Celebrate arts in all forms; paintings, plays, dance, music and more.
THU 6
Author Events @ City Lights Books
Feb 6, 7pm: Elaine Kahn (Romance of The End: Poems). Feb 10, 7pm: Marcelo Hernandez Castillo (Children of the Land). Feb 12, 4pm: Arthur Kleinman (The Soul of Care: The Moral Education of a Husband and a Doctor, at UCSF Parnassus Campus, Lange Room, 530 Parnassus Avenue, 5th Floor.) 261 Columbus Ave. www.citylights.com
Classic and New Films @ Castro Theatre
Feb 5 & 6: Knives Out. Feb 7-9: Berlin & Beyond festival. Feb 10-12: Little Women. Feb 13: JoJo Rabbit and A Hidden Life. $8-$16. 429 Castro St. http://www.castrotheatre.com
Eric Ben�t @ Yoshi's Oakland
The smooth crooner performs a four-night gig at the elegant restaurant-nightclub. $54-$115. 8pm. Two shows nightly Feb 7-9. 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. www.yoshis.com
Friends Live @ Oasis
The popular sitcom gets a deserved drag parody, with Caleb Haven Draper, Carol Ann Walker, Emily France, Titus Androgynous, Sue Casa, Paul Grant, Hovannes, Cassie Wassie, Kirk Saraceno, L Ron Hubby and Anne Norland. $27.50-$50. 7pm. Thu-Sat 7pm thru March 14. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com
Gregory Porter, Ledisi @ Fox Theatre, Oakland
The jazz, soul and gospel vocalists share a concert; Xiomara opens. $50-$120. 8pm. 1807 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. www.apeconcerts.com
Link Link Circus @ The Chapel
Actor-producer Isabella Rossellini presents her whimsical multimedia performance talk about the links between humans and animals, with live animals. $45-$65. 8:30pm. Feb 3-6, 10 & 11. 777 Valencia St. www.thechapelsf.com
Literary Speakeasy @ Martuni's
Drinks and cocktails with Lauren Ito, Kevin Dublin, Sarah Kobrinksy, Vincent Chu, Heather Bourbeau and host James J. Siegel. 7pm. 4 Valencia St.
Manifesto @ Brava Studio
A Call to Arms, a Spectacular Reckoning, Rotimi Agbabiaka's new solo show about a gay Black actor's struggles with success versus integrity. $25. 8pm. Various dates and times thru Feb 15. 2773 24th St. www.rotimionline.com www.brava.org
Paula West @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
The popular local singer returns to the elegant nightclub with her band for a multiple-night residency of concerts. $65-$85 ($20 food/drink min.). Thu-Sat 8pm; Sun 5pm thru Feb 16. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.feinsteinssf.com
Thanks to Hank @ GLBT History Museum
Jan, 6: panel discussion and screening of the film Thanks to Hank: a Liberation Movement, a Plague and Unsung Hero, with Bob Ostertag an Tom Ammiano. 7pm. Also, Performance, Protest & Politics: Gilbert Baker's Art, an exhibit of the works and ephemera by and about the creator of the Rainbow Flag. $5. 4127 18th St. www.glbthistory.org
Recoding CripTech @ SOMArts
Group exhibition of multimedia depictions of disabled people reimagined technologies and prosthetic tools; curated by Vanessa Chang and Lindsey D. Felt. Thru Feb 25. 934 Brannan St. www.somarts.org
Son Jarocho Festival @ Brava Theatre
Eighth annual celebratory concerts of Veracruz, Mexico folkloric music, with multipel performers. $20-$45. Thru Feb 9. 2781 24th St. www.brava.org
Survival Architecture @ Museum of Craft & Design
Survival Architecture and the Art of Resilience and Linda Gass: And Then This Happened..., fabric maps and multimedia; both thru May 3. 2569 3rd St. www.sfmcd.org
Trixxie Carr: herSELF @ Potrero Stage
The talented local singer performs her solo show of music, stories and drag. $31.50-$46.50. 7pm. Also Feb 6, 8pm. 1695 18th St. www.trixxiecarr.com
Tycho @ Fox Theatre, Oakland
Grammy-nominated techno-pop band performs; mild Minds opens. $45. 8pm. 1807 Telegraph ave., Oakland. www.thefoxoakland.com
FRI 7
Butterfly Effect @ Dance Mission Theater
Dance Brigade's new performance work takes on the climate crisis. $15-$25. Fri & Sat 8pm. Sun 6pm. Thru Feb 9 (Feb 9, 3pm ASL-interpreted). 3316 24th St. www.dancemissiontheater.org
Chicago @ San Jose Stage Company
Broadway's longest running multiple Tony-winning musical about 1920s criminal corruption and hype gets a South Bay staging. $32-$60. Thru Mar. 15. 490 Soputh 1st St., San Jose. www.thestage.org
Events @ Manny's
Feb 7, 8pm: Soul Food for Thought Open Mic. Feb 8, 7pm: Charity + Coemdy. Feb 9, 5pm: Oscars viewing party, Fiesta Flamenca (6:30pm). Feb 10, 6pm: Montana Dem congressioanal candidate Core Neumann. Feb 11, 6:30: screening of Whitney documentary. 3092 16th St. www.welcometomannys.com
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child @ Curran Theater
The West Coast premiere of the acclaimed two-part play about Harry Potter's son, and his time-traveling misadventures at Hogwarts Academy, includes amazing special effects in the transformed Curran Theater. Same-day and subsequent night tickets available. $59-$300. Thru July 12. 445 Geary St. www.harrypottertheplay.com https://sfcurran.com/
Lawrence Lindell @ Strut
Opening reception for the comic artist's exhibit of uplifting gay works. 8pm-10pm. 470 Castro St. www.lawrencelindell.com
Noura @ Marin Theatre Company
Heather Raffo's intense drama about an Iraqi New York family's dramatic holiday gathering; extended thru Feb 9. $25-$70. 397 Miller Ave., Mill valley. www.marintheatre.org
Older and Out @ North Berkeley Senior Center
Weekly group discussion about problems for elders in the LGBT community. 3:15pm. 1901 Hearst Ave., Berkeley. www.pacificcenter.org
SAT 8
Animation Exhibits @ Walt Disney Museum
Mickey Mouse: From Walt to the World (extended thru Feb. 17), and other exhibits of animation art by the prolific studio's artists. 104 Montgomery St, The Presidio. $5-$25. 10am-6pm. Closed Tue. http://wdfmuseum.org/
The Batman Armory
@ Cartoon Art Museum
Artwork, Batman props and costumes on display, thru Feb. 16. Pre-Code Horror: Scary Stories and Ghastly Graphics from EC Comics, thru March 1. Gemma Correll's witty cartoons in the Emerging Artist Showcase, thru March 29. Free/$10. 11am-5pm daily; closed Wed. 781 Beach St. www.cartoonart.org
Hamilton @ Orpheum Theater
The hugely popular hiphop history musical about Alexander Hamilton. $75-$400. Thru May 31. 1192 Market St. www.hamilton.broadwaysf.com
Kaleidoscope @ Exploratorium
Cells to Self, an exhibit with amazing displays showing how single cells in the human body work, portraits engineered from DNA and more (talks, hands-on workshops and nightlife events). $10-$30. Pier 15 at Embarcadero. www.exploratorium.edu
LGBTQ Histories from the WWII Home Front
@ Rosie the Riveter Visitor Education Center, Richmond
Park indoor exhibit that showcases the lives of historic LGBT people. Open daily 10am-5pm. 1414 Harbour Way South, Suite 3000, Richmond. www.nps.gov/rori/index.htm
Living the Shuffle @ the Marsh Berkeley
Film director Robert Townsend 's acclaimed solo show shares his story of the odds of making it in Hollywood while Black. $40-$100. Fri 8pm, Sat 8:30pm Sun 5:30pm thru Feb 29. 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. www.themarsh.org
Other Cinema @ ATA Gallery
Weekly screenings of wacky, unusual, short, documentary and animated films; free books, vinyl, VHS and wine. $7. 8:30pm. 992 Valencia St. www.othercinema.com
The Queer Ancestors Project @ Strut
Opening day events for the exhibit of prints by queer and trans emerging artists includes an artist panel (7pm), reception and print sale (7:30-10pm), with Christine Abiba, grace cho, rai dang, Kazayra Miranda Gonz�lez, Kimiko Goeller, jess 'sylk' rodriguez, Sat�n, Sen, Striff, with artistic director Katie Gilmartin. Thru May 9. 470 Castro St. www.strutsf.org
Soft Power @ SF MOMA
Soft Power, a new exhibit of 20 artists, 12 countries, 58 new works. Also, Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power 1963-1983. The Chronicles of San Francisco, photo-muralist JR's interactive community giant group portrait. Don't! Photography and the Art of Mistakes; Far Out: Suits, Habs, and Labs for Outer Space; other exhibits of Modern art. Free/$25. Fri-Tue 10am-5pm; Thu 10am-9pm. 151 3rd St. www.sfmoma.org
Two-Spirit Powwow @ Fort Mason
Bay Area American Indian Two Spirits' annual celebration of dance, music, crafts and First Nation culture. Free/donations. 11am-6pm. Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd. www.baaits.org
Wakey, Wakey @ Geary Theatre
American Conservatory Theatre's production of Will Eno's compelling life-querying intimate solo play stars Emmy-winning actor Tony Hale. $15-$110. Thru Feb 16. 415 Geary St. www.act-sf.org
Women's Open Mic @ Plymouth Jazz and Justice Church
Singer-songwriter Shazam and author Jan Steckel, plus open mic at the women-only evening (7:30) and potluck(6:30). 424 Monte Vista, Oakland.
Writers With Drinks @ The Make Out Room
Charles Yu, Meng Jin, Tracy Clark Flory, Juliette Wade and Barbara Tomash are the featured authors at the lit and liquor night hosted by Charlie Jane Anders. Free-$20. 7:30pm. 3225 22nd St. www.makeoutroom.com
You'll Catch Flies @ New Conservatory Theatre Center
The world premiere of Ryan Fogarty's biting comedy about a group of gay friends and their familial and familiar revelations at a party. Wed. pre-show with cocktails, 6:30pm-7:30pm. $25-$55. Wed-Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm; thru Feb 23. 25 Van Ness Ave., lower level. www.nctcsf.org
SUN 9
Academy of Friends
@ Commonwealth Club
40th annual gala Oscar Awards viewing party in a new location with terrific views. Enjoy international foods, champagne, wine, entertainment between broadcast segments and a silent auction of lavish items. $150 (young professionals 21-29), $250 and up. VIP 4pm. Gen. admission 5pm-10pm. 110 The Embarcadero. www.academyoffriends.org
Americana Bands @ Ivy Room, Albany
Thee Old Country, Secret Emchy Society and Beckylin & Her Druthers play. $10. 4pm. 860 San Pablo Ave., Albany. www.ivyroom.com
Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment @ Asian Art Museum
Exhibit of Tibetan antiquities and modern works -Sculptures, paintings, textiles and book arts made between 800 and 2016- with many related events and activities, thru May 3. Lost at Sea: Recovered Art From Shipwrecks, a new exhibit of antiquities discovered in oceans (thru Mar. 22); also, Chang Dai-chien (thru April 26), contemporary works by Tsherin Sherpa, Tanabe Chikuunsai IV, Kim Heecheon and Liu Jianhua; and exhibits of historic sculptures, prints and antiquities. Sunday caf� specialties from $7-$16. Free-$20. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 200 Larkin St. www.asianart.org
Black is Beautiful: The Photography of Kwame Brathwaite @ MOAD
Prints by the Harlem Renaissance photographer of the 1950s and '60s; Also, multimedia works by Rashaad Newsome; Don't Shoot: An Opus of the Opulence of Blackness, and Baye Fall: Roots in Spirituality, Fashion and Resistance All thru Mar. 1. $5-$10. 685 Mission St. www.moadsf.org
Ecstatic Dance @ Sacred Heart Church
Weekly group freeform dance with a spiritual flavor at the former church-turned event space. $15. 9am-12pm. Also Wed. and Fridays in Oakland and Fairfax. 554 Fillmore St. www.ecstaticdance.org
Exclusion @ Presidio Officers Club
Exhibit documenting the Presidio's Japanese-American incarceration during World War II; other exhibits show the history of the former military base and the SF peninsula. Also, Andy Goldsworthy's fascinating outdoor sculpture exhibit three-mile walking tour. Free, Tue-Sun 10am-5pm; extended thru June. 50 Maraga Ave. www.presidio.gov/officers-club/exhibitions/
Divine Women, Divine Wisdom @ BAM/PFA
Exhibit of Tibetan art depicting women as holy entities. Thru May 24. Also, Hinges: Sakaki Hyakusen and the Birth of Nanga Painting (thru Feb 2); Sylvia Fein: Matrix 275 (thru Mar. 1); Art Wall: Edie Fake (thru June 21); and Lands of Promise and Peril: Geographies of California (thru April 26). Film screenings, too. 2155 Center St., Berkeley. www.bampfa.org
No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man @ Oakland Museum
No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man, an exhibit of amazing large artworks; thru Feb 16. Free/$15. 1000 Oak St. www.museumca.org
Queer Tango @ Finnish Hall, Berkeley
Same-sex partner tango dancing, including lessons for newbies, food and drinks. $5-$10. 3:30pm-6:30pm. 1970 Chestnut St, Berkeley. www.finnishhall.org
Sleepless Nights @ The Chapel
Tribute concert to the music of Graham Parsons, with Tarnation, Whateverglades, Sweet Chariot, and other bands. $20. 5pm. 777 Valencia St. www.thechapelsf.com
Soul of a Nation @ de Young Museum
Art in the Age of Black Power 1963-1983, thru Mar. 15. Also, exhibits of Modern and historic art, including embroidery, Maori portraits and installations. Free/$28. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.famsf.org
Sprightly @ SF Public Library
Weekly hangout for LGBTQ youth, with crafts, snacks and activities. 12:30pm-2:30pm. James C. Hormel Center, 3rd floor, 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org
MON 10
Andy Goldsworthy @ Presidio
Enjoy a fascinating outdoor sculpture exhibit and three-mile walking tour. Free, extended thru June. 50 Maraga Ave. www.presidio.gov/officers-club/exhibitions/
Book Club @ Strut
The gay men's health center's monthly book club discuss local author Alvin Orloff's new memoir, Disasterama! Adventures in the Queer Underground 1977-1997. 7:30pm 470 Castro St. www.strutsf.org
Fiberful @ NIAD Art Center, Richmond
Exhibits of art by visiting professionals, and art made by developmentally disabled people; new exhibits include Fiberful, a fabric sculpture group exhibit, Tippy Toes: Terry Hoff, and Right Here, Right Now, Richmond. Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. 551 23rd St., Richmond. (510) 620-0290. www.niadart.org
Gallery of Illustrious Queers @ SF Main Library
Photographer Jordan Reznick's LGBT portrait photo exhibit; extended thru Feb. 20. Hormel Center, 3rd floor, 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org
Tender @ Great American Music Hall
British duo performs their moody electro-pop; Xylo opens. $17-$42 (with dinner). 8pm. 859 O'Farrell St. www.slimspresents.com
William Blake in Color @ William Blake Gallery
Exhibit of classic plates in the new gallery of historic art by the 18th- and 19th-century poet and illustrator. Mon-Fri 10am-5pm. Sat 11am-5pm. 49 Geary St. #205. www.williamblakegallery.com
TUE 11
Bullhorn Series
@ National LGBTQ Center for the Arts
Community panel discussion about the decades since the Harvey Milk era, with Rafael Mandelman (SF District 8 Supervisor), Cat Brooks (activist, playwright) and Aria Sa'id (Transgender Cultural District,) and musical performances by New Voices Bay Area - TIGQ Chorus. $20-$25. 7pm. 170 Valencia St. www.sfgmc.org/arts-center
Exhibits @ Tenderloin Museum
Multimedia exhibit about the historic Tenderloin district. 398 Eddy St. http://www.tenderloinmuseum.org/
Expedition Reef @ California Academy of Sciences
Exhibits and planetarium shows with various live, interactive and installed exhibits about animals, plants and the earth; Skin, a multi-species hands-on exhibit; Deep Reefs, Giants of Land and Sea, Gems and Minerals, and more. $20-$35. Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm. Sun 11am-5pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org
Floral Exhibits @ SF Botanical Garden
Visit the lush gardens with displays of trees, flowers and shrubs from around the world, including the annual Magnolia bloom. Monthly plant sales, plus art exhibits and gift shop; free entry with SF proof of residency. $5-$10 for others. 7:30am-closing. 9th Ave at Lincoln Way. https://sfbotanicalgarden.org/
Perfectly Queer Readings @ Dog Eared Books
LGBT authors Dale Corvino, Denise Conca, Wayne Goodman, Rob Rosen, and Cass Sellars read. 7pm. 489 Castro St. www.dogearedbooks.com
Remarkable WWII Rosie @ Jewett Gallery, SF Main Library
Painter Carol Witten's exhibit of portraits of women factory workers during World War II; thru Jan. 26. 100 Larkin St, lower level. www.sfpl.org
Richard Caldwell Brewer @ Lost Art Salon
Exhibit of works by the late gay artist (1923-2014). Also, Cappi and Michael Insinna. Mon-Sat 10am-5:30pm. 245 South Van Ness Ave., #303. https://lostartsalon.com/
Rizo @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
The Grammy-winning comic songstress and cabaret master returns with her eclectic set of pop, rock and standard classics. $45-$60 ($20 food/drink min.). 7:30pm. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. www.feinsteinssf.com
WED 12
Alex Prestia @ Eros
Wistful Edificials, the local artist's exhibit of SF people and architecture, at the sex club; thru March. 2051 Market St. www.a1205x.com www.erossf.com
Exhibits @ Chabot Space
& Science Museum, Oakland
Space, science and planetary exhibits, including planetarium shows and the Observatory; special nighttime events like meteor shower shows. Free-$18. 10000 Skyline Blvd., Oakland. www.chabotspace.org
Illuminate SF @ Citywide
40+ installations of light art sculptures in and outside buildings by more than 30 local artists. Free; walking tour info at www.illuminatesf.com
Naked Men's Sketch @ Eros
Get naked and take turns modeling at the sex club's popular weekly event. Donations/no entrance fee. 7pm-9pm (Open Christmas 12pm-9pm). 2051 Market St. www.erossf.com
Portrait of a Woman on Fire @ Rialto Cinemas Sebastopol
Celine Sciamma's French lesbian-themed film about a 1760s bride-to-be and her passion for a painter. $10-$12. 7:15pm. 6868 McKinley St, Sebastopol. www.rialtocinemas.com
Rafiki @ Bayview Opera House
Frameline's screening of Wanuri Kahiu's film about two Kenyan lesbians. Free. 7pm. 4705 3rd St. www.frameline.org
Rashaad Newsome: To Be Real @ Fort Mason
The artist's stunning exhibit of collage, sculptures and interactive A.I. blends queer diva iconography, robotic and African American imagery to question concepts of identity. Wed-Sun 11am-5pm, thru Feb. 23. Main gallery, Pier 2, 2 Marina Blvd. www.fortmason.org/event/newsome/
Other multimedia works also on exhibit at Museum of the African Diaspora thru March 1: www.moadsf.org
The Spongebob Musical @ Golden Gate Theatre
The wacky fun musical based on the cartoon show hits town. $56-$226. Thru Feb 16. 1 Taylor St. www.shnsf.com
THU 13
Homobiles @ Ivy Room, Albany
Queer rock, plus Pls Pls Me and LeFemmeBear. $8-$10. 8pm. 860 San Pablo Ave., Albany. www.ivyroom.com
Horrorpops @ Slim's
Danish psychobilly sextet performs; also, The Quakes and Frank & Deans. $30. 8pm. 333 11th St. www.slimspresents.com
Kronos Quartet
@ Zellerbach Theatre, Berkeley
The award-winning music ensemble performs A Thousand Thoughts, a multimedia music and film collaboration celebrating composer Terry Riley and the group;s 45th anniversary. $24-$58. 8pm. UC Berkeley campus. www.calperformances.org
Levi Strauss: A History of American Style @ Contemporary Jewish Museum
Opening day of a new exhibit showcasing the jeans manufacturer's innovations. Also, Threads of Jewish Life: Ritual and Other Textiles from the San Francisco Bay Area. Free-$16. 736 Mission St. www.thecjm.org
Plant Exhibits @ Conservatory of Flowers
Artfully arranged plant and floral exhibits; special evening events and parties, including Night Bloom evening events, 5pm-11pm. 100 John F. Kennedy Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.conservatoryofflowers.org
Polythene Pam @ El Rio
Queer and trans folk, pop and original music; also Shawna Virago, Scorpio Moon and Soft Vowel Sounds perform. No cover. 8pm-10pm. 3158 Mission St. www.elriosf.com
Radical @ Spark Arts
John Fisher's new satirical drama about San Francisco politics. $25-$45. Thu-Sat 8pm, Sun 5pm thru Mar. 1. 4229 18th St. www.therhino.org
They Called Us Enemy @ Cartoon Art Museum
New exhibit of Harmony Becker's artwork for the graphic novel written by actor-activist George Takei, about his family's U.S. internment in a concentration camp during WWII. Free-$10. Thru May 17 (closed Wed). 781 Beach St. www.cartoonart.org
Various Events @ Oakland LGBTQ Center
Social events and meetings at the new LGBTQ center include film screenings and workshops, including Bruthas Rising, trans men of color meetings, 4th Tuesdays, 6:30pm. Film screenings, 4th Saturdays, 7:30pm. Game nights, Fridays 7:30pm-11pm. Vogue sessions, first Saturdays. 3207 Lakeshore Ave. Oakland. https://www.oaklandlgbtqcenter.org/
Various Exhibits @ Treasure Island Museum
Collections of historic Golden Gate Exposition photos and memorabilia, military ephemera and more. Building One, Treasure Island, One Avenue of the Palms. www.treasureislandmuseum.org
Who's Your Mami Comedy @ Brava Studio
Diame Amos, Sampson McCormick, Dominique Gelin, Baruch Porras-Hernandez host Marga Gomez will keep you laughing at the popular monthly comedy series. $10-$15. 8pm. 2773 24th St. www.brava.org www.margagomez.com
To add your arts or nightlife event to listings, email [email protected]