offbeatSF

Wednesday Big Table
2026-09-30 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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!

My Blue Soul
2026-09-30 21:30 - 2026-10-01 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

Katy Stephan
2026-10-01 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.

Dirty Works Jazz Jam & Burlesque Show
2026-10-01 20:00 - 23:00 | Paris 75, 515 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
The Dirty Works Jazz Band brings its signature jam session to Paris 75 every first Thursday. 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 only Jazz Jam to feature a burlesque dancer, Raya, who performs with the band from 9-10pm.
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.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking to play, ask for “the Bass dude”.

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.

Art by Jeremy Fish: Screen Prints for sale at the smallest gallery in town
2026-10-02 - 2026-10-03 | 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.

Katy Stephan
2026-10-02 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.

Jessica Loos Poetry & Music Series
2026-10-02 17:00 - 19:00 | Macchiarini Creative Design, 1544 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, United States
Jessica Loos poetry series 7pm, quilt work wall hangings and artistry by Marylyn Tescani. Poetry reading and music in front of Macchiarini Creative Design. Follow the poets up to Coit Tower at 9pm or stick around for the Black Diamond Band at 10pm.
Want to know more about the North Beach Poetry Crawl? Check out Mukethe Kawinzi’s experience in Quiet Lighting.

Magic School Busk
2026-10-02 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.

Group Art Show
2026-10-02 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.

Vince Lateano Trio
2026-10-02 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!

Andean and Latin World Music Night
2026-10-02 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.

Gaucho Jazz
2026-10-02 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.

Coit Tower Poetry Club
2026-10-02 21:00 - 23:00 | Coit Tower, 1 Telegraph Hill Blvd, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Join the Coit Tower Poetry Club with a reading on the back lawn of Coit Tower.

Magic School Busk
2026-10-03 13:00 - 17:00, 2026-10-04 13:00 - 21:00 | Red Window, 500 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, 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.

Jules Broussard’s New Orleans Jazz Band
2026-10-03 14:00 - 17:00 | Savoy Tivoli, 1434 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
The legendary Jules Broussard brings the spirit of New Orleans to the heart of North Beach with a bi-weekly residency at the Savoy Tivoli. Taking place every other Saturday from 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, this “Legacy Jazz” series offers a rare opportunity to see a living master perform in one of the neighborhood’s most historic venues. These afternoon sessions are known for their relaxed yet electric atmosphere, drawing a devoted crowd of jazz aficionados and curious passersby alike.
While Broussard has been a Bay Area fixture for decades, his roots are in Marksville, Louisiana. His “New Orleans Jazz Band” highlights this heritage, blending classic NOLA syncopation with the sophisticated improvisational style that has made him a global name.

Jules Broussard is a saxophone virtuoso whose career spans over seven decades. Born in 1937, he began organizing bands in Louisiana at the age of twelve before serving in the U.S. Air Force and eventually settling in San Francisco. He has shared the stage and studio with some of the most iconic names in music history, including: Ray Charles, Carlos Santana, Van Morrison, Boz Scaggs, and Elvin Bishop.
Honored with the San Francisco Cabaret Gold Award for “Outstanding Jazz Musician” and a BAMMIE for “Best Reed Player,” Broussard is a cornerstone of the West Coast jazz scene. Once voted by the San Francisco Examiner as “Reason #11 out of 96 to be in San Francisco,” he continues to perform with a passion and mastery that captivates every generation of music lover.

Saturday~Flamenco, Music of the Andes, Latin Dance
2026-10-03 20:00 - 21:30 | Peña Pachamama, 1630 Powell St, San Francisco, 94133, United States
This Saturday, join two-time Latin Grammy nominee Eddy Nadia, Pachamama band, Andean costumed dancers and special guest master violinist Georges Lammam for a magical, musical night in a historic speakeasy.

Late Set: Simon Rowe Organ Trio
2026-10-03 22:30 - 23:30 | Keys Jazz Bistro, 498 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Keeping folks up past 10 pm in SF is no easy feat, but Key’s owner Simon Rowe has been showcasing the best of the Bay Area’s organ trios in his late night Saturday sets.
His ‘Transcendent Trio’, formed for a “Jazz on the Patio” residency during the pandemic will feature the dynamic Kai Lyons- guitar, the ebullient Brian Fishler- drums and Rowe on Hammond organ for a set of Blues, Bebop, Ballads and Banter.
Simon Rowe – organ
Kai Lyons – guitar
Brian Fishler – drums
Tickets: $15 per show
First come, first serve seating policy. Advanced Ticket Purchase Suggetsed We strongly recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the show to secure your spot in line for seating.
Will-call check-in system, simply provide your last name to check in upon arrival.
Take advantage of our Bar & Lounge. No Cover! Happy Hour: Wed-Sat from 5pm-6pm.

Sunday Blues Jam at Pier 23 Cafe
2026-10-04 16:00 - 19:00 | Pier 23, 23 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, 94111, United States
Live Music is BACK at Pier 23 Cafe! Join us for a fun afternoon filled with jammin’ blues sounds from professional musicians and budding artists. We are supporting local talent on all levels. Grab a drink, a bite and be ready to dance. Bring your friends, we can’t wait to see you.

Marissa McLain
2026-10-04 17:00 - 19:00 | Otherwise Brewing, 1402 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Relax and unwind from the week with us every other Sunday with the classic jazz vocal stylings of @marissa_m_sings and a rotating cast of friends on musical accompaniment.
Because Sundays at Otherwise Brewing are just better with sunshine, drinks, and live music.

A Sunday Music Cafe
2026-10-04 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

Sunday Artist Series
2026-10-04 20:00 - 2026-10-05 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.

Peter Lindman and Roger Rocha
2026-10-05 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
2026-10-05 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.

The San Francisco Invitational Jam
2026-10-05 21:00 - 2026-10-06 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
2026-10-06 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

Smith Dobson Jazz Special
2026-10-06 20:00 - 23:00 | Specs’ Twelve Adler Museum Cafe, 12 Saroyan Pl, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Monthly jazz jam session led by multi-instrumentalist Smith Dobson and his quartet. Every first Tuesday 8-11pm at Specs! All musicians welcome, bring your instruments!

Hal Bigler Band
2026-10-06 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
2026-10-06 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
2026-10-07 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.
