Marshall Forte, a lightning bolt of charisma and musicality who, debuted as Lola in Ray of Light Theatre's production of "Kinky Boots," is now setting off sparks with his own cabaret act, "Hello My Name Is Marshall" at the new supper club Lyon & Swan.

While it's true that country and jazz have come a long way in recent years, the number of successful and popular out artists in those genres pales in comparison to others. Here are a few notable acts, some who'll soon perform in the Bay Area.

Broadway and TV actor-singer Jason Gotay makes his San Francisco debut at Feinstein's at the Nikko this weekend on January 13 and 14. His new concert shares some intimate moments from his life.

Women's music legend Holly Near called the music made by women musicians in the 1970s a lifeline. A new website documents the contributions of hundreds of women artists.

From his debut album "Your Dying Wish Come True" to his just released new full-length "I Can't Stop Trying," Jim Andralis' music features emotive vocals and his effortless gift for a turn of a phrase.

With the winter holiday season rapidly wrapping up, you may be considering a last-minute yet appreciated gift. Music is always a popular and appreciated present, including some recent exciting reissues.

You know that feeling when you hear a singer's voice and it enters your soul, becomes a part of your very being. That's what happens when out singer/songwriter Ruthie Foster sings.

Former San Franciscan Sean Patrick Murtagh offers an impressive debut CD with "The Mario 101," an homage to the great Hollywood tenor Mario Lanza. He'll return to San Francisco for concerts at Martuni's Dec. 18 & 20.

The cast of the Broadway touring company of "Ain't Too Proud" and special guest Paula West filled A.C.T.'s Strand Theater with soulful jazzy music on November 28 at the Richmond/Ermet Aid Foundation's first live benefit concert in three years.

"In retrospect, it had to be a violent end," says Kenny Mellman, recalling the demise of "Kiki and Herb" back in 2007, not long after the locally-formed twosome's last San Francisco performance. They've now reunited for a holiday-themed tour.

It wouldn't be Christmas in San Francisco unless chanteuse extraordinaire Connie Champagne brings her annual Judy Garland holiday show to Martuni's.

While many arts venues will be closed for the weekend, some theaters and museums will bring you amusement, and our local nightlife's notorious for offering ways to shake off some turkey and gravy calories.

The bass player and guitarist in The Claudettes, and an openly queer musician, Zach Verdoorn discussed the new album "The Claudettes Go Out!," his third with the band, and his earlier years with other groups.

Whether out singer-songwriter Amy Ray is performing with longtime musical partner Emily Saliers as one half of the Indigo Girls —as she has since the mid-1980s— or going solo as she did with her solo debut "Stag" in 2001, you can recognize her instantly.