Good riddance, 2020. In the spirit of new beginnings, Haute Happenings returns. Be it virtual, be it live, be it hybrid, we’re presenting curated San Francisco Bay Area event listings from Mendocino to Big Sur. (Note: events are subject to change or cancellation.)
JANUARY
Through Jan. 23
Illuminate SF Festival of Light
Forty-plus permanent and temporary outdoor installations by 30 artists in 17 neighborhoods, this is the 8th annual festival of light. Take a self-guided art trail to see the city aglow with extraordinary energy. illuminatesf.com
7
Cal Performances At Home
An original, full-length performance screened to your home screen, Bria Skonberg is a young trumpeter, vocalist, and composer who “combines the energy of New Orleans swing with the dreamy vocals of radio crooners past.” Pre-concert conversation with the artist at 6:30 p.m., performance at 7 p.m.; available on demand until April 7. calperformances.org/events
14
Winter Cooking Series at Camellia Inn, Healdsburg
Dry Creek Catering owner, Hila Fichtelberg, cooks a vegetarian specialty, Israeli Shakshuka. Register for the list of ingredients and join the online class at 4 p.m. On February 11, it’s chocolate-making time. camelliainn.com/events
14
San Francisco Ballet
“Leap Into the New Year” is a one-night-only, first-ever virtual benefit. Drop-in visits by members of the Company, a virtual stage, world premieres, and a chance to view two new principal dancers, Nikisha Fogo and Julian MacKay, in their Company debut. Virtual tables of 10 available. Program begins at 6 p.m. specialevents@sfballet.org
16-17 | 23-24 | 30-31
San Francisco Opera
Romance is streaming. “Romeo and Juliet” stars Pene Pati and Nadine Sierra as infamous lovers in Charles Gounod’s production. The following weekend, Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Samson and Delilah” features a performance from Russian mezzo-soprano Olga Borodina. “La Traviata” concludes the series with tenor Stephen Costello starring opposite Nicole Cabell in Giuseppe Verdi’s story of a doomed romance. Each opera begins streaming at 10 a.m. on Saturday and remains available until midnight the next day. sfopera.com/streaming
22
Handwritten Wines
“Cabernet and Caviar” explores the unexpected magic of combining this culinary delight with stunning Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignons. Receive three specially selected wines, three caviars, blinis, creme fraiche, and Mother of Pearl spoons for a virtual hosted tasting. 5 p.m. bit.ly/3mLq8xL
25-29
de Young and Legion of Honor Fine Art Museums
“de Youngsters Art Party” is a five-day virtual celebration of interactive daily art education videos. By Jan. 8, purchase an Art Box to benefit Boys & Girls Club of San Francisco, containing art materials, thought-provoking projects, and instructions that correspond with the videos. bit.ly/33JtSZf
28
Sundance Film Festival 2021
Sundance Institute partners with the Roxie Theater to screen films online and at Fort Mason Flix, the pop-up drive-in on San Francisco’s historic waterfront. Through Feb. 3. festival.sundance.org and fortmason.org/event/flix
30
Sonoma International Film Festival
SIFF Saturdays presents “The New Corporation: The Unfortunately Necessary Sequel,” a 2020 Canadian film on climate change directed by Joel Bakan and Jennifer Abbott. Part of a series of monthly virtual films screening on the last Saturday of each month to bring you the power of film. sonomafilmfest.org
FEBRUARY
8
Chase Center
“An Evening With Michael Bublé in Concert” with the four-time Grammy winner and tender-hearted crooner taking on the classics everybody loves, plus songs from his new album. chasecenter.com/events
9
Commonwealth Club of California
“His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, A Life.” A live stream conversation with Jonathan Alter, author of the first full-length biography of the 39th president. An intimate and surprising portrait of the Nobel Peace Prize humanitarian. 3 p.m. commonwealthclub.org
11
San Francisco Ballet
The 2021 season includes three world premiere works on film for at-home audiences. As yet unnamed, the Myles Thatcher premiere is set to Steve Reich’s Variations for Vibes, Pianos, and Strings. Through March 3. sfballet.org
13
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
“Love Cabaret” is a special virtual Valentine’s concert featuring a colorful songbook that celebrates all things love; performed by some of your favorite soloists and ensembles. sfgmc.org
13
Jessup Cellars
“Art House Short Film Series,” a virtual gathering featuring award-winning shorts paired with two specially selected Jessup Cellars wines and flavor-infused popcorn. Also on Jan. 16 and March 13. bit.ly/2JMijJM
14
Emerson String Quartet
Music @Menlo Explorer Series Digital Broadcast presents one of the world’s premier chamber music ensembles for more than four decades. Emerson String Quartet is performing the Purcell/Britten Chacony in G minor and Beethoven’s String Quartet No. 15 in A minor, Op. 132 at 5 p.m. emersonquartet.com
Photo credits: Cover-courtesy of Fine Arts Museums SF; @Dario Acosta; @Cory Weaver; Fine Art Museums of SF; @Jurgen Frank