The Songbird

If the phrase “children’s music” makes you think of Raffi, you probably haven’t heard the indie-folk tunes of Frances England, the 35-year-old Inner Sunset mother of two who has suddenly found herself garnering rave reviews and sharing a summer bill with They Might Be Giants. While her lyrics may be relevant to the Dr. Seuss crowd (“Fast Train to Grandma’s”), her feather-light soulfulness has prompted comparisons to Sarah McLachlan. Recorded in her husband’s cousin’s Castro apartment, her first CD, Fascinating Creatures, was intended only to help raise funds for her oldest son’s preschool. But word of mouth and the Internet caused sales to skyrocket and England to put her master’s degree in library science on hold so she could record the just-released Family Tree (Paper Bird Records). England and her husband drove to SF from Atlanta 10 years ago, the day after they married. “We said we’d only stay two years.” she laughs. “But now, like everyone else, we can’t seem to leave.”

Stop Hitting Your Sister

“On car-free Sundays, the area in front of the de Young in Golden Gate Park is really fun for biking and scootering.” 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr.

“Glen Canyon Park feels 1,000 miles from the city: soaring eucalyptus trees, natural creeks, blackberry bushes and miles of great hiking trails.” 70 Elk St.

“The shops in Japantown are full of eye candy. Our favorite is Ichiban Kan for paper, Japanese toys and candies.” 22 Peace Plaza, No. 540, 415-409-0472

“The Randall Museum’s got rescued animals, interactive exhibits and a massive model railroad.” 199 Museum Way, 415-554-9600

“There’s no more gorgeous spot to spend an afternoon than Crissy Field: flying kites, watching the windsurfers, building sandcastles.”