If You Can't Rock Me, Arsenio Hall, Comedy Noir Finals

Those of us that remember the rich Bay Area rock scene of the 70’s are in for a special exhibition, If You Can’t Rock Me featuring photographer Michael Zagaris’ amazing work, from Nov. 9 through Dec. 21 in San Francisco. LightSource recently announced a special collaboration with Zagaris to exhibit his prolific rock archive of the most influential rock musicians of the time. His photographs have been dubbed the “last untouched rock archive.”

Led Zepplin, Lou Reed, Blondie, Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, The Clash, Eric Clapton, Patti Smith, The Sex Pistols, The Who, the list goes on and on and Zagaris lived it. He attended concerts with his camera and tape recorder as a way to encounter musicians and spend time backstage. During one of his meetings, Eric Clapton encouraged him to focus on photography and the rest is history. He hasn’t looked back.

He has worked for Rolling Stone, Creem, Melody Maker, NME, and Oui, among others. He also published a book last year, Total Excess, which captures this unique time, offers the stories behind the photos, as well as a fascinating glimpse behind-the-scenes.

When life at such historic venues as Winterland, The Filmore, Great American Music Hall, and Day on the Green at the Oakland Coliseum faded away, Zagaris segued to professional sports and photojournalism. He has been the team photographer for the San Francisco 49ers for over four decades and for the Oakland Athletics for over three decades. He has photographed 34 Super Bowls, 12 World Series, and 14 All Star Games. His photography has appeared in publications throughout the world including the cover of the coveted Sports Illustrated (Dallas Braden) and Time magazine (Colin Kaepernick). Today, fans will still find him on the field, his home away from home.

This Saturday, Zagaris will be honored by the Elios Charitable Foundation at its biennial Hellenic Charity Ball on Nov. 4 at the historic Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. Zagaris joins honorees TV host and journalist Debbie Matenopoulos (The View, Hallmark’s Home and Family, E!) and famed screenwriter Evan Spiliotopoulos (Beauty and the Beast, The Huntsman: Winter’s War, The Little Mermaid 3), with actress Marilu Henner returning as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Light Source is located at 1661 Tennessee St. #2W, San Francisco. Call 415-621-1448 or visit lightsourcesf.com. For tickets to the Hellenic Charity Ball, call 415-602-1996 or visit elios.org.

WEEKEND SCENE: Fleetwood Mask Friday, The Ohio Players Saturday, Sunday, Stephen Stills and Judy Collins Monday at Yoshi’s Jack London Square Oakland … Marley’s Ghost Friday, Bobi Cespedes Saturday, Sam Bush Sunday at Freight & Salvage Berkeley … Jim Cordiss, Friday, Saturday at Zio Fraedo’s Pleasant Hill … Ian Carey’s Wood/Metal/Plastic, Nathan Clevenger Group Friday, Dmitri Matheny celebrates Chet Baker Saturday, Magnolia Voils Sunday at California Jazz Conservatory Berkeley … Matt Jaffee & The Distractions Friday, Delta Wires Saturday, Jim Ocean and Friends Sunday at Armando’s Martinez ... Chris Mann Friday, Saturday at Feinstein's at the Nikko San Francisco.

COMEDY SCENE: Comedian, actor, and talk show host Arsenio Hall comes to town Friday and Saturday, Nov. 3-4 at the California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave. in Pittsburgh (925-427-1611). Presented by Tommy T’s, Hall’s performances benefit the Pittsburgh Arts and Community Foundation. Tickets are $30 and $40 with two shows, Friday at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. and Saturday 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. For tickets and information, call 925-227-1800 or visit tommyts.com …The Comedy Noir Competition Finals take place Friday, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rheem Theatre in Moraga. Comics have been battling to compete for the title for four months. The nine comics who won the previous rounds include Krista Fatka, Dan Linley, Ira Summer, Clay Newman, Chad Optiz, Geneva Rust-Orta, Paul Conyers, Michael Brandon, and Noah Gain. Admission is $15 and the audience votes along with the judges. Winner receives bragging rights and $500. Visit ‘events’ at lamorindatheatres.com … Michael Blackson Friday, Saturday at Tommy T’s Comedy Club Pleasanton … Steve Rannazzisi Friday, Saturday, Really Funny Comedians (Who Happen To Be Women) Sunday at Cobb’s Comedy Club San Francisco … Comedy All Stars through Saturday, SF Comedy Showcase Sunday at the Punch Line San Francisco.

TAHOE SPOTLIGHT. Annie Lederman, David Gee (Nov. 1-5), Rocky Laporte, Ron Morey (Nov. 8-12), Todd Glass, Chip Chantry (Nov. 15-19) at The Improv (improvtahoe.com, 855-234-7469) …Home Free Saturday, Nov. 4, Abbacadabra (Abba Tribute) Nov. 24-25 in the South Shore Room at Harrah’s Tahoe (www.caesars.com/harrahs-tahoe, 800-427-7247) … Sam Bush with special guests Dead Horses, One Grass Two Grass Friday, Joe Maracinek All Stars Super Jam featuring George Porter Jr., Alan Evans, Ideateam Saturday at the Crystal Bay Club Casino (www.crystalbaycasino.com, 775-833-6333).