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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Music and nightlife

Honoring a queer anti-establishment harpsichordist

30 years after Scott Ross's death from AIDS, an acolyte recreates one of the revolutionary musician's recitals.

Marke B. - November 14, 2019

Onstage

With women at its center, ‘Amaluna’ sparkles and charms

Sporting classical influences and jaw-dropping feats, Cirque du Soleil's latest is an inspiring fantasy.

Elaine Elinson - November 14, 2019

Arts + Culture

Arts Forecast: And here’s the real kicker…

'Stomp' still stomps. Plus: Lavender Country, Cuban neon, Recombinant Fest, Patrick Cowley, a drag 'The Wall,' more.

Marke B. - November 13, 2019

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: Three of the year’s best dramas and more

It's that time of year when "serious" films get wide release—and here are some of the best ones you'll see.

Dennis Harvey - November 13, 2019

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: Two major docs on devastating scandals

Engrossing, enraging films look at Olympics sexual abuse tragedy, National Enquirer's protection of Trump

Dennis Harvey - November 12, 2019

All Ears

The lo-fi psych-pop joys of Still Woozy

'Being an artist is almost like being a curator of your favorite things,' says the Oakland-born sensation, performing at New Parish.

Joshua Rotter - November 11, 2019

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: French noir to vintage punk, a week of retro gems

A little sci-fi, a little fetish comedy, and more to take you back in cinemas.

Dennis Harvey - November 11, 2019

Arts

Art Looks

‘A Gothic Tale’ plumbs Legion of Honor’s haunting depths

Mirrors, doubles, organ music, film noir, and the museum's archives comprise Alexandre Singh's creepy exhibit.

Emily Wilson - October 28, 2019

Arts

Memories of the Ulcer Department

Peter Lawrence Kane - October 18, 2019

'The San Quentin Project,' an inmate-centered photo exhibit at BAMPFA, complicates assumptions of life at CA’s oldest prison.

Arts

At 85, a revered glassblower inspired by SF’s ‘Radiance’

Emily Wilson - September 27, 2019

'Very few places in the world have this light,' says Lino Tagliapietra, whose latest work is at Montague Gallery.

Arts

Fall Arts Preview: 37 cool things to do this season

Marke B. - September 4, 2019

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

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.

Culture

Fog City News celebrates 20 years of great reads (and sweet treats)

The newsstand and chocolate shop is a perennial "Best of' with its blend of nostalgia and sophistication. What's the secret?

Marke B. - November 7, 2019

Onstage

With women at its center, ‘Amaluna’ sparkles and charms

Sporting classical influences and jaw-dropping feats, Cirque du Soleil's latest is an inspiring fantasy.

Elaine Elinson - November 14, 2019

Onstage

Review: A fiery intellect bound by exoticism in ‘The Chinese Lady’

Elaine Elinson - October 23, 2019

Rinabeth Apostol's captivating performance anchors this searing look at one of American history's shameful chapters.

Onstage

Lesbian history finally takes center stage in ‘The Daughters’

Emily Wilson - October 23, 2019

From living rooms to the Lexington Club, Patricia Cotter's new play plunges into the story of a fascinating civil rights revolution.

Onstage

Monsters of our moment lurk in this ‘Othello’

Elaine Elinson - October 18, 2019

African American Shakespeare Company’s production features a volcanic Moor caught in a vise of racism, misogyny, and jealousy.

Dance

Nature takes astounding flight in ‘Viva MOMIX!’

Joshua Rotter - October 17, 2019

Founder Moses Pendleton on 40 years of ecological attunement, garden inspiration, and bioluminescent orange.

Puff

Puff: Hall of Flowers highlights

Huge expo in Santa Rosa showcased a panoply of new cannabis goods—including some cool surprises.

Dan Karkoska - October 19, 2019

Puff

Puff: A stroll through the Grass Lands

Dan Karkoska - August 22, 2019

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

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.

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: Three of the year’s best dramas and more

It's that time of year when "serious" films get wide release—and here are some of the best ones you'll see.

Dennis Harvey - November 13, 2019

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: Two major docs on devastating scandals

Dennis Harvey - November 12, 2019

Engrossing, enraging films look at Olympics sexual abuse tragedy, National Enquirer's protection of Trump

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: French noir to vintage punk, a week of retro gems

Dennis Harvey - November 11, 2019

A little sci-fi, a little fetish comedy, and more to take you back in cinemas.

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: Two movies for grown-ups at the multiplex

Dennis Harvey - November 7, 2019

Martin Scorsese's 'The Irishman' and 'Shining'-update 'Doctor Sleep' don't aim their ambitions at the usual target market.

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: South Asian cinema, transgender visions, amateur porn…

Dennis Harvey - November 4, 2019

Three diverse festivals open up. Plus: Soviets and Surrealists, Synonyms, Collisions, more in cinemas this week.

Art Looks

‘A Gothic Tale’ plumbs Legion of Honor’s haunting depths

Mirrors, doubles, organ music, film noir, and the museum's archives comprise Alexandre Singh's creepy exhibit.

Emily Wilson - October 28, 2019

Art Looks

Can a museum exhibit capture Burning Man?

Steven T. Jones - October 22, 2019

Surreal, lysergic ingredients are there, but Oakland Museum's 'No Spectators' show misses the essence of the thing in the desert.

Art Looks

The joy of big bamboo—and lots of it

Emily Wilson - August 5, 2019

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

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.

Party Radar

Party Radar: A monster mash of Halloween bashes

ESG, Doja Cat, The Magician, The Cockettes, Space Cowboys, Paul Oakenfold all make a witches' brew of real party howlers.

Marke B. - October 24, 2019

Party Radar

Party Radar: ULTIMATE PRIDE GUIDE 2019

Marke B. - June 23, 2019

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

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.

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 + Culture

Arts Forecast: And here’s the real kicker…

'Stomp' still stomps. Plus: Lavender Country, Cuban neon, Recombinant Fest, Patrick Cowley, a drag 'The Wall,' more.

Marke B. - November 13, 2019

Arts Forecast

Arts Forecast: Day of the Dead in the City of Souls

Marke B. - October 30, 2019

Swervedriver, Dead Ghosts, Kathy Griffin, Convoy 31000, Clark Price, Noctuary, and more upcoming events

Arts Forecast

Arts Forecast: El Rio saved, Litquake aquiver, Open Studios opens….

Marke B. - October 10, 2019

Dolly Parton Hoot, Riceboy Sleeps, Duet + Marrow, a percussion work about climate change, Othello, and more

Arts Forecast

Arts Forecast: Here come the Sisters

Marke B. - September 17, 2019

Project Nunway X (and Folsom gossip), Big Book Sale, Dark Entries, Top Girls, Kikbal, oodles of Shakespeare, more this week.

Arts Forecast

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

Marke B. - August 28, 2019

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

Lit

Red-hot but clear-eyed, Flea recounts his youth in ‘Acid for the Children’

Legendary bassist and actor recalls childhood, punk, and early Chili Peppers days—and ditches anger for forgiveness.

Joshua Rotter - November 4, 2019

Lit

‘Disasterama!’ chronicles SF’s wild, lost queer underground

Marke B. - October 15, 2019

Alvin Orloff's new memoir documents crazy nights, retro-camp glamor, and punk sensibility in the face of the AIDS crisis.

Lit

At Litquake, the infamous Literary Death Match hits 500

Peter Lawrence Kane - October 7, 2019

The most aggressively silly, all-encompassing event of the festival returns to where it all started, the former Elbo Room.

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.

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.

All Ears

Music and nightlife

Honoring a queer anti-establishment harpsichordist

30 years after Scott Ross's death from AIDS, an acolyte recreates one of the revolutionary musician's recitals.

Marke B. - November 14, 2019

All Ears

The lo-fi psych-pop joys of Still Woozy

Joshua Rotter - November 11, 2019

'Being an artist is almost like being a curator of your favorite things,' says the Oakland-born sensation, performing at New Parish.

All Ears

Son Little’s gritty takes on vintage R&B run deep

John-Paul Shiver - November 6, 2019

The Californian dips into gospel, rock, and blues for a fresh sound that will surely shake a hip or two.

All Ears

Fierce rock energy at Miss June’s ‘Bad Luck Party’

John-Paul Shiver - November 2, 2019

New Zealand four-piece moves through pop-punk, no wave, and noise with an acerbic Riot Grrrl slant.

All Ears

Natasha Bedingfield takes some poignant new curves

Joshua Rotter - October 30, 2019

Working with powerhouse producer Linda Perry on latest album 'Roll With Me,' the UK singer brings politics into the mix.

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Already, Chesa Boudin is getting attacked in the press

Tim Redmond - November 13, 2019

Red-baiting starts before the new DA even takes office -- both nationally and in the Chron.

Campaign Trail

Sup. Brown concedes in D5 election

Tim Redmond - November 14, 2019

With campaign now over, Preston prepares to take office -- and to run again in 12 months.

News + Politics

OPINION: Is SF General Hospital ready for a disaster? I fear not.

Christa Duran - November 14, 2019

A trauma nurse explains the dangerous staffing shortage at the region's only Level One trauma center.

News + Politics

SF could have a public bank by 2020

Jeantelle Laberinto - November 12, 2019

Fewer introduces bill to move city's funds out of Wall Street and into a local institution that would fund affordable housing, small business.

Music and nightlife

Honoring a queer anti-establishment harpsichordist

Marke B. - November 14, 2019

30 years after Scott Ross's death from AIDS, an acolyte recreates one of the revolutionary musician's recitals.

Arts + Culture

Arts Forecast: And here’s the real kicker…

Marke B. - November 13, 2019

'Stomp' still stomps. Plus: Lavender Country, Cuban neon, Recombinant Fest, Patrick Cowley, a drag 'The Wall,' more.

News + Politics

Two big victories for tenants at Midtown apartments

Natalia Kresich - November 11, 2019

Developer is out, demolition is off the table -- and a new supervisor could bring rent control back to the Western Addition complex.

Onstage

With women at its center, ‘Amaluna’ sparkles and charms

Elaine Elinson - November 14, 2019

Sporting classical influences and jaw-dropping feats, Cirque du Soleil's latest is an inspiring fantasy.

News + Politics

Gay Chadian immigrant detained by ICE caught in asylum limbo

Peter Lawrence Kane - November 12, 2019

Chad just criminalized homosexuality—will US send Oumar, who has lived and worked here for a decade, into danger?

Screen Grabs

Screen Grabs: Two major docs on devastating scandals

Dennis Harvey - November 12, 2019

Engrossing, enraging films look at Olympics sexual abuse tragedy, National Enquirer's protection of Trump

Best of the Bay Winners

Best of the Bay 2019

Best of the Bay 2019: Food & Drink winners

Best Burrito, Best Sushi, Best Brunch, Best Ice Cream, Best Bar Staff, and more

Staff - October 3, 2019

Best of the Bay 2019

Best of the Bay 2019: Shopping winners

Staff - October 3, 2019

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

Best of the Bay 2019

Best of the Bay 2019: Arts & Entertainment winners

Staff - October 3, 2019

Best DJ, Best Live Music Venue, Best Arts Festival, Best Drag Show, Best Dance Company, and more

Best of the Bay 2019

Best of the Bay 2019: City Living winners

Staff - October 3, 2019

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

Arts + Culture

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

Marke B. - December 10, 2018

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

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

Don't miss a beat

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Best of the Bay Winners