When Big Freedia comes to town, we bow down for the Queen of Bounce. The New Orleans singer, TV star, cook and author performed at Mezzanine in April 2017, and writer Cornelius Washington shared a fun Q&A.

One of the most "baroque" things about the work of out early-music maestro Christophe Rousset is what a prodigious prodigy he is. His most recent harpsichord recording is the 'Le Manuscrit de Madame Theobon,' which he found on eBay.

While probably not the most historic article of 2016, for this writer, it was a red-letter day to interview Shirley Manson, lead singer for the band Garbage.

Check out new music from veterans Marianne Faithfull and Melissa Etheridge, and new groups Gypsum, Zvrra and Hurray for the Riff Raff.

In an interview published in February 2015, Richard Dodds talked to Anthony Wayne, the creator and star of the rousing 'Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical,' which was performed at Brava Theater.

'Toy' is the perfect, playful name for what is labeled as "the new (albeit posthumously re-released) album from David Bowie." Also worth a listen, new albums from Bryce Bowyn, Davis Mallory, Lotic and Brion Starr.

Andre Torrez weaves insightful perspectives in his July 3, 2014 interview with the late music legend Ronnie Spector. The Ronettes singer performed at Burger Boogaloo, Oakland's fun outdoor music concert that summer.

There are sparkling bits of beauty bobbing on the surface, and treasures that one hopes will eventually be salvaged, in 'Swept Away,' an earnest, engrossing new musical with songs by the Avett Brothers now in its world premiere at Berkeley Rep.

Our astute music columnist samples diverse reissued classic albums by Neil Young (who's making headlines again), The Band, Peggy Lee, Japan and The Beat Farmers.

If you've ever listened to a Karen Mason album or been fortunate enough to attend one of her concerts, (or saw her on Broadway), you will be blown away by her interpretive skills, and the ease with which she makes even the best-known songs all her own.

The year certainly had more 'important' arts and nightlife coverage, but Gregg Shapiro's June 2012 interview with Scissor Sisters front man Jake Shears brings back fond memories of their music.

Another Planet Entertainment will be expanding Castro Theatre programming to include live music, comedy, and community events after a renovation project that will start later this year.

San Francisco stages are now hosting two of the more unorthodox musicals to hit big on Broadway in recent years, one subtle and poetic ('The Band's Visit'), the other boisterous and participatory ('Freestyle Love Supreme').

It's one step forward and two steps back in the local arts scene as theater companies close their doors yet again, a comedy festival is postponed, and the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus gets funding from Amazon.