Arts & Culture :: Music

Whitney Houston and her daughter remembered: new documentary explores the star's rise and tragic fall

Whitney Houston and her daughter remembered: new documentary explores the star's rise and tragic fall

  • by Cornelius Washington
  • Feb 2, 2021

'Whitney & Bobbi Kristina: Didn't We Almost Have It All?' delves into more of the personal, human side of the legendary music icon Whitney Houston, her interpersonal relationships and the consequences of poor choices.

Q-Music: new sounds from Mary J. Blige, Pamela Means, Tami Neilson and more

Q-Music: new sounds from Mary J. Blige, Pamela Means, Tami Neilson and more

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Jan 27, 2021

'Chickaboom!, the 2020 album by Tami Neilson, the self-described "hot rockin' lady of country, rockabilly and soul," Reigning queen of hip-hop soul Mary J. Blige's new remixes and other women musicians are bringing new and classic sounds.

Pulling at heartstrings: 'Violins of Hope' live at Kohl Mansion

Pulling at heartstrings: 'Violins of Hope' live at Kohl Mansion

  • by Philip Campbell
  • Jan 26, 2021

The touring concert 'Violins of Hope' brought a collection of instruments retrieved and restored from the Holocaust, to Northern California a year ago. One of the most memorable concerts in the triumphant tour is now available as a download and CD.

Poet Amanda Gorman, Lady Gaga and other musicians bring arts to Biden/Harris Inauguration

Poet Amanda Gorman, Lady Gaga and other musicians bring arts to Biden/Harris Inauguration

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Jan 20, 2021

As Americans and people over the world heaved a heavy sigh of relief and joy with the Inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, one young poet stood out for her artistic contribution.

Q-Music: Queer tunes for your new year

Q-Music: Queer tunes for your new year

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Jan 19, 2021

Enjoy new music for the new year in a wide range of genres from LGBT artists young and older, including Fredo Viola, Tret Fure, Jay Thomas, Another Sky and Alex The Astronaut.

Musical grooves: Best LGBT music, part 2

Musical grooves: Best LGBT music, part 2

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Jan 4, 2021

From dazzling debuts (Izzy Heltai, Katie Pruitt) to familiar faces (Bob Mould, Indigo Girls), in 2020, musicians produced a treasure trove of awesome audibles.

Best LGBTQ music 2020: Q-Music's social distancing soundtrack

Best LGBTQ music 2020: Q-Music's social distancing soundtrack

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Dec 28, 2020

Despite the absence of live concerts, LGBT musicians around the country have managed to release new music. Here is the first part of two Best of 2020 music mentions, including a few who came out of their musical closets.

Women on the record: Q-Music covers Sneaks, Ace of Cups, Shelby Lynne and more

Women on the record: Q-Music covers Sneaks, Ace of Cups, Shelby Lynne and more

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Dec 22, 2020

You can hear the inspiration of the spoken word scene in the songs on Happy Birthday (Merge) by D.C.'s Sneaks (aka Eva Moolchan). Ace of Cups, Yelle and other women-led bands' new music are reviewed.

Mariah Carey's memoir's major: pop singer's life shared in new book

Mariah Carey's memoir's major: pop singer's life shared in new book

  • by Cornelius Washington
  • Dec 22, 2020

'The Meaning of Mariah Carey' is The New York Times best-seller of the life and career of a truly influential artist and entertainer, the autobiography of one of the most talented, hardworking, compelling, witty, and transcendent African-American artists.

Merry Krimble! alternative holiday music playlists

Merry Krimble! alternative holiday music playlists

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Dec 20, 2020

Whether you're safely home alone, or socially distanced with family or friends, this is a most unusual holiday. So, for Christmas week, Eve and Day, enjoy a most unusual holiday music playlist.

Colton Ford on music, maturity and moving forward

Colton Ford on music, maturity and moving forward

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Dec 15, 2020

After a few years away from music, singer-musician Colton Ford has returned with new songs and new perspectives on art, life and yes, politics.

Classy classical Christmas: music, dances, plays and choral treats for the holidays

Classy classical Christmas: music, dances, plays and choral treats for the holidays

  • by Brian Bromberger
  • Dec 15, 2020

Holiday-themed music, choral and dance concerts continue, albeit in virtual formats, including San Francisco Ballet, San Francisco Symphony, Chanticleer, Kitka, Cal Performances, San Francisco Bach Choir, and more.

Q-Music: Making the yuletide gayer

Q-Music: Making the yuletide gayer

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Dec 15, 2020

Have you been looking forward to the 2020 winter holidays, either as the giver of gifts or the recipient? If so, you can't go wrong with some of these very Mary, I mean merry, titles from Elton John, Little Richard and new bands like Dust Bowl Faeries.

Choral response: SF Gay Men's Chorus brings holiday music

Choral response: SF Gay Men's Chorus brings holiday music

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Dec 15, 2020

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus isn't letting the pandemic spoil their Christmas holiday. The chorus' annual Christmas Eve concert, '(At) Home for the Holidays,' will go on this year as a virtual event with guest-star performers.