Black Experience

Bill Doggett - February 16, 2022

This expansive essay explores the cultural contradictions of the Harlem Renaissance and American culture informing Still’s musical achievements.

Bill Doggett - February 15, 2022

The remarkable documentary brings viewers intimately close to the fabled singer.

Andrew Gilbert - February 14, 2022

Social-justice advocacy is all in a day’s work for the virtuosic drummer. Her run of five unique shows at SFJAZZ starts Feb. 16.

Richard S. Ginell - January 18, 2022

Glasper’s imagination takes off in the wildly eclectic second set, replete with the String Candy Orchestra, a DJ, and electronic voice-overs.

Tamzin Elliott - January 15, 2022

Bright new works from both the curators and their colleagues enliven this concert with the LA Phil New Music Group.

Andrew Gilbert - December 13, 2021

The late Brazilian acoustic guitarist had an outsized impact on the Bay Area music scene. A new three-CD set features great live performances captured in the ’60s.  

Michael Zwiebach - November 16, 2021

Opera Parallèle’s family-friendly production is uplifting, and Marcus Shelby’s lively score is done justice by a superior cast.

Lou Fancher - October 5, 2021

Following the whirlwind of revelations, allegations, and promises of reform, we ask opera insiders about the state of the art since #MeToo.

Bill Doggett - September 2, 2021

Harry Pace’s recording company publicized important artists but faced impossible hurdles.

Michael Zwiebach - June 18, 2021

Committees can work (sometimes): the San Francisco Conservatory of Music/SF Symphony partnership seems to have struck gold.