Local Music

a group of people in black outfits with red socks are positioned on the floor of a grey stage in a spotlight

Culture

Merlin Coleman’s ‘DISPATCHES’ Makes Breathtaking Art from a Wildfire’s Rubble

Using found audio and interviews from the 2017 Tubbs Fire, the sound artist processes a tragedy through song.

Rahawa Haile May 7, 2026

a band plays on a festival stage with colorful flowers in front of it

Power

‘How Could You Be Against Joy?’: Bay Area Artists Are Turning on the Civic Joy Fund

A private initiative founded by the mayor and backed by a crypto billionaire is increasingly shaping San Francisco’s arts scene. Musicians are asking questions — and some are calling for a boycott.

Emma Silvers Apr 16, 2026

a young Black man in a black ball cap stands in the foreground looking up in front of a church, which is blurry in the background against a blue sky

Culture

Taifa Nia Finds His Second Wind

With new EP ‘Invidia’ and two more on the way, the San Francisco musician and prolific collaborator comes into his own as a solo artist.

Emma Silvers Mar 30, 2026

four women in black leather jackets and boots sit on a bench in front of a mural of colorful roses

Culture

Forget the Zombified Punk Festivals. The Future Is for the Dolls

Doll Fest, a fundraiser and celebration of femmes in punk rock, hits Oakland and Albany March 27–29.

Gordon Edgar Mar 23, 2026

Punk Is Gay

A Home for Queer Chinese Stories Opens in Chinatown

What Is a Dad, Anyway?

Merlin Coleman’s ‘DISPATCHES’ Makes Breathtaking Art from a Wildfire’s Rubble

‘How Could You Be Against Joy?’: Bay Area Artists Are Turning on the Civic Joy Fund

Taifa Nia Finds His Second Wind

Forget the Zombified Punk Festivals. The Future Is for the Dolls