Boots Riley

Ashkon’s New Album is a Celebration of Creativity and Dedication
Ashkon has released his first album of original music in almost two decades, showcasing his dedication and courage to pursue his passion for music, despite the challenges of being a husband, father, and breadwinner.

San Francisco Business Owners Suffered Due To APEC
I regularly, and loudly point out the hypocrisy in San Francisco on a daily basis, but there are times where I am surprised at just how shitty the political class of the City can be. The APEC conference undoubtedly had its benefits for the city, with increased tourism and a

Eat, Game, & Sing in San Francisco This Spring!
It’s Springtime in San Francisco, which means it’s time to put your phone on silent for a while and step out into our fair city to sing, eat, and play with the wonderful people and programming on offer. Whether in the flesh or on a live stream, the journalists and

The KQED & Noise Pop Block Party Looks Pretty Great
When two wonderful SF institutions get together to throw a block party your ears should perk up. KQED has teamed up with Noise Pop and is blocking off the streets in front of its storied SF headquarters for an all-day, live music-infused, street festival with delicious local food vendors, legendary Bay Area talent, and of course, your favorite KQED journalists and personalities.

The East Bay Is Invading a Hesitant Hollywood
The 76th Golden Globe Awards aired Sunday night and reports indicate (full disclosure: I had zero interest in watching) the evening was full of scandal, awkwardness and some Fiji Water girl photo bomb situation – really nothing out of the ordinary for an event where Hollywood elite gather to congratulate

Making The Art for ‘Sorry To Bother You’, and Yes, It Involves Horses
If you live in the Bay, you know as well as I do that the Oakland art scene is dope. Oakland is famously creative, diverse and hungry, it’s got a rebel soul, a musical heart, and activist arms. Last summer, following the incredible success of Black Panther directed by Oakland

As San Francisco Goes, So Goes Oakland
The last time San Franciscans talked this much about Oakland was in 1906. The City was ablaze and 100,000 residents fled across San Francisco Bay, many never to move back to San Francisco. They say the population of Oakland doubled in roughly 72 hours.

Doc’s Lab Has Permanently Closed Down
It is with heavy heart that I announce yet another closure in San Francisco’s cultural landscape. I just heard the news that Doc’s Lab has permanently closed down. While I have yet to see an official announcement, there are no shows on it’s calendar. That is pretty good indicator that

The North Pole: Oakland-Based Comedy Web Series About Gentrification & Way More
The North Pole is a political comedy web series about three best friends born and raised in North Oakland, CA, who struggle to stay rooted as their neighborhood becomes a hostile environment. Across seven outrageous episodes, Nina, Marcus, and Benny fight, dream, and plot hilarious schemes to save the place