Depeche Mode performs at SAP Center in San Jose on March 25, 2023. Steve Carlson/STAFF. SAN JOSE — Iconic electronic music group Depeche Mode chose San Jose on Saturday for the second stop in its tour supporting a just-released new album. The recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame…

Nav performs at the Masonic in San Francisco on March 16, 2023. Matt Pang/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Canadian rapper Nav has worked with the likes of Lil Uzi Vert, Travis Scott and Drake, is signed to The Weeknd’s XO label, and his first EP was produced by Metro Boomin.…

Khamari, courtesy Shamaal Bloodman. We have a slew of first-timers this week as we touch on a variety of different genres. Dance is on the menu with Sophie and the Giants, Franc Moody and Ebi Soda. Neo-soul continues to bring new talent with Khamari, as well as the U.K.’s…

Ibeyi performs at August Hall in San Francisco on March 12, 2023. Italie Penaloza/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — French Cuban duo Ibeyi sang in English, French, Spanish and the West African Yoruba language at their show at August Hall on Sunday, mesmerizing the standing-room-only crowd during the entirety of their over…

The Isley Brothers perform at SAP Center in San Jose, Calif. on Feb. 17, 2023. Derek Tobias/STAFF. SAN JOSE — Love was in the air Friday at SAP Center for the Valentine’s Super Love Jam, featuring the Isley Brothers and a slate of R&B and funk acts that followed the…

Lola Young, courtesy Charlotte Patmore. This week we explore how country western influences are reflected in pop and rock with entries from Jessika and the Ruen Brothers. We deal with the pain of being a third wheel in a relationship with Lola Young. New wave meshes with EDM in…

J.I.D performs at the Fox Theater in Oakland on Jan. 29, 2023. Gavin Legaspi/STAFF. OAKLAND — It was nothing but “luv” for the Bay from Atlanta rapper J.I.D and St. Louis’ Smino at their co-headlining Luv Is 4Ever North American Tour stop at the Fox Theater on Sunday. The Zoink…

Macy Gray performs at the Blue Note in Napa on Jan. 14, 2023. Nate McKinley/STAFF. NAPA — On a stormy night, Grammy-award-winning singer Macy Gray performed a sold-out show at the Blue Note Saturday night with her band The California Jet Club, in her signature, eclectic style. Gray brought…

Les Claypool performs with Bastard Jazz at JaM Cellars Ballroom in Napa on Dec. 30, 2022. NAPA — Singer-songwriter, bassist, producer and Bay Area native Les Claypool and his quartet Bastard Jazz prepared to ring in the New Year Friday night with the first of two shows at JaM Cellars Ballroom. Les…

Joshua Henry, courtesy. Americana remains alive and well, with new offerings from Oliver Hazard and Brian Dunne. Joshua Henry delivers intense emotion in the form of a power ballad. Meanwhile, Moore Kismet, Riovaz and Grapetooth showcase different sides of electronica, both the old and the new. Riovaz, “Tantrum (Pace Yourself)” —…