Here are my picks for the remainder of the week and into the next. Enjoy some Shakespeare, including a funny new twist on one; music from classical piano to jazz to Bowie; Pride events (check out the vertical dancing); art and photography exhibitions, and more.
Thursday, June 26
Marin Shakespeare Company’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is getting rave reviews, with its reimaging that blends “art nouveau with futuristic elegance … electrifying movement and choreography,” laughter, and magic. And the intimate Forest Meadows venue at Dominican College is the best. Through July 13. (Special pricing today: Pay What You Will). Tickets from $17.
Celebrate at the Exploratorium with After Dark: Pride: Queer Science and learn the history of the 606 Social Club, a secret society for queer and trans naturalists; enjoy a Pride cocktail or mocktail; ask a queer scientist some questions, and lots more. Tickets $23
Bowie fans (isn’t that everyone?) won’t want to miss Blackstar Symphony: The Music of David Bowie, from Bowie’s last critically acclaimed album, performed by the original Blackstar band and reimagined for a 65-piece orchestra. The performance culminates with music from Bowie’s iconic song catalog. Through Friday. Tickets from $99.
Friday, June 27
Marcus Shelby Quintet: “Monk, Mingus, and Miles” explores the music of three of the most celebrated composers who had a major influence on modern blues and swing. The group will also perform original compositions from their Blues in the City suite, commissioned by the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, where Shelby is an artist in residence. Two performances. Tickets $40.
Saturday, June 28
If you haven’t visited the charming Presidio Chapel, go today for their Monthly Concert Series with classical pianist Gretchen Lindsay Hull. RSVP required. Free.
Bandaloop, the world-renowned vertical dance ensemble that performs on the sides of buildings, mountains, monuments, and more, will perform a High Flying Celebration of Pride on the iconic façade of the Fairmont San Francisco. Free.
Sunday, June 29
Heads up: If you’re so excited The Pointer Sisters are coming to Stern Grove on Aug. 10, the lottery opens today at 10 a.m. Through July 6. Free.
The 55th annual Pride Parade is the big event today from Market Street/Embarcadero Plaza to Ninth Street/Larkin Street, concluding in a celebration at the Civic Center Plaza with over 300 artists and exhibitors. Free.
Notable next week
Monday, June 30
Photography buffs certainly won’t miss this exhibition in its final weeks at SFMOMA: Around Group f.64: Legacies and Counterhistories in Bay Area Photography. In 1932, conversations at an Oakland party, several now-iconic guests, including Ansel Adams, Imogen Cunningham, and Edward Weston changed the history of photography. They subsequently formed Group f.64, dedicated to the prevailing style of Pictorialism, which mimicked painting using f-stop 64, which created the greatest depth of field and stunning clarity. The group’s legacy made the Bay Area an epicenter for modernist photography. Through July 13. Tickets: Free and from $25.
Tuesday, July 1
& Juliet, the hilarious new musical, flips the script on Shakespeare’s iconic romance by asking, what if Juliet didn’t end it all over Romeo? Follow her journey after she ditches her famous ending for a new beginning and a second chance at life and love on her terms. Through July 27. Tickets from $58.
Wednesday, July 2
This exhibition just opened yesterday at the intimate Museo Italo Americano: Echoes, featuring photography by Sharon D’Amico, paintings by Lar Landa, and ink on paper works by Nina Temple. All works represent visual rhythms and layered perceptions, echoed through form and color. Admission $10.
Enjoy your week, whatever you do, and be safe.
Got events? Let me know: lynette@thevoicesf.org