Matt Alber will make you cry. Take that as a warning, a good one.
The multi-talented singer-songwriter was asked if he knows anyone who hasn't shed a tear or at least sniffled while watching the music video for one of his most known and utterly heart-ripping songs, "End of the World." (See the video on YouTube.)
It's one of many of Alber's fearlessly romantic songs that he'll be performing in a special concert with the Cello Street Quartet Thursday March 28 at the Swedish American Hall (upstairs from Café Du Nord).
Alber admits that even he got a little emotional the last time he watched the video. Shot in 2009, "It's really more of a short film," he said. "I watch it and think, 'Who's that young guy? I also think of my dad, who was standing outside the window shot, keeping the yoga moms from passing by."
Shot at a barbershop in Larchmont when Alber was living in Los Angeles, director Robin Scovill created a charmingly retro ambiance of a romance almost lost. That song is only one of Alber's musical milestones, which include a life spent in and out of choruses, from fundamentalist church choirs to the Grammy-winning San Francisco ensemble Chanticleer.
Working as both a solo artist self-accompanied by guitar or piano, Alber also enjoys singing with others, be it a string quartet or an entire choir.
At his upcoming San Francisco show, Alber will perform music from the new CD and DVD With Strings Attached, with the Cello Street Quartet, whom he first encountered when they were busking one night outside of Cliff's Variety Store.
As Alber tells it, a friend of his texted him to "get over" to the Castro Street to hear the quartet. Soon, the musicians jammed, performed together at several venues, and recorded their collaborations at the beautiful (and acoustically near-perfect) San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Acoustics also figure prominently into their upcoming shared concert at the Swedish American Hall. Alber mentioned the wooden arches, the venue's traditional design and the great sound crew as pluses for the concert. His last show there was almost a year ago.
This time, with The Cello Street Quartet, Alber's fans can enjoy opening instrumentalist Feona Jones, the quartet's renaissance repertory, and expanded, musically lush versions of Alber's new and recent songs.
But please, bring a hanky.
March 28. $20. 7:30pm. 2170 Market St., (above Café Du Nord). 861-5016. www.mattalber.com www.cafedunord.com
For the full interview with Matt Alber, with music videos, go to www.BARtabSF.com
(Correction: The print edition of this article mis-named the ensemble as the Cello String Quartet. We regret the error.)
Events March 21�"28, 2012
Thu 21
Bold Local Nightlife @ Cal. Academy of Sciences
Local merchants, designers, craftsfolk showcase their goods at the weekly museum party. Music, DJs, cash bar. $10-$12. 21+. 6pm-10pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.calacademy.org
CAAMfest @ Various Venues
The Center for Asian American Media's annual film festival, which includes several films with LGBT characters, themes and directors. $12-$175. Thru Mar. 24. Various venues and times. www.caamfest.com/2013
Dot 429 @ Hyatt Regency
The gay & lesbian professionals group hosts a cocktail & appetizer reception, with celebrity chef Yigit Pura. Proceeds benefit the LGBT Center. $35-$45. 6pm-9pm. 5 Embarcadero Center, 3rd floor Atrium lobby. www.dot429.com/events/429inspired-san-francisco--4
Fauxgirls @ Infusion Lounge
The classy drag revue (3rd Thursdays) now in its 12th year features Victoria Secret, Alexandria, Chanel, Maria Garza, Mini Minerva, Kipper, Daffney Deluxe and Ruby LeBrowne, with special guest Anya; dinner seating at 7pm. Show at 8pm. No cover. 124 Ellis St. 421-8700. www.fauxgirls.com
Freddie Jackson @ Yoshi's
Grammy-nominated vocalist performs. $25-$42. 8pm & 10pm. Also Mar. 22. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com
Guys and Dolls @ Julia Morgan Theatre, Berkeley
Berkeley Playhouse stages the classic Loesser Swerling/Burrows musical comedy about oddball romances between New York gamblers and missionaries. $17-$60. Thu-Sat 7pm. Sat 2pm. Sun 3pm. Thru April 28. 2640 College Ave., Berkeley. (510) 845-8542. www.berkeleyplayhouse.org
Human Rights International Film Fest @ YBCA
Weekly screenings of compelling films about worldwide rights struggles. This week, Susan Youssef's Habibi. $8-$10. 7:30pm. Thru Mar. 28. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St. www.ybca.org
A Lady and a Woman @ Eureka Theatre
Theatre Rhinoceros presents Shirlene Holmes' two-character drama about a late-19th-century African American lesbian couple. $15-$30. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 3pm. Thru Mar. 24. 215 Jackson St. (800) 838-3006. www.therhino.org
Little Shop of Horrors @ Regents Theatre, Oakland
Producers Associates stage a local version of Howard Ashman and Alan Menken's hit Off-Broadway musical based on the 1950s Roger Corman film, about a talking alien carnivorous plant, and the nerd who grows it. $30-$50. Thu-Sat 7pm. Sun 2pm. Thru March 24. Valley Center for the Performing Arts, Holy Name University, 3500 Mountain Blvd, Oakland. (510) 339-0241. www.woodminster.com
New and Classic Films @ Castro Theatre
Mar 21: Disposable Film Festival. Mar 22: Rocky III, The Professional and Strange Days. Mar 23: Roar! a roaring 1920s movie musical. Mar 24: The Ten Commandments, Heavy Traffic and Heavy Metal. Mar. 25-26: The Master. Also, the Sing-Along Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Mar. 27-April 5, 7pm, also 2:30pm Mar. 30/31 (no shows April 1 & 2). $8.50-$15. 429 Castro St. 621-6120. www.castrotheatre.com
ODC Dance Downtown @ YBCA
The vibrant local dance company performs two world premieres and three 2012 favorite works by Brenda Way, KT Nelson and Kate Weare (in two programs). Special LGBT night out March 22, with a pre-show reception at 6:30pm (free/RSVP online). $20-$75. Wed/Thu 7:30pm. Fri/Sat 8pm. Sun 4pm. Thru Mar. 24. Lam Research Theater, 700 Howard St. www.odctheater.org
Onegin @ War Memorial Opera House
San Francisco Ballet's encore performances of last year's romantic ballet hit, choreographed by John Cranko, and based on the Pushkin novel, and set to a score by Tchaikovsky. $15-$175. 8pm. Various dates/times, thru Mar. 28. 301 Van Ness Ave. 865-2000. www.sfballet.org
Patti Lupone @ Live at the Rrazz
Legendary Broadway star (Gypsy, Evita) performs Far Away Places, a musical journey of her travels, with songs by Sondheim, Cole Porter, Kurt Weill and others. $55-$75. 8pm. Also Mar 22, 8pm. Mar 23, 7pm & 9:30pm. Mar 24, 7pm. 1000 Van Ness Ave. (800) 380-3095. www.liveattherrazz.com
Sheila E. @ Yoshi's Oakland
Fab drummer-singer ("The Glamorous Life") performs with her band. $28-$35. 8pm & 10pm. Also Mar 22. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square. (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com
Shen Wei Dance Arts @ YBCA
West Coast premiere of Undivided Divided, a grid-like performance installation with 18 dancers. $20-$30 (Mar 21 only; $10). Thu-Sat 8pm. Sat & Sun 5pm. Also Sun 2om. Thru Mar. 24. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Forum, 701 Mission st. 978-2787. www.ybca.org
Shih Chieh Huang @ YBCA
Taiwanese artist's colorful installations create sculptural ecosystems from found objects. $8-$12. Exhibit thru June 30. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St. 979-2787. www.ybca.org
Trebor Healey @ Books Inc.
Gay author of two new highly-praised novels (A Horse Called Sorrow and Faun) discusses his work with local gay author Mark Abramson (the Beach Reading mystery series). 7pm. 2275 Market St. www.booksinc.net
Word Week @ Noe Valley
Friends of Noe Valley present a seven-day festival of Noe Valley-based and nearby authors, reading, speaking and selling their books; How I Got My Book Published, Thu., March 21, 7pm at Savor Restaurant, 3913 24th St., with Karen Joy Fowler, Thaisa Frank, Jim Provenzano and Rob Rosen. Gay author Alvin Orloff (Why Aren't You Smiling?) is one of several authors reading at the Mar. 23 festival, where many writers will be selling their books 2pm-5pm at St. Philip's Church Hall, 725 Diamond St. at 24th.
www.friendsofnoevalley.com/2013/word-week-in-a-word/
Xavier Castellanos @ 456 Montgomery Plaza
Painter of colorful works is in attendance at his exhibit, Mexican Landscapes, 6:30-8:30pm. Exhibit thru March. By Appointment. 456 Montgomery St. www.xavierart.com
photo: Lois Tema
Fri 22
Better Than You @ The Marsh
Kurt Bodden's satirical solo show pokes fun at self-help gurus. $15-$50. Fri 8pm. Sat 8:30pm. Thru Mar. 30. 1062 Valencia St. at 22nd. 826-5750. www.themarsh.org
The Bus @ New Conservatory Theatre Center
James Lantz' drama about two boys living in a rural conservative church town who have romantic rendezvous in an abandoned bus. $14-$45 (also pay what you can nights). Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru April 28. Also tours May 3-11 in Central California. www.nctcsf.org
The Chairs @ Exit Theatre
Cutting Ball Theater's production of Eugene Ionesco's new translation of the satirical play about some allegeldy priceless chairs, and the greedy connivers who fight over them. $10-$50. Thu 7:30pm. Fri-Sat 8pm. Sat also 2pm. Sun 5pm. Thru Mar. 31. 277 Taylor St. 525-1205. www.cuttingball.com
The Coast of Utopia @ Ashby Stage, Berkeley
Shotgun Players performs Shipwreck and Voyage, two parts of Tom Stoppard's shipwreck utopian trilogy, about Russian pre-Revolutionary artists and lovers, in repertory. $8-$35. Wed & Thu 7pm. Fri & Sat 8pm. Sun 5pm. Thru April 21. 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. (510) 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org
Dance Anywhere @ Multiple Venues
Ninth annual outdoor, multiple-venue participatory celebration of dance, with simultaneous events taking place worldwide. 12pmn in San Francisco. www.danceanywhere.org
Dead Metaphor @ A.C.T.
American Conservatory Theatre's world premiere of George F. Walker's dark comedy about the politics of postwar life for a modern-day war veteran. Special pre- and post-show programs thru the run. $20-$85.Tue-Sat 8pm. Wed, Sat & Sun 2pm. Thru Mar. 24. 415 Geary St. 749-2228. www.act-sf.org
Fallaci @ Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright/journalist Lawrence Wright's intriguing two-person play dramatizes an interview with real-life journalist Oriana Fallaci, whose career included ferocious questions put to world leaders, but who reacts differently when the pointed questions are aimed at her. $14.50-$89. Tue, Thu-Sat 8pm. Wed & Sun 7pm. Sat & Sun 2pm. Thru April 21. Roda Theatre, 2015 Addison St., Berkeley. (510) 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org
Flower Show @ Macy's
Annual colorful large-scale floral displays, this year with an Asian theme. In-store events, fashion shows and other events thru the run, including a floral demo with Billy cook (Mar 28, 2pm), a National AIDS Memorial Grove Art exhibition (on the main floor), and designer Bouquet of the Day displays. Thru April 7. Geary St. at Union Square. www.macys.com/flowershow
Foodies, the Musical @ Shelton Theater
Morris Bobrow's musical comedy revue of songs and sketches about food. $32-$34. Fri & Sat 8pm. Open run. 533 Sutter St. (800) 838-3006. www.foodiesthemusical.com
The Green Wood @ Shotwell Studios
A (super)natural opera, composer-performer David Samas' woodland sound environment chamber opera, performed with several musicians. $10-$20. Fri & Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Mar 24. 3252-A 19th St. (800) 838-3006. www.ftloose.org
Hedwig and the Angry Inch @ Boxcar Theatre
New local production of John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask's popular transgender rock operetta, with multiple actor-singers perfoming the lead, including Katya Smirnoff-Skyy, Jason Brock, Arturo Galster and Trixxie Carr. $25-$40. Wed-Sat 8pm. Also Sat 5pm. Extended thru April 13. 505 Natoma St. 967-2227. www.boxcartheatre.org
K-11 @ Roxie Cinema
Goran Visnjic, D.B. Sweeney and Kaye Del Castillo star in Jules Stewart's compelling film about inmates at Los Angeles County Jail's LGBT unit. $6.50-$10. Thru March 29. 3117 16th St. www.K11themovie.com www.roxie.com
The Lisbon Traviata @ New Conservatory Theatre
The gay theatre company performs Terrence McNally's (newly revised) darkly comic play about obsessed gay opera fans and their entangled relationships. $22-$44. Wed-Sat 8pm. Sun 2pm. Thru Mar. 24. 25 Van Ness Ave., lower level. 861-8972. www.nctcsf.org
The Mountaintop @ Luci Stern Theatre, Palo Alto
TheatreWorks' production of Katori Hall's drama about the last night of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life, including an unusual encounter with a hotel maid who's not who she seems. $23-$73. Tue & Wed 7:30pm. Thu-Sat 8pm. Sat & Sun 2pm. Sun 7pm. Thru April 7. 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. (650) 463-1960. www.theatreworks.org
Queer Open Mic @ Modern Times Bookstore
Blythe Baldwin and Baruch Porras-Hernandez cohost the popular open mis reading series. 5 minutes per performer. Featured artist is Danielle Evennou. 7:30pm. 2919 24th St. 282-9246. www.queeropenmic.com
The Real Americans @ The Marsh Berkeley
Dan Hoyle returns with his acclaimed solo show with multiple characters based on his travels to the most liberal and conservative regions of America. $25-$50. Fri 8pm. Sat 5pm. Thru April 6. 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. 826-5760. www.themarsh.org
The Waiting Period @ The Marsh
Brian Copeland returns with his popular solo show about chronic depression and his near-suicidal thoughts while awaiting a gun permit. $30-$50. Fri 8pm. Sat 5pm. Thru Mar. 30 (100th performance!). 1062 Valencia St. at 22nd. 282-3055. www.themarsh.org
Sat 23
100 Years of Rural California @ California Historical Society
Exhibit of 150 large-scale color prints by writer-photographer Lisa Hamilton, and archival selections dating back to the 1880s. Thru Mar. 24. 2013. 678 Mission St. 357-1848. www.californiahistoricalsociety.org
Afro-Cuban Jazz Project @ Yoshi's
The dance floor's open as the ensemble works the fusion music. $25-$30. 8pm & 10pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com
The Art of Dr. Seuss @ Dennis Rae Fine Art
Fascinating intimate exhibit of rarely seen hand-made hats and other works (prints, paintings, sculptures and drawings) by Theodor Geisel, the author/illustrator of the immensely popular children's books. 781 Beach St. 292-0387 www.dennisraefineart.com www.drseussart.com/hatsoff
As You Like It @ La Val's Subterranean, Berkeley
Impact Theatre's production of Shakespeare's crossdressing romantic comedy. $10-$25. Thu-Sat 8pm. Thru Mar. 30. 1834 Euclid Ave., Berkeley. www.impacttheatre.com
Aurora Borealis Gala @ The Claremont Hotel, Berkeley
Aurora Theatre Company's 21st season fundraiser gala, with a silent auction, cocktails, three-course dinner, live auction of luxury vacations. $295 and up. 6pm-11pm. 41 Tunnel Road, Berkeley. (510) 843-4042. www.auroratheatre.org
Batman on Robin @ Mission Comics & Art
Group exhibit of erotic Batman and Robin artwork that outs them as a gay couple, with works by several local artists. Reg hours 12pm-8pm (6pm Sun). 3520 20th St. 695-1545. www.missioncomicsandart.com
Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi
Musical comedy revue, now in its 35th year, with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. Reg: $25-$130. Wed, Thu, Fri at 8pm. Sat 6:30, 9:30pm. Sun 2pm, 5pm. (Beer/wine served; cash only). 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd (Green St.). 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com
Black Power, Flower Power @ Harvey Milk Photo Center
Dual exhibit of photos by Pirkle Jones and Ruth-Marian Baruch, documenting the 1960s dual social revolutions (Black Panthers, 1968; Haight-Ashbury, 1967) that began in San Francisco. Thru Mar. 23. 50 Scott St. 554-9522. www.harveymilkphotocenter.org
China's Terracotta Warriors @ Asian art Museum
The First Emperor's Legacy, an exhibit of ten of the famous life-size sculptures of guards of China's first emperor, and 100-plus other treasures from 2,200 years ago. Free-$22 ($10 Thu eves, 5pm-9pm). Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Thru May 27. 200 Larkin St. 581-3500. www.terracotta-warriors.asianart.org
Eric Fischl @ San Jose Museum of Art
Exhibit of a dozen-plus large paintings, and other works by the prominent post-modern neo-realist. Thru May 12. Also Rising Dragon: Contemporary Chinese Photography. Thru June 30. 110 South Market St. www.SanJoseMuseumofArt.org
Jody Watley @ Yoshi's Oakland
Grammy-winning pop/R&B singer performs. $37. 8pm & 10pm. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square. (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com
Kehinde Wiley @ Contemporary Jewish Museum
New exhibit, The World Stage: Israel, a series of vibrant portraits of Middle Eastern and African men, created by the gay artist. Also, The Radical Camera: New York's Photo League, a group exhibition of fascinating photos from 1936-1951 taken by members of the progressive collective that documented the eras of postwar struggles, McCarthy blacklists, and urban life. Other exhibits (California Dreaming and Black Sabbath) ongoing. Free (members)-$12. Thu-Tue 11am-5pm (Thu 1pm-8pm) 736 Mission St. 655-7800. www.thecjm.org
The Kinsey Collection @ Museum of the African Diaspora
New exhibit of works: Shared Treasures of Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, Where Art and History Intersect offers an inspirational journey through five centuries of African American history. Thru May 19. Free-$10. Wed-Sat 11am-6pm. Sun 12pm-5pm. 685 Mission St. at 3rd. 358-7200. www.moadsf.org
Magnificent Magnolias @ SF Botanical Garden
New seasonal exhibit of colorful floral displays, with special events, for evening adult events, lectures, classes, and kids events. Thru March. Also, beautiful floral drawing exhibit of watercolor works by Ernest Clayton. Thru April. $2-$15. 9am-7pm. 9th Avenue at Lincoln Way, Golden Gate Park. 661-1316. www.sfbotanicalgarden.org
Matt Costa @ Slim's
Folk/roots/rock singer-composer performs music from his new CD. Carly Ritter opens. $16 ($41 w/ dinner). 9pm. 333 11th st. 255-0333. www.slimspresents.com
Nellie McKay & Chanticleer @ The Venetian Room
Celebrated cabaret songstress and Broadway performer shares unique arrangements of familiar and lesser-known jazz titles with the Grammy-winning men's a cappella ensemble. $40-$47 (pre-show buffet dinner at the Laurel Court; $40). Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason St. 392-4400. www.bayareacabaret.org
Rene Capone @ Live Art Gallery
A Boy Named... an exhibit of gay-themed works by the local artist. 151 Potrero Ave. 263-0980.
Royal Treasures from the Louvre @ Legion of Honor
Exhibit of decorative arts, most never seen in the U.S., from the reigns of Louis XIV to Marie-Antoinette, from the Musee du Louvre, Paris. Free-$20. Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm. Thru March 31. Lincoln Park, 34th Ave and Clement St. 750-3600. www.legionofhonor.org
SF Hiking Club @ Berkeley Hills
Join GLBT hikers for a 7-mile hike in and above Berkeley. There will be a steep climb up Panoramic hill, which features spectacular views of the bay; Claremont Canyon trail (including a couple more steep climbs) to the Strawberry Canyon fire trail, which will lead back down through the UC Campus. The hike will end at Jupiter in Downtown Berkeley for drinks and snacks (or early dinner). Bring water, snacks, sturdy shoes, hat, layers, sunscreen. Meet at 12pm in front of the Ed Roberts Campus on Adeline Street behind the Ashby BART Station in Berkeley. 652-4676. www.sfhiking.com
Studio 11 @ SF Design Center
The SF LGBT Center celebrates eleven years with a Studio 54-themed gala fundraiser. Enjoy disco nightclub-styled fun, with performances by hostess Tita Aida, with Honey Mahogany, Ambrosia Salad, Dia Dear, Alotta Boutte, Miss Rahni, Sean Dorsey Dance and other talents. DJ Bus Station John, Dr. Sleep and Sergio Fedasz spin retro classics. Enjoy drinks from sponsored beverage companies, plus nibbly things galore. Retro '70s attire much appreciated. $125. 7pm-11pm. 101 Henry Adams St. www.sfcenter.org/studio11
Tarot: Art of Fortune @Modern Eden Gallery
Large group show of 75 artists' interpretations of the entire deck of Rider-Waite Tarot cards. Thru April 9. Tue-Sat 10am-6pm. 403 Francisco St. 956-3303. www.moderneden.com
Various Exhibits @ California Academy of Sciences
New exhibits and planetarium shows with various live, interactive and installed exhibits about animals, plants and the earth. Special events each week, with adult nightlife parties most Thursday nights. $20-$30. Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm. Sun 11am-5pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. 379-8000. www.calacademy.org
We Live Here @ SF Public Library
San Francisco 1960s-1970s, a new exhibit of historic local photos by photojournalist Phiz Mezey. Thru June 2. Jewitt Gallery, lower level, 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org
Sun 24
Alfred Hitchcock Films @ Pacific Film Archive, Berkeley
Screening of the major works of the master of cinematic suspense. This week, The Man Who Knew Too Much, 5pm. Thru April 24. $5.50-$13.50. UC Berkeley Art Museum, 2575 Bancroft Way, Berkeley. (510) 642-1124. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu
Girl With a Pearl Earring @ de Young Museum
Dutch Paintings from the Mauritshuis , a new touring exhibit of Dutch Masters paintings, drawing and etching; Thru June 2. Also, Eye Level in Iraq: Photographs by Kael Alford and Thorne Anderson, thru June 16. Also, Objects of Belief from the Vatican, thru Sept 8. Also, artist fellows Andy Diaz Hope and Laurel Roth's triptych mural, The Conflicts, a contemporary tribute to ths historic Unicorn Tapestries. $10-$25. Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm. (til 8:45pm Fridays) Thru Dec. 30. Golden Gate Park, 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. 750-3600. www.famsf.org
Pop Up Piano Bar @ 144 King Cafe
Ray of Light Theate Company's showcase of new vocal talents, with cast members from their upcoming production of Into the Woods singing a variety of Sondheim classics: Danny Cozart, Mia Fryvecind, Helen Laroche, and Kevin Singer. Admission includes drinks and food. $15. 7pm-10pm. 144 King St. www.roltheatre.com
Richard Kane @ Castro Country Club
Exhibit of multimedia child-like portraits and mixed media sculptures. Thru March 31. 4058 18th St. www.castrocountryclub.org
The Art of Hun Liu
Summoning Ghosts: The Art of Hun Liu @ Oakland Museum
Exhibit of haunting paitning by the U.S.-based Chinese artist. Thru June 30. Also, Beth Yarnelle Edwards: Suburban Dreams a photo exhibit of 22 large-scale evocative portrait/tableaux of California families. Thru June 30. Wed-Sun 11am-5pm (Fri til 9pm). Thru June 30. 1000 Oak St. (510) 318-8400. www.museumca.org
Sunday's a Drag @ Starlight Room
Donna Sachet and Harry Denton host the weekly fabulous brunch and drag show. $45. 11am, show at noon; 1:30pm, show at 2:30pm. 450 Powell St. in Union Square. 395-8595. www.harrydenton.com
Theatre Rhino Benefit @ Eureka Theatre
The celebrated gay theatre company welcomes local talents at a benefit and celebration, with Connie Champagne, Dave Dobrusky, Mike Finn, Casey Ley, Matthew Martin, Jim McCunn, Tom Orr, and surprise guests. $25 includes food and drinks. 7:30pm. 215 Jackson St. at Battery. (800) 838-3006. www.TheRhino.org
Mon 25
Animation Exhibits @ Walt Disney Museum
See biographical exhibits about Walt Disney, early sketches and ephemera from historic Disney movies. Frequent lectures and film screenings. $5-$20. 104 Montgomery St., The Presidio. www.waltdisney.org
Monday Musicals @ The Edge
The renovated bar now shows fun musicals each week, with Broadway touring performers occasionally stopping by to sing, too. 7pm-2am. 2 for 1 cocktail, 5pm-closing. 18th St. at Collingwood. www.edgesf.com
One Night Only @ Marines' Memorial Theatre
The cast of the touring production of Jersey Boys, pop singer Debbie Gibson, and other vocal talents perform at the variety show fundraiser for the Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation. Special dessert and drinks reception ($20). $35-$75. 7:30pm. 609 Sutter St. 273-1620. www.reaf.org
Mika @ Great American Music Hall
(SOLD OUT) The popular UK ambisexual pop singer performs his hits and new songs, from the new CD The Origin of Love, in a rare "unplugged" (piano-guitar only) concert. $30-$55. 8pm. 859 O'Farrell St. 885-0750. www.slimspresents.com
Piano Bar 101 @ Martuni's
Sing-along night with talented locals, and charming accompanist Joe Wicht (aka Trauma Flintstone). 9pm-1:30am. 4 Valencia St. at Market.
Snow White & Her Merry Men @ Davies Symphony Hall
The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus and cast members of Beach Blanket Babylon perform a lighthearted fairy-tale concert. $15-$75. 8pm. 201 Van Ness Ave at Grove St. Also March 26. 392-4400. www.sfgmc.org
The Taming of the Shrew @ Cafe Royale
SF Theater Pub's immersive performance of Shakespeare's comic battle of the sexes. 8pm. Also Mar. 27. 800 Post St. at Leavenworth. 441-4099. www.sftheaterpub.wordpress.com www.caferoyale-sf.com
Ten Percent @ Comcast 104
David Perry's talk show about LGBT people and issues. This week, Perry interviews Arsen Ari Kalfayan, CEO and co-founder of Travel Labs, and Gena Jacob from Fountaingrove, an LGBT senior housing facility in Sonoma. Mon-Fri 11:30am & 10:30pm. Sat & Sun 10:30pm. www.comcasthometown.com
Tue 26
Alt Rock Bands @ Rickshaw Stop
Veronica Falls, Brilliants Colors and Golden Grrrl, rockin' alt-pop bands, perform at the cute club. $12-$14. 8pm. 155 Fell St. www.rickshawstop.com
Boco Do Rio @ Yoshi's
SF-based Brazilian band performs music from their new CD; open dance floor. $10-$15. 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com
The Drag Show @ Various Channels
Stu Smith's weekly LGBT variety show features local talents, and not just drag artistes. Channels 29 & 76 on Comcast; 99 on AT&T and 30 on Astound. www.thedragshow.org
Filip Dujardin @ Highlight Gallery
(Dis)location, an exhibit of photomontages of altered urban and rural landscapes. Tue-Sat 11am-6pm. Thru Mar. 29. 17 Kearny St. 986-4308. www.highlightgallery.com
Funny Tuesdays @ Harvey's
Ronn Vigh hosts the weekly LGBT and gay-friendly comedy night. One drink or menu item minimum. 9pm. 500 Castro St. at 18th. 431-HARV. www.harveyssf.com
Gay Men's Sketch @ Magnet
Group exhibit of drawings made at the gay men's sketch group that celebrates 25 years of drawing sessions at Mark I. Chester's studio. Thru March. 581-1600. www.markichester.com www.magnetsf.org
How I Came Out @ Rebel
Charlie Ballard hosts the new and popular event where local comics and other performers (Karinda Dobbins, Morgan, David Hawkins, Zachary Toczynski, Sharon Birzer, Zack Pedersen, and Joshua Grannell aka Peaches Christ) tell amusing tales out coming out as gay. $10. 21+. 8pm. 1760 Market St. www.charlieballard.com
Without Reality There Is No Utopia @ YBCA
Group exhibit/installation of politically-themed art focusing on the clash of Capitalism/Communism, propaganda/disinformation, financial lies and truths, and other global issues. Free/$10. Thru June 2. 701 Mission St. 979-2787. www.ybca.org
Wed 27
Candlelight Flow Yoga @ LGBT Center
David Clark leads various yoga poses and practices, plus meditation and breathing exercises. Bring your own mat and water bottle, etc. $10. 7pm-8:30pm. 1800 Market St. www.4dbliss.com
Chihiro Yamanaka Trio @ Yoshi's
Innovative jazz pianist performs unique covers of standard hits. $20. 8pm. 1330 Fillmore St. 655-5600. www.yoshis.com
Conversation 6 @ SF Arts Commission Gallery
SF-based Jason Hanasik and Amsterdam artist Berndnaut Smilde's dual installation about home, dislocation and impermanence, which includes Smild'e fascinating indoor clouds. Thru April 27. Main gallery, 401 Van Ness, Veterans Bldg. Hours Wed-Sat 12pm-5pm. www.sfartscommission.org
Dream Queens Revue @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge
Retro-classic drag show (2nd and 4th Wednesday) at the classic Tenderloin bar, featuring Collette Ashton, Ruby Slippers, Sophilya Leggz, Bobby Ashton, Sheena Rose, Davida Ashton and Joie de Vivre. No cover. 10pm. 133 Turk St. 441-2922. www.dreamqueensrevue.com
Eric Himan, Andy Moore, Jeb Havens @ El Rio
Three handsome gay singer-composer share a night of acoustic music. $10. 9pm. 3158 Mission st. 282-3325. www.erichiman.com www.elriosf.com
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic @ Yoshi's Oakland
Crazy-fun funk band performs their classic get-down hits ("Knee Deep," "Atomic Dog"). $50. 8pm. Also Mar. 28 & 29. 510 Embarcadero West, Jack London Square. (510) 238-9200. www.yoshis.com
Legendary: African American GLBT Past Meets Present @ GLBT History Museum
Exhibit focusing on African American words, images and sounds that connect inspirational commentary by local queer community leaders with historic artifacts. Thru April 2013. Another new exhibit, Migrating Archives: LGBT Delegates From Collections Around the World, features historical items from nearly a dozen countries and archives, each showcasing an archive of prominent LGBT person. $5. Reg hours Mon & Wed-Sat 11am-7pm. Sun 12pm-5pm. 4127 18th St. www.glbthistorymuseum.org
Michael Nesmith @ Palace of Fine Arts
The former member of The Monkees performs songs from his 50 years of writing and recording. $50. 8:30pm. 3301 Lyon St. 567-6642. www.palaceoffinearts.org
Thu 28
California Impressions @ ArtHaus Gallery
Group exhibit of California landscape paintings and photographs by Carolyn Meyer, Matthew Frederick, Brian Blood, Gioi Tran, Deborah Brown, Eric Engstrom, Franc D'Ambrosio, Michal Venera and Daniel Berman. Exhibit thru Mar. 30. 411 Brannan St. at 3rd. 977-0223. www.arthaus-sf.com
Comedy Bodega @ Esta Nocha
The weekly LGBT and indie comic stand-up night. 8pm-9:30pm. 3079 16th St. at Mission. www.comedybodega.com
A Deeper Shade of Blue @ Century 9 SF Centre
Dazzling new documentary about the history of surfing. Also at other NorCal cinemas. $10.50-$12.50. 7:30pm. 835 Market St. www.fathomevents.com
GLAAD SF Kick-off Party @ Cityscape
Meet National Spokesman (out gay fab actor-singer) Wilson Cruz at a meet & greet where you'll find out how to buy tickets, tables, become a sponsor, auction donor for the upcoming 24th annual awards ceremony (May 11), and support the group's efforts toward equal representation in media. 6pm-9pm. 333 O'Farrell St. www.glaad.org/events/sfkickoff
Matt Alber @ Swedish American Hall
The marvelous gay singer-composer performs with The Cello Street Quartet.; Feona Jones opens. $20. 7:30pm. 2170 Market St., (above Cafe Du Nord). 861-5016. www.mattalber.com www.cafedunord.com
Science of Color Nightlife @ Cal. Academy of Sciences
Celebrate color with arts displays and interactive areas at the weekly museum party. Music, DJs, cash bar. $10-$12. 21+. 6pm-10pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.calacademy.org
Sean Dorsey Dance @ Dance Mission Theater
The Secret History of Love, Dorsey's dance-monologue work based on the intimate oral histories of LGBT seniors, returns. $10-$25. Thu-Sun 8pm. Sat & Sun also 4pm. Thru Mar. 31. 3316 24th St. at Mission. www.seandorseydance.com
Tubesteak Connection @ Aunt Charlie's Lounge
Retro disco tunes and a fun diverse crowd, each Thursday; DJ Bus Station John plays records. $4. 10pm-2am. 133 Turk St. at Taylor. www.auntcharlieslounge.com
�"�"�"�"�"�"�"�"�"�"�"�"�"�"�"�"�"�"�"�"�"�"�"
To submit event listings, email [email protected].
Deadline is each Thursday, a week before publication.
For more bar and nightlife events, go to www.bartabsf.com