Upcoming Shows

Patrick Wolff is a jazz saxophone and clarinet player with a long history in the jazz scenes of New York City and San Francisco. His playing has been characterized by a focus on lyricism and an embrace of the whole lineage of jazz styles. For this special show, he is joined by Helen Sung, an elegant and swinging piano stylist who effortlessly travels across different styles of modern jazz and classical music. She has performed with Clark Terry, Wayne Shorter, Ron Carter, Wynton Marsalis and the Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra, Regina Carter, Terri Lyne Carrington, Cecile McLorin Salvant, and the Mingus Big Band, and has fronted a long and diverse list of bands playing her original music. Joined by one of the Bay Area’s finest drum and bass teams, Smith Dobson and John Wiitala, this will be a special night of the finest bop and post bop repertoire.

Noel Jewkes is one of the premier saxophone players in Northern California.He has worked in the San Francisco Bay Area for over 35 years, and has earned a distinguished reputation with lovers of Jazz music.Noel has recorded with John Hendricks, Wesla Whitfield, Mary Stallings, Paula West, Mike Greensill, Lavay Smith, Bill Bell, Mimi Fox, Graham Bruce, Bobbe Norris, Larry Dunlap, Larry Vuckovich, Pat Yankee and Jerry Hahn, as well as his own ensembles.

Immerse yourself in the electrifying world of “Ritmo y Voz”, where the deep-rooted traditions of Afro-Cuban jazz meet the power of dynamic vocals. This high-energy performance features an all-star lineup, including guitarist Kai Lyons, percussion master Ernesto, bassist Mazar, and the incomparable Einar Leliebre Nuñez, whose fiery rhythms and soaring voice bring the soul of Santiago de Cuba to life. Drawing from the rich traditions of Rumba, Timba, Changüí, and Batá, the group weaves a tapestry of sound that pulses with history, spirit, and innovation. Their collective experience includes collaborations with legendary artists like Omar Sosa, John Santos, and other torchbearers of the Afro-Cuban and Latin jazz traditions.

Einar “Tito” Leliebre – Vocals, Percussion

Ernesto Kindelan Mazar- Bass

Kai Lyons-Guitar

Mike Olmos (trumpet)
Raffi Garribedian (tenor)
Greg Jacobs (piano)
Jaimeo Brown (drums)
Marcus Shelby (bass)

Miles Dewey Davis was born on May 26, 1926 making this entire year the centennial anniversary of arguably the most influential trumpet player in history. Marcus Shelby and his Quintet will pay homage to Miles by performing repertoire from his 1950-1960s catalog. This era was an artistically rich and innovative period for Miles Davis that included working with John Coltrane, Bill Evans, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Ron Carter, Tony Williams, Red Garland, Cannonball Adderley, Jimmy Cobb. Paul Chambers, and many others. During this 20 year period, Miles released a treasure trove of historical albums including Cookin’, Relaxin’, Workin’, Steamin’, Milestones, Miles Ahead, Kinda Blue, ESP, Seven Steps to Heaven, Nefertiti, Sorcerer, Miles Smiles, and dozens of live recordings. Much of this music is the cornerstone of our beloved art form. The Marcus Shelby Quintet featuring Mike Olmos (trumpet), Raffi Garribedian (tenor), Greg Jacobs (piano), Jaimeo Brown (drums), and Marcus Shelby (bass), will play a wide range of music from the Miles Davis repertoire from the 1950s through the 1960s and add commentary, stories, text, and reflection to one of the most creative and iconic geniuses of the 20th Century.

Eric Schugren – tenor sax, 

Cornel Fauler – drums, 

Willem von Hombracht – bass 

This trio has been playing together on and off for 35 years, ever since they first met in the early 1990s, when all three of them lived in Los Angeles. Their collaboration began at The World Stage, a jazz & poetry venue in the Leimert Park neighborhood of South Central LA, founded by drummer Billy Higgins and poet Kamau Da’houd. The trio branched off from a larger group called The Jazz Mission X-tet, and worked in several venues around ghe LA area. A long-standing weekly gig was at a live performance/health food spot, The Good Life. Since then each of the members have traveled widely, and worked with many other artists, but always took any opportunity to reunite. Schugren now lives in New York, and von Hombracht settled in St. Louis, but Fauler remains in his native Los Angeles. 

Their repertoire includes both original compositions and favorite standards. 

This will be their first appearance together at Keys; be sure to come out for some swinging grooves and good vibes!

Adam Shulman – piano
Eric Markowitz – bass
Smith Dobson – drums

Known for her deep and thoughtful interpretations of the Great American Songbook, San Francisco Bay Area native Lori Carsillo was raised on a healthy diet of Julie London, Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis, Bill Evans, and other jazz greats and was augmented by an early and enduring exposure to classical music. Her unique phrasing and less-is-more sound has led her to perform at such renowned venues as SFJAZZ, Yoshi’s, Albuquerque’s The Outpost, as well as international events such as the Fillmore Jazz Festival and Santa Fe Music Collective Jazz Series.

As a master songstress and storyteller, Carsillo has released five diverse albums and a multitude of singles to date. She continues to delve into songwriting and the worlds of theater, video production and film. As an artist—one with an insatiable desire to create—she is driven to bring her unique flavor of jazz to brand new audiences, and take it to bold new heights.

Best known for her iconic 1970s hit, “Band of Gold,” Freda Payne is a Detroit native whose vocal talents were discovered early in her life. From singing at local events and appearing on television talent shows, including Ted Mack’s Original Amateur Hour, she joined The Don Larges Make Way for Youth radio show at just fourteen. Her early career included an album deal with Impulse Records/ABC Paramount and later with MGM Records.

A protégé of Quincy Jones during his big band era, Freda also graced the stage of the Montreux Jazz Festival in 2008 as part of his seventy-fifth birthday celebration. While she is widely recognized for her gold records “BAND OF GOLD” and “BRING THE BOYS HOME” produced by Holland, Dozier, and Holland, Freda’s talent has garnered her a Grammy nomination for Best R&B Female Vocalist for “Band of Gold,” and another nomination from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Science for her album “CONTACT.”

Beyond music, Freda has also appeared in several films, including “The Book of Number 1s,” “Rag Doll,” “Sprung,” “Nutty Professor the Klumps,” “Cordially Invited,” “Rhapsody,” “The Divorce,” and the upcoming Netflix series “Family Reunion.”

Her extensive experience in musical theatre includes roles in productions such as “DUKE ELLINGTON’S SOPHISTICATED LADIES,” “AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’,” “DADDY GOODNESS,” “JELLY’S LAST JAM,” “BLUES IN THE NIGHT,” and her recent acclaimed portrayal of Ella Fitzgerald in “ELLA FITZGERALD FIRST LADY OF SONG.”

Freda has just released her 26th CD, a Capitol Records studio recording titled “LET THERE BE LOVE,” featuring jazz big band arrangements and duets with renowned artists like Johnny Mathis, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Kurt Elling, and Kenny Lattimore, which is currently charting in the jazz world. Her previous album, “Come Back Love,” was a return to her jazz roots. Additionally, her new memoir, “Band of Gold,” co-written with Mark Bego, which recounts her remarkable life story, is now available on Amazon.

Continuing to captivate audiences, Freda frequently performs at Jazz Festivals, appears as a guest with artists such as Michael Feinstein at Lincoln Center and Christian McBride, and consistently draws large crowds at R&B Soul Festivals, including sold-out shows in London for over 10,000 fans.

Ladies and Gentlemen, introducing Fog City Swing! The bay area’s newest and hottest jazz and swing band featuring an electrifying three horn front line, stellar crooning vocals, and a swing till you drop rhythm section. Enjoy an evening of swing, hard bop, and even some classic pop favorites performed only the way they can! This seven piece ensemble will transport you to the 1940’s and beyond, it is truly the world’s smallest big band!

“Hammond Organ Party! is an exceptional collaboration…Rose and De La Cruz have hit a home run!”  – Pete Fallico, Doodlin’ Lounge

“Outstanding vocals…Rose hits that jazz & soul sweet spot with Wayne De La Cruz and Hammond Organ Party!”  Frank-John Hadley, DownBeat

Jazz and blues audiences will associate vocalist and educator Pamela Rose with her work of the past 15 years, a celebration of women songwriters in her book, recording and touring multimedia shows Wild Women of Song: Great Gal Composers of the Jazz Era and Blues is a Woman.  

But San Francisco fans know that Rose’s enduring passion for the swinging and soulful sounds of the Hammond B-3 organ have often paired her with jazz B-3 master Wayne De La Cruz at local clubs and festivals.  De La Cruz approached Rose with the idea of taking that partnership into the studio with special arrangements structured for voice and B-3. 

The result is Hammond Organ Party!, an inexplicably rare encounter between a soul-drenched singer and a prodigious B-3 practitioner. Loose and limber, moving and grooving, this project feels like a Saturday night celebration, with Rose and her top-shelf cast romping through rare jazz standards, blues and R&B classics.Joined onstage by guitar great Danny Caron (Charles Brown, Bonnie Raitt), drummer Mark Lee, this group is ready to Party!

Bay Area multi-instrumentalist Smith Dobson continues the Horns of SF series at Keys Jazz Bistro on the saxophone, with his long-running quartet, featuring Keith Saunders on piano, Eric Markowitz on bass, and Tony Johnson on drums. The quartet, which held court every Tuesday for nearly a decade at the now defunct Club Deluxe, will be exploring material from the great American songbook, as well as bebop classics and originals. 

Keys favorite Kenny Washington always brings concert thrills and spills to Keys. Don’t miss out on one of our very own world class bay area artists!Kenny Washington has thrilled audiences across the globe with his soulful interpretations, seemingly limitless range, and inventive scatting. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, Washington appeared in 2013 with Wynton Marsalis and The Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra, alongside vocalists Gregory Porter and Paula West. 

An Irish guy, a black guy, a Hungarian, and a Jew, walked into a bar. Once they were perched on their barstools, the soulful organ master Jimmy McGriff, streamed through the laptop speakers. “Rock Candy” was the song, and it pleased the four men very much. So much so, the men, who just happened to be distinguished musicians, decided on the spot, to organize an organ dominate quartet, name it SMOKEHOUSE, and get some gigs. That’s exactly what they did, and now the rest of the story.

Eamonn Flynn – organ, vocals and songwriting

Eamonn was born and raised in Ireland. Prior to moving to America, Flynn was best known for playing Hammond B3 organ, and piano on the soundtrack for “The Commitments”, a film about an Irish Soul band. The soundtrack sold 14,000,000 copies. Flynn relocated to San Francisco, in 1997. He went on to record and tour globally with Michael Franti & Spearhead, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Pee Wee Ellis, Maria Muldaur, and Meters’ drummer, Zigaboo Modeliste to name a few. 

Anthony Paule – guitar, vocals and songwriting

Anthony, is creator and leader of the twelve piece, horn driven, “Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra featuring Willy Jordan”. APSO performs and records original Blues and Soul music. Under Paule’s direction APSO, has received seventeen BMA nominations, and recorded six albums. Anthony has also toured and/or recorded with Boz Scaggs, Charlie Musselwhite, the Johnny Nocturne Band, Jackie Payne, Mark Hummel, Home Cookin’, Frank Bey, Wee Willie Walker, Maria Muldaur, and Van Morrison. 

Willy Jordan – drums, vocals, songwriting

Willy, has a varied musical background (blues, zydeco, rhythm and blues, soul, funk, rock, and jazz). He has performed and/or recorded with Elvin Bishop, Charlie Musselwhite, Carlos Santana, and Motordude Zydeco. From 1996 to 1998 Willy toured and recorded with blues legend John Lee Hooker. “Something Smells Funky ‘Round Here” recorded with Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio, garnered Willy two Grammy nominations. “I Found A Love”, a duet Willy sang with John Nemeth, for John’s double BMA winning “May Be The Last Time”. Willy is now lead vocalist with The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra.

Endre Tarczy – bass, vocals, songwritingEndre Tarczy is a first call bassist around the San Francisco Bay Area. He has played with iconic musicians such as John Lee Hooker, Gregg Allman, Robben Ford, Chris Cain, and Coco Montoya. Tarczy is a frequent collaborator at Greaseland Studios in San Jose, often appearing as part of the “Greaseland All Stars” alongside producer Kid Andersen. He has played on countless releases recorded at Greaseland including albums by Terry Hanck, Jackie Payne, Kid Andersen, Diuna Greenleaf, and many others. From 2018 to 2025 Tarczy held down the bass chair in the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra performing at festivals all around the U.S. and Europe.

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 tonight by a world class trio with Adam Shulman (piano/organ), Brian Fishler (drums), and Matthew Montgomery (bass).

With a unique style and sound that echo 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 Harry Connick, Jr. and later with the Count Basie Orchestra. Leali was a standing member of the Kennedy Center Honors Band and performed for President Obama’s first inaugural celebration. He tours and is a featured soloist with the Grammy-winning musician and actor, Lyle Lovett. Brad is currently the Professor of Jazz Saxophone at the University of North Texas

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

“His solos are sparkling and Cannonball Adderley influenced.”
- Evening Standard (London, England)

Grammy-nominated singer/song-writer, Carla Helmbrecht, began her love affair with music at a young age. 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

A true treasure of the Bay Area jazz scene, vocalist Paula West is celebrated for her rich contralto voice and deeply expressive interpretations of song.Her repertoire moves effortlessly from the Great American Songbook to inspired reinventions of music by artists like Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Lou Reed, and Johnny Cash, always delivered with nuance, emotional depth, and impeccable phrasing.West has performed in renowned venues across San Francisco and New York, including residencies at the Oak Room of the Algonquin Hotel and appearances at Jazz at Lincoln Center, SFJAZZ, Feinstein’s at the Nikko, and Yoshi’s. Her performances at the Algonquin earned three consecutive New York Magazine Nightlife Awards for Outstanding Female Jazz Vocalist.Praised by The New York Times for a voice that has “ripened into a driving expressive force,” Paula West continues to captivate audiences with performances that are both timeless and strikingly personal.Join us at Keys Jazz Bistro for an unforgettable evening with one of the great vocal stylists in jazz