Wednesday, May 11, 2011
books May 15: Larry Flynt at Book Passage
Posted by Gabe Meline on Wed, May 11, 2011 at 10:00 AM
He’s been considered obscene by middle America, convicted for engaging in organized crime, sent to jail, released to spend time with naked women 24/7, shot at and paralyzed, and had a biopic made of his life—and no, he is not Notorious B.I.G. Hustler publisher Larry Flynt has a new book out, One Nation Under Sex, which examines the role that presidents’ sex lives had in shaping White House policy and further exercises the right of free speech that he’s fought fiercely to defend. He and co-author David Eisenbach appear in discussion on Sunday, May 15, at Book Passage. 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera. 4pm. Free. 415.927.0960.
music May 12: Tin Hat at 142 Throckmorton Theater
Posted by Gabe Meline on Wed, May 11, 2011 at 9:52 AM
Is it chamber music? Is it jazz? Does it matter? In the vein of Amelie composer Yann Tiersen, Leonard Bernstein’s ballet sequences and the indie-Balkan outfit Beirut, the latest incarnation of Tin Hat (née Tin Hat Trio) straddles the genres to evoke a metropolitan experience, where sounds are piled beside each other in close quarters to commingle and create something altogether stronger than the sum of its parts. The group, who’s collaborated with Tom Waits and members of Mr. Bungle and is anchored by the versatile violinist Carla Kihlstedt, perform on Thursday, May 12, at 142 Throckmorton Theater. 142 Throckmorton, Mill Valley. 8pm. $18. 415.383.9600.
music May 14: KWTF Fundraiser at the Arlene Francis Center
Posted by Gabe Meline on Wed, May 11, 2011 at 9:49 AM
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Considering that the FCC has approved such call letters as KCUF (read it backwards) and KUNT, the soon-to-be-aired FM radio station KWTF seems soft in comparison. Not that it’ll be broadcasting Celine Dion—rather, the upstart station, license in hand, is “dedicated to advancing local and global news, arts and culture and promoting social change by helping to inform, entertain, involve, educate and connect Northern California’s diverse multilingual communities.” Funds are raised when Comanche Hi Power, the New Trust and Brian Fitzpatrick play on Saturday, May 14, at the Arlene Francis Center. 99 Sixth St., Santa Rosa. 5pm. $20 donation. 707.528.3009.
arts May 14: Spray Can Slam at Napa Valley Art Supplies
Posted by Gabe Meline on Wed, May 11, 2011 at 9:46 AM
Say “graffiti” to the average person and several connotations pop to mind—trespassing, vandalism and gang ties, generally. “Artist” isn’t part of that word-association game, unless you’re Jeff Holmes, owner of Napa Valley Art Supplies. For two years now, Holmes has hosted the Spray Can Slam, inviting artists to wield aerosol against canvas on the front lawn of his store and helping change conceptions about graffiti. “My mission is to give legitimacy to this form of art,” says Holmes; see it in action as the region’s upcoming street artists paint live on Saturday, May 14, at Napa Valley Art Supplies. 3250 California Blvd., Napa. Noon-5pm. Free. 707.224.2775.
music Across the Bridge: May 11-17
Posted by Gabe Meline on Wed, May 11, 2011 at 9:45 AM
Joan of Arc
Chicago’s Tim Kinsella keeps the ashes of Cap’n Jazz afloat and in the studio. May 12 at Cafe du Nord. Of Montreal
Quite possibly the most theatrical, costume-changing band on tour today. May 13 at the Fillmore.The Cars
Yes, Ric Ocasek is back in the band, but no, that doesn’t mean their new album is a masterpiece. May 13 at the Fox Theater. A-Trak
ITF champ and Kanye’s DJ heats it up with Kid Sister and the Gaslamp Killer. May 16 at Mezzanine. Bill Charlap Trio
Versatile Blue Note recording jazz pianist with Peter and Kenny Washington. May 17 at Yoshi’s SF.
More San Francisco events by subscribing to the email letter at www.sfstation.com.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
music May 7-9: Jon Nakamatsu with the Santa Rosa Symphony at the Wells Fargo Center
Posted by Gabe Meline on Wed, May 4, 2011 at 9:34 AM
The image is burned into any classical fan’s brain: the stark black-and-white profile, the young bush of hair, the piercing gaze downward at the keys. Yes, the cover photograph for Van Cliburn’s triple-platinum RCA Victor recording of Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto no. 1 is as iconic as it gets—and the piece, no less so. This weekend, pianist Jon Nakamatsu handles the famous concerto in a Russian program with the Santa Rosa Symphony, alongside Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition and Sophia Gubaidulina’s Fairytale Poem, on Saturday–Monday, May 7–9, at the Wells Fargo Center. 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. Saturday and Monday at 8pm; Sunday at 3pm. $28–$55. 707.546.8742.
music May 7: Bob Weir and the Marin Symphony at the Marin Center
Posted by Gabe Meline on Wed, May 4, 2011 at 9:29 AM
Postponed last year, rescheduled this year—and who knows what the future holds—the Marin Symphony’s collaboration with Grateful Dead guitarist Bob Weir is one of the most anticipated Marin-rock-guy-with-symphony events since Metallica’s S&M. Billed as “First Fusion,” the night ends with an improv jam after a program of Grateful Dead compositions. A rehearsal video of the track “Let It Grow” has made the rounds so far, sounding less like the Boston Pops and more like a rock band (Weir sings). Take bets on the rest of the set list beforehand when the night, a fundraiser for the Marin symphony, gets underway on Saturday, May 7, at the Marin Center. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 8pm. $50–$75.
music May 6: Pegi Young at the Napa Valley Opera House
Posted by Gabe Meline on Wed, May 4, 2011 at 9:25 AM
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Let’s hear it for the rock ’n’ roll wives—the Patti Scialfas, the Linda McCartneys—who make a go of a music career despite knowing that the world will always view them in the shadow of their husbands. Let’s hear it, too, for Pegi Young, who would be lauded enough for her work with children living with speech and physical impairments without recording a lick of music. Young’s latest, Foul Deeds, doesn’t owe much directly to right-hand man Neil; Pegi’s voice is free of nasal vibrations, and her songs are simpler constructions. In the Venn diagram’s center is a sense of wonder—a good indicator that the Youngs are still in love. Pegi Young sings on Friday, May 6, at the Napa Valley Opera House. 1030 Main St., Napa. 8pm. $25–$30. 707.226.7372.
outdoors May 5: Cinco de Mayo Party in Roseland
Posted by Gabe Meline on Wed, May 4, 2011 at 9:22 AM
So many crazy and inspiring things have happened in the old Albertsons parking lot in Roseland—pop-up soul food stands, weekend flea markets, midnight fire-spinning, hotrods showing off—that we’d almost be sad if the long-term plan to convert it into a town square were to become a reality. It’s just that there’s a special kind of potential in an empty lot, realized each year for Roseland’s Cinco de Mayo Party with lowrider parades, breakdance contests, food galore, live music on two stages and much, much more. It’s a don’t-miss, shoulder-to-shoulder happening on Thursday, May 5, at the old Albertsons parking lot. 600 Sebastopol Road, Santa Rosa. 4–10pm. Free. 707.529.8651.
music Across the Bridge: May 4-10
Posted by Gabe Meline on Wed, May 4, 2011 at 9:09 AM
Fleet Foxes
Seattle folk-rockers with new harmony-heavy album, “Helplessness Blues.” May 5 at the Fox Theater.Diddy Dirty Money
Puff Daddy in his recent Euro-pop R&B incarnation, with Dawn Richard and Kalenna Harper. May 6 at the Warfield.Corin Tucker Band
One of indie rock’s most rafter-shaking vocalists, formerly of Sleater-Kinney . May 7 at the Bottom of the Hill.TV on the Radio
Tremendously fiery live act rebounds from recent death of bassist. May 9-10 at the Independent.Fred Frith & Beth Custer
Snake-charming guitarist and steel-twisting clarinetist in unpredictable jazz collaboration. May 9 at Yoshi’s SF.
More San Francisco events by subscribing to the email letter at www.sfstation.com.
