Dirty Works Jazz Jam
2026-11-30 20:00 - 2026-12-01 01:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Persona, 685 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
The Dirty Works Jazz Band brings its weekly jam session to Persona. 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 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.

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.

The San Francisco Invitational Jam
2026-11-30 21:00 - 2026-12-01 01:00 | Tupelo, 1337 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Step into the inner circle of the city’s music scene with THE San Francisco Invitational Jam at Tupelo. Held every Monday night from 9:00 PM – 1:00 AM, this is widely considered the definitive jam session for professional players and serious students of the craft. Hosted by the “nastiest rhythm section this side of South Dakota”—Andrew Coutti on drums and Young Blake on bass—the evening serves as a high-stakes proving ground where the Bay Area’s best talent comes to stretch their creative muscles.
The Sound: This isn’t your average open mic; it is a high-octane exploration of Roots, Soul, R&B, and Funk. The house band sets a blistering pace, and the music often leans into deep-pocket grooves and sophisticated jazz-fusion arrangements that demand technical precision and quick improvisational thinking.
The “Invitational” Edge: While the session is open to high-level guests, it maintains an invitational spirit, meaning the stage is curated to ensure a top-tier musical experience for the audience. Each week features a different special guest vocalist, ensuring that the “soul” of the night is always fresh and evolving.
A Networking Hub: Monday nights at Tupelo act as the unofficial headquarters for off-duty working musicians. It’s a place where bandleaders scout for subs, songwriters find collaborators, and the community gathers to celebrate the raw, unscripted power of live music.
No Cover, All Access: Despite the world-class musicianship on display, there is no cover charge. It provides an accessible “masterclass” environment for fans who want to see how the city’s musical engine runs behind the scenes.

About the Invitational Jam
Founded on the belief that San Francisco needs a consistent home for professional musical dialogue, the Invitational Jam has outlasted countless other sessions in the city. Hosts Andrew Coutti and Young Blake are veteran players known for their “unprecedented chemistry” and ability to back any guest with a rock-solid, funky foundation. Over the years, the jam has hosted everyone from local legends to touring pros, cementing Tupelo’s reputation as a vital sanctuary for the preservation of San Francisco’s live R&B and Funk traditions.

GG Amos
2026-12-01 16:00 - 20:00 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Electrifying, Innovative, Soulful
GG Amos has entertained audiences her entire life, but she’s made blues and blues guitar her specialty for the past 35 years.
Concert halls, nightclubs, roadhouses, restaurants, festivals, parties, wineries, weddings and wakes she’s played them all!
She’s known as a riveting, electrifying performer and unique songwriter and arranger, focusing on the west coast blues style– a blend of blues, jazz, funk and latin elements. Her guitar playing and voice
are both fluid and lyrical. Soul jazz has also become part of her repertoire.
Paris Bertolucci on keys
Randy Lee Odell on drums
GG Amos on vocals and guitar

The North Beach Django
2026-12-01 19:30 - 22:30 | Paris 75, 515 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Transport yourself to a 1930s sidewalk café in Montmartre as North Beach Django takes residency at Paris 75 every Tuesday. Located on the edge of the historic Broadway corridor, this charming French lounge provides the perfect backdrop for the “Hot Club” sound. With its selection of authentic French cocktails and wines, the venue feels less like a San Francisco bar and more like a secret sanctuary for lovers of European jazz and vintage aesthetics.
The Sound: North Beach Django delivers an authentic exploration of Jazz Manouche (Gypsy Jazz). Their sound is defined by the “pumping” rhythm of acoustic guitars and soaring, melodic solos. Expect a repertoire of high-speed swing, haunting French musette waltzes (like “L’Indifférence”), and soulful ballads that capture the bittersweet spirit of the early 20th century.
The Django Legacy: The group’s mission is to honor the revolutionary style of Django Reinhardt, the legendary Romani-French guitarist who pioneered this genre. Despite losing the use of two fingers in a fire, Reinhardt’s virtuosic speed and unique harmonic language changed jazz forever. The band keeps this fire alive, utilizing the same acoustic string-band format—no drums, just pure rhythmic drive.
The Players: The group is led by a core of the Bay Area’s finest “manouche” specialists, often featuring Ned Boynton on guitar, Eddie Scher on guitar, and Kenan O’Brien on bass. Their chemistry is a masterclass in the “interlocking” style of Gypsy Swing, where the lead and rhythm guitars work in a constant, high-speed dialogue.
The Community Jam: In the spirit of the Parisian cafés where this music was born, the evening often evolves into a welcoming session. After the first set, the band frequently opens the floor to “acoustic sitter-inners”—strings, accordions, and woodwinds—making it a vibrant hub for the local jazz community.

About Paris 75
Paris 75 is a sophisticated French cocktail lounge that serves as a cultural bridge between San Francisco and the “City of Light.” Named after the postal code for Paris, the bar specializes in regional French wines and signature cocktails like the “French 75.” The intimate, candlelit space is designed for conversation and attentive listening, making it the ideal home for the acoustic nuances of North Beach Django. It is a place where time slows down, and the legacy of the great European troubadours feels remarkably present.

Gaucho Jazz
2026-12-01 19:30 - 22:30 | DecoDance Bar, 1160 Polk St., San Francisco, CA, 94109, United States
Step into DecoDance on a Thursday night and you’ll find Gaucho turning the Art Deco lounge into a Paris-meets-San-Francisco swing party. Their hot-club–inspired sound — acoustic guitars, bass, and horns weaving gypsy jazz, musette, and classic swing — pairs perfectly with the bar’s Great Gatsby mood and craft cocktails. Grab a booth under the moody lights, order a drink, and let the band’s playful, high-energy sets pull you toward the dance floor as the night unfolds.

The Local Edition Jazz Orchestra
2026-12-01 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.

Smith Dobson Jazz Special
2026-12-01 20:00 - 23:00 | Specs’ Twelve Adler Museum Cafe, 12 Saroyan Pl, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Monthly jazz jam session led by multi-instrumentalist Smith Dobson and his quartet. Every first Tuesday 8-11pm at Specs! All musicians welcome, bring your instruments!

Hal Bigler Band
2026-12-01 20:00 - 23:00 | Comstock Saloon, 155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Step back in time at Comstock Saloon, where the Hal Bigler Band holds court every Tuesday night from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Set in a meticulously restored 1907 building at the crossroads of North Beach and Chinatown, this residency perfectly matches the band’s vintage sound with a setting of intricate carved wood, cozy booths, and pre-Prohibition style. Known for serenading guests from the saloon’s unique upstairs stage, the band provides an elite, high-fidelity soundtrack that transforms a weeknight into a cinematic San Francisco experience.
The music is a masterclass in Traditional Jazz and Swing, often leaning into a “bawdy” and soulful energy that keeps the room vibrant. The ensemble features a rotating cast of the city’s finest instrumentalists—Cliff Myer on Guitar, Bob Johns on Piano, Mauro Pannitto on Bass, Marty Brewer on Drums, and Rick Brown on Trombone. Hal Bigler’s improvisational flair honors the roots of early 20th-century jazz while keeping the energy modern and infectious.
The atmosphere at Comstock during these sets is both elegant and unpretentious, drawing a mix of jazz aficionados, cocktail enthusiasts, and neighborhood regulars. Whether you are seated at the bar enjoying a classic Ramos Fizz or tucked into a booth for dinner, the Hal Bigler Band ensures that the spirit of old North Beach remains loud and alive. With no cover charge and a front-row seat to world-class musicianship, it is one of the city’s most essential and accessible live music traditions.

About the Hal Bigler Band
Hal Bigler is a veteran of the San Francisco jazz scene, known for his “steady hand” on the upright bass and his ability to curate top-tier ensembles. His band has become a cornerstone of the North Beach live music circuit, praised for preserving the high-energy “hot jazz” style that once defined the city’s nightlife. Occasionally collaborating with unique performers like burlesque dancers, the group remains dedicated to the idea that jazz should be a multi-sensory, high-energy party. Their Tuesday night residency at Comstock is widely considered one of the best spots in the city to watch this live jazz combo.

The Charles Unger Experience
2026-12-02 19:00 - 21:00 | Ti Piacera, 1507 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109, United States
Join us for a high-energy evening of soulful jazz and funk with the Charles Unger Experience at Ti Piacera!
Performing every other Wednesday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, the legendary San Francisco saxophonist Charles Unger brings his signature blend of passion and virtuosity to the stage. Known for his charismatic stage presence and explosive playing, Charles Unger leads a band that bridges the gap between classic jazz and contemporary grooves.
The Charles Unger Experience is more than just a jazz set; it is a vibrant musical journey featuring soulful melodies, driving rhythms, and intricate improvisation. Whether he is playing a tender ballad or an up-tempo funk number, Charles delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply emotional, making it a perfect mid-week escape in an intimate setting.

Magic School Busk
2026-12-02 20:00 - 23:00 | Persona, 685 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
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
2026-12-02 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.

Rotating Bands at the Lion’s Den
2026-12-02 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-12-03 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-12-04 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-12-05 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.

Jazz Music Bands/Local Musicians
2026-12-03 19:00 - 23:00 | Amelie, 1754 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109, United States

Katy Stephan
2026-12-03 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.

Dirty Works Jazz Jam & Burlesque Show
2026-12-03 20:00 - 23:00 | Paris 75, 515 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, 94133, 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.

Katy Stephan
2026-12-04 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.

Jessica Loos Poetry & Music Series
2026-12-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Macchiarini Creative Design, 1544 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States
Jessica Loos poetry series 7pm, quilt work wall hangings and artistry by Marylyn Tescani. Poetry reading and music in front of Macchiarini Creative Design. Follow the poets up to Coit Tower at 9pm or stick around for the Black Diamond Band at 10pm.
Want to know more about the North Beach Poetry Crawl? Check out Mukethe Kawinzi’s experience in Quiet Lighting.

Magic School Busk
2026-12-04 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.

Group Art Show
2026-12-04 17:00 - 23:00 | Professor Seagull’s Smartshop and Gallery, 1351 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, 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.

Vince Lateano Trio
2026-12-04 18:00 - 21:00 | Sweetie’s Art Bar, 475 Francisco St, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Join us at Sweetie’s Art Bar for an unforgettable night with the Vince Lateano Trio!
Experience the masterful jazz drumming of Vince Lateano, a San Francisco jazz legend who has played alongside icons like Cal Tjader and Stan Getz. The trio brings a lively mix of classic and contemporary jazz in an intimate setting that’s perfect for true music lovers.
Don’t miss this chance to enjoy authentic jazz vibes with one of the genre’s seasoned pros. The Vince Lateano Trio’s performances are soulful, swinging, and always engaging — a perfect way to spend your evening. Mark your calendar, bring friends, and come support live jazz at Sweetie’s Art Bar!

Andean and Latin World Music Night
2026-12-04 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
2026-12-04 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
2026-12-05 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-12-06 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.”

Magic School Busk
2026-12-05 13:00 - 17:00 | Red Window, 500 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, 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.

Saturday~Flamenco, Music of the Andes, Latin Dance
2026-12-05 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
2026-12-05 22:30 - 23:30 | Keys Jazz Bistro, 498 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, 94133, 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.
