In an expansive Q&A, prolific singer-songwriter Janis Ian discusses her new —and possibly last— album, 'The Light at the End of the Line,' in advance of her March 20 concert at Berkeley's Freight & Salvage.

Music mixes from the halcyon days of 1970s and '80s Fire Island and New York City nightclubs have been rediscovered in a series of remastered cassette mixes found in boxes at a Fire Island house. The Pine Walk Collection is now listenable on MixCloud.

In describing Grammy-winning recording artist and activist Melissa Etheridge as a 'Lesbian Rock Goddess,' it's a title she likes. "That's perfect!" she replies with modesty. Etheridge will soon perform with her band at several Northern CA venues.

Juba Kalamka, who's remained active in a vast array of musical outfits, as well as appearing in movies, while remaining active politically and socially, has formed a new band, Commando, with Lynnee Breedlove, Honey Mahogany and other talents.

When Big Freedia comes to town, we bow down for the Queen of Bounce. The New Orleans singer, TV star, cook and author performed at Mezzanine in April 2017, and writer Cornelius Washington shared a fun Q&A.

One of the most "baroque" things about the work of out early-music maestro Christophe Rousset is what a prodigious prodigy he is. His most recent harpsichord recording is the 'Le Manuscrit de Madame Theobon,' which he found on eBay.

While probably not the most historic article of 2016, for this writer, it was a red-letter day to interview Shirley Manson, lead singer for the band Garbage.

Check out new music from veterans Marianne Faithfull and Melissa Etheridge, and new groups Gypsum, Zvrra and Hurray for the Riff Raff.

In an interview published in February 2015, Richard Dodds talked to Anthony Wayne, the creator and star of the rousing 'Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical,' which was performed at Brava Theater.

'Toy' is the perfect, playful name for what is labeled as "the new (albeit posthumously re-released) album from David Bowie." Also worth a listen, new albums from Bryce Bowyn, Davis Mallory, Lotic and Brion Starr.

Andre Torrez weaves insightful perspectives in his July 3, 2014 interview with the late music legend Ronnie Spector. The Ronettes singer performed at Burger Boogaloo, Oakland's fun outdoor music concert that summer.

There are sparkling bits of beauty bobbing on the surface, and treasures that one hopes will eventually be salvaged, in 'Swept Away,' an earnest, engrossing new musical with songs by the Avett Brothers now in its world premiere at Berkeley Rep.

Our astute music columnist samples diverse reissued classic albums by Neil Young (who's making headlines again), The Band, Peggy Lee, Japan and The Beat Farmers.

If you've ever listened to a Karen Mason album or been fortunate enough to attend one of her concerts, (or saw her on Broadway), you will be blown away by her interpretive skills, and the ease with which she makes even the best-known songs all her own.