San Francisco's Black & White Ball Goes Platinum

SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)—This year's Black & White Ball goes platinum in honor of the celebration's centennial year. The party that benefits the San Francisco Symphony's music education programs gets underway Saturday night in the heart of San Francisco.

Party goers will head to the Civic Center Area, including the War Memorial Performing Arts Center and City Hall for food, music and fun.

The event's Chairwoman Patricia Sprincin said they will have over 5,000 people out, dancing in the streets, all for a cause.

"We're raising money for the San Francisco Symphony Education Program. We have our aim program for K-5, so that every student in the San Francisco Unified School district will get free music education," Sprincin said.

KCBS' Margie Shafer Reports:

She added that middle and high school programs will also be supported, with a total of 75,000 students affected.

Sprincin said with 10 bands on five stages there will be plenty of bang for your buck. Paul Simon headlines this year's party and for the first time will be playing with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra.

This is also the first year that a simulcast will be available for parts of the concert.

Cindi Lauper and The Wallflowers will also take the stage.

Beware of some traffic detours—Grove Street between Van Ness and Franklin is closed until Sunday at 5 p.m.

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