The List: The ever-evolving John Legend
Examiner Staff Report
January 8, 2009
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| Jazzy pianist John Legend pumps things up on latest recording. (Courtesy Photo) |
BEST MUSIC
1. John Legend: The smooth piano ballads of neo-soul singer John Legend get a boost of energy on his latest record, “Evolver.” The Grammy Award-winning artist says he was a ready for some experimentation when crafting his new album, and decided to up the tempo, creating jams suited for the dance floor rather than the lounge. The hit song “Green Light” showcases a decidedly more hip-hop-infused flavor for the jazzy, down-tempo keyboard player. Legend, born John Stephens, first arrived roughly a decade ago when he was asked to play piano on Lauryn Hill’s “Everything is Everything.” Since then, he’s worked with the likes of Alicia Keys, Janet Jackson and Kanye West.
- Where: Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway, Oakland
- When: 8 p.m. Monday
- Info: (510) 465-6400, www.apeconcerts.com
2. Crooked Jades: The San Francisco quintet plays old-time string music.
- Where: Café du Nord, 2170 Market St., San Francisco
- When: 9 p.m. Friday
- Info: (415) 861-5016, www.cafedunord.com
3. Rebirth Brass Band: The band is known for combining New Orleans brass with funk and soul influences.
- Where: The Independent, 628 Divisadero St., San Francisco
- When: 9 p.m. Friday-Saturday
- Info: (415) 771-1421, www.theindependentsf.com
4. Hot Buttered Rum: The group is regarded as a bluegrass pioneer.
- Where: The Fillmore, 1805 Geary Blvd., San Francisco
- When: 9 p.m. Friday
- Info: (415) 346-6000, www.thefillmore.com
5. Tower of Power: The horn-based soul band plays with Lydia Pense and Cold Blood.
- Where: Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway, Redwood City
- When: 8 p.m. Saturday
- Info: (650) 369-4119, www.foxdream.com
BEST STAGE
1. Encore Theatre Co.: “T.I.C. Trenchcoat in Common” describes what happens when a teen publishes a blog about her new T.I.C. apartment building.
- When: Through Feb. 1
- Where: Magic Theatre, Building D, Fort Mason, Buchanan Street and Marina Boulevard, San Francisco
- Info: (800) 838-3006, www.encoretheatrecompany.org
2. Tony Martin: The Hollywood old-timer tells stories and sings.
- When: 7 p.m. today-Sunday
- Where: Rrazz Room, Hotel Nikko, 222 Mason St., San Francisco
- Info: (866) 468 3399, www.therrazzroom.com
3. ‘Meadowland’: The world premiere is a haunting portrait of honor, truth and passion within a small Asian community.
- When: Through Jan. 31
- Where: Phoenix Theater, 414 Mason St., San Francisco
- Info: (415) 508-5614, www.secondwind.8m.com
4. ‘The Circle’: Somerset Maugham’s tale is about when a young wife contemplates running off with another man.
- When: Through Feb. 1
- Where: Pear Avenue Theatre, 1220 Pear Ave., Unit K, Mountain View
- Info: (650) 254-1148, www.thepear.org
5. ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’: Ted Neely stars in the hit musical.
- When: 7 p.m. today
- Where: Flint Center, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino
- Info: (408) 998-8497, www.ticketmaster.com
BEST GATHERINGS
1. Robert Pinsky: The poet laureate reads in a program about mourning and loss.
- When: 4 p.m. Sunday
- Where: Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., San Francisco
- Info: (415) 292-1233, www.jccsf.org
2. S.F. AIDS Foundation: This year’s AIDS/LifeCycle Greater Than One endurance training program kicks off.
- When: Noon Sunday
- Where: Design Center, 2 Henry Adams St., Suite 450, San Francisco
- Info: (415) 487-8010, www.tofighthiv.org
3. ‘Monsieur Verdoux’: Charlie Chaplin’s most subversive film screens.
- When: 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday
- Where: Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., San Francisco
- Info: (415) 978-2787, www.ybca.org
4. Norm MacDonald: The former “Saturday Night Live” comic performs.
- When: 8 and 10:15 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 7 p.m. Sunday
- Where: Cobb’s Comedy Club, 915 Columbus Ave., San Francisco
- Info: (415) 928-4320, www.cobbscomedyclub.com
5. Bogie and Bacall: “To Have and Have Not” and “Key Largo” are presented.
- When: Saturday-Sunday
- Where: Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., San Francisco
- Info: www.castrotheatre.com
