North Beach Live

Big Daddy Cade's Tribute to B.B. King - May 22nd - 24th
2026-05-23 18:30 - 20:00, 2026-05-22 21:00 - 22:30, 2026-05-22 18:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
Big Daddy Cade and The Blues Masters are coming to SF to revive the legendary music of B.B. King. His show is the only B.B. King tribute show that the King himself has ever approved of. Big Daddy’s slow, soulful playing, rising with howling passion has dancers on the dance floor moving with true feeling. His backing band achieves a huge, rich sound worthy of B.B.’s band itself. He even has down B.B.’s advice to men and women on relationships, talking briefly to the crowd as his band plays soft, slow, soulful blues behind him. Don’t miss your chance to experience the music and performance of the King of Blues, coming to SF for a 3-night residency.

Radio Sofia
2026-05-23 18:00 - 21:00 | Etcetera, 795 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA, 94110, United States
Radio Sophia is an instrumental musical collaboration between
David Boyce (Saxophones, Loops, Effects), Michael Cavaseno (Guitar, Loops, Effects) and Zori Marinova (Percussion: Congas, Bongos, Cajon, Etc).
The trio’s sound can be described as Groovy, Soulful Mix of Jazz, Pop, RnB and World Music. And plays weekly on Saturday’s at Etcetera Wine bar.
Radio Sofia has been playing together consistently for over 10 Years and has performed for audiences at venues such as The Great American Music Hall, Friday Nights at The DeYoung Museum, Yoshi’s SF, Etc.
David Boyce (Broun Fellinis, Black Quarterback, 6 Roses)
is a mesmerizing multi-reed player and is one of the great musical treasures of the Bay Area. His sound can be described as Afro-Futuristic, steeped in Jazz, informed by Soul and World Music.

Magic School Busk
2026-05-23 13:00 - 17:00 | 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.

Dewayne Oakley and Ralph Nelson
2026-05-23 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.”

Rotating Bands at the Lion’s Den
2026-05-22 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-05-21 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-05-20 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.

Gaucho Jazz
2026-05-22 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.

Andean and Latin World Music Night
2026-05-22 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.

Hipsteria
2026-05-22 18:00 - 21:00 | Etcetera, 795 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA, 94110, United States
Hipsteria is one of San Francisco’s favorite jazz, soul and party bands! Members of Hipsteria have included some of music’s legendary musicians!
Featuring “Tender Tim” on drums and some vocals Hipsteria plays every Friday at Etcetera Wine bar.

Magic School Busk
2026-05-22 17:00 - 21:00 | Red Window, 500 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 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.

Katy Stephan
2026-05-22 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.

Live Jazz
2026-05-21 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-05-20 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.

Katy Stephan
2026-05-21 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.

Jazz Music Bands/Local Musicians
2026-05-21 18:30 - 21:30 | Amelie, 1754 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109

Viajo de la Musica
2026-05-21 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 Jam Session
2026-05-20 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.

Magic School Busk
2026-05-20 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.

The Charles Unger Experience
2026-05-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Ti Piacera, 1507 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109
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.

Mike Zito
2026-05-20 19:00 - 20:30 | Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
Mike Zito is an award-winning blues-rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter known for his fiery guitar work, soulful vocals, and powerful storytelling. A St. Louis native and co-founder of the Royal Southern Brotherhood, Zito has built an international reputation through acclaimed albums, relentless touring, and collaborations with some of the biggest names in modern blues.

Wednesday Big Table
2026-05-20 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!

Le Jazz Hot
2026-05-20 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.

Jose Simioni Trio
2026-05-20 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.

Hal Bigler Band
2026-05-19 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 Local Edition Jazz Orchestra
2026-05-19 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.

GG Amos
2026-05-19 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 San Francisco Invitational Jam
2026-05-18 21:00 - 2026-05-19 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.
