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levi's plaza
Between Battery & Bay Streets
off the Embarcadero, San Francisco
Noon–1:30PM
Nice Guy Trio
September 8
Trumpeter Darren Johnston, accordionist Rob Reich and bassist Daniel Fabricant create a collective sound that is at once intimate and exciting. They navigate a uniquely diverse collection of original compositions and songs taken from global traditions, including jazz, klezmer, Balkan music, calypso and beyond.
Brass Menažeri
September 15
The Brass Menažeri (pronounced "Menagerie") is the Bay Area's Balkan powerhouse brass band. Cascading through the music of Serbia, Macedonia, Greece & Rajasthan with wild rhythms, soulful vocals & hot improvisations, the Brass Menažeri combine traditional repertoire with modern sensibilities and infectious energy.
Tin Cup Serenade
September 22
While known as a great swing band, Tin Cup Serenade is deeply rooted in the blues, and draws from elements as diverse as ragtime, New Orleans jazz, mariachi, calypso and western swing. Guitarist and vocalist Rolf Wilkinson fronts the group with a relaxed croon, combining the influences of Billie Holiday, Chet Baker and Hank Williams into a signature style.
The Lost Trio
September 29
Led by the acclaimed saxophonist Phillip Greenlief, the Lost Trio has created a lasting impact on Bay Area jazz and beyond. With an astounding repertoire of over 600 songs, covering artists ranging from Hank Williams to Björk, Mr. Greenlief collaborates with bassist Dan Seamans and drummer Tom Hassett to expand and redefine the limits of the jazz trio.
Peter Horvath
October 6
Keyboard wizard Peter Horvath has had an unbelievable career, recording and touring with artists such as Aretha Franklin, Bobby Hutcherson, Joe Henderson and Victor Bailey. He’s led and appeared on countless jazz and funk albums, and to Levi’s Plaza he brings his crack electric band, featuring guitar legend Ray Obiedo and longtime Santana percussionist Karl Perazzo.
Lisa Engelken
October 13
A stunning vocalist with credits ranging from SFJAZZ to Hedwig & The Angry Inch, Lisa Engelken is among the elite singers on the West Coast. Classically trained and armed with years of musical theatre experience, she has the versatility to do it all, though one listen to her sparkling voice will prove that Lisa Engelken’s heart belongs to jazz.
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union square • San
francisco • thurs
6-7:30pm
August 21 • 6-7:30PM
Le Jazz Hot & Friends
The format of the Bay Area’s Le Jazz Hot is a standard “hot club” one — Evan Price on violin, guitarists Paul Mehling and Jason Vanderford, and Clint Baker on double bass. But Mehling might play violin and bass, and Baker might play guitar or even trumpet. When special guest Dave Miotke joins in with his accordion and Isabelle Fontaine sings, a swinging time is a sure bet. |
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August 28 • 6-7:30PM
Claudia Villela
Vocalist and Rio de Janeiro native Claudia Villela has been living in the Bay Area for almost 25 years. She incorporates the foundations of jazz, bossa nova, and African and European elements into music of extraordinary variety and depth. As adept in engaging in total improvisation as realizing through-composition, Villela is a stunningly complete musician. |
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Levi's Plaza • San Francisco • Wed 12-1:30pm
For six weeks every Wednesday at noon, a panoply of jazz riffs, Latin rhythms, and more will fill the air at Levi's Plaza. Set amid the peaceful surroundings of rolling lawns, shade trees, and a running creek, this series presents the perfect opportunity for a mid-week picnic on the grass. Levi's Plaza is located between Battery and Bay Streets off the Embarcadero. Produced in association with Interland-Jalson Property Management.
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Sept 3 • 12-1:30PM
San Francisco Guitar Quartet
In the European classical tradition, the concept of the quartet evokes a gentile liveliness. In jazz, the quartet can signify the sound (and fury) of unlimited potential. The four fretmen of the San Francisco Guitar Quartet have been bringing both characteristics of the quartet format, plus global flavors, to their unique style of music since 1997. |
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Sept 10 • 12-1:30PM
Kristen Strom
“With a tone that’s lithe and lustrous, Kristen Strom embodies her musical philosophy in every note she plays” (San Jose Mercury News). A melodic master, saxophonist Strom shines brightest leading her own group, bringing together a group of like-minded musicians to expressing the stylistic diversity that has typified her entire career. |
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Sept 17 • 12-1:30PM
Tango #9
San Francisco’s Tango #9 takes a reverent, yet modern, approach to the national music of Argentina. Violinist and bandleader Catharine Clune, trombonist Greg Stephens, pianist Joshua Raoul Brady and accordion & bandoneón player Isabel Douglass have also collaborated with local tango dancers to bring the music full circle back to its roots. |
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Sept 24 • 12-1:30PM
Cory Combs Quintet
Last year, bassist Cory Combs explored Brazilian choro music. This year, it’s all about the funk, as our esteemed SFJAZZ Director of Education teams up with a Bay Area supergroup including saxophonist Dave Ellis, organist Wil Blades, guitarist Dave McNab and drummer Jeff Mars to cook up a set of originals and classic soul chestnuts. |
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Oct 1 • 12-1:30PM
The Royal We 3 Trio
Saxophonist and composer Kasey Knudson leads a sextet, septet, and plays in the 12-piece Ganbare Spirits Ensemble. Yet it is when the Berkeley resident is at the head of her own Royal We Trio that she’s able to stretch out her playing the most in a challenging chordless setting with just double bass and drums. |
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Oct 8 • 12-1:30PM
Nice Guys Trio
If the race is for vibrant, creative music then nice guys—or at least the Nice Guys Trio—indeed finish first. Trumpeter Darren Johnston, accordionist Rob Reich and bassist Daniel Fabricant have a mission statement to explore the world’s folk musics. From Klezmer and Afro-beat to jazz and Balkan dance, the collective writes original compositions and explores old favorites. |
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