Datebook

Filmmaker Sandi Tan joins Chronicle senior digital arts editor Mariecar Mendoza to talk about "Shirkers," a Netflix documentary about a film that was stolen from Tan when she was a teen. Tan was 19 years old when she made the movie in Singapore. Her professor and mentor figure stole the footage and disappeared. "Shirkers" tries to solve that mystery, and make sense of a senseless act.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is Mozart's Symphony 40 in G Minor by Blue Dot Sessions.

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With the Rolling Stones returning to the Bay Area in 2019, we've called an emergency podcast - to talk about the band, their history playing in San Francisco and the pros and cons of stadium shows. Chronicle pop music critic Aidin Vaziri and assistant metro editor Mark Lundgren join pop culture critic Peter Hartlaub. Lundgren is a longtime Rolling Stones fan who has seen the band 89 times since 1972, and plans to go to six shows next year.

Music is Mozart's Symphony 40 in G minor by Blue Dot Sessions

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In this episode, theater critic Lily Janiak interviews TheaterFirst Artistic Facilitator Jon Tracy about his company's new policy of $15 per hour for everyone, no matter the job title - an almost unheard of phenomenon in theater, especially outside the biggest companies. We talk about why theater artists usually get paid so poorly, and why TheaterFirst thinks it might succeed where other companies have failed. We also talk about how the policy is playing out with TheaterFirst's December show, "The People's History of Next."

Produced by Lily Janiak. Music by Steven Boyle.

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In Episode 14 of the Datebook podcast, movie critic Mick LaSalle is joined by arts and entertainment editor Leba Hertz to talk about holiday movies. They also discuss the 25th anniversary release of "Schindler's List," and reveal why Dec. 14 will be a great time to take the day off and watch a string of movies.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub

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In Episode 13 of Datebook podcast, San Francisco Chronicle pop culture critic Peter Hartlaub, pop music critic Aidin Vaziri and theater critic Lily Janiak share some of the best entertainment deals on their beats. After talking about the rising prices for some bigger shows - and researching The Chronicle to find out what big shows cost in the 1970s and 1980s - Peter, Aidin and Lily name some favorite bargains. Organizations mentioned include Endgames Improv, PianoFight, The Rickshaw Stop, Ivy Room, The New Parkway, Comedy Oakland and more ...

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In this episode, theater critic Lily Janiak interviews local Asian American theater directors Jeffrey Lo and Nikki Menez about a question she raised in her review of SHN's production of "Miss Saigon": When is a show too problematic to be produced?

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In this episode, theater critic Lily Janiak talks to local music director, cabaret performer and parody writer Lauren Mayer as part of our Artist's Life series, a recurring feature that will shine a spotlight on the talent who help make up the rich tapestry of the Bay Area's cultural life. In addition to performing at Feinstein's at the Nikko, teaching at the Conservatory of Music and writing and directing for Stanford's Sexual Harassment Prevention Office, Mayer has written, performed and posted a new parody song every week since 2012. 

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Author Susan Orlean joins host John McMurtrie in The Chronicle's basement archive studio to talk about her new novel "The Library Book," and other topics. Orlean, who wrote "The Orchid Thief," focuses her new book on events surrounding a 1986 fire that burned the Central Library in downtown Los Angeles.

Produced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is Mozart's Symphony 40 in G minor by Blue Dot Sessions.

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Author and scientist Neil deGrasse Tyson returns to the San Francisco Chronicle, to meet with host John McMurtrie, book editor of The Chronicle. They talk about Tyson's new book "Accessory to War: The Unspoken Alliance Between Astrophysics and the Military," which covers the interactions between science and military going back thousands of years. 

Produced and introduced by Peter Hartlaub. Music is Mozart's Symphony 40 in G Minor by Blue Dot Sessions

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The latest Datebook podcast puts a spotlight on “A Star is Born,” a film that Chronicle film critic Mick LaSalle calls “tremendous,” and the best movie he viewed at the recent Venice Film Festival. LaSalle is joined by movie editor Leba Hertz – and they also talk about Robert Redford’s best film, and other movies opening in the area. 

 Producer and host is Peter Hartlaub. Music is Mozart’s Symphony 40 in G minor by Blue Dot Sessions.

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