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Grace Stetson on August 11, 2021
Downtown Sunnyvale can be a bit unassuming, but this Friday the block will be on fire. Starting at 10pm, LA-based (and world-renowned) DJ Slushii will be spinning some of his hottest mixes well into the early morning—neon-decked, club-packing dubsteppers like “Dear Me,” Rocket League theme song “All I Need,” and the twinkling Marshmello collab “Twinbow.” The 24-year-old DJ has been on the scene since 2016, and quickly rose in the EDM world due to his sparkling, sugary mixes and high profile collaborations. The club requires all guests wear masks indoors, but bottle service is available for those who want to keep social distance from the dancefloor. Continue reading »
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Mike Huguenor on August 11, 2021
This weekend, San Jose’s premiere burlesque troupe the Circus of Sin returns to their loving home of the Caravan for “Back to the Van.” Led by MC and occasional wrestler Some Guy, the adventurous Circus of Sin is all about a memorable night out. A typical performance might include drag, exotic dancing, sideshow acts, painted ladies and plenty else. Recently, the troupe was also involved in the creation of the Bay Area Tarot Deck, which celebrates local performers and performance institutions. Ever a forward thinking institution themselves, the Circus has made this steamy event streamable online for ease of accessibility. Continue reading »
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Grace Stetson on August 11, 2021
We all need some dancing queens, young and sweet, to help us ease through the remainder of the summer. Stanford’s Frost Amphitheater heard that tune and gave us one better: a return to the San Francisco Ballet. This weekend, the renowned company returns to the stage for the first time post-pandemic with “Starry Nights,” a blend of multiple inspiring oeuvres, ranging from Tchaikovsky to the dulcet tones of Nina Simone. Pack your mask and proof of vaccination, and bring a blanket, reusable water bottle and bagged snacks to help make the night as delightful as can be. Continue reading »
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Elliott Sky Case on August 11, 2021
When God decided humanity deserved an even gayer Simon & Garfunkel, She gave us the Indigo Girls. Three decades and fifteen studio albums later, Amy Ray and Emily Sailers are icons of LGBT music history. Last year’s release Look Long had the folk-rock royals invoking Americana imagery for a tense and troubled gaze at today’s U.S. of A., grounded by a deep and nostalgic love: “I’m just a gay kid in a small town who loves country radio,” Ray and Sailers harmonize. Supported on this leg of the tour by husband-and-wife gospel duo The War and Treaty, hearts will swell on this soulful evening. Continue reading »
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Jay Edgar on August 11, 2021
Cristela Alonzo is likely best known for becoming the first Latina to create, produce and star in her own eponymous sitcom, “Cristela,” and for her recurring role as a guest host on “The View.” But, her tomboyish charm, booming stage presence and playful musicality were all honed on the stand-up circuit, touring with other Latino comedy heavyweights before headlining clubs on her own. On Netflix special Lower Classy, she proves her chops, deconstructing Latino culture and joking frankly about the struggles of getting by. She hits the Improv before beginning her stint hosting the reboot of “Legends of the Hidden Temple” this October. Continue reading »
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Jay Edgar on August 4, 2021
Twenty-five years ago on Eastside Drive in San Jose, Anthony Trevino and his friend Jose Portillo began memorizing and copying the moves of “Hitman” Bret Hart and “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels from their 60-minute Iron Man match at Wrestlemania XII. Continue reading »
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Mike Huguenor on August 4, 2021
Though it was released well over a decade ago, Mario’s 2007 R&B pop hit ‘Let Me Love You’ has proven itself timeless. Maybe it’s the Rhodes piano, trembling as it lays out the chords. Maybe it’s the melancholy sample, echoing like a wordless cry of the heart. Or maybe it’s Mario’s lyrics, the kind that would be familiar to any lovers throughout human history, like ‘your true beauty’s description looks so good that it hurts.’ Whatever it is, there’s a reason it went #1. Since the ‘00s, Mario has regularly appeared in film & TV, and comes to Sunnyvale in anticipation of his sixth album. Continue reading »
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Grace Stetson on August 4, 2021
Jazz is on the upswing and vocalist Danielle Wertz is just the person to get us all back into the swing of things. Since relocating to California from D.C. in 2017, Wertz has garnered both local and national acclaim for her dulcet vocals and powerhouse songwriting. This weekend, she makes one of her first appearances since February 2020 with a dual in-person/online show from Art Boutiki, performing songs from her debut album “Intertwined,” like the autumnal “Beautiful Love,” as well as dusky, smoke-eyed piano ballads like “Something to Live For.” Continue reading »
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Mike Huguenor on August 4, 2021
South Bay hip hop has never gotten its proper due. Since at least 1990, when MC Twist dropped gangsta boom bap banger Bad Influence, the 408 has given birth to a diverse range of underappreciated MCs and producers, from hyphy pioneer Traxamillion, to Latinx g-funk group Chicano Conspiracy. This Saturday, LVL Up pays homage to this history with a broad lineup of South Bay hip hop artists like SJ beatmaker Kai B.G., artist/rapper/Tarot diviner Señior Gigio, and Gilroy’s 1 AM, whose personal and vulnerable tracks are all about finding positivity in the chaos. Continue reading »
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Kyle Martin on August 4, 2021
To show that Frisco ladies ain’t no punks, San Francisco’s own La Doña makes a trip to the Mid-Peninsula this Saturday afternoon for a free performance at the Mitchell Park Bowl. The multi-talented vocalist/rapper/trumpeter/artist fuses Mexican banda styles with reggaeton and Bay Area hyphy hip hop to tell stories of strength, culture, women, hustle and life in both Spanish and English—all topped off with a little Bay swag. Behind her are an accomplished crew of dedicated musicians, laying it all down smooth for this fly Frisco mama’s distinct voice and lyricism. Continue reading »
