offbeatSF

Lucky Strike
2026-05-12 21:30 - 2026-05-13 01:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Lucky Strike, led by guitarist and bandleader Joe Lococo, appears at The Saloon in North Beach with a set that draws on blues, jazz, and rock & roll. The band features Richard McDonough on drums and vocals, Derek Evans on vocals, Joe Lococo on guitar and vocals. The group reflects Lococo’s long experience in the Bay Area scene as both sideman and bandleader, bringing that background into a bar-focused live setting.

Jose Simioni Trio
2026-05-13 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.

Le Jazz Hot
2026-05-13 18:00 - 21:00 | Scopo Divino, 2800 California St #101, 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.

Wednesday Big Table
2026-05-13 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!

Bobby Rush "An Intimate Evening with Stories and Songs"
2026-05-13 18:30 - 21:00 | Biscuits & Blues, 401 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
Bobby Rush is a Grammy Award–winning blues legend whose career spans more than six decades. Known for his soulful voice, electrifying stage presence, and blend of blues, soul, and funk, Rush has become one of the most dynamic performers in American roots music. A Blues Hall of Famer and one of the most recorded blues artists of his generation, he continues to captivate audiences worldwide with powerful storytelling, rich musical traditions, and unforgettable live performances.

Minimal Julián
2026-05-13 18:30 - 21:30 | Etcetera Wine Bar, 795 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA, 94110, United States
Minimal Julián brings a 6:30–9:30 pm set to Etcetera Wine Bar, led by Buenos Aires–born singer, songwriter, and composer Julián Armando Gervasi, now based in San Francisco. His project fuses indie rock, psychedelic pop, freak folk, and jazzy textures, drawing on influences like The Velvet Underground, Devendra Banhart, Mac DeMarco, Radiohead, and Pescado Rabioso. The songs blend European Latin spirit from Buenos Aires with the dreamy, nostalgic atmosphere of San Francisco, creating warm, romantic, and slightly surreal moods that fit a seated wine-bar listening room.

The Soul Sessions: Joe Warner, Dante 'Taz' Roberson, Michael 'Tiny' Lindsey & Angelo Luster
2026-05-13 19:00 - 20:15 | Black Cat Jazz Supper Club, 400 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA, 94109, United States
Midweek just got a whole lot deeper.
JaZzLine INSTITUTE presents The Soul Sessions: an electrifying live music series bringing the Bay Area’s finest to the stage at Black Cat every Wednesday night, March through May. For just $10 cash, experience world-class musicianship up close in an intimate setting where jazz, soul, gospel, funk, and R&B collide.
Seats are limited. The vibe is undeniable. Make your reservations now while supplies last.
Meet this Quartet:
Joe Warner is setting the Bay Area jazz scene on fire. A rising star with a captivating touch and electrifying stage presence, Warner serves as pianist and musical director for the legendary Miss Faye Carol while leading his own acclaimed Joe Warner Trio.
He’s shared stages and studios with jazz icons including Houston Person, Jeff “Tain” Watts, Buster Williams, and Gary Bartz, and has crossed genre lines alongside cultural heavyweights like Mistah F.A.B., The California Honeydrops, and Robert Randolph.
With deep groove, fearless versatility, and a modern sensibility rooted in tradition, Warner delivers fresh takes on jazz standards, blues, ballads, and adventurous swingin’ — proving he truly has the keys to the future.
Distinguished drummer and founder of the Da Groove Collective Jazz Quartet, Dante “Taz” Roberson brings over two decades of live performance and touring experience to every stage he touches. Known for his powerful grooves and creative command of rhythm, Taz has performed with Eric Benet, Cameo, Joe, Kem, Alicia Keys, Najee, Tank, Tony! Toni! Toné!, and Howard Wiley. His dynamic style has captivated audiences at iconic venues like London’s Jazz Café and major festivals including San Jose and the Hollywood Bowl Jazz Festivals.
Rooted in the rich musical culture of the Bay Area, his sound blends funk, jazz, and classic R&B into a collective vibe that feels both nostalgic and strikingly contemporary.
A world-class bassist and background vocalist, Michael “Tiny” Lindsey has performed with some of the biggest names in music: John Legend, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Boyz II Men, Common, Jay-Z, and more. His television appearances include The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Rosie O’Donnell, Martha Stewart, and Last Call with Carson Daly.
Born into a musical family, Lindsey was performing professionally in New York by age fifteen. His versatility across pop, R&B, rock, jazz, blues, funk, and gospel has taken him on global tours throughout the U.S., Europe, Japan, South America, and Africa.
Beyond touring, he’s a respected writer, arranger, and producer, contributing to albums by Sunshine Anderson, Ryan Shaw, and Shawn Raiford. When Tiny locks in, the groove becomes undeniable.
Described as “a rose sprung from a rock,” Oakland native Angelo Luster is a saxophonist whose rich, soulful tone carries listeners on a spiritual journey. His sound is born from the union of contemporary gospel and West Coast jazz — powerful, prayerful, and deeply expressive. A scholarship student of UC Berkeley’s Young Musicians Program at age twelve, Luster trained extensively in jazz and classical music before going on to perform at festivals throughout the U.S. and Europe.
He has shared stages with Boyz II Men, Rosemary Clooney, Mercer Ellington, Maynard Ferguson, Diane Schurr, Billy Taylor, Joe Williams, and more. An award-winning artist and Best Male Jazz Artist recipient, Luster’s recordings — including Face 2 Face and his latest EP Sunday Mornin’ — reflect his mission to inspire through music that feeds both soul and spirit.
The Soul Sessions at Black Cat Where groove meets spirit. Where legends and rising stars share one stage. Where Wednesday nights feel like church for music lovers.
Supported by a Culture Forward grant from The Svane Family Foundation Band
Lineup: Joe Warner, piano Dante ‘Taz’ Roberson, drums Michael ‘Tiny’ Lindsey, bass Angelo Luster, saxophone

Ben Rosenblum Trio
2026-05-13 19:00 - 20:15, 2026-05-13 20:45 - 22:00 | Mr. Tipples, 39 Fell St, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
Mat Muntz | Bass
Jake Shandling | Drums
Ben Rosenblum | Piano

Lorca Hart Bridges Trio
2026-05-13 19:00 - 20:30, 2026-05-13 21:00 - 22:30 | Keys Jazz Bistro, 498 Broadway, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Lorca Hart’s vision is to provide deepening creative musical experiences for himself and others. His career as both a performer and a teacher has been dedicated to the craft of drumming, Jazz tradition and history, and ensemble collaboration.
Mr. Hart received his BFA from California Institute of the Arts in 1996. He was deeply inspired by teacher/mentors including Albert “Tootie” Heath, Joe La Barbera, Charlie Haden, Wadada Leo Smith, and many others. Lorca continues to be inspired by music education now as a faculty member for numerous musical education venues including Stanford Jazz Workshop, Mt. San Antonio College, SF Jazz and many other musical clinics and workshops. Additionally, Lorca teaches privately at his drum studio.
West Coast drummer Lorca Hart presents his Bridges Trio, playing straight ahead standards rooted in the jazz organ sound while also exploring more contemporary elements with original compositions and composers such as Josh Redman, John Scofied and Pat Metheny.
Featuring Brian Ho on organ and Tony Peebles on sax.

Live Jazz
2026-05-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Ti Piacera, 1507 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109, United States
Break up the work week with an evening of live jazz at Ti Piacera!
Every Wednesday from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm, this cozy Polk Street destination hosts a rotating selection of talented local jazz ensembles. While the specific band changes from week to week, you can always expect a high-quality musical experience featuring some of San Francisco’s most dedicated jazz musicians.
It is the perfect atmosphere for a refined dinner or a relaxed drink, providing a sophisticated backdrop of live improvisation and classic melodies in an intimate neighborhood setting.

Open Jazz Jam, Swing, Country, Manouche, Blues, and Standards
2026-05-13 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.

David Parker Quintet
2026-05-13 19:00 - 22:00 | Sheba Piano Lounge, 1419 Filmore St, San Francisco, CA, 94115, United States
The David Parker Quintet is a Bay Area jazz ensemble led by bassist and arranger David Parker, appearing at Sheba Piano Lounge in the Fillmore. Centered on the true jazz tradition, the group focuses on bebop and hard‑bop repertoire associated with classic Blue Note and Prestige recordings, emphasizing driving swing, intricate harmonies, and lyrical improvisation. A longtime mainstay at Sheba, Parker’s quintet is known for polished, acoustically rich sets that match the lounge’s intimate, Ethiopian‑inspired setting and attentive listening crowd.

Live Jazz
2026-05-13 19:00 - 22:00 | Hi Low Club, 1423 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109, United States
Weekly live jazz, Americana and more at the Hi Lo Club from 7-10pm.

Ray Skjelbred & the Hot Corner
2026-05-13 19:30 - 21:30 | Bird & Beckett, 653 Cheney St, San Francisco, CA, 94131, United States
Ray Skjelbred & the Hot Corner plays at Bird & Beckett. The jazz ensemble led by pianist Ray Skjelbred that specializes in “Chicago style” jazz, a sound rooted in the 1920s with a focus on blues and swing rhythms.

Magic School Busk
2026-05-13 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
2026-05-13 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.

Rotating Bands at the Lion’s Den
2026-05-13 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.

Peninsula Project
2026-05-13 20:00 - 23:00 | Comstock Saloon, 155 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
The Peninsula Project appears every Wednesday from 8–11pm at the Comstock Saloon, led by pianist and vocalist Eric Shifrin. The quartet focuses on piano-driven swing, stride, and classic jazz, with a lineup featuring Eric Shifrin on piano and vocals, Rick Brown on trombone, Carl Herder on bass, and Garry Williams on drums, in a setting that reflects the historic character of the bar at Columbus and Pacific.

About the Peninsula Project
The Peninsula Project is known for its easygoing technical mastery and infectious sense of fun. Bandleader Eric Shifrin, a mainstay of the San Francisco jazz scene, is celebrated for his witty vocal delivery and stride-piano prowess. Whether performing at the historic Cadillac Hotel or anchoring their residency at the Comstock, the group prioritizes the conversational, improvisational spirit of jazz, ensuring that every Wednesday night feels like a spontaneous neighborhood celebration.

Dirty Works Jazz Jam @ The Shoe
2026-05-13 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).

Chris Siebert
2026-05-13 20:30 - 23:00 | Royal Cuckoo Organ Lounge, 3202 Mission St, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Chris Siebert is a prominent San Francisco-based jazz pianist, organist, and bandleader known for bridging generations of musicians through soulful, swinging jazz. His music is deeply rooted in the Swing Era, blues, and R&B

Hella Fitzgerald x Honor Brass Band
2026-05-13 20:30 - 23:30 | Local Edition, 691 Market St, San Francisco, CA, 94105, United States
Hella Fitzgerald x Honor Brass Band
Hella Fitzgerald
​​​​​From Bebop to Hip Hop, a dance band collective based in California, featuring Soul, Jazz, Funk, R&B, 90’s, Hip Hop, Latin, Pop, Top 40, and more.
Honor Brass Band
New Orleans Style 5-piece brass band with NOLA classics and modern R&B renditions.

JEFF COTTON's GIN JOINT with special guests
2026-05-13 20:30 - 2026-05-14 01:30 | Boom Boom Room, 1601 Filmore St, San Francisco, CA, 94115, United States
Jeff Cotton’s Gin Joint is a San Francisco-based roots rock band known for their obscure covers and rootsy originals that draw from the deep well of classic rock, soul, country, and psychedelic groove. Their sound is a swirling cocktail of Springsteen’s working-class anthems, Bowie’s theatrical edge, and Stevie Wonder’s soulful fire—with a splash of Cheap Trick’s power pop, Lucinda Williams’ grit, and The Band’s rustic storytelling. Whether they’re tearing through a Black Sabbath riff, crooning a Jackson Browne ballad, or reimagining a Rare Earth hit. Their monthly residency at the Boom Boom Room feature genre-fluid sets that are equal parts nostalgic and unpredictable. It’s music for the misfits, the romantics, and the late-night wanderers.
JEFF COTTON’S GIN JOINT:
In The Vein of Tom Petty and Americana Rock, roots rock, southern rock, country and folk.
Guitar, mandolin and Vocals; Jeff Cotton
Bass; Mike Toth
Drums; Kris Jones
Lead Rhythm Guitars; Thomas Kenny

Jose Simioni
2026-05-13 21:00 - 2026-05-14 01:00 | Tupelo, 1337 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Experience the uniquely Jose sound as the legendary Jose Simioni takes the stage at Tupelo. A North Beach fixture for over two decades, Simioni is a self-taught master whose playing defies easy categorization. He eschews traditional licks for a deeply personal, improvisational style that makes his guitar sing—moving seamlessly from floating, lazy melodies to a rocking, soulful growl. Whether he is leading his trio or performing solo, a night with Simioni is a masterclass in musical identity.
The Sound: Simioni’s style is a sophisticated, gritty blend of Jazz, Blues, and Rock. Influenced by everyone from Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton to jazz greats like Joe Pass and Jim Hall, he has synthesized these icons into a sound that is entirely his own. His sets often feature brilliantly unrecognizable popular tunes delivered with a level of panache that only a veteran of the Grant Avenue circuit can provide.
The North Beach Legacy: Originally arriving from Washington D.C. with nothing but a guitar, an amp, and a sleeping bag, Simioni has since played every imaginable venue in San Francisco. His residencies at Tupelo and the neighboring Saloon have made him a living cornerstone of the city’s blues and jazz tradition.
Intimate Improvisation: As an artist who values floating melodies and spontaneous creation, Simioni turns the dim, red-lit atmosphere of Tupelo into an intimate laboratory for sound.
No Cover Charge: This world-class display of guitar artistry is open to all patrons with no cover. It is a quintessential North Beach experience: raw, authentic, and performed by a musician who has spent thirty years perfecting his craft in the heart of the city.

About Jose Simioni
Jose Simioni is a composer and guitarist who has built one of the most respected reputations in the San Francisco music scene. Refusing to sound like a carbon copy of his influences, he has spent his career developing an unconventional technique that prioritizes emotion and original phrasing over standard licks. Usually performing as part of an organ trio—often featuring seasoned pros like Tony Stead on the B3 and Dylan Garrison on drums—Simioni remains a musician’s musician, celebrated for his ability to make even the most familiar standards feel like a brand-new discovery.

Chris Ford
2026-05-13 21:30 - 2026-05-14 01:30 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
The Chris Ford Band delivers a spirited blend of rockabilly, blues, and honky tonk, electrifying venues across San Francisco including The Saloon. Led by Chris Ford, the band combines old-school honky tonk vibes with modern energy, crafting a sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh. Whether dominating the stage or engaging with the crowd, the Chris Ford Band promises a lively night of roots-driven music that keeps fans coming back for more.

G Riders
2026-05-14 16:00 - 20:00 | The Saloon, 1232 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
The G-Riders perform at the Saloon. This San Francisco-based ensemble is composed of veteran musicians from the Bay Area blues and gospel-soul communities.
Takezo (Guitar/Vocals): Leads the group with a focus on traditional blues and soulful vocal delivery.
Kit Roscoe (Guitar): Provides additional guitar work, contributing to the band’s layered blues sound.
Dave Mehrwine (Keyboard): Handles the keys, grounding the group’s arrangements with classic blues textures.
Steve Hazlewood (Bass): A San Francisco native with nearly 50 years of professional experience, Hazlewood has previously performed with artists such as Elvin Bishop and Michael Osborn.
Randy Hayes (Drums): A seasoned drummer and North Beach regular who has toured extensively and worked with notable blues figures like Tommy Castro and Coco Montoya.

Live Music at Capo’s
2026-05-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Capo’s, 641 Vallejo St, San Francisco, CA, 94133, United States
Join us on the patio at Capo’s for live music 6-9pm with rotating local bands. Come grab a slice and support live music in San Francisco.

Viajó de la Música
2026-05-14 18:00 - 21:00 | Scopo Divino, 2800 California St #101, San Francisco, CA, 94115, United States
Viajó 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.

Chris McCarthy Quintet ft Takuya Kuroda & Eden Bareket
2026-05-14 19:00 - 20:15 | Black Cat Jazz Supper Club, 400 Eddy St, San Francisco, CA, 94109, United States
Pianist Chris McCarthy and trumpeter Takuya Kuroda are two of the most innovative forces in modern jazz, and together, they craft a sound that is equal parts sophisticated and electrifying. McCarthy, praised by The New York Times for his “high skill and sensitivity,” has made a name for himself as one of New York’s most in-demand pianists, collaborating with icons like Jerry Bergonzi and tap legend Dormeshia. His genre-blurring approach is showcased on albums like Still Time to Quit and Life’s a Gig, and now, he takes the stage at Black Cat with Kuroda and Bareket, back for an epic collaboration.
Kuroda, the Kobe-born, Brooklyn-based trumpeter, is a master of blending jazz with hip-hop, neo-soul, and funk. With eight studio albums to his name—including his latest chart-topping release, Everyday—his music radiates groove and pure creative energy. A former Blue Note and Concord recording artist, he has worked with legends like DJ Premier and José James, carving out a signature sound that is cool, soulful, and endlessly engaging.
Expect deep rhythms, hypnotic melodies, and exhilarating interplay as McCarthy and Kuroda bring their genre-defying artistry to Black Cat. This is live jazz at its most inspired.
Band Lineup:
Chris McCarthy, piano
Takuya Kuroda, trumpet
Eden Bareket, bari sax
Sam Minaie, bass
Steven Crammer, drums
