Guests arriving at the California Academy of Sciences' Big Bang Gala were greeted by human 'butterflies' swooping and flitting about, their shimmering wings competing with patrons' dresses for color and contrast.

Wing-Davey and company -- including a three-piece ensemble that provides all manner of terrific musical and sound support -- have turned this Pericles into a showcase for quirky stagecraft. If that sounds like your dish, have at it.

San Francisco's beloved Exploratorium opened with a big splashy party that befitting its swell new digs on Pier 15. Guests were as giddy as schoolchildren on a field trip as they navigated the expanse filled to the open rafters with scientific schemes.

The beloved 87th annual fashion show event put on by the San Francisco chapter of the Junior League brings visibility, leadership and volunteer training to the league's members, as well as the opportunity for a fun party.

One of the things I loved about this play is that the sex scenes are made to be more humorous than dirty.

What I most enjoy about Caitlin Gill is that you get a sense of who she is in her comedy. She is not trying to be anything other than herself. Her content ranges from gross to topical and I am curious to see just how far she will go.

All this magic in 49 square miles means we sometimes forget the glories that await just across the Bay, or down the peninsula. Here, five amazing Bay Area views to remind you why your East Coast friends are (and should be) jealous.

As a novice reviewer of Bay Area theater in the late '60s, I probably dropped in on Berkeley Rep for the first time in early 1969, possibly to cover its production of Brendan Behan's The Hostage.

From the hip Mission district to the Castro, here are a few of the best places to booze on the cheap in the city.

Hip hop legends Nas and Lauryn Hill brought the Fox Theater to life on Monday night. As the lights dimmed, fans had no idea what they were in store for: two of the greatest '90s hip hop acts coming back to shine.

It was a surprisingly balmy evening last night as our cabbie took a swerve to the left across in front of an onrushing bus, zipped past a double-parked car, and deposited us at Bottle Cap. It was time once again for the Annual Herb Caen Martini Competition.

How little the human race has changed in the 2,500 years since Sophocles' Elektra emerged on the Athenian stage. Her drive, her obsession, her fury had a single focus, expressed in one word: justice.

Wine towns abound in California. But factoring in travel, expensive accommodations and various other factors, a simple "wine weekend" can translate to a hefty price tag. Fortunately, wine country is closer than you think.

Fresh off my Alcatraz swim and keen on pursuing life in my un-comfort zone, I agreed to push my limits and ride along with veteran Bay Area cycling enthusiasts on the Alpine Dam Loop. When we departed, I was told that "this ride is going to be epic."

Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson is a hard-rock musical that tells the life story of this nation's seventh president in modern lingo to make the 19th century relevant to youth culture. Lets just say, been there, done that, hella better.

Bassnectar openly advocates for causes such as free press and true media, but on this night, there was nothing. He kept things simple. There was just enough simple communication with the San Francisco crowd to keep folks' attention and energy in the moment.

One actor, roaming a stage that is nearly bare; one musician, lodged in a tiny balcony overlooking the performance space; a torrent of words -- some ferocious, some tranquil -- that recount events which may have taken place some 3,200 years ago.

By aligning the interests of each individual school with each other and fostering a collective, citywide spirit, edMatch is helping build one more plank on the bridge to equality.

Yo, wanna take a ride through Marin? Lets take it nice and easy... Real nice and precise like... No hills, no problems, lots of fun. Welcome to the intersection of Tea Berry Lane and Paradise.

Never heard of the Skunk-Beer-Train?! Picture a roofless train packed full of adults drinking beer. Do you get it now? Here's how it happened...