Jeff Kaliss

Jeff Kaliss has featured and reviewed classical, jazz, rock, and world musics and other entertainment for the San Francisco Chronicle and a host of other regional, national, international, and web-based publications. He holds an MFA in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University, is a published poet, and is the author of I Want to Take You Higher: The Life and Times of Sly & the Family Stone (Backbeat Books) and numerous textbook and encyclopedia entries, album liner notes, and festival program notes.

Articles By This Author

Artist Spotlight

Mezzacappa on Glorious Ravage and Music That ‘Lives in the Cracks’

Jeff Kaliss - September 30, 2015

The San Francisco-based bassist, composer, music curator, and producer talks to SFCV about taking her latest composition on the road.

Artist Spotlight

Brian Mulligan on Playing the Murderous and Mad

Jeff Kaliss - September 24, 2015

The baritone talks about Sweeney Todd and his upcoming roles in Lucia di Lammermoor and two operas based on Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher.”

Preview

Simón Bolívar Orchestra, Gustavo Dudamel Start Berkeley Residency

Jeff Kaliss - September 16, 2015

SFCV talks with Bolívar Orchestra concertmaster Alejandro Carreño about the upcoming residency and performances as well as the importance of music for children everywhere.

Feature

A Smarter Approach to Sound at SFJAZZ

Jeff Kaliss - July 23, 2015

Acoustician Sam Berkow talks about what it takes to tune up the venue’s sound system.

Review

The Mendocino Music Festival Kicks Off With A Little Magic

Jeff Kaliss - July 17, 2015

The festival’s 29th season begins with incredible performances and a few surprises.

Preview

Mendocino Music Festival Blends Small-Town Charms with Big Lineup

Jeff Kaliss - July 2, 2015

The festival is rolling out its 29th season July 11-25.

Artist Spotlight

From Benin to Brooklyn: Angelique Kidjo on Her Career

Jeff Kaliss - June 30, 2015

The celebrated singer talks about singing with a full orchestra for the first time in her career.

Preview

Tanya Tomkins and Eric Zivian on the Valley of the Moon Music Festival

Jeff Kaliss - June 22, 2015

The founders of the festival talk about its inception, the apprenticeship program, and why someone would have to be crazy to not want to visit Sonoma.

Preview

Kronos’ One-of-a-Kind Birthday Present for Terry Riley

Jeff Kaliss - June 17, 2015

The quartet is celebrating its long relationship with the composer by curating a festival with his most significant and rarely-performed works, plus several world premieres composed in his honor.