Lily O'Brien

Lily O'Brien is a freelance writer and editor with a passion for the performing arts. She has written feature articles and previews for a variety of publications including Downbeat, JazzTimes, Marin Arts & Culture, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Marin Independent Journal, and Strings magazine. She is a singer who has performed professionally in a variety of genres, and an avid world traveler and bicyclist.

Articles By This Author

Lily O'Brien - June 9, 2026

Healdsburg Jazz Festival continues to book major musicians, while growing its community connections and outreach.

Lily O'Brien - May 19, 2026

Reyes Dance’s String Quartet No. ATE explores the choreographer’s recent Type 2 diabetes diagnosis.

Lily O'Brien - April 14, 2026

The ballet company will present the West Coast premiere of Alexander Ekman’s dreamlike, mind-bending production at Cal Performances this weekend.

Lily O'Brien - January 26, 2026

Though many associate the instrument with the jazz genre, Banks’s projects defy expectations.

Lily O'Brien - December 9, 2025

Jazz pianist Vijay Iyer, sarod player Alam Khan, and tablaist Nitin Mitta meet at The Freight, in Berkeley on Dec. 13.

Lily O'Brien - November 18, 2025

The whimsical production reimagines the classic tale through illusionary dance techniques.

Lily O'Brien - November 1, 2025

The conductor returns to the Bay Area to begin his first season as the organization’s music director.

Lily O'Brien - July 14, 2025

The storied company is embracing both tradition and innovation by staging a period production of Donizetti’s La fille du régiment at Festival Napa Valley.

Lily O'Brien - June 2, 2025

A whimsical new production brought together by the SF Early Music Society is taking time travel to the next level.

Lily O'Brien - April 28, 2025

The SF International Arts Festival is set to showcase this local group playing traditional instrumental tunes.