and personality to match.  The above video is not mine, however I found it on YouTube and was pleasantly surprised.  His background ivory tickler on the video is none other than Kelly Park - a well known and awesome piano player around the Bay area.

I won a contest last year that Russ sponsored which allowed me to see Tony Bennett in person.  I had gone to one of his concerts at the now closed Empire Plush Room and made the mistake of sitting in the front row.  Long story short during the performance I and another not so lucky audience member were dragged up on stage and outfitted with hula skirts and leis and had to dance while Russ sang.  I’ll never let him live that one down.  So, winning those tickets afterward I feel was well deserved.Visit his website at  http://www.russlorenson.com  which includes detailed information and links to his CD’s which includes a Christmas album with the song Christmas in San Francisco.

It’s very easy navigating your way around San Francisco and the Bay Area without a car.  I do it all the time.  And while I might complain about it at times we have one of the best transportation systems in the country.  Ok, I’m embellishing but it is good.  I’ve never had a car in the city and have always been able to travel around the Bay Area with no trouble at all.  Of course it may take a bit longer to reach your destination without a car but the way I see it you’re saving money on gas and don’t have to worry about driving, especially when you are not familiar with your surroundings. Tourists really don’t need a car in San Francisco.

Either by phone or website you can call 511 or check out the site at http://www.511.org and receive a comprehensive guide to SF and beyond.  There is a trip planner, which I even use sometimes that tells you exactly what mode of transportation you need to get from point A to point B.  You just type in where you are and where you want to go and voila! You will receive detailed information including fares and times.

There is also a rideshare connection link for people not wanting to drive themselves but need to take a trip and can share the cost of gas etc… with someone driving to the same destination.  Information on this website and by phone also includes traffic highlights, links and information about San Francisco International airport.  Basically any question you might have in regards to traveling in San Francisco and the Bay area can be answered on the website or by phone.  It’s a handy tool for both tourists and locals.