Blues, Jazz entertainment in San Francisco
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A
Bruno's
The stage spilleth over at this little joint with a big sound: 20 brass-wielding masters often cram in for Jazz Mafia Tuesdays. Multiple chambers include the narrow, padded-wall Cork Club with a Hammond organ for weekend funk nights, and a swanky piano lounge, where students and well-dressed jazz aficionados arrive early for the Tuesday night around US$8 beer-burger-fries special.
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B
Biscuits & Blues
With a steady lineup of top-notch blues and jazz talent, Biscuits & Blues has rightly earned a reputation as one of America’s best blues clubs. And the name isn’t a gimmick – the joint serves hot biscuits, catfish and chicken for the full Southern experience. Acts sometimes perform Tuesdays; big names fetch up to $35.
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C
Amnesia
Amnesia’s swinging scene is reminiscent of the jazz era, but in ragtag-hipster style. Red-hot jazz plays half the time in the dim, red-walled dive, attracting a boho crowd looking the part. Other nights run the gamut from bluegrass and burlesque to Argentinean gypsy guitar and psychedelic rock (the latter every Thursday).
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D
Pier 23
It looks like a surf shack, but this old waterfront restaurant on Pier 23 regularly features R&B, reggae, Latin bands, mellow rock and the occasional jazz pianist. Wander out to the bayside patio to soak in views. The dinner menu features pier-worthy options like batter-fried oysters and whole-roasted crab.
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E
Rasella’s
Doubling as an Ethiopian restaurant, Rasella’s big storefront windows let you look inside to see (and hear) who’s playing before you commit. Live jazz seven nights a week (and occasionally salsa on Fridays) make this our favorite Upper Fillmore backup when we’re wishy-washy about where to go.
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F
Elbo Room
The Elbo Room draws a diverse indie crowd and showcases diverse acts in its upstairs black-box performance space, including rockabilly, salsa and reggae, with emphasis on funk and soul. Come any night for the (free) chill downstairs bar. There are $2 pints from 5pm to 9pm.
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G
Lou’s Pier 47
Though we generally avoid the touristy Wharf in the evening, we’re glad for stalwart Lou’s, which presents live blues seven nights a week and on Saturday afternoon (when there’s no cover). Good backup if you’re staying nearby and don’t want to travel.
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H
Boom Boom Room
John Lee Hooker owns this vintage '30s blues and jazz club, which hops six nights a week. Advance tickets are necessary for major acts, but not usually.
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I
Jazz at Pearl's
A stylish supper club with a friendly, sophisticated vibe, Pearl's features modern jazz talent and has expanded its repertoire to blues and Latin music. It draws a well-heeled, mature crowd with its high-quality vocalists and instrumentalists. Sultry diva Kim Nalley, who owns Pearl's with her husband, is a throwback to the glamorous jazz era, and on some Mondays and Tuesdays, she'll grace audiences with an appearance.
At cocktail tables, a two-drink minimum is in effect - best to make a night of it.
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