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Starr King Way Performance Series
(SKWPS)
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About
We have begun our second season of the Starr King Way Performance Series (SKWPS), presented by the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco. Curated by Nancy Munn and Mark Sumner, professional staff musicians at UUSF, SKWPS features a diverse array of artistic talent that reflects the progressive vision of our revered and historic institution.
We present ten performances in 2025, usually scheduled on select Sunday afternoons at 1:30 p.m. in the beautiful spaces and acoustics found in our center at the corners of Geary Boulevard, Franklin Avenue, and Starr King Way.
2026 Calendar
Check out our 2026 SKWPS CALENDAR for exciting concert performances planned throughout the year. Don’t miss the chance to experience a variety of musical genres and talented artists. Each month promises to bring something new and captivating to our Chancel, so mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable year of music!
SKWPS 2026
SUNDAYS, 1:30PM, UUSF SANCTUARY
$20 SUGGESTED DONATION FOR ALL EVENTS
February 15
Formerly Incarcerated People’s Performance Project with performances by Anthony Michael Jefferson “AJ” and Scott Schell
Sunday, February 15, 1:30 pm, Sanctuary
Hearing the stories of formerly incarcerated individuals cultivates compassion and understanding regarding their journeys, the challenges they faced, and their successes post-incarceration. These narratives not only inspire hope for personal reform but also prompt society to reflect on the often inhumane conditions within prisons. Participants in this initiative, such as Anthony Michael Jefferson “AJ” and Scott Schell, bring valuable experience as performers and advocates, helping others navigate issues like reentry and substance abuse. AJ, a Le Cordon Bleu-trained chef, engages with youth through cooking and storytelling, while Scott, who overcame addiction and incarceration, now manages programs aimed at violence prevention and community betterment. Both have shared their experiences through various performances, contributing to a broader dialogue on the importance of understanding and supporting those who have been incarcerated. For more information on their work and the Formerly Incarcerated People’s Performance Project, visit https://fippp.org/.
March 22
Naomi Westwater, singer-songwriter
Sunday, March 22, 1:30 pm, Sanctuary
Naomi Westwater (they/them/she) is a Black, queer singer-songwriter from Massachusetts, known for blending folk-rock music, poetry, and spirituality in their work. With a Master of Music in Contemporary Performance and Production from Berklee College of Music, Naomi is an active member of The Club Passim Folk Collective, where they produce Re-Imagining Lilith Fair, a tribute to the feminist music scene of the 1990s. They have received five nominations for the Boston Music Awards and have been featured in prominent media outlets like The Boston Globe and WBUR, where they were also included in the 2024 Makers list. As a cultural curator, Naomi leads the Boston Chapter of We Make Noise, organizing events such as We Make Noise Fest and We Make Noise Camp, and has produced shows at renowned venues like The Apollo Theater. Currently, they are working on Reclaiming Folk: A Celebration of People of Color in Folk Music and have secured over 20 grants for this initiative. Naomi is also a faculty member at Club Passim and serves on the NERFA board, with their latest concept record, Cycle & Change, available across platforms. https://www.naomiwestwater.com/
May 3
Sara Couden and Kate Offer, sopranos
Aria Kidding Presents: Classical Music
Sunday, May 2, 1:30 pm, Sanctuary
Kate Offer and Sara Couden, despite their combined 80 years of musical experience, humorously admit their lack of knowledge about classical music, suggesting that they would be better off remaining silent. However, due to their stuffy noses, they find themselves unable to keep quiet, leading to a comedic recital of incorrect information about various musical eras, including Medieval, Baroque, and French Romantic, among others. They ultimately encourage listeners to abandon their search for accurate musical insights and instead use their time to attend an upcoming concert.
June (TBD)
Carolyn Enger, pianist
Sunday, June, 1:30 pm, Sanctuary
July 11
JoEL Karabo Elliott & Band Film Screening
Saturday, 7-9:30pm
Special evening of film, world music & healing our relationship with death
The Last Ecstatic Days documentary film screening
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Roots Grown Deep "Ways of Remembrance" Trio feat. Aditi Sethi, Jay Brown & JoEL Karabo Elliott
September 27
Allen Biggs and Tommy Kesecker, Percussionists
Sunday, September 27, 1:30 pm, Sanctuary
Allen Biggs is the Principal Percussionist with the Santa Rosa Symphony and a timpanist with the Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra, frequently performing with various California symphonies. He has worked on numerous Broadway productions, including Wicked and Les Misérables, and contributed to the soundtrack of the film Renfield. A Grammy-winning musician, he teaches at San Francisco State University and has directed a steel pan program in Marin City. Additionally, he performs in schools across Sonoma County and runs the Moke Hill Music Festival, promoting contemporary music. Allen is also an active volunteer with the Art of Living, focusing on creating a peaceful society.
Tommy Kesecker graduated from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and joined legendary tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain and the Rhythm Experience. Tommy has performed on vibes, marimba, and drum set with a diverse array of highly acclaimed musicians, including pianist Larry Vuckovich’s Blue Balkan Ensemble, Jim Campilongo, George Brooks, Michael Feinstein, singer/pianist Diana Krall, and actor/singer Joel Gray, along with groups Echo and the Bunnymen and Mannheim Steamroller.
November 8
Dirty Cello, return performance by popular demand!
Sunday, November 8, 1:30 pm, Sanctuary
From Iceland to Italy and all over the U.S., San Francisco-based band Dirty Cello brings the world a high-energy and unique spin on blues, rock, and Americana. Led by vivacious crossover cellist Rebecca Roudman, Dirty Cello is cello like you’ve never heard before. From down-home blues and rock with a wailing cello to virtuosic stomping Americana, Dirty Cello is a band that gets your heart thumping and your toes tapping! https://www.dirtycello.com
December 10, 11, 12
SKWPS and the Faithful Fools present
Amahl & the Night Visitors, an opera by Gian Carlo Menotti
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Amahl and the Night Visitors tells the story of three mysterious kings following a star to bring gifts to a wonderful child. They stop for a rest at the home of Amahl, a shepherd boy who lives with his mother, and when Amahl offers his simple gift to the child, a miracle happens. A heartwarming story of kindness and generosity, Amahl and the Night Visitors is the perfect beginner’s opera and a joyous way to usher in the holiday season for the entire family! Hosted in collaboration with the Faithful Fools, the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco, and the Insight Chamber Players.
