
Music
At the Dawn Club, music is central to the experience. There is live music every night. Below you will find the schedule of upcoming performers. Take a look at these showtimes and book your pre-paid table reservations accordingly. Every reservable table has an unobstructed view of the stage and the audio is of studio quality.

Fog City Swing
Ladies and Gentemen, introducing Fog City Swing! The bay area's newest and hottest swing band featuring an electrifying three horn front line, stellar crooning vocals, and a swing till you drop rhythm section. This seven piece ensemble will transport you to the 1940’s, it is truly the world’s smallest big band!
Fog City Swing is co-led by saxophonist Greg Johnson and trumpeter Daniel Herrera.

Late Night: Armen Krakirian
Armen Krakirian is an accomplished trumpeter and private teacher based in the Bay Area, California. Holding a degree in Jazz Trumpet Performance from Oberlin Conservatory (2023), Armen's musical journey has been enriched under the mentorship of the renowned jazz virtuoso, Dr. Eddie Henderson. Passionate about both performance and education, Armen has shared the stage with renowned artists such as Gerald Cannon, Gary Bartz, Billy Hart, Jay Ashby, Jake Silverman, and many others.
Drawing inspiration from Hard Bop legends like Freddie Hubbard, Lee Morgan, Woody Shaw, and a kaleidoscope of genres spanning Electronic, Rap/Hip-Hop, Pop, Classical, and Metal, Armen's versatility sets him apart. Beyond the confines of traditional jazz, his musical palette is a vibrant spectrum that resonates with diverse influences.

Sondango
“Foot-tapping hip-shaking songs of love & loss. Based in San Fransisco, roots in Havana, Los Angeles, Mexico City & London.
Late Night Set: Alan Jones
Alan Jones is a 21 year-old Bassist and Composer from Denver, Colorado dedicated to honoring the legacy of Black American Music through performance and composition. He has shared the stage with greats such as Matt Wilson, David Sanchez, Ed Simon, Christopher Clarke, Carmen Bradford, Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, Kristen Strom, and Keith Oxman. He currently studies with Matt Brewer and Scott Pingel at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Luke Westbrook
Early exposure to jazz through educational programs (b.1979 SF, CA) allowed Luke to participate in the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the Grammy in the Schools programs as part of the San Francisco Jazz Festival.
In the years following those early days Luke has secured his reputation as a first call Jazz guitar player in the thriving San Francisco Bay Area music scene (performing at The SF Jazz Center, Bach Dancing and Dynamite, La Peña Cultural Center, Black Cat Supper Club, Mr. Tipples, Cafe Du Nord, Jupiter, and many other venues).
Alongside performing in Bay Area bars and clubs Luke has also provided music for well known clients at prestigious event venues— here are a few notable past clients: Carnegie Mellon University, Waymo, The SF Olympic Club, Bohemian Club, SFCDMA, DeLoitte, UCSF/Marc Benioff, General Electric, Netflix.
Alongside pursuing his ambitions of live performance he’s also explored other professional duties in the field of music working as a professional sheet music transcriptionist and also as a commercial music composer (Wall Street Journal, AmFar Foundation, and the NFL).

Smith Dobson Quartet
Drummer/Vibraphonist/Saxophonist Smith Dobson V has been performing in the Bay Area for nearly twenty years. Originally from Santa Cruz, Ca., Dobson is a member of an important Jazz family. His father, the late Smith Dobson IV, was a world renown Pianist and director of the Jazz series at the Garden City in San Jose for over twenty years, where he accompanied artists’ like Art Pepper, Stan Getz, Bobby Hutcherson, Harold Land, Chet Baker, Red Norvo, Tal Farlow, and Lee Konitz, to name a few.
Also in the family, Grandfather Smith III is a Jazz Accordionist, Grandmother Norma, Mother Gail, and Sister Sasha are all Jazz Vocalists. The family often performed as a group at the Garden City, and other venues, as well as many local schools and workshops. As a child, Smith V had the opportunity to study with legendary Jazz Drummer Albert “Tootie” Heath, who said of his pupil, “He has the talent, determination and persistence as a musician, combined with the dedication necessary to succeed… improvisational skills totally advanced, excellent sensitivity, both solo and as an accompanist… my most talented student!”
Smith has had the honor of working with some of the great Jazz artists, locally and internationally, such as Bobby Hutcherson, Red Rodney, John Handy, Sheila Jordan, Red Holloway, Pete and Conte Condoli, Phillip Harper, Hal Stein, Noel Jewekes, Ben Goldberg, Graham Connahs’ Sour Note Seven, Darren Johnstone, Will Bernard, and Kenny Brooks.

Tomoko Funaki
Tomoko Funaki was born in Japan into a musical family. Following in the footsteps of her parents, both musicians, she studied classical violin and flute. A move to New York exposed her to a broad range of musical genres but she found herself increasingly drawn towards jazz. After moving to San Francisco in 2002, she began studying upright bass and quickly immersed herself into the San Francisco jazz scene, studying and performing with luminaries including Ray Drummond, Rodney Whitaker, Rufus Reid, the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra, Andrew Speight, Vince Lateano, Mark Levine, Donald "Duck" Bailey, Allan Harris and Denise Perrier. She has also been involved in jazz education programs such as ‘Stanford Jazz Workshop’ and SFSU ICA ‘The Generations Jazz Project’ in recent years.
tomoko-funaki.com

Verve Quintet
Introducing The Verve Quintet, The Bay Area’s hottest new jazz ensemble! Celebrating the effervescent sound of the 1960’s hard bop era. In addition to performing their own original compositions they honor the great jazz artists like Horace Silver, Freddie Hubbard, Art Blakey, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Lee Morgan to name a few. The Verve Quintet is led by Trumpeter Daniel Herrera and saxophonist Andrew Dixon, who’s dynamic pairing and complementary musical stylings create a unique and exciting sound that you will not want to miss!

Fog City Swing
Ladies and Gentemen, introducing Fog City Swing! The bay area's newest and hottest swing band featuring an electrifying three horn front line, stellar crooning vocals, and a swing till you drop rhythm section. This seven piece ensemble will transport you to the 1940’s, it is truly the world’s smallest big band!
Fog City Swing is co-led by saxophonist Greg Johnson and trumpeter Daniel Herrera.
Late Night Feat. Sheldon Alexander Trio
Sheldon Alexander is a professional drummer, educator, and composer from the bay area that specializes in Jazz, R&B, Funk, Soul and other Afro-Rooted genres. With his strong musical background, he received his undergraduate degree from the prestigious California Jazz Conservatory in Berkley, California. Through dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to his craft, Sheldon has carved out a place for himself in the Bay Area music.

Azure McCall
Azure McCall, Hawaii’s first lady of jazz is a multi-award winning vocalist. She is heir to the vocal tradition of Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae and Ella Fitzgerald. Her warmth and sense of humor fuel every interpretation. After releasing her first CD ‘Body and Soul’ she was asked by the great bassist Ray Brown to be his vocalist on tour. Of course, she accepted, beginning an incredible jazz journey – school was in! Soon after, Azure became the first singer to work with Freddie Hubbard’s band. Additional collaborators include Frank Morgan, Tennyson Stephens, Joe Lovano, Geoffrey Keezer, Curtis Lundy, Dizzy Gillespie and many more. In 2008, President Barack Obama asked her to perform at his pre-election party. “That’s why he won,” Azure says (smiling). Azure became the ‘Jazz Diva’ for Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Cruises. She has traveled to more than 50 countries including, Greece, Germany, Russia, and Italy- just to name a few.
Fault Line Trio
Fault Line Trio is one of the Bay Area’s most dynamic and innovative crossover jazz projects! Swing, R&B, and sophisticated grooves. Featuring Jay Sanders - piano and keys, Lukas Vesely - bass, and Brian Fishler - drums.

N.T.B. Collective
The N. T. B. Collective is a Bay Area based jazz fusion group merging sounds and styles from all over the world.
The N.T.B. trio, which will be featured for this event, is comprised of drums, bass, and piano. Each musician is highly accomplished; coming together to generate a unique musical energy. N.T.B. has been playing various venue residencies throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for over 3 years.

Charged Particles
Bay Area-based Charged Particles (www.chargedparticles.com) features pianist Greg Sankovich, bassist Aaron Germain, and drummer Jon Krosnick, and is celebrating their 32nd year of playing funky Latin jazz. They have toured Indonesia, the U.K., Canada, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, and have performed at famed jazz clubs including Ronnie Scott’s, Birdland, Blues Alley, the Dakota, Yoshi’s, the Deer Head Inn, the Falcon, Nighttown, as well as the Musical Instrument Museum, the Scarborough Jazz Festival, the Columbus Jazz Festival, the Stanford Jazz Festival, the San Luis Obispo Jazz Festival, the Eureka Springs Jazz Festival, and in hundreds of other venues.
The trio is just back from their fourth tour of the UK, this time with superstar trumpeter Randy Brecker and Bay Area saxophonist Tod Dickow, playing the acoustic jazz compositions of the late, great saxophonist Michael Brecker. They played music featured on their most recent CD on Summit Records: Live at the Baked Potato! That CD was named one of the best CDs of 2021 by Jazzwise Magazine, JazzTimes Magazine, the Jazz Journalists Association, the 16th Annual Jazz Critics Poll, and more.
Of the trio, reviewers have said:
“Something special” … “inventive, invigorating, mesmerizing, beautiful, virtuosic, and lyrical.”
(Downbeat Magazine)
“An electrifying, push-the-limits performance style… A tight and enormously talented trio.”
(Jazz Times Magazine)
“Charged Particles is definitely dazzling.”
(Jazz and Blues Report)
“Fresh, energized jazz that showcases the trio’s individual technical mastery as well as a cooperative, refined approach to the art form.”
(Jazz News Magazine)
“Tight interplay was the watchword as the threesome applied its own twists with spark and personal flair.”
(Los Angeles Times)

Fog City Swing
Ladies and Gentemen, introducing Fog City Swing! The bay area's newest and hottest swing band featuring an electrifying three horn front line, stellar crooning vocals, and a swing till you drop rhythm section. This seven piece ensemble will transport you to the 1940’s, it is truly the world’s smallest big band!
Fog City Swing is co-led by saxophonist Greg Johnson and trumpeter Daniel Herrera.
Late Night: Luke Westbrook
Early exposure to jazz through educational programs (b.1979 SF, CA) allowed Luke to participate in the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the Grammy in the Schools programs as part of the San Francisco Jazz Festival.
In the years following those early days Luke has secured his reputation as a first call Jazz guitar player in the thriving San Francisco Bay Area music scene (performing at The SF Jazz Center, Bach Dancing and Dynamite, La Peña Cultural Center, Black Cat Supper Club, Mr. Tipples, Cafe Du Nord, Jupiter, and many other venues).
Alongside performing in Bay Area bars and clubs Luke has also provided music for well known clients at prestigious event venues— here are a few notable past clients: Carnegie Mellon University, Waymo, The SF Olympic Club, Bohemian Club, SFCDMA, DeLoitte, UCSF/Marc Benioff, General Electric, Netflix.
Alongside pursuing his ambitions of live performance he’s also explored other professional duties in the field of music working as a professional sheet music transcriptionist and also as a commercial music composer (Wall Street Journal, AmFar Foundation, and the NFL).
Late Night Feat. Sheldon Alexander Trio
Sheldon Alexander is a professional drummer, educator, and composer from the bay area that specializes in Jazz, R&B, Funk, Soul and other Afro-Rooted genres. With his strong musical background, he received his undergraduate degree from the prestigious California Jazz Conservatory in Berkley, California. Through dedication, passion, and an unwavering commitment to his craft, Sheldon has carved out a place for himself in the Bay Area music.

Gaea Schell
"Gaea is quite a multi-talented pianist/flautist/vocalist/composer/arranger/bandleader, with a wonderfully compelling gift for jazz, ballads, and Brazilian-flavored music" -Benny Green
Gaea Schell is a graduate of both acclaimed McGill University in Montreal and Vermont College of Fine Arts and spent time in New York as a recipient of a Canada Council for the Arts grant studying with pianist/composer Richie Beirach. Accomplished and versatile, she - as drummer Albert ‘Tootie’ Heath says, “is a triple threat and plays the heck out of the piano with them small hands".
Gaea Schell has three acclaimed CDs out, is a sideperson on multiple recordings, and has played with many notable names (Bob Sheppard, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Bobby Watson, Clare Fischer Big Band, Vince Lateano, Marcus Shelby and the late Stacy Rowles to name a few) in addition to often leading her own trio or quartet at venues regionally and internationally including Vibrato Grill & Jazz in Bel Air, Healdsburg Jazz Festival, Yoshi’s, and Knickerbocker in New York City.
Gaea headlined twice at the San Jose Jazz festival.

Marcos Varela
Marcos Varela, an equally skilled doubler at both acoustic and electric bass, is among the most highly respected bassists/musicians in the American and International Jazz/music scene. His talents have also earned him many awards (YoungArts, Creative Capital, Jazz Road) and accolades as a musician, composer, producer, band leader, and educator.
In his hometown of Houston, Texas, Varela attended the renowned High School for the Performing & Visual Arts, which paved the path for him to NYC to attend the storied New School on scholarship. As a professional musician, he continues to be very active in the New York jazz and contemporary music scene, and has made a name for himself as one of the most in-demand bassists in the City and worldwide. He regularly performs with a wide variety of ensembles and band leader including: The Mingus Big Band, Nasheet Waits, John Holiday, George Cables, Ingrid Jensen, Billy Hart, Antoine Roney, Charli Persip, Clifton Anderson, Jason Moran, Geri Allen, The Last Poets, Leslie Odom, Jr., Frank Lacy’s Vibe Tribe, Kendrick Scott, Billy Harper, Tyshawn Sorey, and Bob Mover, among countless others. Varela was also selected as a member of Jazz at Lincoln Center trombonist Vincent Gardner's Jazz Houston, which has featured guests such as Gregory Porter, Wynton Marsalis, Ruben Blades and Jon Faddis. As a composer, Varela has also composed music for several film and television projects, including director Domenica Cameron-Scorsese's film "Roots in Water."
Legendary bassist Ron Carter contributed to the liner notes for Varela's Origin Records debut album "San Ygnacio,” where Carter writes that Varela's "Tone, Choice of Notes and Compositions will place his playing and name on the list of bassists to be heard.” In addition, Mr. Carter has made statements regarding Varela’s musical contributions, saying of him “a valuable asset to any musical organization,” “a truly unique musician,” “Mr. Varela belongs in the top bass players in the industry and his impressive resume confirms my words,” “a fine example of talent that is essential to the scene,” and “top notch proficiency on his instrument as well as a complete understanding of the history and details of the jazz art form.”
In addition to sideman work, Varela leads his own projects. This includes a European tour which featured a festival headlining performance of the music of his debut album “San Ygnacio” at the historic Jazz á Liège festival in Liege, Belgium. This project (Marcos Varela featuring Billy Hart) shared a billing with Fred Hersch's Trio at the festival. He also headlined leading an all star quartet at Prishtina’s Jazz Week in Kosovo, in March of 2020. He opened for the Legendary Mavis Staples with his “San Ygnacio project” in his hometown of Houston, TX at Discovery Green in October 2021 and most recently headlined the 30th anniversary of the Bilbaina Jazz Association in Bilbao, Spain at the beautiful and historic Teatro Arriaga Antzokia in December 2021. Varela’s newest projects include “One Mind,” recently released on the Spanish label Fresh Sound Records, with pianist Peter Zak, as well as Seamus Blake and Billy Drummond. Another project on the same label “Illumination” featuring Rob Garcia, Marcos Varela, John O’Gallagher, and Noah Preminger, was the most recent release on December 15th, 2020.
Marcos was also a recent recipient of a South Arts “Jazz Road” grant and a Creative Capital fellow and Awardee
Marcos is an NS Design, Aguilar Amplification, Kolstein, Thomastik-Infeld Strings, Fishman, Mono Creators, and Fodera Artist.

Mike Olmos Quintet
Mike Olmos has become one the most in demand jazz musicians in the San Francisco Bay Area while maintaining a frequent national and international performance/touring schedule. In the Bay, Mike has been performing with various bands such as the Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra, Lavay Smith and her Red Hot Skillet Lickers, Pete Escovedo, Wil Blades, Eddie Roberts, Jubu and Legally Blynd.
When in town he can be found hosting and joining jam sessions at local clubs.
He has had the privilege of performing with Rosemary Clooney, Etta James, Michael Buble and many other great talents.
He can be heard on late legendary Blues/R&B singer Etta James' Grammy nominated final album "The Dreamer" as well as many others.

Jinx Jones
Jinx Jones Biography (Jazz Trio)
"Jinx is a guitar virtuoso who seamlessly moves from rockabilly to jazz to twang and back again, sometimes in the same song. Those with a liner note obsession will remember Jinx’s playing on En Vogue’s “Free Your Mind.”
(San Francisco Chronicle)
Jinx Jones boasts a prolific career spanning from the 1990s, during which he has been a prominent figure in the San Francisco Bay Area jazz scene. His musical journey, deeply rooted in R&B and Soul collaborations with luminaries such as Solomon Burke and En Vogue, has laid a solid groundwork for his ventures into the realms of soul jazz and hard bop. Jones' distinctive approach to jazz is deeply influenced by the venerable traditions set forth by iconic guitarists such as Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, Barney Kessel, and George Benson.
“You've heard fretboard prestidigitator Jinx before: he lent studio guitar and bass to En Vogue's hit, "Free Your Mind." Professionally impressive as it is, though, that credit does not represent his own chosen styling. Jinx's headlong endeavors draw freely and unto satiation from classic rocka-billy, vintage jazz, and spartan honky tonk….” D. C. Larson, Crackerjack Magazine, UK
In recent times, Jinx Jones has achieved international acclaim with the release of his latest solo jazz album, "Blue Gardenia." This album showcases his guitar artistry, striking a perfect balance between delicacy and energy, reminiscent of the soulful and profound styles of the genre's legendary masters.
“Jinx Jones is out there. Four or five nights a week, the great guitar player with the immaculate pompadour can be found at various Bay Area venues, working the stage, doing his thing. The Colorado native came up serving as a sideman to rock ’n’ roll royalty, playing with the likes of Chuck Berry and Solomon Burke.”
Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle

Patrick Wolff Quartet
Patrick Wolff is a saxophone and clarinet player with a long history in the jazz scenes of New York City and San Francisco. He has performed or recorded with Albert "Tootie" Heath, Matt Wilson, Grant Stewart, Louis Moholo-Moholo, Dena Derose, and many other jazz greats. Since moving to San Francisco in 2009, Wolff has played and recorded regularly in the bands of Marcus Shelby, Richard Sears, Graham Connah, Adam Shulman, and Diana Gameros. Outside of the jazz world, he has had an eclectic mix of work including long stints in West African pop/funk group Asiko, prog metal band Kayo Dot, and with fuji music legend Adewale Ayuba. With six albums released under his name, Wolff has made his mark as a bandleader with various groups playing his original compositions, and with classic jazz quartets and quintets focused on repertoire of the bebop and hard bop eras. His playing is characterized by a focus on lyricism and an embrace of the whole lineage of jazz styles.
Wolff is also a passionate jazz educator and advocate. For four years, he hosted and produced a weekly fearure show on KCSM 91.1FM ("Have You Heard"), exploring the work of emerging and underrated jazz artists, and continues to dj for the station on occasion. He was the Faculty Director at the Stanford Jazz Workshop from 2008-2013, and currently teaches jazz history, composition, and ensemble classes at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and the College of San Mateo throughout the year, and at the Stanford Jazz Workshop in the summer.

Graham Messer
At just 21 years of age, Graham is a young gun making a name for himself in the world of Jazz today. A dyed-in-the-wool bebop pianist, he seeks to uphold the tradition of Bud Powell, Charlie Parker, Kenny Clarke, Hank Jones, and Barry Harris, among others, and treats their music equally as soul food and as ground as fertile for intellectual exploration as any of the great European masters of the last 400 years.
Armed with a rigorous classical training, he has to quote one local great, "made a substantive contribution towards raising the 'mean tempo' of the tunes played within this sector of the S.F. jazz scene", though he feels just as at home on a contemplative ballad or a slow blues.
You may find him performing under either one of his apt pseudonyms, Dud Powell or Barely Harris. (inside jazz joke!)
Adam Klipple
Adam Klipple, who has been described as "a standout pianist who has gone to school on McCoy Tyner and Cecil Taylor and earned his degree," plays piano, Hammond organ, sampler, and a variety of vintage keyboards. He currently is a member of the legendary jazz rock band Blood, Sweat & Tears. He also currently performs and records with jazz phenom Veronica Swift.
Adam has recorded and performed onstage with the likes of Ghostface Killah, Lauryn Hill, Graham Haynes, the Sun Ra Arkestra, Craig Harris, Joe Bowie's Defunkt, Sekou Sundiata, Marc Ribot, John Medeski, Kurt Rosenwinkle, Carla Cook, Dave Fiuczynski, David Gilmore, Josh Roseman, Peter Apfelbaum, Jay Rodriguez, Groove Collective, and Smokey Robinson. He has appeared at renowned venues including the Blue Note, Iridium, the Jazz Standard, Blues Alley, and the Knitting Factory, and at jazz festivals around the world.
Also a composer and arranger, Adam has earned grants from Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Arts International, Meet the Composer, and the U.S. Department of State, enabling him to tour and teach master classes in southeast Asia, the Pacific Rim, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.

Victor Little's Big Hit
In a career that has spanned over 20 years, Victor Little has established himself as a consummate professional electric bassist, displaying impeccable time, taste, technique, and tone while playing in a wide spectrum of styles-from blues and jazz to Indian and flamenco music-with a long list of luminaries that includes Patti Austin, Billy Preston, Angela Bofill, James Carter, Charlie Musselwhite, and Booker T. Jones.
Victor, a Chicago native, grew up surrounded by musicians and music. His father was a saxophonist, and Victor, like other members of his family, played in church. On the radio, icons such as Aretha, Sly, Coltrane, Miles, James Brown, the Jackson 5, Kool and the Gang, P-Funk, Elton John, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Rush gave him his first taste of pop music. Victor’s first instrument was trumpet, but by high school he had switched to electric bass and fallen under the spell of bass players such as James Jamerson, Bernand Edwards, Chuck Rainey, Verdine White, Stanley Clarke, Anthony Jackson, Jaco Pastorius, John Paul Jones, and Billy Cox. He continued his formal studies in college.

Carlos Xavier
A San Francisco born vocalist, with parents from Nicaragua, this singer/songwriter draws influence from the music of his upbringing; R&B, Hip-hop, Salsa, Baladas and combines them with the affluent Latin rhythms. Since the release of his debut salsa album "Vive Todo Ahora", Carlos' songs have been placed in the top Salsa/Tropical Spotify playlists. It generated buzz all over the world making him a preferred voice in the salsa genre. His roots in the Latin power vocal style produce warm, beautiful tones as he exhales his melodies. The singer songwriter engages his audience with his pure, passionate vocals and Carlos is able to rise up and shine. His sound is very identifiable to the Latin American community as it draws from Latin Balada roots and meshes them with R&B and Pop, creating original sounding salsa songs. His melodies are expressed through his passionate lyrics and his desire to reach people’s souls.
El cantante y compositor Nicaragüense Carlos Xavier nos ha mostrado su más reciente disco “Vive Todo Ahora” que fue todo un éxito. Hoy se encuentra en su segunda producción con el All-Star team de, Efrain "Junito" Davila, Guianko Gomez y Juan Mayito Aracil. En esta segunda producción, Carlos y su equipo se juntan con el gran percusionista Marc Quiñones para darles el sabor que va identificar su sonido. Carlos Xavier vuelve de nuevo con sus canciones originales románticas, pero esta vez con mucha más experiencia. Carlos es muy versátil pero dice que la salsa es donde se siente en casa. Se siente muy orgulloso de poder seguir esta tradición y disfruta sacar temas para el mundo salsero.

Kai Lyons
Kai Lyons is a 30 year-old San Francisco native and student of all music. He is adjunct professor of jazz guitar at Cal State East Bay Hayward, teaches at the California Jazz Conservatory, and is a clinician for SFJAZZ, SF Symphony and Stanford University. He has performed with the SF Ballet Orchestra and Changui Guantanamo. He first visited Cuba in December 2016 through Cali2Cuba. On this first trip he became inducted into the Añá fraternity of bata drummers and studied with the illustrious Koto, “El Diamante Negro”. In 2017, at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, he became exposed to changui, traditional music from Guantanamo, and the conga Santiaguera, carnival street music from Santiago, Cuba. In January of 2018 Kai took a $12 dollar 28-hour chicken-bus ride from Havana to Baracoa and made his initial connections with the musicians and traditions of Eastern Cuba, learning about kiriba, nengon, and the Tumba Francesa. In 2022, he became the first foreigner to win 1st prize at the international changüí festival of Guantánamo Cuba, on the Cuban guitar known as the tres. In July of 2023, at the invitation of Roberto Duvergel Ray, the bongosero for Changui Guantanamo, Kai recorded tres on the debut album of Sincopa Uno, a professional Cuban changui ensemble, at Egrem Studios in Santiago, Cuba. As of May 2024, Kai has visited Cuba 13 times.

Azure McCall
Azure McCall, Hawaii’s first lady of jazz is a multi-award winning vocalist. She is heir to the vocal tradition of Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae and Ella Fitzgerald. Her warmth and sense of humor fuel every interpretation. After releasing her first CD ‘Body and Soul’ she was asked by the great bassist Ray Brown to be his vocalist on tour. Of course, she accepted, beginning an incredible jazz journey – school was in! Soon after, Azure became the first singer to work with Freddie Hubbard’s band. Additional collaborators include Frank Morgan, Tennyson Stephens, Joe Lovano, Geoffrey Keezer, Curtis Lundy, Dizzy Gillespie and many more. In 2008, President Barack Obama asked her to perform at his pre-election party. “That’s why he won,” Azure says (smiling). Azure became the ‘Jazz Diva’ for Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Cruises. She has traveled to more than 50 countries including, Greece, Germany, Russia, and Italy- just to name a few.

Fog City Swing
Ladies and Gentemen, introducing Fog City Swing! The bay area's newest and hottest swing band featuring an electrifying three horn front line, stellar crooning vocals, and a swing till you drop rhythm section. This seven piece ensemble will transport you to the 1940’s, it is truly the world’s smallest big band!
Fog City Swing is co-led by saxophonist Greg Johnson and trumpeter Daniel Herrera.

Chris Gamper
Christopher Gamper, an immensely versatile, dynamic, and talented drummer who goes way beyond genres and stylistic boundaries.
About his performance:
Gamper’s versatility, dynamics, passion, and precision were on full display. He is clearly a formidable collaborator, a chameleon who ingeniously adapts and shapes the music and mood of the song in symbiotic relationship to the other musicians. The audience was wooed.
Sylvia Cuenca
Sylvia Cuenca is an active drummer on the New York jazz scene who is contributing outstanding performances in a variety of situations. She has had the honor of sharing the bandstand with saxophone legend Joe Henderson for 4 years and trumpet legend Clark Terry for 17 years. The Joe Henderson quartet toured frequently in European countries Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, England, Switzerland, France, Italy and Germany and venues across the U.S. In a trio setting she performed with Joe Henderson and Charlie Haden in 1989 and with George Mraz in 1994. She performed with the Clark Terry Quintet and Big Band at Village Vanguard, Birdland, Blue Note, Queen Elizabeth 2, Royal Viking, S.S. Norway jazz cruises and clubs, concerts and festivals in the U.S, Europe, the Caribbean and South America. While working with the Clark Terry quintet she had the opportunity to perform with guest artists Al Grey, Red Holloway, Jimmy Heath, Frank Wess, Marian McPartland, Dianne Reeves, Joe Williams and Lou Donaldson to name a few.
Cuenca has also performed with such jazz luminaries as Billy Taylor, Frank Foster's Loud Minority Big Band, Houston Person, Etta Jones, Helen Merrill, John Hicks, Valery Ponomarov, Lew Soloff, James Spaulding, Kenny Barron, Ray Drummond, Michael Brecker, Randy Brecker, George Cables, Hilton Ruiz, Jon Faddis, Eddie Henderson, John Handy, Kenny Drew Jr., Emily Remler, Richie Cole, Dave Stryker, Gregory Porter, Jessie Davis, Sean Jones, John Clayton, Ralph Bowen, Vincent Herring, Paul Bollenback, Geoffrey Keezer, Mark Whitfield, Ralph Moore, Paula West, Catherine Russell, Dianne Reeves, Dianne Schuur, Denise Donatelli, Ernestine Anderson, Lea Delaria, the European based Vienna Art Orchestra and many others. In 2007 she performed in a live taping of Black Girls Rock concert in New York City with pop star Alicia Keys. In 2015 she performed at Dizzy's Jazz at Lincoln Center in NYC and the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. with Albert "Tootie" Heath's 4 drum set group called "The Whole Drum Truth" which also included drummers Louis Hayes and Joe Saylor.
She was a guest clinician at the Sisters in Jazz Program at the IAJE Convention in NYC and the Mary Lou Williams Jazz Festival at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. Cuenca has been a longtime faculty member at the Jazz for Teens and Pre-Teen Program at NJPAC and the Stanford Jazz Workshop in California. Recently she has been on faculty at Roni Ben-Hur's Summer Jazz Camp in Vermont. She was an artist-in-residence at various universities in the U.S. and Europe with the Clark Terry quintet, Eddie Henderson quartet and as a leader with her own groups. In 2014 she received a B.A. degree in Jazz Performance from Empire State University in NYC.
In 1988 and 1991 Cuenca received jazz performance grants from the National Endowment for the Arts and in 1992 she was a semi-finalist in the Thelonious Monk International Drum Competition. In 2022 she received San Jose Jazz New Works grant.
She has studied with jazz master drummers Adam Nussbaum, Victor Lewis, Keith Copeland and Brazilian drummer Portinho. Sylvia endorses Canopus Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Vic Firth sticks and brushes, and Remo Drumheads.
Luke Westbrook
Early exposure to jazz through educational programs (b.1979 SF, CA) allowed Luke to participate in the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the Grammy in the Schools programs as part of the San Francisco Jazz Festival.
In the years following those early days Luke has secured his reputation as a first call Jazz guitar player in the thriving San Francisco Bay Area music scene (performing at The SF Jazz Center, Bach Dancing and Dynamite, La Peña Cultural Center, Black Cat Supper Club, Mr. Tipples, Cafe Du Nord, Jupiter, and many other venues).
Alongside performing in Bay Area bars and clubs Luke has also provided music for well known clients at prestigious event venues— here are a few notable past clients: Carnegie Mellon University, Waymo, The SF Olympic Club, Bohemian Club, SFCDMA, DeLoitte, UCSF/Marc Benioff, General Electric, Netflix.
Alongside pursuing his ambitions of live performance he’s also explored other professional duties in the field of music working as a professional sheet music transcriptionist and also as a commercial music composer (Wall Street Journal, AmFar Foundation, and the NFL).

Silver Bell Jazz Band
Silver Bell Jazz Band inspires dancers and listeners all over the Bay Area. The band specializes in ragtime, blues, swing, and dixieland from the early 20th century. They’re known for their authenticity and dedication to the craft as well as their foot-tapping energy.
Adam Klipple Soul Jazz Quintet
Adam Klipple, who has been described as "a standout pianist who has gone to school on McCoy Tyner and Cecil Taylor and earned his degree," plays piano, Hammond organ, sampler, and a variety of vintage keyboards. He currently is a member of the legendary jazz rock band Blood, Sweat & Tears. He also currently performs and records with jazz phenom Veronica Swift.
Adam has recorded and performed onstage with the likes of Ghostface Killah, Lauryn Hill, Graham Haynes, the Sun Ra Arkestra, Craig Harris, Joe Bowie's Defunkt, Sekou Sundiata, Marc Ribot, John Medeski, Kurt Rosenwinkle, Carla Cook, Dave Fiuczynski, David Gilmore, Josh Roseman, Peter Apfelbaum, Jay Rodriguez, Groove Collective, and Smokey Robinson. He has appeared at renowned venues including the Blue Note, Iridium, the Jazz Standard, Blues Alley, and the Knitting Factory, and at jazz festivals around the world.
Also a composer and arranger, Adam has earned grants from Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, Arts International, Meet the Composer, and the U.S. Department of State, enabling him to tour and teach master classes in southeast Asia, the Pacific Rim, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Central Asia, and the Caucasus.
Late Night Set: Alan Jones
Alan Jones is a 21 year-old Bassist and Composer from Denver, Colorado dedicated to honoring the legacy of Black American Music through performance and composition. He has shared the stage with greats such as Matt Wilson, David Sanchez, Ed Simon, Christopher Clarke, Carmen Bradford, Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, Kristen Strom, and Keith Oxman. He currently studies with Matt Brewer and Scott Pingel at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music.
Luke Westbrook
Early exposure to jazz through educational programs (b.1979 SF, CA) allowed Luke to participate in the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the Grammy in the Schools programs as part of the San Francisco Jazz Festival.
In the years following those early days Luke has secured his reputation as a first call Jazz guitar player in the thriving San Francisco Bay Area music scene (performing at The SF Jazz Center, Bach Dancing and Dynamite, La Peña Cultural Center, Black Cat Supper Club, Mr. Tipples, Cafe Du Nord, Jupiter, and many other venues).
Alongside performing in Bay Area bars and clubs Luke has also provided music for well known clients at prestigious event venues— here are a few notable past clients: Carnegie Mellon University, Waymo, The SF Olympic Club, Bohemian Club, SFCDMA, DeLoitte, UCSF/Marc Benioff, General Electric, Netflix.
Alongside pursuing his ambitions of live performance he’s also explored other professional duties in the field of music working as a professional sheet music transcriptionist and also as a commercial music composer (Wall Street Journal, AmFar Foundation, and the NFL).

The Daniel Herrera Quintet
Daniel Herrera is a professional musician who has called San Francisco his home for the past twenty years. Originally from Monterey, Ca, Daniel grew up in a rich musical environment and was a beneficiary of the robust mentorship program of the Monterey Jazz Festival educational program. He went on to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, Ma before moving back to the west coast to make the Bay Area his home.
Daniel has toured nationally and abroad and performed at some of the world’s most renowned Jazz and music festivals including Montreux Jazz Festival, Jazz A Vienne, and Monterey Jazz Festival to name a few.
Tonight he features his Quintet and an exciting lineup of some of the Sf bay areas finest musicians including:
Danny Brown - Sax
Adam Klipple - Piano
Aaron Germain - Bass
James Small - Drums

Jordan VanHemert
Oklahoma-based saxophonist and composer Jordan VanHemert is captivating audiences
around the world with his style of modern melodicism. Heralded by critics and audiences alike
for his "adept and purposeful" solos that "swing surely and easily in the manner of Sonny
Rollins" (Jack Bowers, All About Jazz), VanHemert has gained international recognition from his
five releases as a leader, the most recent of which, Survival of the Fittest (Origin Records), has
leapt to the JazzWeek Top 50 radio charts. Critics have praised the album as "well-balanced
and superbly executed...a cathartic release of the highest order." (Jim Hynes, Making a Scene)
VanHemert has performed at iconic venues throughout Europe, the United States, and Asia,
including ShapeShifter Lab, The Painted Bride, The Blue Llama, Prugio Art Hall (Seoul), The
Muse, Cliff Bell’s, Edgefest, Elkhart Jazz Festival, SoundDog, (Seoul), the Korean Cultural
Foundation of Philadelphia, Cafe El Despertar (Madrid), FlatNine Jazz Club (Seoul), Club
Matador (Madrid), Binh Minh Jazz Club (Hanoi), Club Evans (Seoul), and the Nha Trang
International Jazz Festival. VanHemert has performed or recorded with some of the most
celebrated artists in jazz, including Rodney Whitaker, John Webber, Dmitri Matheny, Chris
Vadala, Vince DiMartino, Terell Stafford, and more.
Passionate about empowering the next generation of musicians, Dr. VanHemert currently
teaches at Northeastern State University where he leads the Jazz Studies program. Previously,
he has taught at the Schwob School of Music at Columbus State University and Hope College,
earning awards for exemplary teaching and his commitment to students in and outside the
classroom.
Jordan Vanhemert is a Vandoren Artist-Clinician, Henri Selmer Paris Saxophones Artist
Ambassador, and KeyLeaves endorsing artist. He performs exclusively on Vandoren reeds and
mouthpieces and Selmer Paris saxophones, and he uses KeyLeaves products on all of his
saxophones. He holds degrees from Central Michigan University, the University of Michigan,
and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Oaklando
What do you get when you fuse the spicy grooves of Afro-Peru with that funky sound of Oaktown? A ground-breaking, new, energetic genre with distinctive rhythms and innovative melodies that will inspire you to hit the dance floor. Oaklando is the brainchild of SF native Patrick Morehead, the composer and keyboardist who’s played with such talents as Karl Perazzo, Steve Turre, Jerry Gonzalez, and Benny Valarde. Conceived at the Patio de Ochun Studios, with drummer Josh Jones (of Omar Sosa) bassist David Pinto (of Susana Baca) and cajon player Juan Medrano Cotito (of Susana Baca) Oaklando was engineered by multi-grammy winner, Greg Landau (of David Byrne fame), and became a recipient of the prestigious Music in Place Grant. Oaklando has regular performances at Local Edition, Lakehouse Jazz, Elevation LVK, and Zeitgeist. Along with Morehead, Cotito and Jones include Charlie Gurke (sax), Chloe Scott ( flute) Pedro Rosales (cajon/vocals) vocalist Marina Lavalle (Peru Negro) with guest appearances on the first recording ‘Lima Oakland’ by NY jazz phenom Yosvany Terry. Check out the newest single OAKLANDO on all platforms Oaklando is honored to present the highly acclaimed Dawn Club with its fusion of Afro-Peruvian rhythms and funky jazz dub.

Smith Dobson Quartet
Drummer/Vibraphonist/Saxophonist Smith Dobson V has been performing in the Bay Area for nearly twenty years. Originally from Santa Cruz, Ca., Dobson is a member of an important Jazz family. His father, the late Smith Dobson IV, was a world renown Pianist and director of the Jazz series at the Garden City in San Jose for over twenty years, where he accompanied artists’ like Art Pepper, Stan Getz, Bobby Hutcherson, Harold Land, Chet Baker, Red Norvo, Tal Farlow, and Lee Konitz, to name a few.
Also in the family, Grandfather Smith III is a Jazz Accordionist, Grandmother Norma, Mother Gail, and Sister Sasha are all Jazz Vocalists. The family often performed as a group at the Garden City, and other venues, as well as many local schools and workshops. As a child, Smith V had the opportunity to study with legendary Jazz Drummer Albert “Tootie” Heath, who said of his pupil, “He has the talent, determination and persistence as a musician, combined with the dedication necessary to succeed… improvisational skills totally advanced, excellent sensitivity, both solo and as an accompanist… my most talented student!”
Smith has had the honor of working with some of the great Jazz artists, locally and internationally, such as Bobby Hutcherson, Red Rodney, John Handy, Sheila Jordan, Red Holloway, Pete and Conte Condoli, Phillip Harper, Hal Stein, Noel Jewekes, Ben Goldberg, Graham Connahs’ Sour Note Seven, Darren Johnstone, Will Bernard, and Kenny Brooks.

Gaea Schell
"Gaea is quite a multi-talented pianist/flautist/vocalist/composer/arranger/bandleader, with a wonderfully compelling gift for jazz, ballads, and Brazilian-flavored music" -Benny Green
Gaea Schell is a graduate of both acclaimed McGill University in Montreal and Vermont College of Fine Arts and spent time in New York as a recipient of a Canada Council for the Arts grant studying with pianist/composer Richie Beirach. Accomplished and versatile, she - as drummer Albert ‘Tootie’ Heath says, “is a triple threat and plays the heck out of the piano with them small hands".
Gaea Schell has three acclaimed CDs out, is a sideperson on multiple recordings, and has played with many notable names (Bob Sheppard, Albert “Tootie” Heath, Bobby Watson, Clare Fischer Big Band, Vince Lateano, Marcus Shelby and the late Stacy Rowles to name a few) in addition to often leading her own trio or quartet at venues regionally and internationally including Vibrato Grill & Jazz in Bel Air, Healdsburg Jazz Festival, Yoshi’s, and Knickerbocker in New York City.
Gaea headlined twice at the San Jose Jazz festival.

Tracy Cruz
Lose yourself in Bay Area’s Tracy Cruz’s spirit filled, rich candied vocals; she is a full-time musical artist, songwriter and vocal coach, taking home over 40 prestigious music awards such as the
2022 Intercontinental Music Awards for “Best of North America in the R&B genre”, 2022 Josie Music Award for “Vocalist of the Year” (R&B/Soul), 2022 One Earth Award GOLD for “Best Jazz Single”, 2021 InterContinental Music Awards “Best of North America” in the R&B category, 2020 Gold International Singer Songwriters Association Award for “Female Emerging Artist of the Year”, World Songwriter Award for “Best R&B Song”, 2020 National Black Music Award for “Best Recorded Song” and 2020 Bay Area Black Music Award for “Best Female Neo Soul Performer”. She has also received over 80 nominations including seven Hollywood Music in Media nominations and five Soultracks.com Readers Choice Awards.
Her illustrative sophisticated sound of sultry hurdling breaths of piercingly clear verberating mezzo soprano melodies, will cleanse your soul in a dream-like wonder. Her soothing velvet tales of hope, love, beauty and reflection are enlightened anthems of personal discoveries and affirmations. She has an earnest sound that comes deep within her soul, enthralled by the playful melodic upbeat rhythmic Neo Soul, Jazz, R&B, Hip Hop and Filipino fusions. It’s a soulful orchestra of percussion, guitar, pitched chimes, grooving bass lines, horns and angelic harp-like chords of originality and comfort with her band Instrumentali-T.
Rooted in the industry for 17+ years Tracy Cruz has journeyed through sold out concerts, tours and openings for renowned artists such as Kenny Lattimore, Pete Escovedo, Miki Howard, Keke Wyatt, Sy Smith, Moonchild, Raheem Devaughn, Wes Felton, Sy Smith, Dee Dee Simon, Apl.de.Ap of the Black Eyed Peas and more!
As an active voting member and Chapter Governor (San Francisco Chapter) of the Recording Academy®, Tracy has also graced the stage, performing at prestigious venues and events such as Yoshi’s, Harlow’s, Tempe Center for the Arts, Roger Smith of Tower of Power - Bump City Winery, the San Jose Jazz Festival, the San Jose Center for the Performing Artists, San Francisco Giants Filipino Heritage Night, California Maritime Academy, Rockwood Music Hall, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and Juneteenth Festivals across San Jose, Vallejo, Berkeley and San Francisco. She has worked with GRAMMY® Award Winner Kanetic Source and GRAMMY® Award nominated producer Brandon Williams.
To be inspired by, and to collaborate with some of the greats, Tracy stays grounded by diligently working within her community for over 17 years, teaching and inspiring the youth at her celebrated Tracy Cruz Vocal Studio through singing, performing, writing, arranging, and mentorship. She encourages her students to stay steadfast about their dreams and to be enchanted with their musical world with full embodiment and freedom. Tracy is currently working on her new album "Sun After the Reign" which will be released in 2024.

Sondango
“Foot-tapping hip-shaking songs of love & loss. Based in San Fransisco, roots in Havana, Los Angeles, Mexico City & London.

Ben Misterka and Collectivity
Collectivity is a jazz/funk, psychedelic soul band originally formed in Shanghai, China and now based in the SF Bay Area. We're talking about blistering energy and genre blending from an ensemble of world class musicians with a focus on exploration through collective improvisation. Upbeat grooves, soulful guitar work and tight arrangements are things to expect from a collectivity show. They draw on influences from jazz/funk, gospel and psychedelic soul.
With their high energy stage performances, this band has recently opened for Larry Graham at Shanghai Arena, performed in Mongolia at Ulanchabo Stadium, toured in Europe, and headlining festivals across the States, and has been turning heads touring throughout Asia and the US.
In addition to the guitar wizardry of bandleader Ben Misterka, the level of musicianship in this band is off the charts. The two horn players have played with Etta James, Boz Scaggs and The New Mastersounds! Bassist Uriah Duffy is one of the most loved on the scene, working with everyone from Christina Aguilera, Whitesnake, Too Short, The Family Stone to name a few. Keys wizard Kevin Wong is one of the most in demand in the Bay and Tokyo. You may have seen James Small on the drums touring the world with Fantastic Negrito. We can't wait to witness firsthand why Collectivity is renowned across several continents.

Jinx Jones
Jinx Jones Biography (Jazz Trio)
"Jinx is a guitar virtuoso who seamlessly moves from rockabilly to jazz to twang and back again, sometimes in the same song. Those with a liner note obsession will remember Jinx’s playing on En Vogue’s “Free Your Mind.”
(San Francisco Chronicle)
Jinx Jones boasts a prolific career spanning from the 1990s, during which he has been a prominent figure in the San Francisco Bay Area jazz scene. His musical journey, deeply rooted in R&B and Soul collaborations with luminaries such as Solomon Burke and En Vogue, has laid a solid groundwork for his ventures into the realms of soul jazz and hard bop. Jones' distinctive approach to jazz is deeply influenced by the venerable traditions set forth by iconic guitarists such as Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, Barney Kessel, and George Benson.
“You've heard fretboard prestidigitator Jinx before: he lent studio guitar and bass to En Vogue's hit, "Free Your Mind." Professionally impressive as it is, though, that credit does not represent his own chosen styling. Jinx's headlong endeavors draw freely and unto satiation from classic rocka-billy, vintage jazz, and spartan honky tonk….” D. C. Larson, Crackerjack Magazine, UK
In recent times, Jinx Jones has achieved international acclaim with the release of his latest solo jazz album, "Blue Gardenia." This album showcases his guitar artistry, striking a perfect balance between delicacy and energy, reminiscent of the soulful and profound styles of the genre's legendary masters.
“Jinx Jones is out there. Four or five nights a week, the great guitar player with the immaculate pompadour can be found at various Bay Area venues, working the stage, doing his thing. The Colorado native came up serving as a sideman to rock ’n’ roll royalty, playing with the likes of Chuck Berry and Solomon Burke.”
Aidin Vaziri, San Francisco Chronicle

N.T.B. Collective
The N. T. B. Collective is a Bay Area based jazz fusion group merging sounds and styles from all over the world.
The N.T.B. trio, which will be featured for this event, is comprised of drums, bass, and piano. Each musician is highly accomplished; coming together to generate a unique musical energy. N.T.B. has been playing various venue residencies throughout the San Francisco Bay Area for over 3 years.

Azure McCall
Azure McCall, Hawaii’s first lady of jazz is a multi-award winning vocalist. She is heir to the vocal tradition of Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae and Ella Fitzgerald. Her warmth and sense of humor fuel every interpretation. After releasing her first CD ‘Body and Soul’ she was asked by the great bassist Ray Brown to be his vocalist on tour. Of course, she accepted, beginning an incredible jazz journey – school was in! Soon after, Azure became the first singer to work with Freddie Hubbard’s band. Additional collaborators include Frank Morgan, Tennyson Stephens, Joe Lovano, Geoffrey Keezer, Curtis Lundy, Dizzy Gillespie and many more. In 2008, President Barack Obama asked her to perform at his pre-election party. “That’s why he won,” Azure says (smiling). Azure became the ‘Jazz Diva’ for Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Cruises. She has traveled to more than 50 countries including, Greece, Germany, Russia, and Italy- just to name a few.