Emma Cline in Conversation with Vendela Vida
Emma Cline made a big splash on the literary scene last year with her debut novel, The Girls. The coming-of-age story set in ‘60s NorCal follows a lonely 14-year-old desperate for attention who naively falls in with the Manson Family. Cline set off a bidding war with the work, earning a multi-book deal and perhaps a touch too much scrutiny. Hear from this stunning new voice in American fiction as she joins writer/editor Vendela Vida for a live chat.
The hardest working backing vocalist of all time and silver-maned king of blue-eyed soul provided the vocal magic for such gleaming solo hits as "What a Fool Believes," "I Keep Forgettin'" and "Yah Mo B There." Tonight the former Doobie Brother croons all the classics — if you miss this show, might as well throw your yacht rock captain hat right overboard.
Photograph: Courtesy SF Int’l Hip-Hop DanceFest
SF International Hip Hop Dance Fest
Now in its 18th year, the San Francisco International Hip Hop Dancefest is the same age as some of its participants, and like a preternaturally-confident albeit talented Millennial, it shows no signs of slowing down. Dozens of dance crews from around the world will perform in this non-competitive display of skills—skills you can attempt to duplicate by signing up for a master class during the event.
Midnight Movie at the Clay: Suspiria
A young American ballet student arrives in Europe only to be threatened by location, cast, weather and camera, as deployed by legendary horror director Dario Argento (who also provides the oppressive soundtrack). Thunderstorms and extraordinarily grotesque murders pile up as Argento happily abandons plot mechanics to provide a bravura display of his technical skill. Catch one of two midnight screenings of the 4K digital restoration, extended version of the 1977 film this week only.
Photograph: Flickr/--Mark--
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair
Step back in time at this holiday adventure set in Victorian London and featuring costumed performers, the aroma of roasted chestnuts and quaint shops. A Bay Area tradition since 1970, the Great Dickens Christmas Fair takes over the Cow Palace for four weekends every holiday season. Guests can peruse corset stalls, engage in mead-chugging competitions and maybe even spot Scrooge himself.
Just in time for holiday splurging, biannual exhibition West Coast Craft assembles brilliant, Instagram-worthy artists and craftsfolk who perfectly capture our Pacific culture in their wares. Oggle everything from apparel to posh toiletries, decorative pieces, accessories and surely many other lovely bobbles you will end up buying for yourself, family wish lists be darned.
Get up close and personal with high-end autos the average city dweller can only dream of finding a parking spot for. Celebrating its 60th year, the festival’s organizers are rolling out the latest in tech and giving you a chance to get behind the wheel. Grab a photo op with one of the gorgeous historic whips from the Academy of Art’s ample museum-quality collection, and chat with the owners of slick customized street cars. Maybe Dom Toretto with show up!
The master of mixtapes and king of collaborations is back with a new album and national tour, both dubbed Passion, Pain & Demon Slayin’. It’s good to see the unique talent in action after a 2016 stint in rehab to treat depression, and he’s getting by with a lot of help from his friends: Travis Barker, Andre 3000 and Willow Smith all make appearances on the album, which critics applaud for harkening back to the days of chart-friendly tunes like "All of the Lights" and "Pursuit of Happiness.”
Photograph: Courtesy PIER 39
Kick off the holiday season in gloriously kitsch style at Pier 39, with holiday singalongs, a performance by the Grammy-winning Merry Mariachi Band, and a dramatic tree lighting hosted by familiar faces flown in direct from Disneyland. Kids of all ages can drop off their letters to Santa and craft the day away leading up to the big event.