Upcoming Shows

Alice Coltrane blended African American spirituality with East Indian devotional traditions, creating music that is soaring, grounded, and profoundly moving. This evening we honor her musical genius with a program inspired by her transcendent sound and spiritual vision.

Tammy L. Hall Piano & Vocals

Sundra Manning Hammond B3

Kevin Goldberg Contra Bass

Elé Howell Drums

Ashley Jemison Saxophone

Marcus Shelby and his Sextet is honored to return back to Keys Jazz Bistro in the heart of San Francisco, where they will present “Conversation: The Language of Charles Mingus”. The program will include rarely performed Mingus compositions, excerpts from “Beneath the Underdog”, film clips, and oratory by bandleader and bassist Marcus Shelby. Charles Mingus was one of the most influential, iconic, and prolific composers and bassists in the history of American music. His music was a critical part of the of the Civil Rights movement, fusing lyrics, chants, and shouts with inventive and layered melodies. His harmonic language reflected a piercing mood that was an extension of his colorful character and personality often under attack by racism and social injustices. “Conversation: The Language of Charles Mingus” includes rarely performed Mingus compositions written between 1950-1960, excerpts and other writings by Mingus, and archival film clips providing listeners with a powerful deep dive into the creative life of one of the greatest artists of the 20th Century.
Marcus Shelby Sextet

Darren Johnston (trumpet)

Tony Peebles (alto sax)

Danny Lubin-Laden (trombone)

Greg Jacobs (piano)

Tim Angulo (drums)

Marcus Shelby (bass/narrator)

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!

Ring in the New Year like it’s 1959!

Step into a time-machine of style, sound and sparkle as Keys Jazz Bistro transforms into the glamorous era of El Matador. Picture the bull-fight memorabilia and chic nights of Barnaby Conrad’s marquee nightclub—now reborn for one unforgettable evening. 

We’re  honoring the spirit of El Matador—once the must-go spot on Broadway for top names in jazz like Oscar Peterson, George Shearing, Cal Tjader and more. Because there’s something magical about crossing the threshold into a new year in vintage style, live music, and community.

Two special shows by jazz legends Mary Stallings & Kenny Washington,together in concert for the very first time. The sparks will be flying and the tears flowing as the Grand Dame of  SF, Mary Stallings joins Keys favorite, Kenny Washington.

And at 10:30pm — The infectious rhythms of Afro-Cuban ensemble Ritmo y Voz will carry us into midnight and beyond!

Dress the part: Channel your inner ’50s star—sharp suits, swing dresses, gloves, pearls, slicked-backs, and sparkles encouraged!

Because you deserve a night of elegance, swing, and memory‐making!

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.

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.

Tickets: $50 per ticket, per show

Ritmo y Voz take us into 2026 at 10:30pm

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.

Tickets: $40 per ticket

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