I’m still coming down from the amazing queer techno Honcho Campout in the Pennsylvania woods last weekend and preparing to get obliterated for my birthday weekend that’s about to happen… now. So let’s get right into the good stuff. As always, check our amazing Arts & Culture section for more great things to do and see!
EVENTS OF NOTE
THROUGH NOVEMBER 30: “ABOUT PLACE” I’ll write more about it later, but this wee yet powerful exhibition of local contemporary artists at the de Young knocked my socks off. Drawn from a gift from the Svane Family, the handful of works is a great complement to the museum’s rad collection, and features a couple of my absolute faves, including a woven canvas by Miguel Arzabe—check out the detail of 2021’s Te Quiero Inti above. de Young Museum, more info here.
FRI/23: CHLOE TROAST The comedian has blazed an astounding trail in just a few years, not only joining the Saturday Night Live cast but also appearing in films and television shows. Her live show is a true treat for those who’ve only seen her on screen. 7:30pm, Verdi Club, SF. More info here.
FRI/23 + SAT/24: THE OCEAN BLUE Calling all spiky-haired jangle poppers (guilty): This classic group—full of bouncy baselines and wispy melodies—was a fabulous link between the Echo & the Bunnymen sound of the mid-’80s and the dream/pop shoegaze sound coming up in the late-’80s/early ’90s. They’ll be at the Chapel performing their 1989 self-titled debut album on Friday and follow-up Cerulean in Saturday. Both shows 8pm, The Chapel, SF. More info here.
SAT/24: QUEEN! WITH DJ DERRICK CARTER Shameless plus for this fundraiser for my bar, the Stud, but this party at Public Works will be incredible: The legendary Chicago Queen! Sunday nights have fostered generations of house lovers, with DJ Derrick Carter ramping everyone up into Monday morn. The Polyglamorous and As You Like It crews are joining forces to bring him and fabulous vocalist Shaun J. Wright into town. (Alas, third member Michael Serafini couldn’t make it, get well soon sweetie.) 10pm-4am, Public Works, SF. More info here.
SAT/24 + SUN/25: “THE INFINITE WRENCH” Beloved improv troupe the SF Neo-Futurists return in fine and surreal form as part of the 2024 Fringe Festival, performing their infamously hilarious “30 original plays in 60 minutes” show in an intimate setting. Hilarity ensues. Exit Theater, SF. More info here.
SAT/24: MICHAEL FRANTI + SPEARHEAD One day when I’m in my cups, remind me of how we convinced Franti’s incandescent early act, the Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, to perform for about three dozen of us in the backroom of a Detroit club in the early 1990s. (The image of dancer Rono Tse performing under a spotlight at 3am as Franti gently rapped has stayed with me indelibly.) He’s since gone on to represent a certain type of protest roots rock that has gone though several re-evaluations—all I can say is that he is still super hot (sorry) and we could very much use a dose of his earnest jams right now. 6pm, Fox Theater, Oakland. More info here.
SAT/24 + SUN/25: VEGAN STREET FAIR Get your full fix of food without a face at Alameda’s Faction Brewing Company at this annual veggie-lover’s celebration, with more than 20 vegan/vegetarian vendors and plenty of entertainment for all ages. Faction Brewing, Alameda. More info here.
SAT/24: 3RD ANNUAL ROCK THE GATES MUSIC FESTIVAL It’s summer fleadh time! Enjoy a whole day of great Irish music from classics to rock hits at the Irish Cultural Center, where more than a dozen acts will have you getting jiggy with it, enjoying traditional dances, Guinness beers, tons of vendors, and family activities. Noon-10pm, Irish Cultural Center, SF. More info here.
SAT/24: POOLSIDE DJ SET California electronic outfit Poolside aka Jeffrey Paradise is the epitome of cool, bringing cocktail-worthy beach vibes to even the most downtown venue. After a Stern Grove festival appearance, he’ll float your boat at the Great Northern. 9:30pm-3am, Great Northern, SF. More info here.
SAT/24: AFROBEATS AT THE LAKE The irresistible, laidback sounds of contemporary Afrobeat will surely bring the sunshine to this all-ages event in Oakland’s Snow Park. Nigerian singer-songwriter BNXN headlines with back-up from Seyi Say and the Riddim Exchange and DJs KOKO and Juan G. Let’s dance. Noon-8pm, Snow Park, Oakland. More info here.
SUN/25 GINA LA DIVINA CELEBRATION OF LIFE A great San Francisco icon of drag who lived through it all, honey, left us earlier this year. She was a wonderful supporter of everyone in the LGBTQ+ scene and I can’t wait to share memories and celebrations with others she touched at Oasis. Her touch was gold! 2pm-8pm, Oasis, SF. More info here.
