18-year-old Gazan rapper maps his Bay Area journey
Plus: GOP allies line up to attack Chan, Bounce Back's hip-hop sessions, Bratmobile rocked, Bruscato is Best
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MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND ACCLAIMED FILM 'SONGS OF THE SLOW BURNING EARTH'
Unflinching documentary depicts the mass tragedy of people who came face to face with a large-scale war in Ukraine—and how they had to adapt in dire circumstances. Meet director Olha Zhurba and producer Darya Bassel at Rialto Berkeley on Sept. 28 and Four Star SF on Oct. 1.
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND ACCLAIMED FILM 'SONGS OF THE SLOW BURNING EARTH'
Unflinching documentary depicts the mass tragedy of people who came face to face with a large-scale war in Ukraine—and how they had to adapt in dire circumstances. Meet director Olha Zhurba and producer Darya Bassel at Rialto Berkeley on Sept. 28 and Four Star SF on Oct. 1.
Today's headlines:
Gaza’s MC Abdul on life in the Bay—and a debut album that maps his journey
By D'Andre Ball
18-year-old Palestinian rapper learned English listening to Tupac. Now he's dropping 'Day by Day, Shway Shway' on SF's Empire label
The oligarch, charter school, and GOP ally money behind the attacks on Connie Chan
By Tim Redmond
Abundant Future is funding the hit pieces. Here's who's behind that PAC
Best of the Bay 2026 Editors’ Pick: Brucato Spirits
By Adrian Spinelli
Can a bitter liqueur spark a love affair? The local distillery's brilliant amaro releases will definitely spice up your cocktails
Popping with hip-hop history, Bounce Back looks to the future of the session
By Kevin Madrigal
Inclusivity-minded dance and party crew celebrates its second anniversary, big boom-bap and local culture-bearers in tow.
Review: Bratmobile incited thrashing riot grrrl adoration at Bottom of the Hill
By Angelique Persails
A time was had—with surprise guest from San Bruno's punk past and copious Tiger Trap tributes.
In case you missed it:
Score a pair of tickets to these naughty Folsom Street Fair parties this weekend
Time to get wild with thousands of fellow freaks at the fest's official bacchanals: Hunger, Magnitude, and Deviants. Learn more here.
Only connect: Poetic visionary Moor Mother returns to SF Electronic Music Fest
‘Lost’ films seen through fresh eyes at Re:Vision Fest
Our Portola Fest 2026 Hot List
JOIN US FOR ANOTHER SEISMIC LITQUAKE
Litquake, San Francisco's literary festival, is back from October 8–24. Presenting 80+ events across the Bay Area, from readings and performances to panels and workshops. More than 75% of events are FREE to attend.
A SLOW-BURN THRILLER ABOUT THE UNCERTAINTY OF LOVE AND MEMORY
Best known for his “audacious and skillful” (SF Chronicle) independent films, SF writer-director JP Allen, and his company Coffee and Language, begin their 25th Anniversary celebration with their 11th feature, MEMORIZING ALISON.
RUN FOR YOUR LIFE AT TERROR VAULT: SLASHED
The latest immersive horror experience from diabolical creators Peaches Christ and Michael Flowers takes over the San Francisco Mint with a tale inspired by '80s slashers! October 1-November 7
OCTOBER KICKS OFF WITH A 'HAG-STRAVAGANZA'
Join us for a rare screening of Joan Crawford starring in William Castle's Strait-Jacket (1964) hosted by DJ Dank and Valentine. Drag performances by Katya Smirnoff-Skye, Thee Pristine Condition, and Lucy Borden, a Crawford costume contest, Joan trivia, and a Joan To The Bone video tribute. October 2, sponsored by Sunset Connect.
20 YEARS OF MAKING FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Sparks fly. Robots walk. Rockets launch. Maker Faire Bay Area turns 20! September 25–27, Historic Mare Island Shipyard — thousands of makers, one unforgettable weekend. New builds, retro tech, robotics, bio-hacking, and glorious Rube Goldberg chaos. Bring your project. Bring your people. Bring your curiosity; take the ferry from SF, it's a beautiful ride! Use code BAS for 25% OFF tickets!
YOU'VE NEVER SEEN—OR HEARD—'LEAR' LIKE THIS
Michael Socrates Moran directs a bold new production of William Shakespeare’s epic tragedy King Lear, featuring a cast of 30 and live music composed by Paul Dresher. September 25—October 11 at Z Space!
YERBA BUENA GARDENS FESTIVAL SEASON IS HERE
Yerba Buena Gardens Festival is back with 100+ free outdoor shows in downtown SF. With free music concerts, dance events, circus, kids’ shows, and more, YBG Festival is the place for picnics and summertime vibes.