"Five-time Grammy winner Sam Smith began their 24-night To Be Free: San Francisco Residency on February 10, 2026, at The Castro, performing for the appreciative and enthusiastic sold-out audience that night and again on February 11. Smith previously had a "New York City" 24-show residency at the Warsaw in Brooklyn, and, like that series, is presenting intimate, stripped-down arrangements for the 1400-maximum capacity The Castro versus their bold and expansive arena tours."
"Many who attended the opening night performance said that it was the best concert they had ever seen. Songs included an incredibly soulful "Lay Me Down," a sexy version of "Unholy" with Smith wearing a full-length gown, and one of our team's favorites: a jubilant take on Erasure's "A Little Respect" with Smith wearing leather shorts, leather boots, a frilly shirt, and a trench coat on the rainy night in San Francisco that contrasted with The Castro's warm and welcoming vibe."
"Smith's residency marks the start of concerts at The Castro following the venue's reopening on February 6. Regarding this and other changes, Another Planet Entertainment CEO and Co-Founder Gregg Perloff said, "Our goal is to activate and reenergize the building with equity, inclusion, and community at the forefront. We look forward to contributing to the vibrancy and economic health of the Castro while honoring its legacy as an LGBTQ+ landmark and cultural anchor.""
Sam Smith opened a 24-night To Be Free residency at The Castro on February 10 and 11, performing intimate, stripped-down arrangements for the venue's 1,400 capacity. The series follows a prior 24-show residency at the Warsaw in Brooklyn and contrasts with the artist's arena tours. Opening-night attendees praised the show, highlighting soulful renditions like "Lay Me Down," a sensual "Unholy," and a jubilant cover of Erasure's "A Little Respect" featuring distinctive stage attire. The residency marks the start of concerts after The Castro's reopening, emphasizes equity and inclusion, and features the song "To Be Free" with The TwoCity Chorus and a LAHORDE-directed video.
Read at San Francisco Bay Times
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