Arts & Entertainment

Illuminated Observation Wheel is open in honor Golden Gate Park's 150th anniversary. (Courtesy photo)

‘Illuminate SF Festival of Light’ takes over City with over 40 installations

By Daniel Montes The “Illuminate SF Festival of Light” is set to…

“The Croods: A New Age” is a pleasant sequel to 2013’s cartoon adventure about cave people. (Courtesy DreamWorks Animation)

New ‘Croods’ is colorful, comfy

But cartoon sequel is less funny than original

Coronavirus hasn’t stopped Brit Taylor from releasing her excellent debut recording “Real Me.” (Courtesy David McClister)

Nashville singer Brit Taylor stays true to country roots

Musician thankful, grateful for 2020 being better than 2017

Katy J Pearson of the English pop duo Ardyn has developed a different sound as a solo artist. (Courtesy Seren Carys)

Katy J Pearson makes solid solo debut with ‘Return’

Former Ardyn singer tries on a new, natural style

Katy J Pearson of the English pop duo Ardyn has developed a different sound as a solo artist. (Courtesy Seren Carys)
“Home for the Holidays,” starring, from left, Charles Durning, Holly Hunter and Anne Bancroft, is a quintessential Thanksgiving movie. <ins>(Courtesy Paramount)</ins>

15 great Thanksgiving movies (and one turkey) to watch at home

While many families won’t be getting together during this pandemic Thanksgiving holiday,…

“Home for the Holidays,” starring, from left, Charles Durning, Holly Hunter and Anne Bancroft, is a quintessential Thanksgiving movie. <ins>(Courtesy Paramount)</ins>
B-Boy Spaghetti of Norway was among the international artists taking part in the world premiere of “Isolation in Humanity,” a collaboration commissioned by the International Hip Hop DanceFest festival showcasing b-boying, popping, krump, house, and contemporary dance. (Photo courtesy Ekopics)

Performers pop, lock, spin and sit at International Hip Hop DanceFest Saturday

Spinning, popping and flipping — and at times sitting — performers in…

B-Boy Spaghetti of Norway was among the international artists taking part in the world premiere of “Isolation in Humanity,” a collaboration commissioned by the International Hip Hop DanceFest festival showcasing b-boying, popping, krump, house, and contemporary dance. (Photo courtesy Ekopics)
South Bay author Mickie Winkler’s one term as Menlo Park’s mayor inspired her new humorous book. (Courtesy photo)

Funny musings from Menlo Park’s former mayor

Mickie Winkler takes on daily life, politics in illustrated collection

South Bay author Mickie Winkler’s one term as Menlo Park’s mayor inspired her new humorous book. (Courtesy photo)
Anchor Brewing’s Christmas Ale — both the 2020 edition and vintage brews — are for sale. (Courtesy photo)

Holiday Gift Guide: Give a present, support a local business

Friends and loved ones will delight in S.F.-made wares

  • Nov 27, 2020
Anchor Brewing’s Christmas Ale — both the 2020 edition and vintage brews — are for sale. (Courtesy photo)
Guy Pearce makes the most of a showy role in “The Last Vermeer.” <ins>(Courtesy Jack English/TriStar Pictures 2020 CTMG)</ins>

Guy Pearce elevates ‘Last Vermeer’

‘Born to Be’ sensitively documents transgender surgery

Guy Pearce makes the most of a showy role in “The Last Vermeer.” <ins>(Courtesy Jack English/TriStar Pictures 2020 CTMG)</ins>
Riz Ahmed, left, and Paul Raci are superb in the powerful “Sound of Metal.” <ins>(Courtesy Amazon Studios)</ins>

‘Sound of Metal’ tells an emotional story of deafness

Darius Marder’s debut feature has strong characters, performances

Riz Ahmed, left, and Paul Raci are superb in the powerful “Sound of Metal.” <ins>(Courtesy Amazon Studios)</ins>
“Entwined,” created by Charles Gadeken, will light up Golden Gate Park’s Peacock Meadow this winter.<ins> (Courtesy San Francisco Recreation and Park Department)</ins>

‘Wonderland of lights’ coming to Golden Gate Park

‘Entwined’ art installation an ‘enchanted forest’ for the holidays

“Entwined,” created by Charles Gadeken, will light up Golden Gate Park’s Peacock Meadow this winter.<ins> (Courtesy San Francisco Recreation and Park Department)</ins>
Chef Reina’s plant forward pancit is a great recipe for using up veggies about to rot in the refrigerator drawer. (Courtesy photo)

Add plant forward dishes to the holiday table

Bay Area chefs tout tasty vegan dishes

Chef Reina’s plant forward pancit is a great recipe for using up veggies about to rot in the refrigerator drawer. (Courtesy photo)
Reza Farazmand of “Poorly Drawn Lines” fame has written his first full-length graphic novel. (Author photo courtesy Vivian Sachs)

‘Poorly Drawn Lines’ creator Reza Farazmand debuts ‘City Monster’

Friends go on a funny low-stakes mission in new full-length graphic novel

Reza Farazmand of “Poorly Drawn Lines” fame has written his first full-length graphic novel. (Author photo courtesy Vivian Sachs)
Don McLean’s 2020 release “Still Playin’ Favorites” includes country, folk, gospel, bluegrass, blues, jazz and soul covers of tunes by Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Bessie Smith and others. (Courtesy photo)

As it’s about to turn 50, Don McLean remembers ‘American Pie’

Songwriter never dreamed people would ‘embrace’ it the way they have

Don McLean’s 2020 release “Still Playin’ Favorites” includes country, folk, gospel, bluegrass, blues, jazz and soul covers of tunes by Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Bessie Smith and others. (Courtesy photo)
My look, complete with jeweled mask, complements one of Kate Tova’s gorgeous, colorful murals. (Courtesy Saul Sugarman)

San Francisco is not the best place for artists

Creative people stay motivated to eke out a living in our expensive city

My look, complete with jeweled mask, complements one of Kate Tova’s gorgeous, colorful murals. (Courtesy Saul Sugarman)
A ride on Pedego electric bikes offered up great views of Los Olivos’ rolling vineyards. (Julie L. Kessler/Special to S.F. Examiner)

Leaving urban sprawl behind in Santa Ynez Valley’s Los Olivos

Small-town charm, great food and wine marry for match made in heaven

A ride on Pedego electric bikes offered up great views of Los Olivos’ rolling vineyards. (Julie L. Kessler/Special to S.F. Examiner)
Donum Estate’s pinot noir pairs delightfully with bites by chef Aaron LeRoi. (Courtesy Donum Estate)

Donum Estate deftly blends wine, food and art

Carneros vintner produces award-winning pinot noir and more

Donum Estate’s pinot noir pairs delightfully with bites by chef Aaron LeRoi. (Courtesy Donum Estate)
East Bay Cake artist Mona Marwaha is among the contestants appearing on “Candy Land,” a reality competition based on the famous board game premiering at 9 p.m. Nov. 15. <ins>(Courtesy Food Network)</ins>

Fremont cake painter competes on Food Network

Mona Marwaha enjoyed everything about her ‘Candy Land’ experience

East Bay Cake artist Mona Marwaha is among the contestants appearing on “Candy Land,” a reality competition based on the famous board game premiering at 9 p.m. Nov. 15. <ins>(Courtesy Food Network)</ins>
Vince Vaughn, center, plays both a killer known as the Butcher and a high school student with whom he switches bodies, in “Freaky.”<ins>(Courtesy Brian Douglas/Universal)</ins>

Entertaining body-swapping ‘Freaky’ has scares and laughs

Gory flick with Friday the 13th release actually may calm some viewers

Vince Vaughn, center, plays both a killer known as the Butcher and a high school student with whom he switches bodies, in “Freaky.”<ins>(Courtesy Brian Douglas/Universal)</ins>
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, right, is prominently featured in Frederick Wiseman’s “City Hall.” Courtesy photo

Frederick Wiseman brings Boston to life in ‘City Hall’

‘Irmi’ tells touching story of survival, resilience

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, right, is prominently featured in Frederick Wiseman’s “City Hall.” Courtesy photo