North Beach Live

Gunhild Carling
2026-04-26 17:30 - 19:00, 2026-04-26 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
Sweden’s Queen of Swing, Gunhild Carling, is a jazz multi-instrumentalist, singer, and showwoman known for her electrifying performances.

A Sunday Music Cafe
2026-04-26 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
2026-04-26 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.

Guajirón Cuban Jam
2026-04-26 19:00 - 22:00 | CA
Live Cuban jam session every 4th Sunday w/Guajirón band at Bissap Baobab! Come to dance or jump in and jam — it’s free!
Whether you’re a musician ready to sit in or a dancer looking for a groove, this night is all about sharing rhythm, culture, and vibes with the community.
What to expect:– Open jam session for musicians– Salsa, Cuban, and tropical jazz rhythms– Full bar & West African food– Good energy + community vibes
Bring your instrument, bring your friends, and let’s make music together.

Bohemian Knuckleboogie
2026-04-26 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
2026-04-26 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
2026-04-26 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-04-29 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
2026-04-26 20:00 - 2026-04-27 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
2026-04-27 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
2026-04-27 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
2026-04-27 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.

Jazz Nights @ Novela!
2026-04-27 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!

Barbary Coast Jazz Band
2026-04-27 20:00 - 23:00 | Local Edition, 691 Market St, San Francisco, CA, 94105, United States
Barbary Coast Jazz Band performs every other Monday!
Bob Schulz – Lead/Cornet
Don Neely – Reeds
Clint Baker – Trombone
Bill Reinhart – Tuba
Scott Anthony – Banjo
Marty Eggers – Piano

Dirty Works Jazz Jam
2026-04-27 20:00 - 2026-04-28 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
2026-04-27 21:00 - 2026-04-28 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.

GG Amos
2026-04-28 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 Local Edition Jazz Orchestra
2026-04-28 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
2026-04-28 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.

Jose Simioni Trio
2026-04-29 16:30 - 20:30 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Jose Simioni Trio’s improvisational jazz performance at The Saloon from 4:30pm to 6:30pm with Dylan Garrison on drums and Tony Stead on the organ.

Le Jazz Hot
2026-04-29 18:00 - 21:00 | Scopo Divino, 2800 California St, San Francisco, CA, 94115, United States
Looking for the perfect weekly escape? Join us at Scopo Divino as we welcome Le Jazz Hot, playing live every week!
Le Jazz Hot is comprised of members from the internationally renowned Hot Club of San Francisco. These musicians are masters of Gypsy Jazz, a truly unique and joyful style pioneered by the legendary Django Reinhardt and Stéphane Grappelli’s Quintette du Hot Club de France.
Get ready for an energetic performance featuring a lineup of violin, bass, and guitars, all capturing that distinctive swing rhythm. You’ll hear a fantastic mix of Gypsy Jazz standards, pop songs reimagined in that swinging style, and original compositions.
Led by guitarist and arranger Paul ‘Pazzo’ Mehling, Le Jazz Hot delivers a sophisticated, lively, and truly authentic musical experience that has delighted audiences for years.
Grab a seat, order a great glass of wine, and let this band transport you to the vintage jazz clubs of Paris! It’s the perfect way to make any weeknight feel like a special occasion.

Wednesday Big Table
2026-04-29 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
2026-04-29 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.

Magic School Busk
2026-04-29 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
2026-04-29 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.

Live Jazz
2026-04-29 20:00 - 23:00 | Paris 75, 515 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, United States
Paris 75’s rotating jazz bands turn this corner of North Beach into a little slice of the Left Bank. Each week a different small ensemble—trios, quartets, and vocal groups—leans into swing, standards, and café‑style jazz that pairs naturally with wine, cocktails, charcuterie, and late‑night conversation. The vibe is intimate and unhurried: close‑up solos, brushed drums, and melodies that drift through the room while guests linger over another round.

My Blue Soul
2026-04-29 21:30 - 2026-04-30 01:30 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
My Blue Soul is a vibrant San Francisco band specializing in soul, blues, and funk. Formed in 2010, they gained a strong local following with energetic live shows and an eight-year residency at the renowned Condor Club. The band features Carmin D’Leto on vocals and guitar, Brandon Jackson on trumpet, Ron Estrada on guitar, Willie Riser on bass, Charlie Giesige on drums, Doug Rowan on tenor sax, and more. They mix original blues and soul with a hint of ska, captivating audiences with dynamic performances.
Ron Estrada – Guitar
Alan Williams – Trombone
Brandon Jackson – Trumpet
Carmin D’Leto – Vocals
Shawn Stein – Drums
Doug Rowan – Tenor Sax
Patrick Byers – Baritone Sax

Viajo de la Musica
2026-04-30 18:00 - 21:00 | Scopo Divino, 2800 California St, San Francisco, CA, 94115, United States
Viajo 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.

Jazz Music Bands/Local Musicians
2026-04-30 18:30 - 21:30 | Amelie, 1754 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109
