2018 was a rough year for almost everyone I know, even if there were hopeful moments sprinkled along the way. You might have noticed that we had an overwhelming number of success stories, too.

The stars shone brightly at the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation's annual holiday-themed benefit concert held Dec. 10 at the Marines' Memorial Theatre.

You better think twice if you're expecting anything less than silly fun holiday camp from the consummate piano and vocal duo Amy & Freddy, when they play at Oasis on Sunday, December 16.

World AIDS day annual local commemorations included the annual Light in the Grove, the gala fundraiser held at the National AIDS Memorial Grove.

As he prepares for his November 30 show at Oakland's Sound Room (which is already sold out) and his December 9 show at Guerneville's Main St. Station, singer, actor and naughty comedian Shawn Ryan answered a volley of questions for the Bay Area Reporter.

Cirque du Soleil, the spectacular circus phenomenon, returned to San Francisco with its new show, Volta, which includes hunky acrobats and aerialists, talented vocalists and musicians, and a variety of amazing gymnastic performers.

Lavender Country, the first gay country band, featuring Patrick Haggerty, returns to the Bay Area On Nov. 18. The now-revived band will perform at The Ivy Room with LGBT bands The Secret Emchy Society and Velvetta.

On Nov 9 at SoMa nightclub Halcyon (314 11th St.), the 30th annual Real Bad party presenters, Grass Roots Gay Rights Fund, hosted their wrap-up party and check presentation.

Dixie Longate's show, which has toured nationally since 2007 and has played two successful Off-Broadway runs, is just now making its local debut with a three-night engagement a Feinstein's at the Nikko next Thursday through Saturday.

Candidates in Supervisor, local and state offices celebrated their victories (including Matt Haney and Gordon Mar), the Democratic House majority flip, as well as 100s of progressive victories nationwide, at Oasis and Calle 11.

When Cole Escola makes his San Francisco debut at the Great American Music Hall on November 12 with his sketch show, Help! I'm Stuck!, he'll play an array of mostly female characters; a suburban mom, a New York office worker, and Bernadette Peters.

October was cute, and it was sweet to end it with such gorgeous weather. My two monthly parties at Powerhouse have helped to raise great money for two organizations that I really care deeply about.

Streets are no longer closed off for Halloween weekend, but that didn't stop thousands of law-abiding costumed revelers from bar-hopping through the neighborhood. A creative array of outfits from science fiction to drag —or both— made for a fun night.

Dozens of local nonproft business, arts, health, political, service and spiritual organizations shared their wares at the third annual Our Town SF Nonprofit Expo, held October 20 at Eureka Valley Recreation Center.