Calendar

Out & About

A ROUNDUP OF THE HOTTEST LOCAL EVENTS, SOCIAL GATHERINGS AND PLACES TO EAT

THEATER

The Last Ship

LISTING ON PAGE 76

Calendar

THEATER / DANCE / COMEDY / MUSIC / MUSEUMS / EVENTS / FILM EDITED BY CHRISTINA MUELLER

MUSEUM

Black Is Beautiful, Museum of the African Diaspora

LISTING ON PAGE 78

THEATER

THRU FEB 1 Mystery

Science Theater The original host and creative visionary behind the beloved TV and Netflix comedy series for more than three decades, Joel Hodgson (as Joel Robinson) will don the red jumpsuit one last time, complete with wisecracking robots, silly sketches and cheesiness. Golden Gate Theatre (SF). broadwaysf.com

THRU FEB 2 Noura

After fleeing Iraq, the title character and her family are celebrating Christmas and their new life in New York when a visitor arrives, stirs up long-forgotten memories and forces the family to confront the cost of their choices. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). marintheatre.org

THRU FEB 9 Silent Sky

In the early 1900s, three female astronomers are hired by the Harvard University Observatory to undertake an exploration of where we fit in space, but without permission to peer into the telescopes — that role is only for men. Barn Theatre (Ross). rossvalleyplayers.com

THRU FEB 9 Ways to

Leave a Body What happens when your time is up? In a rare collaboration, four artists co-create an “out-of-body” theater experience exploring the idea of disassociation, the detachment of the “you” you feel and the “you” everyone else sees. Cutting Ball Theater (SF). cuttingball.com

THRU FEB 16 Wakey,

Wakey Featuring twotime Emmy Award winner Tony Hale (Veep, Arrested Development), this dramedy takes audiences on a journey by asking “what would you do if you only had a few minutes left to live?” Geary Theater (SF). act-sf.org

THRU JULY 12 Harry Potter and the Cursed

Child The eighth story in the Harry Potter series is presented in two parts. Curran Theatre (SF). harry potteronstage.com

FEB 2–MARCH 22 The

Last Ship Inspired by Sting’s 1991 album The Soul Cages and his experiences as a youth, this show tells the tale of a community amid the demise of the shipbuilding industry in northeast England’s county Tyne and Wear, with Sting starring as shipyard foreman Jackie White. Golden Gate Theatre (SF). broadwaysf.com

FEB 26–MARCH 15 A Gentleman’s Guide to

Love and Murder Part comedy, part music hall romp, this is the story of a commoner who, when he finds he is eighth in line for an earldom, develops a fiendish plot to cut the line. Gateway Theatre (SF). 42ndstreetmoon.org

THRU MARCH 7 Tiny

Beautiful Things Based on the book by Cheryl Strayed (Wild) and adapted for the stage by Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), this tearjerker follows an online advice columnist who uses her personal experiences to help the real-life readers who pour their hearts out to her. San Francisco Playhouse (SF). sfplayhouse.org

DANCE

THRU FEB 2 Cinderella

Christopher Wheeldon updates the classic tale of a young woman, talking mice and an all-important fairy godmother, accompanied by Prokofiev’s score and puppetry from Basil Twist. War Memorial Opera House (SF). sfballet.org

FEB 7–9 Just Ahead of

Darkness Six performers and four musicians draw on Japanese and American traditions of remembering the dead to explore ideas of family, love, loss and the eternal return of ghosts. Z Space (SF). sharpandfine.com

FEB 20–22 Concertiana

The Paul Taylor Dance Company presents the West Coast premiere of Taylor’s final piece, a work that defines the company style. Blue Shield Theater (SF). ybca.org

FEB 21–23 AI Sensorium

Kintech Arts invites viewers to consider for themselves how bodies and minds are transformed, exploited and manipulated by machine learning and artificial intelligence. ODC Theater (SF). odc.dance

FEB 27–MARCH 1

Incivility An inquiry into the sudden rise of highly publicized acts of racism, sexism and xenophobia, this performance is the third and final section of the company’s series A Seat at the Table. ODC Theater (SF). odc.dance

COMEDY

FEB 4, 11, 18, 25

Comedy Blast This “secret” pop-up comedy club is a showcase for San Francisco’s upand-coming comedians. Neck of the Woods (SF). neckofthewoodssf.com

FEB 13, 15 Jo Koy The comedian known as much for his explosive onstage energy as his Netflix special Comin’ In Hot drops by on his “Just Kidding” world tour. Chase Center (SF). chasecenter.com

FEB 14 Whose Live

Anyway? With suggestions sourced from the audience, cast members Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff . Davis and Joel Murray invent scenes and witty repartee right before your eyes. Marin Veterans’ Auditorium (San Rafael). marincenter.org

FEB 15 Ali Wong The San Francisco native and star of the Netflix stand-up comedy special Baby Cobra returns with the “Milk & Money Tour.” Luther Burbank Center (Santa Rosa). lutherburbank center.org

FEB 21–22 Idiocracy

The irreverent offBroadway hit written by and starring Robert Dubac looks at why we are brainwashed by a culture that worships Kardashians over character, delusion over truth and selfies over self-effacement. Marines’ Memorial Theatre (SF). broadwaysf.com

FEB 23 Steve Budd

As part of the Best of SF Solo Series, Budd presents What They Said About Love, examining what brings people together and keeps the proverbial knot tied. Marin Center (San Rafael). marincenter.org

MUSIC

FEB 1 Lunar New Year

Celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Rat with a festive reception, music that draws from Eastern and Western repertoire and a postconcert banquet. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). sfsymphony.org

FEB 7–9 Beethoven250

The San Francisco Symphony continues its celebration of the 250th anniversary of the great composer’s birth with his Symphony No. 2 and Brahms’ Symphony No. 4, conducted by Herbert Blomstedt. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). sfsymphony.org

FEB 8 Mill Valley Music

All-Stars In honor of Mill Valley Music’s 12th anniversary, the All-Stars, including Cole Tate, Mikaele Tate, Jesse Lee Kincaid, Neal McDonald, Mari Mack, Gary Scheuenstuhl and others, is performing the Rolling Stones’ album Beggar’s Banquet plus selections from other Rolling Stones albums. Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, throck mortontheatre.org FEB 9 Glen Phillips You know him for the honest, soul-tugging lyrics he sang as lead singer of Toad the Wet Sprocket, and he brings the same emotional depth to his solo work. HopMonk Tavern (Novato). hopmonk.com

FEB 10–12 Van Morrison

The Northern Irish singer-songwriter, instrumentalist and record producer comes to Oakland. Yoshi’s (Oakland). yoshis.com

FEB 10–15 Bob Weir

and Wolf Bros Joined by bassist Don Was and drummer Jay West, the trio plays songs from the Grateful Dead and more. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). sweetwater musichall.com

FEB 13 Chamber

Music The Mill Valley Philharmonic performs music with a Valentine’s Day theme. Community Center (Mill Valley). millvalley philharmonic.org

FEB 14 Travis Tritt

The Southern rocker and Grammy-winning country music sensation presents an evening of solo acoustic music. Luther Burbank Center (Santa Rosa). luther burbankcenter.org

FEB 16 Johnny Mathis

Beloved for his romantic ballads, San Francisco’s very own crooner swings by to perform with a live orchestra on the “Voice of Romance Tour.” Marin Veterans’ Auditorium (San Rafael). marincenter.org

FEB 21 Jason Mraz The two-time Grammy winner, known for his positive message and soulful folk-pop sound, SPOTLIGHT

Jennifer Wechsler

Bringing the latest installment of FAULTline to the Civic Center.

Design Farm Productions founder Jennifer Wechsler was appointed to Marin’s Cultural Services Commission in the spring of 2019 for a two-year term. With a mandate to promote art and public art in Marin, the designer and independent curator, who splits her time between Sausalito and Inverness, organized the third installment of FAULTline Art Show: The County Experience. Marin Center’s Bartolini Gallery, February 1–March 31. marincenter.org CHRISTINA MUELLER

What was the SS Vallejo houseboat residency in Sausalito and why was it important to art in Marin?

In the 1940s the SS Vallejo ferryboat boat housed many famous painters and was known as a hotbed of creative and intellectual collaborations in Sausalito. Over the last few years the historic ferryboat has been resurrected as a creative artist residency. In The County Experience, I have artistic representation both from the SS Vallejo in the 1940s and from today.

This is the third installation of FAULTline. How did you choose the theme of “the county experience”?

It was very important to me to celebrate the history and depth of the Marin County art culture. Through this show, attendees can “experience” the fertile ground of creativity and ideas fostered in Marin County over the last 80 years.

How is this installation different from the first two

FAULTline shows? The first two FAULTline art shows, at Toby’s Barn in Point Reyes Station and Timbuk2 in the Mission District in San Francisco, displayed artists who worked and created art along the California coastal fault lines. This upcoming FAULTline Art Show: The County Experience includes Marin artists who have been in my previous shows in addition to new names who have lived and practiced in Marin.

Basket from Michael Smith Gallery, Tribal and Textile Art Show, S.F.

pairs up with his longtime collaborators, Los Angeles–based quartet Raining Jane. Luther Burbank Center (Santa Rosa). lutherburbank center.org

FEB 21 One Found

Sound Balancing well-known and lesserknown works with a relaxed style in unique performance spaces, this chamber music group presents a program for full orchestra. Heron Arts (SF). onefoundsound.org

FEB 23 Lyle Lovett

With his Acoustic Group, the Texas crooner fuses blues, jazz, folk and gospel into his very own style of Americana. Marin Veterans’ Auditorium (San Rafael). marincenter.org

FEB 24 Joshua Radin

As part of the NoisePop Festival, the singer strums his guitar with special guests Ben Kweller and William Fitzsimmons. Great American Music Hall (SF). slimspresents.com

FEB 24 Sarah

McLachlan The Grammy Award–winning singer known for emotionally resonant ballads drops by to tell a few stories and sing a few songs. Fox Theater (Oakland). thefox oakland.com

MUSEUMS

MARIN

Bay Area Discovery

Museum Wobbleland This new exhibit takes children inside the kitchen sink, where they can set sail on a watermelon boat or crawl through a slice of cheese (Sausalito). bayarea discoverymuseum.org

Bolinas Museum

The Golden Decade: Photography at the California School of Fine Arts, 1945–1955 Explore the program established by Ansel Adams that raised the dialogue around photographic practice, through March 22 (Bolinas). bolinas museum.org

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art

Beneath the Surface Artists share their visions and the twists and turns of their creative journeys, through February 23 (Novato). marinmoca.org

The Museum of the American Indian

Thousands of Native American regional and cultural items are displayed, with a focus on Marin and Sonoma (Novato). marinindian.com

BAY AREA

Asian Art Museum

Awaken: A Tibetan Buddhist Journey Toward Enlightenment Buddhist artworks from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Asian Art Museum invite you to investigate from the perspective of a practitioner, through May 3 (SF). asianart.org

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive

Lands of Promise and Peril: Geographies of California A studentcurated exhibit examines California as equal parts elusive dream and cruel illusion, through April 26 (Berkeley). bampfa.org

California Academy of

Sciences The natural history museum boasts a multilevel aquarium, a tropical rainforest and a planetarium, but kids of all ages come just for the daily penguin feedings (SF). calacademy.org

Charles M. Schulz

Museum Hidden Treasures: Unseen Originals from the Collection Enjoy a new look at classic drawings, including new acquisitions and treasures not previously displayed, through May 25 (Santa Rosa). schulz museum.org

Contemporary Jewish

Museum Levi Strauss: A History of American Style Featuring over 150 items, including vintage apparel and advertising materials, this show looks at the very American life of the Bavarian Jewish dry goods merchant who changed the face of American apparel, February 13–August 9 (SF). thecjm.org

de Young Uncanny Valley: Being Human in the Age of AI Unpacking the tropes of artificia intelligence, this exhibit begins in 1970 when Japanese engineer Masahiro Mori introduced a novel concept, a place where humans confronted autonomous machines that mimicked their physical and mental properties, February 22–October 25 (SF). deyoung.famsf.org

di Rosa Core Reflections Davina Semo explores tensions between nature, society and the self, through June 28 (Napa). dirosaart.org

Exploratorium This hands-on learning lab explores the world through science, art and human perception with hundreds of discoverfor-yourself exhibits (SF). exploratorium.edu

Legion of Honor

Selections from the Achenbach Vault Culled mainly from the collection of artist-illustrated books, some of the 115,000 works on paper kept at the museum are presented, through March 15 (SF). legion ofhono.famsf.org

Museum of the African

Diaspora Black Is Beautiful With over 40 photographs from Kwame Brathwaite, this exhibit features men and women with natural hair and clothes that reclaim their African roots, through March 1 (SF). moadsf.org

Museum of Craft

and Design Survival Architecture and the Art of Resilience Both large and portable interactive architectural installations, models, photography and drawings look at how we might retrofit ou built world to adapt to increased uncertainty, through May 3 (SF). sfmcd.org

Oakland Museum of

California You Are Here: California Stories on the Map From environmental surroundings and health conditions to community perspectives and creative artworks, experience how maps can be a powerful tool to share unique points of view and imagine a better future, February 14–28 (Oakland). museumca.org

SFMOMA Modern Cinema: Agnès Varda An exclusive retrospective of films y the French New Wave filmmaer who died last year delves into the major themes of her storytelling philosophy: discovery and provocation. Organized in partnership with Berkeley Art Museum Pacific Film Archie, through March 21 (SF). sfmoma.org

Sonoma Valley Museum

of Art Valentin Popov: Modern Mixmaster The Ukraine native known for his portraits gets a retrospective that features works from his best-known series, through April 5 (Sonoma). svma.org

The Walt Disney Family

Museum With lectures, exhibits, classes and, of course, film, this

museum is dedicated to the life and works of the man who built Disney (SF). waltdisney.org

Yerba Buena Center

for the Arts Spanning contemporary and performance art, civic engagement and public life, the works on view at this museum embrace the local community. (SF). ybca.org

EVENTS

FEB 1 Miss Chinatown

USA Pageant The winner of this competition and her court become goodwill ambassadors for the Chinese community for the coming year. Palace of Fine Arts Theater (SF). chineseparade.com

FEB 1 Sonoma Salmon

Stewards Dinner The Golden State Salmon Association’s annual fundraiser features dinner from the team at William Tell House and vintner delights from the region. Viansa Sonoma Winery (Sonoma). goldenstate salmonassociation.org

FEB 3 Ocean Vuong The author of the poetry collection Night Sky with Exit Wounds sits down for a chat with Tommy Orange, the author of There, There. Sydney Goldstein Theater (SF). cityarts.net

FEB 4 Mapping of the

Mind Poems and stories about mental illness read as salon-style theater. Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael). marinjcc.org

FEB 6 Ezra Klein The editor and author of Why We Are Polarized sits down with Anna Sale to discuss why he doesn’t believe America’s political system is broken, but is working exactly as designed. Taube Family Auditorium (SF). commwealthclub.com

FEB 6 Link Link Circus

Transforming into Aristotle, Descartes, a medieval theologian, and other thinkers, Isabella Rossellini performs in a comedic yet scientifically informed loo at the links between humans and animals via Darwin’s theory of evolution, using short comic films and home mvies, with help from her dog, Pan. The Chapel (SF). thechapelsf.com

FEB 7 The Science of

Cocktails Explore a wonderland of more than 650 exhibits and 20-plus open bars to learn what makes a great adult beverage, and savor boozy science demonstrations, bites and live music at this fundraiser for science. Exploratorium (SF). exploratorium.edu

FEB 7–16 SF Beer Week

From an opening night gala to myriad tasting events, educational seminars and plenty of eating, it takes a mere seven days to honor the many joys of craftily made suds. Pier 35 (SF). sfbeerweek.or

FEB 8 Chinese New Year

Parade Dating to the 1860s, this parade and festival for the Lunar New Year features float, elaborate costumes, ferocious lions and plenty of dancers. Chinatown (SF). chineseparade.com

FEB 8 Marin Valentine’s

Ball An elegant dinner and live entertainment from Wonder Bread 5 help support local organizations that serve vulnerable young people in the community. Civic Center Hall (San Rafael). marinvalentinesball.org

FEB 8 Zydeco Flames

The sizzling roots rhythms of the West Coast’s premier Mardi Gras band will have you on your feet, especially after the two-step dance class. Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael). marinjcc.org

FEB 16 The Bachelor Fan favorites Becca Kufrin and Ben Higgins co-host this romance reality series live onstage to help you find lve while the audience makes suggestions. Luther Burbank Center (Santa Rosa). bachelorlive onstage.com

FEB 19–20 Overexposed

The actor known to many for his work as Beverley Leslie on NBC’s Will & Grace looks back at his youth and his Southern Baptist upbringing and shares anecdotes from his storied stage and screen career. Feinstein’s at the Nikko (SF). feinsteinssf.com

FEB 20–23 Pacific

Orchid Expo More than 150,000 orchids are displayed at this exhibition and sale. Hall of Flowers, Golden Gate Park (SF). orchidsanfrancisco.org

FEB 21–23 Tribal and Textile Art Show & American Indian Art

Show For those interested in the world’s many cultures, a showcase from the world’s top galleries brings together textiles and rugs from Africa, Asia and North America along with pre-Columbian, Spanish Colonial and contemporary American Indian art under one roof. Fort Mason Center (SF). sanfranciscotribaland textileartshow.com: marinshow.com

2020 Vision

Robert Green Fine Arts begins the decade by looking back.

DO THIS Mill Valley’s Robert Green Fine Arts has been a showcase for America’s so-called homegrown art form, abstract expressionism, since the gallery was founded in 1969. Owner Robert “Bob” Green, deciding these early days of the 2020s are a fitting time to pay homage to the artists he and his team have represented from the start, designed a show to reflect the painters’ impact on art history. Featuring art by Sam Francis, Ed Moses, Paul Jenkins, Willy Heeks, John Grillo, Jim Bird, Charlotte Bernström and Mark Erickson, the show includes works from post–World War II to the present. Through March 1, 154 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley. rgfinearts.com CHRISTINA MUELLER

FEB 22 Minds Matter

Gala Don your Gatsby best and indulge in a world of jazz, glamour, and mystery with a casino and magic performances at this event to support high school students as they prepare for college. City Hall (SF). mindsmattersf.org

FEB 23 Black Joy Parade

A celebration of black influence and diersity in cultures past, present and future, the procession includes marching bands and dance plus a performance stage and craft and food vendors. blackjoyparade.org

FILM

THRU FEB 13 SF

IndieFest Works on film from By Area fil makers, screenwriters, directors, sound designers, animators and more are showcased at this event. Roxie and Victoria Theaters (SF). sfindie.co

FEB 1–29 The Muppet

Movie Puppeteered and voiced by legendary Muppets creator Jim Henson, the story follows Kermit the Frog on a cross-country trip to Los Angeles, where he just may discover his very own rainbow connection. Walt Disney Museum (SF). waltdisney.org

FEB 9 The Oscars Bring your betting cards and your friends for a stroll down the red carpet in this come-as-you-are simulcast event. The Rafael (San Rafael). rafaelfilm.cafilm.o

FEB 13–20 Mostly British Film Festival

Featuring 26 films fro English-speaking countries outside the United States. Vogue Theatre (SF). mostlybritish.org

FEB 14 Wild at Heart

The author of the book that inspired the movie, Barry Gifford, will be o hand to introduce the film y David Lynch. Berkeley Art Museum (Berkeley). bampfa.org

FEB 17 New York Cat

and Dog Film Festival A series of animated, documentary and narrative short film, themed for felines and canines, celebrates the love between people and their furry friends. Lark Theater (Larkspur). lark theater.net

All listings are correct at the time of printing. Please be aware that events may occasionally be canceled or postponed. We always suggest contacting the promoter or venue to confirm details haven’t changed since publication.