Vibe: Retro Jazz Lounge | Sophisticated & Social | Urban Speakeasy
Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club — often referred to by its full name, Mr. Tipple’s Recording Studio — is a centerpiece of the Civic Center jazz scene. It channels the feel of a mid‑century recording studio, blending industrial‑chic details with a warm, retro atmosphere. The room walks a careful line between serious listening space and lively social lounge, making it equally welcoming for deep‑in jazz heads and friends just out for a night in the city.
Live Music & Atmosphere
Music runs nightly with a rotation of top Bay Area players, from straight‑ahead bebop trios to modern, more experimental quartets. The room layout supports both listening and conversation: a front bar area for socializing and a dedicated seating section closer to the stage for those who want to focus on the performance. Sightlines are good, the sound is tuned for intimacy, and sets tend to feel tight rather than background.
Led by Oakland- and NYC-based saxophonist, pianist, and EWI player Jesse Levit, Electric Levitation dives into jazz, funk, and soul with a modern edge. The group reimagines the music of Miles Davis, Roy Hargrove, Herbie Hancock, Thelonious Monk, and more, while also weaving in a few of Jesse’s originals. Come hang and hear where the music...
Led by Oakland- and NYC-based saxophonist, pianist, and EWI player Jesse Levit, Electric Levitation dives into jazz, funk, and soul with a modern edge. The group reimagines the music of Miles Davis, Roy Hargrove, Herbie Hancock, Thelonious Monk, and more, while also weaving in a few of Jesse’s originals. Come hang and hear where the music...
Marcus Anthony Shelby is a composer, bassist, bandleader, and educator who currently lives in San Francisco, California. His work focuses on the history, present, and future of African American lives, social movements, and music education. In 1990, Marcus Shelby received the Charles Mingus Scholarship to attend CalArts and study composition with James Newton and bass...
Marcus Anthony Shelby is a composer, bassist, bandleader, and educator who currently lives in San Francisco, California. His work focuses on the history, present, and future of African American lives, social movements, and music education. In 1990, Marcus Shelby received the Charles Mingus Scholarship to attend CalArts and study composition with James Newton and bass...
Pianist Joe Warner is setting the Bay Area jazz scene on fire. Known for his captivating style and electrifying performances, he’s worked as pianist and musical director for legendary vocalist The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol for over 10 years and leads the charge with his own Joe Warner Trio while sharing stages and studios with icons like...
Pianist Joe Warner is setting the Bay Area jazz scene on fire. Known for his captivating style and electrifying performances, he’s worked as pianist and musical director for legendary vocalist The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol for over 10 years and leads the charge with his own Joe Warner Trio while sharing stages and studios with icons like...
Born and raised in Mexico City, where he started playing professionally in 1990. He moved to Boston Mass. in 1995 and attended the Berklee College of Music where he graduated in the summer of 1999, with a major in Performance. Some of his teachers included Oscar Stagnaro, Rich Appleman, Daniel Morris, and Jim Stinnet. He...
Born and raised in Mexico City, where he started playing professionally in 1990. He moved to Boston Mass. in 1995 and attended the Berklee College of Music where he graduated in the summer of 1999, with a major in Performance. Some of his teachers included Oscar Stagnaro, Rich Appleman, Daniel Morris, and Jim Stinnet. He...
Morgan Faw | Alto Miles Lennox | Piano Christian Napoleon | Drums Isaac Coyle | Bass Isaac Coyle is a bassist, composer, and educator born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. After beginning his journey studying with local greats such as Howard Wiley and Jeff Chambers, Isaac graduated from the Berklee College of...
Morgan Faw | Alto Miles Lennox | Piano Christian Napoleon | Drums Isaac Coyle | Bass Isaac Coyle is a bassist, composer, and educator born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. After beginning his journey studying with local greats such as Howard Wiley and Jeff Chambers, Isaac graduated from the Berklee College of...
James Gallagher | Drums Nico Martinez | Bass Jack Tone-Riordan | Guitar “Jack Tone-Riordan is one of my favorite players on the scene today. He is a true improviser who truly swings: a very rare and refreshing thing! He represents a beautiful balance of thinking and feeling in his playing: he is always looking for something new...
James Gallagher | Drums Nico Martinez | Bass Jack Tone-Riordan | Guitar “Jack Tone-Riordan is one of my favorite players on the scene today. He is a true improviser who truly swings: a very rare and refreshing thing! He represents a beautiful balance of thinking and feeling in his playing: he is always looking for something new...