Coasting toward the end of his 26-city national tour, jazz saxophonist Dave Koz remains energetic and enthusiastic, showing no sign of wear from his more than 20 years in the music business.
Koz and his current touring band, which includes guest artists David Benoit, Phil Perry and singer Kelly Sweet, will perform August 18 at Sleep Train Pavilion in Concord. Koz concludes his tour at the Hollywood Bowl.
"It's a great place to end this tour, which has been a total blast," said Koz.
Although born and raised in Los Angeles, Koz lived in Sausalito for five years before returning to LA. He'll also be back in the Bay Area with a Christmas-themed concert at Oakland's Paramount Theatre in December. (For concert updates, downloads and info, visit www.davekoz.com)
His latest and ninth CD, At The Movies, includes vocals by amazing talents singing classic Oscar-nominated theme songs. Vanessa Williams, Donna Summer, Anita Baker, Johnny Mathis and Barry Manilow offer up their takes on an array of cinematic hits. Legendary music icon Phil Ramone produced the CD.
To some, Koz's song selection – "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" from The Wizard of Oz, "Somewhere" from West Side Story and the theme song from The Way We Were may betray a discreet gay sensibility for the accomplished saxophonist, who came out in 2004.
Already popular with mainstream audiences, Koz said that his fans continue to enjoy his work, and called his coming out "very freeing. It's been a lot less of a big deal. I never thought I would do it." He considered "the bottled energy I spent for years, worrying" as behind him. "When it finally did happen, it was such a blip on the screen. If anything has been effected, it's gotten a lot better. My career was never about being gay or not being gay, just making good records, and that has remained intact."
So, why is a handsome, accomplished musician once voted by People Magazine as one of the Top Eligible Bachelors still a bachelor?
"If I was in that place and ready for [a relationship], I would be there," said Koz. "In my life, the things I've truly wanted were there. Right now, it's not something that�s important. Timing is everything. I know that may come later."
With multiple Grammy nominations, two Gold albums and ten Top 5 hits, Koz also continues to host a radio show syndicated on 100 radio stations featuring jazz music and interviews (in the Bay Area on KQSF 103.7, from 3pm-7pm).
He'll also be part of a jazz music Caribbean cruise in November. And, he'll return to Japan for a few weeks on concerts, where he's very popular. Koz said the film Lost in Translation accurately depicted the sense of disorientation some Westerners feel, saying, "It's almost like Mars, so different from America!" Yet, jazz music is a language that transcends cultural barriers.
While Koz's music may have a traditional tone, he's keeping up on the latest technological developments in music. "The adult audience is getting hip, and that's exciting for our music," said Koz. "CDs are almost on the wane. It's an inspiring time for musicians who don�t have to wait two years to record, they can release an album whenever they want to."
Even so, nothing beats hearing music played the original way; live and in person.
The JVC Jazz Festival with Dave Koz and Friends features David Benoit, Phil Perry, and Kelly Sweet, Jazz Attack, Guitars & Saxes, Patti Austin, Deborah Cox and Times 4 at the Sleep Train Pavilion, Saturday, Aug. 18, at 4pm. $19-$59. 2000 Kirker Pass Road, Concord. (925) 676-8742. www.livenation.com
Events August 17 – 23, 2007
Fri 17
Angel Face @ Project Artaud Theater
Z Space's Word For Word Project theatrical adaptation of (closeted gay) "godfather of noir" author Cornell Woolrich's thriller about a gorgeous stripper who flirts her way into gangland New York to find a killer, with the help of a smitten gumshoe. $28.50-$36.50. Wed.-Sat. 8pm; Sun. 5pm. Thru Sept. 2. 450 Florida St. 439-2456. www.zspace.org
Avenue Q @ Orpheum Theatre
Tony Award-winning adult musical parodies Sesame Street with some very adult puppets; includes the songs "If You Were Gay" and "The Internet is for Porn." $30-$90. 8pm. Thru Sept. 7. 1192 Market St. 512-2000. www.avenueq.com www.shnsf.com
The Big Voice: God or Merman? @ New Conservatory Theatre Center
Steve Shalchlin and Jim Brochu's duo musical show about themselves: a Baptist from Arkansas and a Catholic from Brooklyn who get married and share a love for musical theatre. $25-$30. 8pm. Sun. at 2pm. Thru Aug. 19. 25 Van Ness Ave. at Oak. 861-8972. www.nctcsf.org
Blues in the Night @ Post St. Theatre
Classic jazz and blues hits by Bennie Goodman, Bessie Smith and Duke Ellington enrich this musical, which recently played in London, about a lonely man and three women, and how their lives intersect. Tap great Maurice Hines and three powerhouse singers star. $40-$75. Tue.-Sat. 8pm, also Sat 2pm, Sun. 2pm & 7pm. Thru Sept. 30. 450 Post St. near Union Square. 771-6900. www.poststreettheatre.com
Dandelion Dance Theater @ CellSpace
Eric Kupers' innovative "Drop" premieres, a multimedia dance about the theme of groundlessness. $10-$20. 8pm. Fri-Sun thru Sept. 2. 2050 Bryant St. 648-7562. www.dandeliondancetheater.org
Eavesdropper @ Off-Market Theater
Strange, funny play with a slacker murder mystery theme includes a rotating cast of characters, gay and straight, who are peered at through a shower curtain by a voyeur. LA's longest running drama blends cast members for this Bay Area production. $20. Fri. & Sat at 8pm & 10pm. Thru Aug. 25. 965 Mission St. 800-838-3006. www.cafearts.com
Facing East @ Theatre Rhinoceros
Plan B Theatre's production of Carol Lynn Pearson's searing and intimate drama about the Mormon parents of a dead gay man who finally meet his surviving lover after the funeral. The original cast from the Salt Lake City premiere and New York Off-Broadway productions stars. $20. Wed.-Sat. 8pm; Sun. 3pm. Thru Aug. 26. 2926 16th St. 861-5079. www.planbtheatre.org/facingeast
Glitterbox @ Cat Club
Funky punky, electro thrash disco night. Javier Natureboy and Junkyard DJ. $10. 10pm-3am. 1190 Folsom St at 8th. 703-8964. www.Myspace.Com/Glitterboxtheparty
Greater Tuna @ New Conservatory Theatre Center
The long-running comedy about Texas' third-smallest town returns; a hilarious parody of 'conservative' values. $22-$40. 8pm. Sun. at 2pm. Thru Sept. 16. 25 Van Ness Ave. at Oak. 861-8972. www.nctcsf.org
Insignificant Others @ Zeum Theatre
Contemporary musical by composer and playwright L. Jay Kuo about five friends –gay and straight– who move to San Francisco from the midwest. $20-$39. Fri. & Sat. at 8pm; Sun. at 2pm. Thru Aug. 26. 4th St. at Howard. (866) 811-4111. www.isomusical.com
iTom Shuffle @ The Garage
Composer/performer Tom Orr (Dirty Little Showtunes ) plays his best and bawdiest Broadway musical parodies, with a different line-up at each performance. With biting wit and sharp social commentary, Orr takes on gay marriage, the crystal meth epidemic, leather, drag and porn. $15. Thu-Sun thru Aug. 31. 975 Howard St. at 5th. 904-8377. www.975howard.com
Jeff Marshall @ Magnet SF
Exhibit of art made as a meditation on living with HIV. 4122 18th St. 581-1600. www.magnetsf.org
Jersey Boys @ Curran Theatre
Tony-winning musical drama about the lives of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, with their hit songs performed by a talented young cast led by Jarrod Spector (as Valli). $20-99. Tue-Sat, 8pm; Wed, Sat & Sun, 2pm. Thru Sept. 30. 445 Geary St. 512-7770. www.shnsf.com
Man of La Mancha @ SF Playhouse
Cervantes' epic story of knight-errant Don Quixote, his servant Sancho, and the woman of his dreams, the lovely Aldonza/Dulcinea, is set in a modern-day prison. $20-$36. Wed. Sat. at 8pm; Also Sat. at 3pm. Thru Sept. 1. 677-9596. www.sfplayhouse.orgMelanie Stace @ Empire Plush Room
Energetic British singer, who recently starred in SF's Teatro ZinZanni, performs her solo cabaret show. $30-$35. 8pm. Sun at 7pm. Thru Aug. 19. 940 Sutter St. (866) 468-3399. www.theempireplushroom.com
Midnight Mass / Coffy @ Bridge Theatre
Pam Grier stars in this classic 1973 blaxploitation flick about a woman who seeks –and gets- violent revenge on drug dealers, pimps and gangsters. Special Hooker Pride hilarity, and Biggest Afro contest. $12. Midnight. Also Sat. 3010 Geary Blvd. at Blake. 267-4893. www.peacheschrist.com
Naked in August @ City Art Gallery
Eclectic group show of artists' interpretations of the exhibit title in photos, digital imagery, collages, oils and other media. Thru Sept. 2, Wed.-Sun, noon 9pm. 828 Valencia St. 970-9900. www.cityartgallery.org
The Glamorous Life of Sachiko Hanai
@ Red Vic Movie House
Bizarre Japanese erotic satire of academic pretension, sexual fetishism and U.S. foreign policy, with a horny call girl holding the key to preventing a devastating apocalypse: a replica of George Bush's bomb button-pushing trigger finger. $6.50-$8.50. 18+. Call for times. Thru Aug. 20 1727 Haight St. 668-3994. www.redvicmoviehouse.com
Rachael Sage @ Dolores Park Cafe
Talented indie pop singer performs her latest music. Free-donations. 7:30pm. 501 Dolores St. 621-2936. www.rachaelsage.comShadowplay @ The Stud
Donimo, DJ6 and Candy spin tunes ranging from disco to electro punk to new wave. $5. 10pm-3am. 399 9th St. at Harrison. www.shadowplaysf.com
Sizzle @ Femina Potens
Michelle Tea and Inga Muscio read at an open mic at the grand opening of the new location for the feminist/queer women's art space. $3-$5. 8pm. On Saturday, a visual art opening of work by Eliot K. Daughtry & Francesca Berrini at 7pm. 2199 Market St. at Sanchez. 217-9340. www.feminapotens.com
Under One Roof Sale @ Former Tower Records
Enjoy discounts on donated books, candles, tchotchkes and gifts sold by the nonprofit that provides unrestricted funds for HIV/AIDS service organizations. Noon-7pm Thu. & Fri.; 10am-7pm Sat & Sun. Thru Aug. 19. 2278 Market St. at Noe. www.underoneroof.org
Sat 18
Bearracuda @ Deco Lounge
Bear club night celebrates its one-year anniversary, with guest DJ Matt Consola; catered buffet; visuals by III; Bearracuda CD giveaways. $6. 9pm-3am. 510 Larkin St. at Turk. 346-2025. www.Bearracuda.com
Gay & Lesbian Sierrans @ Half Moon Bay
Ten-mile bike ride along the scenic coast, 45 minute drive from SF. Meet at 9:30am. (650) 355-2243. Aug. 21, walk around Oakland's Lake Merritt at 6pm. [email protected]
Hair @ Hoover Theatre, San Jose
Stagelight Productions' earnest (and uncensored) restaging of the classic tribal love rock musical. Let the sun shine in! $15-$30. Wed.–Fri. 8pm, Sat. 2pm & 8pm; Sun. 2pm & 7pm. Thru Aug. 24. 1635 Park Ave. (800) 838-3006. www.stagelightproductions.org
Henry IV @ Forest Meadows Ampitheatre, Marin
Both parts of William Shakespeare's drama are performed in repertory at the scenic outdoor ampitheatre in Marin Shakespeare Company's production. $15-$30. Fri/Sat. 8pm; Sun at 4pm. Thru Sept. 29. 1475 Grand Ave., Dominican University of California, San Rafael. 499-4488. www.marinshakespeare.org
Marjorie Schick @ SF Museum of Craft & Design
Exhibit of work by the pioneering sculptor best known for colorful wearable art constructions using nontraditional materials. $2-$3. Tue.-Sat, 10am-5pm; Thu 10am-7pm; Sun. noon-5pm. Thru Sept. 9. 550 Sutter St. 773-0303. www.sfmcd.org
Maureen McVerry @ New Conservatory Theatre
Opening night of the accomplished local musical theatre actress' cabaret show, with a special "Summer of Love" theme. $28. Fri. & Sat. 8pm. Sun. 2pm. Thru Sept 16. 25 Van Ness Ave. near Market. 861-8972. www.nctcsf.org
Oakland Int. Black LGBT Film Fest @ Parkway Theatre
Diverse films by and about LGBT African-Americans, from new cable shows to historic short films. Today 3pm-5pm, If She Grows Up Gay, DL Chronicles, Ritual. Sunday, 2pm: Adam, Affirmations, Rockdogs, Voguing the Message, DL Chronicles ; 5pm, Playing Spades, Christopher Street and other films. After-party at Uptown, 1928 Telegraph Ave. ($10-$15) with Tiger Tyson, DJs and promotional giveaways. $10. 1834 Park Blvd., Oakland. (510) 814-2400. www.clubrimshot.com/filmfestival.html.
Swing and Salsa @ Magnet SF
Monthly lessons and open dance provided by Queer Ballroom instructors, every 3rd Saturday. Free. 7pm-basics; 8-10pm open dancing. 4122 18th St. 581-1605. www.QueerBallroom.com www.magnetsf.org
SF Drag King Contest @ SomArts Theatre
The biggest drag king competition in the world includes performer/competitors of all kinds in stylish formal, festive, kingly, and queeny drag. Proceeds benefit Pets Are Wonderful support. $20-$35. Doors, 8pm, music 9pm, contest 10pm. 934 Brannan St. at 9th. After-party at the Cat Club, 1190 Folsom St. at 8th. 282-2363. www.sfdragkingcontest.com
The Three Musketeers @ John Hinkel Park, Berkeley
Shotgun Players' production of Joanie McBrien's new adaptation of the swashbuckling adventure novel. Free. Sat. & Sun., 4pm. Thru Sept. 3. Southampton Ave., off the Arlington. (510) 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org
Sun 19
Bill Daniel @ Rayko Photo Center
Sunset Scavenger, an exhibit of large scale black and white photos juxtaposing Sausalito squatter "hippie houseboats" of the 70s and recent Hurricane Katrina flood devastation. Tue/Thu 12pm-10pm; Fri-Sun 12pm-8pm. Thru Aug. 27. 428 Third St. 495-3773. www.raykophotocenter.com
Salsa Sundays @ El Rio
Lively dancing for all couples (MM, FF, MF), but no partner necessary, with live music and lots of fun. $8. 21+. Class at 3:15. Show and dancing thru 8pm. 3158 Mission St. at Precita. www.elriosf.com
Summer of Love Happening @ Dolores Park
Party in the park at this Black men's potluck event hosted by Bill Doggett, Zwazzie Sowo and The Bayard Rustin Coalition. Bring your favorite dish. Prizes in a lookalike contest. Come as your best Jimi Hendrix, Aretha, Ike & Tina Turner or other groovy famous African-American star. Free. 2pm-6pm. Mid-park near the White bldg. [email protected]
Sundance Saloon @ Space 550
Speedos and Stetsons are the dress code at a night of beach party country western dancing; get some sand in your boots; free clothes check; dance lessons for newbies at 5:30. $5. 5pm-10:30pm. 21+. Also Fri & Thu regular CW dance and lessons. 550 Barneveld Ave. 820-1403. www.sundancesaloon.org
Sunday's a Drag @ Starlight Room
Donna Sachet (BAR columnist) hosts a brunch and drag show, with performances by Cassandra Cass, Holotta Tymes, Kendra Monroe, Lady Tia, and Gina LaDivina. $35. 11am brunch, noon show; 1:30pm brunch, 2pm show. Sir Francis Drake Hotel, 450 Powell St. 395-8595. www.donnasachet.com
Mon 20
Architecture Days @ Various Locations
Six days of lectures and private home tours celebrating local architecture and showcasing innovative design. Today, Green Design Inside and Out , a panel at ODC Dance Commons, 351 Shotwell St. 6:30pm. $15. Aug. 21, architects Jim Jennings and Stanley Saltowitz at Marines Memorial Association, 609 Sutter St. $15, 6:30pm. Aug. 22, Inside the SF Ballet, with a rehearsal visit $25, 5:30pm. 455 Franklin St. Aug. 24, Inside Pacific Heights , a guided tour of elegant restored homes; $50, 6pm. Aug. 25, tours of South of Market homes, and architects' studios; $50 each. 2pm. Aug. 26, tour of eco-friendly homes and businesses. $50. Advance purchase required. www.architecturedays.com
Gay Mondays @ Etiquette Lounge
New social cocktail night for LGBT folks. 7pm-midnight. $1 from each drink will be donated to the LGBT Center. 1108 Market St. at 7th. 869-8779. www.etiquettelounge.com
Marga Gomez @ Empire Plush Room
The always fresh and funny lesbian comic does stand-up, with a special guest each week. Tonight, SF Supervisor and comic Tom Ammiano. Mondays thru Sept. 24 (no show Aug. 27 & Sept. 3). $20. 8pm. 940 Sutter St. (866) 468-3399. www.theempireplushroom.com
One Night Only @ Post St. Theatre
The casts of the hit musicals Jersey Boys and Avenue Q perform songs of their choice in a unique entertaining fundraiser for the The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. This is a rare chance to see these talented performers cut loose and have fun for a cause. $35, $50, $75. 7:30pm. 450 Post St. 273-1620. www.richmondermet.org
OUT Spoken @ Comcast Ch. 11
Cable TV show for the LGBT Community, co-hosted by Tim Gaskin and Donna Sachet. Guests: District Attorney Kamala Harris, Jennifer Walsh, and Marcia Treidler of ABADA-Capoeira, brothers Luke and Joshua Klipp (SF Young Democrats), hiphop lesbian Julie Potter. Mon. 6:30, Tues. 9pm, Wed. 7pm, Fri. 7:30pm. www.outspokensf.com
Queer Jitterbugs @ Julie's Super Club
Salsa and swing for same-sex couples and singles. $6. ($10 or $35 for four-week series). 7pm. 1123 Folsom at 7th. 305-8242. (Also Tuesdays at Live Art Gallery at 151 Potrero at 15th, and other classes throughout the week.) www.queerjitterbugs.com
Tue 21
Mark Jenkins @ Renner Gallery
Solo exhibit by local photographer who combines nude male figure studies with erotic evocative mysticism. Free. Exhibit runs Tue.-Sun, 11am-7pm. Thru Aug. 27. 2344 Market St. near Castro. (650) 867-7446. www.rennergallery.com
Square Dancing @ Studio 204
Learn square dancing with the Foggy City Dancers. Free introductory class; $75 for 14 weeks. 7:30pm. 3435 Cesar Chavez St. www.foggycity.org
Trannyshack @ The Stud
"Ain't Misbehavin'" is the 1930s theme, with Juanita More!, Heklina, Candi Gurl, Glamamore, Valentine, Hoku Mama and more. $8. 10pm-3am. Harrison St. at 9th. www.trannyshack.com
Vintage Prints @ Robert Tat Gallery
A variety of black and white prints on display. Free. Thru Aug. 31. Tue.-Sat., 11am-5:30pm. and by appointment. 49 Geary St., Suite 211. www.roberttat.com
Wing / Lisa Geduldig @ Caf� du Nord
Wacky Chinese/New Zealand singer (think older female version of American Idol's William Hung) who became famous due to an appearance on South Park , makes her U.S. debut, with lesbian comic Lisa Geduldig opening. $12. 8:30pm. 2170 Market St. 861-5016. Also, CD signing at Medium Rare Music, Monday Aug. 20; 6pm. 2310 Market St. 255-7273. www.wingtunes.com www.cafedunord.com
Wed 22
Corazon en Fiesta @ Mission Cultural Center
Exhibit and large-scale sale of original art works, in celebration of the Latina/o center's 30th anniversary. Thru Aug. 25, when sales of art commence. 2868 Mission St. at 24th. 643-2775. www.missionculturalcenter.org
OutRanks @ GLBT Historical Society
New and timely exhibit about GLBT soldiers, sailors, and other military veterans, and the history of the antigay policies in the military. See almost 70 years of history told through letters, photographs, medals, uniforms, and video footage. Curated by Steve Estes, author of Ask & Tell: Gay and Lesbian Veterans Speak Out. Also showing, Women Breaking Barriers: Women's Music from 1964 to 1984, an exhibit highlighting women's music album covers, concert posters, and photos to showcase a vital part of lesbian culture and community-building. Free, donations encouraged. 1pm-5pm. Tue.-Sat. 657 Mission St. at 2nd, Suite 300. 777-5455. www.glbthistory.org
Pervert @ The End Up
Sexy kinky fashion garb is de rigeur at this wild club night. DJs Josh Cheon, Glamaore, Hoku Mama Swamp and Justin Morgan DJ. $5. 10pm-3am. 21+. 6th & Harrison. www.myspace.com/clubpervert
Thu 23
Bar AIDS @ Local Bars
Have a drink and proceeds go to the Stop AIDS Project, including 100% of premium brand sales at The Mix, 4086 18th St.; 50% at Badlands, 4121 18th St., and Harvey's, 500 Castro St.; 25% of sales from a dozen other gay taverns. 575-0150. www.stopaids.org/baraids
Debra Walker @ Good Vibrations
Opening reception for the painter's exhibit, "Fruit: Another Luscious Moment." 6pm. Free. Exhibit thru Sept. 30. 1620 Polk St. at Sacramento. 974-8985. www.goodvibes.com
Lizz Winstead @ The Punchline
Politically-focused comic, co-creator of The Daily Show and Air America Radio exec., does her stand-up act. 8pm. Thru Aug. 25. 444 Battery St. 397-7573. www.myspace.com/lizzwinstead www.punchlinecomedyclub.com
Phyllis Diller's Farewell @ Performing Arts Library & Museum
Screening of the classic comedienne's last show, taped in Las Vegas in 2006. Also, The Unknown Jonathan Winters, a documentary with interviews. Free. 7pm. Reservations recommended. Part of the current exhibition, Enrico Banducci's hungry i: San Francisco's Legendary Nightclub. 401 Van Ness Ave. at McAllister., 4th fl. 255-4800. www.sfpalm.org
Out in the Bay @ KALW
LGBT radio show hosted by Eric Jansen and Marilyn Pittman. Free. 7:30pm. KALW, 91.7 FM. www.KALW.org www.OutInTheBay.com