John Holiday, the acclaimed countertenor known for opera, pop and jazz singing, will headline a benefit for Opera Parallèle at Saint Joseph's Arts Society in SoMa on April 14.

With his new album 'Broadway by Day,' singer-pianist Spencer Day tips his hat to the Great White Way. He'll also perform his new songs at Feinstein's at the Nikko April 8 and 9.

Cameroon-born drag performer BeBe Zahara Benet made herstory as the first winner of 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' and continues to break ground with a live show and a new documentary, both viewable in San Francisco next week.

Stars in the House, the hit YouTube series hosted by Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley, announced that they will host a 10-hour March 26 telethon to raise money for those affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine.

In an expansive Q&A, prolific singer-songwriter Janis Ian discusses her new —and possibly last— album, 'The Light at the End of the Line,' in advance of her March 20 concert at Berkeley's Freight & Salvage.

In describing Grammy-winning recording artist and activist Melissa Etheridge as a 'Lesbian Rock Goddess,' it's a title she likes. "That's perfect!" she replies with modesty. Etheridge will soon perform with her band at several Northern CA venues.

Juba Kalamka, who's remained active in a vast array of musical outfits, as well as appearing in movies, while remaining active politically and socially, has formed a new band, Commando, with Lynnee Breedlove, Honey Mahogany and other talents.

In an auspicious return to her former nightlife roost, Heklina will perform a new solo show with stories and live —yes, live singing— on March 10 and 11 at Oasis.

While probably not the most historic article of 2016, for this writer, it was a red-letter day to interview Shirley Manson, lead singer for the band Garbage.

Check out new music from veterans Marianne Faithfull and Melissa Etheridge, and new groups Gypsum, Zvrra and Hurray for the Riff Raff.

'Toy' is the perfect, playful name for what is labeled as "the new (albeit posthumously re-released) album from David Bowie." Also worth a listen, new albums from Bryce Bowyn, Davis Mallory, Lotic and Brion Starr.

Andre Torrez weaves insightful perspectives in his July 3, 2014 interview with the late music legend Ronnie Spector. The Ronettes singer performed at Burger Boogaloo, Oakland's fun outdoor music concert that summer.

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.

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.