Marshall Forte, a lightning bolt of charisma and musicality who, debuted as Lola in Ray of Light Theatre's production of "Kinky Boots," is now setting off sparks with his own cabaret act, "Hello My Name Is Marshall" at the new supper club Lyon & Swan.

With over 170 million records sold worldwide, Dalida was a pop music sensation in the 1980s. Yet she remains almost unheard of in the English-speaking world.

While it's true that country and jazz have come a long way in recent years, the number of successful and popular out artists in those genres pales in comparison to others. Here are a few notable acts, some who'll soon perform in the Bay Area.

Broadway and TV actor-singer Jason Gotay makes his San Francisco debut at Feinstein's at the Nikko this weekend on January 13 and 14. His new concert shares some intimate moments from his life.

"I Wanna Dance with Somebody" strives to be a triumphant celebration of the very special person that was Whitney Houston. So many things about the film are wonderful, including a magnificent all-star cast, but ultimately it does not deliver.

Women's music legend Holly Near called the music made by women musicians in the 1970s a lifeline. A new website documents the contributions of hundreds of women artists.

Don't be afraid of the past. Yours or anyone else's. It will always be there, and you can pretend it doesn't exist, but it's still there, nevertheless. One way to make peace with the past is to listen to it.

Shaina Taub, whose similarly contemporized '12th Night' delighted on this same stage last year, exhibits a topiarist's care in trimming and reshaping Shakespeare's original script.

From his debut album "Your Dying Wish Come True" to his just released new full-length "I Can't Stop Trying," Jim Andralis' music features emotive vocals and his effortless gift for a turn of a phrase.

With the winter holiday season rapidly wrapping up, you may be considering a last-minute yet appreciated gift. Music is always a popular and appreciated present, including some recent exciting reissues.

One of the quiet revelations of "Meredith Monk: The Recordings" (ECM New Series) is that Monk herself confides that it was Janis Joplin who set her —and her voice— free. The 13-CD set chronicles the thrust of her expansive career.

You know that feeling when you hear a singer's voice and it enters your soul, becomes a part of your very being. That's what happens when out singer/songwriter Ruthie Foster sings.

Former San Franciscan Sean Patrick Murtagh offers an impressive debut CD with "The Mario 101," an homage to the great Hollywood tenor Mario Lanza. He'll return to San Francisco for concerts at Martuni's Dec. 18 & 20.

The cast of the Broadway touring company of "Ain't Too Proud" and special guest Paula West filled A.C.T.'s Strand Theater with soulful jazzy music on November 28 at the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation's first live benefit concert in three years.