Upcoming Shows

Jazz guitarist Calvin Keys is a legend among soul-jazz fans and known for his lean, muscular single-string solo style, Keys was born in 1942 in Omaha, Nebraska. His first musical influence was his father Otis, a well-known drummer who passed the music bug on to Calvin.

In 1971, he signed with Black Jazz label, released a pair of albums and played in the Ray Charles Orchestra. Keys’ unique phrasing and his ability to balance sophisticated jazz harmonics with tough R&B and soul grooves were showcased nightly in the Charles band.

By 1975, Keys had relocated to the San Francisco Bay Area, where he became — and remains — an avid participant in its jazz community. He worked in live settings and recording sessions with John Handy, Bobby Hutcherson, Eddie Marshall, Bob Braye, Ed Kelly, Eddie Duran, Bruce Forman, Junius Simmons, and Eddie Moore.

Come join us at Keys Jazz Bistro where Calvin Keys will be debuting new music from his forthcoming CD.

Calvin Keys-Guitar, Art Maxwell- Woodwinds, Joel Kruzic-Bass, Joe Kelner-Drums

Happy Hour 5pm – 6pm. Doors open at 6pm, shows begin at 7pm and 9pm.

Tickets: $25 per show

Students and IMA Members can purchase tickets for $15 in person for the 7pm and 9pm shows and may attend 11pm shows free of charge (with proof of valid ID).

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.

Happy Hour 5pm – 6pm. Doors open at 6pm, shows begin at 7pm and 9pm.

Tickets: $30 per show

Students and IMA Members can purchase tickets for $15 in person for the 7pm and 9pm shows and may attend 11pm shows free of charge (with proof of valid ID).

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 Kai Lyons-guitar, the joyful Brian Fishler-drums and Rowe on Hammond organ for a set of Blues, Bebop, Ballads and Banter.

Our Late Set is supported by Jazz In the Neighborhood’s Guaranteed Fair Wage Fund. Show begins at 10:30pm.

Tickets: $15 per show (or Free to Students or IMA members with a valid ID)

Azure McCall, Hawaii’s first lady of jazz is a multi-award winning vocalist. She is heir to the vocal tradition of Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae and Ella Fitzgerald. Her warmth and sense of humor fuel every interpretation. After releasing her first CD ‘Body and Soul’ she was asked by the great bassist Ray Brown to be his vocalist on tour. Of course, she accepted, beginning an incredible jazz journey – school was in! Soon after, Azure became the first singer to work with Freddie Hubbard’s band. Additional collaborators include Frank Morgan, Tennyson Stephens, Joe Lovano, Geoffrey Keezer, Curtis Lundy, Dizzy Gillespie and many more. In 2008, President Barack Obama asked her to perform at his pre-election party. “That’s why he won,” Azure says (smiling). Azure became the ‘Jazz Diva’ for Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Cruises. She has traveled to more than 50 countries including, Greece, Germany, Russia, and Italy- just to name a few.

Vocals-Azure McCall, Piano-Grant Levin, Bass-Giullio Xavier, Drums-Mark Lee, Sax-Caleb Murray

Happy Hour 5pm – 6pm. Doors open at 6pm, shows begin at 7pm and 9pm.

Tickets: $25 per show

Students and IMA Members can purchase tickets for $15 in person for the 7pm and 9pm shows and may attend 11pm shows free of charge (with proof of valid ID).

On the heels of her March 2023 Keys Jazz debut Masha Campagne returns in collaboration with Brazilian luminary, guitar master Ricardo Peixoto, bringing you an evening of timeless Samba and Bossa Nova sounds of Brazil. 

Evocative & passionate, Campagne’s voice carries like an open book, compelling with great emotion & reverence. Gathering strong critics acclaim, ‘Campagne has forged delicious Brazilian sound’ (Andrew Gilbert) and has ‘hip and venturous command of Brazilian Jazz vernacular’ (Glen Astarita).

Masha Campagne-vocals, Ricardo Peixoto-guitar, Phil Hawkins-drums, John Wiitala-bass

Happy Hour 5pm – 6pm. Doors open at 6pm, shows begin at 7pm and 9pm.

Tickets: $25 per show

Students and IMA Members can purchase tickets for $15 in person for the 7pm and 9pm shows and may attend 11pm shows free of charge (with proof of valid ID).

New York City organist/pianist, Brian Charette, has established himself as a leading voice in modern jazz. Charette is a Hammond U.S.A, Hammond Europe, I.K Multimedia, and Casio endorsed, Cellar Live recording artist. Brian is currently #2 on the 2023 Downbeat Critic’s Poll for Organ and also won 2023 “Rising Star: Keyboard”. Brian was also the winner of the 2014 Downbeat Critics’ Poll “Rising Star: Organ” award and 2015 Hot House Magazine’s “Fan’s Decision Jazz Award for Best Organist”. Charette’s new Cellar Live release, Jackpot, was recorded at Rudy Van Gelder’s hallowed studio featuring Bill Stewart on drums. The album received 4 stars from Downbeat and was on the Jazzweek radio chart for months, peaking at #9 for 6 weeks. Charette is also a prolific composer of large ensemble music, penning and performing compositions with The Jazz Dock Orchestra in Prague and The Modern Art Orchestra in Budapest.

Happy Hour 5pm – 6pm. Doors open at 6pm, shows begin at 7pm and 9pm.

Tickets: $30 per show

Students and IMA Members can purchase tickets for $15 in person for the 7pm and 9pm shows and may attend 11pm shows free of charge (with proof of valid ID).

Adam Shulman has been a staple of the San Francisco Jazz scene since he moved to the city in 2002. Adam has played as a sideman with internationally renowned artists Stefon Harris, Willie Jones III, Dayna Stephens, Miguel Zenon, Mark Murphy, Alan Harris, Luciana Souza, Paula West, Larry Coryell, Sean Jones, Grant Stewart, John Clayton, Bobby Hutcherson, Bria Skonberg and with the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Our Late Set is supported by Jazz In the Neighborhood’s Guaranteed Fair Wage Fund. Show begins at 11pm.

Tickets: $15 per show (or Free to Students or IMA members with a valid ID)

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.

The Simon Rowe Organ Trio aka the ‘Transcendent Trio’, formed for a “Jazz on the Patio” residency during the pandemic features the dynamic Dave Macnab-guitar, the joyful Brian Fishler-drums and Rowe on Hammond organ for a set of Blues, Bebop, Ballads and Banter.

Happy Hour 5pm – 6pm. Doors open at 6pm, shows begin at 7pm and 9pm.

Tickets: $25 per show

Students and IMA Members can purchase tickets for $15 in person for the 7pm and 9pm shows and may attend 11pm shows free of charge (with proof of valid ID).

San Francisco Bay Area-based saxophonist and composer Michael Zilber is described by NEA Jazz Master David Liebman as “one of the best players and composers around anywhere. Period!” The Canadian-born ex-New Yorker has 13 albums to his name as a leader or co-leader. He has performed, toured and/or recorded with many jazz luminaries over the years, including co-leading  and recording ingroups w Liebman, Mike Clark, Steve Smith and John Stowell,  to name a few. Says ALL ABOUT JAZZ,  “Zilber is one of the true masters of modern jazz saxophone, his prodigious talents evidenced by his recordings and live performances are truth.”

Happy Hour 5pm – 6pm. Doors open at 6pm, shows begin at 7pm and 9pm.

Tickets: $25 per show

Students and IMA Members can purchase tickets for $15 in person for the 7pm and 9pm shows and may attend 11pm shows free of charge (with proof of valid ID).

Tammy L. Hall is a Grammy® award winning pianist/composer/educator/collaborator/musical director who’s career spans some 40+ years. She currently works with SFJAZZ Organization as a Lead Teaching Artist. Hall has worked with a wide array of vocalists and instrumentalists, including the late Etta Jones and Ernestine Anderson; Renée Wilson, Ms. Loretta Devine, Kim Nalley, Ph.D., Antoinette Montague, Susanne Mintzer, Marcus Shelby, Tiffany Austin, Terri Lyne Carrington, Regina Carter, Kristen Strom, Tia Fuller, Houston Person, Laurie Anderson, Gerald Clayton, Mads Tolling, Linda Tillery, Leberta Lorál, Holly Near, Barbara Dane, Hector Lugo, Kalil Wilson, Mimi Fox and Destiny Muhammad. 

In 2021 Tammy had the distinct honor of being the inaugural Artist-In-Residence for the Healdsburg Jazz Festival. Other collaborative highlights include working with the late Maestro Michael Morgan and members of the SF Symphony on the project, Currents: Bay Area Blue Notes (2019). Tammy also received the inaugural Pleasant-Leidesdorff Community Stalwart award in recognition of her work in community, from the San Francisco Chapter of the Human Rights Commission. In 2017 she received the Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle award for Best Musical Direction, for her work with Pamela Rose’s Blues Is A Woman.

Happy Hour 5pm – 6pm. Doors open at 6pm, shows begin at 7pm and 9pm.

Tickets: $30 per show

Students and IMA Members can purchase tickets for $15 in person for the 7pm and 9pm shows and may attend 11pm shows free of charge (with proof of valid ID).

Adam Klipple, who has been described as “a standout pianist who has gone to school on McCoy Tyner and Cecil Taylor and earned his degree,” plays piano, Hammond organ, sampler, and a variety of vintage keyboards.He is currently a member of the legendary jazz rock band Blood,Sweat and Tears.

Our Late Set is supported by Jazz In the Neighborhood’s Guaranteed Fair Wage Fund.

Please note our late show now begins at 10:30pm.

Tickets: $15 per show (or Free to Students or IMA members with a valid ID)

Jazz pianist and composer Peter Zak has been performing and recording for more than twenty years, both as a sideman and bandleader. His credits include George Coleman, Jimmy Cobb, Ryan Kisor, Peter Bernstein, Eddie Henderson, Eric Alexander, Walt Weiskopf and Jon Hendricks, among many others. His eleven albums as a leader, including his latest recording, “Standards,” have earned consistent praise from publications such as DownBeat, JazzTimes, Financial Times, Jazz Journal, and the New York Times. As a composer, his awards include a $10,000 jazz chamber music commission from the Doris Duke Foundation, which he performed both at Smoke Jazz Club and the Jazz Gallery in New York, with drummer Al Foster, and bassist Paul Gill. He has played with various groups at every major jazz venue in New York City, including the Village Vanguard, the Blue Note, and the Jazz Standard; his current trio performs in New York, around the U.S. and at festivals and concerts internationally. 

Peter Zak-Piano, Marcos Varela-Bass, Sylvia Cuenca-Drums

Happy Hour 5pm – 6pm. Doors open at 6pm, shows begin at 7pm and 9pm.

Tickets: $25 per show

Students and IMA Members can purchase tickets for $15 in person for the 7pm and 9pm shows and may attend 11pm shows free of charge (with proof of valid ID).

Jazz pianist and composer Peter Zak has been performing and recording for more than twenty years, both as a sideman and bandleader. His credits include George Coleman, Jimmy Cobb, Ryan Kisor, Peter Bernstein, Eddie Henderson, Eric Alexander, Walt Weiskopf and Jon Hendricks, among many others. His eleven albums as a leader, including his latest recording, “Standards,” have earned consistent praise from publications such as DownBeat, JazzTimes, Financial Times, Jazz Journal, and the New York Times. As a composer, his awards include a $10,000 jazz chamber music commission from the Doris Duke Foundation, which he performed both at Smoke Jazz Club and the Jazz Gallery in New York, with drummer Al Foster, and bassist Paul Gill. He has played with various groups at every major jazz venue in New York City, including the Village Vanguard, the Blue Note, and the Jazz Standard; his current trio performs in New York, around the U.S. and at festivals and concerts internationally. 

Patrick Wolff-Saxophone, Peter Zak-Piano, Marcos Varela-Bass, Sylvia Cuenca-Drums

Happy Hour 5pm – 6pm. Doors open at 6pm, shows begin at 7pm and 9pm.

Tickets: $25 per show

Students and IMA Members can purchase tickets for $15 in person for the 7pm and 9pm shows and may attend 11pm shows free of charge (with proof of valid ID).

This Keys performance is the premiere of Jazz Mafia’s newest project, reimagining the music of three iconic, rule-breaking American artists: Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, and Prince. All three shared an attitude that nobody would dictate how, when, why, or for whom they made their music. In this project, we explore fresh, ambitious new arrangements of some of their classic material. Jazz Mafia founder and bandleader, Adam Theis, known for his genre-blurring arrangements and high-energy live shows, has assembled one of Jazz Mafia’s most formidable bands yet, featuring longtime Jazz Mafia collaborators Mike Olmos and Colin Hogan, along with fresh talents John Palowitch and recent Berklee graduate Henry Plumb.

Adam Theis – trombone, bandleader, Mike Olmos – trumpet, John Palowitch – alto sax, Tommy Occhiuto – tenor/bari saxes, Colin Hogan – keys, Josh Thurston-Milgrom – upright bass, Henry Plumb – drums

Happy Hour 5pm – 6pm. Doors open at 6pm, shows begin at 7pm and 9pm.

Tickets: $30 per show

Students and IMA Members can purchase tickets for $15 in person for the 7pm and 9pm shows and may attend 11pm shows free of charge (with proof of valid ID).

The Ray Obiedo Group is made up of some of the Bay Area’s finest contemporary jazz musicians.

Chloé Jean is prominently featured on a number of her self composed songs as well as reimagined Jazz & Soul classics.

The group has been described as a jazz fusion band, but the group goes beyond the typical fusion format by exploring the exciting musical avenues of Brasilian, funk and Latin Jazz. Influenced by such diverse artists as Herbie Hancock, Weather Report, James Brown and Miles Davis, the group fuses it’s collective knowledge by creating a uniquely electrified world of funk, jazz & soul.

Happy Hour 5pm – 6pm. Doors open at 6pm, shows begin at 7pm and 9pm.

Tickets: $30 per show

Students and IMA Members can purchase tickets for $15 in person for the 7pm and 9pm shows and may attend 11pm shows free of charge (with proof of valid ID).

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.

Our Late Set is supported by Jazz In the Neighborhood’s Guaranteed Fair Wage Fund. Show begins at 10:30pm.

Tickets: $15 per show (or Free to Students or IMA members with a valid ID)

Mexican/American vocalist Sandra Aran performs with a joy and conviction that infuses every stage she graces. Her energy and sultry vocals provide the perfect canvas for her varied repertoire. A native of Mexico City, she brings a Latin sensibility and a love of both the Spanish and Portuguese languages. She is equally at home singing a Cuban Bolero, a Brazilian Bossa Nova or a Jazz Standard. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, scat singing has been a lifelong passion providing never ending possibilities to take the music further. Sandra will draw you in, get you up out of your seat and share all the thrills of this truly great art form.

Sandra Aran-vocals, David Udolf- piano, Matt Montgomery – bass, Omar Aran – drums

Happy Hour 5pm – 6pm. Doors open at 6pm, shows begin at 7pm and 9pm.

Tickets: $25 per show

Students and IMA Members can purchase tickets for $15 in person for the 7pm and 9pm shows and may attend 11pm shows free of charge (with proof of valid ID).

Described as having “…a beautifully articulate voice that instrumentally falls somewhere between Chet Baker and Stan Getz” by Jazz Now Magazine,vocalist Sherri Roberts is deeply influenced by and derives inspiration from the Vo-Cool jazz era of the ’50’s. Her musical program at Keys Jazz  Bistro promises to bring fresh interpretations to songs recorded and sung by trumpeter Chet Baker, including her original lyrics to Chet’s improvised solos. As remarked upon in JazzTimes,“Roberts’ cleverness is best demonstrated in a nakedly sensuous vocal-bass treatment of “Do It the Hard Way,” with a keenly-crafted vocalese interlude inspired by Chet Baker. Enchanting.” 

Sherri has delighted fans in and around the Bay Area for several decades and has toured to major jazz venues, both in the states and abroad. She has five critically acclaimed CD recordings as a leader, which remain available through online retailers and streaming platforms.At Keys she will be backed by the stellar David Udolf Quartet featuring Dave Bendigkeit on trumpet.

Happy Hour 5pm – 6pm. Doors open at 6pm, shows begin at 7pm and 9pm.

Tickets: $25 per show

Students and IMA Members can purchase tickets for $15 in person for the 7pm and 9pm shows and may attend 11pm shows free of charge (with proof of valid ID).

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.

Happy Hour 5pm – 6pm. Doors open at 6pm, shows begin at 7pm and 9pm.

Tickets: $30 per show

Students and IMA Members can purchase tickets for $15 in person for the 7pm and 9pm shows and may attend 11pm shows free of charge (with proof of valid ID).

Adam Shulman has been a staple of the San Francisco Jazz scene since he moved to the city in 2002. Adam has played as a sideman with internationally renowned artists Stefon Harris, Willie Jones III, Dayna Stephens, Miguel Zenon, Mark Murphy, Alan Harris, Luciana Souza, Paula West, Larry Coryell, Sean Jones, Grant Stewart, John Clayton, Bobby Hutcherson, Bria Skonberg and with the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

Our Late Set is supported by Jazz In the Neighborhood’s Guaranteed Fair Wage Fund. Show begins at 11pm.

Tickets: $15 per show (or Free to Students or IMA members with a valid ID)