The MINA Project

Step into the “Golden Era” of Italian music with The Mina Project at the historic North Beach Restaurant. This unique musical tribute celebrates the life and legacy of Mina Mazzini (popularly known as Mina), Italy’s most prolific and iconic singer of the modern era. Set against the restaurant’s white tablecloths and legendary “prosciutto-vault” history, the performance transforms the space into a high-fidelity Italian lounge, blending the sophistication of the 1960s and 70s with the neighborhood’s deep cultural roots.

The Sound: Led by vocalist Anne-Marie Russo, the project focuses on Mina’s expansive hits from the 60s and 70s. The sound is a captivaing fusion of Classic Italian Pop, Jazz, R&B, and Soul. Expect soaring melodies, dramatic ballads, and swinging rhythms that showcase the theatrical range of the Italian songbook, all delivered with Russo’s native-level fluency and emotional depth.

The Ensemble: Anne-Marie Russo lived in Rome for over a decade and has been performing since age five, bringing an authentic Roman sensibility to the stage. She is backed by some of the Bay Area’s finest jazz instrumentalists, creating a “restless melodicism” that captures the lush, orchestral feeling of Mina’s original recordings while allowing for the spontaneity of a live jazz combo.

A North Beach Staple: North Beach Restaurant has long been the “living room” of the neighborhood, and The Mina Project provides the perfect cultural bridge. It is an experience that appeals to both Italian expatriates looking for a taste of home and jazz fans seeking a sophisticated, lyrical departure from the standard American songbook.

Supper Club Elegance: There is rarely a cover for these performances, making it an elite addition to your dinner experience. Sipping a Negroni while Russo belts out an Italian soul classic is the ultimate “La Dolce Vita” moment in the heart of San Francisco.

About The Mina Project

The Mina Project was established to honor the singer who famously refused to conform, becoming an icon of style and vocal power in Italy and beyond. Anne-Marie Russo’s dedication to the material goes beyond mere imitation; she explores the “blues and swing” foundations that Mina herself championed. From the bossa-nova-infused “Tintarella di luna” to the powerhouse ballad “Brava,” the project ensures that the sophisticated, multi-genre legacy of Italy’s greatest diva remains a vibrant, living force in North Beach.