Arts and entertainment have ended at SF State, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t enjoy quality shows off campus this summer. There are a variety of movies, plays and concerts to see throughout the Bay Area for those who wish to stay in The City or who want to seek out culture across the bridge. The following are a sampling of options to get your fill until we are all back and running on campus in the fall.
MOVIES
X-Men: Days of Future Past. Starring: Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, James McAvoy, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart. Director: Bryan Singer. Release Date: May 23. Rating: PG-13.
Synopsis: This movie is based off the acclaimed Days of Future Past comic storyline written by Chris Claremont and John Bryne. The future and past collide in this sequel to X-Men: First Class. In an alternative future, giant robots called Sentinels patrol America and hunted mutants to near extinction. Wolverine, Professor Xavier and other mutants go back in time to work with their past selves and other mutants to reshape the course of history and save both mutant and humankind.
How to Train Your Dragon 2. Starring: Jay Baruchel, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill, TJ Miller. Director: Dean DeBlois. Release Date: June 13. Rating: PG.
Synopsis: The series continues to chronicle the adventures of the young Viking Hiccup and his dragon Toothless. They fly through the skies and explore new territories. They discover secret ice cave and discover new kinds of dragons and meet the power-hungry Drago. It’s up to Hiccup and Toothless to protect Berk.
The Purge: Anarchy. Starring: Frank Grillo, Michael K. Williams, Carmen Ejogo. Director: James DeMonaco. Release Date: July 18. Rating: not yet rated.
Synopsis: The Purge, a night where all crime is legal and all police stations and hospitals are shut down, is happening again. While on their way home, a family’s car runs out of gas just as the Purge starts. Meanwhile a mother and her daughter escape from their home after criminals break in. Also a man walks the streets looking to find his son’s killer. They all meet and run through Los Angeles trying to survive the night.
THEATER
Once. When: June 17 – July 13. Where: SHN Curran Theatre. 445 Geary St., San Francisco.
This musical is based on the 2006 movie and tells the story of a Dublin man who gives up on his love of music, but finds a woman who may rekindle his passion. Once is the winner of eight Tony Awards, including best musical, and is acclaimed for its award-winning musical soundtrack. Tickets are $40-$210.
Grease. When: June 14 – July 7. Where: 6th Street Playhouse. 52 West 6th Street, Santa Rosa.
It’s the story of Rydell High School students, featuring Sandy and Danny, in the era of poodle skirts, greased-back hair and rock & roll music. Expect a play of the highest quality that will engage its audience, which is the playhouse’s mission. Tickets are $15-$35.
Monty Python’s Spamalot. When: July 24 – August 31. Where: City Lights Theater Company. 529 South Second Street, San José.
Based on the comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot tells the story of King Arthur’s reign in a humorous play that features randomness involving the Knights of the Round Table, cows, showgirls and more. Tickets are $17-$30.
MUSIC FESTIVALS
Live 105’s BFD. June 1, Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View. $35 general admission. Top Picks: SKATERS, Fitz and the Tantrums, M.I.A.
Burger Boogaloo. July 5-6, Mosswood Park, Oakland. $50 weekend, $35 single day. Top Picks: Thee Oh Sees, Shannon and the Clams, OFF!
Phono Del Sol. July 12, Potrero Del Sol Park, San Francisco. $25 advance, $30 door. Top Picks: White Fence, The Tambo Rays, Thao and the Get Down Stay Down.
First City Fest . August 23-24, Monterey Fairgrounds, Monterey. $160 weekend pass. Top Picks: Beck, Dawes, Cool Ghouls.
Outside Lands. August 8-10, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco. $275 weekend pass. Top Picks: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Arctic Monkeys, Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Stern Grove Music Festival. Sundays June 22-August 24, Stern Grove San Francisco. Free, donations accepted. Top Picks: Patti Austin, Rufus Wainwright, Andrew Bird.
