Vibe: Sophisticated Listening Room | Historic Elegance | The Heartbeat of Broadway
Keys Jazz Bistro is a premier 4,000-square-foot jazz destination located on the historic Broadway strip in North Beach. Founded by Dr. Simon Rowe—a distinguished pianist and former Executive Director of the Brubeck Institute—the venue occupies a space with a deep musical lineage, once home to the legendary 1950s club El Matador. Designed as a “listening room,” Keys prioritizes the connection between artist and audience, offering a refined environment where world-class jazz, seasonal dining, and community culture converge.
The venue is thoughtfully divided into two distinct areas. Upon entering, guests are welcomed into a front bar and lounge (80 capacity), which sits on the site of the original El Matador. Beyond this lies the “Listening Room” (125 capacity)—an intimate, state-of-the-art performance space where no seat is more than 25 feet from the stage. The room features a Yamaha concert grand piano and a resident Hammond B3 organ, bathed in warm lighting and optimized for acoustic perfection.
Marquee Residencies: The programming features a mix of Bay Area legends and international touring artists. Regular favorites include vocalists like Clairdee and Lavay Smith, along with the house Simon Rowe Organ Trio.
Dinner and a Show: Keys offers a casual but seasonal menu and full dinner service in the listening room, allowing guests to dine without interrupting the nuances of the performance. Signature cocktails and a curated wine list are designed to complement the sophisticated, mid-century atmosphere.
Legacy & Community: The bistro is home to Jazz in the Neighborhood, an organization advocating for fair wages for musicians. This commitment to the craft is palpable, making every show feel like a contribution to the thriving future of the art form.
The Ritual of the Set
Performance schedules typically run Wednesday through Saturday with sets at 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM (plus a late-night 10:30 PM Hammond B3 set on Saturdays), and Sunday shows at 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM. The “Will-Call” style check-in and first-come, first-served seating policy encourage a relaxed, communal experience where fans are invited to arrive early, grab a drink at the historic bar, and prepare for a night of deep musical immersion.
Immerse yourself in the electrifying world of “Ritmo y Voz”, where the deep-rooted traditions of Afro-Cuban jazz meet the power of dynamic vocals. This high-energy performance features an all-star lineup, including guitarist Kai Lyons, percussion master Ernesto, bassist Mazar, and the incomparable Einar Leliebre Nuñez, whose fiery rhythms and soaring voice bring the soul of...
Immerse yourself in the electrifying world of “Ritmo y Voz”, where the deep-rooted traditions of Afro-Cuban jazz meet the power of dynamic vocals. This high-energy performance features an all-star lineup, including guitarist Kai Lyons, percussion master Ernesto, bassist Mazar, and the incomparable Einar Leliebre Nuñez, whose fiery rhythms and soaring voice bring the soul of...
Keys favorite Kenny Washington always brings concert thrills and spills to Keys. Don’t miss out on one of our very own world class bay area artists!Kenny Washington has thrilled audiences across the globe with his soulful interpretations, seemingly limitless range, and inventive scatting. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Washington appeared in 2013 with...
Bay Area multi-instrumentalist Smith Dobson continues the Horns of SF series at Keys Jazz Bistro on the saxophone, with his long-running quartet, featuring Keith Saunders on piano, Eric Markowitz on bass, and Tony Johnson on drums. The quartet, which held court every Tuesday for nearly a decade at the now defunct Club Deluxe, will be...
Bay Area multi-instrumentalist Smith Dobson continues the Horns of SF series at Keys Jazz Bistro on the saxophone, with his long-running quartet, featuring Keith Saunders on piano, Eric Markowitz on bass, and Tony Johnson on drums. The quartet, which held court every Tuesday for nearly a decade at the now defunct Club Deluxe, will be...
Award-winning violin legend Tim Kliphuis (Holland) teams up with America’s rising star on gypsy jazz guitar Jimmy Grant (LA) to celebrate the music of famed musical duo, Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt. Re-creating the 1930s in Paris, and drawing inspiration from current-day classical and folk music as well, they alternate moments of dazzling interplay with...
Award-winning violin legend Tim Kliphuis (Holland) teams up with America’s rising star on gypsy jazz guitar Jimmy Grant (LA) to celebrate the music of famed musical duo, Stéphane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt. Re-creating the 1930s in Paris, and drawing inspiration from current-day classical and folk music as well, they alternate moments of dazzling interplay with...
On February 15th, Keys Jazz Bistro welcomes Dutch-born vocalist Lara Louise for an evening of classic songs, characterized by a soft, sultry voice blending her folk roots with French chanson, Bossa Nova, and the Great American Songbook. Lara Louise and guitarist Gawain Mathews have been making music together since 2020, and their renditions of jazz...
On February 15th, Keys Jazz Bistro welcomes Dutch-born vocalist Lara Louise for an evening of classic songs, characterized by a soft, sultry voice blending her folk roots with French chanson, Bossa Nova, and the Great American Songbook. Lara Louise and guitarist Gawain Mathews have been making music together since 2020, and their renditions of jazz...
Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing Fog City Swing! The bay area’s newest and hottest jazz and swing band featuring an electrifying three horn front line, stellar crooning vocals, and a swing till you drop rhythm section. Enjoy an evening of swing, hard bop, and even some classic pop favorites performed only the way they can! This...
In a career that has spanned over 65 years, international jazz vocal legend Mary Stallings has earned a unique place in modern jazz. After decades of performing around the globe alongside a who’s who of talented collaborators, while quietly accumulating a series of thoughtful and well respected recordings, she still continues to challenge her boundaries...
A “one-woman band”, Janice often doubles as a #keyboard and left-hand keyboard bass player which makes her a force of nature on any stage! Her soulful, angelic and daringly accurate vocal prowess, distinctive four-octave voice range and engaging stage presence captivate her audiences! Janice’s vast musical gifts and massive repertoire are always on point and...
