• PHOTOS: Mexican star Carin León brings his ‘Boca Chueca’ to Chase Center
    Sep 07 2024
    07:58 AM

    PHOTOS: Mexican star Carin León brings his ‘Boca Chueca’ to Chase Center

    Mariana Garcia No Comments 0
    Carin León performs at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. on Sept. 6, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO – Sonoran sensation Carin León brought his Boca Chueca Tour to Chase Center on Friday. Known for his evocative voice and charismatic stage presence, the singer-songwriter delivered a show that…
  • REVIEW: Sum 41 kicks off final stretch of U.S. shows at the Masonic
    Sep 04 2024
    07:53 AM

    REVIEW: Sum 41 kicks off final stretch of U.S. shows at the Masonic

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    Sum 41 performs at The Masonic in San Francisco, Calif. on Sept. 3, 2024. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Pop-punk stalwarts Sum 41 brought their Tour of the Setting Sum—which the band has said will be its last—to the Bay Area on Tuesday for the first of two shows…
  • Tuesday Tracks: League of Distortion, St. Lucia, Peach Pit
    Sep 03 2024
    12:01 AM

    Tuesday Tracks: League of Distortion, St. Lucia, Peach Pit

    Daniel J. Willis No Comments 0
    League of Distortion, courtesy. This week we’ve got some quality metal from League of Distortion and Low Flying Hawks, some fantastic ’90s throwback courtesy of Lips Speak Louder, a good but hard to describe gem from St. Lucia and fun jangle pop by Peach Pit, before we we…
  • André 3000, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild close out Black Radio Experience
    Sep 02 2024
    08:50 AM

    André 3000, Ledisi, Musiq Soulchild close out Black Radio Experience

    Mel Bowman No Comments 0
    Robert Glasper and Musiq Souldchild perform during the Black Radio Experience at Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa on Sept. 1, 2024. Matt Pang/STAFF. NAPA — André 3000 struck a high note with his final three sets of improvisational flute music during the Black Radio Experience at the…
  • INTERVIEW: Incubus reprises landmark ‘Morning View’ on tour
    Sep 02 2024
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: Incubus reprises landmark ‘Morning View’ on tour

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    Incubus, courtesy Shawn Hanna. Morning View may Incubus’ third album, but given the breakout success the band had coming off of 1999’s Make Yourself and “Drive,” it’s entirely plausible the pressures going into recording a follow-up could have been very similar to that of a sophomore effort. Instead…
  • REVIEW: Osees kick off sold-out four-day residency at The Chapel
    Sep 01 2024
    08:01 AM

    REVIEW: Osees kick off sold-out four-day residency at The Chapel

    David Gill No Comments 0
    Osees perform at The Chapel in San Francisco on Aug. 31, 2024. Karen Goldman/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Even as an established international act, John Dwyer’s Osees have worked to make their shows as punk as possible. This includes setting up their own gear as well as playing multiple-night…
  • PHOTOS: Peso Pluma concludes 2-night Bay Area 'Éxodo' run at Chase Center
    Sep 01 2024
    07:13 AM

    PHOTOS: Peso Pluma concludes 2-night Bay Area ‘Éxodo’ run at Chase Center

    Mariana Garcia No Comments 0
    Peso Pluma performs at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. on Aug. 31, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Peso Pluma brought his much-anticipated “Éxodo” tour to Chase Center on Saturday for the second of two Bay Area shows. The Guadalajara, Mexico reggaeton Latin trap and corridos tumbados…
  • Blue Note reimagines Napa jazz fest as Black Radio Experience, with Jill Scott
    Aug 31 2024
    08:23 AM

    Blue Note reimagines Napa jazz fest as Black Radio Experience, with Jill Scott

    Mel Bowman No Comments 0
    Jill Scott performs during the Black Radio Experience at Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa on Aug. 30, 2024. Martin Lacey/STAFF. NAPA — The Blue Note Jazz Festival’s Black Radio Experience kicked off on Friday at The Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa on Friday. The three-day event,…
  • PHOTOS: I.M of MONSTA X goes 'Off the Beat' at The UC Theatre
    Aug 30 2024
    07:04 AM

    PHOTOS: I.M of MONSTA X goes ‘Off the Beat’ at The UC Theatre

    Aaron Lee No Comments 0
    I.M of MONSTA X performs at The UC Theatre in Berkeley on Aug. 29, 2024. Aaron Lee/STAFF. BERKELEY — South Korean rapper and singer I.M of K-pop group MONSTA X brought his first solo tour to The UC Theatre on Thursday. The 28-year-old artist, whose name is Im…
  • REVIEW: Journey, Def Leppard and Steve Miller rock Oracle Park
    Aug 29 2024
    01:58 AM

    REVIEW: Journey, Def Leppard and Steve Miller rock Oracle Park

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Journey performs at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Aug. 28, 2024. Aaron Lee/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Bay Area rockers Journey brought their summer stadium tour, with co-headlining buddies Def Leppard and fellow locals Steve Miller Band to Oracle Park on Wednesday, even as long-time members Neal Schon…
  • PHOTOS: Santana and Counting Crows bring 'Oneness' home to the Bay
    Aug 28 2024
    07:41 AM

    PHOTOS: Santana and Counting Crows bring ‘Oneness’ home to the Bay

    Mariana Garcia No Comments 0
    Carlos Santana performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, Calif. on Aug. 27, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Bay Area sons Carlos Santana and ’90s alt-rockers Counting Crows brought their co-headlining Oneness Tour to Shoreline Amphitheatre on Tuesday. On an unusually scorching day, Santana and his band…
  • Chaka Khan concludes Stern Grove's 87th year with iconic repertoire
    Aug 26 2024
    01:13 AM

    Chaka Khan concludes Stern Grove’s 87th year with iconic repertoire

    Mel Bowman No Comments 0
    Chaka Khan performs during Stern Grove Festival at Sigmund Stern Grove in San Francisco on Aug. 25, 2024. Matt Pang/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The legendary Chaka Khan closed out the 87th Stern Grove Festival on Sunday afternoon, on the second of back to back Big Picnic fundraiser concerts…
  • INTERVIEW: Mondo Cozmo taking risks on 'principle' with new LP
    Aug 26 2024
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: Mondo Cozmo taking risks on ‘principle’ with new LP

    Rachel Alm No Comments 0
    Mondo Cozmo, courtesy. Josh Ostrander, better known as Mondo Cozmo, has been working on a dream, to borrow a phrase from Bruce Springsteen. When it comes to the music industry, Ostrander has experienced it all, from signing a label deal to being dropped, breaking up a band and…
  • REVIEW: Kings of Leon bring the 'fun' to sold-out Berkeley show
    Aug 25 2024
    11:50 PM

    REVIEW: Kings of Leon bring the ‘fun’ to sold-out Berkeley show

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Kings of Leon perform at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley on Aug. 25, 2024. Steve Carlson/STAFF. BERKELEY — The last time the Kings of Leon were due to perform in the Bay Area, it was in 2021, as the U.S. was exiting lockdowns and trying to find that…
  • REVIEW: Lainey Wilson lands her 'whirlwind' at Toyota Pavilion in Concord
    Aug 25 2024
    12:43 AM

    REVIEW: Lainey Wilson lands her ‘whirlwind’ at Toyota Pavilion in Concord

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Lainey Wilson performs at Toyota Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Aug. 24, 2024. Sean Liming/STAFF. CONCORD, Calif. — Country star Lainey Wilson, current holder of the Grammy for Country Album of the Year and the first woman to win entertainer of the year at the CMAs since Taylor…
  • REVIEW: Ice Spice drills the Bronx into the Bay Area
    Aug 22 2024
    12:32 AM

    REVIEW: Ice Spice drills the Bronx into the Bay Area

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Ice Spice performs at Fox Theater in Oakland on Aug. 21, 2024. Derek Fisher/STAFF. OAKLAND — Performing in front and on top of set pieces resembling a New York subway station, as images of lit-up city skyscapes flashed behind her and a giant inflatable caricature of herself, Bronx…
  • RIFF RADIO: The Bloody Beetroots tease new music on upcoming tour
    Aug 20 2024
    10:11 PM

    RIFF RADIO: The Bloody Beetroots tease new music on upcoming tour

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    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. Sir Bob Cornelius Rifo, the man behind the mask, promises to unleash what he’s been working on during his upcoming run of…
  • INTERVIEW: Amy Shark channeling all the feels
    Aug 19 2024
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: Amy Shark channeling all the feels

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    Amy Shark, courtesy. Sundays became about separating herself from sadness for Australian singer-songwriter Amy Shark. As she worked on her latest record, Sunday Sadness, that final day of the weekend was one for reflection and writing. Sunday Sadness Amy Shark RCA, Aug. 16 Get the album on Amazon…
  • REVIEW: Sammy Hagar and friends mostly pull off Van Halen tribute in Concord
    Aug 18 2024
    07:07 AM

    REVIEW: Sammy Hagar and friends mostly pull off Van Halen tribute in Concord

    Tony Hicks No Comments 0
    Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony and Jason Bonham perform at Toyota Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Aug 17, 2024. CONCORD, Calif. — Rumors swirled the past year or two, and the Van Halen camp couldn’t agree on how to pay tribute to a generation’s greatest rock guitarist.…
  • REVIEW: System of a Down, Deftones lead Golden Gate Park hard rock bill
    Aug 18 2024
    06:11 AM

    REVIEW: System of a Down, Deftones lead Golden Gate Park hard rock bill

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    System of a Down performs at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Aug. 17, 2024. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Despite the many legendary hard rock acts with a connection with the City by the Bay, it’s not a typical tour stop on the hard rock…
  • REVIEW: Stone Temple Pilots, LĪVE kick off dual anniversary tour in Concord
    Aug 17 2024
    09:49 AM

    REVIEW: Stone Temple Pilots, LĪVE kick off dual anniversary tour in Concord

    Sean Liming No Comments 0
    Stone Temple Pilots perform at Toyota Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Aug 16, 2024. Sean Liming/STAFF. CONCORD — It was like Flashback Friday for the thousands of Bay Area Gen X rock music fans at Toyota Pavilion Friday night as Stone Temple Pilots and LĪVE kicked off their Jubilee…
  • PHOTOS: Ski Mask The Slump God opens up an '11th Dimension' at The Midway
    Aug 15 2024
    07:00 AM

    PHOTOS: Ski Mask The Slump God opens up an ’11th Dimension’ at The Midway

    Aaron Lee No Comments 0
    Ski Mask The Slump God performs at The Midway in San Francisco on Aug 14, 2024. SAN FRANCISCO —  Ski Mask The Slump God incited moshing at his 11th Dimension tour stop at The Midway on Wednesday. The South Florida rapper, whose name is Stokeley Clevon Goulbourne, got…
  • REVIEW: The Foo Fighters deliver on promise to kick ass in Concord
    Aug 14 2024
    05:59 AM

    REVIEW: The Foo Fighters deliver on promise to kick ass in Concord

    Tony Hicks 3 Comments 0
    Foo Fighters perform at Toyota Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Aug 13, 2024. CONCORD, Calif. — Rarely does a skinny middle-aged man with long hair get away with approaching a crowd of more than 12,000 people, point their way and promise he and his five buddies are going…
  • Outside Lands: Sturgill Simpson misses the blue skies to close out the fest
    Aug 12 2024
    07:44 AM

    Outside Lands: Sturgill Simpson misses the blue skies to close out the fest

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    Sturgill Simpson performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The sun was down, the fog rolled in, the wind kicked up and a light smattering of rain fell as Sturgill Simpson took the…
  • Outside Lands: Post Malone honors country music's greats
    Aug 12 2024
    06:52 AM

    Outside Lands: Post Malone honors country music’s greats

    Mike DeWald 4 Comments 0
    Post Malone performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 2024. SAN FRANCISCO — “My name is Austin Richard Post and I was invited by Outside Lands to play some of my favorite songs,” Post Malone said early on during his…
  • Outside Lands: Chappell Roan rules them all on fest’s final day
    Aug 12 2024
    06:00 AM

    Outside Lands: Chappell Roan rules them all on fest’s final day

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    Chappell Roan performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 2024. Mariana Garcias/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO —The buzz about pop phenom Chappell Roan’s Outside Lands set was impossible to ignore. It grew in the weeks ahead of the fest, and even…
  • INTERVIEW: Cassadee Pope takes it back to the start with ‘Hereditary'
    Aug 12 2024
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: Cassadee Pope takes it back to the start with ‘Hereditary’

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    Cassadee Pope, courtesy. Cassadee Pope launched her career in West Palm Beach with Hey Monday at the height of pop-punk’s heyday. After the band called it quits, she took to “The Voice” and won, launching her solo career. She went to Nashville, ending up fusing country and pop.…
  • INTERVIEW: Rebel girls Bikini Kill enjoying the limelight, ready to make a new statement
    Aug 12 2024
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: Rebel girls Bikini Kill enjoying the limelight, ready to make a new statement

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Bikini Kill, courtesy Debi Del Grande. Mosswood Meltdown photos: Roman Gokhman/STAFF. Riot grrrl originators Bikini Kill didn’t purposefully wait three decades to make their late-night TV debut. They weren’t holding out on principle of not selling out or due to their ethos as a punk band. In fact,…
  • Outside Lands: Sabrina Carpenter plays silver screen star in a 'forest fairyland'
    Aug 11 2024
    06:54 AM

    Outside Lands: Sabrina Carpenter plays silver screen star in a ‘forest fairyland’

    Sery Morales No Comments 0
    Sabrina Carpenter performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 10, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Thrown in as a surprise headliner at Outside Lands Music Festival just a couple months before the festival was set to begin its 16th…
  • Outside Lands: The Killers bring Vegas glitz to opening night
    Aug 10 2024
    01:31 AM

    Outside Lands: The Killers bring Vegas glitz to opening night

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    The Killers perform during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 9, 2024. Courtesy Chris Phelps. SAN FRANCISCO — Mark Twain once said, “The coldest winter I ever spent was at The Killers concert on a summer night in San Francisco.” OK,…
  • Interview: French Cassettes finally 'sneak' into Outside Lands
    Aug 06 2024
    02:54 PM

    Interview: French Cassettes finally ‘sneak’ into Outside Lands

    Peter Knezevich No Comments 0
    French Cassettes, courtesy Marisa Bazan French Cassettes have had an eventful summer. It began in June with the release of their third studio album, Benzene, and a North American tour. Now they’re back home in the Bay Area and playing Outside Lands for the first time after nearly…

News

    • Blue Note reimagines Napa jazz fest as Black Radio Experience, with Jill Scott
      Blue Note reimagines Napa jazz fest as Black Radio Experience, with Jill Scott
      August 31, 2024 at 8:23 am
      Jill Scott performs during the Black Radio Experience at Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa on Aug. 30, 2024. Martin Lacey/STAFF. NAPA — The Blue Note…
      Hardly Strictly Bluegrass announces next round of 2024 artists
      Hardly Strictly Bluegrass announces next round of 2024 artists
      August 21, 2024 at 10:35 am
      Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters perform at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Oct. 5, 2019. The producers of…
    • Average White Band, Commodores lead Mare Island Dock of Bay Festival
      Average White Band, Commodores lead Mare Island Dock of Bay Festival
      August 17, 2024 at 9:47 pm
      Hamish Stuart (of Average White Band) performs with Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band at the Masonic in San Francisco on June 11, 2023. Gary Chancer/STAFF.…
      Jerry Harrison, Adrian Belew to perform Talking Heads' 'Remain in Light' for free in SF
      Jerry Harrison, Adrian Belew to perform Talking Heads’ ‘Remain in Light’ for free in SF
      August 17, 2024 at 11:08 am
      Jerry Harrison and Adrian Belew perform during High Sierra Music Festival at Plumas-Sierra County Fairgrounds in Quincy, Calif. on July 4, 2024. Courtesy Susan J. Weiand.…
    • K-poppers Seventeen coming back to the Bay
      K-poppers Seventeen coming back to the Bay
      August 7, 2024 at 12:22 pm
      Seventeen performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland, Calif. on Aug. 14, 2022 during the group’s Be the Sun Tour. Courtesy. K-pop group Seventeen has announced a…
      Project Pabst: Portland and Pabst Blue Ribbon find their groove
      Project Pabst: Portland and Pabst Blue Ribbon find their groove
      August 3, 2024 at 11:44 am
      Attendees at Project Pabst at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, Ore. on July 27, 2024. Photos: Leah Flores. By Ben Niesen The Pabst Brewing Company…
    • Billy Idol, T-Pain ring in Project Pabst's return to Portland
      Billy Idol, T-Pain ring in Project Pabst’s return to Portland
      July 28, 2024 at 1:33 pm
      Billy Idol performs during Project Pabst at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in Portland, Ore. on July 27, 2024. Photos: Leah Flores. By Ben Niesen PORTLAND, Ore.…
      Hardly Strictly Bluegrass announces first round of 2024 artists
      Hardly Strictly Bluegrass announces first round of 2024 artists
      July 24, 2024 at 11:58 am
      Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters perform at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Oct. 5, 2019. The producers of…
    • Outside Lands Music Festival announces set times
      Outside Lands Music Festival announces set times
      July 23, 2024 at 4:37 pm
      Sabrina Carpenter performs during Governors Ball at Flushing Meadows in Corona Park in New York City on June 8, 2024. She’ll headline Outside Lands in August.…
      Kehlani announces Crash tour, Chase Center date
      Kehlani announces Crash tour, Chase Center date
      July 23, 2024 at 12:19 pm
      Kehlani, courtesy. Kehlani on Tuesday announced a tour to support their new album, CRASH, a 31-city jaunt that includes a final stop at Chase Center in…
    • Metallica announces annual All Within My Hands Foundation benefit in L.A.
      Metallica announces annual All Within My Hands Foundation benefit in L.A.
      July 22, 2024 at 7:08 pm
      Metallica performs at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on May 27, 2022. Metallica on Monday announced the date of its All Within My…
      SF Symphony selling individual tickets to all 2024-25 season concerts
      SF Symphony selling individual tickets to all 2024-25 season concerts
      July 20, 2024 at 12:09 pm
      San Francisco Symphony first violins, courtesy Kristen Loken. The San Francisco Symphony is now selling individual tickets for all events in its 2024–25 season. The season…
    • Ozomatli, Joe Bataan prep for inaugural Latin Rock on the Dock on Mare Island
      Ozomatli, Joe Bataan prep for inaugural Latin Rock on the Dock on Mare Island
      July 16, 2024 at 1:12 pm
      Ozomatli will perform at the first Latin Rock on the Dock Music Festival on Mare Island.  Courtesy Lisa Johnson. The first Latin Rock on the Dock…
      Project Pabst back in Portland after 7-year hiatus
      Project Pabst back in Portland after 7-year hiatus
      July 7, 2024 at 12:40 pm
      Project Pabst, courtesy. By Ben Niesen More than seven years after expanding to multiple cities before pulling the plug, Project Pabst is back in its original…
    • Mosswood Meltdown heats up Oakland with The B-52s
      Mosswood Meltdown heats up Oakland with The B-52s
      July 7, 2024 at 7:12 am
      The B-52s perform during Mosswood Meltdown at Mosswood Park in Oakland on July 6, 2024. Karen Goldman/STAFF. OAKLAND — Mosswood Meltdown lived up to its name…
      Napa's Festival La Onda back for year 2, presale tickets available now
      Napa’s Festival La Onda back for year 2, presale tickets available now
      June 3, 2024 at 11:40 am
      Attendees at Festival La Onda, at the Napa Valley Expo on June 1, 2024. Sean Liming/STAFF. Napa’s Festival La Onda will be back for year two…
    • Latin artist Junior H announces San Jose, Sacramento arena shows
      Latin artist Junior H announces San Jose, Sacramento arena shows
      June 3, 2024 at 11:04 am
      Junior H performs during Festival La Onda at the Napa Valley Expo on June 1, 2024. Sean Liming/STAFF. Fresh off his appearance at Napa’s Festival La…
      Cyndi Lauper announces first tour in a decade, Chase Center show
      Cyndi Lauper announces first tour in a decade, Chase Center show
      June 3, 2024 at 10:22 am
      Cyndi Lauper, courtesy. Cyndi Lauper on Monday announced her Girls Just Wanna Have Fun Farewell Tour. The 23-city tour, her first extended run in a decade,…
    • Inaugural Festival La Onda a kaleidoscope of Latin culture in Napa
      Inaugural Festival La Onda a kaleidoscope of Latin culture in Napa
      June 2, 2024 at 8:36 am
      Alejandro Fernández performs during Festival La Onda Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on June 1, 2024. Sean Liming/STAFF. NAPA — The Napa Valley Expo, the…
      Outside Lands reveals daily lineups, 1-day tickets on sale Thursday
      Outside Lands reveals daily lineups, 1-day tickets on sale Thursday
      May 29, 2024 at 8:06 pm
      The Killers perform at Chase Center in San Francisco on Aug. 23, 2022. They headline Outside Lands in 2024. Courtesy. Producers of the Outside Lands Music…
    • Nicki Minaj announces more 'Pink Friday 2' tour dates, San Francisco show
      Nicki Minaj announces more ‘Pink Friday 2’ tour dates, San Francisco show
      May 29, 2024 at 10:32 am
      Nicki Minaj performs during the opening night of her Pink Friday 2 World Tour at Oakland Arena in Oakland on March 1, 2024. Photo: Kevin Mazur/WireImage…
      BottleRock: Stephen Curry, Bradley Cooper, José Andrés sling cheesesteaks, bourbon
      BottleRock: Stephen Curry, Bradley Cooper, José Andrés sling cheesesteaks, bourbon
      May 25, 2024 at 6:42 pm
      Actor Bradley Cooper, Stephen Curry and chef José Andrés appear at the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage during BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on…
    • BottleRock Napa announces 2024 Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage lineup
      BottleRock Napa announces 2024 Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage lineup
      May 20, 2024 at 11:46 am
      John Taylor and Roger Taylor of Duran Duran and Chef Andrew Zimmern appear at the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage during BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa…
      Noise Pop and Civic Joy Fund expanding 'Summer of Music' in year 2
      Noise Pop and Civic Joy Fund expanding ‘Summer of Music’ in year 2
      May 20, 2024 at 9:58 am
      Musicians perform during the Summer of Music series in the Castro in San Francisco on June 24, 2023. Bay Area nonprofit Civic Joy Fund and music…

Festivals

    • Blue Note reimagines Napa jazz fest as Black Radio Experience, with Jill Scott
      Blue Note reimagines Napa jazz fest as Black Radio Experience, with Jill Scott
      August 31, 2024 at 8:23 am
      Jill Scott performs during the Black Radio Experience at Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa on Aug. 30, 2024. Martin Lacey/STAFF. NAPA — The Blue Note…
      Chaka Khan concludes Stern Grove's 87th year with iconic repertoire
      Chaka Khan concludes Stern Grove’s 87th year with iconic repertoire
      August 26, 2024 at 1:13 am
      Chaka Khan performs during Stern Grove Festival at Sigmund Stern Grove in San Francisco on Aug. 25, 2024. Matt Pang/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The legendary Chaka…
    • Hardly Strictly Bluegrass announces next round of 2024 artists
      Hardly Strictly Bluegrass announces next round of 2024 artists
      August 21, 2024 at 10:35 am
      Robert Plant & the Sensational Space Shifters perform at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Oct. 5, 2019. The producers of…
      Photo essay: Fashions of Outside Lands 2024
      Photo essay: Fashions of Outside Lands 2024
      August 13, 2024 at 8:12 am
      Attendees at Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 9, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Outside Lands was not…
    • Sunday’s best of the rest at Outside Lands: Teddy Swims, Elyanna and more
      Sunday’s best of the rest at Outside Lands: Teddy Swims, Elyanna and more
      August 12, 2024 at 9:18 am
      Teddy Swims performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. Sure, Chappell Roan’s set at…
      Outside Lands: Sturgill Simpson misses the blue skies to close out the fest
      Outside Lands: Sturgill Simpson misses the blue skies to close out the fest
      August 12, 2024 at 7:44 am
      Sturgill Simpson performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The sun…
    • Outside Lands: Post Malone honors country music's greats
      Outside Lands: Post Malone honors country music’s greats
      August 12, 2024 at 6:52 am
      Post Malone performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 2024. SAN FRANCISCO — “My name is Austin Richard…
      Outside Lands: Chappell Roan rules them all on fest’s final day
      Outside Lands: Chappell Roan rules them all on fest’s final day
      August 12, 2024 at 6:00 am
      Chappell Roan performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 2024. Mariana Garcias/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO —The buzz about…
    • Outside Lands: Friday's and Saturday's best of the rest
      Outside Lands: Friday’s and Saturday’s best of the rest
      August 11, 2024 at 11:00 am
      Fletcher performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 10, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO —Outside Lands is about…
      Outside Lands: Sabrina Carpenter plays silver screen star in a 'forest fairyland'
      Outside Lands: Sabrina Carpenter plays silver screen star in a ‘forest fairyland’
      August 11, 2024 at 6:54 am
      Sabrina Carpenter performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 10, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Thrown in…
    • Outside Lands: Grace Jones stuns with her wardrobe at Land's End
      Outside Lands: Grace Jones stuns with her wardrobe at Land’s End
      August 11, 2024 at 5:39 am
      Grace Jones performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 10, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Grace Jones…
      Outside Lands: The Killers bring Vegas glitz to opening night
      Outside Lands: The Killers bring Vegas glitz to opening night
      August 10, 2024 at 1:31 am
      The Killers perform during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 9, 2024. Courtesy Chris Phelps. SAN FRANCISCO — Mark…
    • Outside Lands: Kevin Abstract a man of the people at the Sutro Stage
      Outside Lands: Kevin Abstract a man of the people at the Sutro Stage
      August 10, 2024 at 12:11 am
      Kevin Abstract performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 9, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Kevin Abstract,…
      Outside Lands: South African Grammy winner Tyla phones in her set
      Outside Lands: South African Grammy winner Tyla phones in her set
      August 9, 2024 at 11:05 pm
      Tyla performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 9, 2024. SAN FRANCISCO — South African superstar Tyla was…
    • Outside Lands: Reneé Rapp heats up a chilly opening night
      Outside Lands: Reneé Rapp heats up a chilly opening night
      August 9, 2024 at 10:51 pm
      Reneé Rapp performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 9, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The chilly…

Features

    • INTERVIEW: Mondo Cozmo taking risks on 'principle' with new LP
      INTERVIEW: Mondo Cozmo taking risks on ‘principle’ with new LP
      August 26, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Mondo Cozmo, courtesy. Josh Ostrander, better known as Mondo Cozmo, has been working on a dream, to borrow a phrase from Bruce Springsteen. When it comes…
    • INTERVIEW: Amy Shark channeling all the feels
      INTERVIEW: Amy Shark channeling all the feels
      August 19, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Amy Shark, courtesy. Sundays became about separating herself from sadness for Australian singer-songwriter Amy Shark. As she worked on her latest record, Sunday Sadness, that final…
    • INTERVIEW: Cassadee Pope takes it back to the start with ‘Hereditary'
      INTERVIEW: Cassadee Pope takes it back to the start with ‘Hereditary’
      August 12, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Cassadee Pope, courtesy. Cassadee Pope launched her career in West Palm Beach with Hey Monday at the height of pop-punk’s heyday. After the band called it…
    • INTERVIEW: Rebel girls Bikini Kill enjoying the limelight, ready to make a new statement
      INTERVIEW: Rebel girls Bikini Kill enjoying the limelight, ready to make a new statement
      August 12, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Bikini Kill, courtesy Debi Del Grande. Mosswood Meltdown photos: Roman Gokhman/STAFF. Riot grrrl originators Bikini Kill didn’t purposefully wait three decades to make their late-night TV…
    • Interview: French Cassettes finally 'sneak' into Outside Lands
      Interview: French Cassettes finally ‘sneak’ into Outside Lands
      August 6, 2024 at 2:54 pm
      French Cassettes, courtesy Marisa Bazan French Cassettes have had an eventful summer. It began in June with the release of their third studio album, Benzene, and…
    • 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…
    • INTERVIEW: Colombian psych trio BALTHVS goes on a mystical journey
      INTERVIEW: Colombian psych trio BALTHVS goes on a mystical journey
      August 4, 2024 at 10:21 pm
      BALTHVS, courtesy Santi Pulecio. After listening to their newest album, Harvest, one might not think that the good musical vibes of BALTHVS could be produced by…
    • INTERVIEW: Latin pop-funk trio DARUMAS breaking preconceptions
      INTERVIEW: Latin pop-funk trio DARUMAS breaking preconceptions
      August 3, 2024 at 2:38 pm
      DARUMAS; L to R: Ceci Leon, Vedala Vilmond and Aldana Aguirre. Courtesy Lucía Olmos. The musical backgrounds of the members of DARUMAS are as diverse as their roots…

Q&A's

    • 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…
    • Q&A: The Darkness' Frankie Poullain wants to cry, climax on Permission to Land 20 Tour
      Q&A: The Darkness’ Frankie Poullain wants to cry, climax on Permission to Land 20 Tour
      September 28, 2023 at 12:01 am
      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…
    • 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,…

Album Reviews

    • ALBUM REVIEW: Keshi questions his mortality and purpose on 'Requiem'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Keshi questions his mortality and purpose on ‘Requiem’
      September 7, 2024 at 11:59 am
      Keshi, “Requiem.” What happens when your debut album has over three billions streams and leads to sold-out shows worldwide? You make a second that allows you…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Miranda Lambert reminisces over 'Postcards from Texas'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Miranda Lambert reminisces over ‘Postcards from Texas’
      September 7, 2024 at 9:32 am
      Miranda Lambert, “Postcards From Texas.” For her 10th album and her first, Miranda Lambert didn’t try to reinvent the wheel. The Texas native remains strong and…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: The Jesus Lizard rises again on first new album in 26 years
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Jesus Lizard rises again on first new album in 26 years
      September 6, 2024 at 11:01 pm
      The Jesus Lizard, “Rack.” There are those for whom rock and roll is a transformative experience, people who are remade in the crucible of overdriven guitars…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Snow Patrol forges ahead on ‘The Forest is the Path'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Snow Patrol forges ahead on ‘The Forest is the Path’
      September 6, 2024 at 10:22 am
      Snow Patrol, “The Forest is the Path.” U.K. band Snow Patrol allowed the seasons to change on its eighth album, The Forest is the Path, its…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: George Strait calls on friends, family for 'Cowboys and Dreamers'
      ALBUM REVIEW: George Strait calls on friends, family for ‘Cowboys and Dreamers’
      August 31, 2024 at 12:02 pm
      George Strait, “Cowboys and Dreamers.” Listening to George Strait is like chatting with an old friend. It’s comforting and deeply enjoyable every time for classic country…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Zedd fulfills creative goals with 'Telos'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Zedd fulfills creative goals with ‘Telos’
      August 29, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Zedd, “Telos” Telos is almost entirely collaborative with Zedd featuring eight different artists on nine out of its 10 tracks. Producer and DJ Anton Zaslavski pulled…
    • REVIEW: 'Luck and Strange' finds David Gilmour relighting an old spark
      REVIEW: ‘Luck and Strange’ finds David Gilmour relighting an old spark
      August 26, 2024 at 10:44 pm
      David Gilmour, “Luck and Strange.” It’s been a decade since the final Pink Floyd album, the largely instrumental The Endless River, and almost that long since…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds go big on 'Wild God'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds go big on ‘Wild God’
      August 26, 2024 at 12:20 am
      Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, “Wild God.” One of the surest signs that our culture is in decline is that we don’t have that many…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Rachel Platten mines personal struggle on her first LP since 2017
      ALBUM REVIEW: Rachel Platten mines personal struggle on her first LP since 2017
      August 24, 2024 at 11:50 am
      Rachel Plattem, “I Am Rachel Platten.” Rachel Platten built her identity on ideas of self-love and perseverance. These principles guided her music from her early independent…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Sabrina Carpenter cheeky as ever on ‘Short n’ Sweet’
      ALBUM REVIEW: Sabrina Carpenter cheeky as ever on ‘Short n’ Sweet’
      August 22, 2024 at 11:19 pm
      Sabrina Carpenter, “Short n’ Sweet.” Since the mid-2010s, when the Disney Channel gave her airtime, Sabrina Carpenter has had difficulty establishing a distinct sound or persona…
    • REVIEW: Fontaines D.C. reinvent themselves with 'Romance'
      REVIEW: Fontaines D.C. reinvent themselves with ‘Romance’
      August 18, 2024 at 8:23 pm
      Fontaines D.C., “Romance.” Romance, the fourth album by Irish rock quintet Fontaines D.C., is a captivating departure from its earlier work. More accessible and urbane than…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Falling in Reverse create a ‘Popular Monster’ with hard rock opus
      ALBUM REVIEW: Falling in Reverse create a ‘Popular Monster’ with hard rock opus
      August 16, 2024 at 6:43 pm
      Falling in Reverse, “Popular Monster.” There’s no pinning down Ronnie Radke on Popular Monster, the latest from Falling In Reverse. Radke threw everything into the stew,…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Post Malone dives headfirst into country on ‘F-1 Trillion'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Post Malone dives headfirst into country on ‘F-1 Trillion’
      August 15, 2024 at 11:29 pm
      Post Malone, “F-1 Trillion.” Austin Richard Post is clearly not one for half measures. On his sixth album, F-1 Trillion, the rapper, singer, and now balladeer,…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Ray LaMontagne steps back into his power on 'Long Way Home'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Ray LaMontagne steps back into his power on ‘Long Way Home’
      August 11, 2024 at 12:23 pm
      Ray Lamontagne, “Long Way Home.” Ray LaMontagne likes to repeat himself. Maybe he always had. And maybe we just need him to because with each progressive…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Amy Shark shows different sides on ‘Sunday Sadness'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Amy Shark shows different sides on ‘Sunday Sadness’
      August 8, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Amy Shark, “Sunday Sadness.” Australian singer-songwriter Amy Shark built her musical foundation on hyper-personal songs, traversing her own internal monologue and tendency to overthink. Those deepest,…
      ALBUM REVIEW: J Balvin turns out the lights on 'RAYO'
      ALBUM REVIEW: J Balvin turns out the lights on ‘RAYO’
      August 7, 2024 at 11:06 am
      J Balvin, “RAYO.” Colombian reggaeton star J Balvin morphs once again on RAYO, latest collection of dance bangers and melodramatic lyricism. RAYO J Balvin Capitol, Aug.…
    • REVIEW: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard take off on ‘Flight b741’
      REVIEW: King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard take off on ‘Flight b741’
      August 6, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, “Flight b741.” Rock and roll is, above all, supposed to be fun. On the latest from King Gizzard and Lizard…
      ALBUM REVIEW: NIKI creates a ‘Buzz’ on eclectic new LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: NIKI creates a ‘Buzz’ on eclectic new LP
      August 3, 2024 at 9:46 pm
      NIKI, “Buzz.” The days of performing acoustic covers on YouTube as a high schooler while growing up in Jakarta are long gone for Nicole Zefanya, better…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: The Smashing Pumpkins keep pushing on 'Aghori Mhori Mei'
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Smashing Pumpkins keep pushing on ‘Aghori Mhori Mei’
      August 2, 2024 at 6:30 am
      The Smashing Pumpkins, “Aghori Mhori Mei.” Billy Corgan’s Smashing Pumpkins have reached the level of cultural wallpaper. The band’s ’90s hits like “Today” and “Cherub Rock”…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Khalid finds sweet subtlety on sultry 'Sincere'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Khalid finds sweet subtlety on sultry ‘Sincere’
      August 1, 2024 at 10:18 pm
      Khalid, “Sincere.” It doesn’t take much time at all for R&B superstar Khalid to find the vibe on his third album, Sincere. The 16-track record is…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Orville Peck grows his 'Stampede' with new LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Orville Peck grows his ‘Stampede’ with new LP
      July 28, 2024 at 3:29 pm
      Orville Peck, “Stampede.” Vol. 1 was just the introduction. Queer country troubadour Orville Peck introduced a new direction with his first EP on Warner Records in…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Empire of the Sun shares introspective fun with 'Ask That God'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Empire of the Sun shares introspective fun with ‘Ask That God’
      July 25, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Empire of the Sun, “Ask That God.” Australian electro-pop duo Empire of the Sun enjoyed its fair share of success in the electronic scene across. That’s…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Jack White burns bright on surprise 'No Name' LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Jack White burns bright on surprise ‘No Name’ LP
      July 21, 2024 at 10:50 am
      Jack White, “No Name.” Capitalism makes a product out of everything. We don’t just purchase clothing, food and all of the other stuff we need to…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Childish Gambino does it all on what may be his last, and best LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Childish Gambino does it all on what may be his last, and best LP
      July 20, 2024 at 3:43 pm
      Childish Gambino, “Bando Stone and The New World.” The shapeshifter or body snatcher able to invade and occupy people and objects is a recurring character type…
    • REVIEW: Not much behind Glass Animals’ shiny exterior on ‘I Love You So F***ing Much’
      REVIEW: Not much behind Glass Animals’ shiny exterior on ‘I Love You So F***ing Much’
      July 15, 2024 at 1:00 pm
      Glass Animals, “I Love You So F***ing Much.” Riding on the high of their 2021 mega-hit “Heat Waves,” British pop band Glass Animals have big shoes…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Deep Purple shows its age on '=1'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Deep Purple shows its age on ‘=1’
      July 12, 2024 at 5:48 pm
      Deep Purple, “=1.” For a band that’s been around for more than 55 years, Deep Purple has been on a bit of a hot streak for…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Megan Moroney doing plenty well with ‘Am I Okay?’
      ALBUM REVIEW: Megan Moroney doing plenty well with ‘Am I Okay?’
      July 11, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Megan Moroney, “Am I Okay?” After a whirlwind year with a headlining tour, a speedy rise to fame and a Stagecoach festival performance in Southern California,…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Uncle Kracker delivers everyman anthems on ‘Coffee & Beer'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Uncle Kracker delivers everyman anthems on ‘Coffee & Beer’
      July 11, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Uncle Kracker, “Coffee & Beer.” It’s all about the simple life these days for Michigan-born singer Matthew Shafer, better known as Uncle Kracker. Paying the bills,…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Cigarettes After Sex let it linger on 'X's'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Cigarettes After Sex let it linger on ‘X’s’
      July 6, 2024 at 11:04 am
      Cigarettes After Sex, “X’s.” Greg Gonzalez of Cigarettes After Sex cuts straight to the chase when it comes to the meaning of X’s. He briefly references…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Phish makes an 'evolved' statement
      ALBUM REVIEW: Phish makes an ‘evolved’ statement
      July 3, 2024 at 8:26 am
      Phish, “Evolve.” Jam band Phish has been around a really long time. “As the band has evolved and the world has evolved, the fanbase has evolved…
    • REVIEW: Kehlani is tuning in to 'CRASH' on new LP
      REVIEW: Kehlani is tuning in to ‘CRASH’ on new LP
      June 21, 2024 at 9:24 am
      Kehlani, “CRASH” On one level, it’s Kehlani’s superb voice that’s the driving force of their latest album, CRASH. A voice that that stops a song from…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Nathaniel Rateliff writes a new chapter on 'South of Here'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Nathaniel Rateliff writes a new chapter on ‘South of Here’
      June 21, 2024 at 9:11 am
      Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats, “South of Here.” Rags-to-riches stories are easy to write. What is considerably more difficult is telling the story of what…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Gracie Abrams digs into 'The Secret of Us'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Gracie Abrams digs into ‘The Secret of Us’
      June 20, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Gracie Abrams, “The Secret of Us.” Gracie Abrams had a whirlwind 2023 and her sophomore album, The Secret of Us, is certainly something to show for…
      REVIEW: ‘Petty Country’ compilation more Tom Petty than country, but that's OK
      REVIEW: ‘Petty Country’ compilation more Tom Petty than country, but that’s OK
      June 14, 2024 at 8:39 pm
      “Petty Country: A Country Music Celebration of Tom Petty.” Two things come into clear focus while listening to the 20 Tom Petty songs on the new…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Kate Nash has a cry and finds her rainbow on '9 Sad Symphonies'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Kate Nash has a cry and finds her rainbow on ‘9 Sad Symphonies’
      June 14, 2024 at 10:01 am
      Kate Nash, “9 Sad Symphonies.” Kate Nash finds her voice and sets boundaries in an impressive show of self-growth on her fifth album, 9 Sad Symphonies.…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Luke Combs looks to his past and future on 'Fathers & Sons'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Luke Combs looks to his past and future on ‘Fathers & Sons’
      June 12, 2024 at 10:26 am
      Luke Combs, “Fathers & Sons.” Luke Combs has been a busy man. Combs released albums in consecutive years, won ACM Awards and was nominated for seven Grammys,…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Camila Cabello looks to find herself again on ‘C, XOXO'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Camila Cabello looks to find herself again on ‘C, XOXO’
      June 9, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Camila Cabello, “C, XOXO.” Where 2022’s Familia tapped into her Cuban roots and Latin culture, Camila Cabello leans into hip-hop and R&B on her fourth album, C,…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Moby finds comfort 'always centered at night'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Moby finds comfort ‘always centered at night’
      June 7, 2024 at 2:57 pm
      Moby, “Always Centered At Night.” This year marks the 25th anniversary of Moby‘s platinum album Play. To honor the occasion, the acclaimed DJ and producer is undertaking a…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Mike Campbell continues running down a dream on latest LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Mike Campbell continues running down a dream on latest LP
      June 7, 2024 at 12:21 pm
      Mike Campbell & the Dirty Knobs, “Vagabonds, Virgins & Misfits.” While it’s been almost seven years since Tom Petty left us for the great wide open,…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Meghan Trainor turns back the clock on ‘Timeless'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Meghan Trainor turns back the clock on ‘Timeless’
      June 6, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Meghan Trainor, “Timeless.” Timeless is a fitting album title for pop hitmaker Meghan Trainor. While the album is firmly rooted in pop, the nods to doo-wop…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Lindsey Stirling builds new worlds with 'Duality'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Lindsey Stirling builds new worlds with ‘Duality’
      June 6, 2024 at 11:13 am
      Lindsey Stirling, “Duality.” Duality, the seventh album by Lindsey Stirling, is less about opposing forces – queens/fairies, serenity/surrender, purpose/untamed – and more about the spaces between…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Charli XCX honors club culture and SOPHIE on 'BRAT'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Charli XCX honors club culture and SOPHIE on ‘BRAT’
      June 3, 2024 at 7:03 am
      Charli XCX, “BRAT.” Leave it to British singer-songwriter Charli XCX to go back to her roots, while still keeping it sounding new. The British pop icon, born…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Aurora continues her fight on 'What Happened to the Heart?'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Aurora continues her fight on ‘What Happened to the Heart?’
      June 1, 2024 at 2:02 pm
      Aurora, “What Happened To The Heart?” “Hit me hard where I am soft/ Should my heart reveal itself to be more than just a muscle,” Norwegian…
      ALBUM REVIEW: 'Forever' shows Bon Jovi needs something new, or old
      ALBUM REVIEW: ‘Forever’ shows Bon Jovi needs something new, or old
      May 31, 2024 at 5:03 pm
      Bon Jovi, “Forever.” I can’t fight the Bon Jovi thing anymore. I tried for years. I scoffed at the positivity. I hated the constant perfect smile…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Becky Hill sets herself apart on ‘Believe Me Now?'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Becky Hill sets herself apart on ‘Believe Me Now?’
      May 30, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Becky Hill, “Believe Me Now.” Pop artist Becky Hill finds her voice and carves out her own space in the pop landscape on her second album,…
      ALBUM REVIEW: The ‘Honeymind’ of Ben Platt is acoustic, dreamy and gay
      ALBUM REVIEW: The ‘Honeymind’ of Ben Platt is acoustic, dreamy and gay
      May 25, 2024 at 1:17 am
      Ben Platt, “Honeymind.” Since starring in 2012’s “Pitch Perfect,” Ben Platt has found success across the stage, screen and record player. It’s his candid penmanship and evocative,…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Crowded House grows old gracefully on 'Gravity Stairs'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Crowded House grows old gracefully on ‘Gravity Stairs’
      May 24, 2024 at 10:17 am
      Crowded House, “Gravity Stairs.” Almost 40 years after their self-titled debut, New Zealand rockers Crowded House are still adding rooms to their musical mansion. Gravity Stairs, the…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Maya Hawke embraces the havoc on 'Chaos Angel'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Maya Hawke embraces the havoc on ‘Chaos Angel’
      May 24, 2024 at 10:04 am
      Maya Hawke, “Chaos Angel.” Maya Hawke delves deep on her third album, Chaos Angel. Showcasing the singer-songwriter’s ability to articulate the pains of coming of age…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Bring Me The Horizon finally deliver on ‘Post Human: Nex Gen'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Bring Me The Horizon finally deliver on ‘Post Human: Nex Gen’
      May 23, 2024 at 10:35 pm
      Bring Me the Horizon, “Post Human: NeX GEn.” It’s an album that was quickly become something of lore for fans of U.K. alt-rock outfit Bring Me…

Listen Now

    • Tuesday Tracks: League of Distortion, St. Lucia, Peach Pit
      Tuesday Tracks: League of Distortion, St. Lucia, Peach Pit
      September 3, 2024 at 12:01 am
      League of Distortion, courtesy. This week we’ve got some quality metal from League of Distortion and Low Flying Hawks, some fantastic ’90s throwback courtesy of Lips…
      REWIND: Rock and pop songs that sample (or rip off) others
      REWIND: Rock and pop songs that sample (or rip off) others
      August 30, 2024 at 10:37 pm
      Joe Satriani performs with Sammy Hagar at Toyota Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Aug 17, 2024. Seam Liming/STAFF. The other day I was listening to Dua…

Podcasts

    • 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…
    • 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…
    • REVIEW & INTERVIEW: Lights gives a 'PEP' talk on mighty new album
      REVIEW & INTERVIEW: Lights gives a ‘PEP’ talk on mighty new album
      March 28, 2022 at 12:01 am
      Lights, “PEP.” If it’s true that it’s always darkest just before the dawn, the same might hold true for Lights Poxleitner-Bokan, known simply as Lights. The…

Opinion

    • Insert Foot: Can Steven Tyler's voice really be silenced?
      Insert Foot: Can Steven Tyler’s voice really be silenced?
      August 4, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Aerosmith performs at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia on Sept. 2, 2023. Another pillar of American rock and roll got worn out and collapsed this week,…
    • Insert Foot: 'The Acolyte' gives Carrie-Anne Moss a raw deal
      Insert Foot: ‘The Acolyte’ gives Carrie-Anne Moss a raw deal
      June 9, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Insert Foot vs. “Star Wars: The Acolyte” Like most of the “Star Wars” nerd nation with nothing better to do in middle age, I watched the…
    • Insert Foot: Is this the end for Jennifer Lopez?
      Insert Foot: Is this the end for Jennifer Lopez?
      June 2, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Insert Foot vs. Jennifer Lopez Jennifer Lopez canceled her summer tour last week because the most career-driven human being who’s ever inhabited Planet Earth has decided…
    • Insert Foot: Here come the AI dead guy collaborations
      Insert Foot: Here come the AI dead guy collaborations
      May 11, 2024 at 8:51 pm
      Steve Marriott of Humble Pie performs at The Miami Baseball Stadium in Miami on Feb. 2,1974. Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images. AI is going to kill…
    • Insert Foot: 'Kintsukuroi' explores shameful chapter in U.S. history not taught in schools
      Insert Foot: ‘Kintsukuroi’ explores shameful chapter in U.S. history not taught in schools
      May 5, 2024 at 12:01 am
      “Kintsukuroi” film art. My 15-year-old daughter and I went to the San Francisco premiere of “Kintsukuroi” last weekend. It’s an independent film from director Kerwin Berk…
    • INSERT FOOT: Pay attention to the Toomaj Salehi death sentence in Iran
      INSERT FOOT: Pay attention to the Toomaj Salehi death sentence in Iran
      April 27, 2024 at 10:27 pm
      A woman holds the portrait of Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi, accused of “corruption on Earth” during the demonstration against Iranian repression in Lyon, France on Jan.…
    • Insert Foot: Caitlin Clark, WNBA seem underpaid, but that will change
      Insert Foot: Caitlin Clark, WNBA seem underpaid, but that will change
      April 21, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Rendering: Adam Pardee/STAFF. The social media collective lost its mind this week over the new salary of basketball star Caitlin Clark, after she was drafted No.…
    • Insert Foot: It's all been said, but Kurt Cobain worth remembering after 30 years
      Insert Foot: It’s all been said, but Kurt Cobain worth remembering after 30 years
      April 7, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Kurt Cobain of Nirvana. Photo: WireImage. Kurt Cobain died 30 years ago this week. This is where you expect me to say something about how time…
    • Insert Foot: Her feelings are legitimate but Lizzo did sign up for this shit
      Insert Foot: Her feelings are legitimate but Lizzo did sign up for this shit
      March 31, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Original photo: Lizzo at the the 65th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 5, 2023. Photo courtesy The Recording Academy. Lizzo is upset. That’s fine…

Concert Reviews

    • REVIEW: Osees kick off sold-out four-day residency at The Chapel
      REVIEW: Osees kick off sold-out four-day residency at The Chapel
      September 1, 2024 at 8:01 am
      Osees perform at The Chapel in San Francisco on Aug. 31, 2024. Karen Goldman/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Even as an established international act, John Dwyer’s Osees…
    • REVIEW: Journey, Def Leppard and Steve Miller rock Oracle Park
      REVIEW: Journey, Def Leppard and Steve Miller rock Oracle Park
      August 29, 2024 at 1:58 am
      Journey performs at Oracle Park in San Francisco on Aug. 28, 2024. Aaron Lee/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Bay Area rockers Journey brought their summer stadium tour,…
    • Chaka Khan concludes Stern Grove's 87th year with iconic repertoire
      Chaka Khan concludes Stern Grove’s 87th year with iconic repertoire
      August 26, 2024 at 1:13 am
      Chaka Khan performs during Stern Grove Festival at Sigmund Stern Grove in San Francisco on Aug. 25, 2024. Matt Pang/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The legendary Chaka…
    • REVIEW: Kings of Leon bring the 'fun' to sold-out Berkeley show
      REVIEW: Kings of Leon bring the ‘fun’ to sold-out Berkeley show
      August 25, 2024 at 11:50 pm
      Kings of Leon perform at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley on Aug. 25, 2024. Steve Carlson/STAFF. BERKELEY — The last time the Kings of Leon were…
    • REVIEW: Lainey Wilson lands her 'whirlwind' at Toyota Pavilion in Concord
      REVIEW: Lainey Wilson lands her ‘whirlwind’ at Toyota Pavilion in Concord
      August 25, 2024 at 12:43 am
      Lainey Wilson performs at Toyota Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Aug. 24, 2024. Sean Liming/STAFF. CONCORD, Calif. — Country star Lainey Wilson, current holder of the…
    • REVIEW: Ice Spice drills the Bronx into the Bay Area
      REVIEW: Ice Spice drills the Bronx into the Bay Area
      August 22, 2024 at 12:32 am
      Ice Spice performs at Fox Theater in Oakland on Aug. 21, 2024. Derek Fisher/STAFF. OAKLAND — Performing in front and on top of set pieces resembling…
    • REVIEW: Sammy Hagar and friends mostly pull off Van Halen tribute in Concord
      REVIEW: Sammy Hagar and friends mostly pull off Van Halen tribute in Concord
      August 18, 2024 at 7:07 am
      Sammy Hagar, Joe Satriani, Michael Anthony and Jason Bonham perform at Toyota Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Aug 17, 2024. CONCORD, Calif. — Rumors swirled the…
    • REVIEW: System of a Down, Deftones lead Golden Gate Park hard rock bill
      REVIEW: System of a Down, Deftones lead Golden Gate Park hard rock bill
      August 18, 2024 at 6:11 am
      System of a Down performs at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, Calif. on Aug. 17, 2024. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Despite the many legendary…
    • REVIEW: Stone Temple Pilots, LĪVE kick off dual anniversary tour in Concord
      REVIEW: Stone Temple Pilots, LĪVE kick off dual anniversary tour in Concord
      August 17, 2024 at 9:49 am
      Stone Temple Pilots perform at Toyota Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Aug 16, 2024. Sean Liming/STAFF. CONCORD — It was like Flashback Friday for the thousands…
    • REVIEW: The Foo Fighters deliver on promise to kick ass in Concord
      REVIEW: The Foo Fighters deliver on promise to kick ass in Concord
      August 14, 2024 at 5:59 am
      Foo Fighters perform at Toyota Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on Aug 13, 2024. CONCORD, Calif. — Rarely does a skinny middle-aged man with long hair get…
    • Outside Lands: Sturgill Simpson misses the blue skies to close out the fest
      Outside Lands: Sturgill Simpson misses the blue skies to close out the fest
      August 12, 2024 at 7:44 am
      Sturgill Simpson performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The sun…
    • Outside Lands: Post Malone honors country music's greats
      Outside Lands: Post Malone honors country music’s greats
      August 12, 2024 at 6:52 am
      Post Malone performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 11, 2024. SAN FRANCISCO — “My name is Austin Richard…
    • Outside Lands: The Killers bring Vegas glitz to opening night
      Outside Lands: The Killers bring Vegas glitz to opening night
      August 10, 2024 at 1:31 am
      The Killers perform during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 9, 2024. Courtesy Chris Phelps. SAN FRANCISCO — Mark…
    • REVIEW: Olivia Rodrigo stirs up the 'Bae' Area at sold-out Chase Center
      REVIEW: Olivia Rodrigo stirs up the ‘Bae’ Area at sold-out Chase Center
      August 3, 2024 at 7:35 am
      Olivia Rodrigo performs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Aug. 2, 2024. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — All it took was a crack of a…
    • REVIEW: Chris Brown takes flight at Oakland Arena
      REVIEW: Chris Brown takes flight at Oakland Arena
      August 1, 2024 at 9:03 am
      Chris Brown performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland on July 31, 2024. Derek Fisher/STAFF. OAKLAND — Rapper and singer Chris Brown showed why he’s considered one…
    • REVIEW: Conway the Machine brings his Slant Face Killah tour to The Chapel
      REVIEW: Conway the Machine brings his Slant Face Killah tour to The Chapel
      August 1, 2024 at 7:15 am
      Conway the Machine performs at The Chapel in San Francisco on July 31, 2024. Aaron Lee/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Rapper Conway the Machine performed at The…
    • REVIEW: Niall Horan brings his traveling 'Show' to Shoreline
      REVIEW: Niall Horan brings his traveling ‘Show’ to Shoreline
      July 27, 2024 at 8:12 am
      Niall Horan performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, Calif. on July 26, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Irish pop singer and former One…
    • REVIEW: John Legend gets intimate with the San Francisco Symphony
      REVIEW: John Legend gets intimate with the San Francisco Symphony
      July 24, 2024 at 7:36 am
      John Legend performs with the San Francisco Symphony at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco on July 23, 2024. Matt Pang/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Twelve-time Grammy…
    • REVIEW: Hootie & the Blowfish, Collective Soul bring the South to Shoreline
      REVIEW: Hootie & the Blowfish, Collective Soul bring the South to Shoreline
      July 18, 2024 at 2:26 am
      Hootie & The Blowfish perform at Fenway Park in Boston on June 21, 2024. Photo by Eddie Monigan/Boston Red Sox. MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Hootie &…

Photos

    • PHOTOS: Peso Pluma concludes 2-night Bay Area 'Éxodo' run at Chase Center
      PHOTOS: Peso Pluma concludes 2-night Bay Area ‘Éxodo’ run at Chase Center
      September 1, 2024 at 7:13 am
      Peso Pluma performs at Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif. on Aug. 31, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Peso Pluma brought his much-anticipated “Éxodo” tour…
    • PHOTOS: I.M of MONSTA X goes 'Off the Beat' at The UC Theatre
      PHOTOS: I.M of MONSTA X goes ‘Off the Beat’ at The UC Theatre
      August 30, 2024 at 7:04 am
      I.M of MONSTA X performs at The UC Theatre in Berkeley on Aug. 29, 2024. Aaron Lee/STAFF. BERKELEY — South Korean rapper and singer I.M of…
    • PHOTOS: Santana and Counting Crows bring 'Oneness' home to the Bay
      PHOTOS: Santana and Counting Crows bring ‘Oneness’ home to the Bay
      August 28, 2024 at 7:41 am
      Carlos Santana performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, Calif. on Aug. 27, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Bay Area sons Carlos Santana and…
    • PHOTOS: Ski Mask The Slump God opens up an '11th Dimension' at The Midway
      PHOTOS: Ski Mask The Slump God opens up an ’11th Dimension’ at The Midway
      August 15, 2024 at 7:00 am
      Ski Mask The Slump God performs at The Midway in San Francisco on Aug 14, 2024. SAN FRANCISCO —  Ski Mask The Slump God incited moshing…
    • Outside Lands: Friday's and Saturday's best of the rest
      Outside Lands: Friday’s and Saturday’s best of the rest
      August 11, 2024 at 11:00 am
      Fletcher performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 10, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO —Outside Lands is about…
    • PHOTOS: The Hives shoot for the stars at The Observatory in Santa Ana
      PHOTOS: The Hives shoot for the stars at The Observatory in Santa Ana
      August 9, 2024 at 8:17 am
      The Hives perform at The Observatory in Santa Ana, Calif. on Aug. 8, 2024. Derek Tobias/STAFF. SANTA ANA, Calif. — With a a break between two supporting…
    • PHOTOS: LUCKI brings 'GEMINI!' energy to the Masonic
      PHOTOS: LUCKI brings ‘GEMINI!’ energy to the Masonic
      August 8, 2024 at 8:28 am
      LUCKI performs at the Masonic in San Francisco on Aug. 8, 2024. Aaron Lee/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Chicago rapper LUCKI brought his Gemini Tour to the…