Born at Berkeley Repertory and now playing at the Golden Gate Theatre as part of a post-Broadway national tour, "Ain't Too Proud" is not so much a musical as a deliciously slick nightclub act regularly interrupted by readings from a reference book.

Combining studio footage, along with numerous vintage visual and audio clips, "The Return of Tanya Tucker: featuring Brandi Carlile" paints a compelling portrait of Texas-born and Arizona-raised Tucker as an influential country music artist.

The San Francisco War Memorial and Performing Arts Center or "culture alley" on Van Ness Ave., is ablaze with activity this month. The Opera House, Davies Symphony Hall, and Herbst Theatre are presenting festive and diverse musical events.

Whether out singer-songwriter Amy Ray is performing with longtime musical partner Emily Saliers as one half of the Indigo Girls —as she has since the mid-1980s— or going solo as she did with her solo debut "Stag" in 2001, you can recognize her instantly.

French baritone Stephane Degout, a central player in repertoires ranging from early music to new-music premieres, is featured in four recent recordings.

Every time house and dance music legend Ultra Naté releases a new album it's a cause for celebration. Her latest, simply titled "Ultra" (Peace Biscuit), is no exception.

While you may not recognize his name, you definitely know his work. Vincent Paterson has choreographed some of the most iconic dances for pop music in the 20th century, plus musicals, operas and more, all shared in his new memoir.

"The Red Shades," now being presented in a world premiere production at Z Space, began seven years ago as a series of voice memos while composer Adrienne Price commuted to and from work.

Evening fog chills the city, making a mysterious cover for things that go bump in the night. The San Francisco Symphony and San Francisco Opera are providing the soundtrack as Halloween creeps near.

Ramesh (Srivastava), who goes by one name, is the queer musical genius behind Austin-based Voxtrot, a band whose distinctive Britpop-influenced sound made an impression on listeners, and are once again touring.

The acclaimed pianist and violinist have each recorded stellar new performances of works by Polish composer Karol Szymanowski.

The Contemporary Jewish Museum will pay homage to the life and legacy of singer, songwriter, musician, and activist Jewlia Eisenberg with a two-part event titled "Fierce as Death: Queer as the Song of Songs."

Having matured musically since her hit single "Luka" in 1987, Suzanne Vega's new album, "An Evening of New York Songs & Stories" includes re-recorded old songs as well as new ones.

The Contemporary Christian Music phenomenon known simply as Semler has earned the distinction of hitting #1 on the Gospel charts twice in one year. It's even more noteworthy that Semler is the first openly queer Christian music artist.