San Francisco Chronicle - (Sunday)
Events celebrate new Taylor Swift album
Talk about an Easter egg! Taylor Swift fans watching the Grammy Awards expected a tease from the pop star for a rerecorded “Taylor’s version” of the “Reputation” album, but instead received a big surprise when she announced the release date — during the middle of National Poetry Month — for her 11th original album, “The Tortured Poets Department.”
Ready for it? Get in the spirit with a night of Taylor-focused karaoke. Make Taylor-themed treats at a cookie-decorating workshop and plan a listening party at home (with cookies). Or dress up, grab yourself a “Bad Blood”-y Mary and enjoy your pick from a growing list of public events happening around the Bay Area as the April 19 release approaches.
The Tortured Poets Bingo Society
Swifties and wordsmiths come together to celebrate the highly anticipated release with a night of bingo. Play to win Swift-themed prizes.
7:30-9:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 17. Free, reservations recommended. Britannia Arms Almaden, 5027 Almaden Expressway, San Jose. 408-2660550. https://britanniaarms.com
Taylor Pub Crawl
Get dressed up in Miss Americana-inspired outfits and celebrate the release of “The Tortured Poets Department” at a Marina neighborhood pub crawl. The evening event will include themed drink specials, free entry to the venues, Taylor-inspired decor and party favors, live DJ sets, special photo ops, and more.
Participating venues include Westwood, Silver Cloud, Del Mar, Campus, Rockwell, the Blue Light, Sacred Taco, White Rabbit and Comet Club.
4-10 p.m. April 20. $5-$19, reservations recommended; 21 and older. Del Mar, 2125 Lombard St., S.F. 415-852-1027. https://crawlsf.com
Tortured Poets Department Launch Party
Get together your best TSwizzle looks for a night of dancing to the new album as well as music from the artist’s deep catalog. With music video projections, glittery decorations, professional photographers and more.
9 p.m. Friday, April 19. $20$35, reservations recommended. DNA Lounge, 375 11th St., S.F. 415-626-1409. www.dnalounge. com
Swiftie Release Cookie Decorating Party
Make treats at a beginnerfriendly cookie-decorating workshop in celebration of “The Tortured Poets Department” album release. Learn the basics of making sugar cookies and how to decorate six Swiftie-themed treats to bring home and enjoy later.
6-8 p.m. Friday, April 19. $50-$75, reservations required. Pond Farm, 1848 Fourth St., San Rafael. 415-758-1552. www.live lovebake.com
Taylor Rave
Dance all night to the fresh cuts as well as T-Swift classic original tracks and remixes. The event will include a laser light show, neon art, balloons and more.
9 p.m. Saturday, April 20. $15-$35, reservations recommended; 21 and older. August Hall, 420 Mason St., S.F. www.augusthallsf.com
Candlelight Concert: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
Continue the celebration of all things Taylor with an hourlong program of chamber music arrangements of Swift songs performed live by the Range Ensemble string quartet.
6:30 and 9 p.m. Thursday, April 25. $30-$77, reservations recommended. St. Ignatius Church, 650 Parker Ave., S.F. https://feverup.com