• Tuesday Tracks: bug crush, Pachyman, Naomi Sharon
    Apr 01 2025
    12:01 AM

    Tuesday Tracks: bug crush, Pachyman, Naomi Sharon

    Peter Knezevich No Comments 0
    Bug Crush, courtesy. This week’s edition contains a diverse mix with garage rock from bug crush, warm dub from Pachyman, soulful R&B by Naomi Sharon, an alternative jam by Jawny, uplifting outdoor disco from Poolside and Satin Jackets, modern jazz fusion by corto.alto and a contemporary rendition of…
  • INTERVIEW: Black Map charts a new course with ‘Hex'
    Mar 31 2025
    09:40 AM

    INTERVIEW: Black Map charts a new course with ‘Hex’

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    Black Map, courtesy. Hex marks the spot for Bay Area rock trio Black Map as the band returns with its fourth album. The title track, “Hex (Come Get It),” mixes a melodic post-grunge with alt-rock; it’s a riff-laden anthem with a shout-along chorus. It followed the first taste…
  • REVIEW: Franz Ferdinand fearlessly takes over the Warfield
    Mar 29 2025
    02:49 AM

    REVIEW: Franz Ferdinand fearlessly takes over the Warfield

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Franz Ferdinand performs at the Warfield in San Francisco on March 28, 2025. Steve Carlson/STAFF SAN FRANCISCO — Playing its first Bay Area concert in three years, Scottish rock band Franz Ferdinand blasted through a 20-song set at the Warfield on Friday. The quintet, which is touring a…
  • REVIEW: Breeders' Kim Deal goes solo at the Fillmore
    Mar 27 2025
    06:40 AM

    REVIEW: Breeders’ Kim Deal goes solo at the Fillmore

    David Gill No Comments 0
    Kim Deal of the Breeders performs during Ohana Festival at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, Calif. on Sept. 29, 2024. Photo by Gilbert Flores/Getty Images. SAN FRANCISCO — While Kim Deal‘s tour in support of her new solo album may not feature the bands that made her…
  • Tuesday Tracks: Alexandra Savior, Mamalarky, Erin LeCount
    Mar 25 2025
    12:01 AM

    Tuesday Tracks: Alexandra Savior, Mamalarky, Erin LeCount

    Sery Morales No Comments 0
    Alexandra Savior, Photo: Angela Ricciardi. The ethereal pop of Alexandra Savior, Andy Frasco & The U.N.’s raw garage-infused blues rock, baroque pop from Erin LeCount, Taylor Rae’s soulful pop, Mamalarky’s inventive rock and Amy Millan’s introspective folk. Alexandra Savior, “Unforgivable” — Portland singer-songwriter Alexandra Savior delivers a haunting…
  • INTERVIEW: Bria Salmena gets knocked down, gets back up with 'Big Dog'
    Mar 24 2025
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: Bria Salmena gets knocked down, gets back up with ‘Big Dog’

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Bria Salmena, Photo: Matthew Tammaro. While Toronto-area native Bria Salmena partnered with several friends—some of whom she’s been making music with for years—for her new album, she describes the finished work, Big Dog, as her most personal. Big Dog Bria Salmena Sub Pop, March 28 Get the album…
  • Tuesday Tracks: Trousdale, Panchiko, Jade Bird
    Mar 18 2025
    12:01 AM

    Tuesday Tracks: Trousdale, Panchiko, Jade Bird

    Rachel Alm No Comments 0
    Trousdale, Photo: Alex Lang. This week on Tuesday Tracks, we’ve got new pop tunes by Trousdale, Emily Haber, googly eyes, Jade Bird and Kaleah Lee. We’ve also got a shoegaze song from Panchiko and jazz by David Murray. Emily Haber, “Nostalgia” – Haber says “Nostalgia” is “a tribute…
  • INTERVIEW: St. Lucia goes gardening on 'experimental' new record
    Mar 12 2025
    09:34 PM

    INTERVIEW: St. Lucia goes gardening on ‘experimental’ new record

    Ben Siegel No Comments 0
    St. Lucia (Jean-Philip Grobler and Patti Beranek), Photo: Xander Ferreira. In recent music videos and live performances, St. Lucia band members and spouses Jean-Philip Grobler and Patti Beranek wear matching bright red outfits in the middle of expansive desert landscapes. The videos, filmed on a road trip in…
  • REVIEW: Poppy reigns as scream queen at Fillmore tour opener
    Mar 12 2025
    07:35 AM

    REVIEW: Poppy reigns as scream queen at Fillmore tour opener

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    Poppy (Moriah Rose Pereira) performs at the Fillmore in San Francisco on March 11, 2025. Photos: Alana Lopez. SAN FRANCISCO — A little more Poppy could be the answer to a divided world. The enigmatic metalcore/pop vocalist drew a diverse crowd to the sold-out opening night of her…
  • REVIEW: JoJo in her ‘oversharing' era at the Warfield
    Mar 06 2025
    07:20 AM

    REVIEW: JoJo in her ‘oversharing’ era at the Warfield

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    JoJo performs at the Warfield in San Francisco on March 5, 2025. Aaron Lee/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Soulful pop artist Joanna Levesque, better known as JoJo, continues to ride the wave of her musical renaissance to new heights. Her Too Much to Say Tour made a midweek stop…
  • REVIEW: Finneas shows growth as a performer and charms at the Masonic
    Mar 05 2025
    07:15 AM

    REVIEW: Finneas shows growth as a performer and charms at the Masonic

    Jane Hu No Comments 0
    Finneas performs at the Masonic in San Francisco on March 4, 2025. Photos: Elena Strawn/High Rise PR. SAN FRANCISCO — Finneas‘ sold-out For Crying Out Loud tour stop at the Masonic was a fun evening of straightforward pop gems. Emerging as a solo artist out from the shadow…
  • Introducing Tehya: Seattle artist goes from room service to the fast lane
    Mar 05 2025
    12:01 AM

    Introducing Tehya: Seattle artist goes from room service to the fast lane

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    TEHYA, courtesy contradash. Since she moved out of her house at 16, when her mom and stepdad moved from Seattle to the East Coast, but she refused to uproot her life, Tehya has lived on a houseboat, a house to a music collective in the city’s Capitol Hill…

News

    • Mountain Winery announces 2025 concert series, ticket on-sales
      Mountain Winery announces 2025 concert series, ticket on-sales
      March 21, 2025 at 9:44 am
      David Lee Roth performs at the Oakland Arena in Oakland on March 6, 2020. He will perform during The Mountain Winery Summer Concert Series in 2025.…
      Common, Mavis Staples, PJ Morton to play 35th San Jose Jazz Summer Fest
      Common, Mavis Staples, PJ Morton to play 35th San Jose Jazz Summer Fest
      March 20, 2025 at 8:35 pm
      Common performs during the Black Radio Experience at Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa on Aug. 30, 2024. He will headline the San Jose Jazz Summer…
    • Billy Joel announces first Bay Area show in 10 years, with Stevie Nicks
      Billy Joel announces first Bay Area show in 10 years, with Stevie Nicks
      February 27, 2025 at 12:20 pm
      Billy Joel performs during the 66th GRAMMY Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Feb. 4, 2024. Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for The Recording…
      The Coverups, E-40, Linda Perry headline BottleRock AfterDark shows
      The Coverups, E-40, Linda Perry headline BottleRock AfterDark shows
      February 25, 2025 at 8:00 am
      Green Day performs at The Fillmore in San Francisco on April 2, 2024. Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt will bring their side project the Coverups…
    • Wu-Tang Clan announces 'final' tour, Chase Center show in SF
      Wu-Tang Clan announces ‘final’ tour, Chase Center show in SF
      February 24, 2025 at 9:21 am
      Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber. Hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan on Monday announced a new tour—billed as its last—Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber. The 27-date tour will…
      Neil Young announces tour with new band, Bay Area date at Shoreline Amphitheatre
      Neil Young announces tour with new band, Bay Area date at Shoreline Amphitheatre
      February 24, 2025 at 8:40 am
      Neil Young and Promise of the Real perform at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on May 25, 2019. Shawn Robbins/STAFF. Neil Young on…
    • Paul Simon announces summer tour, 3 San Francisco shows
      Paul Simon announces summer tour, 3 San Francisco shows
      February 18, 2025 at 11:19 am
      Paul Simon: A Quiet Celebration Tour. Music icon Paul Simon on Tuesday announced a spring and summer tour supporting his latest album, Seven Psalms, which will…
      SF Symphony to host 'SF Musicians for LA' benefit concert
      SF Symphony to host ‘SF Musicians for LA’ benefit concert
      February 14, 2025 at 11:24 am
      SF Musicians for LA The San Francisco Symphony and San Francisco Conservatory of Music will present a special concert on March 8 with proceeds going to…
    • Grace Potter, Gary Clark Jr. to play UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals Notes & Words benefit
      Grace Potter, Gary Clark Jr. to play UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals Notes & Words benefit
      February 11, 2025 at 6:51 pm
      Grace Potter, courtesy Adrien Broom. Bluesman Gary Clark Jr. and alt-rock musician Grace Potter will headline UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals’ 16th annual Notes & Words concert,…
      Raphael Saadiq to perform at NBA All-Star Game, Thursday's 'Tip-Off Party' at Thrive City canceled
      Raphael Saadiq to perform at NBA All-Star Game, Thursday’s ‘Tip-Off Party’ at Thrive City canceled
      February 11, 2025 at 5:20 pm
      Raphael Saadiq, D’wayne Wiggins and Timothy Christian Riley perform as Tony! Toni! Toné! at Ovens Auditorium in Charlotte, N.C. on Sept. 22, 2023. As NBA All-Star…
    • Neil Young covers album to benefit the Bay's Bridge School
      Neil Young covers album to benefit the Bay’s Bridge School
      February 8, 2025 at 8:21 pm
      “Heart of Gold: The Songs of Neil Young.” The annual Bridge School Benefit concert may be a thing of the past, but Neil Young is still…
      Gary Clark Jr., Nile Rodgers to play Mill Valley Music Festival in May
      Gary Clark Jr., Nile Rodgers to play Mill Valley Music Festival in May
      February 8, 2025 at 6:56 pm
      Gary Clark Jr. performs at Blue Note Jazz Festival at Silverado Resort in Napa, Calif. on July 30, 2023. He will headline Mill Valley Music Festival…
    • Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé win big at uplifting Grammy Awards
      Kendrick Lamar, Beyoncé win big at uplifting Grammy Awards
      February 2, 2025 at 9:29 pm
      Chappell Roan performs during the 67th Annual Grammy Awards at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Feb. 2, 2025. Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for The…
      The Weeknd announces stadium tour, July Levi's date
      The Weeknd announces stadium tour, July Levi’s date
      January 31, 2025 at 9:47 am
      The Weeknd performs at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Aug. 27, 2022. Photo: Steve Carlson/STAFF. Hot on the heels of releasing a new album,…
    • 67th Grammy Awards to take on muted tone following L.A. wildfires
      67th Grammy Awards to take on muted tone following L.A. wildfires
      January 29, 2025 at 7:09 am
      Grammy trophies sit in the press room during the 60th Annual Grammy Awards on Jan. 28, 2018, in New York. DON EMMERT/AFP via Getty Images. Following…
      Katy Perry announces U.S. shows, Chase Center gig in San Francisco
      Katy Perry announces U.S. shows, Chase Center gig in San Francisco
      January 27, 2025 at 8:03 am
      Katy Perry. Photo: Louisa Meng. Pop singer Katy Perry has announced U.S. concerts for her previously announced Lifetimes Tour. The new shows have been added in…
    • Mosswood Meltdown adds more acts, announces daily lineups
      Mosswood Meltdown adds more acts, announces daily lineups
      January 16, 2025 at 10:00 am
      Shannon and the Clams perform during Project Pabst at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, Ore. on July 27, 2024. Photo: Leah Flores. The producers of…
      BottleRock releases daily lineups, one-day tickets on-sale Thursday
      BottleRock releases daily lineups, one-day tickets on-sale Thursday
      January 15, 2025 at 7:59 am
      Justin Timberlake, courtesy. Just days after announcing the 2025 festival offerings, BottleRock Napa Valley is releasing the daily lineups for this year’s event. Single-day tickets will…
    • J-Hope of BTS announces solo tour, Oakland Arena shows
      J-Hope of BTS announces solo tour, Oakland Arena shows
      January 14, 2025 at 11:06 pm
      J-Hope of BTS. J-Hope of K-pop supergroup BTS on Tuesday announced a 12-date solo tour for this spring. The Hope on the Stage trek includes two…
      Metallica donates $500k to L.A. County fire relief through its nonprofit
      Metallica donates $500k to L.A. County fire relief through its nonprofit
      January 13, 2025 at 4:15 pm
      Homes and businesses reduced to smoldering rubble by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Jan. 10, 2025. Photo by David…
    • Justin Timberlake, Green Day, Noah Kahan to headline BottleRock Napa Valley
      Justin Timberlake, Green Day, Noah Kahan to headline BottleRock Napa Valley
      January 13, 2025 at 8:00 am
      Green Day performs at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sept. 20, 2024. The East Bay band is one of three headliners at BottleRock Napa Valley…
      Sweet Relief to honor Joan Baez, celebrate 30th anniversary at SF fundraiser show
      Sweet Relief to honor Joan Baez, celebrate 30th anniversary at SF fundraiser show
      December 17, 2024 at 1:21 pm
      Joan Baez performs at Acoustic-4-A-Cure at The Fillmore in San Francisco on May 13, 2023. Steve Carlson/STAFF. Nonprofit Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, which provides financial assistance…
    • In the Name of Love concert to honor MLK Jr. through songs of Aretha Franklin
      In the Name of Love concert to honor MLK Jr. through songs of Aretha Franklin
      December 13, 2024 at 11:54 am
      In the Name of Love 2025, featuring the music of Aretha Franklin. Living Jazz and SFJAZZ have partnered to produce In the Name of Love, the…
      Pennywise to headline second Punk In The Park music and brew festival in May
      Pennywise to headline second Punk In The Park music and brew festival in May
      December 13, 2024 at 11:05 am
      Randy Bradbury (L) and Jim Lindberg of Pennywise perform at Zitadelle Spandau in Berlin, Germany on June 8, 2024. The band will headline Punk in the…

Features

    • INTERVIEW: Bria Salmena gets knocked down, gets back up with 'Big Dog'
      INTERVIEW: Bria Salmena gets knocked down, gets back up with ‘Big Dog’
      March 24, 2025 at 12:01 am
      Bria Salmena, Photo: Matthew Tammaro. While Toronto-area native Bria Salmena partnered with several friends—some of whom she’s been making music with for years—for her new album,…
    • INTERVIEW: St. Lucia goes gardening on 'experimental' new record
      INTERVIEW: St. Lucia goes gardening on ‘experimental’ new record
      March 12, 2025 at 9:34 pm
      St. Lucia (Jean-Philip Grobler and Patti Beranek), Photo: Xander Ferreira. In recent music videos and live performances, St. Lucia band members and spouses Jean-Philip Grobler and…
    • Introducing Tehya: Seattle artist goes from room service to the fast lane
      Introducing Tehya: Seattle artist goes from room service to the fast lane
      March 5, 2025 at 12:01 am
      TEHYA, courtesy contradash. Since she moved out of her house at 16, when her mom and stepdad moved from Seattle to the East Coast, but she…
    • INTERVIEW: Josh Gilligan goes looking for company on 'Party of One'
      INTERVIEW: Josh Gilligan goes looking for company on ‘Party of One’
      January 20, 2025 at 12:01 am
      Josh Gilligan, Photo: Emory Brown. Josh Gilligan’s new album, Party of One, almost turned out very differently, and might not have been made at all. The Florida-born,…
    • Interview: Fatherhood defuses Franz Ferdinand frontman’s fears
      Interview: Fatherhood defuses Franz Ferdinand frontman’s fears
      January 10, 2025 at 12:01 am
      Franz Ferdinand, courtesy. Much is going on in the life of Franz Ferdinand frontman Alex Kapranos as of late. The Scottish quartet is back with its…
    • INTERVIEW: 'Star Wars: Skeleton Crew' composer Mick Giacchino blasts off on an adventure
      INTERVIEW: ‘Star Wars: Skeleton Crew’ composer Mick Giacchino blasts off on an adventure
      December 28, 2024 at 5:52 pm
      “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew,” courtesy Disney. Excitement, eagerness and a little bit of fear; this is what the kids in “Star Wars: Skeleton Crew” feel when…
    • INTERVIEW: Silly Goose gets serious despite some ‘Bad Behavior'
      INTERVIEW: Silly Goose gets serious despite some ‘Bad Behavior’
      December 23, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Silly Goose, courtesy. The humble beginnings of rising rap-rock stars Silly Goose seem long ago. Coming up outside of Atlanta, the band got creative, leaning on…
    • INTERVIEW: Dead Poet Society feels the ‘Hurt’ with new collab
      INTERVIEW: Dead Poet Society feels the ‘Hurt’ with new collab
      December 16, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Dead Poet Society, courtesy. Boston quartet Dead Poet Society isn’t your average modern rock band. Sure, the guitar riffs and the big hooks are there, but…

Q&A's

    • Q&A: K-poppers Young Posse looking to the golden age of hip-hop for inspiration
      Q&A: K-poppers Young Posse looking to the golden age of hip-hop for inspiration
      November 11, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Young Posse, courtesy. K-pop rap group Young Posse is having a ball on its first tour in America. The all-girl quintet—all its members are still in…
    • Q&A: Going 'home' with Oregonian Mat Kearney
      Q&A: Going ‘home’ with Oregonian Mat Kearney
      June 10, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Mat Kearney, courtesy Michelle Baldwin. Singer-songwriter Mat Kearney was in San Francisco a couple weeks back, performing a private show at Great American Music Hall. The…
    • Q&A: Nelly bringing the 'Heartland' to the Bay with BottleRock, Janet Jackson tour
      Q&A: Nelly bringing the ‘Heartland’ to the Bay with BottleRock, Janet Jackson tour
      May 13, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Nelly performs at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 31, 2021. Adam Pardee/STAFF. Nelly might have sold half his music catalog last summer, but the…
    • Q&A: Kim Petras riding an 'Unholy' wave with 'Feed the Beast' tour
      Q&A: Kim Petras riding an ‘Unholy’ wave with ‘Feed the Beast’ tour
      October 23, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Kim Petras performs during her Feed The Beast World Tour at Moody Amphitheater in Austin, Texas on Sept. 27, 2023. Photo by Renee Dominguez/Getty Images. Problematique was…

Album Reviews

    • REVIEW: Will Smith faces elephants in the room with ‘Based on a True Story'
      REVIEW: Will Smith faces elephants in the room with ‘Based on a True Story’
      March 27, 2025 at 10:58 pm
      Will Smith, “Based on a True Story.” It doesn’t take so much as one bar to get a sense of direction for Will Smith’s return to…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Lucy Dacus gets lighter on 'Forever is a Feeling'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Lucy Dacus gets lighter on ‘Forever is a Feeling’
      March 24, 2025 at 9:50 pm
      Lucy Dacus, “Forever is a Feeling.” Forever is a Feeling is an album made by a woman in love. Lucy Dacus has always brought a disarming…
    • REVIEW: Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco tie the knot with ‘I Said I Love You First'
      REVIEW: Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco tie the knot with ‘I Said I Love You First’
      March 20, 2025 at 10:32 pm
      Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco, “I Said I Love You First.” Some newly engaged couples spend their days meticulously planning their wedding or dreaming up ideas…
      ALBUM REVIEW: My Morning Jacket 'Is' refreshingly upbeat on new album
      ALBUM REVIEW: My Morning Jacket ‘Is’ refreshingly upbeat on new album
      March 15, 2025 at 8:15 pm
      My Morning Jacket, “Is.” Listening to My Morning Jacket’s new record Is makes you realize there’s a lot of good news there. Is My Morning Jacket…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Michelle Zauner strolls through new Japanese Breakfast LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Michelle Zauner strolls through new Japanese Breakfast LP
      March 15, 2025 at 10:14 am
      Japanese Breakfast, “For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women)” Japanese Breakfast, the project of vocalist, guitarist and songwriter Michelle Zauner, has been in the indie spotlight for…
      ALBUM REVIEW: St. Lucia hones its ambition on ‘Fata Morgana: Dawn'
      ALBUM REVIEW: St. Lucia hones its ambition on ‘Fata Morgana: Dawn’
      March 9, 2025 at 8:46 pm
      St. Lucia, “Fata Morgana: Dawn.” Synth-pop band St. Lucia took an unusual timeline releasing its fifth album, Fata Morgana: Dawn. The material was constructed mostly prior to…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Clipping. perfectly captures cyberpunk with fantastic 'Dead Channel Sky'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Clipping. perfectly captures cyberpunk with fantastic ‘Dead Channel Sky’
      March 8, 2025 at 5:41 pm
      clipping., “Dead Channel Sky” Dead Channel Sky, the fifth album by hip-hop trio clipping., is really great. But first, a history lesson; please bear with me.…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Lady Gaga unleashes nostalgic 'Mayhem'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Lady Gaga unleashes nostalgic ‘Mayhem’
      March 7, 2025 at 7:11 am
      Lady Gaga, “MAYHEM.” Don’t let the title fool you. Lady Gaga is the most grounded she’s been in the entirety of her career. Her seventh album,…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Jennie offers the strongest of Blackpink's solo work with ‘Ruby’
      ALBUM REVIEW: Jennie offers the strongest of Blackpink’s solo work with ‘Ruby’
      March 6, 2025 at 11:03 pm
      Jennie Kim, “Ruby.” Blackpink’s Jennie Kim is the last member of the K-pop group to release a solo album. Like her group-mates, Jennie’s Ruby incorporates a…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Solo acoustic setting suits Jason Isbell well on 'Foxes In The Snow'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Solo acoustic setting suits Jason Isbell well on ‘Foxes In The Snow’
      March 1, 2025 at 9:00 pm
      Jason Isbell, “Foxes in the Snow.” The lyrics of Jason Isbell — intimate, confessional, vulnerable — haven’t always been as one with the music that enveloped…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Neil Young takes down another shelved '70s record
      ALBUM REVIEW: Neil Young takes down another shelved ’70s record
      February 28, 2025 at 3:23 pm
      Neil Young, “Oceanside Countryside.” Neil Young has returned with what is to some a holy grail, another unreleased album from the 1970s. Oceanside Countryside Neil Young…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Lisa of Blackpink explores her ‘Alter Ego’ on solo LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Lisa of Blackpink explores her ‘Alter Ego’ on solo LP
      February 27, 2025 at 10:19 pm
      Lisa of Blackpink, “Alter Ego.” As fans anxiously await a series of reunion concerts by K-pop superstars Blackpink this summer, its members are venturing out with…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Tate McRae in her groove on ‘So Close to What'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Tate McRae in her groove on ‘So Close to What’
      February 20, 2025 at 10:27 pm
      Tate McRae, “So Close to What.” Canadian pop star Tate McRae didn’t let a premature leak of what would eventually become her latest album, So Close…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Sam Fender turns the focus outward, goes 'People Watching'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Sam Fender turns the focus outward, goes ‘People Watching’
      February 20, 2025 at 9:00 pm
      Sam Fender, “People Watching.” British songwriter Sam Fender is perhaps best known for pulling from experiences of his coastal hometown of North Shields, along the Black…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Alessia Cara finds the light on ‘Love & Hyperbole'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Alessia Cara finds the light on ‘Love & Hyperbole’
      February 10, 2025 at 12:40 pm
      Alessia Cara, “Love & Hyperbole.” Canadian singer-songwriter Alessia Cara pushed toward the positive on her fourth album, Love & Hyperbole. In the process of finding the…
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Lumineers' ‘Automatic' buzzes with undercurrent
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Lumineers’ ‘Automatic’ buzzes with undercurrent
      February 9, 2025 at 10:00 am
      The Lumineers, “Automatic.” For Automatic, its fifth album, folky duo The Lumineers pulled inspiration from the Beatles’ 2021 documentary, Get Back. With a goal of finding…
    • REVIEW: Olly Alexander of Years & Years transcends with 'Polari'
      REVIEW: Olly Alexander of Years & Years transcends with ‘Polari’
      February 2, 2025 at 9:00 pm
      Olly Alexander, “Polari.” It’s no simple task to start anew after being associated with another project for over a decade, but that’s just what Olly Alexander set…
      ALBUM REVIEW: ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ solidifies The Weeknd’s power
      ALBUM REVIEW: ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’ solidifies The Weeknd’s power
      January 31, 2025 at 12:11 am
      The Weeknd, “Hurry Up Tomorrow.” The Weeknd has had a fascinating career trajectory, entering the alternative R&B scene in the early 2010s as a mysterious crooner…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: FKA twigs' 'EUSEXUA' innovative and intoxicating
      ALBUM REVIEW: FKA twigs’ ‘EUSEXUA’ innovative and intoxicating
      January 23, 2025 at 9:00 pm
      FKA twigs, “EUSEXUA.” FKA twigs, a genre-bending visionary, explores the spirituality of dancing and catharsis of seeking pleasure on EUSEXUA, her first album since 2019. It’s…
      REVIEW: JoJo opens up and lets loose on honest ‘NGL’ EP
      REVIEW: JoJo opens up and lets loose on honest ‘NGL’ EP
      January 15, 2025 at 12:01 am
      JoJo, “NGL.” It has been quite the creative renaissance for pop-singer-turned-best-selling-author Joanna “JoJo” Levesque. Levesque found early success, overcoming depression and addiction at home before falling…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: David Gray goes on an 'artistic journey' with 'Dear Life'
      ALBUM REVIEW: David Gray goes on an ‘artistic journey’ with ‘Dear Life’
      January 14, 2025 at 9:08 pm
      David Gray, “Dear Life.” David Gray shot to fame at the turn of the century with his third album, White Ladder. He then went from gigs…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Ringo Starr travels South on country-tinged ‘Look Up'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Ringo Starr travels South on country-tinged ‘Look Up’
      January 9, 2025 at 10:25 pm
      Ringo Starr, “Look Up.” There’s no questioning Beatles great Ringo Starr’s commitment to the bit on his 21st solo album, Look Up. The drummer finds a…
    • REVIEW: Bad Bunny takes a snapshot of Puerto Rico on his eighth LP
      REVIEW: Bad Bunny takes a snapshot of Puerto Rico on his eighth LP
      January 5, 2025 at 12:41 pm
      Bad Bunny, “DeBÍ TiRAR MáS FOToS.” The new LP by Bad Bunny feels like a passport to Puerto Rico, brimming with celebratory rhythms, poignant reflections and…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Franz Ferdinand’s observations on humans’ fears, and their consequences
      ALBUM REVIEW: Franz Ferdinand’s observations on humans’ fears, and their consequences
      January 5, 2025 at 10:28 am
      Franz Ferdinand, “The Human Fear.” It’s the old “quality over quantity” trope. It seems that artists whose songs are dense and literate, packed with meaning and…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Blackpink's Rosé turns inward on solo debut ‘rosie'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Blackpink’s Rosé turns inward on solo debut ‘rosie’
      December 5, 2024 at 10:38 pm
      ROSÉ, “roșie.” K-Pop superstars BLACKPINK may have stunned fans when the quartet opted against their individual contracts with music giant YG Entertainment to pursue solo careers,…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Dua Lipa, symphony dazzle on ‘Royal Albert Hall' LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Dua Lipa, symphony dazzle on ‘Royal Albert Hall’ LP
      December 5, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Dua Lipa, “Live from Royal Albert Hall.” It doesn’t offer as gargantuan of a clash as Metallica’s S&M, for which the thrash band linked up with…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: ‘GNX’ continues Kendrick Lamar’s winning streak
      ALBUM REVIEW: ‘GNX’ continues Kendrick Lamar’s winning streak
      November 29, 2024 at 1:13 pm
      Kendrick Lamar, “GNX.” Kendrick Lamar became one of the world’s most acclaimed rappers for his conscious, intricate penmanship. In the last year, he’s found success in…
      REVIEW: Travis Japan feeling the love on sophomore LP, 'VIIsual'
      REVIEW: Travis Japan feeling the love on sophomore LP, ‘VIIsual’
      November 28, 2024 at 8:22 pm
      Travis Japan, “VIIsual.” When Tokyo J-pop septet Travis Japan made its full-length debut in late 2023, after years of toiling away trying to build an identity, it…
    • REVIEW: Michael Kiwanuka plays fatherhood cool on 'Small Changes'
      REVIEW: Michael Kiwanuka plays fatherhood cool on ‘Small Changes’
      November 18, 2024 at 9:10 pm
      Michael Kiwanuka, “Small Changes.” His album may be called Small Changes, but it was actually some fairly significant ones that informed singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka’s fourth album. The…
      REVIEW: U2 dismantle, re-assemble and reissue their atomic bomb
      REVIEW: U2 dismantle, re-assemble and reissue their atomic bomb
      November 18, 2024 at 12:37 pm
      U2, “How To Re-Assemble An Atomic Bomb.” Rock and roll is dead? Please. Every year, the “Kids Don’t Care About Guitars Anymore” narrative drives clicks—or, in…
    • REVIEW: Mary J. Blige expresses her ‘Gratitude’ on new LP
      REVIEW: Mary J. Blige expresses her ‘Gratitude’ on new LP
      November 15, 2024 at 7:47 am
      Mary J. Blige, “Gratitude.” Nine-time Grammy winner Mary J. Blige has released her 15th album, Gratitude, coming on the heels of her October induction into the…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Shawn Mendes bares his soul on introspective ‘Shawn'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Shawn Mendes bares his soul on introspective ‘Shawn’
      November 14, 2024 at 10:19 pm
      Shawn Mendes, “Shawn.” Shawn Mendes opts for a moodier, more organic and acoustic sound on his fifth album, Shawn. It’s a quiet giant, entering with a…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Gwen Stefani pulls a rose with ‘Bouquet'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Gwen Stefani pulls a rose with ‘Bouquet’
      November 14, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Gwen Stefani, “Bouquet.” Gwen Stefani turns over a new leaf, or petal, on her fifth solo album, Bouquet. Known for her work in ska-punk with No Doubt…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Linkin Park rises up ‘From Zero’
      ALBUM REVIEW: Linkin Park rises up ‘From Zero’
      November 14, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Linkin Park, “From Zero.” Linkin Park created its eighth album, From Zero, with the pressure of carrying on the legacy of Chester Bennington and its own…
    • REVIEW: Father John Misty lifts his wordplay on sonic stew 'Mahashmashana'
      REVIEW: Father John Misty lifts his wordplay on sonic stew ‘Mahashmashana’
      November 11, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Father John Misty, “Mahashmashana.” “After a decade being born, Josh Tillman is finally dying,” reads a tagline for Mahashmashana, the sixth album by Father John Misty.…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Dwight Yoakam eyes 'Brighter Days' on new LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Dwight Yoakam eyes ‘Brighter Days’ on new LP
      November 10, 2024 at 10:15 am
      Dwight Yoakam, “Brighter Days.” For the first time in nine years, Dwight Yoakam has returned with new material. Brighter Days is a 14-track offering with 11…
    • REVIEW: St. Vincent honors Spanish-speaking fans with 'Todos Nacen Gritando'
      REVIEW: St. Vincent honors Spanish-speaking fans with ‘Todos Nacen Gritando’
      November 8, 2024 at 3:43 pm
      St. Vincent, “Todos Nacen Gritando.” How do you reinvent a nearly perfect album? St. Vincent’s Todos Nacen Gritando, the Spanish-language version of April’s All Born Screaming,…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Tyler, The Creator takes his mask off on ‘CHROMAKOPIA’
      ALBUM REVIEW: Tyler, The Creator takes his mask off on ‘CHROMAKOPIA’
      November 2, 2024 at 11:39 pm
      Tyler, the Creator, “CHROMAKOPIA.” Despite being one of the most prolific faces in hip-hop, Tyler, the Creator has always been intentionally opaque with his personal life,…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Skillet looks to spark a ‘Revolution’ on new LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Skillet looks to spark a ‘Revolution’ on new LP
      October 29, 2024 at 2:49 pm
      Skillet, “Revolution.” Skillet took on a Revolution of its own while recording its 12th album. The hard rock band took out the middleman—a label—and went the…
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Cure goes dark and deep on 'Songs of a Lost World'
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Cure goes dark and deep on ‘Songs of a Lost World’
      October 28, 2024 at 4:09 pm
      The Cure, “Songs of a Lost World.” Songs of a Lost World marks the highly anticipated return of the Cure after 16 years. And while an…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Halsey digs into mortality their way on ‘The Great Impersonator’
      ALBUM REVIEW: Halsey digs into mortality their way on ‘The Great Impersonator’
      October 24, 2024 at 10:43 pm
      Halsey, “The Great Impersonator.” Halsey is nothing if not adventurous on their fifth album, The Great Impersonator. The record opens on six-minute acoustic ballad “Only Living…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Lin-Manuel Miranda and playwright Eisa Davis call on ‘Warriors'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Lin-Manuel Miranda and playwright Eisa Davis call on ‘Warriors’
      October 18, 2024 at 8:06 am
      Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis, “Warriors.” It’s not a stage show—at least not yet—but the latest project by Lin-Manuel Miranda is shaping up to be as…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Kylie Minogue releases more 'Tension' on follow-up LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Kylie Minogue releases more ‘Tension’ on follow-up LP
      October 18, 2024 at 7:10 am
      Kylie Minogue, “Tension II.” Kylie Minogue originally conceived thought of her new album as an expanded edition of 2023’s Tension. At first listen, Tension II seems…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Fantastic Negrito sets a new standard with 'Son of a Broken Man'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Fantastic Negrito sets a new standard with ‘Son of a Broken Man’
      October 13, 2024 at 2:48 pm
      Fantastic Negrito, “Son of a Broken Man.” It’s been 10 years since Xavier Dphrepaulezz unretired from music and became Fantastic Negrito. Since then he released a…
    • ALBUM REVEW: Jerry Cantrell cuts deep on fiery ‘I Want Blood'
      ALBUM REVEW: Jerry Cantrell cuts deep on fiery ‘I Want Blood’
      October 11, 2024 at 10:22 am
      Jerry Cantrell, “I Want Blood.” Few hard rock musicians carry the torch for the authentic Seattle sound of ‘90s grunge like guitarist Jerry Cantrell. The Alice…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Jelly Roll remains 'Beautifully Broken' on new LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Jelly Roll remains ‘Beautifully Broken’ on new LP
      October 11, 2024 at 4:06 am
      Jelly Roll, “Beautifully Broken.” Reigning CMA Artist of the Year Jelly Roll continues his meteoric rise across genres with his eighth album, Beautifully Broken. Beautifully Broken…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: The Offspring rediscover its sound with 'SUPERCHARGED'
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Offspring rediscover its sound with ‘SUPERCHARGED’
      October 6, 2024 at 12:35 pm
      The Offspring, “SUPERCHARGED.” I don’t mean to alarm anyone but Smash, the breakout album by The Offspring, was released 30 years ago. SUPERCHARGED The Offspring Concord, Oct.…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Coldplay finds peace on ‘Moon Music’
      ALBUM REVIEW: Coldplay finds peace on ‘Moon Music’
      October 4, 2024 at 1:25 am
      Coldplay, “Moon Music.” Coldplay recently announced that its 12th album would be its last and that the quartet would be retiring afterward. Music Moon, the band’s…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Leon Bridges’ joy and maturity is contagious on self-titled LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Leon Bridges’ joy and maturity is contagious on self-titled LP
      October 3, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Leon Bridges, “Leon.” Leon Bridges’ 2021 album, Gold-Diggers Sound, expanded on the soulful feeling of his first two records with some new electronic elements, making for…

Listen Now

    • Tuesday Tracks: Alexandra Savior, Mamalarky, Erin LeCount
      Tuesday Tracks: Alexandra Savior, Mamalarky, Erin LeCount
      March 25, 2025 at 12:01 am
      Alexandra Savior, Photo: Angela Ricciardi. The ethereal pop of Alexandra Savior, Andy Frasco & The U.N.’s raw garage-infused blues rock, baroque pop from Erin LeCount, Taylor…
      Tuesday Tracks: Trousdale, Panchiko, Jade Bird
      Tuesday Tracks: Trousdale, Panchiko, Jade Bird
      March 18, 2025 at 12:01 am
      Trousdale, Photo: Alex Lang. This week on Tuesday Tracks, we’ve got new pop tunes by Trousdale, Emily Haber, googly eyes, Jade Bird and Kaleah Lee. We’ve…

Podcasts

    • RIFF RADIO: Bishop Briggs opens up on ‘Tell My Therapist I’m Fine'
      RIFF RADIO: Bishop Briggs opens up on ‘Tell My Therapist I’m Fine’
      October 21, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Bishop Briggs, courtesy Nick Walker. Bishop Briggs’ third record, Tell My Therapist I’m Fine, became its own vehicle for therapy and the rollercoaster that took her…
    • RIFF RADIO: Fever 333 calls on a ‘Higher Power’ to disrupt the system
      RIFF RADIO: Fever 333 calls on a ‘Higher Power’ to disrupt the system
      September 23, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Fever 333, courtesy Solo Nichol. The mission is clear for Grammy-nominated SoCal rock band Fever 333: Support marginalized communities, challenge the system and electrify the masses.…
    • RIFF RADIO: The Bloody Beetroots tease new music on upcoming tour
      RIFF RADIO: The Bloody Beetroots tease new music on upcoming tour
      August 20, 2024 at 10:11 pm
      The Bloody Beetroots perform at The Independent in San Francisco on Oct. 28, 2017. Alessio Neri/STAFF. Expect the unexpected when The Bloody Beetroots come to town.…
    • RIFF RADIO: Pinkshift claiming their artistic humanity, music without borders
      RIFF RADIO: Pinkshift claiming their artistic humanity, music without borders
      August 5, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Pinkshift, courtesy. John’s Hopkins is known for fostering the careers of medical professionals, not post-punk rockers. At least until now. Pinkshift has entered the chat. “In…
    • RIFF RADIO: Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down on his top SF shows ahead of GGP gig
      RIFF RADIO: Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down on his top SF shows ahead of GGP gig
      July 29, 2024 at 12:01 am
      System of a Down, courtesy. There’s an interconnectedness to the each of the branches that grow from the creative organism of System of a Down bassist…
    • INTERVIEW: The Warning cooks up new sounds on ’Keep Me Fed'
      INTERVIEW: The Warning cooks up new sounds on ’Keep Me Fed’
      June 24, 2024 at 12:01 am
      The Warning, courtesy. The successes that might have overwhelmed an up and coming band instead strengthened The Warning. The Monterrey, Mexico band toured relentlessly in support…
    • RIFF RADIO: Richard Patrick solves 'The Algorithm' on new Filter album
      RIFF RADIO: Richard Patrick solves ‘The Algorithm’ on new Filter album
      August 17, 2023 at 1:15 pm
      Richard Patrick of Filter, courtesy. Filter frontman Richard Patrick is clearly enthusiastic. His band’s latest record, The Algorithm, is a creative work that’s seven years in the…
    • 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…

Opinion

    • Insert Foot: 'Wicked' fans singing in theaters is no laughing matter
      Insert Foot: ‘Wicked’ fans singing in theaters is no laughing matter
      November 30, 2024 at 3:50 pm
      Cynthia Erivo (left) and Ariana Grande in “Wicked.” Universal Pictures. I’ll be staying away from theaters showing “Wicked” like they’re hospital Covid wards fresh out of…
    • Insert Foot: A temporary solution to trump an awful week
      Insert Foot: A temporary solution to trump an awful week
      November 9, 2024 at 2:01 pm
      Rendering: Adam Pardee/STAFF. You don’t want to hear about the election unless you had a big worm crawl in your brain and prompt you to vote…
    • Insert Foot: Should we put away the hate on Election Day?
      Insert Foot: Should we put away the hate on Election Day?
      November 3, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Clark County Election Department poll workers check in voters at a table as people vote at the Meadows Mall in Las Vegas on Oct. 21, 2024.…
    • RIFF Magazine endorses Kamala Harris for President
      RIFF Magazine endorses Kamala Harris for President
      November 1, 2024 at 8:54 pm
      Democratic presidential nominee, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at a campaign rally at the Wisconsin State Fair Park Exposition Center in West Allis, Wis. on…
    • Opinion: David Gilmour, Dodgers combine for 'another perfect day' at Hollywood Bowl
      Opinion: David Gilmour, Dodgers combine for ‘another perfect day’ at Hollywood Bowl
      October 31, 2024 at 10:21 pm
      Los Angeles Dodgers players celebrate after clinching the MLB World Series with a 7-6 win over the New York Yankees in Game 5 on Oct. 30,…
    • Insert Foot: Alex Van Halen leaves VH fans wanting more with 'Brothers'
      Insert Foot: Alex Van Halen leaves VH fans wanting more with ‘Brothers’
      October 26, 2024 at 9:20 pm
      Alex Van Halen, “Brothers.” Alex Van Halen certainly understands how to keep an audience wanting more. Rendering: Adam Pardee/STAFF. Brothers Alex Van Halen Harper Get it…
    • INSERT FOOT: Liam Payne should still be alive
      INSERT FOOT: Liam Payne should still be alive
      October 19, 2024 at 6:40 pm
      Liam Payne photographed in London on June 8, 2023. Photo: Annabel’s. It’s shameful we can’t express how we feel about people until they’re not around to…
    • Insert Foot: Calm down, Jane's Addiction was just acting like a band
      Insert Foot: Calm down, Jane’s Addiction was just acting like a band
      September 14, 2024 at 4:38 pm
      Insert Foot on the Jane’s Addiction kerfuffle. The Interwebs sure caught fire Saturday morning. Hysterical people were suffering nervous breakdowns as if their beloved pets were…
    • Insert Foot: Waving a fist at the Donald Trump playlist
      Insert Foot: Waving a fist at the Donald Trump playlist
      September 7, 2024 at 9:53 pm
      Isaac Hayes in New York City in 1972. Photo by Anthony Barboza/Getty Images. You ever wonder what horrors are ensconced in Donald Trump’s personal playlist? That’s…

Concert Reviews

    • REVIEW: Breeders' Kim Deal goes solo at the Fillmore
      REVIEW: Breeders’ Kim Deal goes solo at the Fillmore
      March 27, 2025 at 6:40 am
      Kim Deal of the Breeders performs during Ohana Festival at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, Calif. on Sept. 29, 2024. Photo by Gilbert Flores/Getty Images.…
    • REVIEW: Poppy reigns as scream queen at Fillmore tour opener
      REVIEW: Poppy reigns as scream queen at Fillmore tour opener
      March 12, 2025 at 7:35 am
      Poppy (Moriah Rose Pereira) performs at the Fillmore in San Francisco on March 11, 2025. Photos: Alana Lopez. SAN FRANCISCO — A little more Poppy could…
    • REVIEW: JoJo in her ‘oversharing' era at the Warfield
      REVIEW: JoJo in her ‘oversharing’ era at the Warfield
      March 6, 2025 at 7:20 am
      JoJo performs at the Warfield in San Francisco on March 5, 2025. Aaron Lee/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Soulful pop artist Joanna Levesque, better known as JoJo,…
    • REVIEW: Finneas shows growth as a performer and charms at the Masonic
      REVIEW: Finneas shows growth as a performer and charms at the Masonic
      March 5, 2025 at 7:15 am
      Finneas performs at the Masonic in San Francisco on March 4, 2025. Photos: Elena Strawn/High Rise PR. SAN FRANCISCO — Finneas‘ sold-out For Crying Out Loud…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Heartbreakers' keyboardist Benmont Tench enters 'The Melancholy Season'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Heartbreakers’ keyboardist Benmont Tench enters ‘The Melancholy Season’
      March 1, 2025 at 10:41 am
      Benmont Tench, “The Melancholy Season.” A case could be made that the world has become much more terrible since Tom Petty died in 2017. It’s also…
    • REVIEW: Apocalyptica goes back to its cello-shredding roots in SF
      REVIEW: Apocalyptica goes back to its cello-shredding roots in SF
      February 28, 2025 at 7:23 am
      Apocalyptica performs at Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco on Feb. 27, 2025. Onome Uyovbievbo/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — When Apocalyptica formed in 1993 in Helsinki,…
    • Noise Pop: Earl Sweatshirt goes off-script at Great American Music Hall
      Noise Pop: Earl Sweatshirt goes off-script at Great American Music Hall
      February 26, 2025 at 7:15 am
      Earl Sweatshirt performs at Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on Feb. 25, 2025. SAN FRANCISCO — The crowd at Great American Music Hall erupted…
    • REVIEW: Ty Segall unplugs at Herbst Theater in San Francisco
      REVIEW: Ty Segall unplugs at Herbst Theater in San Francisco
      February 24, 2025 at 7:06 am
      SAN FRANCISCO — During a quiet moment about halfway through his set at Herbst Theater on Sunday, an attendee yelled out a request to Ty Segall for…
    • REVIEW: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats wrap up U.S. tour in San Francisco
      REVIEW: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats wrap up U.S. tour in San Francisco
      February 23, 2025 at 7:31 am
      Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats perform at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Feb. 22, 2025. Karen Goldman/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Nathaniel Rateliff…
    • REVIEW: 070 Shake combines genres at the Fox in Oakland
      REVIEW: 070 Shake combines genres at the Fox in Oakland
      February 20, 2025 at 7:23 am
      070 Shake performs at Fox Theater in Oakland on Feb. 19, 2025. Michael Chan/STAFF. OAKLAND — About two-thirds of the way through her concert Wednesday night,…
    • REVIEW: Howard Jones and ABC spark '80s nostalgia at the Masonic
      REVIEW: Howard Jones and ABC spark ’80s nostalgia at the Masonic
      February 7, 2025 at 7:36 am
      Howard Jones performs at the Masonic in San Francisco on Feb. 6, 2024. Photos: Vanessa Solis. SAN FRANCISCO — British synth-pop progenitor Howard Jones kicked off…
    • REVIEW: Aespa puts vocal versatility on display at Oakland Arena
      REVIEW: Aespa puts vocal versatility on display at Oakland Arena
      January 31, 2025 at 12:12 am
      Aespa performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland on Jan. 30, 2025. Photos: Aaron Lee/STAFF. OAKLAND — Outside Lands producers knew what they were doing when they…
    • REVIEW: Los Lobos celebrate half a century at the Fillmore
      REVIEW: Los Lobos celebrate half a century at the Fillmore
      January 25, 2025 at 9:19 am
      SAN FRANCISCO — Chicano rockers Los Lobos kicked off their Disconnected tour Friday night at the Fillmore. Playing hits, deep cuts and covers, the band performed…
    • REVIEW: Alan Sparhawk of Low offers grief counseling at Great American Music Hall
      REVIEW: Alan Sparhawk of Low offers grief counseling at Great American Music Hall
      January 21, 2025 at 4:20 am
      Alan Sparhawk peforms at Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on Jan. 20, 2025. Photos: Vanessa Solis. SAN FRANCISCO — There was an unexpected question-and-answer…
    • REVIEW: Digable Planets, The Pharcyde, Arrested Development offer night of hip-hop nostalgia at the Warfield
      REVIEW: Digable Planets, The Pharcyde, Arrested Development offer night of hip-hop nostalgia at the Warfield
      December 22, 2024 at 8:08 am
      Digable Planets perform at the Warfield in San Francisco on Dec. 21, 2024. Michael Chan/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The Warfield served as a time capsule on…
    • REVIEW: Social Distortion goes deep on the third of five nights at the Fillmore
      REVIEW: Social Distortion goes deep on the third of five nights at the Fillmore
      December 14, 2024 at 7:53 am
      Social Distortion performs at the Fillmore in San Francisco on Dec. 13, 2024. Photos: Ammar Chishty. SAN FRANCISCO — Social Distortion’s run at the legendary Fillmore…
    • REVIEW: Billie Eilish delivers on first of two-night run at SAP Center
      REVIEW: Billie Eilish delivers on first of two-night run at SAP Center
      December 11, 2024 at 7:01 am
      Billie Eilish performs at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Dec. 10, 2024. Photos: Henry Hwu. SAN JOSE — Billie Eilish fans descended on the…
    • REVIEW: Jordan Rakei puts South Africa in 'The Loop' in Joburg
      REVIEW: Jordan Rakei puts South Africa in ‘The Loop’ in Joburg
      December 2, 2024 at 4:03 pm
      Jordan Rakei performs at Marks Park Emmarentia in Johannesburg, South Africa on Nov. 30, 2024. JOHANNESBURG — New-Zealand-born, Australia-raised electronica fusion artist Jordan Rakei brought his…
    • REVIEW: Latto shows 'It's Givin' in post-Thanksgiving concert
      REVIEW: Latto shows ‘It’s Givin’ in post-Thanksgiving concert
      November 30, 2024 at 8:45 am
      Latto performs at the Masonic in San Francisco on Nov. 29, 2024. SAN FRANCISCO — Atlanta rapper Latto brought her Sugar Honey Iced Tea Tour to…

Photos

    • PHOTOS: Foster the People still kicking on the first of two nights at the Fox
      PHOTOS: Foster the People still kicking on the first of two nights at the Fox
      February 1, 2025 at 7:31 am
      Foster The People performs at Fox Theater in Oakland on Jan. 31, 2025. Matt Pang/STAFF. OAKLAND — Supporting fourth album Paradise State of Mind, alt-pop band…
    • PHOTOS: Rex Orange County 'Finally' returns to the Bay Area
      PHOTOS: Rex Orange County ‘Finally’ returns to the Bay Area
      November 20, 2024 at 6:47 am
      Rex Orange County performs at Paramount Theatre in Oakland on Nov. 19, 2024. Aaron Lee/STAFF. OAKLAND — “What’s up Oakland!” Rex Orange County shouted on the…
    • PHOTOS: Young Posse gets 'Hungry' in the Mission
      PHOTOS: Young Posse gets ‘Hungry’ in the Mission
      November 5, 2024 at 11:22 pm
      Young Posse performs at Victoria Theatre in San Francisco on Nov. 5, 2024. Aaron Lee/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Newcomer K-pop group Young Posse brought good vibes…
    • PHOTOS: Wasia Project makes its San Francisco debut at Bimbo's
      PHOTOS: Wasia Project makes its San Francisco debut at Bimbo’s
      October 19, 2024 at 7:28 am
      Wasia Project performs at Bimbo’s 365 Club in San Francisco on Oct. 18, 2024. Aaron Lee/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — British Asian pop duo Wasia Project brought…
    • PHOTOS: Clairo 'Charms' South Bay fans at Frost Amphitheater
      PHOTOS: Clairo ‘Charms’ South Bay fans at Frost Amphitheater
      October 7, 2024 at 6:56 am
      Clairo performs at Frost Amphitheatre in Palo Alto, Calif. on Oct. 6, 2024. PALO ALTO, Calif. — Pop singer Clairo brought her soothing vocal melodies to…
    • PHOTOS: A Boogie Wit da Hoodie gets aggressive at Bill Graham Civic
      PHOTOS: A Boogie Wit da Hoodie gets aggressive at Bill Graham Civic
      September 29, 2024 at 8:11 am
      A Boogie Wit da Hoodie performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Sept. 28, 2024. SAN FRANCISCO — A Boogie Wit da Hoodie…
    • PHOTOS: Glass Animals' Tour of Earth lands at Shoreline Amphitheatre
      PHOTOS: Glass Animals’ Tour of Earth lands at Shoreline Amphitheatre
      September 12, 2024 at 7:09 am
      Glass Animals performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, Calif. on Sept. 11, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. MOUNTAIN VIEW — Glass Animals brought their Tour of Earth…

Festivals

    • Common, Mavis Staples, PJ Morton to play 35th San Jose Jazz Summer Fest
      Common, Mavis Staples, PJ Morton to play 35th San Jose Jazz Summer Fest
      March 20, 2025 at 8:35 pm
      Common performs during the Black Radio Experience at Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa on Aug. 30, 2024. He will headline the San Jose Jazz Summer…
      The Coverups, E-40, Linda Perry headline BottleRock AfterDark shows
      The Coverups, E-40, Linda Perry headline BottleRock AfterDark shows
      February 25, 2025 at 8:00 am
      Green Day performs at The Fillmore in San Francisco on April 2, 2024. Billie Joe Armstrong and Mike Dirnt will bring their side project the Coverups…
    • Gary Clark Jr., Nile Rodgers to play Mill Valley Music Festival in May
      Gary Clark Jr., Nile Rodgers to play Mill Valley Music Festival in May
      February 8, 2025 at 6:56 pm
      Gary Clark Jr. performs at Blue Note Jazz Festival at Silverado Resort in Napa, Calif. on July 30, 2023. He will headline Mill Valley Music Festival…
      Mosswood Meltdown adds more acts, announces daily lineups
      Mosswood Meltdown adds more acts, announces daily lineups
      January 16, 2025 at 10:00 am
      Shannon and the Clams perform during Project Pabst at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, Ore. on July 27, 2024. Photo: Leah Flores. The producers of…
    • BottleRock releases daily lineups, one-day tickets on-sale Thursday
      BottleRock releases daily lineups, one-day tickets on-sale Thursday
      January 15, 2025 at 7:59 am
      Justin Timberlake, courtesy. Just days after announcing the 2025 festival offerings, BottleRock Napa Valley is releasing the daily lineups for this year’s event. Single-day tickets will…
      Justin Timberlake, Green Day, Noah Kahan to headline BottleRock Napa Valley
      Justin Timberlake, Green Day, Noah Kahan to headline BottleRock Napa Valley
      January 13, 2025 at 8:00 am
      Green Day performs at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Sept. 20, 2024. The East Bay band is one of three headliners at BottleRock Napa Valley…
    • BottleRock Napa Valley presale passes available before the holidays
      BottleRock Napa Valley presale passes available before the holidays
      December 10, 2024 at 9:10 am
      BottleRock 2022, courtesy. BottleRock Napa Valley will again sell a limited number of advance tickets to next spring’s festival before the holidays. The holiday presale three-day…
      Bill Murray coming to SF Sketchfest
      Bill Murray coming to SF Sketchfest
      November 15, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Bill Murray at the 29th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards at Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on Feb. 26, 2023. He will appear at SF…
    • Devo returning to Mosswood Meltdown in July; Osees also on bill
      Devo returning to Mosswood Meltdown in July; Osees also on bill
      November 14, 2024 at 10:00 am
      L to R: Gerald Casale, Josh Hagar, Mark Mothersbaugh and Bob Mothersbaugh of DEVO perform at Way Out West Festival in Gothenburg, Sweden on Aug. 10,…
      Carin León, Marco Antonio Solis to headline Festival La Onda
      Carin León, Marco Antonio Solis to headline Festival La Onda
      November 13, 2024 at 8:00 am
      Carin León performs at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. on Sept. 6, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. Marco Antonio Solis, Carin León and Grupo Firme will headline…
    • Noise Pop drops initial 2025 festival lineup, tickets on sale
      Noise Pop drops initial 2025 festival lineup, tickets on sale
      November 12, 2024 at 2:35 pm
      American Football performs at Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on May 13 2019. The band will performing during Noise Pop Festival in March. Joaquin…
      Napa's Festival La Onda offering discounted presale tickets on Nov. 1
      Napa’s Festival La Onda offering discounted presale tickets on Nov. 1
      October 25, 2024 at 12:28 pm
      Attendees at Festival La Onda, at the Napa Valley Expo on June 1, 2024. Sean Liming/STAFF. The producers of Napa’s Festival La Onda have announced another…
    • Mill Valley Music Festival returns for 2025, sets on-sale date
      Mill Valley Music Festival returns for 2025, sets on-sale date
      October 22, 2024 at 8:10 am
      Margo Price performs during the Mill Valley Music Festival at Friends Field, Mill Valley, Calif. on May 12, 2024. Courtesy Jay Blakesberg/Mill Valley Music Festival. The…
      AFTERSHOCK: Mötley Crüe, Falling In Reverse conclude final day
      AFTERSHOCK: Mötley Crüe, Falling In Reverse conclude final day
      October 14, 2024 at 7:02 am
      Mötley Crüe performs during Aftershock Festival at Discovery Park in Sacramento, Calif. on Oct. 13, 2024. AFTERSHOCK 2024: • Slayer reunites for explosive Thursday headlining set…
    • AFTERSHOCK: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest lead British invasion on day 3
      AFTERSHOCK: Iron Maiden, Judas Priest lead British invasion on day 3
      October 13, 2024 at 7:05 am
      Iron Maiden performs during Aftershock Festival at Discovery Park in Sacramento, Calif. on Oct. 12, 2024. Photos courtesy Aftershock Festival. AFTERSHOCK 2024: • Slayer reunites for…