4 Haute Happenings Not To Miss This April

Wondering what’s happening this month? Beside the San Francisco Film Festival, here are four events that should be on your radar.

Although Festival Napa Valley doesn’t take place until later this summer, its launching a new series as a part of the Arts Council Napa Valley’s “Arts in April” event. Festival Napa Valley’s Springboard takes place later this week, April 4 though 8. The four-day mini festival includes musical performances, educational workshops, and a 5K/10K run. The highlight is the premiere of André – The Voice of Wine, a full-length documentary film about winemaking legend, André Tchelistcheff. Directed by his grandnephew, Mark Tchelistcheff, and narrated by Academy Award-winner, Ralph Fiennes, the movie features interviews with winemakers Christian Mouiex, Francis Ford Coppola, Mike Grgich, Warren Winiarski, Rick Sayre, Rob Davis and others. Mark Tchelistcheff will be at the screening on Saturday, April 7 which also features a curated wine tasting with wineries associated with André Tchelistcheff.

During the month of April, the San Francisco Symphony has exciting programming. This week, on April 4 and 5, the original Batman, by Tim Burton, will be shown as a part of the SF Symphony’s popular film series. The orchestra, conducted by Sarah Hicks, will perform the award-winning score while the film is projected on a large screen above the stage. April 12 through 14, two guest artists make their SF Symphony debuts—conductor Daniel Harding and pianist Paul Lewis. April 15 and 17, world-renowned pianist András Schiff will present two different recital programs.

The fourth-annual Lexus Culinary Classic takes place at Cavallo Point, Friday April 13 through Sunday, April 15. Activities include dinners, cooking classes, and wine tastings. Visit local farmers markets with Cavallo Point’s chef, Tony Adams, enjoy a luxurious dinner at Skywalker Ranch, or experience a plethora of dishes at a grand tasting. Cavallo Point’s partner hotels, Blackberry Farm, Allison Inn & Spa, and Pebble Beach Resorts, will be represented at the classic.

This year, the San Francisco SPCA is turning 150 years old. To commemorate the occasion, the SPCA is hosting a gala fundraiser on Wednesday, April 18 at City Hall. Proceeds from the event will support the SPCA’s lifesaving programs and Vision 2020, the organization’s plan to end animal abandonment in SF by 2020. The gala, which includes a cocktail reception and sit down vegetarian dinner, is being designed by Stanlee Gatti. Governor Jerry Brown and mayoral candidate Mark Leno will be honored for their exceptional leadership in animal welfare and protection. The SFJazz Cats and cabaret singer, Paula West, will perform.