We've got plenty of fascinating arts, nightlife and community events of interest, plus a plethora of pleasing online amusements as well. ARTS DANCE, OPERA, THEATER AirOtic @ Great Star Theater Touring company of sexy male and female aerial performers brings their dazzling show to the Chinatown stage. $40-$135; thru June 12. 636 Jackson St. https://airoticshow.com/ Allegiance @ Lucie Stern Theater, Palo Alto Palo Alto Players' production of Marc Acito, Jay Kuo & Lorenzo Thione's acclaimed autobiographical musical about gay actor George Takei's story of Japanese Americans forcibly sent to U.S. internment camps during World War II. $27-$57 in-person, $20 streaming (May 5-8). April 22-May 8. 1305 Middlefield Road. https://paplayers.org
Anything Goes Sutton Foster stars in the recorded stage production of the classic nautical musical comedy; streaming at https://www.anythinggoesmusicalcinema.com/ La Cage Aux Folles @ 3Below Theaters, San Jose The Tony-winning musical comedy based on the French film about a drag performer and his nightclub owner husband includes hit songs by Jerry Herman and a book by Harvey Fierstein. $25-$55; thru April 24. 288 S. Second St. https://sanjoseplayhouse.org/ Cheza Nami @ Counterpulse 'Moving Together,' Nami's African dance and drumming workshop and ensemble performance for all skill levels. $20-$160 (full pass). April 22, 6:30pm-9pm. April 23, 9am-9pm. 80 Turk St. https://counterpulse.org Coming Soon the Musical @ Z Space Rachel Lark's sex-forward, kink and queer-inclusive musical comedy. $25-$69. April 21-30. 450 Florida St. https://www.comingsoonmusical.com/ (Read our interview with Rachel Lark.) Dear San Francisco @ Club Fugazi The 'high-flying love story' weaves local history with acrobatic theatrics and live music by The 7 Fingers company, now with new cast members, and a full food and beverage menu; extended through summer 2022. $35-$99. 678 Green St. https://www.clubfugazisf.com/ A Death-Defying Escape Judy Carter's Hollywood show with magic, comedy and stories of Jewish life and lesbian love streams online. https://deathdefyingescape.com/
Drowning in Cairo @ Potrero Stage Golden Thread Productions presents Adam Ashraf Elsayigh drama about three gay Egyptian men who confront their past; thru May 1. $20-$100. 1695 18th St. https://goldenthread.org/ (Read our interview with the playwright.) Fefu and Her Friends @ Strand Theater American Conservatory Theatre presents María Irene Fornés's innovative comic drama involving eight women gathering in the 1930s; audience members choose different rooms to observe as the play proceeds; costars include Marga Gomez; thru May 1. $25-$60. 1127 Market St. www.act-sf.org (Read our review.) Fun Home @ Gateway Theatre 42nd Street Moon's production of composer Jeanine Tesoro and writer Lisa Kron's five-Tony-winning, heart-wrenching musical adaptation of Alison Bechtel's best-selling graphic novel about a family dealing with loss and hidden desires. $20-$35. April 21-May 8. 215 Jackson St. https://42ndstmoon.org/ Gem of the Ocean @ Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts August Wilson's "powerfully spiritual drama" about a Black family in 1903 and a mystical healing aunt, is performed by TheatreWorks Silicon Valley. $30 and up; thru May 1. 500 Castro St., Mountain View. https://theatreworks.org/ Harry Potter and the Cursed Child @ Curran Theater The special-effects-filled stage play about a mystery at Hogwarts returns in a new shortened two-act version. $69-$349; extended run. 445 Geary St. https://sfcurran.com/ Octet @ Berkeley Rep Three-time Tony Award nominee Dave Malloy's off-Broadway hit, a "chamber choir musical," merges eight internet-obsessed people who meet in real life and tell stories musically. $29-$124; thru May 29. 2025 Addison St., Berkeley. https://www.berkeleyrep.org/
Passing Strange @ Ashby Stage, Berkeley Stew's rousing Tony-winning musical drama; extended through April 23 at Shotgun Players' Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., Berkeley. $7-$40. (510) 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org (Read our review.) PrEP Play, or Blue Parachute @ New Conservatory Theatre Center World premiere of Yilong Liu's comic play about a young man's time-traveling adventures with a magical pill that takes him back in time to the 1980s; thru May 8. 25 Van Ness Ave. www.nctcsf.org (Read our review.) Randy Rainbow @ Palace of Fine Arts The gay YouTube comic performs live; tickets include a signed copy of his new book, Playing with Myself. $35-$55. 7:30pm. 3301 Lyon St. https://www.ticketmaster.com/venue/229427 Richard II @ Marine's Memorial Theater African American Shakespeare Company performs the classic drama about regal corruption, with a modern verse translation by Naomi Suzuka; thru April 24. https://www.african-americanshakes.org/ San Francisco Ballet @ War Memorial Opera House The celebrated dance company performs a gala tribute to outgoing Artistic Director Helgi Tomasson in a concert of 50 dance excerpts; April 24, 5:30pm. Also, Helgi Tomasson's Swan Lake set to Tchaikovsky,'s score. April 29-May 8. 301 Van Ness Ave. https://www.sfballet.org/
Smuin Contemporary Ballet The company's Dance Series 2 - P.S. Forever Smuin includes Confessions by Val Caniparoli, Renaissance by Amy Seiwert and Showcase by Smuin works by current Company Artists Tessa Barbour and Brennan Wall. April 29-May 1 & May 5-7, 2022: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 700 Howard St. May 19-22, 2022: Mountain View Center for the Arts, 500 Castro St. May 27-28, 2022: Sunset Center, San Carlos Street at 9th Avenue, Carmel-by-the-Sea. https://www.smuinballet.org/ Spectrum @ Circus Center Theater Joey Moore's queer variety show to raise funds for OutYouth, a Central Texas trans/non-binary rights nonprofit. $30. April 23, 7pm. 755 Frederick St. http://spectrum.brownpapertickets.com Talk to Your People @ The Marsh Dan Holye's multi-character solo show's a comic, nuanced, and thought-provoking inquiry into some of the most-talked-about issues of this era; extended thru May 28. $25-$100. Thy-Sat 7pm. 1062 Valencia St. https://themarsh.org/
Water by the Spoonful @ SF Playhouse Quiara Alegría Hudes' 2012 Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about the boundaries of family and community stretched across continents and cyberspace as birth families splinter and online families collide. $30-$100; thru April 23. 450 Post St. https://www.sfplayhouse.org/ West Side Story @ California Theatre, San Jose Opera San Jose performs the classic Leonard Bernstein/Stephen Sondheim/Arthur Laurents New York City modern musical version of Romeo and Juliet. $55-$195; thru May 1. 345 South 1st St. https://www.operasj.org/ COMMUNITY Castro Country Club The LGBT-inclusive sober space holds meetings and events. 4058 18th St. https://www.castrocountryclub.org/ Fab Lab @ Intersection for the Arts Artist and activist Tiff Lin leads a workshop to connect to queer ancestor Guan Yin with oracle cards, authentic movement, and creative play; in-person and online. April 22, 6pm-8pm. $5-$50. 1446 Market St. https://www.eyezen.org Gay Men's Sketch @ online/Mark I Chester Studio Join the weekly online Zoom drawing session, with male models. Tuesdays, 6:30pm. $20 suggested donation. 1229 Folsom St. https://www.instagram.com/gaymenssketch/
GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance Meetings, events and more for GLBTQ+ Asians. April 23 Spring membership meeting at City Hope Community Center Cafe, 750 Ellis St., 4pm-7pm. www.gapa.org Horizons Foundation Community foundation invests in LGBTQ nonprofits, strengthen a culture of LGBTQ giving, fundraising, and events. https://www.horizonsfoundation.org Keshet Jewish LGBTQ nonprofit hosts online events and talks. https://www.keshetonline.org Les Leventhal Yoga The gay yoga instructor leads online classes. https://join.lesleventhalyoga.com/ LGBT Asylum Project Local nonprofit aides LGBTQ refugees. https://www.lgbtasylumproject.org/ LGBTQ History Project August Bernadicou's interviews and stories on LGBTQ activists' histories; recorded talks with Phyllis Lyon, Jack Fritscher, drag rocker Jayne County, Vanguard Editor Keith St. Clare, a Theater of the Ridiculous oral history, veteran gay rights activist and prolific author Perry Brass and more. New: a 'lost' interview with 'Pink Narcissus' director James Bidgood. https://www.lgbtqhp.org/ Liberation Academy @ Dance Mission A free series of round table discussions, music & dance workshops, and films for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) dedicated to freedom; monthly thru June. https://dancemissiontheater.org Manny's Events The cafe hosts meetings, music concerts, Ukraine fundraisers and community talks; in-person and online. 3092 16th St. https://welcometomannys.com/ My Life is Worth Living Teen support videos in five powerful, diverse stories told over 20 episodes, for for teens struggling with mental health, including LGBTQ youth. https://www.wonder.media/product/my-life-is-worth-living The National AIDS Memorial @ Golden Gate Park The dedicated grove of memorials allows for peaceful contemplation of those lost; also, regular events, and online exhibits. https://www.aidsmemorial.org/ Rainbow World Fund Support international aid and outreach programs, not just LGBT causes, including the new Ukraine Emergency Fund. https://www.rainbowfund.org/ SF LGBT Center Meetings, youth services and more events at 1800 Market St. and online. https://www.sfcenter.org/
LITERARY Events & Exhibits @ SF Public Library April 24, 2:30pm: Bay Area Black Poet Laureates Tongo Elsen-Martin, devorah major with harpist Destiny Muhammad, and Dr. Ayodele Nzinga. Online and in-person author events; also, check out books and DVDs, see various book-themed exhibits. 100 Larkin St. www.sfpl.org LGBT Events @ Fabulosa Books Gay author Wayne Hoffman reads fro and discusses his new novel, The End of Her April 24, 5pm (Read Hoffman's Q&A with Gregg Shapiro); also, in-store and online monthly book club group discussion of literary works. 489 Castro St. https://www.fabulosabooks.com/ Lucy Jane Bledsoe @ Books Inc Berkeley The prolific lesbian author reads from and discusses her new novel, No StoppingUs Now, about a teenage girl who fights for Title IX rights and a girls basketball program. April 27, 7pm. 1491 Shattuck Ave. https://www.booksinc.net/event/lucy-jane-bledsoe-berkeley Queer Words Listen to online literary chats hosted by author Wayne Goodman, with guests Kelliane Parker, Brian Broome, Michael Nava, Vi Khi Nao, Anne Shade, Brontez Purnell, Christopher Castellani, the late Leslie Cohen and many others. https://queerwords.org/ Toni Mirosevich @ Booksmith Lesbian author of Spell Heaven reads from and discusses her book of connected short stories. April 26, 7pm. 1727 Haight St. https://www.booksmith.com/event/toni-mirosevich
MUSIC Cal Performances @ UC Berkeley Music and dance concerts and more at Zellerbach Hall and nearby theaters. April 23: four-time Grammy winner Angélique Kiddo's Yemandja, a music/theatre work set in slavery-ridden 19th-century West Africa. $36-$88. Bancroft Way at Dana St., Berkeley. calperformances.org Feinstein's at the Nikko The upscale nightclub presents cabaret concerts; April 21, 8pm: Ben Jones, $44-$55. April 22 & 23: Lucie Arnaz, $90. April 29 & 30: Micaela Diamond (The Cher Show) $55. Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St. https://www.feinsteinssf.com/ Great American Music Hall Enjoy live music at the classic venue. 859 O'Farrell. https://gamh.com/ Noe Music Online concerts in many genres; classical, folk, early music. https://www.noemusic.org/ Noontime Concerts @ Old Saint Mary's Cathedral Enjoy weekly concerts in a variety of genres, Tuesdays at 12:30pm. 660 California St. www.noontimeconcerts.org Old First Concerts Enjoy live streamed and archived music concerts of classic, and contemporary music. https://www.oldfirstconcerts.org Otro Viaje: Noche de Drag @ Brava's Cabaret Banda Sin Nombre's night of Latin music night with guest drag and performers. $15-$30. April 23, 8pm. 2781 24th St. https://www.brava.org/
Patti LaBelle @ Paramount Theatre, Oakland The R&B singing icon performs; Stephanie Mills opens. $57-$177. April 23, 8pm. 2025 Broadway. https://www.paramountoakland.org/ Queer Vines LGBT musicians perform a variety of genres in season 2 of the show, on the LGBT Center's YouTube channel. San Francisco Bach Choir Weekly online concerts of classical music and other genres. https://sfbach.org/ San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Enjoy music videos and programs online. www.sfgmc.org San Francisco Opera Recorded and live performances, plus artists panels. https://sfopera.com/ San Francisco Performances @ Herbst Theatre Winter season of chamber music, classical and vocal concerts and recitals. 401 Van Ness Ave. http://sfperformances.org/ San Francisco Symphony @ Davies Symphony Hall In-person and online concerts. April 28 & 29: guest conductor Klaus Makala leads concerts of works by Bellied, Berg, and Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10. 201 Van Ness Ave. http://www.sfsymphony.org/ Sarah Darling @ Amado's The pop-country singer-songwriter performs. $20-$25. April 22, 7:30pm-10:30pm. 998 Valencia St. http://www.amadossf.com/ Seth Concert Series Broadway pianist and host Seth Rudetsky's online concerts feature an all-star line-up, Sundays at 5pm PT. $25. https://events.broadwayworld.com/seth-concert-series/
SF Jazz The acclaimed venue brings their concert series online with talented musicians, and has returned to in-person concerts. April 23: Hitomi Oba. April 28-30 & May 1: Ravi Coltrane. 201 Franklin St. https://www.sfjazz.org Stars in the House Seth Rudetsky and James Wesley's popular YouTube series of chats and game nights with musical theatre and TV/film talents continues, with donations going to The Actors Fund. https://www.starsinthehouse.com/ Yoshi's The elegant nightclub-restaurant features jazz and R&B musicians. 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. https://yoshis.com MOVIES, TV 100 Years of Men in Love David Millbern's documentary about vintage photos of men in affectionate portraits from the 1850s to the 1950s; on HereTV. https://heretv.com/ (Read our feature article.)
Asian-American Eyz'd: An Immigrant Comedy Special Comics Ana Tuazon Parsons, Mx. Nicky Endres and Aidan Park perform in a show that shines a spotlight on three Asian American artists who tell their stories of immigration, assimilation, and struggles with identity, sexuality and survival in modern day America. Rent/buy on https://reelwomensnetwork.com/ Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn Radu Jade's new film about a school teacher, who finds her career and reputation under threat after a personal sex tape is leaked on the Internet. http://www.magpictures.com/badluckbanging/ Beyto Gay drama about a Turkish swimmer who falls in love with his Swiss coach but is forced into a straight marriage. https://darkstarpics.com/ Bridesman Jimmy Fowlie stars in the super-camp film about a gay guy's attempts to ruin his BFF's wedding. Sponsored by Grindr; on YouTube The Browns @ OutTV Dark drag duo comedy show about Tammie Brown and Kelly Mantle; Brown as a semi-retired singer and homemaker and Mantle as her drunk best friend; on OutTV, Apple TV, and Amazon Prime. https://www.outtv.com Call Me Mother @ Out TV Three drag stars —Miss Peppermint, Crystal and Barbada— adopt the next generation of artists into their new drag houses, mentoring them through a fierce drag competitions. Check out many other LGBT-themed shows, too. $3.30 monthly subscription. https://www.outtv.com/ Changemakers GLAAD video series about Black LGBTQ small business owners. YouTube
Collar Confessions @ Here TV Series based on Dwight Allen O'Neal's novel about a closeted pastor. https://www.here.tv/ Compartment No. 6 @ Smith Rafael Film Center Juho Kuosmanen's comic-drama about a Finnish lesbian and a Russian man forced to share a train compartment on a long journey. 1118 Fourth St., San Rafael. rafaelfilm.cafilm.org www.sonyclassics.com (Read our review.) Cured Bennett Singer and Patrick Sammon's fascinating documentary about the pioneering LGBTQ+ activists who fought to remove homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 1973. https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/cured/ The Disappointments Season 1 of Rich Burns' gay comedy about older gay men in Los Angeles. www.youtube.com/ Films @ Alamo Drafthouse Enjoy new and repertory films with a full food and drink menu, super-comfy seats, and a strict no-cell-phone policy. https://drafthouse.com/sf Films @ HereTV Enjoy LGBT drama, comedies and more; new: cult horror filmmaker Mark Bessenger's new series, Gayliens: Love and the Mothman. https://heretv.com/ Films @ New Parkway Theater Enjoy new, indie and classic films with a variety of comfy chairs and sofas. 474 24th St., Oakland. https://www.thenewparkway.com/ Films @ Revry The streaming service showcases many LGBT films, including (new) cannabis-themed Pot Pie and High Herstory, the comedy 'BIFL,' 'Insomnia,' a queer South Asian dramedy from Vishaal Reddy; 'Steam: The Musical,' a Western gay thriller; '2022 is a Drag,' with several programs (Cherry Pop, The Drag Roast of Heklina, Trixie Mattel: Skinny Legend, Bob The Drag Queen: Live at Carolines); also narrative films and historical documentaries, including 49 Pulses, Raid of the Rainbow Lounge, Love V. Kentucky, Happy Birthday, Marsha, Gay USA and more. Also, season 2 of 'Versus,' Deven Green's fun game show with guest stars. https://watch.revry.tv/Home
Films @ Roxie Watch new and repertory films in-person and online. 3117 16th St. https://www.roxie.com/ Frameline Voices New series of free LGBT online short films. https://www.frameline.org/voices Great Freedom Sebastian Meise's dramatic film about post-war German gay men imprisoned under the Paragraph 175 law. Screening locally at Opera Plaza Cinema, 601 Van Ness Ave. . https://www.landmarktheatres.com/san-francisco/film-info/great-freedom (Read our review.) Hipbeat Writer/director Samuel Kay Forrest's acclaimed new film about a political activist fighting against the system while searching for love in the Berlin queer community. Buy or rent on YouTube. Isaac Spanish film about two married friends who reconnect after a passionate teenage affair; on DVD and VOD, platforms including iTunes/Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Vudu, Vimeo, and through local cable & satellite providers. https://www.bgpics.com/ Joe vs Carole Gay fave John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch and lesbian SNL star Kate McKinnon costar in the darkly comic dramatic adaptation based on the popular Tiger King documentary series about eccentric wild animal collectors; on NBC's Peacock. https://www.peacocktv.com/stream-tv/joe-vs-carole LGBT films @ Breaking Glass Stream a variety of LGBT films and series, including Season 3 of Woke, the French dramatic series. https://www.bgpics.com/ LGBT Films @ TellFilms Watch queer movies and documentaries, most with women's stories. https://www.tellofilms.com/
LGBTQ movies @ Filmsie the free film streaming and social platform, today announces it has curated a catalogue of feature length and short films around LGBTQ+ stories and directors. https://filmzie.com/movie-list/lgbtqi-movies Logo Live Gay actor Johnny Sibilly hosts the twice-weekly LGBT talk show with celebrities. Tuesdays & Thursdays on the network's Instagram 4pm PT. https://www.instagram.com/logotv/ Mayor Pete Jesse Moss' documentary about Pete Buttigieg's presidential campaign, with his husband Chasten featured as well; on Amazon Prime. No Straight Lines: The Rise of Queer Comics Vivian Kleiman's documentary, based on Justin Hall's award-winning print anthology, about LGBT comic and cartoon pioneers and new talents. https://nostraightlinesthefilm.com/ (Read our review.) Nuclear Family @ HBO Filmmaker Ry Russo-Young she turns the camera on her own past to explore the meaning of family in a three-part documentary series. In the late '70s/early '80s, when the concept of a LGBTQ family was inconceivable to most, Ry and her sister Cade were born to two lesbian mothers through a sperm donor. https://www.hbo.com/nuclear-family Party-N-Play Bay Area comic and screenwriter Sampson McCormick also stars in the comedy about an overboard Beyoncé fan who risks everything to get to her concert; on Amazon Prime. Poppy Field Romanian film about a closeted policeman forced into confrontation at an anti-gay protest of a film screening. Rent online (plus several other LGBT foreign films) at https://www.filmmovement.com/ Q-Force on Netflix Animated comic parody of spy capers features several LGBT characters and voice actors (Sean Hayes, Wanda Sykes). (See our feature article with co-creator Gabe Liedman.) Netflix Quarantine New queer music video showcase created by musicians Kisos and Cory Stewart. https://www.twitch.tv/itgetsbetter
Queer Genius Chet Pancake's new docu-series about five queer female artists: Barbara Hammer, Eileen Myles, Black Quantum Futurism, Moor Mother, and Dynasty Handbag / Jibz Cameron, who unapologetically break down barriers in their creative fields outside of mainstream culture. https://queergeniusfilm.com/ Right to Try Short films about Jeffery Drew's struggle to get on an HIV drug trail in the 1990s. https://www.peacocktv.com/ SF Film Festival @ Bay Area Theaters 65th annual festival of great movies, screened at the Castro, Roxie, Vitoria and Vogue cinemas. April 21-May 1. https://sffilm.org (Read our coverage of notable LGBT films and events.) Shit & Champagne D'Arcy Drollinger and her crew's wacky photo retro exploitation sex comedy, adapted from the hit nightclub show, hits Apple TV and Amazon Prime Video. https://www.shitandchampagne.com/ Somebody Somewhere A new comedy series starring and executive-produced by comedian and singer Bridget Everett follows Sam, a true Kansan on the surface who, beneath it all, struggles to fit the hometown mold. https://www.hbo.com/somebody-somewhere Sort Of Gender fluid millennial Sabi Mehboob straddles various identities, from sexy bartender at an LGBTQ bar, to the youngest child in a large Pakistani family, to the de facto parent of a downtown hipster family; on HBO Max Stories of Resistance: Documentaries by Arthur Dong Stream compelling documentaries about Asian Americana and LGBT subjects made by the award-winning director. https://www.deepfocusproductions.com/
Strictly for the Birds Jon Garcia's film about Kate Birdsall, an elder trans woman's life story. https://www.bgpics.com/ Tampa Baes @ Amazon Prime New reality show about two lesbian couples and their life & career ups and downs. https://www.amazon.com/ Twenties @ BET Season 2 of the comedy series about 'Hattie,' a masculine-presenting queer Black woman in her 20s, played by Jonica T. Gibbs. https://www.bet.com/shows/twenties.html We're Here @ HBO Season 2 of the Emmy-nominated weekly series features drag stars Eureka O'Hara, Shangela and Bob the Drag Queen. https://www.hbo.com/were-here What? Alex Lev's 'silent' comic film (with music, captions and multilingual ASL) about a Deaf man's struggles in Hollywood, created with a mostly Deaf cast and crew. https://www.thewhatmovie.com/ Who Am I Now? In Louise E, Lathey's debut film, new friends Erin and Alex discover a mutual attraction that neither of them have ever felt before. Streaming via multiple outlets. whoaminow.ca With Love Romantic comedy series about an American Latin family, including Mark Indelicato as the gay son with a boyfriend; on Amazon Prime.
MUSEUMS & GALLERIES Angelic/Trimble Gallery Kara Maria's 'Precious and Precarious: Life on the Edge of Extinction,' thru June 11. 1275 Minnesota St. https://www.anglimtrimble.com/ ArtHaus Gallerists James Bacchi and Annette Schutz celebrate their gallery's silver anniversary with a group retrospective exhibit. 228 Townsend St. http://www.arthaus-sf.com/main-gallery/ Art Market San Francisco @ Fort Mason Peruse hundreds of art works in several media on exhibit and for sale. April 21-24, Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd. https://artmarketsf.com/ The Art of Disability Culture @ Ruth's Table Group exhibit of works by disabled artists; thru May 20. 3160 21st St. www.ruthstable.org The Art of the Brick @ LEGO® Exhibit View sculptures and interactive installations made of the toy bricks, now with a creative lounge. $18-$21; extended thru Sept. 5. 1 Grant Ave. https://artofthebrickexhibit.com/ Asian Art Museum Seeing Gender, a selection of works that reveal the complexities and nuances of gender across Asian art. Afterope: Videos of Resistance, thru May 2. Other exhibits include Memento: Jayashree Chakravarty and Lam Tung Pang, After Hope: Videos of Resistance, Zheng Chongbin: I Look for the Sky, and historic works. Fri-Mon 10am-5pm. Thu 1pm-8pm. 200 Larkin St. asianart.org Berkeley Art Center All of Us All of Us celebrates collaborative contemporary photography projects produced by Bay Area makers Marcel Pardo Ariza, Tristan Crane, The Q-Sides and First Exposures participants. Opening reception April 16, 3pm-6pm; thru June 18. 1275 Walnut St., Berkeleyhttps://www.berkeleyartcenter.org Berkeley Art Museum/Pacific Film Archive Quilts, Blankets, and Tapestry: Contemporary Art and Textiles, Ron Nagle: Handsome Drifter, Folk and Modern Art in Postcolonial India) and art films streamed online and screened outdoors (BYO chairs). 2155 Center St., Berkeley. www.bampfa.org
California Academy of Sciences The fascinating science museum includes live creatures (aquarium, terrarium) and educational exhibits. New; 'Wander Woods,' an outdoor kids and families play space. Also, Living Worlds, a planetarium show. Mon-Sat 9:30am-5pm. Sun 11am-5pm. 55 Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park. https://www.calacademy.org/ Cartoon Art Museum New: Chivalry: Art of Colleen Doran, original artwork from the Dark Horse graphic novel illustrated by Doran and written by Neil Gaiman, April 23-Sept. 18. Keith Knight's 'Woke,', the local Black cartoonist's exhibit ('The K Chronicles'); also, Gorey's Children, artwork and serigraphs by Edward Gorey; thru June 5. The Legend of Wonder Woman, an exhibition celebrating 80 years of DC Comics' iconic Amazon, featuring comic books, merchandise, and original illustrations by many of Wonder Woman's most prominent artists. Also at the Fisherman's Wharf gallery; 'The Batman Armory,' A Treasury of Animation, as well as books and prints for sale. Sat & Sun 11am-5pm. 781 Beach St. https://www.cartoonart.org Catharine Clark Gallery Contemporary artists' exhibits, including 'Wanxin Zhang: Witness' thru April 16. 248 Utah St. https://cclarkgallery.com/
Chabot Space & Science Center Programs include live science programs each Wed., 10:30am, virtual telescope viewings each Sat. 9pm. Free/$15. 10000 Skyline Blvd, Oakland (opens in Nov.). chabotspace.org Chinese Cultural Center Exhibition of new work by Bay Area-based contemporary ceramic artist Cathy Lu. 750 Kearny St. https://www.cccsf.us/ Conservatory of Flowers Beautiful indoor and outdoor floral exhibits in the classic arboretum; special events and parties return soon. 100 JFK Drive, Golden Gate Park. Free/$12. www.conservatoryofflowers.org Contemporary Jewish Museum The Jim Henson Exhibition: Imagination Unlimited, with videos and film screenings, Muppets, materials, drawings, guest talks, and more; thru Aug. 14. (Read our feature article.) Also, the spacious downtown museum includes Experience Leonard Cohen with a series of four solo exhibitions by contemporary artists George Fok, Judy Chicago, Candice Breitz, and Marshall Trammell, all inspired by the life and work of the revered singer-songwriter; also, group exhibit 'Tikkun: For the Cosmos, the Community, and Ourselves,' Julie Weitz' Golem: A Call to Action; and more. Free/$16. 736 Mission St. thecjm.org
de Young Museum Major exhibits include Alice Neel: People Come First thru July 10; Nampeyo and the Sikyátki Revival, thru Feb. 2023; also, collections of American, African, Oceanic, costume arts, sculpture and more. Tue-Sun 9:30am-5:15pm. 50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive. deyoung.famsf.org 'Entwined' Lighted Forest @ Golden Gate Park The popular outdoor exhibit of illuminated 'trees and plants' returns. https://sanfranciscoparksalliance.org/entwined/ Exhibits @ SF Public Library The Cockettes: Acid Drag & Sexual Anarchy, A celebration of the avant-garde psychedelic hippie theater troupe's 50th anniversary, in conjunction with original member Fayette Hauser's newly-published pictorial history by the same title; thru August; at the James C. Hormel LGBTQIA Center, 3rd floor. Also, book display exhibits on the 6th floor. 100 Larkin St. https://sfpl.org/ Exploratorium Events Talks, and demos with a science theme, including comet-cam and more; weekly After Dark nighttime parties have returned. Pier 15. www.exploratorium.edu Frequencies of Tradition @ Kadist Group exhibit of a dozen Asian artists whose work challenged traditional representation; curated by Hyunjin Kim thru July 16. 3295 20th St. https://kadist.org/san-francisco/ Gallery Wendi Norris Contemporary art exhibits. Fort Mason Center Pier 2, 2 Marina Blvd. https://www.gallerywendinorris.com GLBT History Museum Temporarily closed for a new exhibit installation. Online exhibits include Stories of Our Movement: Bay Area Reporter at 50; Also, Legendary: African American LGBTQ Past Meets Present , Fighting Back, a series that brings together community leaders, experts, historians and activists to explore lessons from the past that might be useful in formulating resistance efforts today; Reigning Queens: the Lost Photos of Roz Joseph, curated by Joseph Plaster; and other exhibits. Online events as well. 4127 18th St. www.glbthistory.org
Gregangelo Museum Take tours at the 27-room mansion filled with eccentric unusual interactive artworks and performances. www.gregangelomuseum.com Harvey Milk Photo Center View exhibits of masterful photographic art. Thru April 30: Steve Rapport's '(Mostly) Rock n Roll.' Also online galleries. https://www.harveymilkphotocenter.org/ Immersive Frida Kahlo/Immersive Van Gogh @ SVN West The popular large-scale installations of projected animated images of paintings by the Mexican and Spanish painters. $55-$80; thru May 30. 10 South Van Ness Ave. at Market. https://www.immersive-frida.com/san-francisco/ Jenkins Johnson Gallery Online solo and group exhibits of works by Philomela Williamson, Alex Jackson, and others. https://www.jenkinsjohnsongallery.com Land's End @ Former Cliff House Group exhibit of artists' varied works where their charge is twofold: to discover artwork in unlikely places and to consider the planet's health. By bringing together a group of artists from around the world, the exhibition strives to remind viewers of our interconnectedness via global currents of water and air. Timed ticketing. One of several outdoor and historic landmark projects with artists; thru Mar. 27. 1090 Point Lobos Ave. https://www.for-site.org Lea Magdanal @ SF Academy Local queer artist's exhibit of 30 paintings. 2166 Market St. https://www.academy-sf.com/ Legion of Honor New: Guo Pei: Couture Fantasy, the first extensive exhibition of the designer's work, bringing together more than 80 ensembles from the past two decades; April 16-Sept. 5. Also, European and ancient art, giant Renaissance landscapes and historic paintings, plus classical sculptures and contemporary works, from Degas, Manet, Caillebotte and Vuillard to Egyptian, Greek and Roman artifacts; also Wangechi Mutu's fascinating modern outdoor and indoor sculptures. Uue-Sun, 9:30am-5:15pm. Free/$15. legionofhonor.famsf.org Lost Art Salon Intimate gallery exhibits small and unusual works of note by contemporary and early 20th-century artists. 245 S. Van Ness. #303. https://lostartsalon.com
Minnesota Street Art Project Multiple galleries host different artist exhibits; thru April 30: Indira Allegra's 'Texere: The Shape of Loss is a Tapestry.' 1275 Minnesota St. https://minnesotastreetproject.com/ Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts New and ongoing exhibits; Solo Mujeres thru May 6. 2869 Mission St. missionculturalcenter.org MOAD Museum of the African Diaspora's exhibits include award-winning films, talks and music performances. 'Elegies: Still Lifes in Contemporary Art,' a group exhibit curated by Monique Long; thru Aug. 21. 685 Mission St. www.moadsf.org Museum of Craft & Design Call & Response: Craft as a Tool for Activism, and other exhibits online. www.sfmcd.org My Park Moment @ Presidio Large-scale outdoor exhibit of visitor-submitted images in local and regional state parks; at the new Tunnel Tops. www.presidiotunneltops.gov Nancy Toomey Fine Art Online and in-person exhibits. 1275 Minnesota St. nancytoomeyfineart.com NIAD Exhibits The art studio for developmentally disabled adults shares online exhibits and sells beautiful works of art; in-person window displays and weekly online exhibitions. www.niadartstore.org Oakland Museum You Are Here: California Stories on the Map (through 2022), Black Power and Dorothea Lange: Photography as Activism (both ongoing). 1000 Oak St., Oakland. museumca.org
The Pink and Purple Church in the Castro Online multimedia exhibit documenting the history of Metropolitan Community Church, its LGBTQ-inclusive services and outreach through the AIDS pandemic. http://arspgallery.com/mccsf-exhibit-main/ Pride and Progress The Victory Fund's online exhibit showcases a timeline of LGBT political history. https://www.prideandprogress.org/ Queer Ancestors Project @ Strut Artist panel and print sale, with Cairo, daney gomez espiritu, indigo, Jasmine Pomar, Jason Mai, Karishma, Naseem, Ray Tsukayama, Rawley, & Sasha, with artistic director Katie Gilmartin. April 21, 7pm-10pm. 470 Castro St. https://www.sfaf.org/event/queer-ancestors-project-artist-panel-print-sale/ https://www.queerancestorsproject.org/ Robert Koch Gallery Contemporary artists exhibits. 49 Geary St. https://kochgallery.com/ Schlomer Haus Gallery New Castro/Duboce gay-owned art gallery. 2128 Market St., just west of Church St. Regular gallery hours Tue-Sat 12pm to 6pm and by appointment. https://www.instagram.com/schlomer_haus_gallery/ SF Botanical Garden Magnificent Magnolias are in bloom (thru March) at the beautiful spacious gardens with multiple plants, trees and flowers. Free entry for SF residents; others $3-$10. 1199 9th Ave., Golden Gate Park. https://www.sfbg.org SF Museum of Modern Art New thru Sept. 5: Shifting the Silence, a group exhibit of 32 women artists, and Speculative Portraits, an exploration of portraiture and identity. Also, Diego Rivera's massive 1940 mural Pan American Unity, on display during its restoration. Also, Joan Mitchell retrospective. Also, Constellations: Photographs in Dialogue. View Pop, Abstract, and Figurative art collections; Warhol, Rosenquist, Lichtenstein, to name a few. Bay Area Walls mural project, the outdoor vertical garden and Olafur Eliasson's sparkling one-way color tunnel. Free/$25; reserved, timed ticketing. Mon 10am-5pm. Thu 1pm-8pm. Fri-Sun 10am-5pm. First Thursdays free. 151 Third St. www.sfmoma.org Southern Exposure Unusual art and installations and online projects. 3030 20th St. https://soex.org
Tom of Finland Foundation The LA-based museum hosts online exhibits and sketch sessions with male models; NSFW. https://www.tomoffinland.org Walt Disney Family Museum Located in The Presidio, the museum dedicated to the art of Disney films hosts online and in-person exhibits, classes and events. 104 Montgomery St. www.waltdisney.org We Were There Online tours of art museums, showcasing hidden and overlooked LGBT themes, subjects and artists. http://wewerethere.org/ Worker Online exhibit showcases photos and historic paintings of sex workers by 19 artists, from the late 19th Century of Edouard Manet and Henri De Toulouse-Lautrec to modern day contemporaries such as Felix Gonzalez-Torres, David Hockney, Nan Goldin, Bruce LaBruce and Margie Schnibbe. NSFW. www.artreporttoday.com Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Unusual modern art exhibits; also, film screenings, murals, and tours. 'Pedagogy of Hope: Uncage, Reunify, Heal,; presented by Galeria de la Raza, they May 29. 'The Healing Project,' thru June 19. https://ybca.org
NIGHTLIFE After Dark @ Exploratorium Evening cocktail parties return to the interactive science museum, with different themes. $20. Thursdays 6pm-10pm. Pier 15 (Embarcadero @ Green St.) https://www.exploratorium.edu/ Aunt Charlie's Lounge The intimate bar serves strong drinks and hosts frequent drag shows. April 28: DJ Bus Station John spins at Tubesteak Connection's 18th birthday party. $5-$10. 9pm-2am. 133 Turk St. https://www.facebook.com/events/399947105291271 Beaux Nightlife's hopping at the popular Market Street club, with drag entertainers, gogo studs, drinks and food. Big Top Sundays. Drag brunch Sat & Sun, 2pm & 4pm. Pan Dulce Wednesdays. https://www.beauxsf.com/ Club OMG Intimate mid-Market nightclub includes DJed dancing, drag shows and a karaoke night. 43 6th St. http://www.clubomgsf.com/ Dining Out for Life Annual fundraiser where participating restaurants donate a portion of your bill to the SF AIDS Foundation. April 26. https://doflsf.donordrive.com/ DJ Don Baird @ The Hole in the Wall The fave local rock DJ's returned to the SoMa 'friendly neighborhood gay bikers' bar; Thursdays and Fridays. 1369 Folsom St. https://blackwolfmetal.com/ Also, listen online: https://www.twitch.tv/donbaird Drag Brunch at Curio Rexy hosts 12pm & 2pm drag shows (with Kylie Minono, Kipper Snacks, Bionka Simone) with brunch. 775 Valencia St. https://www.curiobarsf.com/ The Edge Musical Wednesdays, Beards & Booze and other events have returned to the popular bar. 4149 18th St. www.edgesf.com Jolene's SoMa queer and woman/trans-owned nightclub and restaurant; Coyote Queer, second Saturdays, with DJs Koslov & Livv, costume contest. UHaul SF, Fridays. Sunday brunch drag show 11am-5pm. 2700 16th St. http://jolenessf.com/index.html
Lookout The Castro bar with a panoramic view; ongoing: Bounce (Sat. nights), Lips & Lashes Drag Brunch with host Carnie Asada (Sat. afternoons), Jock (Sunday nights). 3600 16th St. http://www.lookoutsf.com/ Lone Star Saloon DJed events at the historic bear bar, plus regular nights of rock music and patio hangouts. 1354 Harrison St. https://www.lonestarsf.com/ Martuni's Monday Happy Hour Pianist Russell Deason hosts the fun weekly open mic gathering. 5:30pm-8:30pm. 4 Valencia St. at Market. Midnight Sun The popular bar celebrates 50 years; Timeline Tuesdays, Honeypot Fridays with gogo studs; K-Pop and drag shows like Munro's, 10pm Monday nights. 4067 18th St. https://www.midnightsunsf.com/ Muévelo @ Que Rico, Oakland Valentino Presents' new East Bay Latin club is already a hit. Enjoy the new nightclub's weekly dance party with DJed grooves, drag divas, and gogo studs. Fridays, $10 and up, 9:30pm-3am. 381 15th St., Oakland. www.quericonightclub.com Oasis In-person shows include Princess, the weekly Saturday night drag show. April 21-30: Baloney burlesque strip-theater show. April 22: MaDonna Summer mashup dance night. April 24: Dragmaniacs. April 28: Slut Pop. April 29: Safasaa. Online: Matthew Martin in Michael Phillis' drag comedy, The Hand That Rocks The Crawford. 398 11th St. www.sfoasis.com
Port Bar, Oakland RuPaul's Drag Race viewings Fridays; Wednesdays are a Drag shows at 9pm, 10pm, 11pm; Big Gay Trivia on Tuesdays; dancing on Saturday nights. 2023 Broadway. www.portbaroakland.com| Powerhouse Bar Enjoy indoor and outdoor drinks at the popular SoMa bar; Underwear Thursdays; Juanita MORE's Powerblouse (fun drag makeovers) 1st Saturdays, and Beat Pig, 3rd Saturdays. 1347 Folsom St. https://www.powerhousebar.com/ Qué Rico New LGBT Latinx nightclub features cute gogo guys and drag shows, DJed dance floor, brunch and dinner menus, too. 381 15th St., Oakland. www.quericonightclub.com The Robyn Party @ Rickshaw Stop Touring pop music dance party featuring the music of Robyn and other queer fave divas, spun by DJs Russ Marshalek, Marley Magaziner and Chris Choyce, lands in SF. $12-$15. April 23. 155 Fell St. https://therobynparty.com/ Roller Disco @ Church of 8 Wheels D, Miles, Jr., "The Godfather of Skate," hosts roller-skating nights with groovy tunes, plus skate rentals. $5-$15. 554 Fillmore St. http://www.churchof8wheels.com/ SF Eagle The famed leather bar has numerous events; BLUF Cigar Buddies 2nd Fridays. Frolic cosplay/furry party, 2nd Saturdays, 8pm-2am. Sunday beverage bust, 3pm-7pm, $10-$15. (http://frolicparty.com/) 398 12th St. https://thesfeagle.com/ Suavecito @ Space 550 Valentino Presents and Club Papi present a new weekly Latin dance night with DJs Mike, Mr. Biggs, and Lola; Sonora Tropicana band, drag acts, gogo guys, three dance rooms, outdoor lounge. Saturdays, $15-$25. 9:30pm-3am. 550 Barneveld Ave. www.suavecitosf.com
Sundance Saloon @ Space 550
The (mostly) Country music line-dancing, two-stepping nights (Sundays and Thursdays) has returned. $5, 5pm-10:30pm. 550 Barneveld Ave. www.sundancesaloon.org
Thirst Trap Thursdays @ Dirty Habit
Weekly event on the heated 5th floor outdoor terrace of Hotel Zelos, $5 benefits the SF Queer Nightlife Fund. 5pm-10pm. 12 4th St. https://www.viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/zelos/dirty-habit
White Horse Bar
Enjoy outdoor dining and drinks at the famous Oakland bar. 6551 Telegraph Ave., Oakland.
Broadway Podcast Network Enjoy talks and audio performances with writers, composers, actors and professionals in theater. https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/ Broadway Radio Online Broadway music radio station featuring the best in the Off-Broadway, Broadway, and the London stage. 'Styles of Stephen Sondheim' with music scholar Gail Leondar-Wright, 'Stephen Sondheim Encyclopedia' author Rick Pender and others; hosted by Stuart Brown. https://broadwayradioprograms.com/ Community Talks @ Manny's In-person and online events discussing local and global community issues. 3092 16th St. https://welcometomannys.com/ Drag Time with Heklina Online chat show with the Bay Area queen of drag shows. www.dragtimewithheklina.com Environmental Drag Queen Patti Gonia and Alex discuss nature, outdoors love, the environment and their connections in drag personae. spotify.com Elton John's Rocket Hour The gay music megastar hosts his weekly music show on Apple. https://www.apple.com/apple-tv-app/ Fruitbowl Podcast about all sorts of sexuality, with famous queer people and ordinary folks. https://www.fruitbowlpodcast.com/intro In the Key of Q Dan Hall's podcast with interviews and selections by LGBTQ musicians. https://www.inthekeyofq.com/ I Still Think About You Noir drama podcast from The Boys in the Band revival actor Brian Hutchison is part memoir, part psychological thriller, and part love letter to Broadway. https://www.istillthinkaboutyou.com/ Latina Stream Queens Maria Gomez' new YouTube channel of shows, interviews, comedy skits and more. https://www.youtube.com/c/LatinaStreamQueens LGBT Asylum Project Podcast Creator and host of the LGBTQ Asylum podcast is 28-year-old Sayid Abdul, a queer Uighur refugee who was granted political asylum in 2018. https://www.lgbtasylumproject.org/ Midnight Mass Podcast Peaches Christ presents an online audio show with Michael Varrati about horror and cult movies; on Apple and Spotify. http://store.peacheschrist.com/ Move, I'm Gay The totally gay fun podcast celebrates its 100th episode, starring Francisco and Brendan as Franny and Brenda. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/move-im-gay/id1500217797 Out in the Bay The long-running LGBT radio show has returned with new podcast episodes, and an extensive archive. Host Eric Jansen welcomes artists, community leaders, scholars and celebrities. https://www.outinthebay.org/ OutMuseum OutFest, the Los Angeles LGBT film festival, hosts an online array of panel discussions, audio interviews and short documentary films. https://www.theoutmuseum.org/browse
Planet Classroom Instructional podcasts on a variety of issues, including LGBT subjects. https://www.planetclassroom.world/browse/ Probably True Podcast with queer stories, "a smutty-but-charming collection of personal misadventures." https://www.probablytruepodcast.com/ The Qube E3 Radio's black LGBTQ radio show and podcast. https://e3radio.fm/the-qube/ The Queerness SF Pride's podcast with notable hosts and LGBTQ guests (Franco Stevens, Michelle Meow, Snaxx, Vinny Eng and more). https://sfpride.org/podcast.html Queer Powers Indie channel of chats radio shows, vintage zine archives and drag shows. https://www.queerpowers.com/ A Queer Serial LGBT-themed podcasts with voice actors such as Sam Pancake (Transparent, Gilmore Girls), Matthew Reimer, Radical Faeries' Will Roscoe and Joey Cain, and Chicago performers Salvio Gado and Jon Martinez, along with real recordings of pioneers including transgender entertainer Christine Jorgensen, civil rights activist Bayard Rustin, and lesbian journalist Edythe Eyde. https://www.mattachinepod.com/ Queer Nightlife Talks Blog and links to talks among Bay Area nightlife organizers and producers, with community input and opinions. Tune in, offer assistance or thoughts. sfqueernightlifefund.org Queercore Podcast The QueerCore Podcast, hosted by August Bernadicou, elucidates radical, LGBTQ activists' histories in recorded shows with Mark Segal, Phyllis Lyon, Don Kilhefner, Jack Fritscher, drag rocker Jayne County, Vanguard Editor Keith St. Clare, a Theater of the Ridiculous oral history, veteran gay rights activist and prolific author Perry Brass, SF Tavern Guild cofounder and bar owner legend Robbie Robinson, the Rev. Ed Hansen, Rev. Robert Cromey, veteran activist Martha Shelley; community activist Gene Fedorko, pioneering LA gay dance club owner Jewel Thais-Williams, and punk drag rock sensation Jayne County. https://www.queercorepod.com/ Sounds of Broadway 24/7 radio station plays classic Broadway songs, with interviews and trivia shows, too. New Stephen Sondheim and 'West Side Story' tribute programs, including author Barry Singer (Ever After: Forty Years of Musical Theater and Beyond 1977-2020), also Rick Pender, Ethan Mordden and Eddie Shapiro. https://soundsofbroadway.com/ Taimi Talks LGBTQ personalities (Jason Wimberly, Chris Mosier, Monique Heart and others) share guest-talks on various topics, with/on the Taimi app. (Apple Store or Google Play). https://taimi.com/ Twits in Love Broadway Podcast network presents Tom Alan Robbins' audio comedy with steampunk setting, starring Michael Urie, Christian Borle, Mary Testa, James Monroe Iglehart, Lillias White and others. https://broadwaypodcastnetwork.com/podcast/twits/ Word for Wordcast The theater ensemble known fostering short stories 'word for word' has a news series of podcasts in the same literary style. http://www.zspace.org/pod You Make Me Real LGBT podcast series, with Juanita MORE! & David Glamamore, Joan Jett Blakk, Lynn Breedlove and Tom Ammiano. https://www.buzzsprout.com/1753585 Do you have an event to add? Email events@ebar.com Help keep the Bay Area Reporter going in these tough times. To support local, independent, LGBTQ journalism, consider becoming a BAR member.
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