Arts & Culture :: Music

Cidny Bullens: Meet the trans 'cosmic rock star'

Cidny Bullens: Meet the trans 'cosmic rock star'

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Jul 4, 2023

Cidny Bullens' story is truly one of a kind, beginning with being a backing vocalist for Sir Elton John and continuing through their 2012 transition at the age of 61 as a musician, and now the author of a revealing memoir.

Ivo Dimchev: gay singer/songwriter's Bulgarian rhapsodies

Ivo Dimchev: gay singer/songwriter's Bulgarian rhapsodies

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Jun 27, 2023

Ivo Dimchev, an openly gay HIV-positive performer who hails from Bulgaria, stands his ground in his music and performances, proudly letting the world know exactly who he is.

All aboard: Chunx and Funx of Gravy Train!!!!

All aboard: Chunx and Funx of Gravy Train!!!!

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Jun 20, 2023

Known for its explicit and humorous queercore rap style, Gravy Train!!!! (yes, 4 exclamation marks) ascribes to a shock value code of ethics.Two of the band members talked about their reunion in advance of their Mosswood Meltdown gig on July 2.

John Waters hosts Mosswood Meltdown

John Waters hosts Mosswood Meltdown

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Jun 20, 2023

Filmmaker and "filth elder" John Waters will once again host the 2023 edition of the hip, queer, punk music festival Mosswood Meltdown in Oakland. He shared his love of punk music and style.

Divas defined: Black Music Archive explains singing styles

Divas defined: Black Music Archive explains singing styles

  • by Cornelius Washington
  • Jun 20, 2023

In videos on the Black Music Archive, Milik Kashad explains the intricacies of mostly Black women singers in opera, pop, R&B and other genres, while answering questions about singing styles.

Q-music: Pride sounds all year long

Q-music: Pride sounds all year long

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Jun 20, 2023

Even after you're over the rainbow, new music from Jake Shears, Rufus Wainwright and Passion Pit will have you humming along down your own yellow brick road.

Director Lear deBessonet on "Into the Woods"

Director Lear deBessonet on "Into the Woods"

  • by Jim Gladstone
  • Jun 13, 2023

The director of the new production of the 1987 musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, playing a limited engagement at the Curran Theater next week, discusses the timeless themes in the hit musical.

Q-Music: solos and sides

Q-Music: solos and sides

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Jun 13, 2023

Big name musicians (Paul Simon, Natalie Merchant and Ben Folds) depart from their traditional band mates for new solo albums, and one unusual super group (The No Ones) includes alumni from several bands.

Fresh Meat Festival: a celebration of queer and trans performance

Fresh Meat Festival: a celebration of queer and trans performance

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Jun 6, 2023

For the past three years the Fresh Meat Festival has conducted its annual performances online. The festival returns to performing live and in person.

Summer in The City: music, dance, and theatre around the Bay Area

Summer in The City: music, dance, and theatre around the Bay Area

  • by Philip Mayard
  • May 30, 2023

From unique interpretations of classic plays and musicals, to fusion music concerts and site-specific performances, summer performing arts experiences offer a chance to immerse yourself in the spirit and energy of San Francisco.

Country music crossovers

Country music crossovers

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • May 30, 2023

Country music artists are regularly crossing genre boundaries, some even recording covers of Stephen Sondheim musical numbers. Here are four new outstanding audibly artistic diversions.

Going Out, May 25 - June 1, 2023

Going Out, May 25 - June 1, 2023

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • May 25, 2023

June 1 kicks off Pride Month, but we've got a lovely bouquet of rainbow-licious arts and nightlife events in the last week of May as well. Get going out.

Women in summer operas and symphony concerts

Women in summer operas and symphony concerts

  • by Philip Campbell
  • May 23, 2023

The San Francisco Symphony and San Francisco Opera are both presenting a number of concerts and productions through May and June primarily focused on women.

Going Out, May 18-26, 2023

Going Out, May 18-26, 2023

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • May 18, 2023

The universe is expanding, and so are your options for delight in nightlife and arts events. Get going out.