North Beach Live

Jazz Mafia Plays 70s Herbie Hancock
2026-03-20 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-03-20 21:00 - 22:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Keys Jazz Bistro, 498 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, United States
Jazz Mafia teams up with the Hogan Brothers for a tribute to Herbie Hancock’s electric 1970s era, performing music from Head Huntersand Thrust along with other selections from that period.
Head Hunters (1973) and Thrust (1974) were recorded in the Bay Area and helped redefine jazz fusion with their deep grooves, layered rhythms, and forward-looking sound.
Featuring Adam Theis, Daniel Casares, and Colin, Julian, and Steve Hogan, the group revisits this influential chapter in modern jazz history.

Andean and Latin World Music Night
2026-03-20 20:00 - 21:30 | Peña Pachamama, 1630 Powell St, San Francisco, 94133, United States
Two-time Latin Grammy nominee Eddy Navia and Quentin Navia are joined by master violinist Georges Lammam, dancers and dancing.
Their performances blend the charango (a traditional ten-string instrument), haunting sounds of panpipes (zampoñas) and notched flutes (kena) with high-energy rhythms.
You don’t need a plane ticket to experience a “little piece of South American carnaval,” dedicated to the spirit of Mother Earth (Pachamama).
Peña Pachamama serves an entirely plant-based and gluten-free menu. Highlights include Bolivian specialties like organic kale and quinoa salads, alongside raw and cooked vegan entrees.

Gaucho Jazz
2026-03-20 20:00 - 23:00 | Comstock Saloon, 155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Gaucho is a masterful Bay Area band that combines the influence of gypsy jazz of 1930’s Europe with the rhythmic drive and collective improvisation of New Orleans swing music, gutbucket blues and elements of ragtime. Their sound, a uniquely American concoction, blends instrumental acuity and lighthearted humor that keep their audience coming back for more. As founder, guitarist, and main composer Dave Ricketts says, the band is “in love with the music of Louis Armstrong, Fats Waller and Jimmie Rodgers, as well as the stories, the life styles and the foot steps of hundreds of other great jazz, blues, country and rock musicians that created the sound of American Music from roughly 1900-1950’s”
Gaucho has recorded eight albums, tours regularly, and has an increasing repertoire of over forty original tunes. Seven of their tunes are featured in the 2012 film “Trattoria”; one was chosen by the Metropolitan Museum of Art for their website; and another is featured in the outtakes section of the Pixar DVD CARS 2. In 2018, Gaucho got a song in the Hollywood Movie “Destination Wedding” starring Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder. And two of Dave’s own compositions will be placed in a New York City based indie film, “Stationed at Home,” in 2022.
Led by eminent guitarist, Dave Ricketts, the group has been a San Francisco mainstay for nearly twenty years, and one of the busiest bands in the bay area playing 5 to 10 gigs a week. Together with virtuosos Rob Reich–accordion and Craig Venetresco–guitar, superlative bassist Ari Munkres, the honorable Leon Oakley–cornet, and versatile percussionist Steve Apple, these guys keep crowds moving with their beats and complex rhythms.

Shad Harris
2026-03-20 21:30 - 2026-03-21 01:30 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Shad Harris is a versatile multi-instrumentalist and blues vocalist based in California, renowned for his soulful keytar performances and leadership of The Groovenators, a band blending West Coast blues with funk. With a career spanning back to 1966, he has played with legends like Etta James and Charlie Musselwhite. He performs regularly in San Francisco at The Saloon with The Doorslammers among other projects.

Cougar Unleashed
2026-03-20 22:00 - 2026-03-21 01:30 | Tupelo, 1337 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States
Get ready to hit the dance floor as Cougar Unleashed brings the best of the Bay Area’s funky soul and R&B to Tupelo. Led by the charismatic Rhonda “Cougar” Crouch, this powerhouse ensemble is known for its high-octane “party band” energy and a setlist that spans from soulful deep-cuts to classic rock anthems. This is North Beach nightlife at its peak—loud, sweaty, and impossible to sit still for.
The Sound: Cougar Unleashed delivers a “funky, soulful edge” to everything they touch. Their repertoire is a high-energy mix of Neo-Soul, R&B, Funk, and Rock. Expect everything from soaring Aretha Franklin-style vocals to hard-hitting covers of AC/DC, all backed by a rhythm section that prioritizes the “get down.”
The “Cougar” Power: Frontwoman Rhonda Crouch (voted Bay Area Idol 2012) is a contralto force of nature. Her commanding stage presence and versatile vocal range allow the band to pivot effortlessly between soulful ballads and thundering rock-and-roll.
The Full Party Experience: The night kicks off at 9:00 PM with DJ Van (or guest DJs like Kevey Kev), who sets the vibe with breaks and hip-hop before the band takes over at 10:00 PM. Get there early—Tupelo is a North Beach staple that frequently reaches capacity on Friday nights.
No Cover: In keeping with Tupelo’s mission of keeping live music accessible, there is no cover charge for this show. It’s an elite musical experience right on Grant Avenue with no barriers to entry.

About Cougar Unleashed
Formed in 2013 by Rhonda “Cougar” Crouch and veteran bassist Warren Anthony, Cougar Unleashed has become one of Northern California’s most sought-after party and festival bands. Known for their “unleashed” energy and technical prowess, the group has headlined major events like the Campbell Oktoberfest and the East Palo Alto Blues Festival. Whether they are performing as a stripped-down duo or a full powerhouse ensemble, their mission is simple: tell the stories of life through a sound that is unapologetically melodic, soulful, and funky.

Magic School Busk
2026-03-21 13:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-22 13:00 - 21:00 | Red Window, 500 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States
Experience the ultimate “living theater” of North Beach as The Magic School Busk takes up their weekly residency directly in front of The Red Window. Positioned at the vibrant, sun-soaked corner of Stockton and Columbus, this high-energy busking collective captures the spontaneous spirit of the neighborhood.
The performance is a masterclass in Street Swing and improvisational Jazz. Drawing from the “busking” tradition of New Orleans and the European “Hot Club” sound, the ensemble specializes in acoustic music that is both technically brilliant and completely unpretentious. The line-up is fluid, often featuring a “who’s who” of local instrumentalists who bring a “restless melodicism” to classic standards and upbeat, toe-tapping originals.
The Magic School Busk is more than just a band; they are the neighborhood’s “resident joy-makers.” Because they perform on the street level, the barrier between musician and audience disappears, inviting passersby to stop, dance, and engage with the music in real-time. Whether you are enjoying a gin tonic on the Red Window’s outdoor patio or just walking by with a cannoli in hand, the band provides an elite, soulful soundtrack that defines the modern 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.

Jules Broussard’s New Orleans Jazz Band
2026-03-21 14:00 - 17:00 | Savoy Tivoli, 1434 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
The legendary Jules Broussard brings the spirit of New Orleans to the heart of North Beach with a bi-weekly residency at the Savoy Tivoli. Taking place every other Saturday from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, this “Legacy Jazz” series offers a rare opportunity to see a living master perform in one of the neighborhood’s most historic venues. These afternoon sessions are known for their relaxed yet electric atmosphere, drawing a devoted crowd of jazz aficionados and curious passersby alike.
While Broussard has been a Bay Area fixture for decades, his roots are in Marksville, Louisiana. His “New Orleans Jazz Band” highlights this heritage, blending classic NOLA syncopation with the sophisticated improvisational style that has made him a global name.

Jules Broussard is a saxophone virtuoso whose career spans over seven decades. Born in 1937, he began organizing bands in Louisiana at the age of twelve before serving in the U.S. Air Force and eventually settling in San Francisco. He has shared the stage and studio with some of the most iconic names in music history, including: Ray Charles, Carlos Santana, Van Morrison, Boz Scaggs, and Elvin Bishop.
Honored with the San Francisco Cabaret Gold Award for “Outstanding Jazz Musician” and a BAMMIE for “Best Reed Player,” Broussard is a cornerstone of the West Coast jazz scene. Once voted by the San Francisco Examiner as “Reason #11 out of 96 to be in San Francisco,” he continues to perform with a passion and mastery that captivates every generation of music lover.

Samurai Gypsies
2026-03-21 16:00 - 19:00 | Pier 23, 23 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, 94111, United States
This masterfully rich instrumentation, is both complex and precise, gritty and hot. The Samurai Gypsies are taking their music with african, flamenco, latin and jazz roots into some deliciously sexy and cerebral places. Join us for a great night of music 4-7pm.

Dave Matthews
2026-03-21 16:00 - 20:00 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
The Dave Matthews Blues Band was established in 2002 by David S. Matthews, an East Bay harmonica player (since 1982). The band plays standard blues covers such as “Sweet Home Chicago” in addition to well-known dance tunes like “I’ll Take You There,” and “Feeling Allright.”
Aubrey Rose – Guitar
David Matthews – Harmonica/Vocals
Felix Bannon – Guitar
Robi Bean – Drums
Tim Wagar – Bass

Freda Payne
2026-03-21 19:00 - 20:30 | Keys Jazz Bistro, 498 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, United States
Best known for her iconic 1970s hit, “Band of Gold,” Freda Payne is a Detroit native whose vocal talents were discovered early in her life. From singing at local events and appearing on television talent shows, including Ted Mack’s Original Amateur Hour, she joined The Don Larges Make Way for Youth radio show at just fourteen. Her early career included an album deal with Impulse Records/ABC Paramount and later with MGM Records.
A protégé of Quincy Jones during his big band era, Freda also graced the stage of the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2008 as part of his seventy-fifth birthday celebration. While she is widely recognized for her gold records “BAND OF GOLD” and “BRING THE BOYS HOME” produced by Holland, Dozier, and Holland, Freda’s talent has garnered her a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Female Vocalist for “Band of Gold,” and another nomination from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Science for her album “CONTACT.”
Beyond music, Freda has also appeared in several films, including “The Book of Number 1s,” “Rag Doll,” “Sprung,” “Nutty Professor the Klumps,” “Cordially Invited,” “Rhapsody,” “The Divorce,” and the upcoming Netflix series “Family Reunion.”
Her extensive experience in musical theatre includes roles in productions such as “DUKE ELLINGTON’S SOPHISTICATED LADIES,” “AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’,” “DADDY GOODNESS,” “JELLY’S LAST JAM,” “BLUES IN THE NIGHT,” and her recent acclaimed portrayal of Ella Fitzgerald in “ELLA FITZGERALD FIRST LADY OF SONG.”
Freda has just released her 26th CD, a Capitol Records studio recording titled “LET THERE BE LOVE,” featuring jazz big band arrangements and duets with renowned artists like Johnny Mathis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt Elling, and Kenny Lattimore, which is currently charting in the jazz world. Her previous album, “Come Back Love,” was a return to her jazz roots. Additionally, her new memoir, “Band of Gold,” co-written with Mark Bego, which recounts her remarkable life story, is now available on Amazon.
Continuing to captivate audiences, Freda frequently performs at Jazz Festivals, appears as a guest with artists such as Michael Feinstein at Lincoln Center and Christian McBride, and consistently draws large crowds at R&B Soul Festivals, including sold-out shows in London for over 10,000 fans.

Saturday~Flamenco, Music of the Andes, Latin Dance
2026-03-21 20:00 - 21:30 | Peña Pachamama, 1630 Powell St, San Francisco, 94133, United States
This Saturday, join two-time Latin Grammy nominee Eddy Nadia, Pachamama band, Andean costumed dancers and special guest master violinist Georges Lammam for a magical, musical night in a historic speakeasy.

Cliff Meyers & Friends
2026-03-21 20:00 - 23:00 | Comstock Saloon, 155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Comstock Saloon continues its tradition of hosting the city’s most compelling musical “finds” with Cliff Meyers & Friends. A fixture of the Bay Area’s more experimental and groove-heavy jazz circles, Meyers brings a collective energy to the room that transforms the historic saloon into a vibrant, modern listening space.
The Music: Cliff Meyers is known for a sound that leans into Jazz-Funk and Soul-Jazz. His “Friends” typically include a rotating cast of top-tier local session players—musicians who have spent time in the trenches of the Mission and North Beach scenes. Expect deep, locked-in grooves, extended improvisational jams, and a “restless melodicism” that keeps the set unpredictable.
The Performance: Unlike a standard jazz trio, a “Cliff Meyers & Friends” set often feels like a curated jam session among masters. The music is kinetic and conversational, moving from tight, soulful arrangements to open-ended sonic explorations that fill every corner of Comstock’s high-ceilinged room.
The Setting: There is a unique friction in hearing Meyers’ contemporary, groove-oriented sound inside a bar that looks exactly as it did in 1907. The polished wood and dim, golden lighting provide a sultry, noir-ish backdrop for the band’s electric energy.
The Experience: This is the ideal spot for those who want their jazz with a side of grit and soul. Whether you’re sitting at the bar with a Pisco Punch or tucked into a booth for dinner, the band provides a high-fidelity soundtrack that is as intellectually stimulating as it is physically infectious.

Fog City Swing
2026-03-21 21:00 - 22:30 | Keys Jazz Bistro, 498 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, United States
Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing Fog City Swing! The bay area’s newest and hottest jazz and swing band featuring an electrifying three horn front line, stellar crooning vocals, and a swing till you drop rhythm section. Enjoy an evening of swing, hard bop, and even some classic pop favorites performed only the way they can! This seven piece ensemble will transport you to the 1940’s and beyond, it is truly the world’s smallest big band!

Il Funk ky Shu’s Wit Nu Soles
2026-03-21 21:00 - 2026-03-22 01:30 | Tupelo, 1337 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States
II Funk ky Shu’s wit Nu Soles is a powerhouse R&B, soul, and funk ensemble that has become a cornerstone of the North Beach live music scene. Led by the deep, rhythmic grooves of Shepard on bass and the commanding, soulful vocals of Tambora, the band is celebrated for their “all-killer, no-filler” sets. Whether they are performing at local staples like Tupelo or larger venues like Yoshi’s, their mission is simple: to make the audience boogie with a mix of timeless classics and high-octane originals.
Soulful Repertoire: Their sets are a masterclass in the Great American Soulbook, featuring hit covers ranging from the Jackson 5’s “ABC” to modern anthems like “Uptown Funk” and “Get Lucky.” They specialize in bringing a “legitimate band” feel to every cover, infused with their own improvisational flair.
The “Nu Soles” Sound: The band typically features a lush, full sound powered by a tight rhythm section and a vibrant horn line—including trumpet, tenor sax, and trombone—creating a Wall of Sound that is impossible to sit still to.
Global Influence, Local Roots: After years of performing abroad, the group returned to San Francisco to reclaim their status as neighborhood favorites. They are frequent headliners for North Beach First Fridays, often performing high-energy sets that turn Grant Avenue into an open-air dance floor.
No Cover Groove: At venues like Tupelo, their Saturday night residencies are usually free to the public, offering world-class musicianship without a cover charge—though tipping the band for their marathon 3-hour sets is highly encouraged.

Jinx Jones
2026-03-21 21:30 - 2026-03-22 01:30 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Jinx Jones has been twice nominated for Male Rockabilly Artist of the Year by the Ameripolitan Music Awards, has received gold and platinum record awards for his work with R&B divas, En Vogue, has won songwriting awards and has been recognized as one of the hottest acts on the San Francisco music scene.
In Jinx Jones’ impressive musical career he has visited nearly every conceivable style and genre of the electric guitar. From his work Chuck Berry, Solomon Burke, and Roy Buchanan to his own acclaimed rockabilly albums, “License to Twang,” “Rumble & Twang,” “Rip and Run,” Live Twang in Finland.” And “Twang-Tastic!,” Jones has always strived to expand the possibilities of the instrument. He accepts every musical challenge head on, always making an impressive statement with his music. The one thing that remains consistent throughout Jones’ multi-stylistic journey is the grace and finesse of his virtuoso playing.

Late Set: Simon Rowe Organ Trio
2026-03-21 22:30 - 23:30 | Keys Jazz Bistro, 498 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, United States
Keeping folks up past 10 pm in SF is no easy feat, but Key’s owner Simon Rowe has been showcasing the best of the Bay Area’s organ trios in his late night Saturday sets.
His ‘Transcendent Trio’, formed for a “Jazz on the Patio” residency during the pandemic will feature the dynamic Kai Lyons- guitar, the ebullient Brian Fishler- drums and Rowe on Hammond organ for a set of Blues, Bebop, Ballads and Banter.
Simon Rowe – organ
Kai Lyons – guitar
Brian Fishler – drums
Tickets: $15 per show
First come, first serve seating policy. Advanced Ticket Purchase Suggetsed We strongly recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the show to secure your spot in line for seating.
Will-call check-in system, simply provide your last name to check in upon arrival.
Take advantage of our Bar & Lounge. No Cover! Happy Hour: Wed-Sat from 5pm-6pm.

Sunday Blues Jam at Pier 23 Cafe
2026-03-22 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.

Blues Power
2026-03-22 16:00 - 20:00 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Blues Power is a San Francisco blues project led by Mark Naftalin, known as a legendary pianist, producer, and blues advocate. The core band members typically include Mark Naftalin on keyboards, along with a rotating lineup of top Bay Area blues musicians such as bassist Dave McDaniel and drummer Sam Chapman. Blues Power is celebrated for its authentic blues sound that blends classic blues, R&B, and soul influences.

Adam Shulman Sextet
2026-03-22 17:00 - 18:30, 2026-03-22 19:00 - 20:30 | Keys Jazz Bistro, 498 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, United States
Mike Olmos trumpet
Jesse Levit alto saxophone
Patrick Wolff tenor saxophone
Eric Markowitz bass
Brian Fishler drums
Hard hitting sextet modeled after the classic sextets of Art Blakey and Horace Silver. Original compositions and arrangements by Adam Shulman from his catalog of sextet recordings.

Marissa McLain
2026-03-22 17:00 - 19:00 | Otherwise Brewing, 1402 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Relax and unwind from the week with us every other Sunday with the classic jazz vocal stylings of @marissa_m_sings and a rotating cast of friends on musical accompaniment.
Because Sundays at Otherwise Brewing are just better with sunshine, drinks, and live music.

A Sunday Music Cafe
2026-03-22 18:00 - 19:00 | Peña Pachamama, 1630 Powell St, San Francisco, 94133, United States
Meet the owners of Peña Pachamama, co-founders of SUKAY & Savia Andina. Every Sunday, Eddy Navia & Quentin Navia invite you into the heart of Peña Pachamama 𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗱𝗮𝘆

Michael Potter Trio
2026-03-22 18:00 - 21:00 | Waystone, 1609 Powell St, San Francisco, CA, United States
Michael Potter is a jazz pianist and composer who strives to bring joy to audiences through inspired original compositions and creative arrangements. He studied with pianist Edward Simon at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music from 2018 to 2022, and subsequently spent two years in Tokyo before returning to the Bay Area in 2025. Along with musical influence from the countless great pianists of the jazz tradition, Potter’s compositions take inspiration from nature, meditation practice, and language study. He has shared the stage with greats such as Matt Brewer, Carmen Bradford, Mike Rodriguez, and Akira Tana, and currently resides in the Bay Area.

Danny Brown Jazz Trio
2026-03-22 20:00 - 23:00 | Specs’ Twelve Adler Museum Cafe, 12 Saroyan Pl, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Live jazz with accomplished Bay Area based saxophonist and bandleader Danny Brown and his trio

Sunday Artist Series
2026-03-22 20:00 - 2026-03-23 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.

Otilia Donaire
2026-03-22 21:30 - 2026-03-23 01:30 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Otilia Donaire is a powerhouse San Francisco-born blues-rock singer and bandleader known for her sultry, gritty vocals and dynamic stage presence. With blues roots and a soulful, funk-driven sound, she captivates audiences across the Bay Area. Her acclaimed album “Bluesin’ It Up” showcases her rich, emotional storytelling and energetic performances.

Peter Lindman
2026-03-23 16:00 - 20:00 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Peter Lindman is a San Francisco-based musician known for his acoustic performances featuring covers from the glorious sixties along with some original songs. He plays solo or with electric guitar accompaniment, delivering soulful, nostalgic Americana tunes in intimate local venues.

Jazz Jam
2026-03-23 18:00 - 21:00 | Waystone, 1609 Powell St, San Francisco, CA, United States
Wayston’e jazz jam is every Monday, 6-9pm. Whether you’re a spectator, jazz lover or musician this is for you.
