North Beach Live

Hal Bigler Band
2026-07-07 20:00 - 23:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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. Led by bassist Hal Bigler, the ensemble features a rotating cast of the city’s finest instrumentalists—frequently including brass powerhouses like trombonists and trumpeters who drive the band’s “restless melodicism” and deep rhythmic pocket. Their performances are celebrated for their technical brilliance and an improvisational flair that 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.

The Local Edition Jazz Orchestra
2026-07-07 20:00 - 23:00 | Local Edition, 691 Market St, San Francisco, CA, 94105, United States
Live every Tuesday exclusively at Local Edition! The Local Edition Jazz Orchestra is a diverse group of long-time friends that have played alongside one another for years. The ensemble ranges from having as little as 8 to as many as 18 participants performing with occasional guest singers such as Billy Valentine, Bud E. Luv (aka Bobby Vickers), and Tom Scott.

Jose Simioni Trio
2026-07-08 16:30 - 20:30 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Jose Simioni Trio’s live performance at The Saloon from 4:30pm to 6:30pm with Dylan Garrison on drums and Tony Stead on the organ.

Wednesday Big Table
2026-07-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Specs’ Twelve Adler Museum Cafe, 12 Saroyan Pl, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
An open gathering of writers, poets, artists and more around the Big Table at Specs every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30pm! This more than 40 year tradition began with writers Jack Hirschman and Agneta Falk, and continues on with hosts Agneta and writers Byron Spooner and Judith Bernhard. Join us for drinks, laughs, good conversation and become a part of this longstanding Specs tradition! Everyone welcome!

Live Jazz
2026-07-08 19:00 - 21:00 | Ti Piacera, 1507 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109
Break up the work week with an evening of live jazz at Ti Piacera!
Every Wednesday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, this cozy Polk Street destination hosts a rotating selection of talented local jazz ensembles. While the specific band changes from week to week, you can always expect a high-quality musical experience featuring some of San Francisco’s most dedicated jazz musicians.
It is the perfect atmosphere for a refined dinner or a relaxed drink, providing a sophisticated backdrop of live improvisation and classic melodies in an intimate neighborhood setting.

Live Music at the Lion’s Den
2026-07-08 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-07-09 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-07-10 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-07-11 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-07-12 20:00 - 23:00 | Lion’s Den, 57 Wentworth Pl, San Francisco, CA, 94108, United States
Step into the vibrant heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown and discover Lion’s Den Bar and Lounge, your ultimate destination for electrifying nightlife and unforgettable experiences. With an irresistible fusion of Asian-inspired cocktails, pulsating beats, and a captivating ambiance, Lion’s Den sets the stage for a night you won’t soon forget.

Magic School Busk
2026-07-08 20:00 - 23:00 | Persona, 685 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA, 94102
Turn your midweek slump into a vibe at Persona SF! Every Wednesday at 8 PM, the Magic School Busk brings an electrifying fusion of Funk, Soul, Latin, Afro, and more to keep the energy high all night long.
Let the rhythm elevate your evening as this dynamic collective delivers a genre-blending experience that’s impossible to ignore. Whether you’re sipping on our signature cocktails or simply soaking in the sounds, Wednesdays at Persona are your new weekly ritual.

Jazz Jam Session
2026-07-08 20:00 - 23:00 | Stookey’s Blue Room, 891 Bush St, San Francisco, CA, 94108, United States
This is a drop in jazz jam session, led by rotating musicians. Come catch the next generation of jazz cats and be transported back in time to the 1920’s.

Jazz Music Bands/Local Musicians
2026-07-09 18:30 - 21:30 | Amelie, 1754 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109

Katy Stephan
2026-07-09 20:00 - 23:00 | Comstock Saloon, 155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Katy Stephan is a pianist, vocalist, and composer. She has composed and performed live original music for theatre (Porchlight Theatre, Word For Word, Upon These Boards, Azeotrope Theatre), dance (Project Agora, Copious Dance, Theatre, Counterpointe, and Requisite Dance), as well as burlesque and circus.
A collection of original songs that Katy recorded at home for National Solo Album Month was named one of the San Francisco Chronicle’s “Best Local Releases” of that year; and for three straight years she wrote, recorded and posted a new original song every week on her website.
She has performed in Germany, France, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Cyprus, the U.K. and the U.S. with various groups and projects. Stephan has been a soloist with the Oakland East Bay Symphony for their concert versions of Candide, Follies and Leonard Bernstein’s Mass, and appeared with the Pacific Mozart Ensemble as a soloist and chorus member on the Grammy- nominated recording of Mass with Kent Nagano and the Deutsche Symphonie. Her voice can be heard in several motion picture soundtracks, a TV sitcom theme, and in educational toys by Leapfrog and Fisher Price. Her original music is available on iTunes and at bandcamp.com.
https://www.katystephan.com/

Ghost Town Messengers, Jazz Trio
2026-07-09 20:45 - 23:45 | The Royale, 800 Post St, San Francisco, CA, United States
Ghost Town Messengers is a guitar trio from San Francisco, CA. Driving jazz fusion with a particularly groove oriented and instrumentally rich approach.
All seasoned jazz session players the Ghost Town Messengers have been playing together in different combos and pickup gigs for decades. Wishing to focus on the guitar trio format, their music emotes through selective chops and lyrical solo sections that ebb and flow like the tide of the SF Bay. Their original compositions bring to life Ernest Ranglin, Pat Metheny and Jon Scofield while subtly drifting into their own lane.
DAVID WRIGHT-guitar
CHRIS GAMPER-drums
JONATHAN BARKIN-bass

Katy Stephan
2026-07-10 17:00 - 19:00 | Comstock Saloon, 155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Katy Stephan is a pianist, vocalist, and composer. She has composed and performed live original music for theatre (Porchlight Theatre, Word For Word, Upon These Boards, Azeotrope Theatre), dance (Project Agora, Copious Dance, Theatre, Counterpointe, and Requisite Dance), as well as burlesque and circus.
A collection of original songs that Katy recorded at home for National Solo Album Month was named one of the San Francisco Chronicle’s “Best Local Releases” of that year; and for three straight years she wrote, recorded and posted a new original song every week on her website.
She has performed in Germany, France, Italy, Brazil, Japan, Cyprus, the U.K. and the U.S. with various groups and projects. Stephan has been a soloist with the Oakland East Bay Symphony for their concert versions of Candide, Follies and Leonard Bernstein’s Mass, and appeared with the Pacific Mozart Ensemble as a soloist and chorus member on the Grammy- nominated recording of Mass with Kent Nagano and the Deutsche Symphonie. Her voice can be heard in several motion picture soundtracks, a TV sitcom theme, and in educational toys by Leapfrog and Fisher Price. Her original music is available on iTunes and at bandcamp.com.

Magic School Busk
2026-07-10 17:00 - 21:00, 2026-07-11 13:00 - 17:00, 2026-07-12 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.

Gaucho Jazz
2026-07-10 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.

Dewayne Oakley and Ralph Nelson
2026-07-11 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-07-12 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.”

Ghost Town Messengers, Jazz Trio
2026-07-11 16:00 - 18:00 | Casements Bar, 2351 Mission St, San Francisco, CA, 94110, United States

Mari Mack & Livin’ Like Kings
2026-07-11 16:00 - 20:00 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Soulful blues
Today’s lineup includes Arne Frager on bass, Richard Wood on keys, Dave Powell on guitar and Martin Cunningham on drums…
https://www.facebook.com/groups/mmllk/

Saturday~Flamenco, Music of the Andes, Latin Dance
2026-07-11 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.

Late Set: Simon Rowe Organ Trio
2026-07-11 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.

Bluegrass Jam
2026-07-12 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.

Spanish Folk live music
2026-07-12 17:00 - 19:00 | Amelie, 1754 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109

Marissa McLain
2026-07-12 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.

Magic School Busk Latin Collective
2026-07-12 20:00 - 23:00 | Persona, 685 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA, 94102
Cap off your weekend with an electrifying explosion of rhythm as the Magic School Busk Latin Collective takes over Persona every Sunday night. While the “Busk” is famous for their daytime street-side swing in North Beach, their Sunday residency at this sleek Lower Nob Hill lounge pivots into a high-fidelity exploration of the Afro-Latin diaspora. The room transforms from a sophisticated cocktail sanctuary into a pulsing dance floor, fueled by a genre-blending sound that is impossible to ignore.
The Sound: The Collective delivers a “simmering” fusion of Cumbia, Salsa, Son, Mambo and more, often laced with the band’s signature funk and soul undertones. Expect driving percussion, soaring brass lines, and a “restless melodicism” that pays homage to both Fania-era greats and modern tropical experimentalists.
The Atmosphere: Persona offers a stark, stylish contrast to the group’s outdoor “busking” roots. With its moody lighting, plush textures, and expert mixology, the venue provides a “supper club” intimacy where you can appreciate the technical brilliance of the players up close before the inevitable move to the dance floor.
The “Invitational” Spirit: True to the Magic School Busk ethos, the Latin Collective often serves as a magnet for the city’s top percussionists and horn players. It is common to see special guest vocalists or instrumentalists “sit in” with the band, ensuring that every Sunday session has its own unique, improvisational DNA.
No Cover: This elite musical experience is open to the public with no cover charge. It provides an accessible “ritual” for industry locals and music aficionados who want a high-energy alternative to the typical “quiet Sunday” routine.

About the Magic School Busk Latin Collective
The Latin Collective is a specialized branch of the broader Magic School Busk family—a group of veteran Bay Area musicians dedicated to bringing world-class live performance to the people. Led by a core of “pocket-heavy” rhythm specialists, the Collective emphasizes the communal and spiritual aspects of Latin music. Whether they are performing as a stripped-down quartet or a full ensemble with a wall of brass, their mission remains consistent: to bring the a good time to party people.
