New Year’s Eve at “El Matador!”

Ring in the New Year like it’s 1959!
Step into a time-machine of style, sound and sparkle as Keys Jazz Bistro transforms into the glamorous era of El Matador. Picture the bull-fight memorabilia and chic nights of Barnaby Conrad’s marquee nightclub—now reborn for one unforgettable evening.
We’re honoring the spirit of El Matador—once the must-go spot on Broadway for top names in jazz like Oscar Peterson, George Shearing, Cal Tjader and more. Because there’s something magical about crossing the threshold into a new year in vintage style, live music, and community.
Two special shows by jazz legends Mary Stallings & Kenny Washington,together in concert for the very first time. The sparks will be flying and the tears flowing as the Grand Dame of SF, Mary Stallings joins Keys favorite, Kenny Washington.
And at 10:30pm — The infectious rhythms of Afro-Cuban ensemble Ritmo y Voz will carry us into midnight and beyond!
Dress the part: Channel your inner ’50s star—sharp suits, swing dresses, gloves, pearls, slicked-backs, and sparkles encouraged!
Because you deserve a night of elegance, swing, and memory‐making!
In a career that has spanned over 65 years, international jazz vocal legend Mary Stallings has earned a unique place in modern jazz. After decades of performing around the globe alongside a who’s who of talented collaborators, while quietly accumulating a series of thoughtful and well respected recordings, she still continues to challenge her boundaries and creative potential. Yet it is her deep connection to her roots and the community that nurtured her talent that reveal her artistry. Utilizing a wide and diverse repertoire, Stallings music expresses a profound spiritual essence combined with a love for that community that supported her.
Keys favorite Kenny Washington always brings concert thrills and spills to Keys. Don’t miss out on one of our very own world class bay area artists!Kenny Washington has thrilled audiences across the globe with his soulful interpretations, seemingly limitless range, and inventive scatting. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Washington appeared in 2013 with Wynton Marsalis and The Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra, alongside vocalists Gregory Porter and Paula West.

Ritmo y Voz take us into 2026 at 10:30pm
Immerse yourself in the electrifying world of “Ritmo y Voz”, where the deep-rooted traditions of Afro-Cuban jazz meet the power of dynamic vocals. This high-energy performance features an all-star lineup, including guitarist Kai Lyons, percussion master Ernesto, bassist Mazar, and the incomparable Einar Leliebre Nuñez, whose fiery rhythms and soaring voice bring the soul of Santiago de Cuba to life. Drawing from the rich traditions of Rumba, Timba, Changüí, and Batá, the group weaves a tapestry of sound that pulses with history, spirit, and innovation. Their collective experience includes collaborations with legendary artists like Omar Sosa, John Santos, and other torchbearers of the Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz traditions.