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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All Ears

From legendary roots, a great new Afrobeat record

Kelata & the Super Yamba Band's 'Mèdaho' rides psychedelic energy and masterly playing to the top of the reinvigorated genre.

John-Paul Shiver - September 15, 2019

Onstage

Watching movies—and coping and connecting—in ‘The Flick’

Director Jon Tracy talks about the latest Shotgun Players production, exploring the surprisingly complex world of three cinema employees.

Emily Wilson - September 12, 2019

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: Native American Reelism, Bay Area Thrash Metal …

Rojo, Monos, The Goldfinch, A Faithful Man, Indie Shorts Fest, Women in Film, and more in cinemas this week.

Dennis Harvey - September 10, 2019

Lit

Ben Folds illuminates the music biz with ‘Lightning Bugs’

The singer and arts education advocate shares his life's 'cheap lessons' in new book and at JCC—sprinkled with hits.

Joshua Rotter - September 10, 2019

All Ears

It’s the time of the season for the Zombies

Fresh from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, the groundbreaking '60s act maintains its edge with celebrated classics and new material.

Joshua Rotter - September 9, 2019

Music and nightlife

The classic funk gem that inspires one of SF’s best parties

Daft Punk famously sampled it—but the great local Sweater Funk crew prefers the original, now rereleased.

John-Paul Shiver - September 7, 2019

Onstage

‘Exit Strategy’: Can they save a crumbling high school?

Actors Tre’Vonne Bell and Adam Niemann talk about Aurora Theatre's new production, which takes on the failing school system.

Emily Wilson - September 6, 2019

Arts

Fall Arts Preview: 37 cool things to do this season

Flamenco to death metal, Comedy Day to Hip-Hop Fest, with dozens more great local arts, music, dance, and stage events.

Marke B. - September 4, 2019

Arts

Fall Arts Preview: 10 can’t-miss art shows

Matt Sussman - September 3, 2019

Galactic glamour, a psychedelic roller rink, pan-African wonders, reclaiming Pioneer Monument, and celebrating a seminal centenarian.

Onstage

Matteo Lane gets Clusterfested

Joshua Rotter - June 19, 2019

From gay Disney villains to 'Romy & Michele’s High School Reunion,' he's grabbing the comedy mega-fest by the, er... mic.

Culture

Remembering Kevin Killian, 1952-2019

Alvin Orloff - June 18, 2019

The essential queer SF poet, writer, playwright, literary booster, and saucy gossip passed away Saturday at age 66.

Arts

New ‘Tales of the City’: Mouse and Ben in a very different world

Joshua Rotter - June 5, 2019

Actors Charlie Barnett and Murray Bartlett talk about intergenerational dating, transphobia, steamy sex scenes in Netflix reboot

Culture

Last chance to vote for Best of the Bay!

Voting ends very soon! Tell us all your favorite things about the Bay Area.

Marke B. - August 29, 2019

Onstage

Watching movies—and coping and connecting—in ‘The Flick’

Director Jon Tracy talks about the latest Shotgun Players production, exploring the surprisingly complex world of three cinema employees.

Emily Wilson - September 12, 2019

Onstage

‘Exit Strategy’: Can they save a crumbling high school?

Emily Wilson - September 6, 2019

Actors Tre’Vonne Bell and Adam Niemann talk about Aurora Theatre's new production, which takes on the failing school system.

Onstage

Charo chooses life!

Joshua Rotter - September 4, 2019

'San Francisco is like a lucky charm,' says beloved performer and guitar virtuoso, who returns to perform after devastating personal tragedy.

Onstage

Secrets, lies, and a roiling harem in ‘House of Joy’

Elaine Elinson - August 21, 2019

An empire wanes, but women find their strength to carry on in Madhuri Shekar's play at Cal Shakes.

Onstage

Who’s up for some Drunk Drag Dizney Broadway?

Joshua Rotter - August 12, 2019

Cinderella, Snow White, Belle, and Elsa walk into a SoMa party .... You won't guess what happens next in this hilarious, queered-up deconstruction.

Puff

Puff: A stroll through the Grass Lands

Behind the scenes at the first festival area to sell cannabis—and what that might mean for consumers and vendors.

Dan Karkoska - August 22, 2019

Puff

Puff: Notes from a serious (and seriously interesting) cannabis expo

Dan Karkoska - August 2, 2019

The Cannabis Business Summit and Expo in San Jose showcased the industrial backend of the trade—plus Jim Belushi sang.

Puff

Puff: Light up, it’s Pride time

Dan Karkoska - June 24, 2019

A colorful clutch of cannabis goodies to help you float over the rainbow.

Puff

Puff: The art of the roll

Dan Karkoska - June 14, 2019

Sure, you can buy a pre-roll at a dispensary—but learning how to roll a joint is part of cannabis history.

Puff

Puff: Welcome to the spaced race

Dan Karkoska - April 3, 2019

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

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: Native American Reelism, Bay Area Thrash Metal …

Rojo, Monos, The Goldfinch, A Faithful Man, Indie Shorts Fest, Women in Film, and more in cinemas this week.

Dennis Harvey - September 10, 2019

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: The 5000 fingers of Dr. Seuss

Dennis Harvey - September 3, 2019

A cult classic that gave kids nightmares. Plus: Miles Davis bio-pic, Glenn Danzig's 'Verotika,' 9-11 Truther Fest, more in cinemas

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: Two of our favorite movies this year

Dennis Harvey - August 27, 2019

Plus: John Carpenter Film Fest, Give Me Liberty, Adam, The Amazing Jonathan Documentary, California Independent Film Festival, more

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: All hail the mighty Godzillafest!

Dennis Harvey - August 21, 2019

Monster mayhem at the Balboa and Castro, a strikingly oceanic documentary, Korean and Italian mobsters, more in cinemas

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: What happened to Dag Hammarskjold?

Dennis Harvey - August 13, 2019

Plus: After the Wedding, Jirga, One Child Nation, a benefit for Canyon Cinema, and more in theaters this week.

Art Looks

The joy of big bamboo—and lots of it

Tanabe Chikuunsai IV's large-scale installation at the Asian Art Museum evokes the immersive feel of a forest journey.

Emily Wilson - August 5, 2019

Art Looks

‘Art of Peace’ transforms guns into beauty

Emily Wilson - July 23, 2019

YBCA exhibit displays power of gun buyback and education programs of United Playaz and Robby Poblete Foundation.

Art Looks

At Creativity Explored, Isaac Haney-Owens curates a vibrant ‘Cityscape’

Emily Wilson - July 22, 2019

From a replica of a newsstand to his own painted reproductions of iconic signs, the artist presents a vision of San Francisco.

Art Looks

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

Matt Sussman - May 10, 2019

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

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.

Party Radar

Party Radar: ULTIMATE PRIDE GUIDE 2019

Pink Block, Polka Dots, Hot Pants, Pullin' Pork, Fake & Gay, and more musts for this bonkers week.

Marke B. - June 23, 2019

Arts + Culture

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

Marke B. - December 30, 2018

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

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.

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: Veronica Klaus returns, Zine Fest, Fringe Fest, more …

Plus: Mystic Braves, Month of Momentum Culmination, Zulu Spear, and more upcoming events.

Marke B. - August 28, 2019

Arts Forecast

Arts Forecast: Frameline Fest gets new executive director, more …

Marke B. - August 20, 2019

House of Joy, Metallica + SF Symphony, Purple Rain, Herbie Hancock, Border People, and more upcoming arts events.

Arts + Culture

Arts Forecast: Open up your world with the SF International Arts Festival

Caitlin Donohue - May 22, 2019

Plus: Celebrate your sex workers at this week's culture fest! Also, Cypress Hill, Japanese American history exhibits, and so much more.

Arts Forecast

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

Caitlin Donohue - May 15, 2019

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

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.

Lit

Ben Folds illuminates the music biz with ‘Lightning Bugs’

The singer and arts education advocate shares his life's 'cheap lessons' in new book and at JCC—sprinkled with hits.

Joshua Rotter - September 10, 2019

Lit

Aya De León’s ‘Side Chick Nation’ explores post-Maria Puerto Rico

James Tracy - August 19, 2019

The local author's latest in the 'Justice Hustlers' series of feminist heists is part romance, part wealth-redistribution adventure.

Lit

AIDS, sex, and ‘Illuminations on Market Street’

James Tracy - August 14, 2019

Activist-author Benjamin Heim Shepard turns to fiction, inspired by working in an SF AIDS housing program in the mid-1990s.

Lit

Beyond the valley of the gig economy

Johnny Ray Huston - July 10, 2019

'Raw Deal' author Steven Hill on Uber tech, the perils of California ideologies, and the twilight of the elites.

Lit

An audience with Marc Huestis, ‘Impresario of Castro Street’

Joshua Rotter - June 20, 2019

Jousting with Harvey Milk, hosting Hollywood royalty, kicking crystal meth: The hometown hero's juicy new memoir has it all.

All Ears

From legendary roots, a great new Afrobeat record

Kelata & the Super Yamba Band's 'Mèdaho' rides psychedelic energy and masterly playing to the top of the reinvigorated genre.

John-Paul Shiver - September 15, 2019

Lit

Ben Folds illuminates the music biz with ‘Lightning Bugs’

Joshua Rotter - September 10, 2019

The singer and arts education advocate shares his life's 'cheap lessons' in new book and at JCC—sprinkled with hits.

All Ears

It’s the time of the season for the Zombies

Joshua Rotter - September 9, 2019

Fresh from Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, the groundbreaking '60s act maintains its edge with celebrated classics and new material.

All Ears

A tale of 10,000 Maniacs

Joshua Rotter - August 13, 2019

The folk-rock favorites return, with more jamming and their signature dreamy (and wide-ranging) sound.

All Ears

The B-52s at 40, still dancing that mess around

Joshua Rotter - August 7, 2019

Singer Fred Schneider on duct tape, disco shoplifting, phallic MTV hot dogs, and the beloved band's latest tour.

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Haney seeks big increase in developer fees for housing

Tim Redmond - September 15, 2019

Planners and developers freaking out over proposal to make offices pay more of the cost of the housing impacts they create.

News + Politics

Behind the big money influencing City Hall

Haley Keizur - September 15, 2019

Corporate interests and developers spend $12 million on lobbying in just six months.

Campaign Trail

DA candidate calls for reshaping criminal justice system

Jeantelle Laberinto - September 12, 2019

Boudin wants racial-impact statement in all criminal cases

Campaign Trail

Who’s paying for a D5 poll aimed at attacking Preston?

Tim Redmond - September 12, 2019

Someone is spending money on poll-testing ways to go after the challenger -- but it's not clear who, and how that will effect spending limits.

All Ears

From legendary roots, a great new Afrobeat record

John-Paul Shiver - September 15, 2019

Kelata & the Super Yamba Band's 'Mèdaho' rides psychedelic energy and masterly playing to the top of the reinvigorated genre.

News + Politics

The real legacy of SF’s planning director

John Elberling - September 10, 2019

Displacement and gentrification -- while the Planning Department sought to 'accommodate growth.'

News + Politics

SF’s PG&E buyout makes political — and economic — sense

Tim Redmond - September 9, 2019

At the price the city is offering, SF could net half a billion dollars a year -- and get cleaner power.

News + Politics

The story of SF’s hidden monument to WWI

Marc Norton - November 10, 2017

Gold Star Moms, the Great War, the Russian Revolution -- and a memorial that nobody seems to remember or notice

News + Politics

Will Breed make a real change at City Planning?

Tim Redmond - September 9, 2019

John Rahaim is stepping down, after 12 years of urban planning disaster. Who's next?

News + Politics

The DMV nightmare: Report and tips from the (long) lines

Reese Erlich - April 16, 2019

Tales from a three-hour wait: What you can do to avoid making it even worse.

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

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Best of the Bay Winners