SF-based label to throw free concert at Civic Center, featuring Grammy-nominated country artist

That is a line SF Mayor Daniel Lurie has been heard saying numerous times during his first seven months in office. Part of Lurie’s plan to revitalize San Francisco after a rough few years due to the pandemic includes bringing events and foot traffic back to downtown.

One of those events includes a free concert on Saturday, Sept. 13 at Civic Center Plaza — a show produced by Another Planet Entertainment (promoters of Outside Lands festival). The concert — which takes place from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. — celebrates the 15th anniversary of San Francisco-founded music label EMPIRE.

The concert will be headlined by Grammy-nominated country artist Shaboozey, Lurie announced in a social media video. The mayor made the announcement with EMPIRE founder Ghazi Shami.

As of Monday evening, the event is still taking RSVPs on EMPIRE’s website.

Other performers include Red Leather and Aforbeats star Fireboy DML. More performers will be announced closer to the show date, event organizers said.

“Arts and culture are helping to drive San Francisco’s comeback, and free concerts in Union Square and Civic Center Plaza are perfect examples of how we’re attracting people to our city. When we bring energy back downtown, people from across the region and the country come shop at our businesses, eat at our restaurants, and drive our economic recovery,” Lurie said in a press release. “I’m thrilled to partner with Another Planet Entertainment to invest in San Francisco and help some of our most iconic public spaces thrive.”

EMPIRE has been recognized as an important part of San Francisco’s culture. Lurie officially named April 15 (in reference to San Francisco’s 415 area code) “EMPIRE DAY” — for the music label’s “contributions to both the local scene and the global music industry.” The label announced its desire to open a rooftop music venue at the historic One Montgomery building.

Shaboozey is best known for his 2024 smash hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which is the longest-running #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart of all time at 19 weeks, according to an EMPIRE press release.

Last year, more than 25,000 fans attended the Skrillex concert at Civic Center Plaza in San Francisco.