Chris Siebert
2026-04-01 20:30 - 23:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Royal Cuckoo Organ Lounge, 3202 Mission St, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Chris Siebert is a prominent San Francisco-based jazz pianist, organist, and bandleader known for bridging generations of musicians through soulful, swinging jazz. His music is deeply rooted in the Swing Era, blues, and R&B

Jack Tone-Riordan Trio
2026-04-01 20:45 - 22:00 | Mr. Tipples Jazz Club, 39 Fell St, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
James Gallagher | Drums
Nico Martinez | Bass
Jack Tone-Riordan | Guitar
“Jack Tone-Riordan is one of my favorite players on the scene today. He is a true improviser who truly swings: a very rare and refreshing thing! He represents a beautiful balance of thinking and feeling in his playing: he is always looking for something new but always playing for the groove and for the sake of personal expression. He is someone to keep your ears on if you like guitar players that swing and have a great sound!!”
– Peter Bernstein

Liberty Ellman
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.

The Door Slammers
2026-04-01 21:30 - 2026-04-02 01:30 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
The Door Slammers are the legendary blues-rock band founded by the late Johnny Nitro, a cornerstone of the San Francisco North Beach blues scene. Known for their gritty guitar-driven sound and soulful performances, they played regularly at The Saloon and influenced Bay Area blues for over three decades, mentoring many local musicians. The band continues Johnny Nitro’s legacy with passionate live shows that keep the spirit of classic blues alive.

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.

Isaac Coyle and Friends
2026-04-02 19:00 - 20:15, 2026-04-02 20:45 - 22:00 | Mr. Tipples Jazz Club, 39 Fell St, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
Morgan Faw | Alto
Miles Lennox | Piano
Christian Napoleon | Drums
Isaac Coyle | Bass
Isaac Coyle is a bassist, composer, and educator born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. After beginning his journey studying with local greats such as Howard Wiley and Jeff Chambers, Isaac graduated from the Berklee College of music in 2023 and upon returning has become one of the top call bassists in the Bay Area jazz scene. In addition he has performed throughout the country as a part of Terri Lyne Carrington’s New Standards band.

Lilan Kane Presents: Soul In Bloom
2026-04-02 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-04-02 21:15 - 22:45 | Black Cat Jazz Supper Club, 400 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA, 94109, United States
Oakland-based soul singer and bandleader Lilan Kane returns for an intimate night of soul and jazz. A Black Cat alum from the club’s early days, Kane comes back to the room where part of her live sound was shaped, now presenting a set of original compositions and soulful covers with her full band. Known for her sultry, emotionally raw storytelling, she’ll also be joined by two exceptional guest female vocalists Shamilah Ivory and Natalie John, adding dynamic layers of collaboration and harmony throughout the evening. Rooted in connection and improvisation, the night promises an intimate, groove-forward performance that may open into spontaneous jams and unrepeatable moments.
Band Lineup:
Lilan Kane – lead vocals
Shamilah Ivory – vocals
Natalie John – vocals trumpet
Kevin Wong – keys
Steve Hogan – bass
James Small – drums

Pliner Performance Jazz Quartet
2026-04-02 19:00 - 22:00 | Sheba Piano Lounge, 1419 Filmore St, San Francisco, CA, 94115, United States
Join us for a stellar evening of sophisticated music with Eugene Pliner Performance Jazz Quartet at Sheba Piano Lounge!
Pliner is a dedicated and accomplished Jazz Pianist whose style is rooted in the tradition of classic Jazz Standards, with a sophisticated approach to harmony and improvisation.
It’s a perfect opportunity to hear world-class piano artistry and creative ensemble playing in the cozy setting of the Sheba Piano Lounge.

Jazz Music Bands/Local Musicians
2026-04-02 19:00 - 23:00 | Amelie, 1754 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109

Shannon Wolfe & John Wilson with Dave Schweisguth: Spring Cleaning
2026-04-02 20:00 - 22:00 | Stookey’s Blue Room, 891 Bush St, San Francisco, CA, 94108, United States
Transition into the new season with an evening of vintage jazz and theater music as Shannon Wolfe and John Wilson present their April residency session, Spring Cleaning! This performance is part of their recurring Cocktails and Cabaret series, transforming the streamlined, mid-century environment of Stookey’s Blue Room into an intimate San Francisco salon.
The duo focuses on the architects of 20th-century melody—Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, and Rodgers & Hart. The repertoire moves from lighthearted swing and cheeky theater ditties to soul-baring torch songs and rhapsodies.
The Artists
Shannon Wolfe: A chanteuse known for her shimmering vocal tone and a gift for humorous, character-driven storytelling. She often incorporates rare gems from the film noir and Berlin cabaret eras into her sets.
John Wilson: A versatile virtuoso and regular pianist for the San Francisco Symphony, Wilson provides a sophisticated, orchestral-grade foundation on the keys.
Special Guests: For this April 2nd session, the duo is joined by guest vocalist Dave Schweisguth and Benny Amón on drums, adding a percussive swing to the evening’s arrangements.
The Setting
Stookey’s Blue Room: Located in the heart of Lower Nob Hill, this venue is a meticulous tribute to the Art Deco era. The glossy blue walls and period-appropriate lighting create a high-fidelity listening environment where every note and story is heard clearly.
The Experience: The show is designed to be paired with the bar’s historically accurate cocktail program. You can order a classic Aviation or a 20th Century Limited and settle into a space where the barrier between the performers and the audience is minimal.

Katy Stephan
2026-04-02 20:00 - 23:00 | Comstock Saloon, 155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Kathy Stephan brings torch songs, swing standards, and a touch of twang to the Comstock Saloon’s polished‑but‑raucous barroom. Her voice leans into the room’s natural reverb, floating over brushed drums, piano, and upright bass while cocktails clink and the lights stay low. Expect classic tunes, a few deep‑cut surprises, and the kind of between‑song banter that makes the band feel like part of the crowd. It’s the perfect soundtrack for settling into a leather booth, ordering something stirred, and letting the night stretch out a little longer than you planned.

Rotating Bands at the Lion’s Den
2026-04-02 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.

Dirty Works Jazz Jam & Burlesque Show
2026-04-02 20:00 - 23:00 | Paris 75, 515 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, United States
The Dirty Works Jazz Band brings its signature jam session to Paris 75 every 1st Thursday at Paris 75. 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 only Jazz Jam to feature a burlesque dancer, Raya, who performs with the band from 9-10pm.
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.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to play, ask for “the Bass dude”.

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.

Iya Lingua
2026-04-02 20:00 - 23:00 | Local Edition, 691 Market St, San Francisco, CA, 94105, United States
Iya Lingua will have you up and dancing with a unique blend of classic swing, Brazilian samba, Cuban salsa and American soul music. Iya Lingua is led by trilingual vocalist and percussionist Morgan Simon, who joins us fresh from Cuba where she was a featured artist at the 41st Havana International Jazz Fest (Jazz Plaza). A review of her recent LATAM tour noted, “Unlike anyone I’ve ever seen, Simon sings with her soul without ever needing to close her eyes.”

Armen Krakirian
2026-04-02 20:00 - 23:59 | Dawn Club, 10 Annie St, San Francisco, CA, 94103, United States
Armen Krakirian is an accomplished trumpeter and private teacher based in the Bay Area, California. Holding a degree in Jazz Trumpet Performance from Oberlin Conservatory (2023), Armen’s musical journey has been enriched under the mentorship of the renowned jazz virtuoso, Dr. Eddie Henderson. Passionate about both performance and education, Armen has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Gerald Cannon, Gary Bartz, Billy Hart, Jay Ashby, Jake Silverman, and many others.
Drawing inspiration from Hard Bop legends like Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, Woody Shaw, and a kaleidoscope of genres spanning Electronic, Rap/Hip-Hop, Pop, Classical, and Metal, Armen’s versatility sets him apart. Beyond the confines of traditional jazz, his musical palette is a vibrant spectrum that resonates with diverse influences.

Howard Wiley & Chris Siebert
2026-04-02 20:30 - 23:00 | Royal Cuckoo Organ Lounge, 3202 Mission St, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Saxophonist Howard Wiley and pianist/organist Chris Siebert are longtime collaborators and central figures in the San Francisco jazz and swing scene.

Art By Kevin Figueroa
2026-04-03 - 2026-04-04 | Waystone, 1609 Powell St, San Francisco, CA, United States
Join Waystone for North Beach First Fridays as they feature the works of local artist Kevin Figueroa. Located on Market Street at the edge of the Financial District and North Beach, Waystone pairs its curated selection of beer and wine with a focus on contemporary Bay Area art. Figueroa’s work provides a sharp, intellectual aesthetic that complements the venue’s clean lines and elevated social atmosphere.
The Art: Figueroa is recognized for his focus on architectural abstraction and geometric interplay. His pieces often utilize mixed media to explore themes of urban structure, negative space, and the evolution of the city. His work is characterized by a balance of industrial grit and refined composition, making it a favorite for collectors of modern Californian art.
The Setting: Waystone offers a bright, airy environment that functions as a gallery-lounge hybrid. It is an ideal spot for those who prefer to view art with a glass of small-production wine in hand, away from the more crowded traditional dive bars of the neighborhood.
The Experience: As part of the First Friday circuit, this exhibition serves as a sophisticated bridge between the business district and the bohemian heart of North Beach. The opening nights are known for attracting a mix of design professionals, neighborhood locals, and art enthusiasts.
Details: The exhibition is open to the public. While the art is on display during regular business hours, the First Friday event offers a dedicated time to discuss the work with fellow enthusiasts in a communal setting.

About Kevin Figueroa
Kevin Figueroa is a San Francisco-based visual artist whose background in design heavily influences his approach to the canvas. His work is an ongoing dialogue with the urban landscape, often deconstructing the shapes of the city into essential colors and lines. Figueroa has been a regular participant in San Francisco’s “Open Studios” and has been featured in various curated shows across the city, establishing himself as a key voice in the local contemporary art scene.

Art by Jeremy Fish: Screen Prints by a Guy Who Lives Nearby
2026-04-03 - 2026-04-04 | Fishtank Gallery, 1331 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Celebrate the true heart of the neighborhood at Fish Tank Gallery for North Beach First Fridays. This month, the gallery hosts an exhibition by A Guy Who Lives Nearby, an artist whose work is as deeply embedded in the local landscape as the gallery itself. Located on Grant Avenue, Fish Tank Gallery—curated by the renowned Jeremy Fish—is a space dedicated to the creative pulse of North Beach, making it the perfect venue for an artist defined by his proximity and dedication to the area.
The Art: Expect a collection that draws direct inspiration from the daily life, architecture, and characters of North Beach. A Guy Who Lives Nearby creates work that functions as a visual diary of the neighborhood, often using a mix of traditional and street-influenced styles. The art is unpretentious and highly accessible, reflecting the grit and charm of the streets just outside the gallery doors.
The Setting: Fish Tank Gallery is a unique “studio-meets-gallery” space where the creative process is often on full display. During First Fridays, the gallery often hosts live screen-printing events, allowing visitors to walk away with a piece of limited-edition North Beach art created right in front of them.
The Experience: This stop on the art crawl is about high-fidelity community connection. It’s where neighbors, artists, and visitors mingle in a space that feels more like a creative living room than a formal institution. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and centered on the idea that great art starts in your own backyard.
Details: The event is free and open to all. As a hub for the North Beach First Fridays Art Walk, Fish Tank Gallery provides one of the most authentic glimpses into the artistic “ecosystem” of Grant Avenue.

About Fish Tank Gallery
Located at 1331 Grant Avenue, Fish Tank Gallery is the personal studio and exhibition space of artist Jeremy Fish. It was established as a way to give back to the neighborhood by providing a platform for local talent and a space for high-quality artistic engagement. By featuring artists like A Guy Who Lives Nearby, the gallery reinforces its mission to generate “good vibes” and support the ongoing creative resurgence of North Beach.

Catherine Palmer: House Portraits
2026-04-03 17:00 - 18:30 | Hang Art, 787 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Join Hang Art for the opening of House Portraits, a solo exhibition by San Francisco artist Catherine Palmer. This collection features new oil paintings that document the hidden corners and quiet residential architecture of the city. The opening reception takes place during North Beach First Fridays, offering an early-evening look at Palmer’s latest body of work.
The Exhibition
In House Portraits, Catherine Palmer continues her exploration of the San Francisco landscape, specifically the interplay between light and the city’s dense housing structures. Her process begins with observational photography during her daily routine, capturing the specific way dawn and dusk light interacts with the Victorian and Edwardian silhouettes of the northern neighborhoods.
Style: Palmer reinterprets architectural forms through a lens of geometric abstraction. While her work is rooted in American Realism, she strips away unnecessary detail to focus on the stark contrasts of light and shadow.
Atmosphere: The paintings are characterized by a lack of human activity, creating a voyeuristic and meditative perspective. This vacant quality allows the viewer to focus entirely on the rhythm of the buildings and the atmosphere of the hillsides.
The Medium: Using a deliberate application of oil on canvas, Palmer builds her compositions through intuitive color relationships and a focus on structural cohesion.
The Artist
Catherine Palmer has been a part of the San Francisco creative community for over three decades. After a career in arts education, she dedicated herself full-time to her studio practice in 2008. Her work is informed by her deep familiarity with the city’s topography and its unique microclimates, which she renders with technical precision and emotional resonance.

Katy Stephan
2026-04-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Comstock Saloon, 155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Katy Stephan’s residency at Comstock Saloon turns the room into a small, candlelit listening space. At the piano she blends jazz‑inflected originals with reimagined standards and art‑pop tunes, her clear, expressive voice sitting right on top of the clink of glassware and low conversation. It’s an intimate, song‑forward set that feels equally at home as a soundscape for cocktails or as a close‑up performance for guests who want to lean in and really listen.

Gaea Shell & Scott Foster
2026-04-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Biordi Art Imports, 412 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States
Gaea Schell and Scott Foster perform at Biordi Art Imports, bringing jazz to North Beach First Fridays. Join them for an engaging performance that blends Schell’s mastery of flute, piano, and vocals with Foster’s expressive guitar playing. Experience a night of sophisticated jazz, rich harmonies, and Latin-inspired rhythms, making for a memorable musical event at Biordi Imports.
Gaea Schell is known among her peers for swinging eighth notes, subtle phrasing and contemplative writing, Bay area based pianist, composer, flutist (and vocalist) Gaea Schell (also late diagnosed autistic) is originally from Alberta, Canada, where she grew up playing music from an early age. Recorder lessons at age 6 with family friend, the late San Francisco based drummer Eddie Marshall, was one of her first musical ventures.
Pursuit of a classical harp degree led to checking out Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans records in the school library, inspiring a move East (after declining a Berklee scholarship) and subsequent graduation with distinction from the jazz program at acclaimed McGill University in Montreal. The real learning, however, came from playing on the bandstand with respected elders who spent considerable time themselves playing with greats such as Joe Henderson, Wynton Kelly, Ella Fitzgerald. Gaea feels “it’s so important to listen, experience, and understand the tradition of this music”.
Scott Foster received his Bachelor of Music degree from Berklee College of Music in Boston. He pursued additional music studies at University of California Davis and private studies with Jon Damian, Rick Peckham and Henry Robinett. Scott is an active performer as leader of the Scott Foster Trio and Quartet and as a sideman with many local groups. His recent recordings range from industrial pop to country and folk to modern jazz.

Jessica Loos Poetry & Music Series
2026-04-03 17:00 - 19:00 | Macchiarini Creative Design, 1544 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States
Jessica Loos poetry series 7pm, sculpture and jewelry design drawings by Peter and Daniel Macchiarini. Poetry reading and music in front of Macchiarini Creative Design. Follow the poets up to Coit Tower at 9pm.
Want to know more about the North Beach Poetry Crawl? Check out Mukethe Kawinzi’s experience in Quiet Lighting.

Ned Boynton & Friends
2026-04-03 17:00 - 20:30 | Caffe Trieste, 601 Vallejo St, San Francisco, CA, United States
Experience the unique sound of San Francisco-based guitarist and educator, Ned Boynton. Recognized in Scott Yanow’s book, “The Great Jazz Guitarists the Ultimate Guide”, Ned brings a distinctive and highly respected approach to the instrument. His impressive career includes performances with jazz legends like Les Paul, Bucky Pizzarelli, Howard Alden, and Bruce Forman, showcasing his deep roots in the jazz tradition. He is also the founder of the “Gypsy Surf Italian Rock Jazz band,” SURFER ROMA, demonstrating his wide-ranging musicality!
Don’t miss the chance to catch this Bay Area icon and his friends as they fill the historic, bohemian atmosphere of Caffe Trieste—the original North Beach coffee house—with world-class music.
It’s the perfect way to start your weekend!

Magic School Busk
2026-04-03 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.

Creating AS1, Sara Corbett and Aaron Haldiman
2026-04-03 17:00 - 21:00 | Live Worms Gallery, 1345 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States
Explore the intersection of art and ecological restoration this April as Live Worms Gallery hosts Creating AS1, a collaborative exhibition by full-time artists Sara Corbett and Aaron Haldiman. This showcase moves beyond traditional aesthetics to explore how visual culture can act as a catalyst for a regenerative future.
The Artists and Mission
Sara Corbett and Aaron Haldiman operate under the collective identity Creating AS1, a project dedicated to using art and design as tools for cultural and environmental renewal. Their work is built on the belief that art is a mechanical necessity for change, providing the visceral experiences needed to help people envision and build a more sustainable world.
Their practice is defined by:
Emotional Resonance: Creating pieces designed to be emotionally evocative, moving viewers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world.
Functional Art: Integrating artistic expression into practical, everyday applications that support a regenerative culture.
Place-making Design: Utilizing fine art and public installations to transform spaces into communal environments that inspire local action.
Earthworks and Restoration: Imagining a future where art takes the form of beautiful, functional earthworks and large-scale environmental restoration projects.
The Experience
The Setting: Live Worms Gallery is a quintessential North Beach institution located on the historic upper Grant Avenue. Known for its rotating window displays and its role as a gathering place for the district’s bohemian community, the gallery provides an intimate, unpretentious environment for viewing contemporary work.
North Beach First Friday: The opening reception coincides with the neighborhood’s monthly art walk. It is a time when the studios and galleries along the Grant Avenue corridor open their doors to the public, creating a high-energy atmosphere of discovery and conversation.
The Interaction: Attendees have the opportunity to engage directly with Corbett and Haldiman to discuss the philosophy of regenerative art and how public art projects can influence the future of urban design and land management.
The Venue
Live Worms has been a fixture of the San Francisco art scene for decades, consistently championing local creators who push boundaries. Under the leadership of curator Kevin Brown, the gallery maintains the spirit of the “Old North Beach” while providing a platform for modern, ecologically conscious voices like Creating AS1.

Grandma’s Ashtray by Joanna Lioce
2026-04-03 17:00 - 21:00 | Vesuvio Cafe, 255 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Experience the hidden textures of the Golden State through Grandma’s Ashtray, a found art exhibition curated by longtime North Beach fixture and Vesuvio bartender Joanna Lioce. This showcase departs from traditional gallery presentations, utilizing the historic, multi-level environment of Vesuvio Cafe to display a collection of objects and ephemera gathered from the coastal towns and desert stretches of California.
The Exhibition
Grandma’s Ashtray is a visual survey of the discarded and the rediscovered. The exhibition features a diverse array of found art pieces—ranging from vintage curios and weathered signage to obscure mid-century domestic artifacts.
The Collection: Each piece in the show has been sourced by Lioce during her travels across California. The items serve as tangible records of the state’s shifting cultural landscape, highlighting the aesthetic beauty of objects that have been aged by time and the elements.
The Theme: The show explores the concept of the “found object” as a narrative tool. By removing these items from their original contexts and placing them within the storied walls of Vesuvio, Lioce invites viewers to consider the personal and collective histories behind California’s roadside and suburban past.
The Arrangement: The art is integrated into the existing décor of the bar, creating a scavenger-hunt style viewing experience that complements the venue’s famous collection of Beat-era memorabilia and local art.
The Artist
Joanna Lioce has been a definitive part of the North Beach community for over 20 years. As a veteran bartender at Vesuvio and the creator of the Wacky Wednesdays music series in Kerouac Alley, she has long been a facilitator for the neighborhood’s creative energy. Her work as a collector and found-art curator is an extension of her role as a keeper of North Beach’s bohemian spirit, reflecting a lifelong interest in the intersection of history, travel, and accidental art.
The Setting
Vesuvio Cafe remains one of the most significant cultural landmarks in San Francisco. Established in 1948 and located next to City Lights Bookstore, it has served as the preferred haunt for generations of poets, artists, and musicians. The bar’s interior—with its stained glass, wood-paneled walls, and intimate second-floor balcony—provides a backdrop that is as much a part of the exhibition as the art itself.

Group Art Show
2026-04-03 17:00 - 23:00 | Professor Seagull’s Smartshop and Gallery, 1351 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States
Pop by Live Worms and Professor Seagull’s Smartshop for the North Beach First Fridays Art walk featuring work by various local artists.
Inside the Smartshop, the gallery walls are covered in psychedelic light green and yellow wallpaper — vibrant, but still perfectly balanced to receive and highlight artwork of all kinds.
Rotation is every 1–2 months, featuring either solo exhibitions or group shows. Our walls most often showcase painting, drawing, and collage, while we are also open to sculpture, photography, and other media.
Next door, the Live Worms Gallery is the iconic exhibition space — a high-ceilinged, white-wall setting ideal for immersive shows and large-scale works.
