Arts & Culture :: Music

42nd Street Moon's 'Falsettos' — still stirring, even with false notes

42nd Street Moon's 'Falsettos' — still stirring, even with false notes

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Mar 5, 2024

Composer William Finn's crossword-worthy lyrics and sung-through score is strong enough to overcome some sorely dated characterizations and relationships co-created with original director James Lapine in 42nd Street Moon's new production of 'Falsettos.'

Singer/songwriter Katy Kirby is True 'Blue'

Singer/songwriter Katy Kirby is True 'Blue'

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Mar 5, 2024

It's only March, but there's no doubt that the album "Blue Raspberry" (Anti-) by out singer/songwriter Katy Kirby will have a place on our music writer's best of 2024 list. In our interview, Kirby discussed her musical inspirations.

Madonna's 'Celebration' tour rocks the Chase Center

Madonna's 'Celebration' tour rocks the Chase Center

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Feb 29, 2024

"The most controversial thing I've done is to stick around," says Madonna in a recorded segment from the dizzying array of montages that document her 40-year career in her Celebration Tour, which dazzled audiences at two sold-out Chase Center concerts.

Going Out, Feb. 29-March 8, 2024

Going Out, Feb. 29-March 8, 2024

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Feb 29, 2024

We've got the most comprehensive LGBTQ and queer-friendly nightlife info in the Bay, along with dozens of arts events. Check out our online listings, this week and every week in Going Out.

Russ Lorenson: gay singer's new album, years in the making

Russ Lorenson: gay singer's new album, years in the making

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Feb 27, 2024

"Standard Time: Live in New York" is a live album, recorded at the Metropolitan Room in New York City in October 2008. It's Russ Lorenson's fourth album, and likely his last.

Caleb Nichols: queer musician brings indie rock to SF Noise Pop Festival

Caleb Nichols: queer musician brings indie rock to SF Noise Pop Festival

  • by J.L. Odom
  • Feb 20, 2024

Singer-songwriter Caleb Nichols, from San Luis Obispo, who's queer and nonbinary, will take the stage at Kilowatt Bar on February 29 as part of the SF Noise Pop Festival.

Quintessentially, quixotically queer: Taylor Mac brings "Bark of Millions" to Berkeley

Quintessentially, quixotically queer: Taylor Mac brings "Bark of Millions" to Berkeley

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Feb 13, 2024

Is Taylor Mac's "Bark of Millions," making its west coast debut in a Cal Performances presentation, a pop concert? A drag show? Rock opera? Political theater? It's sll of the above, and then some.

Hot tunes for cooler temps

Hot tunes for cooler temps

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Feb 13, 2024

Cuddle up next to your stereo, or just plug in your Spotify or iTunes, and enjoy some songs written, in most examples, by, for, and about us. Sample new music from Scott Free, Rachel Garlin, Cidny Bullens, Jeffrey Martin, Debby Friday and Chai.

'MJ' at the Orpheum: celebrating the music of Michael Jackson, not the man

'MJ' at the Orpheum: celebrating the music of Michael Jackson, not the man

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Feb 6, 2024

How do you solve a problem like Michael Jackson? Amidst all the goosebump-inducing musical moments in "MJ," the Michael Jackson-inspired show now playing at the Orpheum Theatre, there's a quick snippet of song that's particularly worthy of attention.

Jeremy Jordan's Broadway-bound once again. But next, he plays Feinstein's at the Nikko

Jeremy Jordan's Broadway-bound once again. But next, he plays Feinstein's at the Nikko

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Jan 30, 2024

When Jeremy Jordan performs at Feinstein's at the Nikko on February 18-20, more than four years will have passed since he last played San Francisco. After his concerts, he's back on Broadway starring in the musical, "The Great Gatsby."

Veronica Klaus returns: jazz diva to perform at Martuni's

Veronica Klaus returns: jazz diva to perform at Martuni's

  • by Christopher J. Beale
  • Jan 30, 2024

Former San Franciscan Veronica Klaus, whose singing style transports audiences to a bygone era, returns to Martuni's for two nights only on February 1 and 6.

In Proust's time: new discs from the 'Belle Epoque'

In Proust's time: new discs from the 'Belle Epoque'

  • by Tim Pfaff
  • Jan 30, 2024

New recordings of music from the era of Marcel Proust include works by Karol Szymanowski, Leoš Janáček, Béla Bartók, Gabriel Fauré and Reynaldo Hahn.

Going Out, Jan. 25-Feb. 2, 2024

Going Out, Jan. 25-Feb. 2, 2024

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jan 25, 2024

From bright and beautiful musicals to thought-provoking arts exhibits, and rousing nightlife events, you've got plenty to whet your appetite for culture and clubbing, this week and every week in Going Out.

A two-man one-man show: salute to George Michael at the Curran

A two-man one-man show: salute to George Michael at the Curran

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Jan 23, 2024

With "The Life and Music of George Michael," at the Curran Theatre on February 3, the Wham-bam leather man hunk of your teenage dreams has joined the wizened, grizzled likes of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash on the "concert experience" circuit.