Monday night’s intimate benefit show for Adobe Books left everyone who attended much better for the wear. A combined sense of revelry and urgency permeated San Francisco’s Public Works and congealed into a series of inspired performances. Cozy acoustic contributions from both Van and Adam Stephens interposed the kinetic atmospherics supplied by The Tambo Rays and The Dodos. Each act was punctuated by an alluring panorama of wall projection eye candy, and between sets DJ Andy Cabic spun the greatest tracks you’ve never heard from a collection too easy to envy.
Adobe enthusiast Tiffany Sainz grew inspired to organize the event at seeing the names of past performers scrawled on the shop’s walls. Many San Francisco artists harbor formative memories attached to Adobe, including stalwart indie duo The Dodos. Guitarist/Vocalist Meric Long once lived across the street from the iconic bookseller, where he fondly recalls gigging early in his career. Drummer Logan Kroeber once heard the worst bassline of all time at Adobe, a memory he narrated with high regard and which speaks to the shop’s reputation as a source for the genuine. The Dodos returned from a European tour just days before the event, and despite the jet lag put on a staggering performance filled with new material. They’ve finished recording a new LP, which I’m told we can expect this August.
The Save Adobe Books Indiegogo campaign concludes Friday, March 15th. If you were unable to attend the benefit show, it’s not too late to contribute! -Andy Lambert