Entertainment & Schedule of Events

Ron Borelli is a pianist and accordionist that performs throughout the San Francisco Bay Area as a soloist, with his combo or with his orchestra. From corporate events to weddings to intimate affairs, Ron selects and provides music for the appropriate mood and includes each client’s favorite pieces. His fabulous repertoire includes American standards, jazz standards, European continental, opera, classical, motown and classic rock and roll

Paris-born Laurent Fourgo is the charismatic frontman of San Francisco’s Vintage Jukebox Orchestra. Classically trained since age seven, initially on saxophone and later the oboe. Laurent transitioned from a background in physics, business, and the air force to a full-time musical career. Today, he is a staple of the SF music scene, performing weekly at the Top of the Mark and North Beach Restaurant. His versatile repertoire spans the 1920s through the 1980s, delivering sophisticated tributes to legends ranging from Frank Sinatra and Édith Piaf to Elvis Presley.

Duo Gadjo's music is inspired by the sounds of the 20's and 30's, when jazz was the thing and Paris was the place to be.  Their style is generally called 'French Cafe' or 'Gypsy Jazz' as pioneered by the French Gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt. Their version of La Vie En Rose from their album Meet Me in Paris has received over 10 million streams on Pandora and Spotify.

 For the past 48 years, San Francisco City Guides has been offering free historical walking tours throughout San Francisco and its neighborhoods. With over 70 scheduled tours led by 300 trained volunteer guides, City Guides provides a unique way to explore the city.

In celebration of Bastille Day, City Guides is proud to present the 1850s San Francisco: Paris of the Pacific 2025 tour at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on July 18 2026, at Embarcadero Plaza. 

1850s Paris of the Pacific 2026

After reports of California's "gold mines" and "fabulous riches," many French people packed their bags and headed to San Francisco. They left a lasting impact on the city's culture, especially in food, fashion, and various industries. Their contributions helped shape the city and the state of California.

Starting from Embarcadero Plaza, the tour traces the route of the earliest French arrivals, moving through the Embarcadero Center and Montgomery Street. You’ll hear stories of French immigrants who contributed to the city’s growth by establishing banks, restaurants, bakeries, shops, laundries, bordellos, and the first trams on Market Street. From the Gold Rush to the present, San Francisco has long been known as the "Paris of the Pacific."

Please register on the City Guides website, as space is limited. 

Donations will be requested.

Meet at the Vaillancourt Fountain at the east end of Clay Street.