My San Francisco: 13 Questions For DRED SCOTT
Scott is one of several voice legends at KFOG Radio and the evening DJ who is all about music, yoga and why the ukulele is the perfect instrument. So, we checked in with him to get his take on sights, sounds, and life in San Francisco.
Q: What’s your hands-down, bar none, favorite thing to hear, eat, and see in SF?
A: To hear, has got to be live music. The Fillmore is my favorite venue. So much history, great people, great bookings and maybe, if you’re lucky, a free poster. Also, enjoy the Independent and the Rickshaw Stop. As for eats, too many to choose from, but I love a good Thai restaurant or the Puerto Rican delights of Parada 22 on Haight Street. To see, there’s nothing better than Golden Gate Park, Land’s End, or cruising the Embarcadero on a sunny day
Q: Can you recall your favorite Bay Area music festival moment ever?
A: Been to Outside Lands five years in a row to enjoy the sights and do the KFOG Broadcast. So many great performances, but a few stand out: St. Vincent this year, Paul McCartney last year, and Muse a few years back.
Q: How do you recommend experiencing the current music scene?
A: Supporting local artists by attending their shows. August is Local Music Month on KFOG; you can go to KFOG.com and get free downloads of some great local music.
Q: What inspired you to DJ at KFOG?
A: Well…long story. But when I moved to Marin after graduating from Chico State, KFOG was this great news station playing amazing music. I bugged them for years, and after moving to San Diego, finally got the call to come back and I worked at the station from 1990-’93. Did some other things and then returned to KFOG in June 2011, so this is my second time around.
Q: Where did you last perform on your ukulele?
A: I’m way out of practice, sad to say. I just play for fun, though I did perform publicly once while living in L.A., making a guest appearance for a few songs with a singer/songwriter friend of mine. That was a cool experience.
Q: What’s your favorite music store/book store?
A: Can’t beat Amoeba for music. Green Apple Books on Clement Street. is a great store.
Q: What are your favorite local pop culture references?
A: There’s a lot of living, breathing music history in SF. I used to live right down the block from the Jefferson Airplane’s “mansion” at 2400 Fulton Street. And I love that a little of the Beat-era history still remains in North Beach like Tosca’s.
Q: How do we keep the dialogue going regarding the importance of childhood music education?
A: A re-emphasis on the arts in school would do everybody good; it nourishes the soul, which seems especially important for children. Might I suggest the ukulele? There are small models for hands to grasp, and it’s easy to get started. 😀
Q: San Francisco story?
A: Again, many to choose from. Had some family members visiting once and we were strolling down Haight Street on an unusually warm day when we were approached by a couple of gents who were naked except for shoes, hats, and strategically-placed socks (shades of the Red Hot Chili Peppers!) Rapid-fire round: burger, burrito, or dim sum? Dim sum is great, but I love a good burrito.
Q: MUNI, BART, or bike?
A: Short distance – bike; long distance – BART; last resort – MUNI. I’d rather walk. Golden Gate Park, Presidio, or Sutro Baths? I used to live right across from GGP. Never got tired of it. Mitchell’s, Mr. & Mrs. Miscellaneous or Bi-Rite? Honestly, no experience with any of them.
Q: Dolores Park, Fort Mason, or Washington Square Park?
A: Fort Mason is pretty neat for special events. The Fillmore, The Independent or the Roxie? As previously mentioned, the Fillmore is my favorite music venue. The Roxie is cool, if you can hang with an old-school, no-frills cinema experience.
Q: Ocean Beach, Stinson Park, or Aquatic Park?
A: Stinson Beach is magical.
Q: Three words that describe your life in the Bay Area?
A: Radio, absurdity, layers.
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Photo credit: Getty Images