Photos: John Mattimoe MILL VALLEY — Suzanne Santo mesmerized the audience at the Sweetwater Music Hall almost soon as she stepped on stage, her haunting voice practically stopping hearts as she belted out: “If we’re gonna drink, pour it straight. Don’t water down my whiskey babe.” Santo’s raw intensity mixed…

Photos: Jay Demetillo OAKLAND — Chance the Rapper brought the gospel to the Oracle Arena Wednesday. The gospel of Chance, that is. Returning to the Bay Area for the second time in less than a year, Chance the Rapper stopped by Oakland on his “Be Encouraged” tour, bringing with him…

Regina Spektor performs at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley on April 7, 2017. BERKELEY — Regina Spektor has flown under the radar for much of her 15-year career as a singer and songwriter. Yes, she drew mainstream attention with her breakout album Begin to Hope in 2006 and again in 2009 with Far.…

Luna Shadows, courtesy. Indie pop artist Luna Shadows plays the part of a cheerleader in her latest single, aptly titled “Cheerleader.” But “plays” is the operative word. In the second verse, she sings: “Riding on your coattail/ Making sure you don’t fail miserably/ Blow smoke and I’ll breathe in/ Bet it feels…

Esmé Patterson is excited to finally be striking out on her own—musically speaking, that is. The singer-songwriter was producing solo work for the past few years and making a name for herself as a critically adored, indie rock darling, all while fronting Paper Bird, the indie folk band she formed with…

Photos: Alessio Neri SAN RAFAEL — Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe‘s show at Terrapin Crossroads Friday night confirmed that there is nothing quite as electrifying and exhilarating as a live musical performance with real instruments. It helps that Tiny Universe is led by the multi-talented, dynamic saxophonist, singer and flutist Karl…

Homegrown Baltimore, Maryland. rapper DDM­­ thinks that his hometown too often gets lost in the sensationalism of the news and social media. The rapper, born Emmanuel Williams and also known as  MC Manny, as well as producer Paul Hutson, make up Bond St. District. The duo released debut album A Church on…

San Francisco musician Rowan Peter has had his fill of electronic music for a while. The Heartwatch guitarist doesn’t have a beef with electronica. But personally, he sees a need for more variety, less high fidelity and more simplicity in rock. That’s why he has decided to start Enryo, a new musical…

The Dandy Warhols perform at the Mystic Theatre in Petaluma on Dec. 13, 2016. Alessio Neri/STAFF. PETALUMA — It’s sort of refreshing that The Dandy Warhols didn’t really have an agenda at their Tuesday night show at the Mystic Theater. The Dandy Warhols, Telegram, Warbly Jets  9 p.m., Saturday The Fillmore Tickets: $27.50. Kicking off…

Photos: Ian Young OAKLAND—If the first night of Not So Silent Night 2016 is any indication, the ’90s are back. Whether we like it or not. Performances by Blink-182 and Jimmy Eat World dominated the first night of Live 105’s Not So Silent Night and they more or less…