offbeatSF

Bob Kenmotsu Quartet
2026-04-22 21:00 - 22:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Keys Jazz Bistro, 498 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Bob Kenmotsu was born in Stockton, CA, and learned music in public schools. He graduated from San Jose State University and began working local music jobs in the Bay Area. After working a cruise ship job out of Los Angeles, he moved to New York and began working as a free-lance jazz saxophonist.
While in New York, Bob was a member of the Jack McDuff organ combo, and the Ruth Brown Band. He recorded ‘The Spark’, with Billy Hart and Ira Coleman, and ‘Bronx Tale’, with Pat Martino and Jack McDuff. Bob also played on Pat Martino’s ‘Nightwings’, with Bill Stewart and Marc Johnson. While living back east, Bob received a New Jersey Arts Commision Grant for composition.
In 1994, Bob went to Japan upon receiving a Japan/US Fellowship cultural exchange grant, and lived there until 1997. While in Japan, he played many clubs, concerts, festivals, and tours of the country. Bob travels to Japan to tour each year.
In 1997, Bob returned to the US, to the San Francisco Bay Area. He recorded ‘Looking at Air’, with Bill Stewart, Essiet Okun Essiet and Joel Weiskopf.
Bob has played jazz all over the world including Blue Note jazz clubs in New York City, Tokyo, Ronnie Scott’s London, Kennedy Center DC, Village Vanguard, and Carnegie Hall.
Now, Bob lives in Berkeley, CA and is working jazz clubs and concerts on the West Coast. His latest recording, “I’m In Love With You”, features David Hazeltine, piano, David Wong, bass, and Billy Drummond, drums.
Bob Kenmotsu – Tenor Sax
Ben Stolorow – Piano
Ollie Dudek – Bass
Tim Bulkley – Drums

Nick Rossi's Swing Six
2026-04-22 21:00 - 23:30 | Cat’s Corner, 435 Broadway St, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Midweek swing night with rotating live bands, swing dance classes, and cocktails in a classic North Beach setting, Cat’s Corner welcomes Nick Rossi’s Swing Six on Wednesday, April 22 from 9:00–11:30pm.
Led by guitarist Nick Rossi, the Swing Six specializes in polished small-band swing with deep rhythmic lift, elegant phrasing, and a clear affection for the classic jazz language of the 1930s and ’40s. A favorite with dancers for its relaxed drive and beautifully shaped pulse, the band pairs Rossi’s impeccable rhythm guitar with a standout frontline featuring Kamrin Ortiz on tenor sax and clarinet and Clint Baker on trumpet, backed by Kevin Gerzevitz on piano, Mikiya Matsuda on bass, and Smith Dobson on drums. The result is warm, finely textured swing music with plenty of style, momentum, and vintage charm.
Schedule:
9–9:30 PM Free beginner swing dance lesson with admission
9–11:30 PM Live music social dance party
Admission: $15 general, discounts available later in the evening. Beginners and all ages welcome.
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1186504040225007

Jesse Cobb
2026-04-22 21:30 - 2026-04-23 01:30 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Experience an evening of high-energy electric blues and rock with Jesse Cobb at one of San Francisco’s most iconic historic venues.
Jesse Cobb is a premier electric guitarist based in San Francisco, recognized for his intricate Telecaster work and creative, genre-bending arrangements. Performing with his band, The Golden West, Cobb delivers a unique “rock n soul stew” that weaves together jazz-funk, soulful rock, and the improvisational spirit of western swing. His music draws deeply from the soulful explorations of artists like Prince and the sophisticated sounds of Steely Dan, all while maintaining the grit and swagger of a classic bar-band performance.
As a longtime resident performer at The Saloon, Cobb has become a fixture of the North Beach music scene. His sets are known for being fiercely original and rhythmically driving, making them a favorite for both dedicated guitar enthusiasts and those looking for a lively night of dancing in an authentic neighborhood setting.

Dolphin Jazz with Michael Weiner at Pier 23 Cafe
2026-04-23 16:00 - 19:00 | Pier 23, 23 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, 94111, United States
Michael Weiner plays the piano with his jazz group at Pier 23 Café on Thursday 4-7pm. Weiner has been playing piano since he was 3 years old. Join us for a fun night, relax with your favorite drink and grab a bite from our delicious menu. We look forward to having you with us!
When he’s not playing jazz, Weiner is a professor of Radiology and pioneering brain imaging researcher at the UCSF School of Medicine.

3rd Thursday Band
2026-04-23 16:00 - 20:00 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
The 3rd Thursday Band is a San Francisco-based blues and rock group known for lively performances at The Saloon. Led by Mike Dingle on guitar and vocals, with Mike McKevit on lead guitar and vocals, they deliver classic rock and blues covers alongside original tunes, energizing audiences with their tight, soulful sound.
Mark Yee – Sax/Keyboard
Mike McKevitt – Lead Guitar
Mike Dingle – Rhythm Guitar/Vocals
Bruce Slesinger – Drums
Bruce Ducheneaux – Bass

Viajó de la Música
2026-04-23 18:00 - 21:00 | Scopo Divino, 2800 California St #101, San Francisco, CA, 94115, United States
Viajó 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.

Magic Nostalgia
2026-04-23 18:30 - 20:30 | Barbara Pinseria & Cocktail Bar, 431 Columbus, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Magic Nostalgia performs a free outdoor show in front of Barbara Pinseria & Cocktail Bar in North Beach on Thursday, April 23 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Expect upbeat pop favorites spanning the 80s through the 2020s, with all ages welcome, RSVP encouraged, and a rain plan to move the show indoors.

Emily Day's Cosmo AlleyCats
2026-04-23 19:00 - 20:10, 2026-04-23 20:50 - 22:00 | Mr. Tipples, 39 Fell St, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
Cosmo Alleycats have been a favorite of the San Francisco music scene since the band’s 2010 beginning, bringing to the stage a potent mix of swing and vintage dance music with a dynamic, soulful delivery.
Led by vocalist Emily Day (“one of the major singers in her field” – Scott Yanow), Cosmo Alleycats draws from several decades of exhilarating American music, along with inspired originals, to deliver a fun and engaging performance.

ZHENIIA: 'Saraab' Album Release Show
2026-04-23 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-04-23 21:15 - 22:45 | Black Cat Jazz Supper Club, 400 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA, 94109, United States
San Francisco-based bassist, trombonist, composer, and arranger Leela Paymai (ZHENIIA) grew up steeped in the sounds of Persian Pop music—Googoosh, Marjan, Dariush—before landing in the Bay Area and diving headfirst into the tangled, boundary-less world of modern jazz.
What emerged is ZHENIIA: a genre-blurring, emotionally charged project that filters ancestral memory through a contemporary lens. ZHENIIA’s music is a collision of identities and histories, layered with microtonal scales, hip-hop rhythm, and psychedelic textures. Bass-driven and politically pointed, the songs reach across genre and geography, weaving oud melodies and Persian folk motifs through thick, improvisatory grooves.
The band’s ever-shifting lineup reflects the fluidity of its sound—one show might feature electric violin, the next trombone—but there’s always a core of rhythm, synthesis, and soul. “I take a lot of inspiration from my grandparents and parents,” Paymai says, “who, despite surviving the Iranian revolution, always found time to make music. That spirit—of resilience, of beauty in chaos—fuels everything I do.”
ZHENIIA premiered in February 2025 with a sold-out debut at San Jose Jazz’s New Works Festival, backed by a dynamic band of Bay Area collaborators including Chili Corder on oud, Julian Lopez on synths, and drummer Jaycie Grady. Press coverage quickly followed, with features in Mercury News, East Bay Times, and Mission Local. While no official releases have dropped yet, ZHENIIA is just beginning. These are songs for survival, movement, and deep feeling—music to grieve to, dream through, and rise with. Stay tuned.
Band Lineup: Leela Paymai – bass Julian Lopez – piano Chili Corder – oud Allison Irvine – violin Rabiah Kabir – flute Jaycie Grady – drums

Alexandra Rieloff Quartet
2026-04-23 19:00 - 22:00 | Sheba Piano Lounge, 1419 Filmore St, San Francisco, CA, 94115, United States
Immerse yourself in a sophisticated blend of smooth melodies and Latin-inspired rhythms as the Alexandra Rieloff Quartet takes the stage at Sheba Piano Lounge on Thursday from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Known for her versatile background as a filmmaker and choreographer, Brooklyn-born Chilean vocalist Alexandra Rieloff brings a unique, cinematic elegance to her jazz performances. This intimate set features a timeless repertoire of jazz standards, peppered with the romantic textures of Bossa Nova and Boleros.
The Sound: The trio delivers a “sultry and soulful” soundscape. Rieloff’s rich, emotive vocals are typically supported by a seasoned rhythm section—often featuring Mark Holzinger on guitar and Rob Bassinette on bass—creating a relaxed yet technically brilliant atmosphere.
A Cultural Fusion: Reflecting Rieloff’s Chilean roots, the performance often bridges the gap between the Great American Songbook and Latin American classics. It is a musical journey that feels both globally inspired and deeply personal.
The Sheba Ambiance: The dim, amber-lit warmth of Sheba Lounge, with its tropical foliage and cozy fireplace, serves as the perfect “film-noir” backdrop for Rieloff’s performance. It is a setting where the music and the mood are in perfect harmony.
No Cover Charge: This high-caliber performance is open to all patrons with no cover, making it a premier destination for those seeking a refined night out in the Fillmore without the velvet ropes.

About Alexandra Rieloff
Alexandra Rieloff is a multi-talented artist whose work spans music, dance, and film. Since moving to San Francisco, she has become a fixture of the local jazz and cabaret scenes, known for her “visual approach to storytelling through song.” Whether she is performing at North Beach taprooms or historic cocktail lounges like Stookey’s Blue Room, Rieloff is celebrated for her ability to curate sets that are both intellectually engaging and deeply evocative, keeping the spirit of mid-century jazz alive with a modern, cosmopolitan twist.

Nino Ayele
2026-04-23 19:00 - 23:00 | Amelie, 1754 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109, United States
Brazilian-born Nino Ayele brings groove-rich guitar and vocals to Amélie for an intimate night of modern jazz, R&B, and global influences. Drawing on his Brazilian roots and a contemporary global sound, he blends supple guitar lines with a warm, expressive voice, crafting songs that feel both personal and timeless. In the cozy glow of Amélie’s wine bar setting, Nino’s set becomes a slow-burn soundtrack for the evening — melodic, rhythmic, and quietly magnetic.

Dennis Palmieri: Pop Piano Cabaret
2026-04-23 19:30 - 22:00 | Stookey’s Blue Room, 891 Bush St, San Francisco, CA, 94108, United States
Dennis offers an evening of loungy renditions of memorable songs from decades past—come and relax with a tour of favorites you”re likely know all the words to! Favorites from the 70s, 80s, standards and original songs.
His first EP was recently released in early October 2025, with original songs influenced by singer-songwriters of the 70s.

Katy Stephan
2026-04-23 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.

Jose Simioni Jazz Trio
2026-04-23 20:00 - 23:00 | Specs’ Twelve Adler Museum Cafe, 12 Saroyan Pl, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Fantastic North Beach based jazz and blues guitarist Jose Simioni brings his trio to Specs! With a career spanning three decades and performances in renowned venues, Jose’s music captivates audiences with his distinctive style and heartfelt melodies. He came to SF from Washington D.C. for a couple of days with the essentials – “a guitar, an amp, a sleeping bag and a few clothes” and he’s called SF home ever since. Jose is best known for his live performances in North Beach, where he holds weekly residencies at The Saloon, The Belle Cora and Tupelo.

Dos Bandoleros
2026-04-23 20:00 - 23:00 | Comstock Saloon, 155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Feel the heat with this Spanish duo as they bring back their fiery flamenco rumba sounds, infused with a latin twist to the Comstock Saloon. It’s an authentic, pulse-pounding performance that redefines traditional rhythms

Rotating Bands at the Lion’s Den
2026-04-23 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.

Hard Bop Quintet
2026-04-23 20:00 - 23:59 | Dawn Club, 10 Annie St, San Francisco, CA, 94103, United States
The Hard Bop Quintet is a jazz group from the San Francisco Bay Area inspired by the fiery style of the early 1960s New York jazz scene.
The group began as the brainchild of two Bay Area jazz musicians who grew up together in Santa Cruz, California: trombonist Scott Larson, and trumpeter Jay Sanders – the idea for the band being to create a hard bop jazz group which seamlessly fuses different musical aesthetics from boogaloo, afro-cuban, and bebop into the contemporary jazz landscape.
The groups repertoire consists of original compositions by Larson as well as new interpretations of genre classics by legends such as Hank Mobley, Lee Morgan and Kenny Dorham.

Howard Wiley & Chris Siebert
2026-04-23 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.

Blue Note Jazz Revival Quartet
2026-04-23 20:30 - 23:59 | Local Edition, 691 Market St, San Francisco, CA, 94105, United States
This Jazz ensemble led by Ollie Dudek on Bass, features the greatest high energy hits from the Blue Note Records catalog that will be sure to get you out of your seat and moving on the dance floor!

Children of Lucy Jazz Quartet
2026-04-23 20:45 - 23:45 | The Royale, 800 Post St, San Francisco, CA, 94109, United States
Children of Lucy Jazz Quartet at the Royale.

Peter Horvath Trio
2026-04-23 21:00 - 22:30 | Keys Jazz Bistro, 498 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Contemporary jazz pianist, keyboardist and composer, Peter Horvath has been perfecting his craft since the age of six when he began taking classical piano lessons. Born in Budapest, Hungary, he attended the Bela Bartok Conservatory of Music. At age 17, he won the National Jazz Combo Competition in Hungary and two years later moved to Austria to attend the Vienna Conservatory of Music. In 1983, Peter moved to the United States,where he studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He has since performed, recorded and toured nationally and worldwide with a long line of world-class artist, including jazz greats Bobby Hutcherson, Joe Henderson,Richie Cole, Ernie Watts, Eddie Henderson, Charles McPherson, Benny Maupin, the Victor Bailey Group, Lenny White, Arturo Sandoval, Randy Brecker, Marcus Miller, Pee Wee Ellis Funk Assembly, Bob Mintzer, Bob Sheppard, Craig Handy, Tiger Okoshi, Lalah Hathaway, Melba Moore,Ledisi, Keith Washington, Rosie Gaines, Ray Obiedo, Pete Escovedo and the Oakland Symphony. Peter composed for and performed with David Garibaldi for his critically acclaimed Warner Brothers video/CD series and recorded the tracks for Aretha Franklin’s performance of the National Anthem at the 1993 World Series.Peter Horvath’s first solo recording, “

Saxy Susan
2026-04-23 21:30 - 2026-04-24 01:30 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Saxy Susan, aka Susan Copperman, is a multi-talented musician from San Francisco known for playing saxophone, keyboards, and dancing with the Poyntlyss Sistars Rockin’ Show Band. She began playing sax at age 9 and combines classical training with vibrant live performances, often playing at The Saloon and other local venues.Her style reflects a mix of classic rock and rhythm and blues influences infused with a fun, soulful vibe.​

David M’Ore
2026-04-24 16:00 - 20:00 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
David M’Ore is a high-energy blues-rock guitarist and vocalist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, known for his virtuosic guitar style, raspy vocals, and explosive performances. Born in Argentina, he blends traditional blues with British neoclassical hard rock influences. His acclaimed album “Holy Sinners & Sinful Saints” showcases his instrumental mastery and passionate sound.

Katy Stephan
2026-04-24 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.

Magic School Busk
2026-04-24 17:00 - 21:00 | Red Window, 500 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, 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.

Tom Catanzaro Quintet
2026-04-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Mr. Tipples, 39 Fell St, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
Grant Levin | Piano
Alan Jones | Bass
Miles Turk | Drums
Tom Catanzaro | Sax
A recent Bay Area, transplant, saxophonist Tom Catanzaro is a dynamic and versatile musician. In the early 2000s, Tom honed his craft in New York City, studying with Bob Mintzer on a full scholarship to Manhattan School of Music and playing with and learning from artists such as Roy Hargrove, Eric Lewis (ELEW), Robert Glasper, and Ambrose Akinmusire.
Upon returning to California, Tom toured with the Clayton Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, performing with artists such as Diana Krall, Al Jarreau, Michael Brecker, George Benson, Christian McBride, Dianne Reeves, Peter Martin, and Liza Minelli, to name a few. While living in Southern California, he played and recorded often with artists such as pianist Josh Nelson and trumpeter Gilbert Castellanos.
Today, Tom performs all over the Bay Area and is the Director of The Muse Jazz Collective, a new collective of Jazz listeners, mentors, and advocates committed to awakening beauty, love, and justice in the Bay through Jazz concerts, jam sessions, and listening parties.

Adam Klipple Trio with Special Guest!
2026-04-24 18:00 - 19:00 | Mr. Tipples, 39 Fell St, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
Adam Klipple | Keys
Kai Lyons | Guitar
Boogaloo McDuff | Drums
Pianist and keyboardist Adam Klipple has toured the world with artists such as Veronica Swift and Lauryn Hill. Currently touring with Blood Sweat and Tears, Adam is bringing his trio to Mr Tipple’s. Featuring longtime associate Kai Lyons on guitar, the band can nimbly navigate between swing, Latin, blues and funk. There will also be a special guest drummer from Adam’s NYC past.

Hipsteria
2026-04-24 18:00 - 21:00 | Etcetera Wine Bar, 795 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA, 94110, United States
Hipsteria is one of San Francisco’s favorite jazz, soul and party bands! Members of Hipsteria have included some of music’s legendary musicians!
Featuring “Tender Tim” on drums and some vocals Hipsteria plays every Friday at Etcetera Wine bar.
