MOVIE: IN THE HEIGHTS
This explosion of music, dance and unbridled joy is the summer shot in the arm we all need . In New York’s Washington Heights, bodega owner Usnavi (Anthony Ramos) plans his move back to his family’s ancestral home in the Dominican Republic to set up a beach bar, but is distracted by wannabe fashion designer Vanessa (Melissa Barrera). During a summer heat wave, a blackout and winning lottery ticket will change his life and that of many of his neighbors. Lin Manuel Miranda penned the original stage script and the Bay Area’s Jon Chiu directed. The movie is being screened at Oracle Park on Friday at 6:30 p.m. as part of the team's LGBTQ+ movie nights. You can also see "In The Heights" via HBO MAX.
MOVIE: EVERYBODY'S TAKING ABOUT JAMIE
Inspired by true events, EVERYBODY’S TALKING ABOUT JAMIE is the film adaptation of the award-winning hit musical from London’s West End, about Jamie New (newcomer Max Harwood), a teenager in a blue-collar English town with a dream of life on stage. While his classmates plan their livelihoods after graduation, Jamie contemplates revealing his secret career ambition as a fierce and proud drag queen. His best friend Pritti (Lauren Patel) and his loving mom (Sarah Lancashire) shower him with endless support while local drag legend Miss Loco Chanelle (Richard E. Grant) mentors him toward his debut stage performance. The screening on Saturday at 6:30 p.m. at Oracle Park is in cooperation with the Frameline Film Festival and the San Francisco Giants. Head to the site for tickets.
DOC: LIKE A ROLLING STONE
For a generation of musicians or bands in the late 1960s and 1970s, a mark of making it was to have a story written about you in Rolling Stone magazine by BEN FONG TORRES. Carlos Santana was just one of hundreds of musicians interviewed by Ben during his illustrious 12-year stint as writer and later editor at the world’s most popular music magazine. Now Ben IS the story in a new documentary "Like A Rolling Stone: The Life & Times of Ben Fong Torres." The first public screening happens Monday at 6:30 p.m. as part of the Tribeca Film Festival. Be among the first to enjoy this personal story of a brilliant writer whose passion and curiosity kept his byline in print and his face and voice on TV & Radio for six decades….and he is not done yet. A must-see doc about an iconic Asian American journalist, a graduate of San Francisco State College who broke the mould and paved the way for so many who followed, including Cameron Crowe. Ben has dedicated his life to journalism and broadcasting but as the doc shows he always put family first. He made a lot of people famous too and now his story of being "almost" famous is being told. I am proud to call him a neighbor, mentor and friend. Enjoy the film with cameos by Elton John, Annie Leibovitz, Steve Martin, and - did I mention - I also appear briefly in the film. Bravo Ben. Thanks for the music memories.
PIN FOR A CAUSE: ARE YOU VAXXY?
San Francisco artist Jason Dilley has created a special pin inspired by the recent wave of vaccinations - the pin says "I am VAXXY" r u? Proceeds from the pin are going to help vaccinate people in foreign parts through the COVAX program of the United Nations. The pin would make for a great gift that Jason hopes people will purchase for first responders, doctors & nurses and people working the front lines. I am VAXXY and I am proud to say so. The pins are $10 and are available here.
MUSIC : STERN GROVE LEDISI
Oakland nativie LEDISI Is the opening act for the STERN GROVE music festival launching a week from Sunday on June 20 for 10 Sundays through the end of August. Picnic tables for groups of 10 for all shows. Individual spots are available. Others acts coming up include Joan Jett, Fitz & The Tantrums, X and the closing show features for top Bay Area talent Tower of Power & Too Short.
PRIDE: SF GETS PROUD
No city does PRIDE quite like San Francisco, everywhere you turn there is a rainbow flag reminding us of the fight for equality and the struggle that continues. For all things LGBTQ+ and PRIDE venture to the SF PRIDE website.
Liam’s List premieres Fridays on KPIX-5 and is also available to download in a podcast via iTunes. Please email ideas to liamsf@aol.com.
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