KQED Arts & Culture
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Your one-stop shop for the Bay Area’s cultural offerings, from KQED 💃 The Do List: Spice up your plans 📥 Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.kqed.org/newsletters/arts-and-culture
The author, activist and former NFL quarterback brings his new memoir, ‘The Perilous Fight’ to Berkeley next month. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13993293/colin-kaepernick-memoir-the-perilous-fight-book-tour-berkeley
Colin Kaepernick Is Coming to the East Bay With a New Memoir | KQED
The author, activist and former NFL quarterback brings his new memoir, ‘The Perilous Fight’ to Berkeley.
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This Wednesday, Aug. 26, will be the first global Paga Lo Que Puedas day, a Masala y Maiz–organized initiative that has prompted Reem’s, Bombera, Pasta Supply Co. and more Bay Area restaurants to join. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13993301/bay-area-restaurants-pay-what-you-can-2026-reems-bombera-sfizio
These 8 Bay Area Restaurants Are Asking You to Pay What You Can | KQED
Reem’s, Bombera, Pasta Supply Co. and more join a global initiative on Aug. 26.
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Dolly Parton, one of country music's most recognizable and universally adored ambassadors, “died peacefully” in Nashville at the age of 80, her representatives confirmed Tuesday. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13993258/dolly-parton-has-died-at-age-80
Dolly Parton, One of Country’s Biggest Stars, Has Died at Age 80
The artist was one of the genre's most recognizable and universally adored ambassadors.
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Oakland-based cartoonist Frederick Noland tells the fascinating life story of Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor, the groundbreaking Black cyclist who smashed world records during the sport’s formative years. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13990897/graphic-biography-major-taylor-worlds-fastest-cyclist-fred-noland
This Epic Graphic Biography Honors Cycling’s First Black World Champion
Oakland-based cartoonist Frederick Noland tells the fascinating life story of Marshall ‘Major’ Taylor.
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Shatara Michelle Ford’s movie is a sweetly bickersome comedy-drama about friendship and freedom. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13993161/dreams-in-nightmares-review-road-trip-movie-black-queer
‘Dreams in Nightmares’ Is About Living on Your Own Terms
Shatara Michelle Ford’s movie is a sweetly bickersome comedy-drama about friendship and freedom.
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Just down the street from the Fox Theater in Oakland, Y’s Choice serves up braised oxtails, in both sambusa and soupy rice bowl form, late into the evening. Latest from KQED’s Midnight Diners: https://www.kqed.org/arts/13993073/ys-choice-soul-food-oxtails-oakland-late-night
Y’s Choice Is a Haven of Late-Night Soul Food in Oakland | KQED
Braised oxtails, in both sambusa and soupy rice bowl form, are the star of this San Pablo Avenue gem.
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Nengi Omuku’s de Young exhibition ‘The Gathering’ is the third contemporary art exhibition staged within the museum’s permanent African collection, and it’s the best one yet. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13992983/nengi-omuku-the-gathering-de-young-museum-review
In Historic Objects, a Painter Sees the Origins of the World She Hopes to Create
Nengi Omuku’s de Young exhibition ‘The Gathering’ is staged within the museum’s African art collection.
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AI can generate songs in seconds. But that begs a complex question: Who should get paid? And, how? https://www.kqed.org/arts/13993030/who-profits-from-ai-music-suno-udio-lawsuit-music-artists-coalition
The Grueling Fight Over Who Profits From AI Music
AI can generate songs in seconds. But that begs a complex question: Who should get paid? And, how?
kqed.org
La Grama, tucked behind a used car dealership just a few blocks away from the San José DMV, is a pop-up tent serving the best version of Colombian lechona, or crackly-skinned stuffed roast pork. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13993140/best-lechona-colombian-crispy-stuffed-pork-la-grama-san-jose
This San José Food Tent Is a Temple to Crispy Colombian Stuffed Pork
La Grama serves the best lechona in the Bay Area.
kqed.org
Japanese streetwear brand BAPE is celebrating its new San Francisco store Saturday with a Union Square block party, featuring live performances from Karri and P-Lo, as well as DJ sets from Lil CC, Shabazz and DJ D Sharp. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13993024/bape-block-party-san-francisco-union-square
A BAPE Block Party and the Changing Face of San Francisco’s Union Square | KQED
The clothing brand‘s opening celebration with P-Lo, Karri and others comes amid a rebranding of the area.
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Four recent graduates find themselves on an endless road to nowhere in Alexander Ullom’s doom-laden film. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13992998/it-ends-movie-review-zombie-gen-z-horror-alexander-ullom
‘It Ends’ Is a Meditative Zombie Movie, Tailor-Made for Gen Z
Four recent graduates find themselves on an endless road to nowhere in Alexander Ullom’s doom-laden film.
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Shock G’s posthumous memoir combines handwritten notes, interview transcripts and personal photos to give an inside look at the Digital Underground frontman’s artistry and complexities. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13992917/shock-g-digital-underground-book-memoir-autobiography-oakland-rap
A New Memoir Captures Shock G’s Brilliance — In All Its Funkiest Forms | KQED
‘Keep It Beautiful’ is an inside look at the Digital Underground frontman’s artistry and complexities.
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For the uninitiated, roller derby can resemble ‘The Hunger Games’ on wheels. But for the skaters involved, roller derby also offers closeness and camaraderie players can’t find anywhere else. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13988572/bay-area-roller-derby-queer-trans-skaters
Is Roller Derby the Bay Area’s Queerest Sport? | KQED
Slamming into opponents on wheels has its risks. But for gender-nonconforming skaters, it's a safe place to be.
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It’s been 20 years since Traxamillion released his debut album, combining the San José-raised producer’s canvas of banging beats with lyrics from hyphy-era royalty. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13992651/traxamillion-slapp-addict-20-year-anniversary-hyphy-sna-jose-oakland
20 Years Later, Traxamillion’s ‘Slapp Addict’ Remains the Royal Standard of the Hyphy Era | KQED
The San José producer’s debut album is a cultural time capsule of the hyphy movement in 2006.
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Journey is hitting the road for what could be their final tour, with the last leg kicking off in September. The San Francisco classic rockers play the Chase Center on Nov. 28, 2026. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13992874/journey-band-last-tour-san-francisco-chase-center-arnel-pineda-jonathan-cain
Journey Preps for the Last Leg of the Band's Probable Final Tour
The San Francisco classic rockers play the Chase Center on Nov. 28, 2026.
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San Francisco will host the 2027 WNBA All-Star Game at Chase Center, the home of the Golden State Valkyries, the league announced Tuesday. https://www.kqed.org/news/12095766/san-francisco-to-host-2027-wnba-all-star-game-at-chase-center
San Francisco to Host 2027 WNBA All-Star Game at Chase Center | KQED
Mayor Daniel Lurie tied the astronomical rise of the Golden State Valkyries to the city’s “comeback.”
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Want to join a secret pirate society? You need to collect codes from five scavenger hunt locations, send them to a P.O. box in Sonoma, then wait to receive membership details and a cypher, in the mail. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13992815/826-valencia-pirate-free-scavenger-hunt-map-san-francisco
Ahoy Mateys! There’s a New Pirate-Themed Scavenger Hunt in the Bay
Free instructions are available now from 826 Valencia and Green Apple Books. No plank-walking required.
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Paul Yoon’s somber, poetic new novel follows a dog conscripted into an unnamed war in an unnamed country. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13992832/etna-book-review-paul-yoon-anti-war-novel
In ‘Etna,’ a Canine Narrator Delivers a Poignant Anti-War Message
Paul Yoon’s somber, poetic new novel follows a dog conscripted into an unnamed war in an unnamed country.
kqed.org
Julia Hart’s teen drama ‘Don’t Say Good Luck,’ starring 17-year-old Sunny Sandler, is a movie about a high school musical. Is it a bit cheesy? Sure! Should you just go with it? Absolutely! https://www.kqed.org/arts/13992778/dont-say-good-luck-review-theater-kid-movie-waitress-julia-hart
Theater Kids Are Going to Love ‘Don’t Say Good Luck’
Is Julia Hart’s teen drama a bit cheesy? Sure! Should you just go with it? Absolutely!
kqed.org
We consulted some of the Bay Area’s writers, librarians and booksellers to find excellent spots in the region that will let you sit down for a while with a good read. https://www.kqed.org/news/12094593/the-best-places-to-bring-your-book-in-the-bay-area-performative-reading-accusations-not-included
The Best Places to Bring Your Book in the Bay Area (‘Performative Reading’ Accusations Not Included) | KQED
What’s a better way to enjoy the Bay Area than grabbing a book and reading somewhere?
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Beaver Street’s shiny slab isn’t just a geologic curiosity — it’s part of a long legacy for Bay Area climbers who have used city rocks and buildings to train for the heights of Yosemite Valley. https://www.kqed.org/news/12094577/the-san-francisco-rock-climbing-spot-known-for-its-shiny-surface
The San Francisco Rock Climbing Spot Known For Its Shiny Surface | KQED
Beaver Street’s shiny slab isn’t just a geologic curiosity — it’s part of a long legacy for Bay Area climbers who have used city rocks and buildings to train for the heights of Yosemite Valley.
kqed.org
NPR asked kids to mark America’s 250th anniversary with podcasts about life and liberty. Hear the seven winning Bay Area entries. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13991822/bay-area-teen-podcasts-npr-contest-winners-americas-250th
Local Teen Podcasters Honored in NPR Contest
NPR asked kids to mark America’s 250th anniversary with podcasts about life and liberty. Hear the seven winning Bay Area entries.
kqed.org
Suds Francisco 2026: A Funk & Fermentation Festival, taking place Aug. 23 at Salesforce Park, will bring together lovers of funky food, drinks and music. Details ⬇️ https://www.kqed.org/arts/13991893/suds-francisco-funk-fermentation-festival-salesforce-park-afterthought-katdelic
Suds Francisco Fest Will Combine Funk, Fantastic Views and ... Fermentation?
This is a weird concept for a festival, sure, but Afterthought is playing, so we'll see you there!
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In Jane Schoenbrun’s fever dream of a movie, ‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma,’ Gillian Anderson plays the reclusive final girl of a 1980s slasher franchise. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13992753/teenage-sex-and-death-at-camp-miasma-review-hannah-einbinder-gillian-anderson-80s-pastiche
Carnage and Catharsis in ‘Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma’
Jane Schoenbrun’s movie is a beautifully constructed fever dream, blending high and low brow references.
kqed.org
As it turns out, reports on the demise of Ben’s, a spot we once called “the best Chinese restaurant in Oakland that you haven’t heard of,” were a little bit premature — the Jack London staple plans to renovate and reopen. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13992743/bens-chinese-restaurant-oakland-not-closing
Oakland’s Most Underrated Chinese Restaurant Isn’t Closing After All
Ben’s, a beloved hole-in-the-wall in the Jack London District, plans to renovate and reopen.
kqed.org
The annual Dahlia Show and Competition returns this Saturday and Sunday at the County Fair Building near Ninth Avenue and Lincoln Way. The show is free and open to the public. https://www.kqed.org/news/12094987/san-franciscos-official-flower-turns-100-celebrate-with-a-free-dahlia-show-this-weekend
San Francisco’s Official Flower Turns 100. Celebrate With a Free Dahlia Show This Weekend | KQED
Experience a “sea of blooms” at a free dahlia show at Golden Gate Park this weekend.
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San Francisco might go all out for Pride in June, but Oakland keeps the party going. Here are the seven parties across the Town that you shouldn’t miss this weekend. ⬇️ https://www.kqed.org/arts/13992728/7-parties-not-to-miss-during-oakland-pride-weekend
7 Parties Not to Miss During Oakland Pride Weekend | KQED
Bars and clubs across the Town will celebrate LGBTQ+ culture and identity Aug. 14–16.
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Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor star in ‘The End of Oak Street,’ a time-travel thrill ride that’s perfect summer viewing. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13992716/the-end-of-oak-street-movie-review-dinosaurs-in-suburbia-hathaway-mcgregor
Dinosaurs Invade 1980s Suburbia in ‘The End of Oak Street’
Anne Hathaway and Ewan McGregor star in this time-travel thrill ride that’s perfect summer viewing.
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For Black Rock Collective founder Brittney Butler, the absence of other Black rock climbers in the sport felt extremely isolating. The group hosts at least two climbing meetups every month: https://www.kqed.org/arts/13992337/black-rock-collective-oakland-climbing-meetup-pacific-pipe-great-western
How Oakland’s Black Rock Climbers Find Each Other on the Crag | KQED
Black Rock Collective creates a welcoming space within an overwhelmingly white sport.
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Part venue, part living room, eclectic shops in Oakland and San Francisco bring the creative community together. https://www.kqed.org/arts/13992671/concept-store-oakland-san-francisco-kindred-studio-two-two-3319-marche
‘Wait, What Is This Place?’: Bay Area Concept Stores Blend Art, Fashion and Music
Part venue, part living room, eclectic shops in Oakland and San Francisco bring the creative community together.
kqed.org