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

Tickets at Jules Leyhe & The Family Jules with Aki Kumar

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

Tickets at Cyrus Nabipoor Quartet

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

If you like music, tales and pizazz this is it. An amazing show of Sinatra's music - beautifully done - interspersed with tales about the real man behind the legend. Sinatra is well known for his very public loves & liasions, his gambling and his connections to the mob. This show will bring his great tunes along with stories of the tales and drama of his life.

For the last 13 years Oakland-based vocalist Jefferson Bergey has been zig-zagging through multiple genres of music and comedy. Now he’s taking on his most challenging musical costume yet, covering arguably the greatest singer of the 20th Century, Frank Sinatra. Sinatra may have been the greatest singer, but he was far from a perfect man. Bergey is pulling no punches as he tells sordid stories of the singer’s life against the musical backdrop of some of the best-known songs of the Great American Songbook.

When asked why Sinatra, Bergey says “There’s something so classic and timeless about the songs and the way that he sang them. But then I started to learn about his life and that sent me down a rabbit hole that I’m still digging deeper into and I’m eager to share the stories and my discoveries with an audience.”

He also warned that this is not a classic, note-for-note tribute. “I’m not doing a Frank Sinatra impression. I won’t be wearing a fedora or tuxedo. If I quote him, it will be in context of a story I’m telling about the man and these will not be well-known stories! I’m singing his songs, but I’m also telling tales that are not the normal, bland fanfare and publicist-approved points that would introduce him on a prime time television show in the 60’s. This show will present both the bright accolades and the dark sins of a nuanced artist while showcasing the songs that make him undeniable for any generation.”

Bergey will be backed by some of the best of the Bay Area including Andrew Dixon on tenor sax and all three of the incredible Hogan Brothers. Expect some very-special musical guests as well.

Ticekts at Sinatra: A Tale & A Tune featuring Jefferson Bergey

ReroRera uses the language of jazz, fusion, funk and other genres in a continuous search for common grounds, paths and, ultimately, a common expressive language of different ethnic musical traditions. The group's multicultural background enables ReroRera to create the texture of world folk inspired themes in a very different, unconventional way, using the language of jazz, fusion, funk and other genres.

Zaza Korinteli - better known by his stage name Zumba - is a Georgian ethnic-jazz-rock musician and musicologist who’s music fuses a wide variety of genres, both Georgian folk tradition and other world music inspirations. He is a multi-instrumentalist on guitar, bass, Georgian Phanduri and other wind instruments, percussions and vocals.

Sergey Prokushkin is a jazz pianist and composer with a multicultural background focusing on a variety of world folk music with South American, Middle Eastern and European flavor. Born in Tajikistan, Sergey has been playing on Bay Area scene since 2015 including San Jose Jazz Summerfest.

Georgia-born violinist Giorgi Khokhobashvili has been performing in Northern California since 2005. He is active in various Sacramento-based projects, with a strong interest in experimental world music.

Billy Edwards is a bassist under the mentorship of Buster Williams. He has performed with Steve Carrington, Bruce Forman, Calvin Keys, Sylvia Cuenca, Douye, and Faye Carol.

Take a listen here

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Marina Crouse is one of the most notable talents on the San Francisco/Bay Area music scene. Her early classical training is reflected in her powerful and versatile vocal style that creates a genuine excitement in every performance. Blessed with an incredibly expressive voice early in life, Marina Crouse applies her distinctive talents to a wide range of material while delivering an emotional authenticity that consistently cuts deep.

Forthis event she takes on Jazz Legend Ernestine Anderson!

Over her 60-year career, Anderson recorded over 30 albums, received four GRAMMY nominations, and worked with artists ranging from Johnny Otis to Lionel Hampton. She moved to London in the 60s when rock became the predominant popular music but enjoyed a much-deserved career resurgence after a memorable 1976 performance at the Concord Jazz Festival in the Bay Area.

Recorded in San Francisco. 1980’s Never Make Your Move Too Soon was a career highpoint for Anderson, with a Stix Hooper-penned title track that became her theme song and a program of finely rendered gems including “Old Folks,” “As Long as I Live,” and “My Shining Hour.” The album features a sterling backing band including pianist Monty Alexander, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Frank Gant.

With her soaring, soulful voice, Marina Crouse makes the music of Ernestine Anderson her own.

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THE COTTONTAILS are one of San Francisco's most exciting musical groups, playing a wide range of styles ranging from 20'/30's jazz torch songs, classic 40's swing, and 50's R&B. Made up of local Bay Area luminaries in their own right The Cottontails are Karina Deniké on vocals, Michael McIntosh on piano, Vic Wong on guitar, Joe Kyle, Jr. on bass, Tom Griesser on saxophone/clarinet, and the irrepressible Randy Odell on percussion.

The Cottontails perform at jazz clubs, dance halls, cabarets and art events, at venues including SF City Hall, California Academy of Sciences, Bimbo's 365 Club, Palace of Fine Arts, Amoeba Records, SF Legion of Honor, Yoshi's SF/Oakland, San Francisco Maritime Museum, Cell Space, Great American Music Hall, and various clubs, concert series and jazz festivals in Northern California, New York City, Tokyo, England, and Germany. SF MOMA, and have shared the stage with James Hunter, Richard Cheese, The California Honeydrops, Veronica Klaus among many others.

San Francisco's darling Karina Deniké is a versatile, sought after vocalist, songwriter, collaborator and band leader who moves fluidly from intimate torch song chanteuse to soul singer, to punk powerhouse. "Deniké possesses a voice so rich and luxuriant she sounds like she was born to sing any song that comes her way". (KQED’s California Report). Deniké has released over 30 albums as solo artist, band member or guest, been on major and independent labels: ( MCA, Warner/Discovery, Fat Wreck Chords, MoonSka, 510, Pink and Black, Portofranco, Hellcat), toured extensively worldwide, had her work on soundtracks and countless compilations. She is known for her work in SF Bay Area groups: Dance Hall Crashers, Stara Nova, Jezebelle among others, and is a current recording and performing member of bands NOFX , her own self- titled sextet “Karina Denike”, The Cottontails, The Bluebelles, Red Room Orchestra, Marc and The Casuals and recently sang and toured with Hope Sandoval ( Mazzy Star) and the Warm Inventions for their 2017 release.

Deniké and her solo band have performed in New York, Los Angeles, at dOCUMENTA 13 arts festival in Kassel Germany, London and Japan and locally have been presented by SF Jazz, The Flower Pianos series, the centennial celebration of SF City Hall, Noise-pop, The Contemporary Jewish Museum, Undercover Presents as musical director for ‘Bob Dylan’s Highway 61 revisited’ among others. Her acclaimed 2015 solo release "Under Glass" was named one of the TOP 10 JAZZ ALBUMS of 2015 -by KQED, and her song Musee Mecanique was on the 2016 compilation by Fat Wreck Chords.

"In my humble opinion, she’s probably got one of the most powerful, virtuosic voices around and a vocal delivery that’s JUST SEXY. You really have to see her live to know what I mean." - Missionmission.com

Tickets at Karina Deniké & The CottonTails

Serving students in Edna Brewer Middle School in Oakland, CA, the music program is comprised of 3 string orchestras, 3 concert bands, 1 jazz ensemble, a world music ensemble, a percussion ensemble, music production classes, and chamber ensembles.

This event features the Jazz Ensemble. Come see the future of jazz and support your community.

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Flamenco is an art form based on the various folkloric music traditions of southern Spain , developed within the gitano subculture of the region of Andalusia. Flamenco fuses song (cante), dance (baile) and musicianship (toque). Cante is the vocal expression of flamenco, sung by men and women, preferably seated, with no backing singers. The gamut of feelings and states of mind – grief, joy, tragedy, rejoicing and fear – can be expressed through sincere, expressive lyrics characterized by brevity and simplicity.

Flamenco baile is a dance of passion, courtship, expressing a wide range of situations ranging from sadness to joy. The technique is complex, differing depending on whether the performer is male (heavier use of the feet) or female (gentler, more sensual movements). Toque or the art of guitar playing has long surpassed its original role as accompaniment. Other instruments, including castanets, hand-clapping and foot-stamping are also employed.

Featuring Marina Elana - dance, Clara Rodriguez - dance, Clau Barros-Morrison - dance, Pirouz Ebadypour - vocals, David McLean - guitar.

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Roots Samba and Samba de Raiz is Brazil's national music performed with acoustic instrumentation.  Featuring 7-string guitar player, Edinho Gerber and Brian Moran on guitar and cavaco, Ami Molinelli on percussion and vocalist Dill Costa, a native of Rio de Janeiro, get ready for an evening of old sambas, brazilian jazz and bossa nova. 

Dill Costa is a multi-talented Brazilian performer.  Recording actress, musical theater and vocalist, Dill rose to fame in Rio De Janeiro as an actress and vocalist on major network TV GLOBO in Brazil. 

 Dill relocated to Chicago in 2003 and created the Dill Costa Quintet as well as A Cor Do Brasil , Bossa Três Quintet, Swing Brasileiro, and more. Her interpretations of Brazil's samba and bossa nova legends has stamped a place for her in Rio's music scene and world stage.  Get ready for an evening in Rio!

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Jules Leyhe might look like your everyday, average, unassuming guy, but he’s 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.” Those might sound like some big boots, but this Oakland native not only fills them, he wears them out and has to order new ones. This year, he is showcasing a new blues series at the Sound Room, where Leyhe and his Family Jules Blues Blowout take a look at new music each month. This month they will be performing with Mads Tolling.

Two-time Grammy Award-winning violinist Mads Tolling celebrated for his innovative compositions and exceptional skills, brings his extensive background as former member of the Turtle Island Quartet and Stanley Clarke’s band. This pairing promises an electrifying blend of Tolling’s virtuosic jazz violin and Leyhe's guitar mastery, and boundless energy. Together, they are redefining genres with a fusion of jazz, funk, blues, and Americana, creating a vibrant, one-of-a-kind soundscape.

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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.

The collective quickly garnered a reputation for its collaborative and risk-taking spirit, and over the years has worked with Roy Ayers, Lyrics Born, Zion-I, Rebelution, Latyrx, Galactic, Ledesi, Blackalicious, and Jackie Greene, to name a few. Recently, the collective performed sold out residencies at the SFJAZZ Center and served as the house band in The Soiled Dove – its large-scale cirque-inspired collaboration with The Vau de Vire Society. Jazz Mafia has also recently collaborated with the Oakland Symphony at Paramount Theatre of the Arts, as well as with GRAMMY-winning composer Mason Bates and his Mercury Soul project at the Kennedy Center in DC. Jazz Mafia also curates musical experiences for Stanford University, Oakland Art & Soul Festival, and many other presenters.

This event featuring The Hogan Brothers and Jazz Mafia Horns: Daniel Casares & Adam Theis

Herbert Jeffrey Hancock is an American jazz musician, bandleader, and composer. Hancock helped to redefine the role of a jazz rhythm section and was one of the primary architects of the post-bop sound. In the 1970s, Hancock experimented with jazz fusion, funk, and electro styles.

Hancock recorded Hancock “Head Hunters” in 1973 and “Thrust” in 1974 in San Francisco. “Thrust” is celebrated for its fusion of jazz complexity with funk grooves and heavy backbeats, while “Head Hunters” revolutionized jazz fusion with its innovative sound. These albums have profoundly impacted the careers of the musicians involved and are beloved by Herbie’s audiences. If any crew can pull off this celebration of Herbie Hancock’s legacy, it’s this one. Join us for an evening of vibrant and innovative music!

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Award-winning jazz vocalist and L.A. favorite Janis Mann is always ready to share her art, singing in the fashion she prefers: completely in the moment. The way she tells her musical stories and even the way she speaks come out through her here-and-now sensibility. She is direct and honest, and also emotional, empathetic, and humorous. Emotion can spring up suddenly like a chord change. Clear articulation and smooth execution are the qualities that jump out when she sings. The music calls the listener inside. In a live setting, there can be twists and turns depending on what vibe she feels with her musicians or perhaps what she feels inside at any given point.

She’s recorded and/or performed with Diane Schuur, Roy Haynes, Kenny Werner, Ernie Watts, Bob Mintzer, Terrell Stafford, Dave Frishberg, Jack Sheldon, John Clayton, Alan Broadbent, the Caribbean Jazz Project, Laurence Hobgood and many other jazz luminaries in addition to her own legendary shows. Her nine record projects are a radio and streaming mainstay.

JazzTimes Magazine says, “Mann is not only one of the most skilled vocalists around, but one of the most alluring as well."

Pianist, composer, writer Kenny Werner: “A singer who is as adventurous and courageous as she is talented and musical.”

Janis is joined at her Sound Room debut with a trio of elite Bay Area jazz artists: David Udolf – piano, Doug Miller – bass, and Jim Zimmerman – drums.

Tickets at Janis Mann Group

Acclaimed saxophonist and composer George Brooks, known for his masterful blend of jazz and Indian classical music, presents an evening of genre defying music.

Brooks will be joined by a powerhouse ensemble featuring longtime allies Kai Eckhardt, on bass, Frank Martin on piano, Deszon Claiborne on drums and in her premiere performance with the group, vocalist Roopa Mahadevan (fresh off her debut with Winton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra).

George Brooks Brooks is a pioneer in the world of Indian fusion. He has collaborated with Indian music giants Zakir Hussain and Hariprasad Chaurasia, jazz greats John McLaughlin and Larry Coryell, R+B superstar Etta James and minimalist pioneer Terry Riley. His compositions are praised for their depth and beauty and his improvisational skills are nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Kai Eckhardt brings an unparalleled level of energy and creativity to the stage. He has been a foundational member of groups led by John McLaughlin, Trilok Gurtu, Billy Cobham, his own Garaj Mahal and Brooks’ super-group Summit. His distinctive bass work is the perfect complement to Brooks' saxophone.

Bay Area first call pianist Frank Martin is lauded for his work with such luminaries as Sting, Stevie Wonder, Angela Bofill and Narada Michael Walden (to name just a few). He is a sought-after producer and arranger and Sound Room favorite.

Another Bay Area favorite is drummer Deszon Claiborne who has performed with Peter Apfelbaum, Don Cherry, Charles Brown, Angela Bofill, Les McCann, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Robin Ford, Boz Scaggs, Greg Howe, Henry Butler, Giovani Hildalgo, John Handy, Taj Mahal, Donald Harrison, Rodney Franklin, and many others.

Vocalist Roopa Mahadevan has recently relocated to the Bay Area from New York City. She is a leading Indian classical vocalist and crossover artist in the South Asian diaspora known for her powerful and emotive voice, scintillating stage presence and collaborative spirit. Roopa's artistic projects take her to diverse soundscapes and corners of the world - from Chennai's Music Academy to the cutting-edge venues of New York City.

“Bristling with east meets west polytonality and rhythmic intrigue and tinged with a Trane-like spirituality… Blowing gorgeous tones and fluidly unraveling complex ideas…(Brooks) succeeds to a startling and almost rapturous degree.” SAN FRANCISCO BAY GUARDIAN

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After 15 years of comedy, award-winning storyteller Inanc "Ino" Karacaylak is finally filming his long-awaited comedy special, Aggravated Ethnic Merman. You may already know him as co-host of the monthly StorySlam Oakland show at the Sound Room.
Join us on Wednesday, April 16th, 2025 at 7:30 PM for a night of laughter and mayhem you won’t forget starring Inanc.

His unique style blends hilarious stories from his life, including his time as a foreign exchange student from Turkey navigating language barriers, anecdotes of his career as an ocean kitesurfing instructor, and his sharp take on the challenges of becoming a U.S. citizen as a “brown guy.” His quick wit and brilliant crowd work will keep you laughing from start to finish.

But that’s not all! Two talented opening acts, Nina G., and Charlie Spink, will kick things off with their own distinctive comedic styles.

Come support Inanc, be part of this epic moment, and witness the making of his comedy special. You won’t want to miss it!

Doors open at 6:30 PM

This program will include live videotaping and all audience members consent, by their attendance, to possibly being photographed.

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Elaine Dame sings - and people stop and listen. Since 1996, the woman Time Out Chicago calls “a jazz dynamo" and "a gem in the city's vocal jazz scene" has been turning heads and capturing attention at venerable jazz venues from coast to coast, bringing her unique, superlative interpretations to vintage vocal classics and modern standards alike.

Neil Tesser, Grammy award-winning jazz critic and author of The Playboy Guide to Jazz said, "Dame has risen to the top ranks of Chicago jazz singers. She possesses all the musicality you could want in a true jazz vocalist: centered intonation, an enviable command of rhythm and a translucent but powerful instrument.”

Dame will appear at The Sound Room to celebrate the release of her latest album, Reminiscing, a spirited collection of reimagined songs from the ’70s that once populated the FM airwaves during one of the most creatively diverse decades in music. Dame says, “This recording represents the culmination of my desire to create something entirely outside my comfort zone --something unique that challenges me as a vocalist. And, I have a deep emotional connection to all these songs. When I listen to them, I recall specific moments in time and have distinct memories associated with each song.”

The music of Reminiscing promises to evoke distinct memories from her audience as well, with tunes including “Tell Me Something Good,” a funk-soul tune originally performed by Chaka Khan; a funky, bluesy “Use Me,” written by Bill Withers; “Reminiscing,” a soft rock number by The Little River Band; “Wish You Were Here,” from Pink Floyd; “Sing Child,” a song by the group Heart; Bonnie Raitt’s “Nothing Seems to Matter”; “Midnight at the Oasis” the mega-hit for Maria Muldaur; “Last Dance” recorded by disco queen Donna Summer; and “Love Will Find a Way,” a chart-topper for Pablo Cruise in the late ‘70s.

Dame will be joined by two members of her recording band, top Chicago musicians CHRIS MADSEN (co- arranger and tenor & soprano sax) and TOM VAITSAS (piano) as well as local stalwarts, MATT MONTGOMERY (bass), and GREG WYSER-PRATTE (drums).

Dame released two previous albums, You’re My Thrill (2014) and Comes Love (2005). Neil Tesser, Grammy Award-winning jazz critic and author of Playboy Guide to Jazz, said, “Dame has risen to the top ranks of Chicago jazz singers. She possesses all the musicality one could want in a true jazz vocalist: centered intonation, an enviable command of rhythm, and a translucent but powerful instrument.”

Looking over Elaine Dame’s oeuvre, it’s clear that she can sing just about anything she sets her mind to. Her commitment to rework these rock, pop, and funk classics is a bold move, but it pays off handsomely. These songs are both familiar and refreshingly current. REMINISCING is a journey through nostalgia and an homage to a creative era whose sounds still resonate today.

Catch a glimpse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJkKyv0fgMY

Tickets at Elaine Dame Quartet

TONE FOREST is a groundbreaking contemporary jazz ensemble that has been delighting audiences for the past six years throughout the United States. This trio represents the fruits of decades of musical collaboration between three world-class musicians: Miro Sprague (piano), Jason Ennis (guitar), and Marty Jaffe (bass). Their music, conceived and composed specifically for this unique ensemble, fuses jazz, world music, and free improvisation to create a wholly new, genre-defying sound that is adventurous, meditative, and grounded in a deep sense of beauty and groove.

All three members met through the western Massachusetts music scene and have played with one another since the early 2000’s in various ensembles, including bands led by Sonya Kitchell, Karrin Allyson, Samirah Evans, Charles Neville, and others.  

Their compositions and performances are a cinematic journey through a wide range of textures, dynamics, and emotions, ranging from the most delicate moments to the most danceable as they incorporate rhythms from many different folk and world music traditions including swing, new orleans street beats, samba, baião, funk and more.

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