While it is true that I may be biased, I will say this: regardless of whether or not I work there I do believe that the back patio at El Rio just so happens to be one of the best places in the city to spend a Monday holiday. And with the recent heartbreaking closure of The Eagle Tavern, the other best patio in the city, I think it’s time we begin to truly celebrate these spaces the best way we know how: by drinking in the sunshine and listening to some of the Bay Area’s finest rock and country bands.

This just so happens to be the 16^th annual Shit Kickin’ Memorial Day show that El Rio resident sound man Frank Gallagher has put together. He actually used to play them as well back in the day, but is now the mustachioed man behind the sound board throwing sarcastic your momma comments to the bands and yuckin’ it up with the crowd. Frank loves this event, the staff love the event, and the crowd (easily 350+ each year) obviously loves the event, and how could you not? For a $10 cover you get to enjoy a solid line-up of amazing music (this year 70s rock throw-backs Drunk Horse are headlining, along with country legends Red Meat, The Jesse Jay Harris Band, The Evangenitals and Scott Young solo), free BBQ, cheap drinks and all in the wind-blocked back patio of El Rio in the sunny and temperate Mission District…until, of course, the sun goes down and Madame Marine Layer makes a house call. DAMN YOU MADAME MARINE LAYER – none are safe from her thick cloak. 

I don’t know what you are doing this Monday but I am pretty sure that whatever it is will be far from as rockin’ and rippin’ and, yes, shit kickin’ as this event. I have been attending as both a patron and then as an employee for the past 8 years and even from behind the bar the vibe is pretty righteous and the view of the stage is incredible. You are welcome. See you there.

The 16^th Annual El Rio Shit Kickin’ Memorial Day takes place this Monday, May 30^th at EL RIO

Scott Young (solo from Red Meat)

• Tag: Drunk Horse, El Rio, Red Meat, Scott Young, Shit Kickin Memorial Day, The Evangenitals, The Jesse Jay Harris Band