SF Sketchfest: A Comedy Extravaganza

The annual SF Sketchfest, a prominent comedy festival in San Francisco, runs until February 2. Founded in 2001 by local comedians David Owen, Cole Stratton, and Janet Varney, the festival showcases an array of comedic performances from stand-up to improv. This year, nearly 200 shows are set in various venues throughout the city.

Featured Performance: “Dinner Date”

A highlight of the festival includes the improv show titled “Dinner Date,” featuring notable performers such as Rachel Bloom, Dan Gregor, John Ross Bowie, and Jamie Denbo. This improvised dinner setting promises unpredictable outcomes based on audience suggestions, and will occur at the Great Star Theater in Chinatown at 7 p.m. on Friday and 9:30 p.m. on Saturday. Tickets are priced between $45-$57.

Storytelling with Porchlight

Additionally, the Porchlight storytelling series will take the stage at the Great American Music Hall from 8 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday. The lineup includes various artists, such as musician Merrill Garbus, actor Michael Hitchcock, and “MythBusters” co-host Adam Savage. Tickets for this event cost $38, including service fees. For more details, visit sfsketchfest.com.

Isabel Hagen at Stanford University

On January 16, comedian Isabel Hagen will perform two shows at Stanford University. Hagen, originally from New York City, combines her talents as a classically trained violist and comedian. She gained recognition after her performance on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon,” where she humorously incorporated her viola into her routine. The performances at The Studio are scheduled for 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Ticket prices range from $15 to $45, and they are selling quickly. For tickets, visit live.stanford.edu.

Saratoga Symphony’s Free Concert

The Saratoga Symphony, comprising 45 volunteer musicians, will present a free concert on January 19 at 3 p.m. The event will take place at West Valley Presbyterian Church in Cupertino. Conducted by Jason Klein, the concert’s program includes works by notable composers such as Ravel, Debussy, and Dohnányi, as well as a piece by local composer Lee Actor. Donations are encouraged to support the community orchestra. More information can be found at saratogasymphony.org/concerts.

Celebrating Art During San Francisco Art Week

From January 20-26, the Bay Area will host San Francisco Art Week, featuring around 70 art museums and galleries offering free access to their collections. The week kicks off with an opening event at the Institute of Contemporary Art in San Francisco, alongside activities at other significant venues, such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Special Performance by Marcus Shelby

In connection with this art celebration, composer Marcus Shelby will perform at the Museum of the African Diaspora on January 20, including a collaboration with the Youth Orchestra and young performers from Prescott Circus. This event is an excellent opportunity to experience the rich arts and culture scene the Bay Area has to offer. For more details, check sfartweek.com.

New Century Chamber Orchestra Concerts

Renowned pianist Inon Barnatan will collaborate with the New Century Chamber Orchestra in a series of concerts featuring two major works: C.P.E. Bach’s Keyboard Concerto No. 3 in D minor and Dmitri Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in C minor. The concerts are scheduled for January 17 in Berkeley, January 18 in Rohnert Park, and January 19 in San Francisco. Tickets range from $35 to $80 and are available at ncco.org.