PETALUMA STAND UP! So cool that for the premiere of ‘Backrooms,’ Kane brought his high school film teacher to L.A. (He taught himself editing software and was making short films as early as 7th grade at KENILWORTH JUNIOR HIGH!)

I saw former Supervisor Susan Gorin tonight on the sidewalk outside El Coqui with a group of friends, and she seemed to be having the time of her life, unbothered by any incoming election results after decades in local politics

Love this short reflection of Rollins / an incidental anecdote that says much more than it lets on. "There’s very little experience behind a childhood crush. It’s almost entirely a thing of intuition, of wonder — a decision that’s somehow been made for you."

In the early to mid 00s, Oakland's DIY music scene thrived in warehouses, storefronts, and a converted AC Transit bus—I wrote about my experience during this magical era for @oaklandreviewofbooks.org (CW: fires, eviction)

If you’re wanting to hear Sonny Rollins tonight but don’t know where to start, a quick Top 10: Saxophone Colossus - Often cited as his best, has "St. Thomas," as well as "Mack the Knife," the SOUND is just so good, his solos are super imaginative, excellently recorded

Sonny Rollins, a truly remarkable life, inspiring soul, the saxophonist I’ve listened to most. R.I.P.

It is with deep sorrow and profound love that we announce the passing of Sonny Rollins. The Saxophone Colossus died this afternoon at his home in Woodstock, NY at the age of 95. 1/2

“I love the old classics, but I love the friggin’ new things! The wacky things!” — Elim Chan, speaking like a human at City Hall

X best band

I'm from Santa Rosa so every other city in Sonoma County with the possible exception of Duncans Mills

Happy 30th anniversary to the Internet Archive

*taps microphone* For KQED's affordability series, I wrote a big list of restaurants where you can eat DELICIOUSLY for $12 or less. www.kqed.org/arts/1398933...

Just referred to the Oakland A’s as homeless, and somebody was like unstadiumed

I put together an exhibit on the early history of Sonoma County’s punk scene, which was very rural, a little inscrutable, sometimes bizarre and always incredible. ‘Disturbing the Peace’ is on view through Aug. 23, 2026, at the Museum of Sonoma County in Santa Rosa. museumsc.org

airbrushed by Mike Dream TDK

Coming up in 10 minutes on @kqedforum.bsky.social - remembrances of Michael Tilson Thomas from those who knew him and his work best. Listen here from 9am–10am: www.kqed.org/forum/201010...

STACKED PANEL FOR MTT Kosman Adams Bullock Cabrera Leno Friday @ 9am on KQED Forum

MTT, a great conductor whose impact on the San Francisco Symphony can't be underestimated, has died at 81. www.npr.org/2026/04/23/n...

The last time I saw Michael Tilson Thomas wasn't on the podium at Davies. It was at the Roxie Theater, after a screening of 'Merrily We Go To Hell,' last year. Him and Joshua smiling in the lobby, out in their city they loved. A perfect image to remember him by.

for @coyotemedia.org, I did a deep dive on the growing artist backlash against the Civic Joy Fund, an initiative founded by the mayor & backed by a crypto billionaire to use free arts & entertainment as a means of "economic revitalization" for SF www.coyotemedia.org/how-could-yo...

New Tom Waits for those who stay up ‘til 2am youtu.be/L-57FrioeuE?...

I’ve been putting together an exhibit on Sonoma County’s early punk scene of the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. ✨ It opens at the Museum of Sonoma County on April 17.

"All time, rhythm, and harmony are pulsating, sounding, resounding, & happening according to the grand symphony which is constantly being played. All sounds, when discerned in this context, are rhythmically & harmonically involved and fit." –The Notebooks of Sonny Rollins (NYRB)

Protect and preserve the US Postal Service at all costs

The news I expected, honestly. 😢 Anyone in the market for a big building in the Yerba Buena neighborhood? There's a few to choose from at this point: the mall, City College (soon), the shell of the Mexican Museum... www.kqed.org/arts/1398772...

No movie that uses Steely Dan in the film should get to win

Happy Friday, blow out your week

Packed house for Mahler’s 3rd at the Santa Rosa Symphony, fantastically conducted by Francesco Lecce-Chong (seen celebrating after the big finish).

Mýa performing for free in Oakland after Sunday's Black Joy Parade: www.instagram.com/p/DUrlTIgEvp2/

I really, really liked this book.

The guy’s got a reputation as a grouch, but yesterday at The Chapel, he was gyrating and high-kicking his legs in the air! (OK, OK, that was The Last Waltz at Winterland… but he still loosened up a little.)

Reminder to never trust AI (A Love Supreme was recorded nearly two years later, in December, in one day)

In the darkest night ohhh I search through the crowd Your face is all that I see

Yearning is back! How can we parlay this into viral POV vids of Tristan un Isolde

Didn’t mean for this to be a prediction of Ilia’s performance but at least now Gen Z knows how it feels

Anthony Ant spent his adult life bringing the Bay Area music scene together. On Thursday night, the scene convened at the Starry Plough in South Berkeley to dance, shout, jam and remember the powerful trumpeter.

There's an opportunity for public comment next Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. on the proposal to extend the install of 'R-Evolution' for another six months (thru Oct. 5, 2026). www.kqed.org/arts/1398668...

Debi Thomas

Statehood when

Went to the Castro Theatre reopening last night to see a movie, and was very surprised to find myself thinking: "Could it be that all my worries were unfounded? What's happening here?!"

Some dissenters here at the Castro Theatre reopening

An inspiring show last night from Rabiah Kabir, a fresh new voice in Bay Area jazz.

Talked with folks involved in the flood of rap shows at Yoshi's, once known for traditional jazz, and deliberately changing with the times. Yes, they have received complaints! But not many. (Gotta say, as someone who's seen Scarface / Quik / Spice 1 and others at Yoshi's — it really works.)

They’re still doing this