September and October 2026 Gigs

Hello everyone,

The past 3 weeks were mind-blowing alongside master changüisero José Andrés “El Sinsonte.” Thanks to all for coming out to the shows at Keys Jazz Bistro, Bird and Beckett, Mr. Tipple’s, The Red Door, Meyhouse San Ramon, Radio Habana Social Club, Mechanics’ Monument Plaza, and more — too many to remember!

I launched a GoFundMe campaign to fund the recording of rural changüí musicians in Guantánamo. Thanks to everyone who’s already donated. I just got off the phone with Damian Busqueta, the project’s main engineer and coordinator based in Santiago — we’re planning to begin recording in early October. Donate here: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-save-changui

I’m trying a new format for these listings — instead of chronological, I’m organizing by region, so you can jump straight to what’s near you.

THE COOLEST GIGS:

Sat 9/26, 6:00–8:30pm — Kai Lyons Rumbero Jazzista Quintet @ Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club (Civic Center SF), ft. Jesús Diaz, Erick Peralta, Einar Leliebre & Yadier Noa Chamblé. Latin-jazz and Afro-Cuban music. Tickets

Sat 10/17, 9:00pm — Ritmo y Voz (with Tito & Ernesto) @ Keys Jazz Bistro. Tickets

Sun 9/27, 2:00–4:00pm — Afro-Cuban set with Einar Leliebre & Ernesto Mazar @ Kerouac Alley, in front of Vesuvio Cafe (North Beach). Free, all ages.

Thu 10/22, 7:00–9:30pm — Kazemde George Rumbero Jazzista Ensemble @ Red Door (Emeryville). Debut of Kazemde’s originals with a full Afro-Cuban rumba ensemble, plus Ernesto Mazar on bass.

Fri 10/30 — Kazemde George Duo (Bossa Nova & Originals) @ Bird and Beckett, Glen Park.

VALLEJO

Thu 9/24, 7:00–9:00pm (dinner & drinks from 5:30pm) — Jazz at the Marquee @ Empress Theatre. Details

SAN FRANCISCO

Sat 9/26 — Tripleheader:
6:00–8:30pm — Kai Lyons Quintet @ Mr. Tipple’s Jazz Club
10:30–11:45pm — Simon Rowe Organ Trio @ Keys Jazz Bistro
11:59pm — Late set @ Dawn Club

Sun 9/27, 2:00–4:00pm — Afro-Cuban changui, son and boleros with Einar Leliebre & Ernesto Mazar @ Kerouac Alley. Free, all ages.

Wed 10/7, 6:00–9:00pm — Left Door (Marina) – wallpaper jazz in an amazing bar and restaurant

Fri 10/9, ~4:00–7:00pm — BB3 Organ Group @ Golden Gate Bandshell

Mon 10/12, 7:00–10:00pm — with Kazemde George @ Bayview Opera House

Sat 10/17, 9:00pm — Ritmo y Voz @ Keys Jazz Bistro

Fri 10/23 — Dan White group @ Mr. Tipple’s

Sat 10/24, ~7:00pm — Giulio Xavier Singer-Songwriter Project @ Bayview Opera House

Fri 10/30 — Kazemde George Duo @ Bird and Beckett, Glen Park, get your La Corneta and come on over!!

OAKLAND

Fri 9/25, 7:30–10:00pm — Adam Klipple Quintet @ The Sound Room, 3022 Broadway. Details

Thu 10/22, 7:00–9:30pm — Kazemde George Rumbero Jazzista Ensemble @ Red Door (Emeryville)

BERKELEY

Tue 10/13, 6:00–10:00pm (donations at door) — w/ NYC vocalist Chiara Izzi (Montreux International Jazz Festival Vocal Competition winner) @ Evergreen Cafe. Details

Fri 10/31, ~2:00–5:00pm — Halloween jazz party, 4th St outside Peet’s. Family-friendly.

FRESNO

Wed 10/14, 6:30pm — w/ Chiara Izzi (Montreux International Jazz Festival Vocal Competition winner) @ Woodward Park Library, 944 E Perrin Ave, Fresno, CA 93720

Hope to see you!

Kai