Fragrance: The Allure and Magical History of Perfumes with Jill Tracy December 5, 2012

Experience the shadowy pleasures of the Conservatory of Flowers after dark with chanteuse and storyteller Jill Tracy, hailed by the San Francisco Chronicle as "a femme fatale for the thinking man," in a special holiday after hours event for the 21+ crowd that is sure to indulge all the senses.

Certain plants and perfumes have become an honored holiday tradition, from mistletoe and holly to frankincense and myrrh. Join Tracy and master perfumer Emerson Hart of Nocturne Alchemy for a conversation about the magical history of fragrance as they unveil a new collaborative fragrance line that pays homage to dark elegance. You'll get a chance to see and smell some of these essences in their raw form and sample many exquisite perfumes, learn their secrets, and find out what goes into creating the perfect concoction.

Sample truffles by Vice Chocolates and learn about the craft of making these fragrant morsels.

Then stay for a special CD release concert as Tracy and her band perform holiday songs from the new album "Silver Smoke, Star of Night." The album is Tracy's lavish, shadowy interpretation of some of the more haunting classic carols, some dating back to the Middle Ages, featuring everything from hand-held antique chimes, bells, toys, mallets, bamboo, metals, and drums by master percussionist Randy Odell; to the mysterious heartfelt strings of cult violinist Paul Mercer. Stephen Hill of National Public Radio's Hearts of Space says: "Elegantly restrained and seductively atmospheric ... familiar melodies in a somber and sublime gothic soundscape. If Santa's mistress performed at your Christmas party, it might sound like this."

Throughout the night, enjoy the chance to experience the beauty of the old Victorian greenhouse at night. Cash bars throughout the building offer a variety of craft brews and wine from Magnolia Pub & Brewery and JAQK Cellars.

Jill Tracy is a San Francisco-based singer/pianist/storyteller and “musical evocateur” who has garnered multiple awards and a passionate following for her eerie and beautiful cinematic music, sophisticated lyrics, old-world glamour, and curious passion for strange tales. With six albums to her credit, Tracy’s music has appeared on CBS, NBC, PBS, and numerous independent and feature films. Named Best of The Bay, and a two-time California Music award nominee, she has collaborated with music legends such as Steven Severin (Siouxsie and the Banshees,) David J (Bauhaus,) Jello Biafra, and famed author Lemony Snicket. She has worked with the San Francisco Silent Film Festival, Film Noir Foundation, and is the first musician in history to receive a grant from the renowned Mutter Museum of medical oddities in Philadelphia. She will spend 2013 completing a musical work based on the Mutter collection.