The mohawked frontman of Manchester’s The 1975 drops the phone just as our call is connected. “Oh, for f—‘s sake,” Matty Healy cringes, and I can tell I’m not his first interview of the morning. But just as quickly the frustration dissipates. The 1975 play not one but two sold-out shows…

I’ve interviewed producer-musician Daniel Lanois three times, now, and have been able to meet up with him a couple of times. In fact, you should check out one my previous stories, for the Bay Area News Group. He’s very thoughtful in conversation, and a great guy to get to…

I’ve spoken to Lisa Light a couple of times. The first time was after she and guitarist Scott Blonde had broken up as a couple but remained friends and partners as popular East Bay band The Lovemakers. The second time, a few weeks ago, came after the two had reconciled. They’d…

Actress Alison Brie has been busy. The current season of Community has already been filmed and is airing now. She’s got a new film opening in a couple of weeks (The Lego Movie), and she’s bringing her harmonizing trio, The Girls, to SF Sketchfest and Yoshi’s on Feb. 1.…

If you’re a fan of Bay Area music, chances are you know about Magik*Magik Orchestra, the made-to-order symphonic ensemble that has backed the likes of Sting, Death Cab For Cutie and pretty much every locally-based band in the past five years. On Jan. 31, the orchestra has it’s very…

The Flaming Lips have been constantly occupied lately. “We’re in the just in the last phase of doing a final mix on this little six-song that is being released with the ‘Ender’s Game’ movie at the beginning of November,” singer and frontman Wayne Coyne said. “Just got back from playing a…

Last week I spoke to Allen Scott, an executive vice president at Berkeley concert promoter Another Planet Entertainment. Another Planet is largely responsible for putting on the Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival at Golden Gate Park, (Aug. 9 through 11). As you’ll see in my story, I was lucky…

The last time I saw San Francisco band Thriving Ivory, it was at Outside Lands in 2008. That year their debut album reached No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, and single “Angels on the Moon” was certified Gold (sold 500,000 copies). A second album followed in 2010, but didn’t…

The admission-free festival has announced the lineup of its 76th season. All of the shows begin at 2 p.m.  on Sundays, from June 16 to Aug. 18 at Sigmund Stern Grove, at 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard in San Francisco. June 16 –  The Big Picnic Benefit and Concert Starring Michael McDonald…

Courtesy of Schmidt PR: Alan Jackson: Well, heaven better get ready for some great country music. While George was known for his wild and crazy days, I’ve known him for 25 years as a friend. He had grown into a real good man. Of course, he will always be…