Arts & Culture :: Music

Rocking reissues from A(qua) to Z(evon)

Rocking reissues from A(qua) to Z(evon)

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Jan 16, 2024

From sugary pop to gravelly blues, reissues of classic albums revive fan favorites in new formats.

Going Out, Jan. 11-19, 2024

Going Out, Jan. 11-19, 2024

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jan 10, 2024

Never mind the rain. Wrap up, umbrellafy yourself and head out to enjoy arts and nightlife events. For details on dozens of precipitation-defying events, check out our weekly online listings in Going Out.

Finding David Bowie's queer roots

Finding David Bowie's queer roots

  • by Michael Flanagan
  • Jan 8, 2024

David Bowie introduced alternative sexuality and caught people's attention before many knew about Stonewall. But where and when did his exposure to queer culture happen? Two recent books explore the gay London music scene of the 1960s and '70s.

Going Out, Dec. 28, 2023 - Jan. 5, 2024

Going Out, Dec. 28, 2023 - Jan. 5, 2024

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Dec 27, 2023

Whether you're looking for last-minute New Year's Eve plans, or craving some fun movies to watch cuddled up at home, we've got plenty to help you ring in the new year the way you want. We toast your arts and nightlife options each week.

'Maestro' — Bradley Cooper's biopic of conductor Leonard Bernstein

'Maestro' — Bradley Cooper's biopic of conductor Leonard Bernstein

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Dec 26, 2023

For his second directorial effort following the success of "A Star Is Born," actor Bradley Cooper zeroes in on the larger-than-life Leonard Bernstein refracted through the prism of his tumultuous marriage, and gay affairs, in "Maestro."

New discs reconfigure French music classics

New discs reconfigure French music classics

  • by Tim Pfaff
  • Dec 26, 2023

Leo Delibes' "Lakme," Camille Saint-Saens' "Symphonic Poems" and "The Carnival of the Animals," and Francis Poulenc's "Stabat Mater" are among the new recordings of works by French composers.

MTT gets his Way

MTT gets his Way

  • by BAR staff
  • Dec 20, 2023

City officials unveiled MTT Way next to Davies Symphony Hall in honor of former San Francisco Symphony music director Michael Tilson Thomas.

SF Gay Men's Chorus returns for Castro Christmas Eve show

SF Gay Men's Chorus returns for Castro Christmas Eve show

  • by John Ferrannini
  • Dec 20, 2023

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus will perform at the Castro Theatre for its annual Christmas Eve show — the last time it will be at the venue before extensive renovations begin next year.

Going Out, Dec. 14-22, 2023

Going Out, Dec. 14-22, 2023

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Dec 14, 2023

Holiday pressures got you down? Go see a musical, some art, a music concert, or a fun drag show. We've made a list and checked it twice, in Going Out, this week and every week.

2023's six best LGBTQ albums

2023's six best LGBTQ albums

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Dec 12, 2023

When it comes time to compile a "best of" list for the year, it's a relatively simple process. Our music writer shares his top six favorites, including Jakes Shears, Man on Man, Meshell Ndegeocello and others.

Going Out, Dec. 7-15, 2023

Going Out, Dec. 7-15, 2023

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Dec 7, 2023

Oh, what fun we'll have, probably not in a one-horse open sleigh; more likely in a driver-less Waymo cab. Either way, arts and nightlife events await you in Going Out, this week and every week.

Matt Rogers brings Christmas to the Castro

Matt Rogers brings Christmas to the Castro

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Dec 5, 2023

Comedian Matt Rogers, who headlines the Castro Theatre on December 20, is known for his comic skills. Now he's gone full pop star mode, recording a slickly produced yet dryly witty album, "Have You Heard of Christmas?"

Dance-Along Nutcracker's 'Nutmare before Christmas'

Dance-Along Nutcracker's 'Nutmare before Christmas'

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Dec 5, 2023

Since 1985 the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band has presented the "Dance-Along Nutcracker." This year the Christmas spectacular will hearken back to Halloween when they present "Dance-Along Nutcracker 2023: The Nutmare Before Christmas."

Holiday happenings: music, dance and camp fun for your Yule

Holiday happenings: music, dance and camp fun for your Yule

  • by Philip Mayard
  • Nov 28, 2023

From classical music and dance, to campy classics featuring your favorite drag performers, there's something on stages across the Bay Area to bring joy and inspiration to your holiday season.