New year, new dears; curtain up for 2019.
THU 27
Altai Kai @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley
Virtuoso throat singers perform traditional folk music with a unique style; Australian didgeridoo musician Stephen Kent opens. $15-$18. 7:30pm. 1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. http://www.ashkenaz.com/
Arcadia @ Ashby Stage, Berkeley
Shotgun Players' production of Tom Stoppard's masterpiece that explores mathematics, landscape gardening, Byron, and the undeniable power of the human heart. $7-$52. Thru Jan 6. 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. www.shotgunplayers.org
Avenue Q @ New Conservatory Theatre Center
The foul-mouth puppets are back, in the theatre company's 6th popular production (with two casts) of Robert Lopez, Jeff Marx and Jeff Whitty's Tony-winning musical. New Year's Eve show, too. Extended thru Jan 13. $33-$59. Wed-Sat 8pm, Sun 2pm. 25 Van Ness Ave., lower level. www.nctcsf.org
Best of Baloney @ Oasis
The saucy, sexy and silly men's burlesque show presents their best acts in a four-night schedule. $27.50-$50. 7pm. Thru Dec 31. 298 11th St. www.sfoasis.com
A Christmas Carol @ Geary Theatre
American Conservatory Theatre's annual lavish big-cast production of Paul Walsh and Carey Perloff's popular stage adaptation of the Charles Dickens short story. $10-$120. Thru Dec 29. 415 Geary St. www.act-sf.org
Classic and New Films @ Castro Theatre
Dec 27: Some Like It Hot (2:15, 7pm) and The Apartment (4:30, 9:15). Dec 28-Jan 1: 2001: A Space Odyssey Jan 2-5: Roma. 429 Castro St. http://www.castrotheatre.com/
Dear Evan Hansen @ Curran Theatre
National tour of Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek and Justin Paul's Broadway hit musical (six Tonys) about a letter that changes lives. $75-$250. Thru Dec 30. 445 Geary St. https://sfcurran.com/
Fever @ Center for Sex & Culture
Fever: Documenting the Human Sexual Experience, a group photography exhibit curated by Anissa Malady. Tue 11am-5pm. Wed 10am-3pm, Thu 3pm-7pm and by appointment. Thru Dec. 28. 1349 Mission St. www.sexandculture.org
Literary Speakeasy @ Martuni's
The monthly reading series at the martini bar, this time with writers Pete Bailey, Spencer Tierney, Natalia Vigil, and special guest host Baruch Porras-Hernandez. 7pm. 4 Valencia St.
Michelle Meow Show @ Commonwealth Club
Meow and cohost John Zipperer discuss LGBT issues with different prominent guests. Weekly, 12pm. 110 Embarcadero. www.commonwealthclub.org
Mike Pierce @ Spark Arts
The artist's exhibit of dyed scarves and silk fabric art. 4229 18th St. http://www.sparkarts.com/
Reorienting the Imaginaries @ SOMArts Cultural Center
Exhibit of multidisciplinary works that bring together more than a dozen artists of color who are connected by complex histories, identity and power; thru Jan 24. 934 Brannan St. https://www.reorientingtheimaginaries.com/ http://www.somarts.org/
Skating @ Safeway Holiday Ice Rink
The Union Square ice rink is open, with hourly rates, skate rentals, and special events through Jan. 21. $13-$18. 333 Post St. www.unionsquareicerink.com
Urban Abstracts @ Tenderloin Museum
Patricia Araujo's exhibit of urban paintings. 6pm-9pm; thru Feb 3. 398 Eddy St. http://www.tenderloinmuseum.org/
World Tree of Hope @ Grace Cathedral
See the Rainbow World Fund's annual holiday tree, with 1000s of origami paper cranes, in its new location. Daily thru Jan. 6. 1100 California St. https://www.worldtreeofhope.org/help-us/
FRI 28
Fool La La! @ The Marsh
Unique Derique's fifth annual kid-friendly Over the Rainbow holiday show, with zany circus fun and juggling workshops. $15-$100. Fri & Wed 2pm, thru Jan 6. 1062 Valencia St. www.themarsh.org
Fotohoto @ Strut
Photographer Fabian Echevarria's exhibit of Latinx and Beyond models. 8pm-10pm. Exhibit thru Dec. 470 Castro St. www.strutsf.org
Mary Poppins @ SF Playhouse
The popular Broadway adaptation of the P.L. Travers book and Disney film about a magical nanny gets a local production; music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman; book by Julian Fellowes. $30-$55 and up. Thru Jan 12. 450 Post St. www.sfplayhouse.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
Queer Yoga @ Love Story Yoga
All-level weekly classes in an LGBT space. $11. 6:30pm-7:30pm. 473 Valencia St. at 16th. http://www.lovestoryyoga.com/
Sweet Can @ Dance Mission Theatre
The kid-friendly circus-theatre troupe performs two shows, My Friend Hafiz (Dec 20-23) and Mittens & Mistletoe (Dec 26-30). $25-$75. 3316 24th St. http://sweetcanproductions.com/
SAT 29
Beach Blanket Babylon @ Club Fugazi
The musical comedy revue celebrates its 45th year with an ever-changing lineup of political and pop culture icons, all in gigantic wigs. $25-$160. Beer/wine served; cash only; 21+, except where noted. Holiday show tickets now on sale. Wed-Fri 8pm. Sat 6pm & 9pm. Sun 2pm & 5pm. 678 Beach Blanket Babylon Blvd. (Green St.). 421-4222. www.beachblanketbabylon.com
Cirque du Soleil @ AT&T Park
The amazing acrobatic circus returns for an extended stay with their new show, Volta. $54 and up; various times and dates thru Feb 3. www.cirquedusoleil.com
Contact Warhol:
Photography Without End @ Cantor Arts Center, Palo Alto
Exhibit of contact sheets and previously unseen images by Andy Warhol. Thru Jan 6, 2019. Stanford University campus, Palm Drive at Museum Way. https://museum.stanford.edu/visit
Films @ BAM/PFA
Artistic and award-winning films, including international features, and documentaries about artists; ongoing. 2155 Center St., Berkeley. www.bampfa.org
GLBT Hikers @ Purisima Creek Redwoods
Enjoy a nine-mile hike through the Half Moon Bay forest, with scenic views. Carpool meets 8:45am at Market St. Safeway sign. www.sfhiking.com
A History of World War II @ The Marsh
Prolific playwright and director John Fisher's new solo show's subtitled The D-Day Invasion to the Fall of Berlin. $20-$100. Thu 8pm, Sat 8:30pm. Extended thru Feb 2. 1062 Valencia St. www.themarshsf.com
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. https://www.nps.gov/rori/index.htm
Naughty Holiday Show @ Center for Sex & Culture
Open mic comedy and art night hosted by Miss Pearlie Mae Makers. Art reception of works by Marnika Shelton 5pm-7pm; show 8pm. 1349 Mission St. http://www.sexandculture.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
Skate Night @ Church on 8 Wheels
Wheeled fun at the former Sacred Heart Church-turned disco roller skate party space, hosted by John D. Miles, the "Godfather of Skate," including Saturday's Black Rock night (Burning Man garb encouraged). 7pm-10pm. Sat afternoon sessions 1pm-2pm and 3pm-5pm. $10. Kids 12 and under $5. Skate rentals $5. 554 Fillmore St at Fell. www.churchof8wheels.com
Through-LINES: The Art of Ballet @ 836M
Exhibit of stunning dance photos by prolific photographer RJ Muna, with design and sound installations by Christopher Haas, Bernie Krause and Jim Campbell; presented by Alonzo King LINES Ballet as part of its 35th anniversary season. Thru Jan 7. 836 Montgomery St. www.linesballet.org www.836m.org
Various Exhibits @ NIAD Art Center, Richmond
Exhibits of art by visiting professionals, and art made by developmentally disabled people. Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. 551 23rd St. Richmond. (510) 620-0290. www.niadart.org
Various Exhibits @ SF Public Library
Holiday Train, a model train exhibit (thru Jan 3); Portal: Group Show of Speculative Fiction, thru Feb; Shaped: Sharing HIV/AIDS Photos Essentially Deaf, thru Feb 1; Art/Work: Art Created by the Staff at SFPL, thru Mar. 8; SF Wildlife: Photography by Jouko van der Kruijssen, thru Mar. 28. 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org
Wild SF Walking Tours @ Citywide
Enjoy weekly informed tours of various parts of San Francisco, from Chinatown to the Haight, and a 'radical' and political-themed LGBT-inclusive tour. Various dates and times. $15-$25. www.wildsftours.com
The World of Charles and Ray Eames @ Oakland Museum
Exhibit of the innovative designers' works, including furniture, toys, and rare prototypes; thru Feb 17. Also, Cruisin' the Fossil Coastline, Ray Troll's colorful illustrations paired with paleontologist Kirk Johnson's research. Also, Take Root: Oakland Grows Food and other exhibits. Friday night events 5pm-9pm. Free/$15. 1000 Oak St. http://museumca.org
SUN 30
Animation Exhibits @ Walt Disney Museum
Exhibit of animation art by the prolific artists, including Walt Disney's Nine Old Men: Masters of Animation (Bambi, Peter Pan, Lady and the Tramp), and Home for the Holidays at Carolwood, thru Jan. 7. Other exhibits of Disney artifacts and film screenings. 104 Montgomery St, The Presidio. $5-$25. 10am-6pm. Closed Tue. http://wdfmuseum.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
Expedition Reef @ California Academy of Sciences
Exhibits and planetarium shows with various live, interactive and installed exhibits about animals, plants and the earth; 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
GLBT Hikers @ Colma
Join gay hikers on a visit through historic grave sites at Colma Cemetery. Meet 11:30am at Colma BART station. www.sfhiking.com
Night Bloom @ Conservatory of Flowers
New evening exhibit of nocturnal plants, with light shows and music. $20-$39. 5pm, thru Jan. 6 (closed Dec 31-Jan 1). 100 John F. Kennedy Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.nightbloom.org https://conservatoryofflowers.org
Painting is My Everything @ Asian Art Museum
Art From India's Mithila Region, thru Dec 30. Also, contemporary works by Kim Heecheon and Liu Jianhua; also, exhibits of sculpture and antiquities. Sunday caf� specialties from $7-$16. Free-$20. Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. 200 Larkin St. http://www.asianart.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
Sprightly @ SF Public Library
Weekly hangout for LGBTQ youth, with crafts, snacks and activities. Dec 16: Jessie Sisannah Karnatz, aka money Witch, leads a financial workshop. 12:30pm-2:30pm. James C. Hormel Center, 3rd floor, 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org
That Don Reed Show @ The Marsh Berkeley
The acclaimed solo performer and playwright's sketch variety show, with stand-up, storytelling and music. $20-$100. Sat 8:30, Sun 5:30 thru Feb 2. 2120 Allston Way, Berkeley. www.themarsh.org
Various 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
Westward @ City Hall
Exhibit of large-scale photos by women photographers focusing on West Coast communities. Thru May 2019. North Light Court, Ground Floor, 1 Dr Carlton B Goodlett
Place. www.sfartscommission.org
MON 31
Balkan Bash @ Ashkenaz, Berkeley
�dessa, True Life Trio with special guest Joe Finn and Fanfare Zambaleta perform festive music of the Balkans; beer, wine, vegetarian caf� menu. $25. 8pm. 1317 San Pablo Ave., Berkeley. www.ashkenaz.com
Fleetwood Macram� @ The Ivy Room, Albany
New Year's Eve concert with the Fleetwood Mac tribute band. $25. 9pm. 860 San Pablo Ave., Albany. www.ivyroom.com
Lee Fields and the Expressions @ The Chapel
The amazing soul singer performs with his band in a special NYE show; Quinn DeVeaux, The M-Tet open. $30-$35. 8pm. Also Dec 30. 777 Valencia St. https://www.thechapelsf.com/
New Year's Gaiety @ Davies Symphony Hall
Jane Lynch, Cheyenne Jackson, Peaches Christ, Edwin Outwater and the San Francisco Symphony ring in the new year with comedy and music. $60-$185. 8pm. 201 Van Ness Ave. at Grove St. www.sfsymphony.org
Norm Lewis @ Feinstein's at the Nikko
The Broadway star performs two concerts, 7:30pm & 10:30pm with a New Year's salute. $78-$125 ($20 food/drink min.). Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. https://www.feinsteinsatthenikko.com/
Shannon and the Clams @ The New Parish, Oakland
The eclectic doo-wop, surf-lectric local band headlines a New Year's Eve show; Glitter Wizard and Once and Future Band also play. $40-$50. 8pm. 1743 San Pablo Ave., Oakland. https://www.thenewparish.com/
TUE 1
Connecting Threads @ JCCSF
Quilts From the Social Justice Sewing Academy, an exhibit of textile art by local youth, with political themes. Mon-Fri 8am-10pm, Sun 8am-8pm, thru Nov. SF Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St. www.jccsf.org
Plant Collections @ SF Botanical Garden
Visit the lush gardens with displays of trees, flowers and shrubs from around the world. Monthly plant sales, plus art exhibits and gift shop. Free entry with SF proof of residency. $5-$10 for others; FREE on Christmas Day. 7:30am-closing. 9th Ave at Lincoln Way. https://sfbotanicalgarden.org/
Veiled Meanings @ Contemporary Jewish Museum
Veiled Meanings: Fashioning Jewish Dress, from the Collection of The Israel Museum, Jerusalem, an exhibit of detailed clothing from dozens of countries; thru Jan 6. Also, Lew the Jew and His
Circle: Origins of American Tattoo, an exhibit of the prolific tattoo artist's work, tools and life; thru June 9. Also, In That Case: Havruta in Contemporary Art—Oxossi Ayofemi and Risa Wechsler, thru July. 736 Mission St. https://thecjm.org/
WED 2
East Meets West @ Legion of Honor
Jewels of the Maharajas from the Al Thani Collection, thru Feb 24. Also, S�raphin Soudbinine, Lynn Hershman Leeson, Framing the Body, Mummies and Medicine and other exhibits of classical and modern art. Free/$30. Lincoln Park, 100 34th Ave. https://legionofhonor.famsf.org/
Eternal Boy Playground @ Telematic
Liat Berdugo and Emily Martinez' multimedia installation that playfully explores the cultural tropes surrounding crypto-currencies like Bitcoin; thru Feb 2. 323 10th St. https://tttelematiccc.com/
Friendly Fire @ Wessling Gallery
Group exhibit of vibrant works in various media by 14 artists. 440 Brannan St. http://wesslinggallery.com/
Looking Through the Lens @ Diane Wilsey Center for Opera
The Glory of San Francisco Opera, Past and Present, an exhibit of historic productions photos from the San Francisco Opera's many productions. Free. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm. Veteran's Building, 401 Van Ness Ave. www.sfopera.com
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/
THU 3
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. Free, Tue-Sun 10am-5pm. Thru Spring 2019. 50 Maraga Ave. https://www.presidio.gov/officers-club/exhibitions/
Gaugin: A Spiritual Journey @ de Young Museum
New exhibit of the French painter's Tahitian paintings, and works by artists who influenced him. Thru April 7. Also, Contemporary Muslim Fashions, an exhibit of stylish fashions in the Muslim world; thru Jan 6. Also, modern and historic art, including embroidery, Maori portraits and installations. Free/$15. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive, Golden Gate Park. www.famsf.org
The Life and Times of Jo Mora @ Cartoon Art Museum
New exhibit of drawing, maps, paintings and ephemera by the prolific illustrator of American culture (1876-1947). Thru April 28. 781 Beach St. www.cartoonart.org
Modern Art @ SF MOMA
Wayne Thiebaud, Etel Adnan, Alexander Calder, Donald Judd, Louise Bourgeois and many classic Modern works. The Sea Ranch: Architecture, Envioronment and Idealism (thru April 28). Vija Celmins: To Fix the Image in Memory, thru March 31. Free/$25. Fri-Tue 10am-6pm. 151 3rd St. www.sfmoma.org
Various Exhibits @ The Beat Museum
Enjoy exhibits, a bookstore and gift shop that celebrates the era of 'Beatnik' literature (Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, William S. Burroughs, etc.), with frequent readings, walking tours and other events in North Beach. $5-$8. Daily 10am-7pm. 540 Broadway www.kerouac.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
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Deadline is each Thursday, a week before publication.