The San Francisco Invitational Jam
2027-02-08 21:00 - 2027-02-09 01:00, 2027-02-15 21:00 - 2027-02-16 01:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

GG Amos
2027-02-09 16:00 - 20:00, 2027-02-16 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

Hal Bigler Band
2027-02-09 20:00 - 23:00, 2027-02-16 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.

Rotating Bands at the Lion’s Den
2027-02-10 20:00 - 23:00, 2027-02-11 20:00 - 23:00, 2027-02-12 20:00 - 23:00, 2027-02-13 20:00 - 23:00, 2027-02-14 20:00 - 23:00, 2027-02-17 20:00 - 23:00, 2027-02-18 20:00 - 23:00, 2027-02-19 20:00 - 23:00 and 2 more dates | 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.

Magic School Busk
2027-02-12 17:00 - 21:00, 2027-02-19 17:00 - 21:00 | Red Window, 500 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States
The Magic School Busk holds weekly residency directly in front of The Red Window at the corner of Stockton and Columbus. This high‑energy busking collective has become one of North Beach’s unofficial “resident joy‑makers,” blurring the line between band and audience as people pause, sing along, or dance on the sidewalk. Whether you are enjoying a gin tonic on the Red Window’s outdoor patio or just walking by with a cannoli in hand, the Busk provides a genuine North Beach experience.

About The Magic School Busk
Born from the city’s post-pandemic street-side revival, The Magic School Busk is a collective of veteran Bay Area musicians dedicated to the art of public performance. They emphasize the acoustic and the authentic, eschewing heavy amplification for the natural resonance of brass, strings, and woodwinds. Often featuring members from some of the city’s most popular jazz and swing outfits, the “Busk” is celebrated for its ability to read a crowd and create a party out of thin air. They represent the best of San Francisco’s musical resilience—keeping the city’s culture loud, proud, and accessible to everyone on the street.

Dewayne Oakley and Ralph Nelson
2027-02-13 12:00 - 16:00, 2027-02-14 12:00 - 16:00 | Choquet’s, 2500 Washington St, San Francisco, CA, 94115, United States
Transport yourself to the Rive Gauche without leaving Fillmore Street. Chouquet’s invites you to experience “Jazz on the Patio,” a long-standing neighborhood tradition that pairs world-class live music with the breezy elegance of a classic French bistro. Set against the backdrop of one of San Francisco’s most iconic shopping corridors, this event offers a high-fidelity sensory experience where the “restless melodicism” of local jazz meets the refined flavors of France.
Featuring the Dewayne Oakley Blues Ensemble
This weekend’s soundtrack is provided by the seasoned mastery of Dewayne Oakley and Ralph Nelson. As cornerstones of the Bay Area music scene, this duo brings a rich, soulful texture to the patio:
Dewayne Oakley (Bass & Vocals): A veteran with over 50 years in the industry, Oakley is a master of “city music with a country soul.” His deep, resonant bass violin and gravelly, heartfelt vocals bridge the gap between sophisticated jazz standards and raw, acoustic blues.
Ralph Nelson (Guitar): Originally a drummer from a New York jazz family (his father’s dental patients included Max Roach and Sonny Rollins!), Nelson switched to guitar after falling under the spell of Jimi Hendrix. His style is firmly rooted in hard bop, bringing a melodic versatility that dances effortlessly between blues grit and jazz precision.
The Experience
The Setting: Relax on the expansive, heated sidewalk patio—one of the best people-watching spots in the city. The outdoor seating allows you to soak in the Pacific Heights sun while enjoying the acoustic warmth of live upright bass and hollow-body guitar.
The Menu: Enhance the rhythm with Chouquet’s signature bistro fare. Indulge in local favorites like the Moules Frites, Croque Madame, or a crisp glass of Sancerre from their extensive French-focused wine list.
The Atmosphere: This is an unpretentious yet polished affair, perfect for a romantic date, a sophisticated family brunch, or a solo afternoon of “art and aperitifs.”

Bluegrass Jam
2027-02-14 16:00 - 19:00, 2027-02-21 16:00 - 19:00 | The Lucky Horseshoe, 454 Courtland Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94110, United States
The Lucky Horseshoe hosts its long-standing Bluegrass Jam every Sunday afternoon. Unlike a typical circle jam, this is a unique “performance” jam where musicians take to the stage to play into microphones for a live crowd. It’s an intermediate-to-advanced level session that brings together the best of the Bay Area’s roots and bluegrass community, turning the Bernal Heights tavern into a high-energy honky-tonk for three hours every week.

The Performance Format: This session is specifically designed as a “on-stage” experience. Musicians are encouraged to step up to the mic, fostering a professional yet welcoming atmosphere that bridges the gap between a casual rehearsal and a formal concert.

Skill Level Requirements: The jam is tailored for intermediate players who are comfortable leading a vocal or instrumental song. The ability to “call a tune” and guide the ensemble is a key part of the ritual, ensuring a high-quality listening experience for the patrons in the bar.

A Neighborhood Tradition: Sponsored in part by the California Bluegrass Association (CBA), the jam is a quintessential Sunday social in Bernal Heights. The “Shoe” provides the perfect wood-paneled backdrop, complete with strong drinks and a dog-friendly policy that welcomes the whole community.

Acoustic & Unplugged: While the stage is amplified, the heart of the music remains strictly acoustic, celebrating the traditional sounds of banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and upright bass in their purest forms.

About the Organizer: California Bluegrass Association (CBA)
The Sunday Horseshoe Jam is part of the broader mission of the California Bluegrass Association, a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and promotion of bluegrass, old-time, and gospel music. By supporting weekly residencies like this one, the CBA ensures that traditional American music remains a vibrant, living part of San Francisco’s urban culture. Whether you are a seasoned picker looking for a stage or a fan of high-speed flatpicking, these Sunday sessions offer an authentic slice of the “high lonesome sound” right on Cortland Avenue.

Sunday Blues Jam at Pier 23 Cafe
2027-02-14 16:00 - 19:00, 2027-02-21 16:00 - 19:00 | Pier 23, 23 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, 94111, United States
Live Music is BACK at Pier 23 Cafe! Join us for a fun afternoon filled with jammin’ blues sounds from professional musicians and budding artists. We are supporting local talent on all levels. Grab a drink, a bite and be ready to dance. Bring your friends, we can’t wait to see you.

Spanish Folk live music
2027-02-14 17:00 - 19:00, 2027-02-21 17:00 - 19:00 | Amelie, 1754 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109

Sunday Artist Series
2027-02-14 20:00 - 2027-02-15 00:00, 2027-02-21 20:00 - 2027-02-22 00:00 | Tupelo, 1337 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States
End your week with a rhythmic bang at the Sunday Artist Series, a weekly institution at Tupelo that transforms North Beach into a soulful dance party. Hosted by the versatile Shawn Stein, this residency is built around an “all-pro” house band that provides a world-class foundation for a rotating cast of the Bay Area’s most powerhouse vocalists. From 8:00 PM to midnight, the room sheds its weekday grit for a polished, high-fidelity exploration of funk, R&B, and soul, making it the definitive “musician’s hangout” in the neighborhood.
The magic of the series lies in its unpredictability and its caliber of talent. Because a different guest artist takes the lead each week, the sound can pivot from the brassy energy of a James Brown-style funk review to the smooth, sophisticated textures of modern neo-soul. It is a space where local legends and touring pros often drop in to sit with the band, creating a “who’s who” environment for the San Francisco music scene. The house band is known for their “deep pocket” and the ability to back any style with technical precision and infectious joy.
The atmosphere at Tupelo during the Artist Series is electric yet welcoming, drawing a diverse crowd of neighborhood regulars, off-duty musicians, and soul aficionados. Set against the venue’s classic red-lit stage and historic Grant Avenue backdrop, the event offers a rare opportunity to experience an elite, high-energy “dance party throw-down” with no cover charge. Whether you are there to dance off the weekend or simply to appreciate the highest level of local musicianship, the Sunday Artist Series ensures that the spirit of North Beach soul remains loud and alive.

ZinggFlower: a tribute to Drew Zingg
2027-02-15 18:30 - 21:30, 2027-02-22 18:30 - 21:30 | 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.
