This is a show you will absolutely not want to miss!

This band played at the Sound Room in February and we have been begging them to come back ever since.

Kelly Green is one of NYC's most exciting new artists "well worth discovering" (NYC Jazz Record)! A true "triple threat", Kelly Green mesmerizes audiences as a pianist, vocalist, and composer. Kelly’s remarkable talent has led her to share the stage with jazz legends such as Christian McBride, George Coleman, Billy Hart and many others showcasing her exceptional skill, empathy, and musicality. She has brought her compelling talent and personality to prestigious venues including The Kennedy Center, Dizzy's Jazz Club, Birdland, and Blue Note and has toured with her band all over the US, Europe, and South America.

Green will be joined by her renowned band of world class musicians Evan Hyde on drums, Elijah J Thomas on flutes and piccolo and Luca Soul Rosenfeld on the upright bass.

Kelly Green is known for her intricate lyric driven arrangements of Jazz standards and her auspicious "outside-the-box" original compositions. With her quartet she will be performing selections from their classic repertoire, music from their latest album 'Seems' and music from their upcoming album 'Corner of My Dreams'.

Esteemed writer and radio DJ Thierry De Clemensat describes their new album ‘Seems’ as “…an album of incredible class with musicians you’ll instantly adore.”

“Kelly Green is one of the most talented & spirited people I know. Everything about her is joyous and swingin’!” -Christian McBride

“She is no mere songwriter, but an artist and performer in toto...Green’s composing skills are more than impressive.” -Michael Bailey (All About Jazz)

“Kelly Green is a triple threat as pianist, vocalist and composer” -Jazz Weekly, George Harris

“She is no mere songwriter, but an artist and performer in toto…Green’s composing skills are more than impressive.” -All About Jazz, C. Michael Bailey

Tickets at Kelly Green Quartet

"Colors of Jazz" is an exceptional jazz album that showcases the remarkable talents of the Lorca Hart trio, featuring Lorca Hart on drums, Edwin Livingston on upright bass, and Josh Nelson on piano. Featuring a collection of new songs composed by these esteemed musical artists, each contributing their unique style and creativity to the album. Adding to the album's allure, is saxophone virtuoso Ralph Moore joins as a special guest, infusing his soulful and expressive playing into the mix.

Lorca Hart’s career as both a performer and a teacher has been dedicated to the craft of drumming, Jazz tradition and history, and ensemble collaboration. Lorca has performed in a vast array of musical situations, working with many of the West Coast’s (and beyond) finest artists.

Born and raised in Southern California pianist-composer-bandleader Josh Nelson has performed with some of the most respected names in jazz, including Kurt Elling, John Pizzarelli, Benny Golson, Sheila Jordan, John Clayton, George Mraz, Jeff Hamilton, Dave Koz, Joe Chambers and Peter Erskine.

In addition to a full time playing, touring, and recording career, Edward Livingston is an Assistant Professor at the USC Thornton School of Music in the jazz studies department, teaching bass and small ensembles.

Ralph Moore is one of the most visible tenor saxophonists in America.His many credits include collaborations with such legends as Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard, Ray Brown, Dizzy Gillespie, B.B. King, Paquito D’Rivera, Diana Ross and J.J. Johnson.

Tickets at Lorca Hart Trio featuring Ralph Moore: Colors of Jazz

Experience the rich textures of Brazilian instrumental music with Julio Lemos, a virtuoso of the 7-string guitar whose performances blend deep tradition with inventive expression.

Drawing from the classical precision of Villa-Lobos and Radamés Gnattali and the rhythmic soul of choro and samba, Julio’s music is rooted in the legacy of masters like Dino 7 Cordas, Rafael Rabelo, and Baden Powell. His sound is at once grounded and exploratory—effortlessly moving between intricate counterpoint, spontaneous improvisation, and the driving pulse of samba-jazz.

A professor at the Federal University of Goiás since 2010, Julio holds a doctorate in music and has recorded with renowned artists like Hermeto Pascoal and Carlos Malta. His international career includes tours and workshops across Europe, the U.S., and China, as well as judging the São Paulo carnival. In 2023 and 2024, he performed extensively in Brazil and abroad, collaborated with major artists, and released his CD/DVD Julio Lemos Brasil Acústico, reinforcing his role as a representative of Brazilian music.

Tickets at Julio Lemos Group

Triple threat talent, Joshua Howell (guitar, harmonica, vocals) and percussion savant, Pete Devine (drums, washboard), plus veteran upright bassist, Joe Kyle Jr. deftly mix Delta/Country Blues with wildly syncopated rhythms to create a rollicking present-day sound rooted in early blues. Their music stands in stark contrast to the typical blues heard in bars these days and would more likely be shaking the floors of a Southern juke joint some 70 years ago.

From Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf to Son House and B.B. King, blues artists have claimed some of the most evocative monikers in American music. With its intimations of primal sacred cries, HowellDevine embodies that legacy in word and deed, delivering elemental blues and boogie like juke joint prophets. Featuring Eli’s Mile High Club-honed Joshua Howell on slide guitars, harmonica, and vocals, percussion expert Roll ’Em Pete Devine on drums and washboard, and the relentlessly propulsive Joe Kyle Jr. on bass, the combo taps into red clay Delta roots while embracing fierce grooves that speak to urban realities. While debates about authenticity and the blues often devolve into tiresome stalemates, the fact that HowellDevine was the first blues act signed by Chris Strachwitz to his Arhoolie Records label in a quarter century speaks to the band’s unusual feel for the tradition. The result was 2013’s Jumps, Boogies & Wobbles, which neatly sums up their irresistible sound. ​~ Andrew Gilbert

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Joe Locke and Josh Nelson join forces with Kenny Washington for an unforgettable night of music!

Joe Locke is widely considered to be one of the major voices of his instrument. He has performed and recorded with a diverse range of notable musicians, including Grover Washington Jr, Raul Midón, Kenny Barron, Eddie Henderson, Cecil Taylor, Dianne Reeves, Eddie Palmieri, Ron Carter, The Beastie Boys, the Münster Symphony Orchestra, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, the Orchestra da Camera della Sardegna and the Lincoln, Nebraska Symphony.

Piano legend Josh Nelson has performed with some of the most respected names in jazz, including Kurt Elling, John Pizzarelli, Benny Golson, Sheila Jordan, John Clayton, George Mraz, Jeff Hamilton, Dave Koz, Joe Chambers and Peter Erskine. Nelson toured with legendary vocalist Natalie Cole for six years and continues to tour with vocalists Gaby Moreno, Freda Payne, Alicia Olatuja, Sara Gazarek, accordionist Richard Galliano, saxophonist Tom Scott, multi-instrumentalist Miguel Atwood-Ferguson and violinist Christian Howes.

Kenny Washington thrills audiences across the globe with his soulful interpretations, seemingly limitless range, and rapid-fire scatting. The New Orleans native, now based in the San Francisco Bay Area, is described as one of “the Bay Area’s best kept musical secrets,” Washington’s astounding improvisational flights, inventive approach and emotional intensity are awe inspiring. If you have never heard this New Orleans native sing before, prepare to join a global audience that has been wowed by Washington’s talent.

THIS SHOW IS SOLD OUT

Angela LaFlamme's Wild Women of The Blues is an evocative musical tribute that brings to life the stories and songs of legendary blues and jazz artists. With a voice that channels the raw emotion of Etta James, the soulful depth of Billie Holiday, and the powerful presence of Big Mama Thornton, LaFlamme offers a captivating performance that honors these trailblazing women. Her repertoire also includes the timeless works of Alberta Hunter and other iconic figures, as well as her own original songs, weaving a rich tapestry of music and storytelling. Through this show, LaFlamme not only celebrates the enduring legacy of these artists but also keeps their voices alive for new generations of listeners.

Angela LaFlamme heads up a six-piece band from San Francisco that deftly re-imagines some of our favorite music from ’20s through the ’00s into her own swinging sound.

Angela LaFlamme: vocals
Timothy Orr: drums
Greg Olwell: double bass & guitar
Jeff Hobbs: violin/saxophone/clarinet
Myles Boisen: guitar
Kymry Esainko: piano

“A fantastic band… sexy and sleek.” —Huffington Post

Being drawn into a new and curious dimension by the magic of film, books, poetry or music and years of studying the tarnished elegance of Billie Holiday, the whimsical smirk of Fats Waller, the full throttle kick of Screamin' Jay Hawkins, and the gritty beautiful longings of Tom Waits, LaFlamme has found a way to tell her own stories.

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Over her 20-year career, Judy Wexler has earned the reputation as one of the most compelling jazz vocalists on the West Coast. Known for her warm voice and affective interpretation of lyrics, her repertoire has been replete with songs that are off-the-beaten path. As Dan Bilawsky wrote on All About Jazz, “Judy Wexler is more than a mere singer of songs. She’s an actress, mood painter, song archaeologist, and vocalist par excellence.” Judy is a Billboard and JazzWeek charting vocalist who has headlined at jazz festivals, performing arts centers and leading jazz clubs both nationally and internationally. She was profiled twice on NPR Weekend Edition with Susan Stamberg, who said, “Based on the evidence, Judy Wexler can sing almost anything,” and was included in The Absolute Sound’s cover story, “13 Female Jazz Vocalists You Need to Hear.”

Her 7th album entitled No Wonder, released in early 2025 on Jewel City Jazz in collaboration with A-Train Entertainment, has been on the JazzWeek radio chart for over two months, currently in the Top 20 in jazz radio airplay across the US.

“No Wonder presents the divinely talented vocalist, Judy Wexler, and a cadre of L.A. A-listers in an overall bravura performance.” --Bebop Spoken Here (UK)

“A dozen dazzlers that speak to Wexler's sophisticated delivery… pure magic.” – All About Jazz

“Wexler is a confident vocalist who lets her jazz passion shine through, especially in her distinct phrasing. After listening to No Wonder, there is no wondering why Wexler has been garnering fine reviews over the years.” – Jersey Jazz

“Her nuanced performances create an immediate and profound emotional resonance. She finds colors and shadings the songwriters may not even have imagined. She is indeed a wonderment.” –Pop Culture Classics

Judy Wexler, vocals

Jeff Colella, piano

Doug Miller, bass

Sylvia Cuenca, drums

Tickets at Judy Wexler

Join us for our monthly Blues Blowout. You won't want to miss this!

We start with Jules Leyhe & The Family Jules. Jules is one of the world’s foremost blues slide-guitar players—so much so that even Premier Guitar magazine called his music “the best blues slide licks since Derek Trucks, maybe even Duane Allman.” His band is also top-notch - featuring Ian McArdle on keys, Isaac Schwartz on drums and renowned bassist Matt Roades. magazine called his music “the best blues slide licks since Derek Trucks, maybe even Duane Allman.” His band is also top-notch - featuring Ian McArdle on keys, Isaac Schwartz on drums and renowned bassist Matt Roades. Join us as they pay tribute to the recently departed guitar icon, Jeff Beck.

Beck rose to prominence as a member of the rock band the Yardbirds, and afterwards founded and fronted the Jeff Beck Group and Beck, Bogert & Appice. In 1975, he switched to an instrumental style with focus on an innovative sound, and his releases spanned genres and styles ranging from blues rock, hard rock, jazz fusion and a blend of guitar-rock and electronica. Beck was ranked in the top five of Rolling Stone and other magazines' lists rankings of the greatest guitarists. He was often called a "guitarist's guitarist". Rolling Stone described him as "one of the most influential lead guitarists in rock".

Beck earned wide critical praise and received the Grammy Award for Best Rock Instrumental Performance six times and Best Pop Instrumental Performance once. In 2014, he received the British Academy's Ivor Novello Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice: first as a member of the Yardbirds (1992) and secondly as a solo artist (2009).

Tickets at Jules Leyhe Band Jeff Beck Tribute

"Kumar is on the cutting-edge of blues today. He is highly respectful of blues traditions, yet understands how to interpret it in innovative ways. I think we will look back in 20 years and realize we witnessed something very special in the evolution of the blues." Michael Kinsman, San Diego Blues Festival

Charlie Musselwhite-endorsed Aki Kumar proves to traditionalists that singing in Hindi can co-exist with Chicago blues conventions. This Indian-American’s intense sense of musical discovery as an able vocalist and harmonica player drives worry-and-regret makeovers of Bollywood film songs and adds bounce to a reggae version of “Watermelon Man.” Boosted by top West Coast blues personnel and cross-cultural extras, Kumar proves that the integrity of his music marks the difference between novelty and substance.

Kumar was born and grew up in Mumbai, where his parents' upbringing and eclectic tastes—his father spoke Kannada, his mother Telugu—exposed him to a broad range of sounds—everything from rock 'n' roll and pop to the more traditional sounds of Bollywood film scores and Indian classical music. In his youth, he studied both keyboards and tabla, and acquired his first harmonica from his father. He listened to "everything from Bach to John Denver, from Stevie Wonder to the Police" in addition to music that dominated the Indian subcontinent. Kumar blends melodies from Hindi movies and Indian classical music with American blues, creating a fusion of East and West that he calls "Bollywood blues".

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Genius Wesley has been hailed as a prodigy jazz drummer and percussionist. At age 23, he has already performed with luminaries including David Binney, Sean Jones, Buster Williams, Azar Lawrence, Bill Bell, Curtis Lundy, The Dynamic Miss Faye Carol, Kalil Wilson, Gerald Clayton, and many more. He performs regularly and coaches youth players with the late Khalil Shaheed’s Oaktown Jazz Workshop and the Young Musicians Choral Orchestra. He currently resides in Basel, Switzerland, where has just completed his bachelor degree in performance at Jazzcampus and will be starting his master degree in September studying with Jeff Ballard on a full scholarship.

Luis Peralta is a 23-year-old pianist from Oakland, California now living in Brooklyn, New York. He began playing piano at seven, embarking quickly on a serious study of European Classical and Jazz music. In 2019, Luis was awarded a full scholarship to study piano at the New School, where he is pursuing a dual-degree BFA in Jazz Studies and BA in Psychology. In his hometown he studied and worked with Bay Area musicians such as Howard Wiley, Geechi Taylor, Marcus Shelby, and Darrell Green. In New York City, he has played with Wallace Roney Jr., Rodney Green, Russell Hall, Darrell Green at venues such as Smalls Jazz Club, Mezzrow, Bar Lunatico, the Django, Cellar Dog, and NuBlu.

Isaac Coyle is a bassist, composer, and educator residing in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since graduating from the Berklee College of music in 2023, Isaac has become one of the top call bassists in the Bay Area jazz scene. In addition he is also a frequent collaborator in Terri Lyne Carrington’s New Standards band, performing throughout the country. Isaac began playing the upright bass at 14 and was mentored by Bay Area greats including Howard Wiley and Jeff Chambers, while also participating in youth ensembles such as the SFJazz High School all stars and the Next Generation Jazz Orchestra. Isaac attended the Berklee College of music on a full tuition scholarship, studying with Ralph Peterson, Linda Oh, and Darren Barrett among many others. Since graduating in 2023 Isaac has performed with many musical greats such as Terri Lyne Carrington, Gary Bartz, Bobby Watson, Eric Harland, Kris Davis, Matthew Stevens, Mary Halvorson, Darren Barrett, Michael Mayo, Giorgi Mikadze, Vuyo Sotashe, Mike DiRubbo, Danny Janklow, and many others.

Tickets at Genius Wesley with Luis Peralta & Isaac Coyle

THE PEGGY LEE PROJECT presents Bay Area vocalists SUZANNA SMITH and LORI CARSILLO. In a special performance, the two singers join forces to explore the complexity that made Peggy Lee ever-fascinating and irresistible to audiences. Ms. Lee, a powerhouse musician and indomitable business woman, showed her prowess onstage as a singer, songwriter and arranger. But offstage, she grappled with the inner turmoil of unresolved trauma, broken hearts and addiction.

Ms. Smith sparkles on the lighter side of Miss Lee, with optimistic, witty (and sometimes wry) songs about life and love. As counterpoint, Ms. Carsillo smolders, bringing to life the themes of jealousy, heartbreak, self-doubt and loss that haunted and brought depth to Peggy Lee’s music.

Exploring the many shades that gave nuance to Peggy Lee, these fine singers toast her enduring and alluring complexity while celebrating a budding creative partnership of their own. 

Suzanna Smith founded and leads The Peggy Lee Project, a collective dedicated to exploring the repertoire of Peggy Lee as both singer and lyricist. Working in close collaboration with pianist Lee Bloom, Smith is extending the Peggy Lee songbook with inventive explorations and new works inspired by Ms. Lee’s original compositions and numerous collaborations. The Peggy Lee Project is delighted to welcome Lori Carsillo for this special performance.

"There are relatively few contemporary female vocalists who evoke Peggy Lee, at least not genuinely. Suzanna Smith numbers among that rare ilk. That Smith sounds like Lee — slightly breathy and warmly sensual with a hint of huskiness — is undeniable, but the parallels extend much further. Lee’s ability to not just caress a ballad but smother it in mink has seldom been matched. She was also a sage swinger — never too much, never too little — as well as a first-rate songwriter. Smith checks all those boxes."   – Christopher Louden, Jazz Times

Known for her deep and thoughtful interpretations of the Great American Songbook, San Francisco Bay Area native Lori Carsillo has brought her unique phrasing and less-is-more sound to renowned venues and festivals like SFJAZZ, Yoshi’s, and Fillmore Jazz Festival. As an artist with an insatiable desire to create—she is driven to take her unique flavor of jazz to bold new heights.

"Vocalist Lori Carsillo sounds like she’s smiling when she sings.
She has a gorgeous voice, like velvet.”  – Paul Weideman, The Santa Fe New Mexican

Tickets at Shades of Peggy Lee ft. Lori Carsillo & Suzanna Smith

A group of rising stars bringing you an evening of original and arranged compositions with stylistic influences from jazz, show tunes, Brazilian popular music, blues, and free improvisation.

Nathan Nakadegawa-Lee - saxophone

Hannah Mayer - piano

Gus Hurteau - vibes

Oliver Tuttle - trombone

Isaac Coyle - bass

Miles Turk - drums

Saxophonist, clarinetist, and composer Nathan Nakadegawa-Lee was born and raised in Oakland, California, and is a graduate of the New School of Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York. During his time at the New School, he studied with luminaries such as Melissa Aldana, Darius Jones, Tivon Pennicot, David Glasser, Or Bareket, Jon Irabagon, Anat Cohen, Joshua Rubin, and Ismail Lumaneovsky. In Oakland, Nathan has taught at Oakland Summer Music, Oakland Public Conservatory, and his alma mater Claremont Middle School, providing music education at no cost to middle schoolers. He has performed at the Bern Jazz Festival in Switzerland with the Derek Lewis group, and more recently at The Stone in New York with Sebastian Selendis Alexander Johnson. Nathan is a big supporter of community organizing, hosting eclectic house shows and Improv Nights where he brings together 10 to 20 improvisers to play in pre decided groups that are kept secret from the participants until they play. Nathan continues to compose, improvise, and perform in New York City and the Bay Area.

Hannah Mayer is a 21-year-old pianist and composer from El Cerrito and a recent graduate of the Peabody Institute in Baltimore, MD. Hannah has had the honor of performing alongside notable musicians including Sean Jones, Melissa Aldana, Etienne Charles, Warren Wolf, Charenée Wade, Tim Green and Sharel Cassity, and has been a member of Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead (Kennedy Center), NYO Jazz (Carnegie Hall) and the SFJAZZ High School All-Stars. Hannah recently released an album paying tribute to the Broadway composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim (“Hannah Mayer & Friends Play Sondheim”), which captures their drive to bridge their love of improvised music and theatre.

Tickets at Nathan Nakadegawa-Lee & Hannah Mayer Group

Ordinary people tell true stories about reaching the breaking point. Over the edge. Had enough. Did something!

Put your name in the hat for a chance to tell a five-minute story about the time you went Over the Edge.Featured storyteller: Bryant Hicks.

Bryant Hicks is one of the funniest comedians in the Bay Area where he is recognized as one of the Bay's leading talents. Excelling as a showrunner and producer, he truly shines as a stand-up performer. Bryant regularly travels the United States and performs all over the world. He's a regular with Don’t Tell Comedy. His comedy resume includes performing with Jerrod Carmichael, Ali Wong, Dave Chappelle among other notable credits.In his own words, Bryant’s stand-up is "like a sudden burst of laughter, shining like sunshine through the Bay Area fog, brightening every second of the night with a laugh!"

Hosted by Inanc K. and Idrissa.

Tickets at StorySlam Oakland

Oakland Samba Revue is the San Francisco Bay Area’s premiere banda de gafieira. Featuring a full horn section with tightly crafted original arrangements featuring 3 vocalists, O.S.R. draws on the sounds of samba de gafieira; an eclectic form of traditional samba from Brazil. O.S.R.’s unique brand of samba de gafieira includes heavy does of jazz, funk, forró, bolero and more.

O.S.R. is a product of Grupo Falso Baiano co-founder Brain Moran (guitar/cavaquinho/vocals and arrangements), backed by a rotating cast of some of the Bay Area’s best jazz and latin jazz musicians including vocalists/percussionists Catia Machado Lund and Katiana Vilá, Zack Pitt-Smith (reeds), Erik Jekabson and Henry Hung (trumpets), Jeff Cressman and Remee Ashley (trombones), Brendan Neutra (bass), Zack Mondlick and Sylvia Cuenca (drums).

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The big guy from out West and larger than life energy (he’s also 6’5’) performer, guitarist, singer, banjoist, songwriter, composer, entertainer, musical historian and teacher Mitch Polzak wears his heart on his sleeve and his playing in his heart.

Polzak performs rockabilly and 60’s country music with the religious fervor of Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash and delivers a Honky Tonk ballad with the sincerity of Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings. Mitch will bring a room to a fevered pitch of joyous energy on the dance floor and then tell you a story in a song like two old friends sitting at a kitchen table at midnight.

His virtuosic guitar skills and influences range from the blazing flying fingers of Joe Maphis, Marty Stuart, Roy Clark, and Don Rich to the timeless dreamlike state of “Sleepwalk” by Santo and Johnny along with the vast valleys of deep rumbling twang associated with Duane Eddy.

There is not one singular definition of Polzak’s music but that is very specific to what he does. Being fluent in the musical languages of Country, Rockabilly, Honky Tonk, The Bakersfield Sound, Surf, early Rock and Roll, Bluegrass, Cajun, Blues, and Truck Driving music gives Polzak the unique voice of the melting pot of the American musical experience. This is why he consistently connects with so many people directly at every show.

Polzak’s abundant joy in communicating with people through music leaps off the stage through every fiber of his being. His near-constant genuine smile can be seen clear across the room and invites you in without any pretense or judgements. Some call him “The Honky Tonk Mister Rogers”!

Make no mistake though. Underneath that smile is a deep and reverent respect for the history and integrity of the music and musicians who came before him and created the sounds and told their stories.

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The Kelly Park Big Band is a 16 piece BIG Band that was founded in 2014. The band is dedicated to the writing and performance of fresh original music and arrangements, it is designed to be a concert band, not a dance band. Although much of the music is composed and arranged by Kelly, he has created a platform that gives band members and local composers an opportunity to write for a big band with no constraints; an opportunity to be as free and creative as possible.

Kelly Park is a former faculty member and alumnus of the Berklee College of Music, Boston MA. He has been a fixture of the San Francisco Bay Area music scene for many years, most notably as Musical Director of the Rrazz Room, the premier SF nightclub from 2007-2013. There he performed with such stars as Loretta Devine, Keely Smith, Pia Zadora, the Shirrelles, Deborah Gibson, Trini Lopez, Deana Martin, and many others. He has performed throughout the United States and Europe, and was the owner of the jazz club Kelly's of Alameda.

It's Kelly's Birthday, so come celebrate with the band!

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Jazz Mafia, the dynamic musical collective hailing from Oakland, California, mesmerizes audiences with their eclectic fusion of jazz, hip-hop, funk, and beyond. Led by composer and trombonist Adam Theis, Jazz Mafia captivates listeners with their innovative arrangements and infectious energy.

THIS SHOW IS SOLD OUT. THE NEXT JAZZ MAFIA SHOW IS JULY 19. TICKETS FOR THE JULY SHOW ARE HERE

Isaac Schwartz brings his band of musical collaborators to celebrate his birthday. This will be QUITE a show! The band is crazy good

.Omree Gal Oz - piano

Kai Lyons - guitar

Jesse Levit - sax

Tony Peebles - sax

Erik Jekabson - trumpet

Amy D - vocals

John Wiitala - bass

Dillon Vado - vibes

Isaac Scwartz - drums

Tickets at Isaac Schwartz & the Schwartztet

Flamenco, which UNESCO recently recognized as part of the World’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, is a complex art form incorporating poetry, singing (cante), guitar playing (toque), dance (baile), polyrhythmic hand-clapping (palmas), and finger snapping (pitos). It often features the call and response known as jaleo, a form of “hell raising,” involving hand clapping, foot stomping, and audiences’ encouraging shouts. Nobody really knows where the term “flamenco” originated, but all agree that the art form began in southern Spain—Andalusia and Murcia—but was also shaped by musicians and performers in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Europe.

Featuring Fanny Ara - dance, Navy Encinias - dance, Felix de Lola - vocals, David Mclean - guitar, Marlon Aldana - percussion

Tickets at Una Noche de Flamenco

The Jazz Therapists are a group of seven stellar Bay Area musicians who have been playing pre-1945 American Jazz treasures together since 2015. It's a strange fact that one of the best working jazz bands on the San Francisco Bay area scene can't be seen in nightclubs, restaurants, theaters, or concert halls – UNTIL NOW!

Boasting an illustrious cast of musicians who have performed and recorded with a dizzying array of talent, from Ray Charles and Taj Mahal, to Pharaoh Saunders and Bobby Hutcherson, to Kenny Barron, and k.d. lang, to Calvin Keyes and Julian Priester, The Jazz Therapists only play for exclusive audiences. Three days a week they can be found, performing at assisted living facilities and senior centers, delivering a potent dose of healing swing to listeners who grew up hearing and dancing to these standards.

Vocalist and former jazz club proprietor Anna de Leon says, " We all love this music and bringing it to seniors is a high calling!" Joining one of the Bay Area's busiest sidemen, drummer David Rokeach, are guitarist Rob Schwartz, pianist Ben Stolorow and first-call bassist Mark Heshima Williams. Trombonist and ace arranger Mike Rinta, who earned a 2014 Grammy award with the Pacific Mambo Orchestra, supplies the majority of the charts. Mike and tenor sax player Lincoln Adler were featured in the horn section of Taj Mahal's acclaimed recent "Savoy" album. The fact that the rhythm section is anchored by the blues and gospel steeped guitarist Rob Schwartz, enhances the combo's family feel.

Behind this singular band was a singular man, Rob's father, Bob Schwartz (1925–2017), a saxophone player and Oakland community leader. Born in Chicago, Bob was a jazz lover who spent his college years playing clarinet and tenor sax in a 15 piece jazz band he organized as an undergraduate at MIT. After joining the Navy and serving in the Pacific Theatre during World War II, he settled in Oakland in 1951 where he founded a successful electronics company and supported local cultural institutions.

Bob didn't return to playing music until his mid 80s, when a jazz pianist moved in next- door. Hearing him practice inspired Bob, a restlessly creative philanthropist, to pick up his horn again and they started playing every Saturday. Instead of remaining a garage band hobby, this rekindled love of playing soon turned into a new vehicle for improvingthe quality of people's lives. Bob formed a band. A neighbor walking by during rehearsal invited the band to perform at a senior center, where she had been an activities coordinator.

Bob also formed a nonprofit corporation to bring this great music to seniors. His goal was to stir memories and to re-engage seniors with life and with each other. Before long, the therapists were in session. Bob named the band and shared his jazz therapy with needy seniors. After his passing, Bob's daughter Margot, who is a professional violinist herself, now ensures that the band can continue Bob's mission. Thanks to Bob Schwartz and his family, it's a calling that The Jazz Therapists continue to answer. You can listen to their new CD at TheJazzTherapists.org and receive a CD as a gift at this CD Release party!

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The Gurkestra Project presents original compositions by drawing on rhythms from around Latin America and the Caribbean.

The Gurkestra is: Charlie Gurke - saxophone and compositions; Josh Jones - drums; Patrick Morehead - keys, with special guests: Anthony Blea - violin and Camilo Landau - guitar

Charlie Gurke is a Bay Area based saxophonist, composer, and educator. In addition to leading various incarnations of his Gurkestra, Charlie is a member of the John Santos Sextet, The Electric Squeezebox Orchestra, Edgardo Cambon’s groups Candela and Latido. An active freelancer, Charlie regularly performs and records with collaborators in a variety of genres. Recent performances of note include the 2018 and 2019 Monterey Jazz Festivals (with John Santos and the Electric Squeezebox Orchestra, respectively), and the 2019 Montreux Jazz Festival (with the Grammy winning Pacific Mambo Orchestra).

Charlie is currently on the faculty at Laney Community college in Oakland where he leads the Jazz Orchestra, Jazz Combos, and teaches music theory. Charlie is also part of the faculty of the Community Music Center in San Francisco, where he teaches Jazz Ensembles and is part of the faculty for the Mission District Young Musician’s Program.

A native of the Bay Area, Charlie attended the San Francisco School of the Arts (SOTA), where he studied with Wayne Wallace and Melecio Magdaluyo, among others. After high school Charlie moved to New York and attended the New School's Jazz and Contemporary Music program, studying with legendary saxophonists Billy Harper and George Garzone. Charlie holds a bachelor's degree in music with an emphasis on composition from California State University East Bay (aka Cal State Hayward), and a master's degree in jazz studies from the University of Oregon.

Drummer & Percussionist Josh Jones is recognized internationally from his touring and recording with such Jazz greats as Don Cherry, Steve Coleman, Omar Sosa, Yosvany Terry, and Jacqui Naylor. His recent recording projects include “Then and Now” with Blue Note recording artist Benny Green, as well as a project with Cuban royalty Chuchito Valdes. Josh continues to perform with his various ensembles at clubs and festivals in the Bay Area and remains a major influence on the jazz community not only as a performer, but as a highly respected educator.

Patrick Morehead has recorded with a wide spectrum of musicians ranging from the soulful, jazz vocalist Gail Dobson to multi-Grammy recording artist Karl Perazzo (Carlos Santana band) to folk artist Hope Sandoval (Mazzy Star). He performed with top artists such as Sheila E, Steve Turre, Jerry Gonzalez, Louis Romero, Orestes Vilato, Bobby Allende, Johnny Rivera, Poncho Sanchez, Giovanni Hidalgo, John Santos, Bobi Cespedes and Benny Velarde (Cal Tjader).

Anthony Blea played and recorded with Artists Israel Lopez “Cachao”, Ray Charles, S.F. Opera Orchestra, John Santos Ensemble, Jazz Mafia, Anthony Blea y su Charanga, Charanga 76, Orquesta Broadway and many more. Anthony also is a professor of Music at the San Francisco City College where he teaches Orchestra, Violin and Community Choir.

Camilo "con su estilo" Landau lives in Oakland and plays with The Cuban Cowboys, LaTiDo, AguaLibre, Carne Cruda, La Mixta Criolla, Dave and the Diamonds, The Los Shoegazers, and more. He has performed or recorded with Susana Baca, Omar Sosa, Dr. Loco's Rockin' Jalapeño Band, Quetzal, Ozomatli, Los Lobos, Batista, Sambada, Los Mocosos, Fito Reynoso, Arturo Ortega, Santero, Los Compas, The Ska Messengers, Medusa, Edgardo y Candela, Bobi Cespedes, Maldita Vecindad, John Santos, Vission Latina, Los Cojolites, Kepa Junkera, Domingo Siete, Jesus Diaz, Francisco Herrera, Azabache, Nina Serrano, Pamela Rodriguez, Burning Star, Stevie Wonder, Carlos Santana, John Santos (on a Grammy®-nominated CD) and many more.

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The sensitive and sophisticated vocal stylings of Carla Helmbrecht are the perfect complement to the soulful, blues- and swing-influenced style of the Brad Leali ensemble. Not only do they explore classic jazz standards and original materials, but they are able to infuse historical and modern components to their unique arrangements. This dynamic duo will be backed by a world class trio.

With a unique style and sound, which echoes the influences of his past, Brad Leali is one of the most notable saxophonists of current times. Leali toured and recorded with numerous jazz greats, including several years with the Harry Connick, Jr. Orchestra and with the Count Basie Orchestra. Leali was a standing member of the Kennedy Center Honors Band and performed for President Obama’s inaugural celebration. Brad has had a long-time endorsement with Keilwerth Saxophones and D’Addario Reeds. Currently the professor of jazz saxophone at UNT, Brad continues to perform domestically and abroad, including touring with Lyle Lovett & His Large Band.

“Saxophonist Brad Leali was among the most soulful and exciting I’ve heard recently.” – New York Times

Grammy-nominated singer/song-writer, Carla Helmbrecht, began her love affair with music at the age of eight.By age 13, she was singing professionally and continued her musical studies through high school and college. Early influences included Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Julie London, Shirley Horn, Nancy Wilson, and Blossom Dearie. Her dual career in music and Speech Pathology has given her a unique understanding of the balance between vocal efficiency and expression in this fragile instrument – the voice. Her recording ONE FOR MY BABY earned a prominent position on Gavin’s Jazz Chart, while BE COOL BE KIND debuted as “the most added jazz record on radio in the nation” and received three Grammy nominations. Carla is a featured artist on numerous other recordings, television and major motion picture films. She lives in San Francisco and tours nationally and internationally.

“… imaginative…poetic and sophisticated…She’s hip without being frenetic, laid-back without sounding haphazard, and best of all, the lady swings without sweating…the lyric writer’s best friend.” -Harvey Siders, JazzTimes

“She exudes warmth in spades…An unusually gifted vocalist, impeccable phrasing…steeped in a swinging jazz sensibility that reminds me of Mel Torme….” -Carol Archer, R & R Magazine

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Join us for some birthday blues! Jules is celebrating another orbit around the sun and we are putting together some of the best blues players for this brithday event!! When that happens - it's magic.

We start with Jules Leyhe & The Family Jules. Jules is one of the world’s foremost blues slide-guitar players—so much so that even Premier Guitar magazine called his music “the best blues slide licks since Derek Trucks, maybe even Duane Allman.” His band is also top-notch - featuring Ian McArdle on keys, Isaac Schwartz on drums and renowned bassist Matt Roades.

When this band gets together with Aki Kumar, magic happens! Aki's harmonica playing and bluesy vocals are like a powder keg igniting everyone in the room. Get ready to shake, rattle and roll for this fun event.

"Kumar is on the cutting-edge of blues today. He is highly respectful of blues traditions, yet understands how to interpret it in innovative ways. I think we will look back in 20 years and realize we witnessed something very special in the evolution of the blues." Michael Kinsman, San Diego Blues Festival

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Sandy Cressman & Homenagem Brasileira will present an evening of musical treasures from Brazil, from bossa nova and samba jazz, to frevo and baião from the Northeast. Homage to Brazil embraces the diversity of Brazil's musical traditions, rather than simply focusing on Brazilian standards that have already crossed over into the jazz world. While many an American jazz singer flirts with the Brazilian Songbook, San Francisco vocalist Sandy Cressman made a name for herself as a true devotee of the country’s greatest contemporary composers, interpreting songs by post-bossa masters like Milton Nascimento, Hermeto Pascoal, Gilberto Gil, and Filó Machado in Rio-accented Portuguese. The friendships forged with Brazilian musicians during her musical travels course through her music.

Sandy Cressman, voice/percussion

Jeff Cressman, trombone

Murray Low, piano

David Belove, bass

Dillan Vado, drums

Tickets at Homenagem Brasileira

Prepare for an evening of Madcap Magic and Whimsical Wonder as 2 of the Bay Area's Best Magicians come tofether to bring you an epic double act show!

Award-winning comedian and magician Sean Francisco uses his unique blend of funny and fantastical to create a one of a kind show you'll have to see to believe! Sean has performed in theaters and venues across the state and his work has even been featured on networks like "Discovery+" and Belgium's "VTM GO" 

Joining him is the incredibly talented Meriam Al-Sultan. Meriam is Saudi Arabia's first female Professional Magician and in a male dominanted industry, she stands in a league all her own! Her thought provoking magic is sure to intrigue and entrance audiences. She has performed for audiences all over the world including heads of state and even the illustrious "Magic Castle". You can see her featured on Apple TV+ where she performed for Hilary Clinton in a segment dedicated to powerful women. 

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If you are a blues fan, it doesn't get any better than this!!!

Take some influence from B.B. King, Albert King, Ray Charles, and a pinch of Albert Collins. Add in dazzling blues and jazz guitar chops, a rich soulful baritone vocal delivering original, often wry and beleaguered lyrics with sophisticated chord changes and instrumentation, and skills on various horns and keyboards, all delivered with an uptown cool that never lacks searing passion. It all adds up to the one and only Chris Cain, who has gone from being a newcomer phenomenon bursting onto the blues scene in 1987 with a classic debut release, to being a legend, inspiration and long-established member of the blues pantheon.

His jazz-informed blues guitar playing is fiery, emotional and always unpredictable. His vocals—gruff, lived-in and powerful—add fuel to the fire. His indelible original songs keep one foot in the blues tradition and both eyes on the future. The pure joy Cain brings to his playing and singing is palpable, and draws fans even closer in.

"Hands down my favorite blues player on the scene today. He’s an absolute blinder of a guitarist, with the voice of B.B. King and the chops of Albert King." –Joe Bonamassa

"Chris Cain? Now that boy can PLAY the guitar!" –B.B. King

"Chris Cain is a hot-shot guitarist and a singer with the maturity of blues masters like Bobby Bland and B.B. King." –The Washington Post

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In the year 2000, trombonist, bassist, composer, arranger, and producer Adam Theis co-founded Jazz Mafia – an eclectic artist collective of forward-thinking and accomplished players in Electro, Hip-Hop, World, Classical, and Jazz. Twenty years in the making, Jazz Mafia is a prolific staple of the quintessential San Francisco sound, uniting creative and accomplished Bay Area instrumentalists, vocalists, MCs, composers, and arrangers.

For this event, the Jazz Mafia will play music celebrating Miles Davis, Charles Mingus and more!

Miles Davis was an American trumpeter, composer, and bandleaderwho is considered a central figure in 20th century music and jazz history. A maverick and innovator, Davis helped define the trajectory of jazz and popular culture, bridging the gap between bebop, funk, fusion, and modal music. He was at the forefront of jazz's evolution for over 40 years, and his music influenced artists across genres, including Carlos Santana, Lana Del Rey, and Lenny Kravitz.

One of the most important figures in twentieth century American music, Charles Mingus was a virtuoso bass player, accomplished pianist, bandleader and composer. His early professional experience, in the 40's, found him touring with bands like Louis Armstrong, Kid Ory and Lionel Hampton. From the 1960's until his death in 1979 at age 56, Mingus remained in the forefront of American music.

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A poet with a guitar and smokin’ hot band!! Maurice Tani is a songslinger working his own lane. Known for his wry-to-romantic writing, agile guitar work and expressive singing, Tani's style is a broad spectrum tincture of influences from jazz, blues, classic country and the Great American Songbook. This is storytelling. A sort of cinema for the blind, shot alternately in grainy black and white noir or vivid technicolor with a wide angle lens. “The Sound Room, with it's jazz club vibe, is a perfect venue for what I do. I love playing this place. It's an intimate, focused experience for the audience and artist.”

Pam Brandon

Joining Tani this time will be his long-time vocal sparring partner, Englishwoman Pam Brandon. Multi-instrumentalist Brandon is one of the Bay Area’s most versatile singers. Fronting groups in jazz, country, rock, western swing, Americana, bluegrass, Pam has been Tani’s #1 go-to singer for his battle-of-the-sexes duets and other songs requiring a strong shot of the feminine mystique. The pair have been collaborating for well over a decade, performing and recording, starting with a set of material they called “The Dirty Duets”. During the global pandemic quarantine, Tani & Brandon produced a series of video singles with other talented musician friends. Find them on YouTube.

Besides Brandon, the band will feature pianist Henry Salvia, bassist Greg Kehret and drummer Timothy Orr.

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A distinctive voice both on the horn and in his writing, Cyrus Nabipoor's singular sound has garnered him international acclaim. He has been a featured festival artist at PDX Jazz, Cathedral Park, Montavilla Jazz, New Orleans French Quarter, and Chicago Instigation. To date, he has released 2 albums under his own name, and collaborated on numerous more. In addition to his self-titled work, Cyrus runs the Puddletown Stompers, is a member of Reb & The Good News, and works as a freelance trumpeter & music director.

An in-demand composer/arranger, Cyrus has had several works commissioned by Portland Jazz Composer’s Ensemble. Cyrus has produced horn tracks for major artists including Nicky Youre, Grace Enger, Maggie Koerner, Peach Tree Rascals, and David Hugo. He has had the pleasure of sharing the stage with a wide variety of artists including Jamison Ross, Elle King, Tarriona “Tank” Ball, Wess “Warmdaddy” Anderson, James Singleton, Jason Marsalis, Steve Masakowski, Mike Dillon, Stanton Moore, Amina Scott & Nicole
McCabe.

Cyrus has served on faculty at Loyola University New Orleans. He is an artist-in-residence at multiple Portland Public Schools, and runs a
private trumpet studio.

"Nabipoor’s strength is that it is never possible to anticipate his next move...The jazz equivalent of a first-year pitcher who throws 99 m.p.h....His trumpet chops are deadly and his penetrating brass tone is classically pure (except when he turns it dirty)."

-JazzTimes

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Please join us for a very special Mother’s day show with the Saúl Sierra Quintet, featuring Marco Diaz, Julio Perez, Ahkeel Mestayer and Charlie Gurke, with special guest vocalist Laura Bravo. Don’t miss out on this night of Latin Jazz original compositions and arrangements, celebrating moms around the world!

Saul Sierra

Born and raised in Mexico City, where he started playing professionally in 1990. He moved to Boston 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 received the US Scholarship tour award and the Outstanding Performer award at Berklee.

As a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area since the fall of 1999, Saúl has performed, toured or recorded with Poncho Sanchez, Paquito D' Rivera, Zakir Hussain, Arturo Sandoval, Jerry Gonzales, Jerry Medina, Walfredo de los Reyes, Peter Erskine, Donny McCaslin, Charlie Musselwhite, Pete Escovedo, Ernesto Oviedo, Steve Turre, Ray Vega, Hector Tricoche, Paquito Guzman, Antonio Sanchez, Arturo O’Farrill, Larry Harlow, Bobi Céspedes, Jimmy Bosh, Herman Olivera, Nestor Torres, Miles Pena, John Santos, Jesús Díaz, Johnny Rodríguez, Eddie Montalvo, Orestes Vilató, Jimmy Branly, Raul Piñeda, Loui Romero, Mark Levine, Rebeca Mauleon, Mike Spiro, Jackeline Rago, Wayne Wallace, Aquiles Báez, Marco Granados, Anthony Blea, María Márquez, Dr. Loco, Chuchito Valdés, Greg Landau, Alexander Livinali, Doug Beavers, Jerry medina, Sandy Perez, Maria Marquez, among others.

For the past 20 years Saúl has been a member of some of the leading bands in the Bay Area, including The John Santos Quintet/Sextet, Bobi Cespedes’ band, Dr. Loco’s Rocking Jalapeño Band, El Tren Trío and Quintet, Anthony Blea y su Charanga, The Snake Trío, Jesús Díaz y su QBA, The Bay Area Afro-Cuban All Stars, The Venezuelan Music Project, Corazón Sur, Sababa band, Cascada de Flores, SJZ Collective, LaTiDo.

Laura Bravo

Born and raised in Lima, Perú, Laura Bravo is an accomplished singer and vocal coach rooted in the Bay Area’s diverse musical community. A 2021 NAAM Show performer, Laura's passion for music began early in her native Peru, cultivated through formal training in Vocal Performance at El Museo de Arte from ages 12 through 17.

Since arriving in San Francisco in 2009, Laura has graced numerous stages, lending her versatile voice to a wide range of musical genres, from traditional Peruvian music to the infectious sounds of salsa and cumbia. Her performance highlights include the prestigious opportunity to open for the legendary Charlie Aponte of El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico. She has also brought her vibrant energy to the iconic San Francisco Giants Stadium, performing with the cumbia band, La Explosiva Sonora MX.

Currently, Bravo leads her very own acoustic duo: Laura & Ray, and collaborates with prominent Bay Area musicians, such as Saul Sierra, Marco Díaz, Julio Pérez, Braulio Barrera, Coco Linares, amongst others. Laura’s dedication to music extends beyond performance, encompassing a deep commitment to education through her vocal coaching practice.

With a rich performance history, coupled with a genuine love for music and teaching, Laura Bravo remains an influential figure in the Bay Area’s artistic landscape, captivating audiences and inspiring the next generation of vocalists.

Tickets at Saúl Sierra Quintet