Arts & Culture :: Music

Howie Klein: modern music man

Howie Klein: modern music man

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Mar 16, 2021

Depending on how long you've lived in San Francisco, the name Howie Klein may be familiar to you. His 415 Records brought bands like Romeo Void to popularity, and he's worked with greats like Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Green Day and many more.

Aretha Franklin: Genius - National Geographic series dramatizes the life of The Queen of Soul

Aretha Franklin: Genius - National Geographic series dramatizes the life of The Queen of Soul

  • by Cornelius Washington
  • Mar 16, 2021

Singer-songwriter Aretha Franklin's life and career is dramatized in National Geographic's five-part series, which also serves as a testament to Franklin's talent and determination amid decades of civil rights inroads for Black culture and women in music.

Gold miner: Singer-songwriter Melissa Carper

Gold miner: Singer-songwriter Melissa Carper

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Mar 2, 2021

There's so much to recommend about 'Daddy's Country Gold,' the dazzling new album by out singer/songwriter Melissa Carper, it's hard to know where to begin. Carper's distinctive vocal style transcends a single genre description.

Olivia Newton-John: She's still the one that we want

Olivia Newton-John: She's still the one that we want

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Feb 23, 2021

Now in her seventh decade as an entertainer, Olivia Newton-John has proven herself to be a versatile artist, including recent duet with her daughter, and a recently published memoir.

Just Say Yeston! - musical theatre composer Maury Yeston

Just Say Yeston! - musical theatre composer Maury Yeston

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Feb 16, 2021

Maury Yeston, the composer behind Tony Award winners 'Nine,' 'Titanic,' and what has come to be known as the "other" 'Phantom of the Opera,' has two new recordings of his best and rarely heard songs.

SF Symphony records Berg's assured atonal works

SF Symphony records Berg's assured atonal works

  • by Philip Campbell
  • Feb 16, 2021

It may be an acquired taste, but once music lovers develop an interest in the music of 20th-century composer Alban Berg, it can become a passionate preference, particularly via SF Symphony's new recording.

New music from LGBT artists

New music from LGBT artists

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Feb 14, 2021

Shuttered at home, musicians are producing new songs in abundance, including local artists and longtime favorites. Also, we honor a singer-songwriter lost too soon.

Q-Music: Deep cover; honorous -and even whimsical- music tributes and film soundtracks

Q-Music: Deep cover; honorous -and even whimsical- music tributes and film soundtracks

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Feb 10, 2021

Interpreting other musician's classics can be tough. Some fine accomplishments include film soundtracks, Billie Holiday and Leonard Cohen tributes, and the amazing senior chorus that brings a touching new perspective on Bowie and Rolling Stones hits.

Singer-songwriter Justin Utley shows his 'Scars'

Singer-songwriter Justin Utley shows his 'Scars'

  • by Jim Provenzano
  • Feb 6, 2021

"Underneath My Skin," the new single from gay singer-songwriter Justin Utley, shares some passionate emotions —and yes, some beefcake— in the video for the song, part of his new album, 'Scars.'

A Stritch in time: an interview with Billy Stritch

A Stritch in time: an interview with Billy Stritch

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Feb 2, 2021

Billy Stritch is a gay man as comfortable in the limelight as he is in the background, known for his collaborations with Liza Minnelli, Linda Lavin, Christine Ebersole, and his uplifting pandemic-era live-streaming performances.

Virtual Valentine: Richmond Ermet Aid Foundation's February fundraiser

Virtual Valentine: Richmond Ermet Aid Foundation's February fundraiser

  • by David-Elijah Nahmod
  • Feb 2, 2021

Valentine's Day comes a day early when the Richmond Ermet Aid Foundation offers 'All You Need Is Love: A Valentine Concert Celebrating Broadway.' The virtual event will be streaming at Facebook Live on Saturday, February 13, at 7pm.

Whitney Houston and her daughter remembered: new documentary explores the star's rise and tragic fall

Whitney Houston and her daughter remembered: new documentary explores the star's rise and tragic fall

  • by Cornelius Washington
  • Feb 2, 2021

'Whitney & Bobbi Kristina: Didn't We Almost Have It All?' delves into more of the personal, human side of the legendary music icon Whitney Houston, her interpersonal relationships and the consequences of poor choices.

Q-Music: new sounds from Mary J. Blige, Pamela Means, Tami Neilson and more

Q-Music: new sounds from Mary J. Blige, Pamela Means, Tami Neilson and more

  • by Gregg Shapiro
  • Jan 27, 2021

'Chickaboom!, the 2020 album by Tami Neilson, the self-described "hot rockin' lady of country, rockabilly and soul," Reigning queen of hip-hop soul Mary J. Blige's new remixes and other women musicians are bringing new and classic sounds.

Pulling at heartstrings: 'Violins of Hope' live at Kohl Mansion

Pulling at heartstrings: 'Violins of Hope' live at Kohl Mansion

  • by Philip Campbell
  • Jan 26, 2021

The touring concert 'Violins of Hope' brought a collection of instruments retrieved and restored from the Holocaust, to Northern California a year ago. One of the most memorable concerts in the triumphant tour is now available as a download and CD.