North Beach Live

Kit Ruscoe
2026-03-29 16:00 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Experience the raw, unadulterated sound of San Francisco’s “Barbary Coast” as Kit Ruscoe takes center stage at The Saloon. A fixture of the North Beach music scene and a key architect of the G-Riders sound, Ruscoe is known for a guitar style that balances melodic elegance with the high-voltage energy required to fill the city’s oldest dance floor.
The Artist
Kit Ruscoe (Guitar): A veteran of the Bay Area blues and roots circuit, Ruscoe is a master of the clean but mean guitar tone. Whether he is leading his own ensemble or collaborating with neighborhood legends, his playing is defined by a restless melodicism—weaving together intricate blues runs, soulful R&B phrasing, and a rhythmic drive that keeps the room moving.
The Experience
The Setting: There is no pretension at The Saloon. With its original 1861 wooden bar and a history that survived the Great Earthquake, it remains the ultimate “no-frills” sanctuary for live music.
The Sound: Expect a set rooted in Electric Blues and Soul-Jazz. The acoustics of the room—tight, wooden, and intimate—allow every nuance of Ruscoe’s hollow-body guitar to resonate, providing a high-fidelity experience in a delightfully low-fi environment.
The Crowd: A classic North Beach mix of neighborhood regulars, blues aficionados, and travelers who have followed the sound of a Hammond organ and a Fender Stratocaster in from the street.

The Brad Leali Jazz Quartet ft. Carla Helmbrecht
2026-03-29 17:00 - 18:30, 2026-03-29 19:00 - 20:30 | Keys Jazz Bistro, 498 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, United States
The sensitive and sophisticated vocal stylings of Carla Helmbrecht are the perfect complement to the soulful, blues- and swing-influenced style of the Brad Leali ensemble. Not only do they explore classic jazz standards and original materials, but they are able to infuse historical and modern components to their unique arrangements. This dynamic duo will be backed tonight by a world class trio with Adam Shulman (piano/organ), Brian Fishler (drums), and Matthew Montgomery (bass).
With a unique style and sound that echo the influences of his past, Brad Leali is one of the most notable saxophonists of current times. Leali toured and recorded with numerous jazz greats, including several years with Harry Connick, Jr. and later with the Count Basie Orchestra. Leali was a standing member of the Kennedy Center Honors Band and performed for President Obama’s first inaugural celebration. He tours and is a featured soloist with the Grammy-winning musician and actor, Lyle Lovett. Brad is currently the Professor of Jazz Saxophone at the University of North Texas
“Saxophonist Brad Leali was among the most soulful and exciting I’ve heard recently.” – New York Times
“His solos are sparkling and Cannonball Adderley influenced.” - Evening Standard (London, England)
Grammy-nominated singer/song-writer, Carla Helmbrecht, began her love affair with music at a young age. Her recording ONE FOR MY BABY earned a prominent position on Gavin’s Jazz Chart, while BE COOL BE KIND debuted as “the most added jazz record on radio in the nation” and received three Grammy nominations. Carla is a featured artist on numerous other recordings, television and major motion picture films. She lives in San Francisco and tours nationally and internationally
“… imaginative…poetic and sophisticated…She’s hip without being frenetic, laid-back without sounding haphazard, and best of all, the lady swings without sweating…the lyric writer’s best friend.” -Harvey Siders, JazzTimes
“She exudes warmth in spades…An unusually gifted vocalist, impeccable phrasing…steeped in a swinging jazz sensibility that reminds me of Mel Torme….” -Carol Archer, R & R Magazine

Spanish Folk live music
2026-03-29 17:00 - 19:00 | Amelie, 1754 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109

A Sunday Music Cafe
2026-03-29 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

Twango SF
2026-03-29 18:00 - 21:00 | Etcetera, 795 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA, 94110, United States
Twango SF plays every Sunday evening at Etcetera Wine bar. This gypsy jazz group that plays hot swing music in the style of Django Reinhardt.

Danny Brown Trio
2026-03-29 18:00 - 21:00 | Waystone, 1609 Powell St, San Francisco, CA, United States
In addition to leading his own groups, multi-instrumentalist Daniel Brown performs regularly with Marcus Shelby, Lavay Smith, Lucky Devils Band. He has performed with well-known artists such as Stevie Wonder, Dan Hicks, Jazzmeia Horn, Gerald Clayton, and has recorded with Fito Reinoso, Tino Drima, Cole Bettles & others. Brown opened Richmond District record store/music venue Noise in 2015 and is currently the music director for Marina hotspot Geelou.

Chris Shepherd
2026-03-29 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-03-29 20:30 - 22:00 | Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
Soulful blues from St. Louis’ Chris Shepherd—gritty guitar, smooth vocals, and timeless tales of heart, pain, and joy in true blues style.

Heidi Evelyn: Art Deco Jazz
2026-03-29 19:30 - 21:30 | Stookey’s Blue Room, 891 Bush St, San Francisco, CA, 94108, United States
Heidi Evelyn is a leading expert on vintage vocal jazz in the Bay Area. With sincerity and love for the music, she showcases her deep knowledge of authentic early jazz stylings in every performance. A passionate bandleader, she leads several different bands, and she sings in various styles ranging from ragtime and early blues ,to New Orleans traditional jazz and vintage swing dance music. She brings a unique sound to the stage, sharing the joy of vintage music with her audiences.

Bohemian Knuckleboogie
2026-03-29 19:30 - 22:30 | Sheba Piano Lounge, 1419 Filmore St, San Francisco, CA, 94115, United States
Bohemian Knuckleboogie is a unique San Francisco an eclectic and high-octane mix of Blues, Funk, and Neo-soul playing weekly Sundays at Sheba Piano Lounge.
Featuring Elaine Alt on Saxophone, Miles Spearman on Trumpet, Rob Bassinette on Bass, and Gary Williams on Drums.
Bohemian Knuckleboogie carries on the torch for former band lead RIP Mike Pitre’s “blues for your shoes”, infusing traditional blues with modern, energetic instrumentation and distinctive vocals.

Magic School Busk Latin Collective
2026-03-29 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.

Rotating Bands at the Lion’s Den
2026-03-29 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.

Sunday Artist Series
2026-03-29 20:00 - 2026-03-30 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.

Peter Lindman
2026-03-30 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
2026-03-30 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.

Flavio Souza
2026-03-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Etcetera, 795 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA, 94110, United States
Flavio Souza performs weekly on Mondays at Etcetera Wine bar.
Born in São Paulo, Brazil, Flavio started music at 14 years old. His main influences were great musicians such as Chick Corea, Bill Evans, Oscar Peterson, Jimmy Smith, Joey DeFrancesco, Joe Satriani, Sandro Haick and others.
He is the owner of Studio Plano 7, which he founded in 2002 and has continued to record and produce various artists such as: Anderson Dantas, Célia Soul, PG, Samuel Barbosa, Félix Silva, Jessik, Samuel Dativo, The Bridge Music, Rafhael Peres, Banda Patmus and others.

Deanna Marsigliese Sip n’ Sketch
2026-03-30 18:30 - 20:30 | Specs’ Twelve Adler Museum Cafe, 12 Saroyan Pl, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Sip n’ Sketch drawing class hosted by Pixar’s animation art director Deanna Marsigliese! All levels welcome
BYO materials | $5-10 suggested donation
Deanna Marsigliese is a Canadian born Animation Art Director & Illustrator living in San Francisco, CA.
Specializing in storytelling through character design, Deanna has worked at Pixar Animation Studios since 2012. Her credits include Soul (2020), Onward (2020), Toy Story 4 (2019), Incredibles 2 (2018), Bao (2018), Inside Out (2015) & The Good Dinosaur (2013).
She is currently art directing on an original feature entitled Luca, set to release in 2021.
Past clients include Laika, Sony Pictures, Universal Feature, Walt Disney Feature, Reel FX, Disney TV, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network & PBS Kids, among others.
Deanna delivers panel talks & leads workshops world-wide, having been hosted by SXSW, D23, ILM, Leaders London, Pixelatl, CTNX & The Walt Disney Family Museum.
Deanna is a vintage fashion enthusiast with a penchant for large costume jewels. When in need of inspiration, she loves to travel the world at length with a surprisingly small backpack.

Jazz Nights @ Novela!
2026-03-30 18:30 - 21:30 | Novela, 662 Mission Street, San Francisco, CA, 94105, United States
Get ready to groove to smooth jazz tunes and sip on cocktails at the coolest spot in town – it’s Jazz Nights @ Novela!

Graham Messer
2026-03-30 20:00 - 23:59 | Dawn Club, 10 Annie St, San Francisco, CA, 94103, United States
At just 21 years of age, Graham is a young gun making a name for himself in the world of Jazz today. A dyed-in-the-wool bebop pianist, he seeks to uphold the tradition of Bud Powell, Charlie Parker, Kenny Clarke, Hank Jones, and Barry Harris, among others, and treats their music equally as soul food and as ground as fertile for intellectual exploration as any of the great European masters of the last 400 years.
Armed with a rigorous classical training, he has to quote one local great, “made a substantive contribution towards raising the ‘mean tempo’ of the tunes played within this sector of the S.F. jazz scene”, though he feels just as at home on a contemplative ballad or a slow blues.
You may find him performing under either one of his apt pseudonyms, Dud Powell or Barely Harris. (inside jazz joke!)

The Art Khu Quartet
2026-03-30 20:00 - 23:59 | Local Edition, 691 Market St, San Francisco, CA, 94105, United States
Arthur Khu is a world-renowned pianist whose remarkable virtuosity and artistry draw
inspiration from jazz legends like Keith Jarrett, Herbie Hancock, and Chick Corea, as well as
classical composers such as Chopin and Debussy. He’s also a prolific composer whose style
blends Wayne Shorter’s post-bop sensibilities with elements of Brahms and Rachmaninoff.
Collaborating with some of California’s finest musicians, his music is always intense, emotional,
and driving.
Art Khu: A Seasoned Jazz Artist with a Symphony of Experience
Art Khu is a multifaceted musician who has carved a niche for himself in the music world with his exceptional talent on a variety of instruments. His journey began at a young age, and over the years, he has honed his skills on the piano, organ, guitar, and bass, blossoming into a vibrant career spanning over 35 years. His dedication to music is evident not only in his performances but also in his educational background and compositional endeavors.

Dirty Works Jazz Jam
2026-03-30 20:00 - 2026-03-31 01:30 | Persona, 685 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA, 94102
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
2026-03-30 21:00 - 2026-03-31 01:00 | Tupelo, 1337 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 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.

Mitch Polzak
2026-03-30 21:30 - 2026-03-31 01:30 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
The big guy from out West and larger than life energy (he’s also 6’5’) performer, guitarist, singer, banjoist, songwriter, composer, entertainer, musical historian and teacher Mitch Polzak wears his heart on his sleeve and his playing in his heart.
Polzak performs rockabilly and 60’s country music with the religious fervor of Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash and delivers a Honky Tonk ballad with the sincerity of Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings. Mitch will bring a room to a fevered pitch of joyous energy on the dance floor and then tell you a story in a song like two old friends sitting at a kitchen table at midnight.
His virtuosic guitar skills and influences range from the blazing flying fingers of Joe Maphis , Marty Stuart, Roy Clark, and Don Rich to the timeless dreamlike state of “Sleepwalk” by Santo and Johnny along with the vast valleys of deep rumbling twang associated with Duane Eddy.
There is not one singular definition of Polzak’s music but that is very specific to what he does. Being fluent in the musical languages of Country, Rockabilly, Honky Tonk, The Bakersfield Sound, Surf, early Rock and Roll, Bluegrass, Cajun, Blues, and Truck Driving music gives Polzak the unique voice of the melting pot of the American musical experience. This is why he consistently connects with so many people directly at every show.
Polzak’s abundant joy in communicating with people through music leaps off the stage through every fiber of his being. His near-constant genuine smile can be seen clear across the room and invites you in without any pretense or judgements. Some call him “The Honky Tonk Mister Rogers”!
Make no mistake though. Underneath that smile is a deep and reverent respect for the history and integrity of the music and musicians who came before him and created the sounds and told their stories.
Just as Waylon Jennings created his own outlaw sound, as Johnny Cash could never be put in a box, the full throttle intensity of Jerry Lee Lewis’s rock and roll grabs us and takes to a time and place, Polzak’s live show has the unvarnished purity of the Bakersfield Sound paying homage to his California musical heroes Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, Wynn Stewart and Dwight Yokam. It’s a heaping helping, but a Mitch Polzak show brings all of these musical flavors to the table in a potluck of American musical flavor.
Polzak learned firsthand from some of his musical influences, sharing the stage with legends like Don Maddox of The Maddox Bros. and Rose, deeply respected contemporary and friend Deke Dickerspn, The Ragin’ Cajun Doug Kershaw, Rockabilly icons Joe Clay and Gene Summers, former Bluegrass Boy and West Coast music pioneer Peter Rowan and Cajun greats Jimmy Breaux, Andrew Carriere, and Blake Miller. He has also shared the bill with Brian Setzer, Jerry Lee Lewis, Duane Eddy, The Stray Cats, Big Sandy and The Fly Rite Boys, and Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives.

GG Amos
2026-03-31 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

Nathan Bickart & Levi Gillis
2026-03-31 18:30 - 20:30 | Specs’ Twelve Adler Museum Cafe, 12 Saroyan Pl, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Join us for two sets of original music from jazz- and folk-informed singer-songwriters!
Nathan Bickart (piano/keyboards/voice) crafts sensitive, playful, deeply-felt music. Nathan’s compositions and improvisations navigate the inner spaces between jazz, folk, and soul musics, melting together discarded records and old baseball cards and browning Bay leaves to create a heartening night of tunes, good for dancing or lounging or lingering in the moonlight just a little longer. Tonight, he performs solo, but Nathan also accompanies a diverse array of Bay Area artists, including vocalists Christelle Durandy, Lilan Kane, and as part of the duo DADÉ with drummer/producer Marshall Williams.
nathanbickart.com

Levi Gillis is a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter based in LA. With a background in jazz saxophone and improvisation, he is a founding member of The Dip and has toured and performed with Cassandra Jenkins, Guster, Durand Jones and the Indications, Wyatt Waddell, Wayne Horvitz and more. His most recent work centers around songwriting – blending his deep voice, fingerpicking guitar, and poignant lyrics with his sumptuous woodwind arranging. The songs traverse themes of nuanced relationships and the ongoing process of self discovery with an inviting sonic world.
levigillis.com

The North Beach Django
2026-03-31 19:30 - 22:30 | Paris 75, 515 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, 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.

The Local Edition Jazz Orchestra
2026-03-31 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.

Hal Bigler Band
2026-03-31 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.

Kai Lyons
2026-03-31 20:00 - 23:59 | Dawn Club, 10 Annie St, San Francisco, CA, 94103, United States
Kai Lyons is a 30 year-old San Francisco native and student of all music. He is adjunct professor of jazz guitar at Cal State East Bay Hayward, teaches at the California Jazz Conservatory, and is a clinician for SFJAZZ, SF Symphony and Stanford University. He has performed with the SF Ballet Orchestra and Changui Guantanamo. He first visited Cuba in December 2016 through Cali2Cuba. On this first trip he became inducted into the Aña fraternity of bata drummers and studied with the illustrious Koto, “El Diamante Negro”. In 2017, at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, he became exposed to changui, traditional music from Guantanamo, and the conga Santiaguera, carnival street music from Santiago, Cuba. In January of 2018 Kai took a $12 dollar 28-hour chicken-bus ride from Havana to Baracoa and made his initial connections with the musicians and traditions of Eastern Cuba, learning about kiriba, nengon, and the Tumba Francesa. In 2022, he became the first foreigner to win 1st prize at the international changüí festival of Guantánamo Cuba, on the Cuban guitar known as the tres. In July of 2023, at the invitation of Roberto Duvergel Ray, the bongosero for Changui Guantanamo, Kai recorded tres on the debut album of Sincopa Uno, a professional Cuban changui ensemble, at Egrem Studios in Santiago, Cuba. As of May 2024, Kai has visited Cuba 13 times.
