Monica Turner
Contributor to Stark Insider for tech, the arts and All Things West Coast for over 10 years.
Oscar Watch: Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling lead record-tying 14 nominations for LA LA LAND (Video)
"I didn't even know he could dance."
That was actress Emma Stone talking about her dashing co-star Ryan Gosling. Turns out that, yes, they both can dance -- exceptionally well.
News broke today that La La Land had done what a lot of critics were forecasting: dominated the 2017 Oscar nominations.
14...
Oscar Watch: Nicole Kidman scores best actress nomination for LION (Video)
Nicole Kidman's understated and riveting performance in Lion has not only won over new and existing fans alike, but also is receiving glowing reviews from critics.
And the good news keeps on coming.
Now the famed Australian actress can add the Academy to the list of those who feel her performance...
In Theaters: Talking ‘La La Land’ with Emma Stone, director Damien Chazelle (Video)
A lot of movies are basking in adulation this year. Arrival with Amy Adams. Lion with Dev Patel and Nicole Kidman. Moonlight with Mahershala Ali. Among so many other quality productions.
Bottom line: it's looking to be very competitive come awards season.
But perhaps the most-talked about, most highly praised effort so...
What’s Happening: San Francisco Symphony holiday line-up
It's the most wonderful time of the year. And that means the San Francisco Symphony has once again rolled out its holiday concert season. See below for the complete schedule.
Highlights include a screening of classic film Singin' in the Rain with live orchestra, a "Marri-achi" Christmas with Mariachi Sol...
Stark Insider BTS: LUZIA by Cirque du Soleil – A Waking Dream of Mexico (Video)
Cirque du Soleil is back in town with a new show. Luzia is its name, and the artistic touring production is dubbed "a waking dream of Mexico."
Stark Insider went backstage at the White Big Top in San Francisco to get the scoop on the magic behind the first touring Cirque...
First Look: ‘Luzia’ a waking dream in Mexico (Video)
In Spanish Luzia means light ("luz") rain ("lluvia").
If you're Cirque du Soleil, it means intricate, poetic, acrobatic art.
In this "waking dream" light quenches the spirit and rain soothes the soul.
According to organizers Cirque's new, visually stunning show will feature "a cast of 44 performers from diverse artistic backgrounds, Luzia...
San Francisco Michelin Stars: Quince earns third star, Adega gets San Jose’s first
San Francisco is now tied with New York for the most Michelin three-star restaurants (six).
What’s Happening: Pentatonix world tour lands in San Jose (Video)
Mark your calendars. Pentatonix (PTX) arrives in San Jose on Monday, October 17.
The SAP Center will be the place to be as the talented super group from Arlington, Texas perform their unique blend of a capella and pop style.
Pentatonix has won two Grammy awards, first in 2015 for "Daft Punk"...
Gael García Bernal, thriller ‘Neruda’ win over fans at Mill Valley Film Festival
Gael García Bernal once again charmed the house.
The Mexican actor was in town to attend the opening of his latest film, Neruda, at the Mill Valley Film Festival. He was greeted by festival founder Mark Fishkin before heading into the Rafael for the screening.
Response to the film, a whimsical...
Amy Adams on sci-fi vs. motherhood at perfect ‘ARRIVAL’ in Mill Valley
Stark Insider is a media sponsor of Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF) 39. Don't miss a thing. Get your iPad, iPhone, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast, VR headset, Android, self-driving car, or plain old web browser ready, and be sure to subscribe to the Stark Insider YouTube Channel for updates, news, and...
