"Crossing the threshold on O'Farrell Street and into Great American Music Hall is akin to stepping back in time. It's a "jewel box," a time capsule of Edwardian-era design and a reflection of San Francisco's Barbary Coast days - the embodiment of elegance and notoriety. You may have seen a Mexican cumbia-punk band, burlesque to the tune of David Bowie, or even caught one of Prince's final performances before he passed."
"Much like San Francisco itself, the Great American has lived many lives - at times, it's been an upscale eatery, a bordello, a cabaret, the site of a handful of gothic-themed weddings, and the home of up to 50 ghosts. Today, it's one of precious few mid-sized, independently owned venues in a city increasingly populated by corporate music outposts - a fiercely indie space since 1972."
"GAMH was acquired by the owners of Slim's in 2002 (a group including Grammy-winning blues musician Boz Scaggs, CEO Jonathan Nelson, the late venture capitalist Frank Caufield, and others involved with the Hellman Family Foundation), who have largely left the longtime staff do their thing. The owners see the venue as more of a "caretaker situation," says general manager and booker Fred Barnes."
Great American Music Hall on O'Farrell Street retains Edwardian-era design and evokes San Francisco's Barbary Coast. The venue has hosted diverse performances from cumbia-punk bands to burlesque and Prince. The space has served as an upscale eatery, bordello, cabaret, wedding site, and reputedly houses up to 50 ghosts. Independently owned and mid-sized, GAMH has remained fiercely indie since 1972. Ownership transferred to the Slim's group in 2002, which mostly lets longtime staff operate. Staff emphasize a familial, project-like commitment, reinvesting any profits into the venue. Recent upgrades improved sound and lighting, contributing to a profitable 2025.
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