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Songs Of The Season Holiday Event

A quintessentially San Francisco tradition Songs of the Season is celebrating 33 years of cabaret brimming with world-class performances, cheer & heart December 9th & 10th at Feinstein’s at the Nikko. Produced by Brian Kent & featuring the event’s founder & beloved hostess Donna Sachet, Songs of the Season shines as both a celebration of the holidays & a benefit for PRC supporting life-changing services in behavioral health, housing & workforce development for San Franciscans in need. Step into the warmth of Feinstein’s at the Nikko for an unforgettable evening of festive music, laughter & community spirit. This quintessentially San Francisco tradition brings together an extraordinary lineup of local legends & international stars for a dazzling showcase of talent & heart. Joining Brian Kent & hostess Donna Sachet will include Brian Justin Crum, Charles Jones, Leanne Borghesi, Kenny Nelson, Sister Roma, Meghan Murphy, Kippy Marks, Dr. Dee, Roberta Drake & more. Guests will be treated to soulful renditions of holiday classics, clever skits & surprise performances that capture the joy & magic of the season. From heart-tugging ballads to show-stopping numbers every moment is infused with the spirit of giving & togetherness that defines PRC’s mission. Sip your favorite cocktail, settle into the intimate cabaret setting & experience an evening that’s equal parts heartwarming & hilarious. A true celebration of artistry, resilience & the community that makes the holidays shine brighter in San Francisco. Tickets range from $50 up & all proceeds support PRC's lifesaving, integrated social, legal & behavioral health services to help the City's most vulnerable populations. 
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“Between Goodbyes” PBS Film (AUDIO)

This week I talked to filmmaker Jota Mun about “Between Goodbyes” the first-time director’s feature that POV will debut on PBS at 10P Monday December 8th. The film follows a Korean adoptee reconnecting with her original mother in Seoul as she unravels decades of silence, stigma, confronting long-held regrets all while facing cultural misunderstandings with tenderness, humor & resilience. “Between Goodbyes” is an open love letter to all original mothers who have suffered from family separation providing a deeper understanding about how the adoption industry affects families globally. As a Korean adoptee Mun’s lived experience brings personal insight & uncommon intimacy to a story that reframes conventional narratives about adoption & kinship. Jota filmed “Between Goodbyes” during the years leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic through 2021. Archival photos & footage trace the family’s milestones including a reunion in the Netherlands in 2002, time together in South Korea in 2016 & another visit in 2021. Through candid conversations with siblings & extended family “Between Goodbyes” reveals how secrecy & migration intersect inviting audiences into a story that is as complicated as it is loving. Featured in the film are participants Okgyun Kang, Mieke Murkes & Ruth Chon. “Between Goodbyes” made its world premiere at the 2024 DMZ International Film Festival winning the Emerging Filmmaker Award for Jota. The film also won the Special Jury Award for Feature Documentary at the 2024 Santa Fe International Film Festival & was an Official Selection of 2024 DOC NYC. I talked to Jota about the inspiration for “Between Goodbyes” & Mun’s spin on our LGBTQ issues. LISTEN  
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Creative Coalition Wins Anthem Award

The Creative Coalition has won a prestigious Anthem Award for its PSA “The Art's Are America's HeARTbeat” that rallied the cry to protect public arts funding spotlighting the ways creativity fuels community, education, identity & democracy. The PSA starring Iain Armitage (Young Sheldon), directed by Michael Chiklis (The Senior, Fantastic Four, The Commish) & written by Emmy-nominee Bill Prady (The Big Bang Theory, Stuart Fails to Save the Universe) underscores the essential role of the National Endowment for the Arts & illustrates how the arts uplift communities across the nation. Michael Chiklis, Actor & Director stated, “It was an honor to be a part of an effort to save one of the most important endowments in our country’s history. Winning an award for it is unexpected but makes me hopeful for a positive outcome. With humble thanks…” Iain Armitage, Actor added, “I grew up surrounded by the arts — backstage at theaters, watching incredible performers & learning from people who were so passionate about what they do. That world has shaped me in the best ways. It taught me empathy, gave me confidence & showed me how creativity can connect people who might never meet otherwise. Being part of this PSA felt meaningful because it reminds everyone how important those experiences are. I’m really honored to share that message & excited that it’s being recognized with an Anthem Award.” Tim Daly, President of The Creative Coalition concluded, “The arts have shaped every part of my life — they teach us empathy, curiosity & how to imagine a better world. Being part of this PSA was an honor because it reminds people that the arts aren’t a luxury; they’re a lifeline. I’m thrilled to see this message recognized with an Anthem Award.” 
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Anthony Nunziata Italian XMAS Event

Kick-off the holidays with Anthony Nunziata world-renowned Italian-American tenor, songwriter, entertainer & Carnegie Hall headliner December 10th at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, MA. Let Anthony serenade & transport you with his fabulous tenor voice singing timeless songs from the Christmas, Italian & Broadway repertoires. Nunziata stated, “I am thrilled to be bringing my Christmas concert to the Boston area! I love coming back to Boston since graduating from Boston College & this year, it is extra special because I am premiering a brand new “My Italian Christmas!” concert along with releasing my brand-new Christmas album. I can’t wait to share the music with everybody — it’s going to be a very merry Christmas this year!” Known for his soaring voice, captivating & theatrical stage presence & a unique blend of classical, pop & soulful originals this promises an unforgettable musical experience for audiences accompanied by Yasuhiko Fukuoka on piano. Anthony recently headlined a sold-out debut at the legendary Café Carlyle in NYC & has been invited to be a headline soloist for dozens of symphony orchestras around the world including co-headlining Carnegie Hall with the New York Pops Symphony Orchestra. He has performed over 400 concerts over the past decade headlining major performing arts centers, theaters, symphony concert halls, jazz clubs & private events across the country & globally bringing what BroadwayWorld calls “an explosion of love & entertainment.” Expect to hear his soul-stirring renditions of “O Holy Night,” “O Sole Mio,” “Somewhere,” “Funniculi, Funnicula,” “The Christmas Song” & other classics. Tickets run from $39 to $49. 
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Ilana Landsberg-Lewis Rainbow Railroad

The fabulous global org Rainbow Railroad has announced the appointment of Ilana Landsberg-Lewis as their next Chief Executive Officer effective January 5th 2026. Ilana Landsberg-Lewis joins Rainbow Railroad with more than 3 decades of leadership in global human rights, gender justice & philanthropy. As co-founder & former Executive Director of the Stephen Lewis Foundation Ilana led one of Canada’s most respected international solidarity orgs directing more than $140 million to grassroots partners at the frontlines of the HIV pandemic across sub-Saharan Africa. Her earlier work with the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) & her ongoing collaboration with feminist & LGBTQ networks worldwide reflect a lifelong commitment to intersectional community-centered leadership. Bruce Koff, Chair of Rainbow Railroad’s Board of Directors stated, “Ilana brings to this work an unmatched combination of wisdom, experience, insight & compassion. In these extraordinarily challenging times, she is the right person at the right time to inspire hope, build trust & empower an expansive global partnership to ensure the safety & well-being of forcibly displaced LGBTQI+ people." Landsberg-Lewis who will be based in NYC concluded, “At a time when LGBTQI+ people are being forcibly displaced & targeted across the globe, leadership has to mean listening, building trust & sharing power. My focus is on strengthening Rainbow Railroad’s ability to move resources to where they’re needed most & to amplify the leadership of those with lived experience. This work is about collective courage and care & I’m deeply honored to work alongside such a formidable team.” Rainbow Railroad is a global nonprofit org that helps at-risk LGBTQ people escape violence & persecution. 
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Circus Bella Winter Circus Spectacular

Circus Bella presents “Starlight An All-New Winter Circus Spectacular” performed under a big top circus tent for a limited engagement of 26 performances from December 12th to January 4th in San Francisco, CA. Enter a starlight-drenched world of magic & splendor as Circus Bella returns for a 3rd year with brand-new acts, sumptuous costumes & artists from across the USA. Abigail Munn, Circus Bella Co-founder & Director stated, “Now, more than ever, we all need opportunities to laugh with our neighbors. We’re thrilled to be back with our resplendent tent at the East Cut, in the city I call home & be a part of activating the city with arts & entertainment.” This fabulous event performed in a 350-seat Big Top Circus Tent creates the beauty of Starlight in the intimacy & immediacy of the one-ring circus. Experience the diverse cast of 13 perform thrilling feats of balance & strength with demonstrations of grace & poise delivering hilarity & authenticity that brings us all together in this family friendly environment. This dazzling Circus spectacular features guest stars Ariele Ebacher (Vermont) & Ossy Sanchez (Las Vegas) who represent some of the best & brightest circus talent in the country. Original music is performed live by the 6-piece Circus Bella All-Star Band. This joyous holiday event is the perfect show for families & children of all ages & beyond. Now more than ever we all need more moments to sit down all together to celebrate, reflect & laugh. Seating is available in 2 tiers. VIP tickets are $75 & General Admission $55.  WATCH VIDEO 
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Brian McNaught Faith & Culture Event

Stonewall National Museum presents acclaimed author & advocate Brian McNaught for an in-person interview December 8th in Fort Lauderdale, FL at 6P. Known for his memoir ‘A Prince of a Boy: How One Gay Catholic Helped Change the World’ McNaught’s work delves into his history of traveling to offices, churches & universities across Mumbai, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom & North America all while sharing his story how religion & LGBTQ identity can co-exist to support true change. Robert Kesten, Stonewall National Museum’s President & CEO stated, “As a community, we often view religion & sexual orientation as two separate entities, with many of us even viewing the former as an ‘enemy’ due to how it's been used to stifle LGBTQ+ stories & happiness. McNaught’s experiences are a perfect example of how these aspects of our lives can intersect & how being one does not diminish the other. Rather, he has used his faith to not only strengthen communities around the world, but shine a spotlight on the empathy & kindness LGBTQ+ individuals are capable of. He has helped shatter the narrative of ‘sin’ often pushed, paving the way for better equality.” This is a free event & refreshments will be served. Stonewall National Museum, Archives & Library is one of the largest & most significant LGBTQ museums & archives in the world. For more than 5 decades SNMAL has fought for equality by tirelessly releasing powerful messages, hosting dynamic events, launching a solutions-driven task force in Washington DC mobilizing educators in its national education project, recognizing leaders & heroes & providing historic record of achievements. SNMAL houses millions of pages of records & materials available to the media, drawing direct lines from our nation’s history to today. 
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