Charles Unger Experience
January 30 @ 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm
FreeGet ready for an explosive night of music as the legendary Charles Unger Experience takes over Sheba Piano Lounge on Friday, January 23rd, from 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM. Known for his infectious smile and high-energy stage presence, saxophonist Charles Unger is a San Francisco institution. His “Experience” is more than just a jazz set—it’s a soulful, funky, and rhythmic journey that has anchored the Bay Area’s best jazz clubs for over four decades.
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The Sound: Charles Unger is a master of the “groove,” blending the lyrical, hard-bop influences of John Coltrane and Miles Davis with R&B, Funk, and World Beat. Whether he’s wailing on an up-tempo funk number or playing a tender, soulful ballad, his music is designed to be accessible, joyful, and deeply rhythmic.
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The “Experience”: Expect a night of high-fidelity improvisation and “take-it-to-the-top” energy. Unger is famous for his ability to connect with an audience, often blending humor and spontaneous interaction with virtuosic saxophone solos on alto, tenor, and soprano sax.
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A Fillmore Legacy: A regular at Sheba for years, Unger’s residency is a cornerstone of the lounge’s weekend programming. His band creates a vibrant, “party-hideout” atmosphere that perfectly complements Sheba’s dim red lights and lush, tropical décor.
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No Cover Charge: This world-class performance is part of Sheba’s commitment to keeping live music accessible. It is the perfect Friday night destination for jazz aficionados and newcomers alike who want to experience a true local legend in action.
About Charles Unger
Charles Unger is an award-winning saxophonist, composer, and bandleader who has been an innovator in the San Francisco music scene since the 1970s. From his 20-year residency at Les Joulins Jazz Bistro to his pivotal role in making Mr. Tipple’s a jazz destination, Unger has built a reputation as one of the hardest-working and most charismatic musicians in the city. His music is a “universal language” intended to break down barriers, infusing classic jazz foundations with modern R&B and international rhythms to create a sound that is unmistakably his own.