Best Bay Area Events 1.7-1.27

Sober
by Vanessa Gil, Arts & Events Editor

A virgin cheers to those partaking in Dry January. I tip my PBR (it barely qualifies as alcohol) to you. Luckily, there’s plenty of events around town to enjoy with or without imbibing. Here’s what I’m excited for the week of 1/7 and beyond. 

Our Merch

There’s no better way to explore San Francisco than to literally drink it in. This Beer Passport is amazing, you get 28 two-for-one beer coupons at 28 barsit honestly doesn’t get much better than that, you’re getting 28 two-for-one beers, AND you have an excuse to explore the best joints in the city. Get your passport here.

Our Partner’s Events

Make the Pier Your Playground. Thursdays After Dark.
Thursdays | The Exploratorium | Pier 15, SF | 6 p.m. | $22.95, 18+

No kids allowed—but you can still act like one. Unplug and play with 700+ interactive exhibits exploring science, art, and perception. Get inquisitive, grab a drink, and let the DJ set the vibe. With 75,000 square feet of conversation starters, you’ll never run out of things to talk about.

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 Events1/7-1/13

Tuesday, 1/7

Gary Anderson
1/7 | Punch Line SF | 444 Battery St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $20.25-$28.25, 18+

Gary recently made waves as the winner of the 2023 San Francisco International Comedy Competition, captivating audiences with his charming and introspective humor. After honing his craft in San Francisco’s comedy scene, Gary now performs regularly in Los Angeles and headlines clubs across the country, still driven by the goal of someday having someone else write his bio in third person.

Some Like It Hot
1/7-1/26 | Orpheum Theatre | 1192 Market St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $55.50-$224.50

Set in Chicago when Prohibition has everyone thirsty for a little excitement, SOME LIKE IT HOT is the “glorious, big, high-kicking” (Associated Press) story of two musicians forced to flee the Windy City after witnessing a mob hit. With gangsters hot on their heels, they catch a cross-country train for the life-chasing, life-changing trip of a lifetime.

Wednesday, 1/8

Chinatown Night Market + Community Festival ft. ZHU, DJ Ruckus + more
1/8 | Chinatown | Grant Ave & Bust St, SF | 5:30 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP

We’re thrilled to invite you to a one-of-a-kind Chinatown Night Market & Community Festival in honor of Daniel Lurie’s inauguration as the 46th mayor of San Francisco! Join us, and our partners from BeChinatown, as we celebrate together with an evening of food, culture, and community. Featuring performances by ZHU, DJ Ruckus and more!

Orquesta La Moderna Tradición
1/8 | Yoshi’s Oakland | 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland | 7:30 p.m. Doors | $25

Since 1996, the 12-piece Orq. La Moderna Tradición has captivated audiences with the best of traditional and modern Cuban music. Come immerse yourself in their first performance of 2025! -from sensual danzones and swinging cha-cha-chas to contemporary timba-infused rhythms. The exceptional musicians of the Orquesta inspire music lovers and dancers alike. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the essence of Cuban music, where tradition meets innovation on the dance floor.

Jimmy Shin + Tom Arnold
1/8 | Cobb’s Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $32.05-$43.80, 18+

Jimmy Shin is a Los Angeles-based Comedian. After graduating law school, Jimmy decided on a more humorous path to the dismay of his traditional Asian parents. Jimmy’s parents acknowledged that he was a real comedian when they saw him on the Tonight Show three times. His energy and intelligence match the guaranteed laughs he delivers every time he steps onto the stage. As a writer, comedian and actor Tom Arnold has established himself to both television and film audiences worldwide having won such awards as the Peabody Award for writing and a Golden Globe Award for writing and producing.

Thursday, 1/9

Lee Fields & Monophonics
1/9 | The Fillmore | 1805 Geary Blvd, SF | 8 p.m. | $49.75

Lee Fields & Monophonics are a musical duo that combines the vocals of American soul singer Lee Fields with the horn-driven sound of Monphonics, a psychedelic soul band.

Feeding Body, Mind, and Soul: Caring for Our Communities Through Food
1/9 | Mechanics’ Institute | 57 Post St, SF | 6 p.m. | Free/members, $10/non-members

From restaurateur and chef Toriano Gordon bringing vegan soul food to Oakland and the greater Bay Area, to organic farm owner Leslie Wiser growing culturally relevant produce to feed seniors in the Oakland and San Francisco Chinatowns, to public health researcher and clinician Dr. Daphne Miller teaching doctors-in-training on urban farms in Richmond, the panel features diverse stakeholders all working to answer the same question: how do we use food to holistically care for our Bay Area communities? Moderated by SFGate Food Editor Jessica Yadegaran, the panel will explore how different ingredients, food and farming practices, and cuisines speak to the heart, culture, and wellbeing of their neighborhoods.

Haight and Ashbury Comedy – Let em Cook!
1/9 | O’Reilly’s Pub | 1840 Haight St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | Free

This is a show about quickness and creativity. Each comedian goes onstage with no plan, no notes and no escape. They have to riff their way through their entire set and you can tell them what they talk about! That’s not all!!! There are 4 more comedians at a table onstage, each with their own microphone, and they get to talk during the set, roasting the comic and making you laugh. It’s a fun, Fast Paced comedy show that will keep you laughing the entire time.

Levitation Room & YASAWA Group
1/9 | The Chapel | 777 Valencia St, SF | 8 p.m. | $20-$25

In Los Angeles, where the weight and pressure of the city’s fast paced culture can make your legs feel like pillars, emerges psychedelic quartet, Levitation Room, to break the bonds of gravity with their cosmic wall of sound and thought provoking lyrics. Their decidedly hallucinogenic songs whisper and hum the same gentle refrain of their summer of love influences, conjuring up the cognitive imagery of sunny days at the park, spent with friends in a euphoric haze along with lyrical and sonic meditations on life, love, society and self-awareness. 

Friday, 1/10

The 14th Annual Bowie Bash!
1/10-1/11 | Great American Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St, SF | 9:30 p.m. | $20-$29

Reverent Father Lysol Tony-Romeo! Kat People! Major Tom! Foxe Fatale! Blam Blam! President Superman! Johnny Ripper! Hazy Deranged! Rudi Moonshine! Cosmic Urchin! Drag, Burlesque and Puppetry!

YEAH, WHATEVER – Smooth Comedy for a Rough Era
1/10 | Gilman Brewing Company | 912 Gilman St, Berkeley | 7:30 p.m. Doors | $10, 18+

Join host Micheal Foulk (Greetings, from Queer Mountain) for a monthly stand-up comedy night to take the edge off. Things are bad, but comedy and beer are good so join us at Gilman Brewing in Berkeley for a little relief. January Line-Up: Annette Mullaney, Tremane Webb, Rea Kapur, Elisha Tan, Cynthia Ouandji, & Geneva Rust-Orta.

The English Beat
1/10 & 1/11 | Cornerstone | 2367 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley | 8 p.m. | $46.29-$51.44, All ages

The English Beat is a band with an energetic mix of musical styles and a sound like no other. The band’s unique sound has allowed it to endure for nearly four decades and appeal to fans, young and old, all over the world.

Danae Hays: The First Time Tour
1/10 | Luther Burbank Center for the Arts | 50 Mark West Springs Rd, Santa Rosa | 8 p.m. | $43.07-$125.67

Alabama-bred and Nashville-based, comedian, actress, and content creator Danae Hays represents a fresh, new female voice in the comedy, acting, and music worlds. Her cast of zany Southern characters and parody of country music songs have pushed her to the top of the Spotify and Apple Music charts, earning her more than 3.6 million followers and nearly 2 billion views.

San Holo
1/10 |  Fox Theater | 1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 7 p.m. Doors | $15.60-$60

San Holo, born Sander van Dijck, seamlessly weaves his personal journey into his music. From punk and alt-rock roots that fueled his guitar prowess to emerging as a future bass pioneer during the Soundcloud era, his unique style and candid songwriting have captivated both fans and peers.San Holo’s compositions serve as emotional narratives, inviting listeners to explore the human experience. His live performances, whether at renowned venues or festivals, forge intimate connections with fans who embody his “stay vibrant” philosophy of honesty and mutual support.

Electric Feels: Indie Rock + Indie Dance Party
1/10 | The Independent | 628 Divisadero St, SF | 9 p.m. | $23.92+

Electric Feels is an experiential dance party that features all your favorite Indie Rock + Indie Dance songs all night with amazing DJs, stage production and more! 

Saturday, 1/11

A Massive Seance
1/11 | Palace of Fine Arts | 3301 Lyon St, SF | 8 p.m. | $39.50-$59.50

What could possibly go wrong when two skeptical podcasters try to summon a ghost? Join Sarah Marshall of You’re Wrong About and Chelsey Weber-Smith of American Hysteria for a historical, theatrical, ecstatic spectacular for the living and dead. Hold hands with your favorite disembodied voices for a spiritualist séance* featuring fireside conversation, mystifying tricks, special guests, and music from The Little Lies – the only Fleetwood Mac tribute band that may actually be ghosts. This winter, we will release the phantoms of the past year and make room for the spirit of the new.

Marc Maron
1/11 | Uptown Theatre Napa | 1350 3rd St, Napa | 8 p.m. | $44-$70

Marc Maron has released five hit stand-up comedy specials throughout his career. Maron has an incredible reputation in the podcasting world through his landmark podcast “WTF with Marc Maron”. Launched in 2009, this interview-style podcast receives over 100 million listeners every year and has become a phenomenon in the podcasting space, with over 1400 episodes to date. Over the years, Marc has interviewed icons such as US President Barack Obama, Keith Richards, Kate Winslet, and Robin Williams. 

State Line Empire, Red Voodoo, Velvet Grave
1/11 | Bottom of the Hill | 1233 17th St, SF | 8:30 p.m. | $13-$15

Hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area, State Line Empire is an established independent hard rock band with a penchant for writing infectious hooks and controversial narratives. Inspired by daily events and situations around them, State Line Empire unabashedly challenges social norms and the status quo through hard hitting music.

Flash Mob Musical
1/11 | Endgames Improv Theater & Bar | 2965 Mission St, SF | 7 p.m. | $16.37

Come see SF’s longest running musical montage group, Flash Mob Musical, as we go from scenes to songs (and sometimes back again). You tell us the title of a song that’s never been sung before, and be prepared to hear it (and some relevant spin-offs) on the spot.

Knockoff Broadway: The Improvised Musical
1/11 | All Out Comedy Theater | 2550 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 9 p.m. | $20-$25

Don’t miss the funniest musical comedy in the Bay Area. Based on your suggestion, Knockoff Broadway improvises an entire hour-long musical that will never be seen again, spontaneously creating every laugh-inducing lyric, every heart-melting melody and every show-stopping song.

Sunday, 1/12

Cameron Esposito
1/12 | Cobb’s Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave, SF | 5 p.m. | $43.80-$56.25, 18+

Cameron Esposito (she/they) is a Los Angeles-based standup comic, actor, writer, and host. She is currently developing her new comedy-hybrid special alongside W. Kamau Bell, which follows her mental health journey. Her 2018 special “Rape Jokes” raised over $100,000 for RAINN, the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization, by releasing the special for free and encouraging viewers to donate in lieu of subscribing and watching on a streaming service. The self-financed hour has been praised as “unapologetically hard-hitting, bracingly timely hour” (Vanity Fair), “blistering, masterful, tragic, hilarious” (New York Magazine). A writer from the The Daily Beast who happened to be in the audience hailed the set as “powerful,” “daring and hilarious,” and as “the first great stand-up set of the #metoo era.”

The Art of Flow – Continuous Line Drawing with Meagan Burns
1/12 | Ferry Building | One Ferry Marketplace, SF | 10 a.m. | $78

Join artist and instructor Meagan Burns for The Art of Flow: Continuous Line Drawing at the San Francisco Ferry Building, an immersive, half-day workshop open to all skill levels. With years of experience hosting workshops in cities like Mexico City, Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, and Paris, Meagan brings her transformative continuous line practice to the iconic Ferry Building, complete with delicious snacks from a few of its renowned vendors.

Monday, 1/13

Classical at the Freight
1/13 | Freight & Salvage | 2020 Addison St, Berkeley | 7:30 p.m. | $14-$16

Our annual salute to the Salzburg scribbler, celebrating Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s 269th birthday with a program of chamber music masterpieces. Featuring violinist Hrabba Atladottir, violist Ben Simon, cellist Samsun van Loon and our very special guest, noted Bay Area pianist Robert Schwartz, this concert presents Mozart’s dramatic Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor plus a masterpiece for string trio, the Divertimento in Eb Major.

The Week of 1/14-1/20

Tuesday 1/14

The Conundrum Chronicles StorySlam
1/14 | The Marsh – San Francisco | 1062 Valencia St, SF | 7 p.m. | $10-$100

This week’s theme is Critters: Creatures from the wild and the pets lounging in our homes can impact us (and challenge us) in the most unexpected ways. Share your story about a critter in your life, or kick back and enjoy the tales (and tails) from our inspirational storytellers.

Valgur, Blood Rave, Ex-Heir, 55Castles, Ojos Rojos
1/14 | Thee Stork Club | 2330 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 8 p.m. | $12-$15, 21+

Valgur is a musical and performing duo formed by the hermans Elizabeth and Hugo Valdivieso (Oaxaca, Mexico). In this case, we plant narratives that reveal magical realism and science fiction.

Wednesday 1/15

Frank Black
1/15 & 1/16 | The Fillmore | 1805 Geary Blvd, SF | 8 p.m. | $53

The Teenager of the Year tour kicks off in SF celebrating the 30th anniversary of Frank Black’s second solo album with a performance of the album in its entirety!

Kerry King
1/15 | The Regency Ballroom | 1300 Van Ness Ave, SF | 7 p.m. |$60.01-$105.18

Kerry King is an American musician, best known for being the co-lead guitarist and songwriter of thrash metal band Slayer. 

Thursday 1/16

Latin Mafia
1/16 | The Masonic | 1111 California St, SF | 8 p.m. | $49.50-$89.50

Latin Mafia is a Mexican indie pop band. The group consists of three brothers: Milton, Emilio, and Mike de la Rosa. Their first single “Ciudad de las Luces” was released in 2021 independently. While all their singles up to the end of 2023 have been independent, the group will be releasing future material from Rimas Entertainment, including their debut album later in 2024. Their biggest songs: Julieta, Sal Rosa, Flores, No Digas Nada have each surpassed over two million views on YouTube.

Illustrated Talk | The Very Queer Life of “The Italian Invert”
1/16 | GLBT Historical Society Museum | 4127 18th St, SF | 6 p.m. | $10

Join us for a look into the life of the “Italian invert,” Rosenfeld’s archival research and the enduring significance of 19th-century queer life and culture. Rosenfeld will offer an overview of the book and will take part in a conversation with historian Gerard Koskovich. Copies of The Italian Invert: A Gay Man’s Intimate Confession to Emile Zola will be available for purchase and author signing at the event.

The Return: Casual From The Legendary Hieroglyphics Crew Live
1/16 | Crybaby | 1928 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 7:30 p.m. | $29.25

Record release party with Casual + rappers Psalm One and Fatboi Sharif + DJs Domino and DJ Platurn + Needle To The Groove DJs.

Friday 1/17

Dancing Ghosts
1/17 | Cat Club | 1190 Folsom St, SF | 9:30 p.m. | $7-$10

Dancing Ghosts, SF’s Darkwave Dance Party, for our first event of 2025 with the Gothic-Lolita Fashion Ball! Anime on three screens! Dress theme (optional): Gothic-Lolita Fashion or Anime/Cosplay! Enter the midnight costume contest for prizes tba! Tarot Readings by Sean. The Nocturnal Eye: Photography by Angyl Nihthasu. Vending by Altar Ego Design!

Adam Ray is Dr. Phil Live
1/17 | The Fillmore | 1805 Geary Blvd, SF | 8 p.m. | $79.50-$179.50

With over 60 million views online, Dr. Phil LIVE has become one of the most fun things to see in comedy. From comedian/actor Adam Ray, the live show provides a wild late night feel with crowd interactions, stand-up, huge celebrity guests, surprise characters, and hilarious moments you can’t see anywhere else.

Angrybaby
1/17 | The Independent | 628 Divisadero St, SF | 9 p.m. | $32.42, 21+

Angrybaby is an Asian-American producer/DJ from San Francisco, CA who has quickly become a standout force in the world of house music. Angrybaby’s unique blend of classically trained musicianship and cutting-edge production has earned him a reputation as a pioneer in the next generation of dance music. His signature sound—defined by high-energy BPMs and infectious melodies—takes center stage on his latest 9-track project, AFTERWORK. This body of work has struck a chord with fans, amassing millions of viral video views and streams, while fueling sold-out headline shows and major festival plays nationwide.

The SF Sketchfest Dozen with Roz Hernandez & Bo Johnson
1/17 | Punch Line San Francisco | 444 Battery St, SF | 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. | $34.30-$49, 18+

Roz Hernandez (she/her) is a multi-talented transgender entertainer, comedian, actor, and host. Her podcast “Ghosted!”, where celebrity guests discuss ghost stories, psychic experiences and “all things that go BUMP in the night,” was named one of Vulture magazine’s Best Comedy Podcasts of 2022. Bo Johnson is a comedian from Seattle, Washington. He can be found headlining clubs, breweries, and appropriately sized theaters across the United States and Canada.

Meshell Ndegeocello
1/17-1/19 | SFJAZZ Center | 201 Franklin St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $30-$115

Following her magical appearances during the 2022-23 Season, GRAMMY-winning bassist, singer, and songwriter Meshell Ndegeocello brings her latest project to the Miner stage, No More Water/The Fire Next Time: The Gospel of James Baldwin, music from her new Blue Note album inspired by the iconic essayist, novelist, and activist in recognition of what would have been his 100th birthday.

Saturday 1/18

“Airplane!” 45th Anniversary Live Read
1/18 | Palace of Fine Arts | 3301 Lyon St, SF | 1 p.m. | $42.10-$74.34

To celebrate the new(ish) book “Surely You Can’t Be Serious: The True Story of Airplane!” and the 45th anniversary of film, co-creators David Zucker and Jerry Zucker, and original stars Robert Hays (“Ted Striker”) and Julie Hagerty (“Elaine Dickinson”) come together for a special live read of the screenplay with special surprise guests, followed by a Q&A and book signing.

Greensky Bluegrass w/ Railroad Earth
1/18 | Fox Theater | 1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 6:30 p.m. Doors | $50.60-$155.40

For two decades now, Greensky Bluegrass have been widely known for their dazzling live performances and relentless touring schedule, but that is only the tip of the complex tale of the five musicians that make up Greensky Bluegrass. They are connected through a deep bond, just as they are seasoned road warriors, they’re a band of brothers who have seen each other through decades of ups and downs, personal and collective highlights, and the moments when life turns it all upside down. These are real people having real experiences. As with traditional bluegrass, they write about their own contemporary day-to-day happenings, emotions, and experiences in the modern world.

In the Name of Love: MLK Tribute feat. the Music of Aretha Franklin
1/18 | Paramount Theatre | 2025 Broadway, Oakland |7 p.m. | $19.15-$129.05

In the Name of Love, a powerful celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision and legacy through the iconic music of Aretha Franklin. Living Jazz presents this showcase in partnership with SFJAZZ as Oakland’s largest civic and cultural event.This celebration of MLK’s legacy takes place the same weekend of the Presidential Inauguration. During a time of division, In the Name of Love delivers a message of unity, a celebration of the uplifting communities of color, and features strong black and brown talent throughout the evening. 

Free for All: The Public Library
1/18 | Koret Auditorium, San Francisco Public Library Main Branch | 100 Larkin St, SF | 2 p.m. | Free

The new PBS documentary Free For All: The Public Library, tells the story of the quiet revolutionaries who made a simple idea happen. From the pioneering women behind the “Free Library Movement” to today’s librarians who service the public despite working in a contentious age of closures and book bans, directors  Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor introduce us to those who created a civic institution where everything is free and the doors are open to all. This screening will be followed by a discussion with SF City Librarian Michael Lambert and former City Librarian Luis Herrera.

The Black Version
1/18 | Cobb’s Comedy Club | 915 Columbus Ave, SF | 9:45 p.m. | $43.25-$61, 18+

An all African-American cast of seasoned improv specialists from the world-famous troupe The Groundlings asks the audience to suggest a popular film title and then performs the black version of that movie. And with experienced and talented performers like Nyima Funk, Daniele Gaither, Phil LaMarr, Karen Maruyama, and Gary Anthony Williams in on the fun, audiences are sure to see off-the-cuff comedy at its best. 

John & The Locals
1/18 | The UC Theatre | 2036 University Ave, Berkeley | 8 p.m. | $88-$133.50

John & The Locals are known for their electrifying fusion of alt-rock, classical, and folk music. The band that’s taken Nepal and their audience worldwide by storm is bringing their high-energy & heart-pounding music to the USA for the very first time! This is one concert you cannot afford to miss!

Sunday 1/19

Alameda Record Swap
1/19 | Faction Brewing | 2501 Monarch St, Alameda | 12 p.m. | Free, All ages

A brand new monthly record swap for 2025! 50 record vendors – All genres. DJ’s, craft beer, food truck. Come n’ find something you love!

Pickwick Vintage Show – Vintage Market
1/19 | Ferry Building | 1 Ferry Building, SF | 10 a.m. | Free

The Pickwick Vintage Show features over 70+ exhibitors from across California, featuring collections of vintage clothing, jewelry, accessories, textiles, findings, and inspiration of all kinds. Pickwick Vintage Show is a major source for collectors, connoisseurs, and the design community in search of vintage spanning all eras.

Hubba Hubba Revue: Big Top Burlesque
1/19 | DNA Lounge | 375 11th St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $15-$30

Step right up, step right up! San Francisco’s world-famous burlesque & variety show invites you to run away with the circus! Join us in the main room at DNA Lounge for an all star showcase of acrobats, aerialists, the tops in tease, and over one thousand pounds of clowns!

Monday 1/20

Alan Sparhawk (of Low)
1/20 | Great American Music Hall | 859 O’Farrell St, SF | 8 p.m | $30-$35

Thirty years into a career of music making, 2024 finds Alan Sparhawk entering uncharted territory. Sparhawk co-founded the band Low alongside vocalist and drummer Mimi Parker, who passed away in late 2022. Their music derived elemental power from its fearless exploration of quiet, gentle places. Low released thirteen albums and influenced a movement of spacious, graceful, intimate, and ever-evolving music.

Sophie Truax
1/20 | Cafe du Nord | 2174 Market St, SF | 8 p.m. | $20

Sophie Truax is a 23 year old singer, songwriter, and child of divorce from Seattle, WA. Sophie has been developing her unique take on pop music alongside superstar producer Sean Cook (of Shaboozey “a bar song” fame) and has also exploded on social media thanks to her unique blend of traditional slice-of-life short form content, and her one of a kind hand made puppets that she’s begun incorporating into all of her content. 

The Week of 1/21-1/27

Tuesday 1/21

Watch Trump’s Inauguration + Post-Watch Discussion
1/21 | Manny’s | 3092 16th St, SF | 9 a.m. | $5.15

Join us at Manny’s to watch the inauguration of Donald Trump. Witness this historic moment with others, followed by an open conversation to share thoughts, reactions, and perspectives. Popcorn provided during the viewing. Drinks will be available for purchase at the bar. Let’s come together as a community to watch, discuss, and reflect on the next chapter of U.S. politics.

Albert Brooks In Conversation with Kevin Pollak: An SF Sketchfest Tribute
1/21 | Sydney Goldstein Theater | 275 Hayes St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $50-$81

SF Sketchfest is thrilled to pay tribute to the one and only Albert Brooks, who will sit down for an in-depth conversation with Kevin Pollak.

Dua Saleh
1/21 | The Independent | 628 Divisadero St, SF | 8 p.m. | $32.42-$86.49, 21+

The music of LA-based Sudanese-American artist Dua Saleh (they/them) explores the inner self and the world at large. With their long-awaited full-length debut, a collection of R&B-infused electronic indie-pop songs titled I SHOULD CALL THEM, they portray the spiritual power, resilience, and joy of love. Equal parts imaginative and lived-through, it’s a statement record only Saleh could make.

Mary Ocher
1/21 | The Lab | 2948 16th St, SF | 8 p.m. | $23

Ocher is a self-taught punk poet, sound artist, director and visual artist, who toured the whole world and counts artists such as Animal Collective, Sean Lennon, Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs), and Nan Goldin among her admirers. Her new album joins a series of apocalyptic and politically charged concept albums. Your Guide To Revolution is a joyful ode to hope, released just six months after its predecessor, the edgy and experimental Approaching Singularity: Music for The End of Time.

Wednesday 1/22

“A Bright Room Called Day” by Tony Kushner — FREE Staged Reading
1/22 | Madrone Art Bar | 500 Divisadero St, SF | 6 p.m. | Free (Donations)

Community and catharsis for our new era. Work through some of your Inauguration Week feelings at a free staged reading of Tony Kushner’s “A Bright Room Called Day,” a play about five bohemian, artsy friends in 1930s Berlin, reacting to the rise of Hitler.

Fixit Clinic
1/22 | The Commons, KQED Headquarters | 2601 Mariposa St, SF | 7 p.m. | $18.67

In 2009, Peter Mui, a longtime champion of the Right to Repair movement, launched a Fixit Clinic in Berkeley. These volunteer-run pop-up workshops allow participants to teach each other how to mend broken appliances. Joined by the team behind KQED’s local news podcast The Bay, Mui helps us understand what’s so appealing about the Right to Repair movement, and discusses changes in California law requiring appliance and electronics manufactures to give consumers the tools they need to fix their own stuff. The event will also include a hands-on workshop about how to fix your own broken objects!

Tim Heidecker: Slipping Away Tour
1/22 | Bimbo’s 365 Club | 1025 Columbus Ave, SF | 8 p.m. | 1025 Columbus Ave, SF | $48.88-$129.74

Tim Heidecker makes music to be understood. The multi-hyphenate comedian and songwriter, working with his seasoned touring band, wrote a series of songs that tap into universal anxieties, familiar settings, and, occasionally, a blast of apocalyptic unease. On Slipping Away, a father-daughter trip to a ballgame might spiral into a reflection on the random lottery of fame; a walk into town can induce a nightmarish vision of a world without people and the lifelong struggle between man and society. Even the simple act of making music, as portrayed in the cleverly constructed writer’s block anthem “Well’s Running Dry,” can lead to an earnest reflection on insecurity and aging. 

Thursday 1/23

ScHoolboy Q
1/23 | Fox Theater | 1807 Telegraph Ave, Oakland | 7 p.m. Doors | $54.25-$261

This new abum features Q’s most precise, economical writing to date and injects new emotions and tones seemingly at will. It’s the kind of record that could only be made by someone who has mastered his skillset—and knows exactly what he wants to say. And what ScHoolboy Q wants to say is that it’s time to keep our eyes on the horizon. “Whatever happened in the past isn’t today,” he says. “I can’t really fix it. But I can fix today and tomorrow.”

Micro Mania Wrestling
1/23 | DNA Lounge | 375 11th St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | $20-$35

Micro Mania Tour is a high powered, explosive, athletic Pro Wrestling show with just the right touch of comedy thrown in to make for a unforgettable Big event not necessarily Big people!! These 5 foot & under micro athletes may be short in stature but are giants in the world of entertainment where they will keep you on your feet screaming from the opening bell through the Main Event!

Support Women DJs: Open Decks Night
1/23 | Monarch | 101 6th St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | Free w/ RSVP, 21+

Open Decks is a creative & safe space where women, femme, non-binary, and trans DJs can dance, mingle, and practice their sets live. Bring your friends to dance and support you during your set! We particularly want to uplift our women, femme, non-binary, and trans DJs behind the decks, but all are very welcome to dance, support and vibe with us.

Friday 1/24

Good Ol’ American Satire
1/24-1/26 | Church of Clown | 2400 Bayshore Blvd, SF | 8 p.m. | $20-$40

Inauguration gotcha down? Head over to the Church you wish was married to state, Church of Clown, for Good Ol’ American Satire: an evening of political comedy by clowns and queens you’ll love to hate while they fly our Americana Pride high in the sky. 

Celebration of Iranian Cinema: Empty Nets
1/24 | Yerba Buena Center for the Arts | 701 Mission St, SF | 6:30 p.m. | $10

Experience the vibrant world of Iranian cinema at the UCLA Celebration of Iranian Cinema, featuring some of the most acclaimed Iranian films of the year making their San Francisco premiere. Join us for a remarkable journey through stories that inspire, challenge, and captivate.

Kash Doll
1/24 | The UC Theatre | 2036 University Av, Berkeley | 8 p.m. | $79.50-$132

Kash Doll is a Detroit-born rapper and actress who has made a significant impact in the music industry over the last decade. Known for her confident delivery and unapologetic style, she first rose to prominence with hits like “For Everybody” and “Ice Me Out.” Beyond music, she has made waves with her roles on Starz’s BMF and BET’s Diarra from Detroit, and she continues to influence through her philanthropy with her nonprofit, Fairy Boss Mother. Kash Doll is a commanding presence both in and out of the spotlight.

Live Punk Band Karaoke
1/24 | Kilowatt Bar | 3160 16th St, SF | 8 p.m. | Free, 21+

Sing punk songs with a live band on stage!! 

Tom Segura: Come Together
1/24 | Chase Center | 1 Warriors Way, SF | 7:30 pm. | $29.50-$189.95, 16+

Actor/Comedian/Writer Tom Segura is one of the biggest names in the comedy business.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 draw millions of listeners each week.

Saturday 1/25

Gary Hutton: Designing For Collections
1/25 | Museum of Craft and Design | 2569 3rd St, SF | 11 a.m. | $30-$40

Join the Museum of Craft and Design and renowned Bay Area interior designer Gary Hutton in celebrating San Francisco Art Week. A longtime friend and museum collaborator, Hutton will explore MCD’s current exhibition, Ruglife, through the lens of his extensive career.

Crazy Cat Ladies: Comedy and Art Show
1/25 | Helvella Art |  850 42nd Ave #2H, Oakland | 6 p.m. | Free

An all-star, all-female comedy showcase AND a cat-themed art show in the same evening? Meow you’re talking! Take in a stunning gallery show by talented emerging artists and laugh the night away with some of the Bay Area’s most hiss-terical comedians at this unique art and comedy event.

Denm
1/25 | Cornerstone | 2367 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley | 8 p.m. | $34.46-41.15, All ages

The genre-bending, SoCal musician, songwriter, and producer blends a unique recipe of hazy daze optimism and suburban beach influence into a modern-day melting pot of hip-hop beats, dubby rhythms, and catchy vocal hooks with a bonafide street mentality. DENM possesses the edge and wit of an artist aware of the realities of society, while addressing his own personal values and tongue in cheek commentary on the quest for the American Dream.

Midnight Serenades: Music by Women and Nonbinary Composers
1/25 | Center for New Music | 55 Taylor St, SF | 7:30 p.m. | Free-$17.85

Award-winning San Francisco contemporary chamber music group Ensemble for These Times (E4TT) performs the sixth edition of its annual favorite: music by women and nonbinary composers and the second year of its collaboration with Luna Composition Lab, featuring composers chosen in the 2023 E4TT/Luna Composition Lab Call for Scores.

Doughboys with Mike Mitchell + Nick Wiger
1/25 | Palace of Fine Arts | 3301 Lyon St, SF | 4 p.m. | $42.46-$64.16

Doughboys is the award-winning Best Food Podcast featured on “Good Morning America” and “The Simpsons.” Hosts and longtime frenemies Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger review chain restaurants and bicker about absolutely everything. 

Sunday 1/26

66th Annual White Elephant Preview Sale
1/26 | Oakland Museum of California | 1000 Oak St, Oakland | 9 a.m. | $50

The White Elephant Sale (WES), is a Bay Area tradition and the largest rummage sale in Northern California. Organized by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board, WES  is the biggest annual fundraising event benefiting the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA). The sale returns for the 2025 season starting with its Preview Sale on January 26, and runs through the beginning of March.

19 Voices in Solidarity Fundraising Event for ACLU
1/26 | Ivy Room | 860 San Pablo Ave, Albany | 4 p.m. | $18.07-$43.82, 21+

19 amazing artists performing in solidarity to help protect our fundamental freedoms. Featuring: Aireene Espiritu, Amelia Ray, Azere Wilson, Cecilia Long, Deborah Crooks, Emily Bonn, Jaeger & Reid, The Keller Sisters, Laura Benitez, Maggie Forti, Marina Crouse, + more tba.

Lewis Black
1/26 | The Masonic | 1111 California St, SF | 7 p.m. | $59-$287.35, 18+

A bittersweet farewell tour by comedian Lewis Black. 

Monday 1/27

Masta Killa Of Wu Tang Clan
1/27 | Yoshi’s Oakland | 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland | 7 p.m. Doors | $34-$69

Masta Killa, is a rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan. The lyricist has been prolific on Clan group albums and solo projects since the mid-1990s. He released his debut album No Said Date in 2004 to positive reviews and has since released three additional albums.

The Magic Game Show
1/27 | O’Reily’s Pub | 1840 Haight St, SF | 8 p.m. | $22.09

Join us at O’Reilly’s Pub the last Monday of the month for The Magic Game Show, a first-of-its-kind trivia-meets-magic experience! Your $20 ticket includes the ability to play the game live on your phone. The winners of each of three rounds will win a small prize, be invited on stage to compete for an additional prize, and then face off against each other in one final round for a gift card to the bar and a free ticket to the next show so that you can defend your title! And yes, in the middle of the show there is a full stage magic performance. 

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

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