Twelve years ago, a group called Super Diamond decided to take on the persona of legendary singer / songwriter superstar, Neil Diamond. While it takes six guys to equal the original, if they come to your town, buy tickets now because they are worth every dollar.

Last night and tonight in San Francisco, Super Diamond is performing at Bimbo's 365 Club.

It is the not the first time this group, whose roots are Bay Area-based, have played here, nor will it be their last.

Super Diamond came to Bimbo's this past August. They will perform again tonight and then be back in town on Wednesday, December 8th for a private event.

If you miss them at Bimbo's, to experience the sights and sounds of this "alternative Neil Diamond band" which has played for huge crowds and celebrities, such as baseball's Mark McGwire, actor, Fred Savage, comedian Rob Schneider and comedian/actor, David Spade, you'll have to go to Baltimore (10/29), Washington D.C. (10/30), Austin (11/5), San Diego (11/12), Ft. Lauderdale (11/19), Cleveland (12/10), San Diego (1/7), or Chicago's House of Blues (1/21-22), where Super Diamond has previously shared the stage with the real Diamond.

On New Year's Eve, Super Diamond will perform in Seattle, Washington at The Showbox.

As part of a wedding gift presented last night, we took our newlywed friends, Lisa and Kelly to Friday night's performance of Super Diamond.

While Kelly has seen the real Neil Diamond fifteen times in concert, he had never heard "Surreal Neil" or seen the sparkling Seventies shirted group of six.

The first night I met the future husband of one of my best friends a few years ago, Kelly was in a karaoke bar in San Francisco singing "Sweet Caroline" as a love song to Lisa.

At Lisa and Kelly's wedding this past August in Sugarbush Vermont, the groom got out on the dance floor and sang two-or-three Neil Diamond songs to his new bride, while everyone swooned over the newly wed couple.

While Super Diamond's Surreal Neil sings about a half octave lower than the real deal, if you close your eyes and listen, you'd think you were experiencing the Grammy & Golden Globe award-winning artist, himself.

Fortunately, after dining at El Raigon, North Beach's new Argentine steakhouse, we arrived at Bimbo's early enough to take in the warm-up band, Notorious. As a result, we were able to get great, on-the-side, raised seats. We also had enough time to indulge in the XOX Truffles bought from across the street. And we got a chance to dance!

Notorious performs songs of the 70's and 80's (admittedly our generation).

Notorious

Artists emulated last night include: AC/DC, Queen, Joan Jett, Naked Eyes, Prince, Rick Springfield, The Romantics and Van Halen.

If we had to leave after hearing Notorious, Super Diamond's "warm-up band," the $20 ticket would have been money well spent.

Hear them once and you'll understand why they are one of the Bay Area's best dancy party, rock show.

If you're getting married in or around San Francisco Notorious would be the band to hire -- whether you're twenty years old or fifty.

The lead female singer, Kate, is a dead ringer for San Francisco's first lady, Kimberly Guilfoyle Newsom.

Watching this woman both dance and sing made me imagine seeing Kimberly up on stage just like Super Diamond's "Surreal Neil" came out an hour later pretending to be Neil Diamond.

Now that would be a show!

For someone who has been to fifteen live Neil Diamond concerts - all across America, no least - I was hopeful that Super Diamond would offer the songs, the soul and the nostalgia that Neil Diamond, in the flesh, who is now 63, still offers in Las Vegas, Utah, and all around the world, to this day.

If you have the opportunity to go to their performance tonight, you will not be disappointed.

And if you don't read this post until well after they are gone, not to worry. I'm sure Bimbo's will invite them back, again. This was not the first time Super Diamond has performed at Bimbo's 365 Club and tonight will certainly not be the last.

Last night, the house was packed with twenty, thirty and forty something fans who were into rockin' out til midnight to the likes of "Love on the Rocks," "Forever in Blue Jeans," "Holy, Holy," "I'm A Believer," "and one of the greatest songs of all time, "Sweet Caroline."

In singing the famous 1978 duet ballad with Barbra Streisand, "You Don't Bring Me Flowers," from the audience they invited a young brunette woman up on stage.

San Francisco Aerial Map, © 2004, Rugged Elegance LLC

Here is a taste of the San Francisco scene, Rugged Elegant Living style, created to inspire you this weekend, September 25-26, 2004.

HEALTHY LIVING

Power Ten!

Monday morning was surreal. Last Friday with the Big Boat series underway at the San Francisco Yacht Club, Crissy Field was abuzz. This Monday, the temperature had dropped to 61 degrees but the sun was shining. However, it was striking how few people were out walking, jogging or sailing. No one was surfing. One lone kayaker made his way under the Golden Gate Bridge near Fort Point before surfing into the beach. It reminded me of my crew days back in Boston on The Charles River. Now all my "power tens" are done on a Concept II rowing machine at the Koret Center. How I miss those days on the water.

But wait!

Perhaps after twenty years there is an opportunity to get back into rowing here in the Bay Area.

If you are inspired to try out canoeing or kayaking, as I was on Monday, here are five options:

The Dolphin Club of San Francisco at: DolphinClub.org

SeaTrek's Ocean Kayaking Classes & Rentals in Sausalito: SeaTrekKayak.com

Bay Area Sea Kayaking Classes, Rentals and Sales on the Oakland waterfront at Jack London Square: CalKayak.com

Polynesian Art, Sport & Culture at: The San Francisco Outrigger Canoe Club

For both novices and veterans in the crowd, don't miss this weekend's Bay Area Paddle Fest at Coyote Point in San Mateo. This is California's biggest and best Canoe and Kayak Festival.

All the schedule, location, exhibitor and registration information can be found at: BayAreaPaddlefest.com

Race For The Cure

The Susan G. Komen San Francisco Breast Cancer Race for The Cure
14th Annual Race
Sunday, September 26, 2004
8:30 AM Race Start Time
Crissy Field
Golden Gate National Recreation Area

Last year, $300,147 was raised for the S.F. Affiliate. This year's goal: $100 per participant.

SFKomen.org

If you haven't joined a team, or are looking for a terrific group of people to partner with, search out the red pop-up tent with Convent of the Sacred Heart on it. They're one of the many, fabulous corporate teams participating. Their meeting time: 8am.

At the very least, we hope you get out and cheer on this sixty-mile event to benefit the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and to be an inspiration for all those battling or recovering from this deadly disease.

Presidio Rx Running Group Weekend Run

Meet at the Presidio Sports Basement for a Sunday morning run around the Presidio. Participation is free and all running abilities are welcome.

For information visit Woohoo.org/PresidioRx

ADVENTURESOME LIVING

Saturday and Sunday from 9am - 6pm

The 19th Annual Pacific Coast Fog Festival

Downtown Pacifica hosts: Over 190 arts and craft booths, live entertainment, plenty of tasty food and drink.

For directions, activities, contests, news and tips, go to: PacificCoastFogFest.com

Hog Island's Best Selling Sweetwater Oysters

Saturday from 2 - 8pm

The Black Horse Oyster Festival

A selection of the freshest and most delicious oysters from the Hog Island Oyster Farm will be served at 1514 Union Street tomorrow in Russian Hill.

These beauties will be harvested in the morning and delivered to the Black Horse just in time for a refreshing afternoon snack.

Stop by, quaff a beer and slurp some oysters. See old friends and make a few new ones, such as Chef Rosh Punian, who will be shucking and serving Hog Island's best.

Oysters have always been linked with love - according to myth, when Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love, sprang forth from the sea on an oyster shell and gave birth to Eros, the word 'aphrodisiac' was born.

Roman emperors paid for them by their weight in gold, and legendary lover Casanova reputedly devoured four dozen every morning in the bath with his lady of the moment.

Today oysters are considered a great luxury. Strange to think, then, that in Dickens' time, oysters and poverty went hand in hand, and were guzzled in a vulgar pickle of throat-burning malt vinegar. It was the greedy rush to supply urban demand, which almost emptied the oyster beds and made them a rare and, consequently, more desirable commodity.

There may be many reasons for the supposed romantic properties of this most slippery of bivalves. Oysters are full of zinc, which modern medical research has linked with improving male potency - it is said to increase sperm and testosterone production . Romance aside, oysters are a pretty healthy option for everyone - they're a valuable source of other minerals, such as calcium and copper, and are also rich in iodine and low in cholesterol.

If you are unable to make it to Black Horse tomorrow after, Hog Island oysters can also be found at Whole Foods and every Saturday from 8 am to 2 pm at San Francisco's Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market - Jerry's Stall.

Welcome to San Francisco, Princess!

Photo Credit © 2004 Randall Engler

On Wednesday morning, photographer Randy Engler captured this fabulous photo of a Princess cruise ship arriving into San Francisco. Lucky for us both, we were at the right place at the right time. Thank you Randy for sharing this "vicarious living" shot with our Rugged Elegant Living audience.

Less than an hour later, three leis washed up onto the beach from passengers on this Princess ship who must have been arriving from Hawaii.

All those who would never dream of traveling via cruise line but then try it, claim they would do it again, in a heart beat.

If you're tempted, on June 17th 2005, Regal Princess departs San Francisco for a ten-day journey to Alaska via the Inside Passage to Victoria British Columbia, Sitka, Haines, Juneau and glacier viewing in Tracy Arm fjord.

Cost: $1,449

For details, go to: Princess.com/Destination/Alaska

Stanford's Alex Smith

Undefeated Cardinal to Host No. 1 Ranked and Unbeaten USC

For something a little closer to home, consider attending tomorrow afternoon's Stanford vs. USC Football game at Stanford stadium.

This morning, in honor of tomorrow's game coached by Buddy Teevans, I wore my "Soaring Seagull" Stanford tank top out for my morning run. As I was coming in to the home stretch, a man wearing a t-shirt that said, "Bite Me!" shouted "Go Bears!"

Sir, here's back at you...Go Cardinal!!

Tantalizing Television - People & Performances

Stanford fans unable to attend the game live on Saturday afternoon, can TiVo it and watch it at your leisure, whenever it suits your schedule.

Kickoff is at 4:10pm. TBS will televise the game.

Via radio, KNEW, 910am with Ted Robinson and Bob Murphy will also broadcast the game.

For further details go to: GoStanford.CollegeSports.com

A few other shows / events to consider TiVoing this weekend:

SF Giants Pitcher, Kirk Rueter

This weekend, The San Francisco Giants play the LA Dodgers. Saturday and Sunday: Game time is just after 1pm. Tickets will be hard to come by tomorrow. A select number of seats are still available for Sunday's game.

The Giants are only 1 1/2 games behind the Dodgers for the division lead going into this series. Lefty Pitcher, Kirk Rueter will start the series opener.

Games are televised on FSN, FSN-HD, or via video on MLB.TV. KNBR 680 and KZSF 1370 are the radio stations that will cover the games.

This weekend, The San Francisco 49ers travel to Seattle to meet the Seahawks on Sunday. FOX will televise the game. Kick-off is at 1:15pm PST.

For news, history, information on the team, etc. go to: SF49ers.com

Joe Starkey on KGO AM 810 will provide play-by-play of the game on radio while former player, Gary Plummer, provides commentary and game analysis.

FOX Special Fashion Rocks on Sunday night from 8-10pm ET/PT.

Hosted by Denis Leary and taped at the legendary Radio City Music Hall in New York City, Fashion Rocks will feature performances by international pop stars Beyoncé, Usher, Faith Hill, Rod Stewart, Alicia Keys, Avril Lavigne, Mary J. Blige, Andre 3000, Hoobastank and Black Eyed Peas, along with commentary by the world’s leading trendsetters.

This original, all-new special explores the link between style and sound through the decades, with insight from a diverse collection of music idols and fashion icons.

Introductions and special appearances by celebrities, and “rockumentary”-style segments spotlighting designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, Gucci, Michael Kors, Tommy Hilfiger and Ralph Lauren, will also be featured on Fashion Rocks airing Sunday, September 26th (8-10pm ET/PT) on FOX.

San Francisco "Places of Taste" on the Radar Screen

Recently, Pacific Heights has begun to offer more and more outdoor seating. Last weekend, we were able to dine outside in the sunshine at La Mediterranee on Fillmore Street. La Med is one of our favorite spots to take our kids. For under $10 a person, you can get the most colorful, delicious lunch or dinner. In particular, we recommend the chicken kabobs with rice and salad.

For hours and a further profile go to: SF.RuggedElegance.com/LaMed

Save room for dessert at Tango Gelato, just a few blocks south, on the west side of Fillmore.

They serve the only Argentinean gelato in San Francisco, and some of the most unusual but fabulous flavors such as Tangerine Chocolate and Lemon Basil.

SOULFUL LIVING

Top recommendation: City Church, Sunday at 9am and 10:45am on Sutter between Divisadero and Broderick at The Russian Center.

To learn about the music, community and fellowship led by Reverand Fred Harrell, go to: City Church of San Francisco

Before heading to your indoor and/or outdoor sanctuary on Sunday, turn your radio dial to 104.5/97.7 and tune into KFOG's Acoustic Sunrise while reading The Sunday Chronicle and New York Times.

It will set the tone for your whole day!

Betty Buckley performs at The Empire Plush Room on Saturday at 8pm and 11pm, and on Sunday at 3pm. Tickets are $55 and $60. Her signature Broadway song from Cats: "Memory."

Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" Performance on Saturday

Organizers of the 2nd Annual World Peace Music Awards (WPMA) will host a special live performance by Pop Diva Gloria Gaynor, celebrating the 25th anniversary of her show stopping signature song, “I Will Survive” tomorrow.

Her performance and others will take place from 5:30-10pm, September 25th at San Francisco's historic Civic Center Plaza - the site that witnessed the birth of the peace movement in the 60's. The WPMA honors musicians who wang for peace in times of war.

"San Francisco, a city synonymous with civil rights and peace activism has always provided musicians a platform to sing for peace in times of war and is the most appropriate place to honor this year’s award recipients," said show creator Matt Taylor. "It’s the city where many of the world’s favorite folk musicians laid their roots as they sought to spread a message of peace through their music during the 60's and 70's."

Tickets are free. However, a donation of $10, $15 or $20 per-person will ensure a reserved seat or guaranteed standing positions in the plaza.

For security purposes, a complete artist lineup will not be available until hours before the show begins.

For tickets and further details on prospective artists expected to perform go to: WPMA.tv

San Francisco Blues Festival

Grab a picnic blanket, chairs and some sun tan lotion and head to the Great Meadow this weekend for the 32nd Annual San Francisco Blues Festival.

Food is available to purchase inside the gates.

The music begins at 11am both days.
Cost: $25-$30

Saturday's entertainers: Johnny Nitro and the Doorslammers (11am), Big J.C. Smith (11:35am), Jackie Payne and The Steve Edmonson Band (12:10pm), Mannish Boys (1pm), Fat Possum Juke Joint Caravan (1:55pm), Bobby Rush Revue (2:55pm), Marcia Ball (3:55pm) and Two-time Grammy Award winner, Keb’ Mo’ (4:55pm).

Sunday's entertainers: Steve Lucky Jump Blues Revue (11am), John Lee Hooker Jr. (11:50am), Gail “Mojo” Muldrow and Sugar Pie DeSanto (12:40pm), Siegel Schwall Blues Band featuring Sam Lay (1:30pm), British Blues All Stars including English blues pioneer Long John Baldry, Kim Simmonds, Bob Hall, Foghat founder / guitarist Rod Price, Bobby Rush, Peter Green (2:25pm), Charlie Musselwhite (3:45pm), and Buddy Guy & Carlos Santana (4:45pm)

For further details go to: SFBlues.com

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful living in San Francisco!

~ Jennifer King

P.S. To get you to all the "Places of Taste" (San Francisco hotels, restaurants, shops and services) selected by Rugged Elegance, go to SF.RuggedElegance.com. An online profile has been created for each of our 2004 Select Establishments.

Or bring home our beautiful San Francisco aerial map highlighting over 100 historic landmarks in our City by The Bay.

Or put our collection of thirteen guides in your glove compartment, and one-by-one, explore new neighborhoods in San Francisco not currently on your radar screen. Enjoy!