offbeatSF

Rotating Bands at the Lion’s Den
2026-09-04 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-09-03 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-09-02 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.

Gaucho Jazz
2026-09-04 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
2026-09-04 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.

The Mina Project
2026-09-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Paris 75, 515 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
THE MINA PROJECT represents the music of Italian singer Mina Mazzini in her tradition, in
particular, paying tribute to her songs of the 1960’s and 1970’s.
Mina is considered the most successful proponent of the canzone italiana through Italian
mainstream pop music. Mina’s work combines classic Italian pop with elements of Jazz, Blues,
Swing, R&B and Soul. Her work spans 5 decades, and, having sold over 150 million records
worldwide, she is the most prolific and versatile pop singer in Italian music to this day,
Ask any Italian citizen… they all know MINA!
THE MINA PROJECT consists of:
Anne-Marie Russo on vocals as Mina (Anne-Marie lived in Italy for a decade)
Ron Borelli on piano and/or accordion
Larry Levy on guitar
Josh Schultheiss on drums

The Muse Jazz Collective
2026-09-04 19:30 - 20:30, 2026-09-04 18:00 - 19:00 | Mr. Tipples, 39 Fell St, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
The Muse Jazz Collective at Mr. Tipples features Tom Catanzaro on saxophone, Ian McArdle on piano, Alan Jones on bass, and Isaac Schwartz on drums. Led by Catanzaro, the Bay Area initiative brings together jazz listeners, mentors, advocates, and musicians; Catanzaro’s wide-ranging career includes performances with Diana Krall, Al Jarreau, Michael Brecker, George Benson, Christian McBride, Dianne Reeves, and Liza Minnelli.
Tickets: $15-30

Jessica Loos Poetry & Music Series
2026-09-04 19:00 - 21:00 | Macchiarini Creative Design, 1544 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States
Jessica Loos poetry series 7pm, art by Roger Strobbel. Poetry reading and music in front of Macchiarini Creative Design. Follow the poets up to Coit Tower at 9pm.
Want to know more about the North Beach Poetry Crawl? Check out Mukethe Kawinzi’s experience in Quiet Lighting.

Hipsteria
2026-09-04 18:00 - 21:00 | Etcetera Wine Bar, 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.

Vince Lateano Trio
2026-09-04 18:00 - 20:00 | Sweetie’s Art Bar, 475 Francisco St, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Join us at Sweetie’s Art Bar for an unforgettable night with the Vince Lateano Trio!
Experience the masterful jazz drumming of Vince Lateano, a San Francisco jazz legend who has played alongside icons like Cal Tjader and Stan Getz. The trio brings a lively mix of classic and contemporary jazz in an intimate setting that’s perfect for true music lovers.
Don’t miss this chance to enjoy authentic jazz vibes with one of the genre’s seasoned pros. The Vince Lateano Trio’s performances are soulful, swinging, and always engaging — a perfect way to spend your evening. Mark your calendar, bring friends, and come support live jazz at Sweetie’s Art Bar!

Group Art Show
2026-09-04 17:00 - 23:00 | Professor Seagull’s Smartshop and Gallery, 1351 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Pop by Live Worms and Professor Seagull’s Smartshop for the North Beach First Fridays Art walk featuring work by various local artists.
Inside the Smartshop, the gallery walls are covered in psychedelic light green and yellow wallpaper — vibrant, but still perfectly balanced to receive and highlight artwork of all kinds.
Rotation is every 1–2 months, featuring either solo exhibitions or group shows. Our walls most often showcase painting, drawing, and collage, while we are also open to sculpture, photography, and other media.
Next door, the Live Worms Gallery is the iconic exhibition space — a high-ceilinged, white-wall setting ideal for immersive shows and large-scale works.

Magic School Busk
2026-09-04 17:00 - 21:00 | Red Window, 500 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, 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.

Ned Boynton & Friends
2026-09-04 17:00 - 20:30 | Caffe Trieste, 601 Vallejo St, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Experience the unique sound of San Francisco-based guitarist and educator, Ned Boynton. Recognized in Scott Yanow’s book, “The Great Jazz Guitarists the Ultimate Guide”, Ned brings a distinctive and highly respected approach to the instrument. His impressive career includes performances with jazz legends like Les Paul, Bucky Pizzarelli, Howard Alden, and Bruce Forman, showcasing his deep roots in the jazz tradition. He is also the founder of the “Gypsy Surf Italian Rock Jazz band,” SURFER ROMA, demonstrating his wide-ranging musicality!
Don’t miss the chance to catch this Bay Area icon and his friends as they fill the historic, bohemian atmosphere of Caffe Trieste—the original North Beach coffee house—with world-class music.
It’s the perfect way to start your weekend!

Katy Stephan
2026-09-04 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.

Art by Jeremy Fish: Screen Prints for sale at the smallest gallery in town
2026-09-04 - 2026-09-05 | Fishtank Gallery, 1331 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Celebrate the true heart of the neighborhood at Fish Tank Gallery for North Beach First Fridays. Located on Grant Avenue, Fish Tank Gallery—curated by the renowned Jeremy Fish—is a space dedicated to the creative pulse of North Beach, making it the perfect venue for an artist defined by his proximity and dedication to the area.
The Art: Expect a collection that draws direct inspiration from the daily life, architecture, and characters of North Beach. A Guy Who Lives Nearby creates work that functions as a visual diary of the neighborhood, often using a mix of traditional and street-influenced styles. The art is unpretentious and highly accessible, reflecting the grit and charm of the streets just outside the gallery doors.
The Setting: Fish Tank Gallery is a unique “studio-meets-gallery” space where the creative process is often on full display. During First Fridays, the gallery often hosts live screen-printing events, allowing visitors to walk away with a piece of limited-edition North Beach art created right in front of them.
The Experience: This stop on the art crawl is about high-fidelity community connection. It’s where neighbors, artists, and visitors mingle in a space that feels more like a creative living room than a formal institution. The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and centered on the idea that great art starts in your own backyard.
Details: The event is free and open to all. As a hub for the North Beach First Fridays Art Walk, Fish Tank Gallery provides one of the most authentic glimpses into the artistic “ecosystem” of Grant Avenue.

About Fish Tank Gallery
Located at 1331 Grant Avenue, Fish Tank Gallery is the personal studio and exhibition space of artist Jeremy Fish. It was established as a way to give back to the neighborhood by providing a platform for local talent and a space for high-quality artistic engagement. By featuring artists like A Guy Who Lives Nearby, the gallery reinforces its mission to generate “good vibes” and support the ongoing creative resurgence of North Beach.

Sheldon Alexander
2026-09-03 21:00 - 2026-09-04 01:30 | Boom Boom Room, 1601 Filmore St, San Francisco, CA, 94115, United States
SHELDON ALEXANDER
… a dynamic band from the California Bay Area, is captivating audiences with their unique blend of jazz, R&B, soul, and gospel.
Emerging from the heart of Oakland’s music scene is Coexist — a mesmerizing cocktail of R&B and Jazz Fusion that doesn’t just touch the soul, but seduces it. Orchestrated by the rhythmic genius of Sheldon Alexander on drums, the ensemble boasts the intoxicating vocals of Veotis Latchison, Miles Blackwell’s alluring bass lines, the fiery embrace of Max Brody’s guitar riffs, and the luscious piano harmony of Caleb Phair.
Drawing inspiration from musical powerhouses such as the D’Angelo, Robert Glasper, PJ Morton, and Cory Henry, Coexist weaves intricate jazz harmonies with the emotive depth of R&B. Our sound isn’t just about the mastery of notes and rhythm; it’s a call to the heart, urging listeners to lose themselves in dance.

Johnny Z and the Camaros
2026-09-03 21:00 - 2026-09-04 01:00 | Tupelo, 1337 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Witness a true piece of San Francisco musical history as Johnny Z and the Camaros take the stage at Tupelo. If you’ve spent any time in the city’s jazz and rock circuits over the last few decades, you likely know this band; they famously served as the house band for the legendary Gold Dust Lounge for over 20 years. Bringing that same “workhorse” energy to North Beach, the Camaros deliver a high-fidelity, veteran performance that proves why they are often called the “tightest band in the land.”
The Sound: Led by vocalist and guitarist John R. Nichols (aka Johnny Z), the band occupies a “sweet spot” of Classic Rock, Soul, Blues, and Country. Their style is heavily influenced by 20th-century R&B giants like Otis Redding and Sam & Dave, often peppered with “Surf action” instrumentals that highlight Johnny Z’s virtuosic guitar work.
The Catalog: With a repertoire built from playing seven nights a week for two decades, their songbook is staggering. Expect a seamless transition from soulful Motown grooves to gritty rock-and-roll anthems, all delivered with the effortless chemistry that only comes from thousands of hours on stage together.
A North Beach Homecoming: Tupelo is one of the few places where you can still catch this legendary trio in an intimate setting. The venue’s lively, red-lit atmosphere perfectly matches the band’s high-energy, “no-nonsense” approach to live performance.
No Cover: This elite piece of San Francisco history is open to the public with no cover charge. It is a must-see for anyone wanting to experience the authentic sound of the city’s musical backbone.

About Johnny Z and the Camaros
Johnny Z (John R. Nichols) comes from a deep musical pedigree; his father was a trombonist for the Jimmy Dorsey Orchestra. After decades of performing with jazz greats and founding various rock outfits, Nichols established the Camaros as a premier power trio. Known for his “restless melodicism” and soulful vocals, Johnny Z is joined by a veteran rhythm section—typically featuring “Richie Camaro” on drums and “Stevie Camaro” on bass. Together, they represent the “last of the live music breed,” dedicated to preserving the raw, spontaneous energy of the 20th-century American songbook.

Patrick Wolff Quartet
2026-09-03 20:30 - 23:30 | Redwood Room, 495 Geary St, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
The Patrick Wolff Quartet plays classic jazz in a classic bar, The Redwood Room of the Clift Hotel. With Adam Shulman, Eric Markowitz, and Andre Sumelius.

Fog City Swing
2026-09-03 20:30 - 23:00 | Local Edition, 691 Market St, San Francisco, CA, 94105, United States
Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing Fog City Swing at Local Edition! 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 seven piece ensemble will transport you to the 1940’s and beyond, it is truly the world’s smallest big band!

Hard Bop Quintet
2026-09-03 20:00 - 23:59 | Dawn Club, 10 Annie St, San Francisco, CA, 94103, United States
The Hard Bop Quintet is a jazz group from the San Francisco Bay Area inspired by the fiery style of the early 1960s New York jazz scene.
The group began as the brainchild of two Bay Area jazz musicians who grew up together in Santa Cruz, California: trombonist Scott Larson, and trumpeter Jay Sanders – the idea for the band being to create a hard bop jazz group which seamlessly fuses different musical aesthetics from boogaloo, afro-cuban, and bebop into the contemporary jazz landscape.
The groups repertoire consists of original compositions by Larson as well as new interpretations of genre classics by legends such as Hank Mobley, Lee Morgan and Kenny Dorham.

Dirty Works Jazz Jam & Burlesque Show
2026-09-03 20:00 - 23:00 | Paris 75, 515 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Dirty Works Jazz Jam and Burlesque featuring Raya Rose at Paris 75 pairs a polished, high-energy jazz jam with a live burlesque performance from Raya, appearing with the band from 9–10pm. Led by upright bassist Kyle Finley, the house band draws from bebop, hard bop, swing, and Latin jazz before welcoming local musicians to sit in.

Katy Stephan
2026-09-03 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
2026-09-03 19:00 - 23:00 | Amelie, 1754 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109, United States

Jesse Levitt
2026-09-03 19:00 - 22:00 | The Deluxe, 1511 Haight Street, San Francisco, CA, 94117, United States
Jesse Levitt brings his soulful, genre-defying sound to The Deluxe, a saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist based between Oakland and New York City who lives at the intersection of deep-rooted jazz tradition and modern exploration. Whether fronting a high-energy funk set, layering cinematic textures on the EWI, or stepping into a first-call sideman role, Levitt’s playing is defined by precision and soul that has earned him stages alongside legends including Wynton Marsalis, Benny Green, Jane Monheit, Wycliffe Gordon, and Questlove — who has featured his work to his own massive audience. From his original modern jazz collective with the Levit-Behrman Collective to Oaklandish — a deep dive into jazz classics through the funk and soul lens of Oakland — Levitt is a restless, generous, and thoroughly compelling musician, and The Deluxe is exactly the room his sound was made for.

Kai Lyons Trio
2026-09-02 20:45 - 22:00 | Mr. Tipples, 39 Fell St, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
Kai Lyons Trio at Mr. Tipples unites guitarist and tres player Kai Lyons with José Andrés “El Sinsonte” Rodríguez on vocals and percussion, and Dr. John Calloway on flute, piano, and percussion. The trio traces a vibrant path from the rural changüí and son traditions of Guantánamo to the improvisational language of jazz, blending Cuban guitar, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, traditional song forms, and contemporary cross-cultural interplay.
Tickets: $15-30

Zoo Band
2026-09-02 20:30 - 2026-09-03 04:00 | Boom Boom Room, 1601 Filmore St, San Francisco, CA, 94115, United States
There’s a certain kind of electricity that doesn’t come from wires and screens, but from roaring musicians locked onto the same pulse, bending time until the groove feels like it shakes the earth and could stretch forever. That’s Zoo Band.
Rooted in the Bay Area and built for the moment, Zoo is a soul-drenched, jam-powered collective where tight musicianship meets wild improvisation. Larry “Zoo” commands keys and vocals with a storyteller’s instinct. On guitar, Jordan (of Too Pretty for Radio) threads and shreds. Manny layers rich keyboard textures that form badass sonic landscapes. Andy’s bass doesn’t just hold it down, it’s Funky. Jeff Dukes drives it all from the drums bangin’ precision fire beats. Mike’s saxophone is pure soul energy.
Together, they build from deep funk to cosmic jam, from simmering soul to explosive peaks. No two shows are the same because Zoo locks in with the audience as the seventh member of the band.
Standing on the shoulders of the giants of 60s/70s Funk/Soul/Motown, but grounded in their own unmistakable sound, Zoo delivers pure joy with dance-compelling grooves that move! Step into the Zoo safari. This is the Zoo party!
LARRY “ZOO” – Vocals, Keys
ANDY – Bass
JORDAN – Lead Guitar
JEFF DUKES – Drums
MANNY – Keys
MIKE – Sax

The Editorials
2026-09-02 20:00 - 23:00 | Local Edition, 691 Market St, San Francisco, CA, 94105, United States
Various young Bay Area musicians come together for live Jazz at Local Edition!

Jazz Jam Session
2026-09-02 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
2026-09-02 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.
