Bay Area Reporter :: Music News

Davóne Tines's 'Robeson' - a debut album like no other

September 17, 2024 | by Tim Pfaff

Bass-baritone Davóne Tines's debut album, "Robeson" not only reflects his artistry; it's also one no other singer could match. While transmogrifying "art music," he offers homage to gay Black singer Paul Robeson and composer Julius Eastman.

Notes of autumn: Fall Arts Preview in classical music 2024

by Philip Campbell
Sep 3, 2024

There is some urgency to attending classical music concerts this fall. Who knows what will happen after November? Many upcoming Bay Area offerings present choices that might even help maintain our sanity through a communal love of music.

Top of the pops: Fall Arts Preview in pop, rock and more music 2024

by Michael Flanagan
Sep 3, 2024

San Francisco band Sly and the Family Stone sang about "Hot Fun in the Summertime" in the 1960s, but those of us who have been here for a while we know that the real hot music comes to the Bay Area in the fall.

For the love of Lindas: Ronstadt reissue, new Thompson album

by Gregg Shapiro
Aug 27, 2024

While Linda Ronstadt has retired from music and concerts, a reissue of her classic Grammy-winning album, "Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind" is notable, as well as a mirthful new album from contemporary Linda Thompson.

Verdi's 'Macbeth' - The 'Scottish play' in Salzburg

by Tim Pfaff
Aug 19, 2024

Giuseppe Verdi's "Macbeth," the first of his three great Shakespeare operas, was an enormous success when new (1847) but fell out of fashion for the better part of a century. A recent production may have changed that.

Emily Saliers: Singer-songwriter on Indigo Girls' success

by Gregg Shapiro
Aug 13, 2024

The Indigo Girls — Emily Saliers and Amy Ray — are having a moment. Along with a national tour, their songs have been featured in two recent films, and the documentary about their lives shares music and more.

Retro classics for '24 - Joni Mitchell, John Lennon, Alan Vega and more

by Gregg Shapiro
Aug 13, 2024

New reissues of works albums by John Lennon, Joni Mitchell even Michael Hutchence of INXS have been released in some in lavish packages with Blu-rays and booklets.

Remembering Karen Carpenter: Laurie Roldan pays tribute to iconic singer

by David-Elijah Nahmod
Aug 13, 2024

A lifelong fan of the singer-songwriter, Bay Area singer Laurie Roldan 'Sings a Song for You: a Cabaret Concert Inspired by the Music of Karen Carpenter" on August 17 and 25 at the Gateway Theater in San Francisco.

Ben Platt's 'Honeymind' - love songs on his new CD

by Brian Bromberger
Aug 12, 2024

Ben Platt's third album, unlike his previous electro-pop efforts, has a folky Americana sound, reminiscent of early 1970s, somewhere between James Taylor and Barry Manilow.

Going Out, Aug. 8-16, 2024 arts & nightlife events

by Jim Provenzano
Aug 7, 2024

Cure your FOMO (Feeling Of Missing Out) by taking part in some sweet and spicy events in late summer. You can catch up on the upcoming fun with our expansive listings of nightlife and art events, in Going Out.

Outside Lands is outer than ever - Queer representation hits a high note this year

by Jim Gladstone
Aug 6, 2024

From the disco era charisma of Grace Jones to the girlie-pop twinkle of Chappell Roan, there's a bumper crop of music from queer artists and icons to harvest at this year's Outside Lands festival, from Friday, Aug. 9 through Sunday, Aug. 11.

'Karma' - Boy George tells all

by Cornelius Washington
Aug 6, 2024

One of the primary prerequisites of being a true star is that the general public never grows tired of seeing or hearing you. Boy George's "Karma: My Autobiography" (Blink Publishing) proves his merit as a gender-blurring pioneer as well as a musician.

'Seeing through' - Composer Ricky Ian Gordon's sex, drugs, and opera memoir

by Tim Pfaff
Aug 6, 2024

"Seeing Through: a Chronicle of Sex, Drugs, and Opera" is a long-winded but often touching first-person memoir by the prodigious American composer, Ricky Ian Gordon. If gossip is the fruit of love, Gordon is usually tender in his mentions of others.

Going Out, Aug. 1-10, 2024 arts & nightlife events

by Jim Provenzano
Jul 31, 2024

August tidings to you. Late summer's still great for fun arts and nightlife events, including our many Bestie winners and runners-up! It's all in this week's Going Out.

Besties in Arts 2024: Museums, dance companies, and music hall winners

by Jim Gladstone
Jul 31, 2024

Any local resident knows that San Francisco and the Bay Area offer a plethora of arts events, performing companies, and favored venues. Here are the best of winners and runners up voted by our readers.

Arts & Culture :: Music