The cast of the Broadway touring company of "Ain't Too Proud" and special guest Paula West filled A.C.T.'s Strand Theater with soulful jazzy music on November 28 at the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation's first live benefit concert in three years.

"In retrospect, it had to be a violent end," says Kenny Mellman, recalling the demise of "Kiki and Herb" back in 2007, not long after the locally-formed twosome's last San Francisco performance. They've now reunited for a holiday-themed tour.

It wouldn't be Christmas in San Francisco unless chanteuse extraordinaire Connie Champagne brings her annual Judy Garland holiday show to Martuni's.

The bass player and guitarist in The Claudettes, and an openly queer musician, Zach Verdoorn discussed the new album "The Claudettes Go Out!," his third with the band, and his earlier years with other groups.

Whether out singer-songwriter Amy Ray is performing with longtime musical partner Emily Saliers as one half of the Indigo Girls —as she has since the mid-1980s— or going solo as she did with her solo debut "Stag" in 2001, you can recognize her instantly.

Every time house and dance music legend Ultra Naté releases a new album it's a cause for celebration. Her latest, simply titled "Ultra" (Peace Biscuit), is no exception.

This year the Besties are even more of a celebration than usual, because this year, after our (ahem) unexpected pause, our nightspots gave us the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, and to celebrate a community reborn.

Having matured musically since her hit single "Luka" in 1987, Suzanne Vega's new album, "An Evening of New York Songs & Stories" includes re-recorded old songs as well as new ones.

The Contemporary Christian Music phenomenon known simply as Semler has earned the distinction of hitting #1 on the Gospel charts twice in one year. It's even more noteworthy that Semler is the first openly queer Christian music artist.

Herbst Theatre will echo with previously unheard sounds on Oct. 1, when Alta Sinfonica debuts, taking to the stage with music that combines traditional Latin music forms with what organizers tantalizingly call "urbano sounds."

Former local returns to Feinstein's this weekend as a bonafide Broadway star, shortly after winning a Tony for his role in the acclaimed revival of 'Company.'

A crowd-pleasing package of infectious music, thrilling choreography, vibrant costumes and charismatic performances, "Goddess," now having its world premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, probably already has all it takes to achieve Broadway success.

From legacy acts to newcomers, there's an unusually queer season of pop ahead at major Bay Area concert venues. Brace yourselves for a glitter tsunami.

New music from bands with strong women lead vocalists get a listen, including Bonny Light Horseman, The Interrupters, Momma, Deerhoof and Stars.