Monica Turner

Sonoma Wine Country Weekend is almost here. And that can only mean one thing: it's time to whip out a wine glass (or two), head up/over/down/across to Sonoma County, and enjoy the dog days of summer in some of the most gorgeous surroundings you can imagine. SWCW features all sorts of...

It's the "largest touring production on earth." And it opens in just a few weeks in San Jose. Look for the White Big Top (Highway 87 and Julian Street), there you'll find the stunning (see the Stark Insider review of Cavalia Odysseo) production known by Cavalia. The size of an...

One of the city's most beloved traditions continues. San Francisco General Hospital Foundation today announced it has selected artists for its upcoming "Hearts in San Francisco" public art series (full list below). Established in 2004, the initiative will culminate in an auction (February 2017) with proceeds benefiting the Zuckerberg San...

Expansion is in the air for the famed Culinary Institute of America. The Napa Valley Register is reporting that the other CIA has received the go ahead from Napa to move into the long dormant Copia Center. Located at 500 First St. in downtown Napa, Copia was purchased for $12.5...

Great news Bay Area! Andrew Lloyd Webber's eternal classic The Phantom of the Opera will kick off Broadway San Jose's 2016-17 season. Look for the US tour to arrive this September. Full details below. In addition to Phantom, other musicals rounding out the Broadway San Jose line-up include The Sound of Music,...

28,000 people. In a beautiful ball park overlooking the Bay. Enjoying the classic Carmen. By all accounts the annual "Free Opera at the Ballpark" was a smashing success. Now in its tenth year, the event features a live simulcast, beamed across town from the War Memorial Opera House. San Francisco Opera General Director David...

It's summer and Stark Insider is scouting some of San Francisco, Napa, and Sonoma's best food and wine events. Embrace your wanderlust and follow Loni Stark and Team Stark on the adventure of a lifetime. Heritage Fire is back! Now in its eight year, the whole animal, live-fire and outdoor food and...

His remarkable 45-year career comes to an end next month. But not without an operatic bang. For David Gockley it seems like a most fitting celebration. To celebrate Gockley's successful tenure as San Francisco Opera's general director for the last ten years, a gala concert Celebrating David! is being held at the...

Napa is set to once again become the epicenter of all things music, food, and wine. BottleRock returns this month, and as we saw last year, in addition to marquee bands and artists, the festival is also emphasizing a culinary component. Masterchef Gordon Ramsay, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and Food Network's Tyler...

"I think there is no world without theatre." - Edward Bond Looking for a show to see? Stark Insider is here to help. This edition of our theater and arts round-up includes new shows, some swashbuckling, mile high laughs, and a cinematic experience inside one of San Francisco's newest and most exciting...