Lots of music over the next few days, plus film showcasing music. There’s also art, dance, opera, and more, including the opening of Fleet Week. Read on for my picks.
Thursday, Oct. 1
Renée Fleming Sings Strauss will feature the award-winning soprano performing a program of Richard Strauss (Four Last Songs, composed when he was 84, and Ein Heldenleben, a tone poem composed in 1898) with debuting guest conductor Santtu-Matias Rouvali. 2 p.m. today, 7:30 Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday at Davies Symphony Hall. Tickets from $55.
Renowned filmmaker, artist, and skier Chris Benchetler will present a screening of Mountains of the Moon to San Francisco, which explores connections between sport, life, music, and nature set to the music of the Grateful Dead. The Terrapin Family Band and special guest Eric Krasno perform the film’s score live, followed by a second set of music. 7 p.m. through Friday at the Presidio Theatre. Tickets from $44.
The Clift Hotel has extended its popular Redwood Room After Dark live entertainment series with two evenings (Thursday and Friday) of jazz through October. Tonight, the Glen Pearson Duo performs; visit the link above for updates and upcoming programming. 7 to 9 p.m. through October. Free admission.
Friday, Oct. 2
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass kicks off today with 17 performances like The Crooked Jades, Los Lobos (pictured above), Mama’s Broke, Reckless Kelly, Wreckless Strangers, Stacey Earle, and 11 more. Live stream available; visit link above for additional information. 1 to 7 p.m. today, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday in Golden Gate Park. Free admission.
Have a laugh at Peter Pan Goes Wrong, J.M. Barrie’s classic story imbued with madcap mischief as The Cornley Drama Society embarks on an ill-fated journey to Neverland. 8 p.m. tonight at the San Francisco Playhouse through Nov. 28. Tickets from $52 (with season subscription); $68 without.
After an orchestra labor dispute that canceled opening night and my favorite Opera in the Park, the season is back on track. Mary Queen of Scots is in its final run, and it’s had some great reviews, particularly of the queen, portrayed by Heidi Stober, as she returns from France to claim her Scottish throne. 7:30 p.m. tonight and 2 p.m. Sunday at the War Memorial Opera House. Tickets tonight from $30; Sunday from $36.
Saturday, Oct. 3
This aerial dance-based public art project, Freedom Comes When One Walks Through It, explores freedom at the intersection of public libraries and prisons. Based on original research and text by April Harris, an incarcerated writer serving a life sentence, and a research advocate for incarcerated women, the project juxtaposes the library and the prison as opposite poles on the pathway to freedom. 1 and 3:15 p.m. at the Visitacion Valley branch library; additional performances Oct. 10 at the Main Library and Oct. 17 at the Ortega Branch Library. Free admission.
Sunday, Oct. 4
Bay Area native Lori Carsillo is known for her thoughtful interpretations of the Great American Songbook, having been raised on the music by jazz greats and exposure to classical music. 5 and 7 p.m. at Keys Jazz Bistro. Tickets $40.
Monday, Oct. 5
I love this: world-renowned artist Saype will be creating a massive, ephemeral artwork, Beyond Walls, depicting giant intertwined hands on the ground to symbolize a global effort to promote togetherness, kindness, and openness, inviting us to pause, look, and remember that we are linked. Watch Saype paint through Wednesday, then join the public celebration at 4:30 p.m. in a human chain of nearly 1,000 locking hands around the artwork on the Great Lawn at YBCA. RSVP here to join hands. Free admission.
Tuesday, Oct. 6
To celebrate Fleet Week, the 1st Marine Division Brass Band will perform at 6 p.m. in Noe Valley Town Square. Visit the link above for a schedule of citywide concerts throughout the week. Free admission.
Enjoy your week, and remember to be safe and nice.
