Arts & Culture :: Music

A kiki with Herb: Kenny Mellman on breaking up and reuniting with Justin Vivian Bond

A kiki with Herb: Kenny Mellman on breaking up and reuniting with Justin Vivian Bond

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Nov 29, 2022

"In retrospect, it had to be a violent end," says Kenny Mellman, recalling the demise of "Kiki and Herb" back in 2007, not long after the locally-formed twosome's last San Francisco performance. They've now reunited for a holiday-themed tour.

It's Judy for Xmas with Connie Champagne

It's Judy for Xmas with Connie Champagne

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Nov 29, 2022

It wouldn't be Christmas in San Francisco unless chanteuse extraordinaire Connie Champagne brings her annual Judy Garland holiday show to Martuni's.

Adler Fellows gala concert

Adler Fellows gala concert

  • by Philip Campbell
  • Nov 29, 2022

The Adler Fellows class of 2022 will appear in their final concert of the year, 'The Future Is Now: Adlers in Concert' on Friday, Dec. 2 at the Herbst Theatre.

Don we now: SF Gay Men's Chorus holiday concerts

Don we now: SF Gay Men's Chorus holiday concerts

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Nov 22, 2022

Christmas will commence early this year when the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus returns with "Holiday Spectacular," an all-new holiday show in four venues, including their Castro Theatre concerts on Christmas Eve.

Holiday happenings: music, dance, and theater make the yuletide gay

Holiday happenings: music, dance, and theater make the yuletide gay

  • by Philip Mayard
  • Nov 22, 2022

From campy drag to chorus boys, classical music to "A Christmas Carol" —not to mention eight different "Nutcrackers" to choose from— if you're gay in Bay, there's something that's sure to bring joy, laughter, and inspiration to your holiday season.

Zach Verdoorn: The Claudettes' bass player on music-making

Zach Verdoorn: The Claudettes' bass player on music-making

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Nov 22, 2022

The bass player and guitarist in The Claudettes, and an openly queer musician, Zach Verdoorn discussed the new album "The Claudettes Go Out!," his third with the band, and his earlier years with other groups.

Resisting Temptations: "Ain't Too Proud" begs for nostalgic indulgence

Resisting Temptations: "Ain't Too Proud" begs for nostalgic indulgence

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Nov 15, 2022

Born at Berkeley Repertory and now playing at the Golden Gate Theatre as part of a post-Broadway national tour, "Ain't Too Proud" is not so much a musical as a deliciously slick nightclub act regularly interrupted by readings from a reference book.

Tanya Tucker's time: new documentary on Country musician

Tanya Tucker's time: new documentary on Country musician

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Nov 15, 2022

Combining studio footage, along with numerous vintage visual and audio clips, "The Return of Tanya Tucker: featuring Brandi Carlile" paints a compelling portrait of Texas-born and Arizona-raised Tucker as an influential country music artist.

Amy Ray on Indigo Girls and her seventh solo album

Amy Ray on Indigo Girls and her seventh solo album

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Nov 8, 2022

Whether out singer-songwriter Amy Ray is performing with longtime musical partner Emily Saliers as one half of the Indigo Girls —as she has since the mid-1980s— or going solo as she did with her solo debut "Stag" in 2001, you can recognize her instantly.

Classical music's culture alley & underworlds

Classical music's culture alley & underworlds

  • by Philip Campbell
  • Nov 8, 2022

The San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center or "culture alley" on Van Ness Ave., is ablaze with activity this month. The Opera House, Davies Symphony Hall, and Herbst Theatre are presenting festive and diverse musical events.

Stephane Degout: French baritone's a star "over there" and on recordings

Stephane Degout: French baritone's a star "over there" and on recordings

  • by Tim Pfaff
  • Oct 25, 2022

French baritone Stephane Degout, a central player in repertoires ranging from early music to new-music premieres, is featured in four recent recordings.

Ultra Naté's new (and classic) grooves

Ultra Naté's new (and classic) grooves

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Oct 25, 2022

Every time house and dance music legend Ultra Naté releases a new album it's a cause for celebration. Her latest, simply titled "Ultra" (Peace Biscuit), is no exception.

Vincent Paterson: choreographer on making iconic moves for Madonna, Michael Jackson and many others

Vincent Paterson: choreographer on making iconic moves for Madonna, Michael Jackson and many others

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Oct 18, 2022

While you may not recognize his name, you definitely know his work. Vincent Paterson has choreographed some of the most iconic dances for pop music in the 20th century, plus musicals, operas and more, all shared in his new memoir.

'The Red Shades' - Adrienne Price's trans superhero rock opera

'The Red Shades' - Adrienne Price's trans superhero rock opera

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Oct 18, 2022

"The Red Shades," now being presented in a world premiere production at Z Space, began seven years ago as a series of voice memos while composer Adrienne Price commuted to and from work.