Jose Simioni

Experience the “uniquely Jose” sound as the legendary Jose Simioni takes the stage at Tupelo. A North Beach fixture for over two decades, Simioni is a self-taught master whose playing defies easy categorization. He eschews traditional licks for a deeply personal, improvisational style that makes his guitar “sing”—moving seamlessly from floating, lazy melodies to a rocking, soulful growl. Whether he is leading his trio or performing solo, a night with Simioni is a masterclass in musical identity.

The Sound: Simioni’s style is a sophisticated, gritty blend of Jazz, Blues, and Rock. Influenced by everyone from Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton to jazz greats like Joe Pass and Jim Hall, he has synthesized these icons into a sound that is entirely his own. His sets often feature “brilliantly unrecognizable popular tunes” delivered with a level of panache that only a veteran of the Grant Avenue circuit can provide.

The North Beach Legacy: Originally arriving from Washington D.C. with nothing but a guitar, an amp, and a sleeping bag, Simioni has since played every imaginable venue in San Francisco. His residencies at Tupelo and the neighboring Saloon have made him a living cornerstone of the city’s blues and jazz tradition.

Intimate Improvisation: As an artist who values “floating” melodies and spontaneous creation, Simioni turns the dim, red-lit atmosphere of Tupelo into an intimate laboratory for sound. His performances are rarely scripted, favoring the “restless melodicism” that comes from reacting to the room and the rhythm in real-time.

No Cover Charge: This world-class display of guitar artistry is open to all patrons with no cover. It is a quintessential North Beach experience: raw, authentic, and performed by a musician who has spent thirty years perfecting his craft in the heart of the city.

About Jose Simioni

Jose Simioni is a composer and guitarist who has built one of the most respected reputations in the San Francisco music scene. Refusing to sound like a carbon copy of his influences, he has spent his career developing an “unconventional” technique that prioritizes emotion and original phrasing over standard licks. Usually performing as part of an organ trio—often featuring seasoned pros like Tony Stead on the B3 and Dylan Garrison on drums—Simioni remains a “musician’s musician,” celebrated for his ability to make even the most familiar standards feel like a brand-new discovery.