Arts and CultureSF Bay Area

Best Bay Area Events 5/7-5/27

The Bay's best newsletter for underground events & news

Marcus King at The Masonic

Don’t miss blues rock guitarist Marcus King when he brings his Mood Swings The World Tour to San Francisco this Friday at The Masonic! This will be an epic show! Get your tix right here.

 

Happy Birthday, Pape

by Vanessa Gil, Arts & Events Editor

It’s been just a little over a year since Bay Area radio traffic legend (aka my work bestie), Mark Pape, passed away. His birthday was a couple weeks ago and it reminded me of the times we celebrated his birthday in the iHeart traffic office. Pape was infamous for wearing sweatpants daily. So, for his birthday one year, we all showed up to work wearing sweats in honor of his fashion. The following year, we did the same thing… except Pape showed up to work that year… in a SUIT! Pranked us all. I think about him all the time and am so thankful for all the hilarious memories of him. Cheers to Pape! And now, without further adieu, here’s what I’m most excited for the week of 5/7 and beyond.

 

Our Partner’s Events

 

Western Neighborhood Project’s 25th Birthday Bash w/ Peaches Christ

 

 

Western Neighborhoods Project (WNP) is celebrating its 25th birthday with a prom-themed event, featuring a must-see live recording of the “Outside Lands San Francisco” podcast with drag legend Peaches Christ and award-winning SFGATE reporter Amanda Bartlett! We hope you’ll party with us like it’s 1999 at the Richmond District’s beloved 4 Star Theatre on Wednesday, May 15, 2024. Find out more here.

 

Listen to this Week’s Spotify Playlist!

 

Listen to this week’s playlist so you can sample upcoming bands and comedians listed in this newsletter.

 

This Week’s Events 5/7-5/13

 

Tuesday 5/7

Robot Heart Residency 2024
Now-5/18 | The Loom Project | 1020 22nd Ave, Oakland | 8 p.m. | Prices Vary by Event

Come experience exceptional music, talks, wellness, family activities, and art in community. Music runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday with additional events planned for every other night except Monday.

 

An Evening with David Sedaris
5/7 | Luther Burbank Center for the Arts | 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa | 7:30 p.m. | $39-$75

David Sedaris is one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. He is a master of satire and one of today’s most observant writers.

 

Wednesday 5/8

San Francisco International Arts Festival
Now-5/12 | The Mission District | 7 p.m. | $60-$100

Over 100+ Performances of world renown Dance, Music, Performance Art, Theater, Spoken Word & More. From Istanbul to Ireland, Cuba to Denmark, audiences are invited to experience artistic disciplines from around the world. No passport or airline ticket required. The Festival will take place in at least a dozen Mission based venues.

 

X Ambassadors
5/5 | August Hall | 420 Mason St, SF | 8 p.m. | $26-$149

X Ambassadors are a multi-platinum trio formed by brothers Sam Nelson Harris (vocals, guitar, saxophone, bass) and Casey Harris (piano, keys) while the pair were in high school in Ithaca, New York. Later joined by Adam Levin (drums) upon moving to Brooklyn, the trio have gone on to dominate the alternative charts over the last decade.

 

Small Business Week Pop-Up Shop
5/8 | Salesforce Transit Center | 415 Mission St, SF | 11 a.m. | Free

Shop Dine SF presents the 2024 Small Business Week Pop-up Shop. Shop from over 40 San Francisco makers and artisans. Dance to live music and dine from food trucks!

 

Thursday 5/9

After Dark: Intelligence Design
5/9 | Exploratorium | Pier 15 Embarcadero at Green St, SF | 6 p.m. | $19.95

Play with AI the Exploratorium way! Join Osher Fellow and creator of Microsoft’s Cozy AI Kitchen series John Maeda to learn about how design thinking intersects with artificial intelligence. Test out exhibit prototypes on machine learning, and chat with our exhibit developers about what they’re working on.

 

21 Savage w/ J.I.D
5/9 | Toyota Pavilion at Concord | 2000 Kirker Pass Rd, Concord | 7 p.m. | $29.50-$129.50

Grammy Award Winning multi-platinum artist 21 Savage is an American rapper from the United Kingdom.

 

Phil Lesh & Friends
5/9 | The Warfield | 982 Market St, SF | 8 p.m. | $59.95-$149.95, All ages

Phil Lesh and Friends is an American rock band formed and led by Phil Lesh, former bassist of the Grateful Dead.

 

Craig Ferguson
5/9-5/11 | Cobb’s Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $35.25-$50.25

Craig Ferguson is a multiple Grammy nominated, Peabody and Emmy Award-winning actor, writer, producer, director and comedian with a diverse career that encompasses film, television and the stage.

 

Friday 5/10

tick, tick…BOOM!
5/10-6/9 | New Conservatory Theatre Center | 25 Van Ness Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $35.50-$53

From the creator of Rent comes the story of a young composer on the eve of his 30th birthday. Struggling to write the next great American musical, Jon can feel the time to make his mark on the world slipping away. As the people he loves move on to new careers and new places, Jon is faced with a choice: find security or follow his destiny. With Jonathan Larson’s trademark style of pop-rock score blended with traditional musical theatre, this exuberant and charming tale will speak to anyone who’s ever gotten lost on their way to finding their dreams.

 

Mother’s Day Special Mosaic Turkish Lamp Workshop
5/10 | Netra Arts and Canvas and Cafe | 750 Alma Lane #110 Foster City | 6 p.m. | $118.04

Come join us for a fun and creative workshop where you can make a beautiful mosaic Turkish lamp for your mom this Mother’s Day! No experience is needed, our instructor will guide you through the process step by step. It’s a perfect opportunity to spend quality time with your mom while creating a unique and personalized gift for her.

 

Tom Segura: Come Together
5/10 |  SAP Center | 525 W Santa Clara St, SJ | 8 p.m. | $28.50-$95.50

Actor/Comedian/Writer Tom Segura is one of the biggest names in comedy. Your Mom’s House Studios is home to his hit podcasts Your Mom’s House which he co-hosts with his wife, comedian Christina Pazsitzky, 2 Bears 1 Cave which he co-hosts with Bert Kreischer, and many more podcasts that reach over 22 million people.

 

Sam Jay
5/10 | The New Parish | 1743 San Pablo Ave, Oakland | 7 p.m. | $29.50-$35

Originally from Boston, stand-up comic Sam Jay is an Emmy Nominated Writer most known for her writing and sketches on “Saturday Night Live.”

 

Saturday 5/11

Playground Block Party + After Party w/ Carl Cox, Eli Brown, Nicole Moudaber, Deep Dish + more
5/11 | The Midway | 900 Marin St, SF | 2 p.m. | $45-$219, 21+

We welcome you to our PLAYGROUND! Is it a mirage or is it an oasis? The only way to know is to join us on a journey through the night. When the creatures of the night have arose and the music starts to call you, join us for a stiff drink and hard beats. We are looking forward to playing with you. WELCOME HOME!

 

Mother’s Day Brunch and Paint
5/11 | 1503 Macdonald Ave, Richmond | 12:30 p.m. | $22.50-$80

Treat your mom to a special brunch and tea party while getting creative with a fun paint session. It’s the perfect way to show your appreciation and spend quality time together. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to create lasting memories with your mom. Reserve your spot now!

 

Golden Gate Bandshell: Special Mother’s Day Show
5/11 | Golden Gate Park Bandshell | 75 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr, SF | 3 p.m. | Free, All ages

Come join us at the Golden Gate Bandshell for a free Mother’s Day show on Saturday, May 11 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM.

 

San Francisco Beer Festival 2024
5/11 | Fort Mason Center | 2 Marina Blvd, SF | 12 p.m. | $45 – $65

Dive into beer culture with specially curated exhibitors, all of whom love bear as much as you do. Sample seltzers and beer from the San Francisco Bay Area’s top breweries, enjoy tasty food, and appreciate the party atmosphere with live musical entertainment.

 

Carlos Reyes
5/11 | Yoshi’s Oakland | 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland | 7 p.m. Doors | $30-$59

World renowned for his mastery of the Paraguayan harp and violin, Carlos musical talents have touched the hearts and spirits of people around the world.

 

Mill Valley Music Festival
5/11-5/12 | Friends Field | 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley | 10 a.m. | $99-$479

Mill Valley Music Festival will return to Friends Field to transform the Mill Valley Community Center into a sprawling outdoor festival grove.

 

Sunday 5/12

83rd Annual Mother’s Day Rose Show
5/12 | Hall of Flowers | 1199 9th Avenue at Lincoln Way, SF | 12:30 p.m. | Free

The Show is Titled, “I Left My Rose in San Francisco” with exhibitors’ inspiration coming from historic San Francisco Landmarks. Captivating Roses of many types will be on display in Artistic Judged Arrangements, Photography, and Horticulture.  Help us by judging the rose YOU think is most fragrant.

 

Union Square in Bloom Mother’s Day Concert + Bloom Gown Reveal
5/12 | Union Square | Geary, Powell, Post, & Stockton St, SF | 3 p.m. | Free

A gathering to celebrate the women who have shaped our lives. Enjoy Salsa music & dance instruction, flowers, gourmet bites, and a spritz bar by Tyler Florence’s Miller & Lux Provisions and a runway show, featuring couturier Collen Quen’s designs inspired by Union Square in Bloom, including the Dahlia Gown.

 

Sundays at The Beach
5/12 | The Great Hwy & Noriega St, SF | 12 p.m. | Free

Bring your mom to enjoy some live music on the beach!

 

PUNK MOM MATINEE w/ The Audacity, Salty & Unwoman
5/12 | Winters Tavern | 1522 Francisco Blvd, Pacifica | 2 p.m. | Free

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!! Forget the robe and the flowers. Mom wants to rock! Bring her out to the first Mother’s Day Punk Rock Mom Matinee at historic coastside redwood roadhouse Winter’s Tavern. Full bar and no crap on tap.

 

Summertime Radness: Ben Hemsley
5/12 | Phoenix Hotel | 601 Eddy St, SF | 1 p.m. | $20-$30, 21+

15Utah x DJ Dials x Soundproof present Summertime Radness w/ Ben Hemsley.

 

Monday 5/13

Kink 101 w/ Jamie Joy
5/13 | Good Vibrations | 1620 Polk St, SF | 5 p.m. | $20, 18+

Join certified sex educator Jamie Joy for an interactive class on kink and BDSM!

 

Jesse McCartney
5/13 | The Regency Ballroom | 1300 VanNess Ave, SF | 8 p.m. | $35-$49.50

The pop star’s pursuit of radical defiance refuses to stick to anyone’s expectations. His followup to 2021’s New Stage, All’s Well (due March TK, 2024) is a fun, supple, and fascinating step on the multi-talented multi-hyphenate’s journey of expressing a true self beyond the expectations and demands—equal parts vintage Hall and Oates, postmodern swag, and honeymoon sincerity packaged in that undeniable McCartney charm.

 

Week of 5/14-5/20

 

Tuesday 5/14

Phoenix w/ Super Hit
5/14 | The Warfield | 982 Market St, SF | 8 p.m. |
$59.95-$129.95

Phoenix is a French indie rock band from Versailles, formed in 1995. Their line-up, which has remained unchanged since their formation, comprises Thomas Mars, Deck d’Arcy, Christian Mazzalai and Laurent Brancowitz.

 

Wednesday 5/15

Amaro: Uncover The Bitter Sweetness
5/15 | Bourbon & Branch | 501 Jones St, SF | 7 p.m. | $100, 21+

Get ready to dive into the world of Amaro, the bittersweet liqueur that’ll tantalize your taste buds. Discover the secrets behind this beloved Italian spirit as our expert mixologists guide you through a tasting journey like no other. From its rich history to the unique flavors and aromas, you’ll gain a newfound appreciation for Amaro.

 

FRENSHIP w/ The Ivy
5/15 | Cornerstone | 2367 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley | 8 p.m. | $23-$26

Friendship is an American indie rock band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The band consists of Dan Wriggins, Mike Cormier, Peter Gill, and Jon Samuels.

 

Thursday 5/16

ArtSpan’s Golden Benefit Auction
5/16-5/17 | Heron Arts | 7 Heron St, SF | 6:30 p.m. | $50-$1500

Join us for two in-person nights, paddle-raises, online bidding & more! ArtSpan’s SF Open Studios turns 50 this year! We invite you to join us for an exhilarating Auction that will kick-off our historic milestone year. Our 2024 Auction is a dynamic event honoring ArtSpan’s five decades of championing San Francisco Bay Area art and artists!

 

Belle & Sebastian
5/16 | Fox Theater | 1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 7 p.m. Doors | $55-$75

With a legacy spanning three decades, Belle and Sebastian have truly earned their place in music history. The unique, unpredictable, and fiercely loved band have a plethora of accolades and plaudits to their name.

 

Lizzy McAlpine
5/16 | Bill Graham Civic Auditorium | 99 Grove St, SF | 7 p.m. Doors | $50.50

Lizzy McAlpine gained recognition when she began to share original songs and covers on Soundcloud and YouTube. In 2020, Lizzy released her debut album, Give Me A Minute, solidifying herself as a rising force and amassing thousands of devoted fans.

 

Celeste Barber
5/16 | The Masonic | 1111 California St, SF | 8 p.m. | $53-$223.60

Actor, writer, comedian, and internet sensation — Celeste Barber checks all the boxes. With a slew of television, theatre, and stand up shows on her résumé, Barber has been actively working in the entertainment industry for over a decade. Celeste is real, she is funny and the world can’t get enough.

 

Afroman
5/16 | Great Amerian Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St, SF | 8 p.m. | $25-$69

Afroman, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, political candidate, and comedian. He is best known for his 2000 single “Because I Got High”, and its follow-up, the 2001 single “Crazy Rap”. Both songs were featured on his album The Good Times.

 

Friday 5/17

Dark Side of the Circus
5/17 | CounterPULSE | 80 Turk St, SF | 8 p.m. | $45-$300

Bow & Arrow Circus Theatre Collective presents “Dark Side of the Circus”, an intricately choreographed ensemble piece performed to Pink Floyd’s classic album by the best of the Bay Area’s circus talent. Loosely following the narrative of the album’s classic companion piece, “The Wizard of Oz,” Dorothy is transported to a magical circus world of both playful and terrifying experiences.

 

Rakim
5/17 | Yoshi’s Oakland | 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland | 7:30 p.m. Doors | $65-$110

In the history of the Hip-Hop, few artists have had as great an impact on the development and progression of the art forms lyrical style as Rakim Allah. No serious discussion of the musics greatest performers is held without a deferential accounting of his achievements, and no serious rap artist grips a microphone without channeling some of his legend.

 

Trevor Wallace
5/17-5/19 | Cobb’s Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $40.25-$55.25, 18+

Trevor Wallace is a 28 year old stand up comedian, writer & actor. Wallace can be seen just about everywhere on the internet and has collectively built a digital thumbprint of over 1 Billion views across his social media channels.

 

Mr. Big
5/17 | The Fillmore | 1805 Geary Blvd, SF | 8 p.m. | $37.50

Mr. Big will be playing the “Lean Into It” album in its entirety!

 

Saturday 5/18

San Francisco Housing Expo 2024
5/18 | Leola M. Havard Early Education School | 1520 Oakdale Ave, SF | 10 a.m. | Free

Homeownership SF’s Housing Expo is the largest annual affordable housing resource fair in San Francisco. This year’s event will include a series of live, online classes offered the evenings of May 14, 15, and 16 as well as a Resource Fair and Help Center held Saturday May 18.

 

Oaklash Block Party
5/18 | Old Oakland | 485 9th St, Oakland | 1 p.m. | $20-$50

Our 2024 festival features a full weekend of nonstop DRAG including live performance, DJs, vendors, and more! Kings, queens, and queers from all over the Bay Area and beyond will join together for this annual celebration of queer culture and art.

 

Waxahatchee, Good Morning
5/18 | Fox Theater | 1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 7 p.m. Doors | $39.95-$55

One of the hardest working singer-songwriters in the game is named Katie Crutchfield, aka Waxahatchee. She was born in Alabama, grew up near Waxahatchee Creek. Skipped town and struck out on her own as Waxahatchee. While her sound has evolved from lo-fi folk to lush alt-tinged country, her voice has always remained the same. Honest and close, poetic with Southern lilting.

 

Ozomatli
5/18 | The Guild Theatre | 949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park | 8 p.m. | $49-$93

Ozomatli is known both for their vocal activist viewpoints and incorporating a wide array of musical styles – including salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, hip hop, and others.

 

Bruce McCulloch
5/18 | The Great Star Theater | 636 Jackson St, SF | 3 p.m. | $35

Bruce McCulloch’s Tales of Bravery and Stupidity is a one-man show that moves brilliantly between funny, relatable and surprisingly touching. Using music, stand-up, and storytelling, Bruce McCulloch (KIDS IN THE HALL) takes us on a poetic flyover of his life “pursuing stories” and makes an unspoken agreement with the audience to contemplate the world together.

 

Sunday 5/19

Hubba Hubba Revue: Post-Apocalypse
5/19 | DNA Lounge | 375 11th St, SF | 7 p.m. | $15-$35, 18+

Heads up, Wastelanders! Join San Francisco’s world-famous burlesque & variety show for the happiest end of the world ever! –with atomic tease, mutant mayhem, racy raiders, zombie hordes, and more!

 

Bay To Breakers
5/19 | The Embarcadero, SF | 8 a.m 

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.

 

Monday 5/20

Charlotte Day Wilson
5/20 | The Regency Ballroom | 1300 Van Ness Ave, SF | 8 p.m. | $30-$49.50

Charlotte Day Wilson can make a single moment stretch into a lifetime of feeling. It’s not just that her warm voice recalls the jazz phrasings of classic torch singers, or that her smoldering anthems are methodically paced, allowing her emotions to linger long after the song finishes. But throughout her self-made career, the Toronto-born-and-raised singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist has developed a masterful ability to unpack modern lamentations with a sense of timelessness, captivating listeners across generations.

The Week of 5/21-5/27

 

Tuesday, 5/21

Kathleen Hanna & Brontez Purnell
5/21 | Sydney Goldstein Theater | 275 Hayes St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $49

Rock trailblazer Kathleen Hanna, front-woman of the bands Bikini Kill and Le Tigre, takes the stage alongside prolific Oakland-based literary bad-boy and performer Brontez Purnell for an electric night of conversation about their unapologetic new memoirs, their influential stripes of rebellious artistry, and the essence of punk.

 

Wednesday, 5/22

Gladiator Live—Film w/ Live Orchestra
5/22-5/23 | Davies Symphony Hall | 201 Van Ness Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $69-$199

Relive this five-time Academy Award-winning epic on the big screen while the Symphony and Chorus performs Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard’s iconic score.

 

Thursday, 5/23

Jacob Collier, w/ special guest Kimbra
5/23 | Bill Graham Civic Auditorium | 99 Grove St, SF | 7 p.m. Doors | $49.50

Recognized by audiences, critics and fellow musicians alike as one of the most gifted young artists of modern times, 29-year-old Jacob Collier already boasts a seemingly endless list of achievements including five Grammy wins. His roster of collaborators is astoundingly varied and vibrant, recording and performing with UK music icons.

 

Friday, 5/24

BottleRock Napa Valley 2024
5/24-5/26 | Napa Valley Expo | 575 3rd St, Napa | 12 p.m. | $233-$243

This year’s music festival includes Meg Thee Stallion, Stevie Nicks, Pear Jam, and so many more!

 

Saturday, 5/25

Steve Aoki
5/25 | The Midway | 900 Marin St, SF | 2 p.m. | $45-$199, 21+

Catch Steve Aoki and Lil Jon live in the Heavenly Hell Tour!

 

Sunday, 5/26

25th Anniversary Stone Soul Concert
5/26 | Toyota Pavilion at Concord | 2000 Kirker Pass Rd, Concord | 12 p.m. | $59.75-$199.75

A night of all the soul from Charlie Wilson to Keith Sweat, El DeBarge to Montell Jordan, and don’t forget Big Daddy Kane!

 

Monday, 5/27

Memorial Day @ The USS Hornet
5/27 | USS Hornet | 707 W Hornet Ave, Alameda | 11 a.m. | Free for Veterans, $20

Commemorate Memorial Day on the USS Hornet.

 

Don’t forget to check out our Big Bad List of Rad Ongoing Events right here!

 

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Vanessa Gil

Vanessa Gil