By all objective measures, El Rio is one of the top bars in San Francisco. That’s just not up for debate. It has a nice selection of cheap beers, an awesome backyard patio, a pool table, shuffleboard table and a ping-pong table (on Thursdays). Sorry, but I’m sold.

And when you throw live music into that mix — as will be the case on May 30 when the Mission Street bar hosts its annual Shit Kickin’ Memorial Day fest — there is no other place to be in town.

The all-day music event has been going on for 21 years (hey,  it’s legal now) at El Rio, and the latest lineup is a good one.

Headlining the event will be San Francisco music mainstay Chuck Prophet, backed as always, by his Mission Express band. Kelley Stoltz, the venerable singer-songwriter with beautifully-hushed Elliot Smith and Brian Wilson tendencies, will take the stage before Prophet.

Opening up the fest, which starts at 3 pm, will be Angelica Rockne, who delves in psychedelic rock. She’ll be followed by the Evangenitals, a self-described “gypsy juggernaut band,” and pub rockers Sweet Chariot. Bonus points for the Evangenitals for a really cool name.

Five local bands, all for the price of $10, at one of San Francisco’s best bars. You have no excuse to not be there.

Shit Kickin’ Memorial Day
El Rio
May 30, 2016
4 pm, $10 (21+)