Two American musicians nicknamed Nick —tenor Nicholas Phan and composer Nico Muhly— found a side-door through the pandemic that was deadly down-time for most of their fellow performing artists.

The curtain rises on one of San Francisco's most exciting arts events of the year next week as Opera Parallèle presents the world premiere of its innovative take on "La Belle et La Bête" (Beauty and the Beast), combining live music and film.

Randy Rainbow, comedian and singer, best known for his YouTube video spoof interviews and parodies of right-wing political figures that have become viral social media sensations with millions of views, now tells all in his new memoir.

With seven studio albums under its belt as well as a handful of singles and compilations, Pansy Division springs eternal. The band is playing some upcoming live shows, including the Mosswood Meltdown on July 2.

Even though ABBA has been celebrated via numerous compilations, the 10-disc "ABBA: Album Box Set" is the first of its kind domestic product. Get spinning, dancing queens.

At a time when every day's headlines feature collapse, corruption, war and plague, "Hadestown" works like an angel in devil drag. Its sultry come-on promises to lick you with flame, then anoints you with balm of Gilead.

Mary Gautheir's "Dark Enough to See the Stars" has its share of poignant moments, and will astonish you in unexpected ways. The new album features honest and beautiful love songs, inspired by her relationship with musician Jaimee Harris.

Enjoy new country songs and creative covers by Eliza Gilkyson, James McMurtry, The Whitmore Sisters, The Staves, Hayes Carll and Bria.

Sandra Bernhard, the queer actress-singer-raconteuse, will appear at Feinstein's at the Nikko next Thursday through Saturday with a new concert of songs and whip-smart comedy.

Sample more sounds of the rainbow with our second Pride series on LGBT musicians: Jon Fuller, Diane Coffee, Sean Della Croce, Carlie Hanson and Kid Moxie.

This month, let's focus on some lesser known musicians who more subtly fly a rainbow flag; Michelle Malone, Ramesh, Wallis Bird, Jenny Parrott, Edie Carey.

The most inclusive showcase of trans, queer, disabled and gender-nonconforming artists is this year online June 16-19, with five programs of recorded performances in music, dance, performance and other genres. Also, it's free!

Vocalists, pianists and other gay and lesbian musicians share new grooves in a variety of copacetic jazz styles. Listen to new music by Avi Wisnia, Fred Hersch, Liam Forde, Nicole Glover, Kim Nalley and Carol Lipnik.

Reynado Hahn, the boyfriend of writer Marcel Proust, gets a new recording of his 'Poemes & Valses' performed by Pavel Kolesnikov, Also reviewed: Gabriel Faure's 'Complete Songs; performed by tenor Cyrille Dubois and pianist Tristan Raes.