It’s been 4 years officially since Sour Cherry was opened… Wow, can you believe it? Time really does fly. Four years of comics, manga, graphic novels, sapphic fantasy favorites and edge of your seat horror and sci-fi… Four years of trying a bunch of events and keeping our favorites… Four years of loving, cherishing and appreciating our Patreon subscribers… Four years of being on the beautiful little corner of 16th and Guerrero next to Ler Ros Thai, and just a half a block from our friends at The Roxie!
We are one year into our extended lease which we were luckily able to add another three years to last January – and while I do not know yet what will happen when these three years are up (in 2028), I know that we do have another year of awesome events, amazing books and comics all on the books for you to check out!
One event I really want to highlight is our FOURTH ANNIVERSARY PARTYYYY!!! On March 13, We will be hosting a little get together celebrating 4 years with some snacks and a very special fundraising drive to help get through the slow months and prepare for whatever is next. As much as Sour Cherry is definitely surviving and making ends meet, it is not quite at the point where I can afford regular part-time staff, which limits the extra fun stuff I am able to do. At this point, I am mostly able to continue our regular programming with a few extra one-offs here and there.
One new thing I really want to be able to commit to on a monthly or quarterly basis is a SOUR CHERRY ZINE which would highlight our current store favorites, new stuff we have been hyped for, as well as art/writing/poetry contributions from friends, family and fans! I would love to do something like this regularly but am currently not able to do so without more assistance at the shop. I would also love to host and videotape more workshops and collaborations with local authors and artists and be able to share clips for free (and full versions on Patreon). All that said, I’m putting together the first one for the party on 3/13 so if you are interested in submitting something, check out these guidelines and directions on how to submit. Deadline is March 1st.
So what am I doing to try and raise more money? Well, for one, there is the Patreon! A monthly subscription is the best way to currently support the shop in working towards these goals. (But be sure to join on your laptop and not your phone as iOS takes a significant cut.)
We also are a fiscally sponsored arts organization and if you or an organization you work for is able to make a donation to help us achieve these goals, you can make a one-time or recurring donation using our Mazlo Donation Campaign!
If you are feeling generous and want to support these endeavors, please consider these lovely options to help us out, or tell your friends/family! We are running a promotion to drive Patreon subs- if you join during the month of March you get a free tote bag! I hand design and screenprint every Sour Cherry tote bag ever made and I am so excited to share this promo with folks! (This promo is limited for discount tier and above, and goes for as long as supplies last!)
Wednesday, March 4 @ 6:00pm: Queer Craft/DIY Night! Bring Your Own Craft – please RSVP on Eventbrite.
Monday, March 9 @ 6:30pm: Babes Who Book! This is the first March meeting. Babes Who Book is an informal book club where we will share what we have been reading lately. Please make an effort to be on-time if you’d like to share your reading activity so that you can sign up and be on the list to speak as it is structured like an open mic. Sharing is optional and you are more than welcome to hang out and listen to get recommendations. Attendees receive 10% off all books, graphic novels and manga.
Wednesday, March 11 @ 6pm: RECLAIM YOUR ATTENTION SPAN! Workshop series, part 2: Shut Up & Write! edition. 2 Hours. Agenda: Intros (name/pronouns/why are we here?), Timed Writing (30 mins), quick break (how do we feel? 10 mins), Timed Writing (30 mins), quick break (sharing what we wrote if we want – 20 mins), Timed Writing – edits (20 mins), Wrap up & Outro (how did we do?) Please wear a mask (bringing your own is appreciated) and RSVP on the eventbrite.
Friday, March 13 @ 4-9pm: SOUR CHERRY 4th ANNIVERSARY PARTY & FUNDRAISING DRIVE! We will have a very special raffle giveaway for folks who show up, we will also have some light refreshments and everyone’s favorite… clearance manga and graphic novels!!!
Saturday, March 14 @ 1-4pm: Letter Writing with Flying Over Walls, Bay Area. They will be joining us from 1-4pm so come on down and write a birthday card to one of our queer/trans incarcerated comrades! (supplies provided)
Weds., March 18 @ 6pm: Beads 4 Pal! We will be making bracelets, keychains, and other beaded accessories to sell in the shop to raise money for our friends in Gaza (more info on the families we are helping at this link) Please RSVP on the eventbrite as space is limited.
Monday, March 23 @ 6:30pm: Babes Who Book! This is the second March meeting. (see above for full description)
Weds., March 25 @ 5-8pm: GAY GUNDAM NIGHT! BYOG (Bring Your Own Gunpla) Please RSVP on the Eventbrite page.
