Arts & Culture :: Music

50 years in 50 weeks: 2015's Sylvester musical

50 years in 50 weeks: 2015's Sylvester musical

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Feb 9, 2022

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.

Q-Music: Bowie and beyond

Q-Music: Bowie and beyond

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Feb 8, 2022

'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.

50 years in 50 weeks: Ronnie Spector ruled in 2014

50 years in 50 weeks: Ronnie Spector ruled in 2014

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Feb 3, 2022

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.

'Swept Away' - Avett Brothers' musical sets sail at Berkeley Rep

'Swept Away' - Avett Brothers' musical sets sail at Berkeley Rep

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Feb 1, 2022

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.

Sounds like the past: Neil Young, The Band, Peggy Lee reissues

Sounds like the past: Neil Young, The Band, Peggy Lee reissues

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Feb 1, 2022

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.

Karen Mason lets the music play

Karen Mason lets the music play

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Jan 25, 2022

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.

50 years in 50 weeks: Jake Shears' 2012 kiki

50 years in 50 weeks: Jake Shears' 2012 kiki

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jan 20, 2022

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.

Outside Lands co-producer planning big changes at Castro Theatre

Outside Lands co-producer planning big changes at Castro Theatre

  • by John Ferrannini
  • Jan 19, 2022

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.

Musical moments: 'The Band's Visit' and 'Freestyle Love Supreme'

Musical moments: 'The Band's Visit' and 'Freestyle Love Supreme'

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Jan 18, 2022

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').

Arts update: plays, comedy fest postponed; Chorus' center funding

Arts update: plays, comedy fest postponed; Chorus' center funding

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jan 12, 2022

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.

Q-Music: Lesbians lead the way

Q-Music: Lesbians lead the way

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Jan 5, 2022

Queer women are making big sound waves in music, including Amythyst Kiah, Jennifer O'Connor, Brandy Clark, Lilli Lewis, Lady Blackbird, Ana Egge, Torres and Rosie Tucker. Enjoy our latest round-up, with a music clip of each artist.

Matthew Aucoin on 'The Impossible Art: Adventures in Opera'

Matthew Aucoin on 'The Impossible Art: Adventures in Opera'

  • by Timothy Pfaff
  • Jan 5, 2022

Matthew Aucoin's new book, "The Impossible Art: Adventures in Opera," focuses on opera's mysteries, the alchemy of opposites that fires it, and, perhaps most surprising of all, its unique and lasting power.

Safety in queer numbers: Elton John, Sad Daddy and more

Safety in queer numbers: Elton John, Sad Daddy and more

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Dec 28, 2021

Lend your ears to new music from Elton John's 'The Lockdown Sessions,' Sad Daddy, Adult Mom, Bachelor, Destroy Boys and Haunted Like Human. Each offers a queer turn on pop, country and rock grooves.

SF Gay Men's Chorus cancels Christmas Eve concerts

SF Gay Men's Chorus cancels Christmas Eve concerts

  • by Cynthia Laird
  • Dec 22, 2021

Citing some breakthrough COVID infections among its members, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus announced Wednesday afternoon that it is canceling its three Christmas Eve concerts at the Castro Theatre.