Upcoming Shows

Patrick Wolff’s newest band is a swinging organ quartet that draws from the style of the late 50s/early 60s collaborations of Shirley Scott/ “Lockjaw” Davis and Lod Donaldson/ Big John Patton. Featuring two of the Bay’s experts in this idiom, pianist/organist Adam Shulman and guitarist Jack Tone Riordan and the talented up and coming drummer Miles Turk, this band grooves hard through repertoire classic and unexpected.

Saxophones- Patrick Wolff

Guitar- Jack Tone Riordan

Organ- Adam Shulman

Drums- Miles Turk

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. 

“In sassy, solidly assured, crowd-pleasing form, a whole lot of interpretive brilliance.” —JazzTimes

Acclaimed for her inventive artistry and magnetic stage presence, Clairdee’s lustrous voice and soulful delivery hearkens back to a time when jazz, pop, and rhythm and blues often blended seamlessly together. Combining scene-stealing charisma with heartfelt humility and a sincere belief in the transformative power of music, she has honed a repertoire of standards set to state of the art arrangements that are equally smart and entertaining.

Her career highlights include collaborations with renowned musicians like Dick Hyman, Houston Person, Russell Malone, Regina Carter, and Ken Peplowski, as well as performances around the globe, including prestigious venues like Dizzy’s NYC and the Monterey Jazz Festival. Clairdee’s discography as leader includes four highly regarded albums which have garnered international airplay and press. She is a recipient of the Bay Area Jazz & Blues Artist Lifetime Achievement Award.

Clairdee, vocals

Ken French, piano, music director

John Wiitala, bass

Jason Lewis, drums

John Hoy, guitar

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

Jazz wise it’s refreshing – something truly special – a unique combination that stands out from any other Latin jazz trio on the scene today. .………  Powerhouse Jazz/Latin Trio has a repertoire unlike any other Jazz/Latin trio on the scene today anywhere! This unique, wide-ranging repertoire includes outstanding rare swinging standards, jazz classics from Thelonious Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Bill Evans, Sonny Clark, exciting Latin jazz pieces featuring romantic boleros, hot mambos, cha-cha’s, Brazilian classics, funky boogaloo Bluesy rhythms, a touch of the Balkan Middle Eastern – North African sounds, a bit from the local favorite Vince Guaraldi repertoire + more.…… As well is being a top-of-the-line Latin, Afro-Cuban percussionist, Hector Lugo has emerged as one of the top vocalists on the jazz scene anywhere. At recent concerts, Hector has been knocking at the audiences with his beautiful voice, singing romantic boleros, improvised jazz salsa on top of the montunos, doing Afro-Cuban chants, and more. Hector is constantly adding fresh new selections to his repertoire making the program something to be looking forward to. Completing this exciting trio is the seasoned, veteran highly respected bassist, Doug Miller. Don’t miss this exciting, creative performance that features inspiring, wide-ranging repertoire, which will definitely lift your spirits!

Love-Centric. Soul-Crafted. Groove-Infused.

AgapeSoul fuses soul, funk, jazz, and R&B into a sound that’s undeniably soulful and deeply uplifting. Led by bassist and visionary Darryl Anders, the band delivers tight rhythms, rich harmonies, and infectious feel-good energy.

Fronted by powerhouse vocalists Fred Ross and Sonya Distel, and anchored by an electrifying rhythm section—Anders on bass, George Jackson on drums, Mike Wynar on guitar, and Immanuel Junaedy on keys—AgapeSoul crafts music with a message and a groove that can’t be denied. This is more than a band—it’s a soulful experience.

A cowboy and a samurai walk into a bar…it could happen! Bruce Forman and Akira Tana team up to explore the archetypes, and their relation to the jazz ethos. Expect thrilling improvisation, storytelling, and tons of fun! 

“Bruce Forman is one of the great lights of our age.” Barney Kessel, Jazz Times

A hectic touring schedule; twenty-one recordings as a leader,  countless sideman recordings including Ray Brown, Bobby Hutcherson, Roger Kellaway; soundtrack performances on three of Clint Eastwood’s distinguished films—most notably Academy Award-winning Million Dollar Baby; raconteur, arranger, acclaimed educator, in residence at USC’s Studio/Jazz Guitar Dept., when does Bruce Forman rest? 

Born and raised in California, Akira Tana earned degrees from Harvard University and the New Conservatory of Music. Tana has worked with, among others, Sonny Rollins, Sonny Stitt, Zoot Sims, Hubert Laws, Milt Jackson, Jim Hall, Art Farmer, The Paul Winter Consort, Paquito D’Rivera, James Moody, J.J. Johnson, Lena Horne, The Manhattan Transfer, Ruth Brown, Charles Aznavour, Maurice Hines, and Van Dyke Parks. He has appeared on over 200 recordings.

Having worked together for decades,Guitar Trifecta debut at Keys with their unique brand of interplay. Comprised of veterans Lloyd Gregory,Carl Lockett and Eddie Pasternak, these giants have blended their individual styles into one singular voice.

Carl Lockett is a Bay Area legend. A musical child prodigy, Carl started out as a drummer, then went to the guitar. By the age of 14, he was playing gigs around the Bay Area, even opening for the legendary Redd Foxx’s comedy shows. For over 4 decades, he has made a name for himself in the music industry.

Eternally youthful, and upbeat, he still wears his passion for music on his sleeve. At his live shows, if you watch closely, you’ll often see him break into a big grin, the music just gives him that much joy.

An award-winning guitarist and composer, San Francisco based Lloyd Gregory is a well-established musician whose style is smooth, soulful, melodic, flowing and immediately charismatic. His extensive R&B roots add a distinct texture to his styling. Gregory is a master of both acoustic and electric guitar.

“Lloyd expertly fuses soul, pop and jazz, forging a hybrid that is both enjoyable and intellectually stimulating.” — Minor 7th: Acoustic Music Review

“I love Lloyd’s style as a musician. He is a sweet, warm guy, which comes out in his music. His music reminds me of a modern-day Wes Montgomery.” — the legendary Stanley Clarke

Eddie Pasternak is a delightful presence with an abundance of warmth, wit, and charm. He consistently presents himself with the greatest of elegance and class. It is his combination of musicianship, style and personality that sets Eddie apart from other fine local musicians and makes him the perfect musical choice for the sophisticated venues of the San Francisco Bay Area.

For a quarter century, Eddie has been a mainstay of the Bay Area music scene. Eddie’s guitar work has been a welcome feature in swing-oriented performances with former members of Count Basie and Duke Ellington’s bands as well as in Motown dance bands. He has frequently performed in the Bay Area’s finest hotels and major local events. Noted Bay Area music critic Lee Hiderbrand describes him as a “remarkable guitarist who plays basslines and chords simultaneously. He generates intense swing.“

Eddie Studied with Warren Nunes from 1968 to 1975. Then, continued studying with pianists – Dick Hidman, Don Haas, Marcos Silva. Later, with guitarists – Joe Pass and John Stowell.

Contemporary jazz pianist, keyboardist and composer, Peter Horvath has been perfecting his craft since the age of six when he began taking classical piano lessons. Born in Budapest, Hungary, he attended the BelaBartok Conservatory of Music. At age 17, he won the National Jazz ComboCompetition in Hungary and two years later moved to Austria to attend theVienna Conservatory of Music. In 1983, Peter moved to the United States,where he studied at the Berklee College of Music in Boston. He has since performed, recorded and toured nationally and worldwide with a long line of world-class artist, including jazz greats Bobby Hutcherson, Joe Henderson,Richie Cole, Ernie Watts, Eddie Henderson, Charles McPherson, Benny Maupin, the Victor Bailey Group, Lenny White, Arturo Sandoval, RandyBrecker, Marcus Miller, Pee Wee Ellis Funk Assembly, Bob Mintzer, BobSheppard, Craig Handy, Tiger Okoshi, Lalah Hathaway, Melba Moore,Ledisi, Keith Washington, Rosie Gaines, Ray Obiedo, Pete Escovedo and the Oakland Symphony. Peter composed for and performed with David Garibaldi for his critically acclaimed Warner Brothers video/CD series and recorded the tracks for Aretha Franklin’s performance of the NationalAnthem at the 1993 World Series.Peter Horvath’s first solo recording, “

Returning to Keys, Suzanna Smith fronts another stellar ensemble to work her magic around the Peggy Lee songbook. “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

Keeping folks up past 10 pm in SF is no easy feat, but Key’s owner Simon Rowe has been showcasing the best of the Bay Area’s organ trios in his late night Saturday sets.

His ‘Transcendent Trio’, formed for a “Jazz on the Patio” residency during the pandemic will feature the dynamic Dave Macnab-Guitar, the ebullient Brian Fishler-drums and Rowe on Hammond organ for a set of Blues, Bebop, Ballads and Banter.

Simon Rowe-Organ

Dave Macnab-Guitar

Brian Fishler -Drums

Grant Levin-Piano

Aaron Cohn-  double-bass

Alcide Marshall- drums(brushes feature)

This ensemble will be creating fresh arrangements of jazz standards and modern tunes in the tradition of the Keith Jarrett trio. 

Grant Levin is a jazz pianist and composer based in San Francisco. Born in San Diego, California, he began studying the piano at age 5. He attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree. After graduation, he joined the faculty of the music department at California State University, Chico, where he taught for 3 years.

Levin has performed at notable venues such as: SFJAZZ Center, Mildred Owen Concert Hall, Yoshi’s, and Cafe Stritch. He has also appeared at the San Jose, Stanford, Cotati, Benicia, and Fillmore Jazz Festivals.

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. 

Tiffany Austin is a vocalist, composer, educator, and Berkeley Law Juris Doctor. She has performed with luminaries such as Pharoah Sanders, Roy Ayers, John Handy, Cyrus Chestnut, and Doug Carn. Her soulful delivery and musical storytelling has brought her to stages at Birdland and Dizzy’s Den in NYC, Walt Disney Concert Hall in her native Los Angeles and the SFJAZZ Center in San Francisco. Beyond California, she has performed in Europe, Asia, and Australasia, as well as on nationally televised programming in the United States. 

In a career that has spanned over 65 years, international jazz vocal legend Mary Stallings has earned a unique place in modern jazz. After decades of performing around the globe alongside a who’s who of talented collaborators, while quietly accumulating a series of thoughtful and well respected recordings, she still continues to challenge her boundaries and creative potential. Yet it is her deep connection to her roots and the community that nurtured her talent that reveal her artistry. Utilizing a wide and diverse repertoire, Stallings music expresses a profound spiritual essence combined with a love for that community that supported her. “This music is deep. lt is a life force. lt is a history of people’s lives and struggles. It is not just a bunch of notes., she explains. For this historic  debut performance at Keys, Mary returns to the Neighborhood where she first began her artistic journey, decades ago.

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!

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

Tony Monaco

Tony Monaco may be the best organ player you have yet to hear of flying stealth while playing arguably some of the hottest B-3 around. Mentored by the legendary Jimmy Smith in what is considered the more classic style, Monaco does not swing, smolder or smoke. “Tony Monaco burns is this most fitting!” CriticalJazz Review2012. Tony Monaco began his keyboard life at age eight. When he was twelve, his destiny as a jazz organist was sealed when he first heard Jimmy Smith. An enthusiastic student, Tony began working in Jazz clubs as a teenager in his native Columbus, Ohio, guided by local organ gurus Hank Marr and Don Patterson. Four years later, Jimmy Smith invited Tony to come play at his club in California, a peak lifetime experience for Tony.

Bruce Forman

A hectic touring schedule; twenty-one recordings as a leader,  countless sideman recordings including Ray Brown, Bobby Hutcherson, Roger Kellaway; soundtrack performances on three of Clint Eastwood’s distinguished films—most notably Academy Award-winning Million Dollar Baby; raconteur, arranger, acclaimed educator, in residence at USC’s Studio/Jazz Guitar Dept., when does Bruce Forman rest? 

Deszon Claiborne

A native of the Bay Area, Deszon Claiborne began his musical career at the early age of ten. Virtually self taught in the beginning, he went on to study with world-renowned drummers such as Richard Peterson, Rick Quintinel (Chuck Brown school of Drumming), James Levi, Billy Cobham and Kenneth  Nash , an experience which provided him with a strong foundation in jazz, rhythm & blues and world music. He has had the pleasure to perform or record with the following artists: Peter Apfelbaum, Don Cherry, Charles brown, Angela Bofill, Les McCann, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Robin Ford, Boz Scaggs, Greg Howe, Henry Butler, Giovani Hildalgo, Kai Eckhardt, John Handy, Taj Mahal, Donald Harrison, Rodney Franklin, and may others.

Will Bernard is in town performing with some of his long time associates, Adam Klipple and Deszon Claiborne. They will perform a mix of Will’s original music and jazz and soul-jazz classics drawn from the jazz organ trio repertoire.

Will and Deszon have been performing together  going back to Peter Apfelbaum’s Hieroglyphics ensemble from the 80’s and 90’s and continuing to the present day. Will and Adam started performing together when Will Moved to New York in 2007 and now on Will’s visits back to his Bay Area home town.

Although currently a New Yorker, Grammy nominated guitarist Will Bernard’s unique voice was formed fro the most part from the rich cultural roots of the San Francisco Bay Area. Along the way he studied classical music, jazz, played in basements and coliseums, and absorbed the Bay Area Multi-Kultii, the New York downtown edge, and the loose funk of New Orleans. He has performed or recorded with Charlie Hunter, Stanton Moore, Robert Walter, John Medeski, Dr Lonnie Smith, Ben Sidran, Peter Apfelbaum, Jai Uttal, Tom Waits, Bill Laswell, Dr. John and a lot of other known and unknowns. 

San Francisco-based guitarist/bandleader Nick Rossi is now best know for leading one of the West Coast’s most dynamic and popular swing dance combos, but he cut his teeth in the Bay Area playing in a string of great R&B bands. With this quartet, centered around the Hammond organ, Rossi explores a wide-range of repertoire incorporating elements of both swing and soul in a classic jazz format.

Nick Rossi – electric guitar

Kamrin Ortiz – tenor saxophone

Adam Shulman – Hammond organ

Michael Reed – drums