Wacky Wednesday
2026-08-12 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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
2026-08-12 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
2026-08-12 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
2026-08-12 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-08-13 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-08-14 20:00 - 23:00, 2026-08-15 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.

Dirty Works Jazz Jam @ The Shoe
2026-08-12 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).

Viajó de la Música
2026-08-13 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.

Jazz Music Bands/Local Musicians
2026-08-13 19:00 - 23:00 | Amelie, 1754 Polk St, San Francisco, CA, 94109, United States

Katy Stephan
2026-08-13 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.

Katy Stephan
2026-08-14 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.

Magic School Busk
2026-08-14 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.

Andean and Latin World Music Night
2026-08-14 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
2026-08-14 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.

Dewayne Oakley and Ralph Nelson
2026-08-15 12:00 - 16:00, 2026-08-16 12:00 - 16:00 | Choquet’s, 2500 Washington St, San Francisco, CA, 94115, United States
Transport yourself to the Rive Gauche without leaving Fillmore Street. Chouquet’s invites you to experience “Jazz on the Patio,” a long-standing neighborhood tradition that pairs world-class live music with the breezy elegance of a classic French bistro. Set against the backdrop of one of San Francisco’s most iconic shopping corridors, this event offers a high-fidelity sensory experience where the “restless melodicism” of local jazz meets the refined flavors of France.
Featuring the Dewayne Oakley Blues Ensemble
This weekend’s soundtrack is provided by the seasoned mastery of Dewayne Oakley and Ralph Nelson. As cornerstones of the Bay Area music scene, this duo brings a rich, soulful texture to the patio:
Dewayne Oakley (Bass & Vocals): A veteran with over 50 years in the industry, Oakley is a master of “city music with a country soul.” His deep, resonant bass violin and gravelly, heartfelt vocals bridge the gap between sophisticated jazz standards and raw, acoustic blues.
Ralph Nelson (Guitar): Originally a drummer from a New York jazz family (his father’s dental patients included Max Roach and Sonny Rollins!), Nelson switched to guitar after falling under the spell of Jimi Hendrix. His style is firmly rooted in hard bop, bringing a melodic versatility that dances effortlessly between blues grit and jazz precision.
The Experience
The Setting: Relax on the expansive, heated sidewalk patio—one of the best people-watching spots in the city. The outdoor seating allows you to soak in the Pacific Heights sun while enjoying the acoustic warmth of live upright bass and hollow-body guitar.
The Menu: Enhance the rhythm with Chouquet’s signature bistro fare. Indulge in local favorites like the Moules Frites, Croque Madame, or a crisp glass of Sancerre from their extensive French-focused wine list.
The Atmosphere: This is an unpretentious yet polished affair, perfect for a romantic date, a sophisticated family brunch, or a solo afternoon of “art and aperitifs.”

Magic School Busk
2026-08-15 13:00 - 17:00, 2026-08-16 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.

The Henry Co.
2026-08-15 15:00 - 18:00 | Casements Bar, 2351 Mission St, San Francisco, CA, 94110, United States
Spend your Saturday afternoon in the heart of the Mission with The Henry Co., a local San Francisco ensemble known for their soulful, laid-back instrumental and vocal grooves. These sessions have become a staple of the Casements weekend lineup, offering a perfect “day-drinking” soundtrack that blends the sophistication of a jazz club with the relaxed energy of a neighborhood pub.
Drawing from jazz, soul, and indie-rock influences, the band is celebrated for their versatility. While they often lean into deep-pocket jazz grooves, they are also known for their creative reinterpretations of familiar tracks (as heard on their The Henry Co-vers series), ranging from roots-rock to modern pop.
Weather permitting, these shows often take advantage of Casements’ vibrant patio. It’s an ideal setting to enjoy a Guinness or a craft cocktail while soaking in live music that evolves from mellow afternoon background vibes to high-energy jams as the set progresses.

Saturday~Flamenco, Music of the Andes, Latin Dance
2026-08-15 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
2026-08-15 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.

Bluegrass Jam
2026-08-16 16:00 - 19:00 | The Lucky Horseshoe, 454 Courtland Ave, San Francisco, CA, 94110, United States
The Lucky Horseshoe hosts its long-standing Bluegrass Jam every Sunday afternoon. Unlike a typical circle jam, this is a unique “performance” jam where musicians take to the stage to play into microphones for a live crowd. It’s an intermediate-to-advanced level session that brings together the best of the Bay Area’s roots and bluegrass community, turning the Bernal Heights tavern into a high-energy honky-tonk for three hours every week.

The Performance Format: This session is specifically designed as a “on-stage” experience. Musicians are encouraged to step up to the mic, fostering a professional yet welcoming atmosphere that bridges the gap between a casual rehearsal and a formal concert.

Skill Level Requirements: The jam is tailored for intermediate players who are comfortable leading a vocal or instrumental song. The ability to “call a tune” and guide the ensemble is a key part of the ritual, ensuring a high-quality listening experience for the patrons in the bar.

A Neighborhood Tradition: Sponsored in part by the California Bluegrass Association (CBA), the jam is a quintessential Sunday social in Bernal Heights. The “Shoe” provides the perfect wood-paneled backdrop, complete with strong drinks and a dog-friendly policy that welcomes the whole community.

Acoustic & Unplugged: While the stage is amplified, the heart of the music remains strictly acoustic, celebrating the traditional sounds of banjo, fiddle, mandolin, and upright bass in their purest forms.

About the Organizer: California Bluegrass Association (CBA)
The Sunday Horseshoe Jam is part of the broader mission of the California Bluegrass Association, a non-profit dedicated to the preservation and promotion of bluegrass, old-time, and gospel music. By supporting weekly residencies like this one, the CBA ensures that traditional American music remains a vibrant, living part of San Francisco’s urban culture. Whether you are a seasoned picker looking for a stage or a fan of high-speed flatpicking, these Sunday sessions offer an authentic slice of the “high lonesome sound” right on Cortland Avenue.

Sunday Blues Jam
2026-08-16 16:00 - 19:00 | Pier 23, 23 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, CA, 94111, United States
The Sunday Blues Jam at Pier 23 is the perfect way to spend a rollicking afternoon on the waterfront — anchored by the inimitable blues drummer Sean Donoghue, this open jam welcomes professional musicians and budding artists alike to jump in and play. Grab a drink, a bite, hit the dance floor, and bring your instrument — all levels are welcome and the stage is yours.

Salsa Saturdays
2026-08-16 16:00 - 22:00 | The Ramp, 855 Terry A Francois Blvd, San Francisco, CA, 94158, United States
Live Salsa Saturdays at The Ramp bring live salsa bands to the waterfront patio every week from 4 pm to 10 pm, turning the bayside spot into one of San Francisco’s go‑to salsa destinations. Dancers and listeners can enjoy high‑energy salsa sets with sweeping Bay views, evening breezes, and a casual outdoor vibe, with a 20 cover charge for entry (21+).

Vince Lateano Trio
2026-08-16 17:00 - 19:00 | Bird & Beckett, 653 Cheney St, San Francisco, CA, 94131, United States
Ben Stolorow, piano; Peter Barshay, bass; Vince Lateano, drums. Part of the Bird & Beckett Jazz in the Bookshop (Sundays 5–7pm). Seating is limited — reservations recommended: 415-586-3733. Suggested contribution: $20–30; students $10–15; younger kids free.

Gaucho
2026-08-16 17:00 - 20:00 | Brenda’s French Soul Food, 652 Polk Street, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
Settle into a Sunday evening that feels straight out of a New Orleans daydream as Gaucho brings their signature hot-club–inspired jazz to Brenda’s French Soul Food. From 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the band turns the Polk Street institution into a warm, swinging supper room, mixing Django-style gypsy jazz, classic standards, and soulful improvisations that pair perfectly with beignets, biscuits, and Creole comfort food. It’s an easygoing, come-as-you-are hang: grab a table, order your favorites from the Brenda’s menu, and let Gaucho’s guitars, bass, and horns carry you through a lazy, joyfully unhurried Sunday night.

A Sunday Music Cafe
2026-08-16 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

Bohemian Knuckleboogie
2026-08-16 19:30 - 22:30 | Sheba Piano Lounge, 1419 Filmore St, San Francisco, CA, 94115, United States
Bohemian Knuckleboogie is a unique San Francisco an eclectic and high-octane mix of Blues, Funk, and Neo-soul playing weekly Sundays at Sheba Piano Lounge.
Featuring Elaine Alt on Saxophone, Miles Spearman on Trumpet, Rob Bassinette on Bass, and Gary Williams on Drums.
Bohemian Knuckleboogie carries on the torch for former band lead RIP Mike Pitre’s “blues for your shoes”, infusing traditional blues with modern, energetic instrumentation and distinctive vocals.

Magic School Busk Latin Collective
2026-08-16 20:00 - 23:00 | Persona, 685 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
Cap off your weekend with an electrifying explosion of rhythm as the Magic School Busk Latin Collective takes over Persona every Sunday night. While the “Busk” is famous for their daytime street-side swing in North Beach, their Sunday residency at this sleek Lower Nob Hill lounge pivots into a high-fidelity exploration of the Afro-Latin diaspora. The room transforms from a sophisticated cocktail sanctuary into a pulsing dance floor, fueled by a genre-blending sound that is impossible to ignore.
The Sound: The Collective delivers a “simmering” fusion of Cumbia, Salsa, Son, Mambo and more, often laced with the band’s signature funk and soul undertones. Expect driving percussion, soaring brass lines, and a “restless melodicism” that pays homage to both Fania-era greats and modern tropical experimentalists.
The Atmosphere: Persona offers a stark, stylish contrast to the group’s outdoor “busking” roots. With its moody lighting, plush textures, and expert mixology, the venue provides a “supper club” intimacy where you can appreciate the technical brilliance of the players up close before the inevitable move to the dance floor.
The “Invitational” Spirit: True to the Magic School Busk ethos, the Latin Collective often serves as a magnet for the city’s top percussionists and horn players. It is common to see special guest vocalists or instrumentalists “sit in” with the band, ensuring that every Sunday session has its own unique, improvisational DNA.
No Cover: This elite musical experience is open to the public with no cover charge. It provides an accessible “ritual” for industry locals and music aficionados who want a high-energy alternative to the typical “quiet Sunday” routine.

About the Magic School Busk Latin Collective
The Latin Collective is a specialized branch of the broader Magic School Busk family—a group of veteran Bay Area musicians dedicated to bringing world-class live performance to the people. Led by a core of “pocket-heavy” rhythm specialists, the Collective emphasizes the communal and spiritual aspects of Latin music. Whether they are performing as a stripped-down quartet or a full ensemble with a wall of brass, their mission remains consistent: to bring the a good time to party people.
