"Before I record something," explained Catherine Russell, who plays the Fairmont Hotel's Venetian Room February 26 as part of the Bay Area Cabaret Series, "I always test them out with live audiences, just to see if they work. Luckily, they usually do."

Cast members from the touring production of "Mean Girls" gave rousing performances at the One Night Only REAF benefit concert, held at the Marines' Memorial Theatre February 13, with guest performers D'Arcy Drollinger and Shawn Ryan.

In advance of his concerts in Napa and San Francisco, Claybourne Elder, star of 'Company,' 'The Gilded Age' and more, shared a few remarkable stories of his Mormon upbringing and theatrical good fortune.

The Marin Theatre Company staging of "Justice: A New Musical" will technically be its second production after its world premiere last spring in Arizona. But real-life changes have inspired an updated version.

Written, composed and directed by Karmina Silec, "BABA: The Life and Death of Stana' conveys stories of Balkan sworn virgins (women who live as men after taking vows of chastity and celibacy) in a new interpretation of epic story-singing traditions.

Before starring in 'A Bronx Tale' and other Broadway shows, Bobby Conte, who brings his solo concert "Along the Way" to A.C.T.'s Strand Theater Feb. 11, got his start in theater here in the Bay Area.

Sometimes the most interesting queer music comes from the least expected places; Boise, Idaho, for example. That's where out singer/songwriter Jesse Blake Rundle recorded his new eight-song LP "Next Town's Trees" during a period of "immense change."

Beginning Sunday, January 29, and continuing on the last Sunday of each month through the end of 2023, powerhouse singer Carly Ozard, accompanied by Barry Lloyd at the piano, will offer "Live at Martuni's: Carly Ozard and Friends."

Two new opera productions from groundbreaking creators are coming to San Francisco in February and March. Collaborations between a veritable Who's Who of contemporary artists give encouraging evidence of the state of the art.

Donna McKechnie, best known for originating, and winning a Tony for, the role of Cassie in "A Chorus Line," will honor her late colleague in her solo show, "Take Me To The World: the Songs of Stephen Sondheim," at Feinstein's at the Nikko on Jan. 19 & 20.

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.