offbeatSF

Rotating Bands at the Lion’s Den
2026-07-26 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-07-29 20:00 - 23:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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
2026-07-26 20:00 - 2026-07-27 00:00 | Tupelo, 1337 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, 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.

Industry Night Blues Jam
2026-07-26 20:00 - 2026-07-27 01:00 | Swig, 561 Geary St, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
Two blocks from Union Square. Every Sunday night is an Industry Night Blues Jam at Swig with the Emma Jean Foster Blues Band.

Peter Lindman and Roger Rocha
2026-07-27 16:00 - 20:00 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Peter Lindman and Roger Rocha turn Monday afternoons at The Saloon into a 4–8 pm time warp of classic rock and sixties-era favorites, delivered with the easy swagger of true North Beach regulars.
Armed with Peter’s ringing 12‑string acoustic and Roger’s soulful electric guitar and vocals, the duo leans into songs you know by heart—Dylan, Stones, and more—plus a few originals shaped by decades on the San Francisco scene.

Jazz Jam
2026-07-27 18:00 - 21:00 | Waystone, 1609 Powell St, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Waystone’s jazz jam is every Monday, 6-9pm. Whether you’re a spectator, jazz lover or musician this is for you.

Jazz Nights @ Novela!
2026-07-27 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!

Piano night at The Royal Cuckoo Organ Lounge
2026-07-27 19:00 - 22:00 | Royal Cuckoo Organ Lounge, 3202 Mission St, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Piano nights at The Royal Cuckoo Organ Lounge are characterised by their early start times and the use of the venue’s vintage Steinway Upright piano, which differs from the lounge’s typical focus on its prominent Hammond organ.
Piano Monday shows start at 7:00 PM and typically run until 10:00 PM.
Cover Charge: There is never a cover charge for entry. However, musicians often pass a donation basket, so bringing a small amount of cash is recommended.

Deluxe Jazz Collective
2026-07-27 19:00 - 22:00 | The Deluxe, 1511 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA, 94117, United States
The Deluxe Jazz Collective brings the spontaneous energy of rotating musicians to The Deluxe every Monday — a revolving cast of Bay Area talent coming together to keep the jazz tradition alive, fresh, and full of surprises week after week.

Open Mic by Charlie Kaupp
2026-07-27 19:00 - 23:00 | The Riptide, 3636 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA, 94116, United States
Best of The Bay Award Winning Charlie Kaupp’s Riptide Open Mic!
The Riptide Open Mic is a long-running, award-winning weekly event held at The Riptide, a popular honky-tonk dive bar in the Outer Sunset neighborhood of San Francisco. Sign ups start at 7pm. Music starts at 8. Bring your instrument or borrow ours. Piano available. 2 songs or 10 mins.

Barbary Coast Jazz Band
2026-07-27 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
2026-07-27 20:00 - 2026-07-28 01:30 | 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
2026-07-27 21:00 - 2026-07-28 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
2026-07-28 16:00 - 20:00 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
GG Amos brings her west coast blues sound to the Saloon, drawing on more than 35 years as a blues guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, and arranger. A riveting performer who has played everywhere from concert halls and festivals to roadhouses, wineries, and neighborhood bars, she blends blues, jazz, funk, Latin elements, and soul jazz into a fluid, lyrical style that’s entirely her own. Expect a night of high-energy, deeply felt blues in one of San Francisco’s most iconic rooms.
Paris Bertolucci on keys
Randy Lee Odell on drums
GG Amos on vocals and guitar

Metzger's Field
2026-07-28 18:00 - 20:00 | The Riptide, 3636 Taraval St, San Francisco, CA, 94116, United States
Metzger’s Field plays 60s country and jazz at the Riptide.

The West Coast Blues Revue: Live Blues
2026-07-28 18:30 - 21:30 | Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
The West Coast Blues Revue brings together a rotating lineup of top-tier Bay Area talent, led by the incomparable Hal Petcher at Biscuits & Blues. Each show delivers a fresh mix of powerhouse players — from Chris Burns to Tim Wagar and surprise guests — all locking in for raw, soulful, high-energy blues that hits you right in the chest. With musicians who play like they’ve got something to prove, it’s one of the most electric, authentic blues experiences in San Francisco.

High Water Line
2026-07-28 19:00 - 22:00 | The Deluxe, 1511 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA, 94117, United States
The High Water Line brings a fresh and fearless take on West Coast bluegrass to The Deluxe — four Bay Area musicians who crossed paths in 2017 through the Northern California bluegrass community and have spent the years since growing into one of the scene’s most distinctive and dynamic acts. Rooted in the time-honored Northern California bluegrass tradition yet unafraid to reach into country, soul, swing, and blues, their sound is clever, colorful, and entirely their own. Jim Toggweiler’s grooving electric bass, TJ Carskadon’s hard-hitting mandolin, Tyler Stegall’s driving banjo, and Clare Armenante’s swinging fiddle lock together with four-part dynamic vocals — every member trading lead and harmony roles — to breathe new life into old standards, reimagine modern country and bluegrass numbers, and deliver heartfelt originals that linger long after the last note.

Gaucho Jazz
2026-07-28 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
2026-07-28 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
2026-07-28 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.

The North Beach Django
2026-07-28 20:00 - 23:00 | 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.

Jose Simioni Trio
2026-07-29 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 Ron Estrada on vocals and guitar.

Wednesday Big Table
2026-07-29 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!

The Charles Unger Experience
2026-07-29 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.

Open Jazz Jam, Swing, Country, Manouche, Blues, and Standards
2026-07-29 19:00 - 21:00 | The Liberties, 998 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA, 94110, United States
Every Wednesday Mark Brazil hosts an open jam at The Liberties in the Mission. Come by for a hang, a bit, a drink, a dance, or the opportunity to play with some fantastic local talent.
Bring your horn, strings, keys or voice. Friendly to all levels of playing.

Wacky Wednesday
2026-07-29 19:00 - 22:00 | Jack Kerouac Alley, San Francisco, CA, United States
Wacky Wednesdays in Kerouac Alley brings a wildly creative outdoor rock and punk party to one of San Francisco’s most legendary blocks every Wednesday from mid-June through Halloween, 7–10pm. Sponsored by the iconic Vesuvio Cafe and hosted by artist Jeremy Fish and Freddie Levy, this rotating lineup of rock and punk bands transforms the historic alley into an only-in-North-Beach evening where the rebellious spirit of the Beats lives on in the most delightfully loud and unpredictable way. Come early, stay late, and expect the unexpected.

Magic School Busk
2026-07-29 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
2026-07-29 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.

Dirty Works Jazz Jam @ The Shoe
2026-07-29 20:00 - 23:00 | The Lucky Horseshoe, 454 Courtland Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94110, United States
Open jazz jam every 2nd, 3rd, 4th, & 5th Wednesdays of the month in Bernal Heights at The Lucky Horseshoe.

Jazz jam open to all instruments & singers at one of San Francisco’s oldest and best music dive bars
This is a straight ahead jazz jam with all instruments and singers welcome. Small house band with keys, drums, upright bass, and amps available for jammers.
Every Wednesday except the first week of the month Kyle Finley & The Dirty Works Jazz Band hosts the jam @ the Shoe from 8 PM to 11 PM.
This is a straight ahead jazz jam. All instruments and singers welcome. Small house band start the show and jammers are invited up to play all night. Backline includes keyboard, drums, upright bass, and amps.
If you’re new, please introduce yourself to the band leader (the Bass Dude).

My Blue Soul
2026-07-29 21:30 - 2026-07-30 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 with a monthly residence at the Saloon. 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, 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
