Black Experience

Mark MacNamara - March 29, 2022

A dramatic soprano at the peak of her powers talks about the life of a singer, climbing the ladder, and staying grounded.

Michael Zwiebach - March 18, 2022

Alexander Gedeon was concerned about the company’s internal commitment to goals of inclusion and equity.

Richard S. Ginell - February 21, 2022

Downes’s latest album offers a compact overview of the ragtime composer’s music.

Victoria Looseleaf - February 21, 2022

The bass-baritone reprises his role in a radical retelling of Fidelio, but he’s expanding his part offstage, too.

Bill Doggett - February 16, 2022

This expansive essay explores the cultural contradictions of the Harlem Renaissance and American culture informing Still’s musical achievements.

Bill Doggett - February 15, 2022

The remarkable documentary brings viewers intimately close to the fabled singer.

Andrew Gilbert - February 14, 2022

Social-justice advocacy is all in a day’s work for the virtuosic drummer. Her run of five unique shows at SFJAZZ starts Feb. 16.

Richard S. Ginell - January 18, 2022

Glasper’s imagination takes off in the wildly eclectic second set, replete with the String Candy Orchestra, a DJ, and electronic voice-overs.

Tamzin Elliott - January 15, 2022

Bright new works from both the curators and their colleagues enliven this concert with the LA Phil New Music Group.

Andrew Gilbert - December 13, 2021

The late Brazilian acoustic guitarist had an outsized impact on the Bay Area music scene. A new three-CD set features great live performances captured in the ’60s.