Photos by: Sylvia Garcia Borgo
By: David Israel
The space downtown formerly occupied by Anthology is set to re-open as The Music Box, a new, swanky Little Italy music venue with the ability to comfortably house both upscale international superstars and local acts who have outgrown the Casbah. The three story concert hall features an open first floor, having removed the seating, with two balcony levels which can be used as private or public space, and a third floor outdoor patio with views of the bay.
Ultimately, the space can only be described as fun; the walls are adorned with neon signs declaring that “you are what you listen to,” as well as mug shots of famous musicians from throughout the years. The indoor/outdoor fireplace on the third floor and food and drink offerings (which, full disclosure, were delicious) appear to target a different audience from the regular attendees of the North Park Observatory or Belly Up, which with the Music Box’s capacity of 705 would be the likely competitors.
But the success, of course, will depend on the acts the Music Box is able to book. It has certainly created an atmosphere conducive to a fun, energetic concert. Upcoming shows range from Rusted Root to Scott Weiland to Robert Delong, while the venue opens with two shows from Julieta Venegas this weekend.