North Beach Live

ZinggFlower: a tribute to Drew Zingg
2026-03-30 18:30 - 21:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
Join us for a night of captivating live music as GamperDrums presents a stellar ensemble featuring Brian Pardo on guitar, John R. Burr on piano, Marina Crouss on vocals, Ruth Davies on bass, and Chris Gamper on drums. Blending elements of jazz, soul, and improvisational music, this dynamic group delivers expressive grooves, rich harmonies, and inspired performances that highlight the depth and diversity of the Bay Area music scene.

GamperDrums Presents: ZinggFlower
2026-03-30 18:30 - 21:30 | Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States

Graham Messer
2026-03-30 20:00 - 23:59 | Dawn Club, 10 Annie St, San Francisco, CA, 94103, United States
At just 21 years of age, Graham is a young gun making a name for himself in the world of Jazz today. A dyed-in-the-wool bebop pianist, he seeks to uphold the tradition of Bud Powell, Charlie Parker, Kenny Clarke, Hank Jones, and Barry Harris, among others, and treats their music equally as soul food and as ground as fertile for intellectual exploration as any of the great European masters of the last 400 years.
Armed with a rigorous classical training, he has to quote one local great, “made a substantive contribution towards raising the ‘mean tempo’ of the tunes played within this sector of the S.F. jazz scene”, though he feels just as at home on a contemplative ballad or a slow blues.
You may find him performing under either one of his apt pseudonyms, Dud Powell or Barely Harris. (inside jazz joke!)

The Art Khu Quartet
2026-03-30 20:00 - 23:59 | Local Edition, 691 Market St, San Francisco, CA, 94105, United States
Arthur Khu is a world-renowned pianist whose remarkable virtuosity and artistry draw
inspiration from jazz legends like Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, and Chick Corea, as well as
classical composers such as Chopin and Debussy. He’s also a prolific composer whose style
blends Wayne Shorter’s post-bop sensibilities with elements of Brahms and Rachmaninoff.
Collaborating with some of California’s finest musicians, his music is always intense, emotional,
and driving.
Art Khu: A Seasoned Jazz Artist with a Symphony of Experience
Art Khu is a multifaceted musician who has carved a niche for himself in the music world with his exceptional talent on a variety of instruments. His journey began at a young age, and over the years, he has honed his skills on the piano, organ, guitar, and bass, blossoming into a vibrant career spanning over 35 years. His dedication to music is evident not only in his performances but also in his educational background and compositional endeavors.

Dirty Works Jazz Jam
2026-03-30 20:00 - 2026-03-31 01:30 | Persona, 685 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA, 94102
The Dirty Works Jazz Band brings its weekly jam session to Persona. Led by upright bassist Kyle Finley, these “Dirty Works & Friends” nights transform the North Beach venue into a buzzing jazz laboratory. Far from a casual background set, this is a professional performance environment where the house band sets a high bar before inviting local players to sit in and trade solos on the fly.
The repertoire is heavily inspired by the “Golden Era” of jazz (1945–1965), specifically the catalogs of Riverside, Impulse, and Blue Note records. Expect a hard-driving mix of bebop, hard bop, heavy swing, and Latin jazz.
Every session begins with the house rhythm section—usually featuring Finley on bass alongside keys, guitar, and drums—anchoring the first few numbers. As the night progresses, local jazz musicians are swapped in, creating a dynamic, evolving soundscape.
Unlike “casual jam circles,” Finley emphasizes that these nights are first and foremost a show for the audience. The band prioritizes a polished, professional sound, ensuring that even the most experimental improvisations remain engaging for the listeners in the room.

About Kyle Finley
Kyle Finley is a San Francisco-based upright bassist and the driving force behind the Dirty Works musical collective. His mission is to foster a “living jazz scene” through consistent residencies and jams that prioritize musical excellence and community. Beyond his work on stage, Finley is known for his commitment to the local jazz culture, often documenting these sessions through his own photography and managing a rigorous schedule of “Dirty Works” events across the city to ensure the music never stops.

The San Francisco Invitational Jam
2026-03-30 21:00 - 2026-03-31 01:00 | Tupelo, 1337 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States
Step into the inner circle of the city’s music scene with THE San Francisco Invitational Jam at Tupelo. Held every Monday night from 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM, this is widely considered the definitive jam session for professional players and serious students of the craft. Hosted by the “nastiest rhythm section this side of South Dakota”—Andrew Coutti on drums and Young Blake on bass—the evening serves as a high-stakes proving ground where the Bay Area’s best talent comes to stretch their creative muscles.
The Sound: This isn’t your average open mic; it is a high-octane exploration of Roots, Soul, R&B, and Funk. The house band sets a blistering pace, and the music often leans into deep-pocket grooves and sophisticated jazz-fusion arrangements that demand technical precision and quick improvisational thinking.
The “Invitational” Edge: While the session is open to high-level guests, it maintains an invitational spirit, meaning the stage is curated to ensure a top-tier musical experience for the audience. Each week features a different special guest vocalist, ensuring that the “soul” of the night is always fresh and evolving.
A Networking Hub: Monday nights at Tupelo act as the unofficial headquarters for off-duty working musicians. It’s a place where bandleaders scout for subs, songwriters find collaborators, and the community gathers to celebrate the raw, unscripted power of live music.
No Cover, All Access: Despite the world-class musicianship on display, there is no cover charge. It provides an accessible “masterclass” environment for fans who want to see how the city’s musical engine runs behind the scenes.

About the Invitational Jam
Founded on the belief that San Francisco needs a consistent home for professional musical dialogue, the Invitational Jam has outlasted countless other sessions in the city. Hosts Andrew Coutti and Young Blake are veteran players known for their “unprecedented chemistry” and ability to back any guest with a rock-solid, funky foundation. Over the years, the jam has hosted everyone from local legends to touring pros, cementing Tupelo’s reputation as a vital sanctuary for the preservation of San Francisco’s live R&B and Funk traditions.

Mitch Polzak
2026-03-30 21:30 - 2026-03-31 01:30 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
The big guy from out West and larger than life energy (he’s also 6’5’) performer, guitarist, singer, banjoist, songwriter, composer, entertainer, musical historian and teacher Mitch Polzak wears his heart on his sleeve and his playing in his heart.
Polzak performs rockabilly and 60’s country music with the religious fervor of Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash and delivers a Honky Tonk ballad with the sincerity of Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings. Mitch will bring a room to a fevered pitch of joyous energy on the dance floor and then tell you a story in a song like two old friends sitting at a kitchen table at midnight.
His virtuosic guitar skills and influences range from the blazing flying fingers of Joe Maphis , Marty Stuart, Roy Clark, and Don Rich to the timeless dreamlike state of “Sleepwalk” by Santo and Johnny along with the vast valleys of deep rumbling twang associated with Duane Eddy.
There is not one singular definition of Polzak’s music but that is very specific to what he does. Being fluent in the musical languages of Country, Rockabilly, Honky Tonk, The Bakersfield Sound, Surf, early Rock and Roll, Bluegrass, Cajun, Blues, and Truck Driving music gives Polzak the unique voice of the melting pot of the American musical experience. This is why he consistently connects with so many people directly at every show.
Polzak’s abundant joy in communicating with people through music leaps off the stage through every fiber of his being. His near-constant genuine smile can be seen clear across the room and invites you in without any pretense or judgements. Some call him “The Honky Tonk Mister Rogers”!
Make no mistake though. Underneath that smile is a deep and reverent respect for the history and integrity of the music and musicians who came before him and created the sounds and told their stories.
Just as Waylon Jennings created his own outlaw sound, as Johnny Cash could never be put in a box, the full throttle intensity of Jerry Lee Lewis’s rock and roll grabs us and takes to a time and place, Polzak’s live show has the unvarnished purity of the Bakersfield Sound paying homage to his California musical heroes Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Wynn Stewart and Dwight Yokam. It’s a heaping helping, but a Mitch Polzak show brings all of these musical flavors to the table in a potluck of American musical flavor.
Polzak learned firsthand from some of his musical influences, sharing the stage with legends like Don Maddox of The Maddox Bros. and Rose, deeply respected contemporary and friend Deke Dickerspn, The Ragin’ Cajun Doug Kershaw, Rockabilly icons Joe Clay and Gene Summers, former Bluegrass Boy and West Coast music pioneer Peter Rowan and Cajun greats Jimmy Breaux, Andrew Carriere, and Blake Miller. He has also shared the bill with Brian Setzer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Duane Eddy, The Stray Cats, Big Sandy and The Fly Rite Boys, and Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives.

GG Amos
2026-03-31 16:00 - 20:00 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Electrifying, Innovative, Soulful
GG Amos has entertained audiences her entire life, but she’s made blues and blues guitar her specialty for the past 35 years.
Concert halls, nightclubs, roadhouses, restaurants, festivals, parties, wineries, weddings and wakes she’s played them all!
She’s known as a riveting, electrifying performer and unique songwriter and arranger, focusing on the west coast blues style– a blend of blues, jazz, funk and latin elements. Her guitar playing and voice
are both fluid and lyrical. Soul jazz has also become part of her repertoire.
Paris Bertolucci on keys
Randy Lee Odell on drums
GG Amos on vocals and guitar

Nathan Bickart & Levi Gillis
2026-03-31 18:30 - 20:30 | Specs’ Twelve Adler Museum Cafe, 12 Saroyan Pl, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Join us for two sets of original music from jazz- and folk-informed singer-songwriters!
Nathan Bickart (piano/keyboards/voice) crafts sensitive, playful, deeply-felt music. Nathan’s compositions and improvisations navigate the inner spaces between jazz, folk, and soul musics, melting together discarded records and old baseball cards and browning Bay leaves to create a heartening night of tunes, good for dancing or lounging or lingering in the moonlight just a little longer. Tonight, he performs solo, but Nathan also accompanies a diverse array of Bay Area artists, including vocalists Christelle Durandy, Lilan Kane, and as part of the duo DADÉ with drummer/producer Marshall Williams.
nathanbickart.com

Levi Gillis is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter based in LA. With a background in jazz saxophone and improvisation, he is a founding member of The Dip and has toured and performed with Cassandra Jenkins, Guster, Durand Jones and the Indications, Wyatt Waddell, Wayne Horvitz and more. His most recent work centers around songwriting – blending his deep voice, fingerpicking guitar, and poignant lyrics with his sumptuous woodwind arranging. The songs traverse themes of nuanced relationships and the ongoing process of self discovery with an inviting sonic world.
levigillis.com

The West Coast Blues Revue: Live Blues
2026-03-31 18:30 - 21:30 | Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
The West Coast Blues Revue brings together a rotating lineup of top-tier Bay Area talent, led by the incomparable Hal Petcher. Each show delivers a fresh mix of powerhouse players — from Chris Burns to Tim Wagar and surprise guests — all locking in for raw, soulful, high-energy blues that hits you right in the chest. With musicians who play like they’ve got something to prove, it’s one of the most electric, authentic blues experiences in San Francisco.

The West Coast Blues Revue: Live Blues
2026-03-31 18:30 - 21:30 | Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States

The North Beach Django
2026-03-31 19:30 - 22:30 | Paris 75, 515 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, United States
Transport yourself to a 1930s sidewalk café in Montmartre as North Beach Django takes residency at Paris 75 every Tuesday. Located on the edge of the historic Broadway corridor, this charming French lounge provides the perfect backdrop for the “Hot Club” sound. With its selection of authentic French cocktails and wines, the venue feels less like a San Francisco bar and more like a secret sanctuary for lovers of European jazz and vintage aesthetics.
The Sound: North Beach Django delivers an authentic exploration of Jazz Manouche (Gypsy Jazz). Their sound is defined by the “pumping” rhythm of acoustic guitars and soaring, melodic solos. Expect a repertoire of high-speed swing, haunting French musette waltzes (like “L’Indifférence”), and soulful ballads that capture the bittersweet spirit of the early 20th century.
The Django Legacy: The group’s mission is to honor the revolutionary style of Django Reinhardt, the legendary Romani-French guitarist who pioneered this genre. Despite losing the use of two fingers in a fire, Reinhardt’s virtuosic speed and unique harmonic language changed jazz forever. The band keeps this fire alive, utilizing the same acoustic string-band format—no drums, just pure rhythmic drive.
The Players: The group is led by a core of the Bay Area’s finest “manouche” specialists, often featuring Ned Boynton on guitar, Eddie Scher on guitar, and Kenan O’Brien on bass. Their chemistry is a masterclass in the “interlocking” style of Gypsy Swing, where the lead and rhythm guitars work in a constant, high-speed dialogue.
The Community Jam: In the spirit of the Parisian cafés where this music was born, the evening often evolves into a welcoming session. After the first set, the band frequently opens the floor to “acoustic sitter-inners”—strings, accordions, and woodwinds—making it a vibrant hub for the local jazz community.

About Paris 75
Paris 75 is a sophisticated French cocktail lounge that serves as a cultural bridge between San Francisco and the “City of Light.” Named after the postal code for Paris, the bar specializes in regional French wines and signature cocktails like the “French 75.” The intimate, candlelit space is designed for conversation and attentive listening, making it the ideal home for the acoustic nuances of North Beach Django. It is a place where time slows down, and the legacy of the great European troubadours feels remarkably present.

The Local Edition Jazz Orchestra
2026-03-31 20:00 - 23:00 | Local Edition, 691 Market St, San Francisco, CA, 94105, United States
Live every Tuesday exclusively at Local Edition! The Local Edition Jazz Orchestra is a diverse group of long-time friends that have played alongside one another for years. The ensemble ranges from having as little as 8 to as many as 18 participants performing with occasional guest singers such as Billy Valentine, Bud E. Luv (aka Bobby Vickers), and Tom Scott.

Hal Bigler Band
2026-03-31 20:00 - 23:00 | Comstock Saloon, 155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Step back in time at Comstock Saloon, where the Hal Bigler Band holds court every Tuesday night from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Set in a meticulously restored 1907 building at the crossroads of North Beach and Chinatown, this residency perfectly matches the band’s vintage sound with a setting of intricate carved wood, cozy booths, and pre-Prohibition style. Known for serenading guests from the saloon’s unique upstairs stage, the band provides an elite, high-fidelity soundtrack that transforms a weeknight into a cinematic San Francisco experience.
The music is a masterclass in Traditional Jazz and Swing, often leaning into a “bawdy” and soulful energy that keeps the room vibrant. The ensemble features a rotating cast of the city’s finest instrumentalists—Cliff Myer on Guitar, Bob Johns on Piano, Mauro Pannitto on Bass, Marty Brewer on Drums, and Rick Brown on Trombone. Hal Bigler’s improvisational flair honors the roots of early 20th-century jazz while keeping the energy modern and infectious.
The atmosphere at Comstock during these sets is both elegant and unpretentious, drawing a mix of jazz aficionados, cocktail enthusiasts, and neighborhood regulars. Whether you are seated at the bar enjoying a classic Ramos Fizz or tucked into a booth for dinner, the Hal Bigler Band ensures that the spirit of old North Beach remains loud and alive. With no cover charge and a front-row seat to world-class musicianship, it is one of the city’s most essential and accessible live music traditions.

About the Hal Bigler Band
Hal Bigler is a veteran of the San Francisco jazz scene, known for his “steady hand” on the upright bass and his ability to curate top-tier ensembles. His band has become a cornerstone of the North Beach live music circuit, praised for preserving the high-energy “hot jazz” style that once defined the city’s nightlife. Occasionally collaborating with unique performers like burlesque dancers, the group remains dedicated to the idea that jazz should be a multi-sensory, high-energy party. Their Tuesday night residency at Comstock is widely considered one of the best spots in the city to watch this live jazz combo.

Kai Lyons
2026-03-31 20:00 - 23:59 | Dawn Club, 10 Annie St, San Francisco, CA, 94103, United States
Kai Lyons is a 30 year-old San Francisco native and student of all music. He is adjunct professor of jazz guitar at Cal State East Bay Hayward, teaches at the California Jazz Conservatory, and is a clinician for SFJAZZ, SF Symphony and Stanford University. He has performed with the SF Ballet Orchestra and Changui Guantanamo. He first visited Cuba in December 2016 through Cali2Cuba. On this first trip he became inducted into the Aña fraternity of bata drummers and studied with the illustrious Koto, “El Diamante Negro”. In 2017, at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, he became exposed to changui, traditional music from Guantanamo, and the conga Santiaguera, carnival street music from Santiago, Cuba. In January of 2018 Kai took a $12 dollar 28-hour chicken-bus ride from Havana to Baracoa and made his initial connections with the musicians and traditions of Eastern Cuba, learning about kiriba, nengon, and the Tumba Francesa. In 2022, he became the first foreigner to win 1st prize at the international changüí festival of Guantánamo Cuba, on the Cuban guitar known as the tres. In July of 2023, at the invitation of Roberto Duvergel Ray, the bongosero for Changui Guantanamo, Kai recorded tres on the debut album of Sincopa Uno, a professional Cuban changui ensemble, at Egrem Studios in Santiago, Cuba. As of May 2024, Kai has visited Cuba 13 times.

Jose Simioni Trio
2026-04-01 16:30 - 20:30 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Jose Simioni Trio’s improvisational jazz performance at The Saloon from 4:30pm to 6:30pm with Dylan Garrison on drums and Tony Stead on the organ.

Le Jazz Hot
2026-04-01 18:00 - 21:00 | Scopo Divino, 2800 California St, San Francisco, CA, 94115, United States
Looking for the perfect weekly escape? Join us at Scopo Divino as we welcome Le Jazz Hot, playing live every week!
Le Jazz Hot is comprised of members from the internationally renowned Hot Club of San Francisco. These musicians are masters of Gypsy Jazz, a truly unique and joyful style pioneered by the legendary Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli’s Quintette du Hot Club de France.
Get ready for an energetic performance featuring a lineup of violin, bass, and guitars, all capturing that distinctive swing rhythm. You’ll hear a fantastic mix of Gypsy Jazz standards, pop songs reimagined in that swinging style, and original compositions.
Led by guitarist and arranger Paul ‘Pazzo’ Mehling, Le Jazz Hot delivers a sophisticated, lively, and truly authentic musical experience that has delighted audiences for years.
Grab a seat, order a great glass of wine, and let this band transport you to the vintage jazz clubs of Paris! It’s the perfect way to make any weeknight feel like a special occasion.

B. Thompson
2026-04-01 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-04-01 20:30 - 22:00 | Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States

The Soul Sessions: Joe Warner, Dante 'Taz' Roberson, Michael 'Tiny' Lindsey & Angelo Luster
2026-04-01 19:00 - 20:30 | Black Cat Jazz Supper Club, 400 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA, 94109, United States
Midweek just got a whole lot deeper.
JaZzLine INSTITUTE presents The Soul Sessions: an electrifying live music series bringing the Bay Area’s finest to the stage at Black Cat every Wednesday night, March through May. For just $10 cash, experience world-class musicianship up close in an intimate setting where jazz, soul, gospel, funk, and R&B collide.
Seats are limited. The vibe is undeniable. Make your reservations now while supplies last.
Meet this Quartet:
Joe Warner is setting the Bay Area jazz scene on fire. A rising star with a captivating touch and electrifying stage presence, Warner serves as pianist and musical director for the legendary Miss Faye Carol while leading his own acclaimed Joe Warner Trio.
He’s shared stages and studios with jazz icons including Houston Person, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Buster Williams, and Gary Bartz, and has crossed genre lines alongside cultural heavyweights like Mistah F.A.B., The California Honeydrops, and Robert Randolph.
With deep groove, fearless versatility, and a modern sensibility rooted in tradition, Warner delivers fresh takes on jazz standards, blues, ballads, and adventurous swingin’ — proving he truly has the keys to the future.
Distinguished drummer and founder of the Da Groove Collective Jazz Quartet, Dante “Taz” Roberson brings over two decades of live performance and touring experience to every stage he touches. Known for his powerful grooves and creative command of rhythm, Taz has performed with Eric Benet, Cameo, Joe, Kem, Alicia Keys, Najee, Tank, Tony! Toni! Toné!, and Howard Wiley. His dynamic style has captivated audiences at iconic venues like London’s Jazz Café and major festivals including San Jose and the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festivals.
Rooted in the rich musical culture of the Bay Area, his sound blends funk, jazz, and classic R&B into a collective vibe that feels both nostalgic and strikingly contemporary.
A world-class bassist and background vocalist, Michael “Tiny” Lindsey has performed with some of the biggest names in music: John Legend, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Boyz II Men, Common, Jay-Z, and more. His television appearances include The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Rosie O’Donnell, Martha Stewart, and Last Call with Carson Daly.
Born into a musical family, Lindsey was performing professionally in New York by age fifteen. His versatility across pop, R&B, rock, jazz, blues, funk, and gospel has taken him on global tours throughout the U.S., Europe, Japan, South America, and Africa.
Beyond touring, he’s a respected writer, arranger, and producer, contributing to albums by Sunshine Anderson, Ryan Shaw, and Shawn Raiford. When Tiny locks in, the groove becomes undeniable.
Described as “a rose sprung from a rock,” Oakland native Angelo Luster is a saxophonist whose rich, soulful tone carries listeners on a spiritual journey. His sound is born from the union of contemporary gospel and West Coast jazz — powerful, prayerful, and deeply expressive. A scholarship student of UC Berkeley’s Young Musicians Program at age twelve, Luster trained extensively in jazz and classical music before going on to perform at festivals throughout the U.S. and Europe.
He has shared stages with Boyz II Men, Rosemary Clooney, Mercer Ellington, Maynard Ferguson, Diane Schurr, Billy Taylor, Joe Williams, and more. An award-winning artist and Best Male Jazz Artist recipient, Luster’s recordings — including Face 2 Face and his latest EP Sunday Mornin’ — reflect his mission to inspire through music that feeds both soul and spirit.
The Soul Sessions at Black Cat Where groove meets spirit. Where legends and rising stars share one stage. Where Wednesday nights feel like church for music lovers.
Supported by a Culture Forward grant from The Svane Family Foundation Band
Lineup: Joe Warner, piano Dante ‘Taz’ Roberson, drums Michael ‘Tiny’ Lindsey, bass Angelo Luster, saxophone

Liberty Ellman
2026-04-01 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-04-01 21:00 - 22:30 | Keys Jazz Bistro, 498 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, United States
Guitarist Liberty Ellman has been performing on the international jazz scene for many years, having with worked with the likes of Joe Lovano, Greg Osby, Jason Moran, Vijay Iyer, Steve Lehman, Myra Melford, Wadada Leo Smith, JD Allen, and standout vocalists Somi, and Ledisi among others. Performed faculty concerts with Dave Liebman, Mark Turner and Terri Lyne Carrington. Mr. Ellman is perhaps best known for his 20 year tenure with Henry Threadgill’s groundbreaking ensemble Zooid. Their recording “In For a Penny, In For a Pound” was awarded a Pulitzer prize in 2016. Liberty was voted #1 Rising Star in DownBeat magazine’s 2016 Critics Poll, and he was also honored in the 2015 Jazz Times expanded critics poll, as one of the four guitarists of the year alongside Bill Frisell, John Scofield and Julian Lage. As a composer and bandleader Mr. Ellman has produced five critically acclaimed recordings of original work: Orthodoxy (Red Giant Records), Tactiles, Ophiuchus Butterfly, Radiate, and Last Desert (Pi Recordings). Ellman’s compositional style has been described as “At once highly controlled and recklessly inventive,” and “quite original and subtle.” Ben Ratliff of the New York Times wrote: “Mr. Ellman’s ballads are special, exotic things: their melodies are memorable.” Playing a combination of original music and songs from the classic repertoire, Mr. Ellman will be joined by some of the Bay Area’s best: Matt Clark on piano, Jeff Denson on bass, and Jaimeo Brown on drums.

Live Jazz
2026-04-01 19:00 - 21:00 | Ti Piacera, 1507 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109
Break up the work week with an evening of live jazz at Ti Piacera!
Every Wednesday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, this cozy Polk Street destination hosts a rotating selection of talented local jazz ensembles. While the specific band changes from week to week, you can always expect a high-quality musical experience featuring some of San Francisco’s most dedicated jazz musicians.
It is the perfect atmosphere for a refined dinner or a relaxed drink, providing a sophisticated backdrop of live improvisation and classic melodies in an intimate neighborhood setting.

Magic School Busk
2026-04-01 20:00 - 23:00 | Persona, 685 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA, 94102
Turn your midweek slump into a vibe at Persona SF! Every Wednesday at 8 PM, the Magic School Busk brings an electrifying fusion of Funk, Soul, Latin, Afro, and more to keep the energy high all night long.
Let the rhythm elevate your evening as this dynamic collective delivers a genre-blending experience that’s impossible to ignore. Whether you’re sipping on our signature cocktails or simply soaking in the sounds, Wednesdays at Persona are your new weekly ritual.

Jazz Jam Session
2026-04-01 20:00 - 23:00 | Stookey’s Blue Room, 891 Bush St, San Francisco, CA, 94108, United States
This is a drop in jazz jam session, led by rotating musicians. Come catch the next generation of jazz cats and be transported back in time to the 1920’s.

The Editorials
2026-04-01 20:00 - 23:00 | Local Edition, 691 Market St, San Francisco, CA, 94105, United States
Various young Bay Area musicians come together for live Jazz at Local Edition!

Rotating Bands at the Lion’s Den
2026-04-01 20:00 - 23:00 | Lion’s Den, 57 Wentworth Pl, San Francisco, CA, 94108, United States
Experience the resurgence of San Francisco’s historic Chinatown nightlife at the Lion’s Den. Tucked away on Wentworth Place, this bi-level lounge and performance space blends modern cocktail culture with the East meets West spirit of the Chinatown’s golden age. Every week, the venue transforms into a unique destination for live music, featuring a rotating roster of the city’s up and coming funk, soul, and R&B ensembles.
The Sound: From 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM, the stage belongs to a curated selection of live bands. The rotation frequently features bands such as Mark Maiden, Funky Sound Experience, Jay Neal, The Groove Foundation, Baycoin Beats, and Git With It. Whether it’s deep-pocket funk or smooth contemporary soul, the music is designed to bridge the gap between a sophisticated lounge set and a packed dance floor.
The Atmosphere: The design features plush velvet banquettes, historic photography, and dim, moody lighting. It is a space built for “adult” nightlife—where you can enjoy an Asian-inspired craft cocktail during the live set before the room transitions to a high-energy DJ vibe after 11:00 PM.
The Experience: The Lion’s Den is a rare “no cover” gem in the heart of the city, offering world-class musicianship in an intimate, stylish setting. It is a place to rediscover the “cool” of Chinatown while supporting the next generation of San Francisco’s musical talent.

A Legacy Reclaimed
The Lion’s Den occupies a legendary footprint in San Francisco history. In the 1940s and 50s, Chinatown was a global nightlife epicenter, home to iconic clubs like the Forbidden City. The current venue at 57 Wentworth Place was once the site of Dragon A Go Go, a 1960s hotspot that kept the neighborhood buzzing during the height of the San Francisco counterculture. After decades of relative quiet due to changing zoning laws, the reopening of The Lion’s Den in 2021 marked the first new nightclub to open in Chinatown in nearly 40 years. Today, it stands as a cultural bridge, honoring the glamour of the “Harlem of the West” era while providing a vital modern stage for Asian-American artists and the local creative community.

Live Jazz
2026-04-01 20:00 - 23:00 | Paris 75, 515 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, United States
Paris 75’s rotating jazz bands turn this corner of North Beach into a little slice of the Left Bank. Each week a different small ensemble—trios, quartets, and vocal groups—leans into swing, standards, and café‑style jazz that pairs naturally with wine, cocktails, charcuterie, and late‑night conversation. The vibe is intimate and unhurried: close‑up solos, brushed drums, and melodies that drift through the room while guests linger over another round.

Chris Aschman CD Release “Volcanic”
2026-04-02 08:00 - 17:00 | Keys Jazz Bistro, 498 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, United States
Jazz trumpeter/steelpan musician Chris Aschman enjoys a multi-faceted career as a performer, educator, studio musician, and arranger. A Baltimore native, Chris segued to Philadelphia to study jazz trumpet at the University of the Arts in 2004 and became a mainstay in the Philly scene. Since this time he has enjoyed a diverse career, having shared the stage with artist such as Paquito D’Rivera, Stanley Clarke, Dionne Warwick, Bakithi Kumalo, Chaka Khan, Kool and the Gang, Andy Narell, Ray Holman, Lotus, Dopapod, Tauk, and many others. Since relocating to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2022, he has launched his new original project, the Chris Aschman Volcanic Band, and is now releasing his debut jazz record after years of fine tuning his compositional skills. His writing features a unique architecture that combines funky pocket grooves with odd meters and a pervasive Caribbean influence, giving each song a unique rhythmic signature.
Chris Aschman – Trumpet, Steelpan
Tony Peebles – Saxophone
Kai Lyons – Guitar
Adam Klipple – Keyboards, Organ
Henry Plumb – Drumset

Viajo de la Musica
2026-04-02 18:00 - 21:00 | Scopo Divino, 2800 California St, San Francisco, CA, 94115, United States
Viajo de la Música brings a traveling soundtrack of Latin jazz, boleros to the intimate wine‑bar glow of Scopo Divino. Led by saxophonist Renner, this jazz quartet moves effortlessly from bossa and samba to slow‑dance ballads, weaving guitars, percussion, and rich vocals into one continuous journey. Expect romantic melodies, hypnotic grooves, and a set list that feels like wandering through nightspots from Havana to Rio to San Francisco. Pair a glass of something bold with the music and let the room turn into your own little passport stamp for the evening.
