• REVIEW: Sting celebrates 72nd birthday at Toyota Pavilion
    Oct 03 2023
    01:19 AM

    REVIEW: Sting celebrates 72nd birthday at Toyota Pavilion

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Sting performs at Toyota Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Oct. 2, 2023. Sean Liming/STAFF. CONCORD, Calif. — Singer-songwriter and rocker Sting brought his My Songs Tour and a positive life outlook to Toyota Pavilion on Monday. After a fun, slightly ramshackle take on “If You Love Somebody Set…
  • Tuesday Tracks: Your weekly new music discovery for Oct. 3
    Oct 03 2023
    12:01 AM

    Tuesday Tracks: Your weekly new music discovery for Oct. 3

    Sarah Verschoor No Comments 0
    Sleepy Hallow, courtesy. This week, we bring you hip-hop from Sleepy Hallow, pop from Will Joseph Cook, JHart and NEIKED with Ayra Starr, and soul from Honey Bxby and Robert Finley. Sleepy Hallow featuring Doechii, “ANXIETY” — Brooklyn rapper Sleepy Hallow knows how to match catchy samples with…
  • Portola Festival: Skrillex fires up on second day as the cold settles in
    Oct 02 2023
    07:52 AM

    Portola Festival: Skrillex fires up on second day as the cold settles in

    Mel Bowman No Comments 0
    Skrillex performs at Portola Festival in San Francisco on Oct. 1, 2023. Photos: Gavin Legaspi and Chloe Catajan/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — For the second day in a row, Portola Festival delivered an enticing lineup of dance, hip-hop and underground acts, even as intermittent light rain and chilly weather…
  • Portola Festival: Eric Prydz and Nelly Furtado star on day 1
    Oct 01 2023
    08:38 AM

    Portola Festival: Eric Prydz and Nelly Furtado star on day 1

    Sery Morales No Comments 0
    Nelly Furtado performs at Portola Festival in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2023. Matt Pang/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Portola Festival returned to Pier 80 near the city’s Dogpatch neighborhood on Saturday. The two-day fest included headliner Eric Prydz on the first day, along with pop singer-songwriter Nelly Furtado…
  • REVIEW: Despite fancy Las Vegas Sphere, U2 reaffirms its strengths lie in connection
    Oct 01 2023
    02:20 AM

    REVIEW: Despite fancy Las Vegas Sphere, U2 reaffirms its strengths lie in connection

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    U2 performs during the opening night of its U2:UV Live at Sphere residency in Las Vegas on Sept. 29, 2023. Photo: Rich Fury. Others by Kevin Mazur. Sept. 30 photos: Roman Gokhman/STAFF. LAS VEGAS — Sphere at the Venetian is truly a visual and sonic marvel. The bubble-like…
  • VIDEO PREMIERE: Caroline Jones calls to a guardian angel on 'Talking to Milo'
    Sep 29 2023
    07:00 AM

    VIDEO PREMIERE: Caroline Jones calls to a guardian angel on ‘Talking to Milo’

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Caroline Jones, courtesy. Country singer-songwriter Caroline Jones is just a few weeks from releasing her third album, Homesite (Oct. 20), and today she’s premiering the final video ahead of the album, for single “Talking to Milo.” Jones, who’s performed with the likes of Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney and more…
  • Q&A: The Darkness' Frankie Poullain wants to cry, climax on Permission to Land 20 Tour
    Sep 28 2023
    12:01 AM

    Q&A: The Darkness’ Frankie Poullain wants to cry, climax on Permission to Land 20 Tour

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    The Darkness, courtesy Gareth Parker. Brit rockers The Darkness are celebrating the release of their 2003 debut, Permission to Land, with a re-release of the multi-platinum album and a tour that kicks off in San Francisco next week. The Darkness 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 3 The Masonic Tickets:…
  • REVIEW: Arctic Monkeys deliver hits and swagger at Chase Center
    Sep 27 2023
    05:51 AM

    REVIEW: Arctic Monkeys deliver hits and swagger at Chase Center

    Sery Morales 1 Comment 0
    Arctic Monkeys perform at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. on Sept. 26, 2023. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Over their nearly two-decade reign, the Arctic Monkeys have gained a reputation as one of the biggest rock bands of the new millennium. The reasons why were still apparent…
  • INTERVIEW: Brett Emmons of The Glorious Sons in it for the long haul
    Sep 25 2023
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: Brett Emmons of The Glorious Sons in it for the long haul

    Rachel Alm No Comments 0
    The Glorious Sons, courtesy. Brett Emmons said all he wants is to travel the world and play music for a hundred years with his band, The Glorious Sons. The Ontario, Canada band has twice topped Billboard’s Mainstream Rock chart and is known for its energetic rock show back…
  • REVIEW: Tori Kelly 'takes control' at intimate Independent gig
    Sep 24 2023
    11:46 PM

    REVIEW: Tori Kelly ‘takes control’ at intimate Independent gig

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Tori Kelly performs at the Independent in San Francisco on Sept. 24, 2023. Roman Gokhman/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — It’s been a few years since Tori Kelly’s been under a spotlight that wasn’t animated, but that didn’t stop several hundred fans from showing up early to see her perform…
  • REVIEW: Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper lead the 'Freaks' in the East Bay
    Sep 23 2023
    07:39 AM

    REVIEW: Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper lead the ‘Freaks’ in the East Bay

    Mike DeWald 1 Comment 0
    Rob Zombie performs at Toyota Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Sept. 22, 2023. Nate McKinley/STAFF. CONCORD, Calif. — It was a rock and roll show meets a horror film and a Broadway show seen through the lens of an insane fever dream. Friday’s Freaks On Parade Tour stop…
  • REVIEW: Ed Sheeran breaks records, brings Mathematics Tour to Levi's Stadium
    Sep 17 2023
    08:20 AM

    REVIEW: Ed Sheeran breaks records, brings Mathematics Tour to Levi’s Stadium

    Chloe Catajan No Comments 0
    Ed Sheeran performs at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Sept. 16, 2023. Steve Carlson/STAFF. SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Leave it to Ed Sheeran to stand in front of 77,000 people and make time stand still. The English singer-songwriter brought the Mathematics Tour (+-=÷x) to Levi’s Stadium…
  • REVIEW: Ed Sheeran shares his grief at intimate Subtract Tour gig at the Fox
    Sep 16 2023
    01:29 AM

    REVIEW: Ed Sheeran shares his grief at intimate Subtract Tour gig at the Fox

    Roman Gokhman 3 Comments 0
    Ed Sheeran performs during a Subtract Tour club show at Fox Theater in Oakland on Sept. 15, 2023. Courtesy Mark Surridge. OAKLAND — Going on two tours simultaneously may have initially raised some eyebrows, but there’s a clear reason pop star Ed Sheeran separated his stadium Mathematics Tour…
  • REVIEW: Jelly Roll introduces himself to the Bay Area at stellar Toyota Pavilion show
    Sep 15 2023
    02:33 AM

    REVIEW: Jelly Roll introduces himself to the Bay Area at stellar Toyota Pavilion show

    Roman Gokhman 4 Comments 0
    Jelly Roll performs at Toyota Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Sept. 14, 2023. Sean Liming/STAFF. CONCORD, Calif. — Don’t doubt someone who’s completely sold on the power of love, redemption and music being able to lift everyone higher. Nashville singer-songwriter and rapper Jelly Roll used his tremendous story…
  • Foo Fighters rock for a cause during Dreamforce show at Chase Center
    Sep 14 2023
    12:24 AM

    Foo Fighters rock for a cause during Dreamforce show at Chase Center

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Foo Fighters perform during Dreamfest benefitting Benioff Children’s Hospitals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sept. 13, 2023. Photos by Drew Altizer. SAN FRANCISCO — Just a month after headlining Outside Lands, rockers Foo Fighters returned to the Bay Area to perform at Dreamfest, benefitting UCSF Benioff…
  • INTERVIEW: Shakey Graves breaks the simulation on 'Movie of the Week'
    Sep 13 2023
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: Shakey Graves breaks the simulation on ‘Movie of the Week’

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    Shakey Graves (Alejandro Rose-Garcia), courtesy. It’s been an unusual day for Alejandro Rose-Garcia. The artist, better known as Shakey Graves, meant to sit down to write out song descriptions for his new album, Movie of the Week, that would be sent to reviewers. But that activity turned an eight-page…
  • REVIEW: Jungle explosive and 'volcanic' at Bill Graham Civic tour stop
    Sep 10 2023
    07:48 AM

    REVIEW: Jungle explosive and ‘volcanic’ at Bill Graham Civic tour stop

    Sery Morales No Comments 0
    Jungle performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Sept. 9, 2023. Matt Pang/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — British duo Jungle took its signature nu-disco electronic funk to new new electrifying heights at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on Saturday. The tour was in support of Tom McFarland’s and…
  • REVIEW: Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire pull an 'all-nighter' at Chase Center
    Sep 09 2023
    08:24 AM

    REVIEW: Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire pull an ‘all-nighter’ at Chase Center

    Mel Bowman 6 Comments 0
    Lionel Richie performs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sept. 8, 2023. Derek Fisher/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Grammy-winning artist Lionel Richie brought his Sing A Song All Night Long tour to Chase Center on Friday, headlining a bill that also included Earth, Wind & Fire. Richie kicked…
  • REVIEW: Maluma arrives as Don Juan at SAP Center
    Sep 07 2023
    08:05 AM

    REVIEW: Maluma arrives as Don Juan at SAP Center

    Italie Penaloza No Comments 0
    Maluma performs at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Sept. 6, 2023. Italie Penaloza/STAFF. SAN JOSE — After taking a year off from touring to create and release his new album, Don Juan, Colombian singer and rapper Maluma brought it to SAP Center on Wednesday, the fourth…
  • REVIEW: Osees go the distance at The Chapel
    Sep 04 2023
    07:21 AM

    REVIEW: Osees go the distance at The Chapel

    David Gill No Comments 0
    SAN FRANCISCO — Psychedelic musical chameleons Osees played the first of four sold-out shows at The Chapel on Sunday night. One of the busiest bands in show business, was fresh off the release of new album Intercepted Message and a string of shows in Europe, with the San…

News

    • Foo Fighters rock for a cause during Dreamforce show at Chase Center
      Foo Fighters rock for a cause during Dreamforce show at Chase Center
      September 14, 2023 at 12:24 am
      Foo Fighters perform during Dreamfest benefitting Benioff Children’s Hospitals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sept. 13, 2023. Photos by Drew Altizer. SAN FRANCISCO —…
      InterMusic SF marks 25 years, announces annual SF Music Day
      InterMusic SF marks 25 years, announces annual SF Music Day
      September 7, 2023 at 1:53 pm
      SF Music Day. More than 24 local music groups will perform at InterMusic’s 16th annual SF Music Day at the War Memorial & Performing Arts Center…
    • Freight & Salvage brings back free Freight Fest this fall
      Freight & Salvage brings back free Freight Fest this fall
      August 17, 2023 at 8:53 pm
      Freight & Salvage, Courtesy: Noah Salzman/Wikicommons. Berkeley’s Freight & Salvage is bringing back its annual street festival this fall, with three stages of performers, for the…
      Foo Fighters to perform at Salesforce's Dreamfest concert in September
      Foo Fighters to perform at Salesforce’s Dreamfest concert in September
      August 17, 2023 at 6:13 am
      Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters performs during Festival d’été de Québec in Quebec City, Canada on July 8, 2023. The band will perform at Dreamfest…
    • Madonna announces rescheduled concert dates at SF's Chase Center, cancels third
      Madonna announces rescheduled concert dates at SF’s Chase Center, cancels third
      August 15, 2023 at 11:14 am
      Madonna: The Celebration Tour. Madonna on Tuesday announced the new dates for the majority of her previously postponed concerts on the Celebration Tour. The new dates…
      Hardly Strictly Bluegrass announces second round of 2023 artists
      Hardly Strictly Bluegrass announces second round of 2023 artists
      August 11, 2023 at 1:13 pm
      Kurt Vile and the Violators perform at the Fox Theater in Oakland on Dec. 12, 2018. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass has announced its second round…
    • Blue Note Jazz Festival: Nas and Robert Glasper lead the way on second day
      Blue Note Jazz Festival: Nas and Robert Glasper lead the way on second day
      July 30, 2023 at 9:19 am
      Robert Glasper, Dave Chappelle and Dwyane Wade share the stage at Blue Note Jazz Festival at Silverado Resort in Napa, Calif. on July 29, 2023. Derek…
      Thousands of friendship-bracelet-swapping Swifties flood Levi's Stadium
      Thousands of friendship-bracelet-swapping Swifties flood Levi’s Stadium
      July 29, 2023 at 3:56 pm
      Taylor Swift fans (called Swifties) Sophia Tesfandrias and Sophia Chen, of Oakland, and Anahita Asudani, of San Mateo, show off their friendship bracelets while waiting to…
    • Obituary: Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor dead at 56
      Obituary: Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor dead at 56
      July 26, 2023 at 11:48 am
      Sinéad O’Connor photographed in October 1988. Photo by Kevin Cummins/Getty Images. Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor died Tuesday at 56. No cause of death was immediately announced…
      Hardly Strictly Bluegrass announces first round of 2023 artists
      Hardly Strictly Bluegrass announces first round of 2023 artists
      July 26, 2023 at 10:31 am
      Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit perform at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley on June 8, 2019. They will perform at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in San…
    • Paramore postpones SF show hours before showtime
      Paramore postpones SF show hours before showtime
      July 22, 2023 at 5:37 pm
      Paramore performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View on July 21, 2018. Photo: Mike DeWald. Paramore has postponed its Saturday, July 22 show at Chase Center…
      Obituary: Crooner and icon Tony Bennett passes away at 96
      Obituary: Crooner and icon Tony Bennett passes away at 96
      July 21, 2023 at 10:30 am
      Tony Bennett. Photo by Virginia Sherwood/NBCUniversal. Singer Tony Bennett died Friday at the age of 96. The legendary crooner’s 85-year career garnered worldwide acclaim and 18…
    • SF Ballet launches choreography incubator program for dancers and students
      SF Ballet launches choreography incubator program for dancers and students
      July 13, 2023 at 5:39 pm
      San Francisco Ballet in Tomasson’s “Swan Lake.” Courtesy Erik Tomasson/SF Ballet. San Francisco Ballet has launched a new incubator program for its dancer and ballet school…
      Duran Duran to play prostate cancer benefit in honor of Andy Taylor in Menlo Park
      Duran Duran to play prostate cancer benefit in honor of Andy Taylor in Menlo Park
      July 13, 2023 at 4:34 pm
      Duran Duran performs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sept. 4, 2022. New romantics Duran Duran will play an intimate fundraiser show at Menlo Park’s…
    • Madonna postpones first leg of Celebration Tour due to illness
      Madonna postpones first leg of Celebration Tour due to illness
      July 10, 2023 at 10:06 am
      Madonna: The Celebration Tour. Madonna has postponed the first North American leg of her Celebration Tour due to complications from a serious infection earlier this month.…
      New leadership, strategy at Audacy led to Live 105 return
      New leadership, strategy at Audacy led to Live 105 return
      June 16, 2023 at 10:39 am
      Live 105 studio in San Francisco circa 2012, courtesy Dallas Osborn. The first discussions to bring back Live 105 happened just a few months ago. Station…
    • KPIX and KBCW to air, livestream Stern Grove Festival shows this summer
      KPIX and KBCW to air, livestream Stern Grove Festival shows this summer
      June 15, 2023 at 10:43 pm
      Attendees at the opening day of the 2022 Stern Grove Festival in San Francisco on June 12, 2022. Marisela Delgado/STAFF. San Francisco’s CBS television stations KPIX…
      Bruce Springsteen reorders San Francisco shows in December
      Bruce Springsteen reorders San Francisco shows in December
      June 10, 2023 at 9:34 am
      Bruce Springsteen performs in Tampa, Flo. on Feb. 1, 2023. Courtesy. Update, June 12: The Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band concert that was originally…
    • SF Giants honor E-40, Bay Area hip-hop at Oracle Park on genre's 50th anniversary
      SF Giants honor E-40, Bay Area hip-hop at Oracle Park on genre’s 50th anniversary
      June 9, 2023 at 9:25 pm
      E-40 throws out the first pitch at a game between the San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs at Oracle Park in San Francisco on June 9,…
      Audacy brings back Live 105, kills off Dave FM
      Audacy brings back Live 105, kills off Dave FM
      June 3, 2023 at 10:14 pm
      Cold War Kids perform at Live 105’s BFD at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View on June 10, 2017. Audacy, the media company that owns KITS 105.3…
    • BottleRock Napa Valley concludes 2023 festival with 2024 presale
      BottleRock Napa Valley concludes 2023 festival with 2024 presale
      May 29, 2023 at 12:10 pm
      BottleRock Napa Valley JaM Cellars stage in 2023. Courtesy. BottleRock Napa Valley concluded its 10th annual festival on Sunday and announced a presale for next year’s…
      Dogstar (Keanu Reeves' band) plays first show in two decades at BottleRock
      Dogstar (Keanu Reeves’ band) plays first show in two decades at BottleRock
      May 27, 2023 at 11:30 pm
      Keanu Reeves performs with Dogstar at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on May 27, 2023. Steve Carlson/STAFF. NAPA — Alt-rock trio Dogstar, best…
    • Stanford Live plans 2023-'24 season around themes of reflection and reinvention
      Stanford Live plans 2023-’24 season around themes of reflection and reinvention
      May 26, 2023 at 11:00 am
      Kronos Quartet performs at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Oct. 4, 2019. The quartet will play during the 2023-’24 Stanford…
      Obituary: Soul, rock and roll icon Tina Turner dead at 83
      Obituary: Soul, rock and roll icon Tina Turner dead at 83
      May 24, 2023 at 11:13 am
      Tina Turner performs in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on Nov. 4, 1990. Photo by Rob Verhorst/Redferns. Superstar Tina Turner, an icon for both showmanship and resilience, has died…

Features

    • INTERVIEW: Shakey Graves breaks the simulation on 'Movie of the Week'
      INTERVIEW: Shakey Graves breaks the simulation on ‘Movie of the Week’
      September 13, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Shakey Graves (Alejandro Rose-Garcia), courtesy. It’s been an unusual day for Alejandro Rose-Garcia. The artist, better known as Shakey Graves, meant to sit down to write…
    • INTERVIEW: Kendra Morris is everything she's been waiting for, imperfections and all
      INTERVIEW: Kendra Morris is everything she’s been waiting for, imperfections and all
      August 28, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Kendra Morris, courtesy Rosie Cohe. Kendra Morris is obsessed with time. I Am What I’m Waiting For Kendra Morris Karma Chief, out now Get the album…
    • Interview: Belinda Carlisle on world-hopping, her 'kismet' reunion with Diane Warren
      Interview: Belinda Carlisle on world-hopping, her ‘kismet’ reunion with Diane Warren
      August 14, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Belinda Carlisle performs at the Palladium in Los Angeles, courtesy Christie Goodwin. Belinda Carlisle of the Go-Go’s and her husband, Morgan Mason, gave up their home…
    • Interview: JAIN getting a boost on new LP 'The Fool' thanks to viral 'Makeba'
      Interview: JAIN getting a boost on new LP ‘The Fool’ thanks to viral ‘Makeba’
      August 10, 2023 at 12:01 am
      JAIN, courtesy Manu Fauque. Jeanne Louise Galice doesn’t spend much time on social media. But the French singer-songwriter, better known as Jain, understands why it’s such…
    • INTERVIEW: Foo Fighters' Chris Shiflett bridges two worlds on 'Lost At Sea'
      INTERVIEW: Foo Fighters’ Chris Shiflett bridges two worlds on ‘Lost At Sea’
      August 7, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Chris Shiflett, courtesy Joey Martinez. There’s little time spent idle for singer-songwriter Chris Shiflett, best known as Foo Fighters’ guitarist. He’s back at his Los Angeles…
    • INTERVIEW: Sir Chloe goes from college thesis to touring with Beck
      INTERVIEW: Sir Chloe goes from college thesis to touring with Beck
      July 31, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Sir Chloe, courtesy. Sir Chloe started out as Dana Foote’s senior thesis. Now she’s opening for Beck and Phoenix on their Summer Odyssey tour across North…
    • INTERVIEW: Yellowcard celebrates 20 years of 'Ocean Avenue' and whatever's next
      INTERVIEW: Yellowcard celebrates 20 years of ‘Ocean Avenue’ and whatever’s next
      July 24, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Yellowcard, courtesy Acacia Evans. If absence makes the heart grow fonder, then Florida rockers Yellowcard and their fans must be bursting with love. Yellowcard Mayday Parade,…
    • Interview: Kora master Sona Jobarteh on education reform in Africa
      Interview: Kora master Sona Jobarteh on education reform in Africa
      June 26, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Sona Jobarteh, courtesy. For Sona Jobarteh, music isn’t just an artistic pursuit or career, but a responsibility to contribute to society and inspire future generations. That’s…

Podcasts

    • RIFF RADIO: Sophie Lloyd lights it up with Trivium collaboration
      RIFF RADIO: Sophie Lloyd lights it up with Trivium collaboration
      February 23, 2023 at 10:15 pm
      Sophie Lloyd, courtesy. Collaborating with Trivium’s Matt Heafy was a full circle moment for guitar shredding phenom Sophie Lloyd. “There’s the picture of me when I…
    • RIFF WITH: Maggie Lindemann serves up a 'Suckerpunch' on debut album
      RIFF WITH: Maggie Lindemann serves up a ‘Suckerpunch’ on debut album
      December 28, 2022 at 12:01 am
      Maggie Lindemann, courtesy. SACRAMENTO — Ask rising star Maggie Lindemann who she’d most like to hit the road with, and the 24-year old Texas singer doesn’t…
    • RIFF RADIO: Sick Puppies' bassist Emma Anzai pulls double duty with Evanescence
      RIFF RADIO: Sick Puppies’ bassist Emma Anzai pulls double duty with Evanescence
      December 5, 2022 at 12:01 am
      Emma Anzai performs with Evanescence at Mediolanum Forum of Assago in Milan, Italy, on Nov. 10, 2022. Photo by Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty Images. Patience is…
    • RIFF RADIO: Mark Tremonti wants to 'Take a Chance' with Sinatra covers album
      RIFF RADIO: Mark Tremonti wants to ‘Take a Chance’ with Sinatra covers album
      June 15, 2022 at 12:01 am
      Mark Tremonti, courtesy. Guitarist and singer Mark Tremonti has thrilled hard rock audiences almost nonstop for more than two decades, churning out blistering guitar solos and…

Album Reviews

    • ALBUM REVIEW: Sufjan Stevens builds on his formula on 'Javelin'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Sufjan Stevens builds on his formula on ‘Javelin’
      September 30, 2023 at 9:27 am
      Sufjan Stevens, “Javelin” Evolutionary biologists contend that in nature, living things tend to evolve from simple to complex. This natural growth in complexity is seen in…
      Quick Takes: Reba McEntire gets the redux treatment on 'Not That Fancy'
      Quick Takes: Reba McEntire gets the redux treatment on ‘Not That Fancy’
      September 30, 2023 at 4:51 am
      Reba McEntire, “Not That Fancy.” Reba McEntire has seen and done many things throughout the course of her nearly 50-year music career, from writing chart-toppers to…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Ed Sheeran changes with the season on 'Autumn Variations'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Ed Sheeran changes with the season on ‘Autumn Variations’
      September 29, 2023 at 1:40 am
      Ed Sheeran, “Autumn Variations.” The seventh album by Ed Sheeran is a collection of firsts. It’s the first release on Sheeran’s own Gingerbread Man Records and…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Wilco taking risks again on 'Cousin,' and it shows
      ALBUM REVIEW: Wilco taking risks again on ‘Cousin,’ and it shows
      September 24, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Wilco, “Cousin.” The best compliment for a new Wilco record is saying you can’t wait for bedtime to lay in a dark room with headphones, soaking…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: LP looks for 'Love Lines' in their story
      ALBUM REVIEW: LP looks for ‘Love Lines’ in their story
      September 23, 2023 at 12:26 pm
      LP, “Love Lines.” Some artists have turned the art of the breakup into literal art, but the resulting songs are often about perceived slights. Singer-songwriter LP…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Doja Cat stands tall on the defiant 'Scarlet'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Doja Cat stands tall on the defiant ‘Scarlet’
      September 21, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Doja Cat, “Scarlet.” The fourth album by rapper and singer Doja Cat pulls very few punches. The 27-year-old, whose name is Amal Diamini, turns up the…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Staind comes roaring back on 'Confessions of the Fallen'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Staind comes roaring back on ‘Confessions of the Fallen’
      September 20, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Staind, “Confessions of the Fallen.” The latest album by Staind, Confessions of the Fallen, caps off a reunion that began in 2019 with a string of…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Kylie Minogue finds freedom in 'Tension'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Kylie Minogue finds freedom in ‘Tension’
      September 17, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Kylie Minogue, “Tension.”` Kylie Minogue shows no desire to slow down on Tension. Tension  Kylie Minogue BMG, Sept. 22 8/10 Get the album on Amazon Music.…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Madison Beer savors the 'Silence Between Songs' on new LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Madison Beer savors the ‘Silence Between Songs’ on new LP
      September 15, 2023 at 1:01 am
      Madison Beer, “Silence Between Songs.” It’s only been a couple years since Madison Beer released her debut album, Life Support, but the 24-year old artist went…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Demi Lovato cranks up rock on 'Revamped'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Demi Lovato cranks up rock on ‘Revamped’
      September 14, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Demi Lovato, “Revamped.” If there were any lingering questions about the commitment of Demi Lovato to their new hard rock persona, Revamped is the answer. The concept…
    • REVIEW: Thirty Seconds to Mars transform on 'It's The End of the World But It's a Beautiful Day'
      REVIEW: Thirty Seconds to Mars transform on ‘It’s The End of the World But It’s a Beautiful Day’
      September 11, 2023 at 4:40 pm
      Thirty Seconds to Mars, “It’s The End Of The World But It’s A Beautiful Day.” Thirty Seconds to Mars have always been a difficult band to…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Willie Nelson translates his sturdy songs well to 'Bluegrass'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Willie Nelson translates his sturdy songs well to ‘Bluegrass’
      September 10, 2023 at 4:40 pm
      Willie Nelson, “Bluegrass.” It’s been said the mark of a good popular song is one that can be performed with only an acoustic guitar and a…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Mitski examines loss on 'The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Mitski examines loss on ‘The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We’
      September 10, 2023 at 9:35 am
      Mitski, “The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We.” Singer-songwriter Mitski is widely regarded for her lyricism and specific musical aesthetic. The Land Is Inhospitable and…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Corinne Bailey Rae bold and outspoken on 'Black Rainbows'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Corinne Bailey Rae bold and outspoken on ‘Black Rainbows’
      September 9, 2023 at 2:39 pm
      Corinne Bailey Rae, “Black Rainbows.” Corinne Bailey Rae hasn’t graced us with an album since 2016’s The Heart Speaks in Whispers. However, her new record is…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Corey Taylor continues to write his own rules with 'CMF2'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Corey Taylor continues to write his own rules with ‘CMF2’
      September 9, 2023 at 9:21 am
      Corey Taylor, “CMF2.” The new solo record from Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor solidifies his status as one of the standard-bearers of hard rock and metal. The…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Barenaked Ladies look to life's latter stages on 'In Flight'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Barenaked Ladies look to life’s latter stages on ‘In Flight’
      September 9, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Barenaked Ladies, “In Flight.” On their new album, In Flight, Canadian quartet Barenaked Ladies address themes of growing old, keeping what’s most important close, and looking at…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Olivia Rodrigo expands her palate on 'GUTS'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Olivia Rodrigo expands her palate on ‘GUTS’
      September 8, 2023 at 5:36 am
      Olivia Rodrigo, “GUTS.” What do Avril Lavigne, Jack White and Taylor Swift all have in common? All of them have met Olivia Rodrigo and love her.…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Chemical Brothers go on another fever dream with 'For That Beautiful Feeling'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Chemical Brothers go on another fever dream with ‘For That Beautiful Feeling’
      September 7, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      The Chemical Brothers, “For That Beautiful Feeling.” At a time when electronic dance music’s many forms lead the way both in innovation and popularity, The Chemical…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: James Blake takes another step on 'Playing Robots Into Heaven'
      ALBUM REVIEW: James Blake takes another step on ‘Playing Robots Into Heaven’
      September 2, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      James Blake, “Playing Robots Into Heaven.” James Blake fans old and new are in for an adventure with Playing Robots Into Heaven. Both an homage to…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Ashley McBryde cuts to the heartbreak on 'The Devil I Know'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Ashley McBryde cuts to the heartbreak on ‘The Devil I Know’
      September 2, 2023 at 9:51 am
      Ashley McBryde, “The Devil I Know.” One of the brightest female voices in country music, Ashley McBryde is back at it with her third album, The…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Royal Blood builds out its sound on 'Back to the Water Below'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Royal Blood builds out its sound on ‘Back to the Water Below’
      September 2, 2023 at 7:33 am
      Royal Blood, “Back to the Water Below.” Just because only two people make up a band, it doesn’t mean they sound like all the other two-person…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Peter Frampton comes back alive 'At Royal Albert Hall'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Peter Frampton comes back alive ‘At Royal Albert Hall’
      August 27, 2023 at 8:38 am
      “Peter Frampton at Royal Albert Hall.” Frampton Comes Alive has sold more than 20 million copies since its release in 1976. Any full and complete reckoning…
    • REVIEW: Slowdive everywhere all at once on 'Everything Is Alive'
      REVIEW: Slowdive everywhere all at once on ‘Everything Is Alive’
      August 26, 2023 at 3:11 pm
      Slowdive, ‘Everything Is Alive” The last time we heard from Slowdive, the shoegaze pioneers reemerged after a 19-year hiatus with a self-titled album in 2017. Slowdive…
      REVIEW: Pretenders' 'Relentless' keeps the observations on love coming strong
      REVIEW: Pretenders’ ‘Relentless’ keeps the observations on love coming strong
      August 26, 2023 at 10:39 am
      Pretenders, “Relentless.” More than 40 years after an amazing debut album, Chrissie Hynde is still baring her emotions for all to see and hear. After all…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Alice Cooper keeps pushing down the 'Road' on live-ish album
      ALBUM REVIEW: Alice Cooper keeps pushing down the ‘Road’ on live-ish album
      August 19, 2023 at 10:41 am
      Alice Cooper, “Road.” Alice Cooper offers up a re-introduction on the opening track of his latest album, Road. Road Alice Cooper earMUSIC, Aug. 25 7/10 Get the…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Asking Alexandria delivers heavy melodies on 'Where Do We Go From Here?'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Asking Alexandria delivers heavy melodies on ‘Where Do We Go From Here?’
      August 19, 2023 at 9:01 am
      Asking Alexandria, “Where Do We Go From Here?” English rockers Asking Alexandria have quietly built a reputation as one of the most dynamic and reliable bands…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Candlebox closes the curtain on 'The Long Goodbye'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Candlebox closes the curtain on ‘The Long Goodbye’
      August 19, 2023 at 1:05 am
      Candlebox, “The Long Goodbye.” Nineties grunge rockers Candlebox are riding off into the sunset, but not before marking a 30-year existence in music with a tour…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Broadway's Idina Menzel hits the dance floor on 'Drama Queen'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Broadway’s Idina Menzel hits the dance floor on ‘Drama Queen’
      August 13, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Idina Menzel, “Drama Queen.” Powerhouse vocalist Idina Menzel moves from the Broadway stage to the dance club on her seventh studio album, Drama Queen. Drama Queen…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Hozier goes from darkness to light on 'Unreal Unearth'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Hozier goes from darkness to light on ‘Unreal Unearth’
      August 12, 2023 at 9:15 pm
      Hozier, “Unreal Unearth.” Hozier has a style and artistry that seems to exist almost outside of time. While the Irish singer-songwriter draws on influences from folk,…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Osees set the controls for the heart of the machine on 'Intercepted Message'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Osees set the controls for the heart of the machine on ‘Intercepted Message’
      August 12, 2023 at 11:20 am
      OSEES, “Intercepted Message.” There are certain things we’ve come to expect in the late summer: mostly short vacations, climate emergencies and back-to-school sales. But ’tis also…
    • REVIEW: Birdy finds herself as an artist on 'Portraits'
      REVIEW: Birdy finds herself as an artist on ‘Portraits’
      August 12, 2023 at 7:28 am
      Birdy, “Portraits.” Even though she’s a songwriter, Birdy first drew attention for her majestic, understated covers. Ten years after she burst on the scene with her…
      REVIEW: Sonic Youth mines the vault with 'Live In Brooklyn 2011' (the final show)
      REVIEW: Sonic Youth mines the vault with ‘Live In Brooklyn 2011’ (the final show)
      August 12, 2023 at 4:25 am
      Sonic Youth, “Live In Brooklyn 2011.” Sonic Youth was my generation’s Camelot. Too young to see Kennedy in the White House, our fin de siècle kingdom…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Jon Batiste redraws genre borders on 'World Music Radio'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Jon Batiste redraws genre borders on ‘World Music Radio’
      August 11, 2023 at 12:02 am
      Jon Batiste, “World Music Radio.” “World music” is such a fraught term. It’s often treated like an “everything else” genre, while there may be as many…
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Hives bring a new noise on ‘The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons’
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Hives bring a new noise on ‘The Death Of Randy Fitzsimmons’
      August 6, 2023 at 12:01 am
      The Hives, “The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons.” Swedish garage rockers The Hive return to the proverbial garage, 11 years after the band’s last album Lex Hives.…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Neil Young awakens 'Chrome Dreams' from the vault
      ALBUM REVIEW: Neil Young awakens ‘Chrome Dreams’ from the vault
      August 5, 2023 at 4:29 pm
      Neil Young, “Chrome Dreams.” Expressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh told his brother Theo to never let anyone see his paintings. Luckily for us, Theo didn’t listen.…
      Album Review: Rick Springfield builds a time machine that works on 'Automatic'
      Album Review: Rick Springfield builds a time machine that works on ‘Automatic’
      July 30, 2023 at 7:57 am
      Rick Springfield, “Automatic.” The last song on the new record by Rick Springfield – the last of 20(!) – is called “We Are Eternal.” Automatic Rick…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: The Front Bottoms lighten up on 'You Are Who You Hang Out With'
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Front Bottoms lighten up on ‘You Are Who You Hang Out With’
      July 30, 2023 at 12:01 am
      The Front Bottoms, “You Are Who You Hang Out With.” By Quinn Gill “The name of this band was gonna be Mass Shooter, but the tone…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Mammoth WVH still missing a collaborative partner on 'II'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Mammoth WVH still missing a collaborative partner on ‘II’
      July 28, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Mammoth WVH, “II.” Listening to the new record by Mammoth WVH, II, something felt strangely familiar. I went back and found my two-year-old review of his…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Post Malone props up 'Austin' with shining singles, some filler
      ALBUM REVIEW: Post Malone props up ‘Austin’ with shining singles, some filler
      July 28, 2023 at 12:41 am
      Post Malone, “Austin.” Post Malone might be the most important name in contemporary pop. Earlier this year, the tattooed rapper and singer broke the record for…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Sevendust reignites the fire and fury on 'Truth Killer'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Sevendust reignites the fire and fury on ‘Truth Killer’
      July 23, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Sevendust, “Truth Killer.” Fourteen albums is a testament to something must be going right. Atlanta quintet Sevendust may be one of the most reliable bands in…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: From Ashes to New turn back the clock on 'Blackout'
      ALBUM REVIEW: From Ashes to New turn back the clock on ‘Blackout’
      July 23, 2023 at 12:01 am
      From Ashes to New, “Blackout.” Pennsylvania rap-rockers From Ashes to New looked to the past for their fourth album, but not how fans might expect. Sonically,…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Bethany Cosentino drives off into adulthood on 'Natural Disaster'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Bethany Cosentino drives off into adulthood on ‘Natural Disaster’
      July 22, 2023 at 12:56 pm
      Bethany Cosentino, “Natural Disaster.” Having a sound that’s uniquely your own as an artist is as much of a hurdle to jump as it is a…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Blur bleak and brilliant on 'The Ballad of Darren'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Blur bleak and brilliant on ‘The Ballad of Darren’
      July 19, 2023 at 4:19 pm
      BLUR, “The Ballad of Darren.” Damon Albarn recently described The Ballad of Darren as “an aftershock record.” The long gaps between albums certainly make new Blur…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Greta Van Fleet returns to its garage rock roots on 'Starcatcher'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Greta Van Fleet returns to its garage rock roots on ‘Starcatcher’
      July 16, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Greta Van Fleet, “Starcatcher.” Greta Van Fleet is always going to be compared to Led Zeppelin. Any review about the rockers that tries hard to avoid…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Nina Simone demonstrates total mastery on 'You've Got To Learn'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Nina Simone demonstrates total mastery on ‘You’ve Got To Learn’
      July 15, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Nina Simone, “You’ve Got to Learn.” In February, vocalist Nina Simone would have turned 90 years old. The jazz legend, who passed away in 2003, released…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Soundgarden gets tribute treatment on 'Redux' albums
      ALBUM REVIEW: Soundgarden gets tribute treatment on ‘Redux’ albums
      July 10, 2023 at 5:29 pm
      Various artists, “Superunkown Redux.” One of rock’s greatest vocalists (Chris Cornell) and one of the genre’s most impactful bands, Soundgarden, get the tribute treatment in the…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: MisterWives debut a new sound on 'Nosebleeds'
      ALBUM REVIEW: MisterWives debut a new sound on ‘Nosebleeds’
      July 9, 2023 at 12:01 am
      MisterWives, “Nosebleeds.” Imagine the nicest person you know. Somebody who is fun, outgoing and is always looking at the bright side. Now imagine that person’s cool…
      REVIEW: Lukas Nelson & POTR plays real American music on 'Sticks and Stones'
      REVIEW: Lukas Nelson & POTR plays real American music on ‘Sticks and Stones’
      July 8, 2023 at 9:01 pm
      Lukas Nelson & POTR, “Sticks and Stones.” Lukas Nelson seems like a fun guy. Even if his musical wanderings aren’t the easiest to nail down. Sticks…
    • REVIEW: Kool & The Gang modernize their party music on 'People Just Wanna Have Fun'
      REVIEW: Kool & The Gang modernize their party music on ‘People Just Wanna Have Fun’
      July 8, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Kool & The Gang, “People Just Wanna Have Fun.” The last album by Kool & the Gang, 2021’s Perfect Union, was a more mature, more sophisticated…

Listen Now

    • VIDEO PREMIERE: Caroline Jones calls to a guardian angel on 'Talking to Milo'
      VIDEO PREMIERE: Caroline Jones calls to a guardian angel on ‘Talking to Milo’
      September 29, 2023 at 7:00 am
      Caroline Jones, courtesy. Country singer-songwriter Caroline Jones is just a few weeks from releasing her third album, Homesite (Oct. 20), and today she’s premiering the final video…
      Tuesday Tracks: Your weekly new music discovery for Sept. 26
      Tuesday Tracks: Your weekly new music discovery for Sept. 26
      September 26, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Static Dress, courtesy Olli Appleyard. In this week’s Tuesday Tracks, we’ve got punk from HotWax, ambient, lo-fi pop from Static Dress, R&B from Karri, acoustic country…

Q&A Interviews

    • Interview: French electro-pop trio Hyphen Hyphen wants to take over the U.S.
      Interview: French electro-pop trio Hyphen Hyphen wants to take over the U.S.
      August 24, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Hyphen Hyphen, courtesy. French synthpop trio Hyphen Hyphen loves finishing each other’s sentences. Like a symbiotic mind on pretty much all matters, vocalist-keyboardist Samanta “Santa” Cotta,…
    • Q&A: Nita Strauss on her new album, working with Alice Cooper and Demi Lovato
      Q&A: Nita Strauss on her new album, working with Alice Cooper and Demi Lovato
      August 19, 2023 at 10:41 am
      Nita Strauss, courtesy Ana Massard. Nita Strauss had just kicked off a headlining tour in Nashville and then slept soundly on her bus all the way…
    • SF visits the 'Haus of Holbein:' An interview with SIX's Jasmine Forsberg
      SF visits the ‘Haus of Holbein:’ An interview with SIX’s Jasmine Forsberg
      March 10, 2023 at 4:13 pm
      The North American “SIX” Aragon Tour. Jasmine Forsberg far left. Photo by Joan Marcus. No theater show since “Hamilton” has had as much buzz and exploded…
    • Q&A: Vanessa Carlton faces off with 'Future Pain' on first headlining tour in years
      Q&A: Vanessa Carlton faces off with ‘Future Pain’ on first headlining tour in years
      March 6, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Vanessa Carlton, courtesy Alysse Gafkjen. Vanessa Carlton is plotting future pain on her first headlining tour since before lockdowns, but it’s a current pain that’s postponed…
    • Q&A: P1Harmony set in and saddle up on their second U.S. tour
      Q&A: P1Harmony set in and saddle up on their second U.S. tour
      February 15, 2023 at 12:01 am
      P1Harmony performs at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland on Jan. 22, 2023. Steve Carlson/STAFF. Up-and-coming K-pop sextet P1Harmony seem genuinely excited to be backstage at the…
    • Q&A: Homeboy Sandman wants to build a label with the greatest rappers in the world
      Q&A: Homeboy Sandman wants to build a label with the greatest rappers in the world
      January 11, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Homeboy Sandman, courtesy Misshattan. Considering how busy New York rapper Homeboy Sandman has been these last couple of years—two EPs, a mixtape, a deluxe edition of…
    • Interview: The London Suede on writing 'Autofiction' and coming up to the U.S.
      Interview: The London Suede on writing ‘Autofiction’ and coming up to the U.S.
      November 2, 2022 at 12:01 am
      The London Suede, courtesy Dean Chalkley. In more than two decades since Suede (they’re known here as The London Suede) last toured in the U.S., the…
    • Q&A: Aussies Ocean Alley bring their 'Low Altitude Living' to the States
      Q&A: Aussies Ocean Alley bring their ‘Low Altitude Living’ to the States
      October 11, 2022 at 11:57 pm
      Ocean Alley performs at House of Blues Anaheim in Anaheim, Calif. on Oct. 11, 2022. Chas Alm/STAFF. Australian band Ocean Alley just arrived in the U.S.…
    • Interview: Metric brings its mental oasis 'Formentera' on the road
      Interview: Metric brings its mental oasis ‘Formentera’ on the road
      September 26, 2022 at 12:01 am
      Emily Haines and Metric, courtesy. Indie rock band Metric has just completed the Canadian leg of its tour in support of new album, Formentera, and with…

Opinion

    • Insert Foot: The Rolling Stones are ancient but they're still here for us
      Insert Foot: The Rolling Stones are ancient but they’re still here for us
      September 10, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Insert Foot is still grateful for the Rolling Stones. All these older rockers are dying off. Jimmy Buffett, Tina Turner, Robbie Robertson, Gary Wright, Tim Bachman,…
    • Insert Foot: The world needs more like Jimmy Buffett
      Insert Foot: The world needs more like Jimmy Buffett
      September 2, 2023 at 7:49 pm
      Jimmy Buffett performs at La Cigale n Paris, France, on Sept. 26, 2014. Photo by David Wolff-Patrick/Redferns. I’m not a huge fan of Jimmy Buffett’s music.…
    • Insert Foot: Here's why Danny Trejo is a great American
      Insert Foot: Here’s why Danny Trejo is a great American
      August 27, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Insert Foot a fan of Danny Trejo Actor Danny Trejo has been sober for 55 years, as of last week. That’s a lot of sobriety. Especially to…
    • Insert Foot: Why an 'NSync reunion might not be the worst thing
      Insert Foot: Why an ‘NSync reunion might not be the worst thing
      August 20, 2023 at 12:01 am
      ‘NSync circa 2000. Original photo: Tim Roney/Getty Images. So ‘NSync is allegedly getting back together. Yay? As a once fully bonded and licensed music critic for…
    • Insert Foot on Afghanistan, where music is now illegal thanks to the Taliban
      Insert Foot on Afghanistan, where music is now illegal thanks to the Taliban
      August 13, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Rendering: Adam Pardee/STAFF. I always thought it a bit strange when people say they “like music.” I didn’t think it was a choice. It’s kind of…
    • Insert Foot: Stephen King has the cure for Marvel burnout
      Insert Foot: Stephen King has the cure for Marvel burnout
      August 6, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Rendering: Adam Pardee/STAFF. I’ve been meaning to go see that movie where the guy from “Peaky Blinders” nukes Barbie, but it all sounds like a sticky,…
    • 14 acts you can't miss at Outside Lands 2023, outside of the headliners
      14 acts you can’t miss at Outside Lands 2023, outside of the headliners
      August 6, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Attendees at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 30, 2021. Courtesy. Outside Lands is bigger than ever in 2023, with a footprint that includes seven…
    • Insert Foot: Jason Aldean was born a century late
      Insert Foot: Jason Aldean was born a century late
      July 22, 2023 at 6:40 pm
      Insert Foot says the new song by Jason Aldean brilliantly lays out the case for “The Andy Griffith Show” being the American norm in 2023 and…
    • Insert Foot: San Francisco didn't look so hellish last week
      Insert Foot: San Francisco didn’t look so hellish last week
      July 16, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Insert Foot spends a night out in San Francisco. Rendering: Adam Pardee/STAFF. I went to San Francisco on a weeknight last week. It was awful. And…

Concert Reviews

    • Portola Festival: Eric Prydz and Nelly Furtado star on day 1
      Portola Festival: Eric Prydz and Nelly Furtado star on day 1
      October 1, 2023 at 8:38 am
      Nelly Furtado performs at Portola Festival in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2023. Matt Pang/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Portola Festival returned to Pier 80 near the…
    • REVIEW: Despite fancy Las Vegas Sphere, U2 reaffirms its strengths lie in connection
      REVIEW: Despite fancy Las Vegas Sphere, U2 reaffirms its strengths lie in connection
      October 1, 2023 at 2:20 am
      U2 performs during the opening night of its U2:UV Live at Sphere residency in Las Vegas on Sept. 29, 2023. Photo: Rich Fury. Others by Kevin…
    • REVIEW: Arctic Monkeys deliver hits and swagger at Chase Center
      REVIEW: Arctic Monkeys deliver hits and swagger at Chase Center
      September 27, 2023 at 5:51 am
      Arctic Monkeys perform at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. on Sept. 26, 2023. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Over their nearly two-decade reign, the Arctic…
    • REVIEW: Tori Kelly 'takes control' at intimate Independent gig
      REVIEW: Tori Kelly ‘takes control’ at intimate Independent gig
      September 24, 2023 at 11:46 pm
      Tori Kelly performs at the Independent in San Francisco on Sept. 24, 2023. Roman Gokhman/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — It’s been a few years since Tori Kelly’s…
    • REVIEW: Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper lead the 'Freaks' in the East Bay
      REVIEW: Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper lead the ‘Freaks’ in the East Bay
      September 23, 2023 at 7:39 am
      Rob Zombie performs at Toyota Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Sept. 22, 2023. Nate McKinley/STAFF. CONCORD, Calif. — It was a rock and roll show meets…
    • REVIEW: Snarky Puppy holds a jazz master class at UC Davis' Mondavi Center
      REVIEW: Snarky Puppy holds a jazz master class at UC Davis’ Mondavi Center
      September 22, 2023 at 4:41 pm
      Snarky Puppy bassist and founder Michael League, center, performs in Vienna, Austria on June 24, 2019. Herbert Neubauer/AFP via Getty Images/TNS. DAVIS, Calif. — Jazz fusion…
    • REVIEW: Ed Sheeran breaks records, brings Mathematics Tour to Levi's Stadium
      REVIEW: Ed Sheeran breaks records, brings Mathematics Tour to Levi’s Stadium
      September 17, 2023 at 8:20 am
      Ed Sheeran performs at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Sept. 16, 2023. Steve Carlson/STAFF. SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Leave it to Ed Sheeran to…
    • REVIEW: Ed Sheeran shares his grief at intimate Subtract Tour gig at the Fox
      REVIEW: Ed Sheeran shares his grief at intimate Subtract Tour gig at the Fox
      September 16, 2023 at 1:29 am
      Ed Sheeran performs during a Subtract Tour club show at Fox Theater in Oakland on Sept. 15, 2023. Courtesy Mark Surridge. OAKLAND — Going on two…
    • REVIEW: Jelly Roll introduces himself to the Bay Area at stellar Toyota Pavilion show
      REVIEW: Jelly Roll introduces himself to the Bay Area at stellar Toyota Pavilion show
      September 15, 2023 at 2:33 am
      Jelly Roll performs at Toyota Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Sept. 14, 2023. Sean Liming/STAFF. CONCORD, Calif. — Don’t doubt someone who’s completely sold on the…
    • Foo Fighters rock for a cause during Dreamforce show at Chase Center
      Foo Fighters rock for a cause during Dreamforce show at Chase Center
      September 14, 2023 at 12:24 am
      Foo Fighters perform during Dreamfest benefitting Benioff Children’s Hospitals at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sept. 13, 2023. Photos by Drew Altizer. SAN FRANCISCO —…
    • REVIEW: Jungle explosive and 'volcanic' at Bill Graham Civic tour stop
      REVIEW: Jungle explosive and ‘volcanic’ at Bill Graham Civic tour stop
      September 10, 2023 at 7:48 am
      Jungle performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Sept. 9, 2023. Matt Pang/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — British duo Jungle took its signature nu-disco electronic…
    • REVIEW: Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire pull an 'all-nighter' at Chase Center
      REVIEW: Lionel Richie and Earth, Wind & Fire pull an ‘all-nighter’ at Chase Center
      September 9, 2023 at 8:24 am
      Lionel Richie performs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sept. 8, 2023. Derek Fisher/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Grammy-winning artist Lionel Richie brought his Sing A…
    • REVIEW: Maluma arrives as Don Juan at SAP Center
      REVIEW: Maluma arrives as Don Juan at SAP Center
      September 7, 2023 at 8:05 am
      Maluma performs at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Sept. 6, 2023. Italie Penaloza/STAFF. SAN JOSE — After taking a year off from touring to…
    • REVIEW: Osees go the distance at The Chapel
      REVIEW: Osees go the distance at The Chapel
      September 4, 2023 at 7:21 am
      SAN FRANCISCO — Psychedelic musical chameleons Osees played the first of four sold-out shows at The Chapel on Sunday night. One of the busiest bands in…
    • REVIEW: LL Cool J leads legends of hip-hop on F.O.R.C.E. Tour stop at Chase Center
      REVIEW: LL Cool J leads legends of hip-hop on F.O.R.C.E. Tour stop at Chase Center
      September 2, 2023 at 8:38 am
      LL Cool J performs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sept. 1, 2023. Matt Pang/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — LL Cool J brought out some of…
    • REVIEW: Sam Smith plays Aphrodite at Oakland Arena
      REVIEW: Sam Smith plays Aphrodite at Oakland Arena
      August 28, 2023 at 7:43 am
      Sam Smith performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland, Calif. on Aug. 27, 2023. Matt Pang/STAFF. OAKLAND — Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, beauty, pleasure and…
    • REVIEW: Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa and friends happy to bring their High School Reunion to the Bay
      REVIEW: Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa and friends happy to bring their High School Reunion to the Bay
      August 27, 2023 at 2:42 am
      Snoop Dogg performs at Toyota Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Aug. 26, 2023. David Jones/STAFF. CONCORD, Calif. — Before Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa returned to…
    • REVIEW: Blackpink brings its Born Pink tour to the Bay Area
      REVIEW: Blackpink brings its Born Pink tour to the Bay Area
      August 23, 2023 at 1:01 am
      Blackpink performs at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Aug. 22, 2023. Courtesy YG Entertainment. SAN FRANCISCO — Drawing a near-capacity crowd to Oracle Park on…
    • REVIEW: Zach Bryan heats up Oakland Arena, celebrates A's win with hero Brent Rooker
      REVIEW: Zach Bryan heats up Oakland Arena, celebrates A’s win with hero Brent Rooker
      August 22, 2023 at 8:10 am
      Zach Bryan performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland, Calif. on Aug. 21, 2023. Sean Liming/STAFF. OAKLAND — “I’m really sorry it’s Monday,” country star Zach Bryan…

Photos

    • PHOTOS: The Warning gives a little 'More' at Fillmore tour stop
      PHOTOS: The Warning gives a little ‘More’ at Fillmore tour stop
      May 5, 2023 at 7:36 am
      The Warning performs at The Fillmore in San Francisco on May 5, 2023. SAN FRANCISCO — The Fillmore has played host to a who’s who of…
    • PHOTOS: 'Mega-Monsters' Mastodon and Gojira storm Concord Pavilion
      PHOTOS: ‘Mega-Monsters’ Mastodon and Gojira storm Concord Pavilion
      April 21, 2023 at 7:09 am
      Mastodon performs at Concord Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on April 20, 2023. Sean Liming/STAFF. CONCORD, Calif. — Metal mainstays Mastodon and Gojira brought their Mega-Monsters Tour to the…
    • PHOTOS: Phish kicks off three-night stand at the Greek
      PHOTOS: Phish kicks off three-night stand at the Greek
      April 18, 2023 at 7:01 am
      Phish performs at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley on April 17, 2023. Matt Pang/STAFF. BERKELEY — Legendary jam band Phish returned to the Greek Theatre for…
    • PHOTOS: Burna Boy brings 'Love, Damini' tour to Oakland Arena
      PHOTOS: Burna Boy brings ‘Love, Damini’ tour to Oakland Arena
      April 9, 2023 at 6:14 am
      Burna Boy performs at Oakland Arena on April 8, 2023. Italie Penaloza/STAFF. OAKLAND – After delivering a stellar co-headlining performance last weekend at Dreamville Festival in North…
    • PHOTOS: Static-X kicks off 'Machine' anniversary tour at the Fillmore
      PHOTOS: Static-X kicks off ‘Machine’ anniversary tour at the Fillmore
      February 26, 2023 at 10:41 am
      Static-X performs at the Fillmore in San Francisco on Feb. 25, 2023. Nate McKinley/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Industrial metallers Static-X returned to the Bay Area Saturday on…
    • PHOTOS: Lizzo has one 'Special' night at San Francisco's Chase Center
      PHOTOS: Lizzo has one ‘Special’ night at San Francisco’s Chase Center
      November 13, 2022 at 7:55 am
      Lizzo performs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Nov. 12, 2022. Onome Uyovbievbo/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — R&B superstar Lizzo brought her “Special” Tour to Chase Center…
    • PHOTOS: St. Lucia brings 'Utopia' to August Hall
      PHOTOS: St. Lucia brings ‘Utopia’ to August Hall
      October 30, 2022 at 12:54 am
      St. Lucia performs at August Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 28, 2022. Mike DeWald/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Dance pop quintet St. Lucia, touring new album…

Festivals

    • Portola Festival: Eric Prydz and Nelly Furtado star on day 1
      Portola Festival: Eric Prydz and Nelly Furtado star on day 1
      October 1, 2023 at 8:38 am
      Nelly Furtado performs at Portola Festival in San Francisco on Sept. 30, 2023. Matt Pang/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Portola Festival returned to Pier 80 near the…
      INTERVIEW: Shakey Graves breaks the simulation on 'Movie of the Week'
      INTERVIEW: Shakey Graves breaks the simulation on ‘Movie of the Week’
      September 13, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Shakey Graves (Alejandro Rose-Garcia), courtesy. It’s been an unusual day for Alejandro Rose-Garcia. The artist, better known as Shakey Graves, meant to sit down to write…
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      Sol Blume: Kehlani and Teyana Taylor put an exclamation point on final day
      August 21, 2023 at 8:26 am
      Kehlani performs during Sol Blume Festival at Discovery Park in Sacramento on Aug. 20, 2023. Marisela Delgado/STAFF. SACRAMENTO — The East Bay’s Kehlani and New York’s…
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      Sol Blume: Brent Faiyaz, Ella Mai, Bay Area’s P-Lo top day 1
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      Brent Faiyaz performs during Sol Blume Festival at Discovery Park in Sacramento on Aug. 19, 2023. Courtesy Sol Blume. All other photos: Marisela Delgado/STAFF. SACRAMENTO —…
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      Outside Lands: The 1975 play it straight on festival’s final night
      August 13, 2023 at 11:45 pm
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      Outside Lands: Megan Thee Stallion shakes her assets
      Outside Lands: Megan Thee Stallion shakes her assets
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      Megan Thee Stallion performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 13, 2023. Photo: Alive Coverage. SAN FRANCISCO —…
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      Outside Lands: Lil Yachty opens it up and closes it down in rock-heavy set
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      Outside Lands: Inhaler charms with good ol’ rock and roll
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      Outside Lands: Lana Del Rey takes her audience ‘Under Ocean Blvd’
      August 13, 2023 at 7:37 am
      Lana Del Rey performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 12, 2023. Photo: Alive Coverage. SAN FRANCISCO —…
      Outside Lands: Foo Fighters keep fans guessing on festival's second day
      Outside Lands: Foo Fighters keep fans guessing on festival’s second day
      August 13, 2023 at 12:09 am
      Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 12, 2023. SAN FRANCISCO —…
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      Outside Lands: Maggie Rogers offers a beacon of light in the fog
      August 12, 2023 at 8:38 pm
      Maggie Rogers performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 12, 2023. Courtesy Alive Coverage. SAN FRANCISCO — It…
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      Outside Lands: NIKI shows pop versatility in her fest debut
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      NIKI performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 12, 2023. STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Singer-songwriter NIKI showed some…
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      Outside Lands: Kendrick Lamar leads first night of festival’s 15th year
      August 12, 2023 at 12:54 am
      Kendrick Lamar performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 2023. Matt Pang/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Outside Lands…