Our astute music columnist samples diverse reissued classic albums by Neil Young (who's making headlines again), The Band, Peggy Lee, Japan and The Beat Farmers.

If you've ever listened to a Karen Mason album or been fortunate enough to attend one of her concerts, (or saw her on Broadway), you will be blown away by her interpretive skills, and the ease with which she makes even the best-known songs all her own.

The year certainly had more 'important' arts and nightlife coverage, but Gregg Shapiro's June 2012 interview with Scissor Sisters front man Jake Shears brings back fond memories of their music.

Another Planet Entertainment will be expanding Castro Theatre programming to include live music, comedy, and community events after a renovation project that will start later this year.

San Francisco stages are now hosting two of the more unorthodox musicals to hit big on Broadway in recent years, one subtle and poetic ('The Band's Visit'), the other boisterous and participatory ('Freestyle Love Supreme').

It's one step forward and two steps back in the local arts scene as theater companies close their doors yet again, a comedy festival is postponed, and the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus gets funding from Amazon.

Queer women are making big sound waves in music, including Amythyst Kiah, Jennifer O'Connor, Brandy Clark, Lilli Lewis, Lady Blackbird, Ana Egge, Torres and Rosie Tucker. Enjoy our latest round-up, with a music clip of each artist.

Matthew Aucoin's new book, "The Impossible Art: Adventures in Opera," focuses on opera's mysteries, the alchemy of opposites that fires it, and, perhaps most surprising of all, its unique and lasting power.

Lend your ears to new music from Elton John's 'The Lockdown Sessions,' Sad Daddy, Adult Mom, Bachelor, Destroy Boys and Haunted Like Human. Each offers a queer turn on pop, country and rock grooves.

Citing some breakthrough COVID infections among its members, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus announced Wednesday afternoon that it is canceling its three Christmas Eve concerts at the Castro Theatre.

Camille Saint-Saëns has gotten a comparatively bad rap as being 'superficial.' New and recent recordings may prove that bias wrong.

If anyone can get us through this virus, from a musical perspective, it's Martha Wash. Her new album, 'Love & Conflict,' is the must-have album of the season. The iconic singer shared her thoughts and opinions in an expanded interview.

Malvina Reynolds's "Little Boxes" expands to a performance arty stage event, while SF Playhouse's one-act version of Shakespeare comedy of errors is colorfully anachronistic.

The fabulous Rizo will bring her unique style of performing to a holiday themed show on the stage of the Great Star Theater in Chinatown on December 10 and 11.