The Best Bay Area Events for 5/16-5/22
By Jerucifer, Arts & Events Editor
The weather is fucking glorious lately, and there are so many great reasons to get out of the house! I’m gonna be checking out some rad art and music for sure, especially Ghibli in Concert! Here’s what I’m most excited about for the week of 5/16..
Our Partners’ Events
Jake Johannsen
5/18-5/20 | Punch Line | 444 Battery St, SF | 7:30, 8 & 9:45 pm | $29-39
Jake Johannsen, the legendary raconteur of weird stories is renowned for his dry, witty style. He has made over 40 appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, and more than ten appearances on The Tonight Show. His HBO special This’ll Take About An Hour was voted one of the 50 Funniest Moments in Television History by TV Guide. His special I Love You premiered on Showtime, and he continues to tour top comedy clubs across the nation.
Hubba Hubba Revue: Y2K
5/21 | DNA Lounge | 375 11th Street, SF | 7 pm | $15-35
Backup your hard drive & wipe those hanging chads off your indestructible Nokia phone! San Francisco’s world-famous burlesque & variety show is taking you back to the happiest apocalypse in history!
This Week’s Events
Tuesday, 5/16
Tim Bernardes
5/16 | Swedish American Hall | 2174 Market St, SF | 8 pm | $20
Bernardes remains mindful that music with its symbolism and multiple layers transmits in a way that is beautiful, intimate, and emotionally evocative for his audience. In that way, he paid proper tribute to his own musical idols: Brazilian music in the 70s had this quality, writing directly about feelings, love, reflections, beauty, music in a personal/ relatable way, anything that would be truly moving at the time.
2023 TLGBQ+ Career Fair
5/16 | SF LGBT Center | 1800 Market St, SF | 11 am – 3 pm | free
The SF LGBT Center has historically hosted one of the largest TLGBQ career fairs in the country and we are excited to be able to bring this event back after a three-year hiatus. We showcase leading Bay Area employers from a wide range of industries who are dedicated to providing and learning to provide safer and more supportive workplace environments for the TLGBQ community as well as opportunities for gainful employment.
In addition to the opportunity to meet with employers that are hiring, the Center will also be providing an opportunity to get free professional headshots taken and access to our Cyber Center so you can print your resume out or apply to any open roles you’re interested in after meeting with employers.
Kate Clover, Big Rat, Johnny Maraca & The Marockers
5/16 | Bottom of the Hill | 1233 17th St, SF | 8 pm | $15
A night of punk rock, featuring Kate Clover, Big Rat, and Johnny Maraca & The Marockers.
Montclair Village Restaurant Walk
5/16 | Montclair Village | 6125 Medau Pl, Oakland | 5-8 pm | $40
The 2023 Montclair Village Restaurant Walk will feature local restaurants and businesses offering samples of delicious bites and libations (including craft beer, artisan wines and mocktails). Tickets are required.
Wednesday, 5/17
Shannon & The Clams
5/17 | Phoenix Theater | 201 Washington St, Petaluma | 8 pm | $29-35
Local band from Oakland that channels doo wop, early rock, and 1960s girl groups with a dose of R&B, surf, punk, and garage psych thrown in too.
RKO DRAG SHOW
5/17 | White Horse Bar | 6551 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 9:30 pm | $5-15, NOTAFLOF
This time around it’s all about being Black, Brown & Down with a cast full of black and brown performers Catch us the White Horse after Oaklash’s Black & Brown King Workshop at Oakstop.
Hosted by Jota Mercury and Tyson Check’In!
Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah with Tommy Orange
5/17 | The Chapel | 777 Valencia St, SF | 7 pm | $35+
Join us when Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah celebrates the release of his highly-anticipated novel, Chain Gang All-Stars, with Pulitzer Prize finalist, Tommy Orange! This event will include a conversation Adjei-Brenyah and Orange as well as an audience Q & A. Signing line to follow.
Art Battle San Francisco
5/17 | The Great Northern | 119 Utah St, SF | 7 pm | $20-25
Be a part of the electrifying energy as skilled artists engage in a high-speed showdown, flinging paint with every stroke. Cast your vote and crown the champion in three pulse-pounding rounds. And as the night unfolds, snag a one-of-a-kind masterpiece as every piece created goes up for auction. Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of live art!
Thursday, 5/18
Bigbabygucci
5/18 | Brick & Mortar | 1710 Mission St, SF | 8 pm | $15-20
Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, BIGBABYGUCCI began carving out a distinct presence in music from the beginning of his career. With his musical influence coming from listening to a variety of genres growing up, his knack for combining unorthodox production with catchy cadences and an endless array of flows came naturally.
KMFDM
5/18 | The Fillmore | 1805 Geary Blvd, SF | 8 pm | $39
German-American industrial firebrands who connect harsh metal with pulsing electronic dance beats.
Obituary
5/18 | UC Theatre | 2036 University Ave, Berkeley | 7 pm | $28
One of the most influential death metal bands of all time.
Emo vs. Pop-Punk: Myspace Music Video Tribute Night
5/18 | Madrone Art Bar | 500 Divisadero St, SF | 9 pm | $5
It’s the ultimate battle for your Top 8 in San Francisco!
Music videos on the big screen, drink specials, and scream-alongs all night long!
Who will take the spot of being your coveted profile song? RAWR xD
Friday, 5/19
AAPI GOTH GALA: A celebration of Goth/AAPI Artists
5/19 | The Red Door Gallery | 2309 Encinal Ave, Alameda | 7-10 pm | free
This event will have local makers/vendors, art for sale from locally based artists in the gallery, live music from Oakland Goth band, HALF ROTTEN GODDESS, QUEER POC Goth group, PRETTY FRANKENSTEIN, and special guests, Alameda rock trio, THE SPACE KADETS, This is a fundraiser event for the Alameda Island FilipinX group that specializes in cultural events and resources for the AAPI community!
The Neon Block: Black Light Party w/ DJ Playstation,
5/19 | Public Works | 161 Erie St, SF | 9 pm | free before 11 w/ RSVP, $20 after
Back by popular demand, The Neon Block Black Light Party! We’re transforming the Loft into a neon room of ruckus completely lit by black lights. Yes please.
Moulin Rouge!
5/19 | The Cut | 250 Main St, SF | 8 pm | $14-27
A poor Bohemian poet in 1890s Paris falls for a beautiful courtesan and nightclub star coveted by a jealous duke.
Rav
5/19 | Cafe du Nord | 2170 Market St, SF | 9 pm | $18-60
LEAP marks the latest and most personal – release from the prolific rapper, Rav. With his path awash with loss and regret, Rav has spent much of the past year trying to find his footing. LEAP is about hurting, being vulnerable, and most importantly persevering.
The Confessional
5/19 | Endgames Improv | 2965 Mission St, SF | 8 pm | $15
From the mild to the wild, all of us have guilty pleasures, moments of being bad, and the down right awful. Audiences submit written sins and secrets, and we weave a fully improvised comedy show. Don’t worry, it’s anonymous. No one will know about the thing you do when you’re alone.
Josh Blue
5/19 | Cobb’s Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave, SF | 7:30 | $28-43
Josh does over 200 shows a year, continuing to spread laughter and break down stereotypes of people with disabilities. His stand-up routine is in a constant state of evolution and his off-the-cuff improvisational skills guarantee that no two shows are alike. Josh represented the United States in 8 countries as a member of the US Paralympic Soccer Team. Josh and his team were thoroughly disgraced in the 2004 Paralympic Games in Athens, Greece by not scoring a single goal. He is a single father living in Denver, CO with his son and daughter. Don’t miss Josh on The Freak Accident Tour as he travels to a city near you!
Saturday, 5/20
AAPI LOVE A LA CARTE: New works from Reniel Del Rosario at Yank Sing
5/20 | Yank Sing | 101 Spear St, SF | 4-7 pm | free
Presented by Value Culture, in collaboration with celebrated Bay Area Artist Reniel Del Rosario, this will showcase exclusive new works to promote AAPI love and celebrate AAPI Heritage Month in a unique immersive experience.
Truth in Pink
5/20 | Jones | 620 Jones St, SF | 3-6:30 pm | $30+
Join us for the tea dance! Featuring music by the very talented DJ Carrie on Disco and DJ Stanley Frank Sensation. Live performances by Mr. David Glamamore, Alotta Boutté, Dulce De Leche, and Oliver Branch!
Ghibli in Concert at Grace Cathedral
5/20 | Grace Cathedral | 1100 California St, SF | 7:30 pm | $15-20
Experience the enchanting melodies of Studio Ghibli music in a captivating piano trio concert featuring works by film composers, Joe Hisaishi, Yuji Nomi, and Satoshi Takebe. Don’t miss this musical journey through some of Studio Ghibli’s most beloved soundtracks.
Pinky Patel
5/20 | Palace of Fine Arts | 3301 Lyon St, SF | 8 pm | $30
Originally from Illinois, Pinky Patel is a PTA mom turned creator, comedian and personality with a fan base of over 5 million. She is best known for her hilarious commentary and viral videos from her glam cave that have garnered over 64.5 million likes on TikTok.
Frost Music & Arts Festival 2023
5/20 | Frost Ampitheater | 351 Lasuen St, Stanford | 6 pm | $25-50
Denzel Curry will be joined by 070 Shake and Jean Dawson on the Frost Amphitheater stage to celebrate the 2023 Frost Music & Arts Festival.
Umek
5/20 | Halcyon | 314 11th St, SF | 10 pm | $12+
UMEK the Slovenian TECHNO pioneer and 1605 label boss returns for a night of heavy-hitting heat! RYAN MICHAEL ROBBINS + DNEB support the tireless producer and player.
Sunday, 5/21
Spring Sidewalk Celebration
5/21 | Jaranita | 3340 Steiner St, SF | 11:30 am – 3 pm | $30
Join Jaranita in San Francisco’s Marina District to celebrate the end of spring in a convivial, colorful space with Peruvian cuisine, drinks, and live music on the parklet.
For $30, guests will receive three vouchers for food and drinks in total and additional tickets will be available to purchase for $12 each at the event. Food stations will include Antichuchos (carne and pollo), Cebiche (clasico and mariscos), Causa, and Empanadas (carne, pollo, and veggie with sweet giant Peruvian corn and kale).
Walnut Creek Classic Car Show
5/21 | Rotator Taproom | 1415 Pine St, WC | 12-3 pm | free
Attention all automobile enthusiasts and lovers of vintage charm! Get ready to rev your engines and embark on a nostalgic journey through automotive history at the highly anticipated Classic Cars & More Show. We invite cars from the past and present to join us at this year’s show. $20 to register your car for prizes!
DAVID J of LOVE & ROCKETS/BAUHAUS
5/21 | The New Parish | 1743 San Pablo Ave, Oakland | 10 pm | $15
A Post Punk / Psych Rock Dance Party With DAVID J!
DAVID J is a founding member of the iconic post-punk bands Bauhaus and Love & Rockets. Both bands have created a highly influential legacy that spans multiple generations of fans and musicians. He will delve deep into his personal 7” vinyl collection to curate a special Dance Party DJ SET after Love & Rockets’ live performance at The Fox Theatre.
Amazing Bubble Man
5/21 | Freight & Salvage | 2020 Addison St, Berkeley | 11:30 am | $13-27
Louis Pearl has been thrilling audiences around the world for nearly 30 years with the art, magic, science and fun of bubbles. An Edinburgh Fringe Festival favorite, he has sold out every year since 2007. Louis explores the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerized.
From square bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, fog-filled bubbles, giant bubbles, bubble volcanoes, tornadoes and trampolines to people inside bubbles, the Amazing Bubble Man conjures shrieks of laughter and gasps of amazement from all ages.
Bay to Breakers 2023
5/21 | Main St & Howard St, SF | 8 am | $50+
This historic 12k through the streets of San Francisco is over 100 years in the making. It’s a race made for everyone, so dress up, bring your friends and be cheered on every step of the way by the city’s finest crowds. Pushing boundaries and breaking records since 1912 – it’s your turn to join the party. Don’t miss San Francisco’s favorite running holiday – a race like no other!
Monday, 5/22
Queer Film Theory 101: Carrie
5/22 | Alamo Drafthouse | 2550 Mission St, SF | 6:45 pm | $18
The ultimate scorned outsider film is coming to Queer Film Theory 101 just in time for prom season! When Brian De Palma’s 1976 adaptation of the Stephen King novel CARRIE hit the screen across America audiences were gooped, gagged, shocked, and scandalized by this radical new experience in terror. Carrie White (Sissy Spacek) is a sheltered and shy young woman who is regularly abused and demeaned by her unhinged and deeply religious mother, Margaret (Piper Laurie). When a confused and terrified Carrie has her first period during a gym class shower, she is ridiculed and mocked by her fellow classmates, and in response, she begins to lash out with newly developed telekinetic powers! Shit gets worse from there because these damn folks just won’t leave poor Carrie White alone!
Indigenous Magic At Magic Theatre
5/22 | Fort Mason Center | 2 Marina Blvd, SF | 6 pm | free
TigerBear Productions and Magic Theatre host Indigenous Magic, an art series by and for Native Americans and their allies at Fort Mason Center For Art & Culture. TigerBear Productions Jerome Joseph Gentes (Standing Rock Lakota and Fort Belknap A’aninin) created and hosts the event.
Visit Indigenous Magic in the Magic Theatre Lobby in Building D, Third Floor, on Monday, May 22, 2023, at 6:00 p.m.
Joyland
5/22 | Roxie Theatre | 3117 16th St, SF | 6:35 pm | $5-21
A film of groundbreaking firsts — the first Pakistani film to play at the Cannes Film Festival and to be shortlisted for the Best International Feature Oscar®. Initially banned in its home country for its LGBTQ+ themes, JOYLAND is a visually radiant, subversive family drama set in the bustling megacity of Lahore. Pressured to earn his own salary, soft-spoken house husband Haider is hired to dance in an erotic show — something he’s at pains to hide from his nosy family. He’s drawn to the show’s star, an irrepressible trans woman (Alina Khan, in a tour-de-force performance); their relationship predictably takes unpredictable turns. This striking feature debut upends traditional gender roles and identities through a story of complex and imperfect expressions of love.
Rad Upcoming Events
5/26 | Project Nunway 11: Sanctuary
Don’t forget to check out our Big Bad List of Rad Ongoing Events right here!
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