Arts + Culture | 48 hills

In Arts + Culture

All Ears, Arts Forecast, Dance, Examined Life, Lit, Movies, Nightlife, Onstage, Party Radar, Puff, Screen Grabs, Sports

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Onstage

Cal Shakes begins new season fostering fresh voices in theater

The company will examine 17th century gender roles in Madhuri Shekar's 'House of Joy'.

Emily Wilson - May 20, 2019

Movies

Exploring love on its own terms with the team behind “The Sun is Also a Star”

Cast members of the new romance film and the writer of the original book version tell our writer why they haven't lost hope.

Joshua Rotter - May 16, 2019

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: Lessons from the dictatorship mark ‘The Silence of Others’

Plus: Art house to blockbuster releases, like 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' and 'John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum'.

Dennis Harvey - May 15, 2019

Arts Forecast

Arts Forecast: White Night rally marks SF’s legacy of insurrection

Plus: A weekend of art from TL residents, Combo Chimbita, Sister Roma's roast, and more.

Caitlin Donohue - May 15, 2019

Onstage

Review: ‘The Good Book’ presents a shifting take on Bible study

We interview a cast member on the play's complex path through faith.

Emily Wilson - May 14, 2019

Onstage

Review: Superman is Black and invincible in ‘Supremacy’

Playwright Jason Mendez mashes comic book fantasy up with the urgency of a #BlackLivesMatter rally.

Jeffrey Edalatpour - May 13, 2019

Culture

Queering Psychedelics conference aims to expand definitions, minds

As psychedelics become mainstream, this groundbreaking gathering addresses everything from two-spirit ecology to queer jam band fans.

Marke B. - May 11, 2019

Arts

SOMArts’ ‘Forever, A Moment’ curators build Blackness allowed to define itself

"Have I ever been in a space that was completely designed for Black people?"

Caitlin Donohue - February 13, 2019

Arts

In Vija Celmins’ new solo show, an SFMoMa curator reflects on her slow look

Emily Wilson - January 31, 2019

"She’s kept that intensity and invention, decade after decade”

Arts

Photographer Wesaam Al-Badry: from ‘Contemporary Muslim Fashions’ to Camp Fire

Emily Wilson - December 18, 2018

Local image-maker straddles art and journalism, while retaining lessons from his refugee-camp childhood.

Arts

Review: Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Volta’ zaps, then entrances

Marke B. - November 28, 2018

Gossamer storyline and hypnotic tunes take trademark feats of derring-do in a surprisingly sweet direction.

Arts

Fall Arts aflame! The 50+ best things to do this season

Marke B. - September 20, 2018

Awesome festivals, fantastic concerts, great movies galore, and more must-see nightlife, dance, and visual arts highlights.

Culture

Queering Psychedelics conference aims to expand definitions, minds

As psychedelics become mainstream, this groundbreaking gathering addresses everything from two-spirit ecology to queer jam band fans.

Marke B. - May 11, 2019

Onstage

Cal Shakes begins new season fostering fresh voices in theater

The company will examine 17th century gender roles in Madhuri Shekar's 'House of Joy'.

Emily Wilson - May 20, 2019

Onstage

Review: ‘The Good Book’ presents a shifting take on Bible study

Emily Wilson - May 14, 2019

We interview a cast member on the play's complex path through faith.

Onstage

Review: Superman is Black and invincible in ‘Supremacy’

Jeffrey Edalatpour - May 13, 2019

Playwright Jason Mendez mashes comic book fantasy up with the urgency of a #BlackLivesMatter rally.

Arts + Culture

Who can ask for anything more? A review of Tony Bennett in San Jose

Tony Robles - May 6, 2019

His songs touched a nerve in a town wracked by loss.

Onstage

‘We Have Iré’ celebrates the Afro-Cuban immigrant experience—and challenge

Emily Wilson - May 4, 2019

New theatrical work combines fascinating tales, Cuban jazz, traditional Yoruba songs, Latinx hip-hop, and spoken word at YBCA.

Puff

Puff: Welcome to the spaced race

Moon rocks will send you into orbit—and you can make your own.

Dan Karkoska - April 3, 2019

Puff

Puff: Not so fast, Jelly Belly chairman

Dan Karkoska - March 26, 2019

The candy giant's head honcho announces a line of cannabis-infused jelly beans—but is he still an anti-trans conservative?

Puff

Welcome, Puffragettes! ‘Mary Janes: The Women of Weed’ comes to town

Dan Karkoska - February 28, 2019

New documentary by Windy Borman celebrates the female pioneers of the cannabis industry—and looks to expand its social justice aspect.

Puff

Puff: The best weed to help you sleep

Dan Karkoska - February 5, 2019

Our cannabis sage offers the latest facts, findings, and products that could help you rest.

Puff

Puff: A holiday cannabis wish list

Dan Karkoska - December 19, 2018

Fire up that Yule pre-roll and put a little spark in your stocking with these perfect weed-lovers' gifts.

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: Lessons from the dictatorship mark ‘The Silence of Others’

Plus: Art house to blockbuster releases, like 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' and 'John Wick: Chapter 3—Parabellum'.

Dennis Harvey - May 15, 2019

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: All weekend long, the Roxie celebrates French noir

Dennis Harvey - May 8, 2019

Plus: Vintage "folk libraries", Charlie Says, and Zhang Yimou 'Shadow'

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: The Nude Vampire, Babylon, Gay USA…

Dennis Harvey - April 30, 2019

Retro delights on tap, including Dr. Ruth and 8-track tapes, plus French hustlers, a Merce Cunningham tribute, and more in cinemas this week.

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: A seriously funny Italian legend, JT LeRoy, Hail Satan?

Dennis Harvey - April 23, 2019

An endangered community arts center, a Kenyan superhero, The Visitor from another decade, Juggalo comedy, more in cinemas this week.

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: Cannabis nuns, Sapphic poets, Riot Grrrl blues….

Dennis Harvey - April 15, 2019

A stunning 'Hagazussa,' a small-town opioid tale, rare Tibetan gems, and more this week in cinemas.

Art Looks

‘Queer California: Untold Stories’: a confetti shower of the overlooked

Bracing, sometimes exhausting show at Oakland Museum brims with hidden history, magical connections, and fascinating footnotes.

Matt Sussman - May 10, 2019

Art Looks

Surprising looks and gorgeous silks in ‘Kimono Refashioned’

Emily Wilson - April 25, 2019

Asian Art Museum exhibit takes in everything from Van Gogh to Anime in considering the impact of the traditional Japanese garment.

Art Looks

Monet’s late bloomers hold surprises at de Young

Emily Wilson - March 27, 2019

Working through personal tragedy and the onset of war, the French impressionist deepened his exploration of nature and his own garden.

Art Looks

‘Recycle’ artist Romanowski looks back ‘Every Now & Then’

Marke B. - March 22, 2019

With a retrospective at 111 Minna, the iconic Lower Haight artist and musician presents 30 years of assemblages and collaged sounds.

Art Looks

Peter Hujar’s brilliant, too brilliant icons

Marke B. - October 22, 2018

The photographer immortalized the gay NYC downtown scene of the 1970s-'80s, now on display at BAMPFA.

Party Radar

Arts + Culture

Comedowns are for losers: New Year’s Day parties 2019

Don't flag out once the ball drops: From Love Hangover to Supper of Survivors, we've got your new year debauchery covered.

Marke B. - December 30, 2018

Party Radar

Party Radar: Sweet, sweet NYE

Marke B. - December 28, 2018

What are you doing New Year's Eve? THE MOST—with Peaches Christ, Braza!, Little Dragon, Femanyst, Shannon & the Clams, more.

Party Radar

Party Radar: Cinthie, Orbital, WonderFull 15 …

Marke B. - December 6, 2018

Ah Mer Ah Su, Lady Ryan, Norm Talley, Studio 5'4, and more great parties this weekend.

Party Radar

A decade of pure disco bliss at Go BANG!

Marke B. - November 28, 2018

Generation-spanning party that celebrates SF's musical history turns 10 with, yes, a bang.

Party Radar

Party Radar: AYBEE, Bonobo, Crystal Method, oOoOO….

Marke B. - November 14, 2018

Digitalism, Disco Daddy, Golf Clap, They're Here, Russell E.L. Butler, an ASMR party and more for your dance floor pleasure.

Examined Life

Examined Life: On shaky ground

In a city where everyone and everything is constantly changing, we have a lot to fear. But even more to learn.

Karen Macklin - April 16, 2019

Examined Life

When our bodies break down

Karen Macklin - February 21, 2019

On the dark journey through illness or injury, we meet a stranger we’ve known all along: our self.

Examined Life

Life is hard. Say yes to that.

Karen Macklin - December 7, 2018

As we move toward the end of the year, remember: Even when the options all seem bad, you can still make a good choice.

Examined Life

Examined Life: Power, patriarchy, and the imperfect guru

Karen Macklin - August 28, 2018

Buddhist teacher Noah Levine is dismissed from Against the Stream because of sexual misconduct. Now the organization is folding. Why does this song sound so familiar?

Examined Life

Examined Life: Far to fall

Karen Macklin - June 26, 2018

Bourdain, Spade, and Stone: If we want our heroes to thrive, we have to stop expecting them to be heroic.

Arts Forecast

Arts Forecast: White Night rally marks SF’s legacy of insurrection

Plus: A weekend of art from TL residents, Combo Chimbita, Sister Roma's roast, and more.

Caitlin Donohue - May 15, 2019

Arts + Culture

Arts Forecast: The week’s best moments to honor Momma

Caitlin Donohue - May 8, 2019

Plus: The 48th annual Stanford Powwow, a musical benefit for immigration advocates RAICES, Diana Gameros, and the Walking Distance Dance Festival.

Arts Forecast

Arts Forecast: 48 Hills Spring Gala, How Weird Street Faire, New Wave Prom…

Marke B. - April 28, 2019

2 Blocks of Art, SF.Mutek, Hot Chip, AI Cephalopod, Cinco de Marr-o, MorMor, and more arts events this week.

Arts Forecast

Arts Forecast: Bye, bye, Babylon…

Marke B. - April 23, 2019

Beach Blanket Babylon announces it's closing. Plus: Cerrone, Mercury Soul, Dream Bodies, Bikes to Books, Los Amigos Invisibles, more.

Arts Forecast

Arts Forecast: Easter with the Sisters returns to Dolores Park, more

Marke B. - April 16, 2019

Helen of Troy, a 4/20 Blowout benefit, Caminos Flamencos, art from the AIDS era, Prince's early years, a cowboy 'Hamlet,' and more.

Lit

Race, labor, and activism on the waterfront

'Dockworker Power' explores how longshore workers on two sides of the world stood together in solidarity during the most racist, anti-leftist, and pro-capitalist period of the 20th century.

Alex Catsoulis - March 15, 2019

Arts + Culture

BOOKS: ‘Liar’s Paradox’ is the best new thriller in years

Tim Redmond - December 18, 2018

Taylor Stevens has delivered a novel that is wild, crazy, entertaining -- and breaks all the rules.

Lit

Fearless artist Keith Haring’s sister tells his tale, for all ages

Marke B. - December 4, 2018

Kay Haring's new children's book 'The Boy Who Just Kept Drawing' highlights his vibrant drive for a better world.

Lit

A showcase of ‘young blood’ Asian American writers

Emily Wilson - August 28, 2018

Kearny Street Workshop’s Interdisciplinary Writers Lab Final Reading pools new talent and activist elders at Asian Art Museum

Lit

Leticia del Toro grounds her ‘Cafe Colima’ in the lives of ‘everyday Latinas’

James Tracy - June 26, 2018

Short fiction award-winner speaks about growing up under Reagan in Crocket, Ca., and the pressing need for diversity in literature

All Ears

Time is on Passion Pit’s side, as classic ‘Manners’ hits 10

Band leader Michael Angelakos speaks about the terrors and rewards of his acclaimed first album—and the golden age of indie pop.

Daniel Bromfield - April 29, 2019

All Ears

Please Do Not Fight reunion collects a scattered scene

Daniel Bromfield - April 22, 2019

The Redwood City band is emblematic of a Bay Area moment when rock, emo, punk, and pop combined—and audiences sang along.

All Ears

Contemporary fado queen Mariza comes to SFJAZZ

Reese Erlich - April 8, 2019

The Portuguese-Mozambican singer has helped bring the mournful, elegant form born of slavery and longing into the modern era.

All Ears

San Pablo’s Los Cenzontles ramps up its Mexican rhythms

Caitlin Donohue - March 19, 2019

A new sound system and renovated space, a collaboration with Linda Ronstadt, youth programs, a cross-border documentary—what can't this cultural academy (and band) do?

All Ears

From Mali to Memphis: Dee Dee Bridgewater fires up the soul of her youth

Reese Erlich - March 15, 2019

The brilliant blues-jazz singer digs deep into her past for latest release—and puts one over on Elvis.

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A hippie van and an annoying smart-phone dude

David Talbot - May 17, 2019

The clash of San Francisco values hits home in Precita Park.

News + Politics

The real lessons from the surging numbers of homeless people on the streets of SF

Tim Redmond - May 17, 2019

Mayor Breed opposed a measure that would have made a big difference. Now she can't fix the problem with a few hundred new shelter beds and a modest housing bond.

News + Politics

Court to hear arguments on police raid of reporters house

Tim Redmond - May 20, 2019

Search that embarrassed the city goes before a judge, leaving City Attorney Dennis Herrera to defend the cops in a pretty indefensible case. Plus: Harvey Milk's birthday events, UCSF and Dignity Health -- and 'politicizing' the Rent Board. That's The Agenda for May 20-26

Exclusive

Uber’s plans include attacking public transit

Tim Redmond - May 6, 2019

Documents filed for IPO reveal plans to privatize transportation, getting riders off public buses and trains and onto "Uber buses."

Onstage

Cal Shakes begins new season fostering fresh voices in theater

Emily Wilson - May 20, 2019

The company will examine 17th century gender roles in Madhuri Shekar's 'House of Joy'.

News + Politics

New study challenges Wiener’s approach to housing

Tim Redmond - May 12, 2019

Eminent economic geographers say that deregulation and upzoning will make gentrification in cities like SF much worse.

News + Politics

BREAKING: Wiener’s housing deregulation bill on hold — for now

Tim Redmond - May 16, 2019

Senate committee bumps the measure into next year, but Wiener vows he will continue to push for urban upzoning.

News + Politics

Finally, a city study says public power makes perfect sense

Tim Redmond - May 16, 2019

San Francisco could buy out PG&E's local distribution system, provide cleaner, cheaper energy, and make money in the process.

News + Politics

Some perspective on the raid on a reporter’s house

Tim Redmond - May 14, 2019

The SFPD knows exactly which officers had access to that leaked document. Have their homes been raided and their phones and computer seized? And why did the TV stations think the Adachi file was news anyway?

Best of the Bay Winners

Arts + Culture

Join us for our Best of the Bay holiday party this Thursday!

Music, entertainment, nibbles, bubbles, and the Best of the Bay!

Marke B. - December 10, 2018

Best of the Bay

Best of the Bay 2018: City Living Winners

Staff - October 30, 2018

Best Street Fair, Best Yoga Studio, Best Bicycle Repair, Best Plumber, Best Pet Grooming, and more

Best of the Bay

Best of the Bay 2018: Arts & Entertainment Winners

Staff - October 30, 2018

Your picks for Best DJ, Best Live Music Venue, Best Film Festival, Best Drag Show, Best Dance Company, and more

Best of the Bay

Best of the Bay 2018: Food & Drink Winners

Staff - October 30, 2018

Your picks for Best Burrito, Best Sushi, Best Breakfast, Best Happy Hour, Best Bartender, and more

Best of the Bay 2018

Best of the Bay 2018: Shopping Winners

Staff - October 29, 2018

Your picks for Best Book Store, Best Grocery Store, Best Shoe Store, Best Bike Shop, Best Flea Market, Best Dispensary, and more

In Arts + Culture

Arts

Culture

Onstage

Puff

Screen Grabs

Art Looks

Party Radar

Examined Life

Arts Forecast

Lit

All Ears

48 Hills is community-supported journalism

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Best of the Bay Winners