Bay Area Reporter :: Live

Top of the pops: Fall Arts Preview in pop, rock and more music 2024

September 3, 2024 | by Michael Flanagan

San Francisco band Sly and the Family Stone sang about "Hot Fun in the Summertime" in the 1960s, but those of us who have been here for a while we know that the real hot music comes to the Bay Area in the fall.

Emily Saliers: Singer-songwriter on Indigo Girls' success

by Gregg Shapiro
Aug 13, 2024

The Indigo Girls — Emily Saliers and Amy Ray — are having a moment. Along with a national tour, their songs have been featured in two recent films, and the documentary about their lives shares music and more.

Remembering Karen Carpenter: Laurie Roldan pays tribute to iconic singer

by David-Elijah Nahmod
Aug 13, 2024

A lifelong fan of the singer-songwriter, Bay Area singer Laurie Roldan 'Sings a Song for You: a Cabaret Concert Inspired by the Music of Karen Carpenter" on August 17 and 25 at the Gateway Theater in San Francisco.

Ben Platt's 'Honeymind' - love songs on his new CD

by Brian Bromberger
Aug 12, 2024

Ben Platt's third album, unlike his previous electro-pop efforts, has a folky Americana sound, reminiscent of early 1970s, somewhere between James Taylor and Barry Manilow.

Outside Lands is outer than ever - Queer representation hits a high note this year

by Jim Gladstone
Aug 6, 2024

From the disco era charisma of Grace Jones to the girlie-pop twinkle of Chappell Roan, there's a bumper crop of music from queer artists and icons to harvest at this year's Outside Lands festival, from Friday, Aug. 9 through Sunday, Aug. 11.

'Karma' - Boy George tells all

by Cornelius Washington
Aug 6, 2024

One of the primary prerequisites of being a true star is that the general public never grows tired of seeing or hearing you. Boy George's "Karma: My Autobiography" (Blink Publishing) proves his merit as a gender-blurring pioneer as well as a musician.

Willi Carlisle - queer singer/songwriter's country/folk 'Critterland'

by Gregg Shapiro
Jul 29, 2024

If Arkansas-based Willi Carlisle isn't on your radar yet, he should be. Not only do Carlisle's distinctively poetic lyrics separate him from most of the pack, but as an accomplished multi-instrumentalist, his talent is sure to make a lasting impression.

Mama Cass tribute at Oasis: Ruby Vixen & Leigh Crow host the cabaret night

by David-Elijah Nahmod
Jul 20, 2024

On July 29, the 50th anniversary of Mama Cass Elliot's passing, Oasis will present a Mama Cass Tribute Cabaret, an evening of song hosted by Ruby Vixen and Leigh Crow.

Sapphira Cristál Comes to SF - 'Drag Race' Miss Congeniality to play Bimbo's

by David-Elijah Nahmod
Jul 9, 2024

Sapphira Cristál is most definitely a star on the rise. On July 17 she'll make a stop in San Francisco to do a show at Bimbo's, part of a multi-city tour that includes appearances all over the country, and even a few stops in Canada.

Matthew Martin is Judy Garland: Local drag star returns to Oasis

by David-Elijah Nahmod
Jun 25, 2024

Matthew Martin is well known, even beloved, for his portrayals of Hollywood's legendary leading ladies. On July 4, 5, and 6, Martin will return to Oasis, appearing as queer icon Judy Garland.

Fred Schneider: The B-52s member on music, Vegas, and the band's Mosswood Meltdown show

by Gregg Shapiro
Jun 22, 2024

Fred Schneider talks about the B-52s' upcoming performance at the Mosswood Meltdown (July 6 & 7) in Oakland and his many other upcoming music projects.

Song and dance in Sonoma: Transcendence Theatre Company kicks off summer under the stars

by Jim Gladstone
Jun 18, 2024

The talent at Transcendence Theatre Company's concerts consists of dozens of singers and dancers who regularly appear on Broadway and West End stages but sweep into Sonoma County in several waves each summer.

Sean Patrick Murtagh — Concert pays tribute to Sondheim's divas

by David-Elijah Nahmod
Jun 11, 2024

On June 22 Bay Area native Sean Patrick Murtagh returns to San Francisco to perform his critically acclaimed show "Beautiful Girls: A Tribute to Sondheim's Divas."

Q-Music: Sounds of Pride 2024 playlist from Pet Shop Boys & more

by Gregg Shapiro
Jun 4, 2024

Our prolific music reviewer shares sounds from the new Pet Shop Boys album, plus Bloomsday, Torres, Paraorchestra with Brett Anderson (of The London Suede) and wait, Billy Idol?

Ivy Riot! Pride Month series gives center stage to the queer musicians & community

by JL Odom
May 28, 2024

In the East Bay, the owners of The Ivy Room are going above and beyond for Pride month by hosting an unprecedented 19 music and community events.

BARtab :: Live Music