On Saturday, January 10, Yerba Buena Gardens Festival lost a dear friend and long-time Festival producer in our own Marcelo Avilés. Marcelo’s consummate professionalism, easy charm, warm spirit and deep caring for the work of the Festival helped to make YBG Festival a world-class organization and a wonderful team to be a part of. Over his 20+ year career in the arts, his tireless advocacy for musicians and artists of all disciplines made an indelible impact on the Bay Area and beyond. His life bespeaks one of kindness and goodness, and we will miss his physical presence in the space of our organization. But his spirit will live on in the work that we do.
The 2026 Yerba Buena Gardens Festival will be dedicated in honor of Marcelo and his lifelong work of supporting artists. Donations in his honor can be made to the Marcelo Avilés Legacy Fund, which will go towards artist programming and projects that Marcelo cared for deeply. Plans for a public celebration of life will be shared as details are confirmed.
On behalf of the Board of Directors of Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, we deeply mourn the loss of our friend, and we celebrate his life and his impact that will be felt long into the future.
Aaron Grizzell,
President
Board of Directors
Yerba Buena Arts & Events
Donate by mail
Donations by check can be made out to Yerba Buena Gardens Festival with “Marcelo Avilés Legacy Fund” noted in the memo.
Mail to:
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
760 Howard St.
San Francisco, CA 94103