Live Jazz in the Balcony Lounge

Every Friday Night, 7 pm – 11 pm

April 27
SCS Trio

Andy Coblentz took up the electric bass shortly after graduating from college. He moved over to the double bass in the 90s, playing jazz and swing in a variety of groups. He has studied with Chuck Sher, and continues to study with Clarence Stephens. Michael Schwartz studied with Rev. Gary Davis and studied jazz arranging, theory, and guitar at the Manhattan School of Music and the New School in New York City. Tom Solinger began playing violin at age seven. He was trained by his dad, a first violinist in the SF Symphony. He played country and rock in the 70s, then discovered swing and jazz in the 80s.

May 4
John Kalleen Group

The John Kalleen Group is a hot version of “Summertime,” a cool version of “Footsteps” and beautifully crafted originals! The JKG is a jazz quartet in the classic style, offering fresh compositions, echoing the admired hard bop and post-bop eras of the 50s and 60s, but infused with a modern, dynamic spark. And of course, they deliver swinging, spirited arrangements of the classics from those eras. An evening with the John Kalleen Group is a night of excellent musicianship, up-tempo energy and killer jazz with an incentive drive.

May 11
Orquesta Conquistador Quartet

Orquesta Conquistador entertains with lively classic Latin jazz, traditional Cuban music, Salsa, Mambo & Cha Cha Cha. Carlos Ramirez, manager of the band has studied Latin percussion in Cuba as well as with bay area legends. Orquesta Conquistador band members are Nerio DeGracia on piano, Dave Somers on bass, Michael Parykaza, trumpet and Carlos Ramirez, percussion.

May 18
Johnnie Bamont Quartet

A San Francisco native musician and surfer, Johnnie plays soprano, alto, tenor, baritone saxes and flute. Johnnie is a member of Huey Lewis and the News, and is also an original member of the Greg Adams’ band “East Bay Soul.” Johnnie has performed and toured with numerous artists including Boz Scaggs, Cheryl Crow, Sly & the Family Stone, and Tower of Power. Tony Saunders, on bass, is a San Francisco native, his Dad, legendary keyboardist Merl Saunders, helped launch his career. Tony has played with Jerry Garcia, Eric Clapton, Stevie Wonder, and Chaka Kahn. John Worley, jazz musician and educator, has performed with Ella Fitzgerald, Wayne Shorter, Pete and Sheila Escovedo and Wayne Wallace. Bill Hampton will be on guitar.

May 25
Hard Bop Collective

Hard Bop Collective was formed in 2011 to make energetic, swinging music with a strong sense of tradition accessible and fun for the modern audience. Featuring Daniel Casares, Jordan Samuels, Tomoko Funaki and Austin Lee Harris!

For more information call 415-386-3330