What:
San Francisco Jazz Festival
Where:
SFJAZZ Center
201 Franklin Street
When:
June 9th-21st
Tickets:
$25+
Hailed by the Chicago Tribune as "The crown jewel of American jazz festivals," more than 30 years of tradition steep every installment of this treasured Bay Area concert series. One of the most hotly anticipated events all year, the 33rd Annual San Francisco Jazz Festival brings 43 concerts to the city over 13 days this June. Performances occur mainly in Robert N. Miner Auditorium and Joe Henderson Lab, both part of the boldly impressive SFJAZZ Center, freshly opened in 2013. While every year the festival offers a balanced mix of legendary artists and fresh voices in diverse styles like big brass, R&B, soul, country, boogie-woogie, and Cuban (just to name a few), 2015 promises an unprecedented array of global, experimental acts. A few gems include:
Jazz Fest Kickoff Celebration
Hayes & Octavia St.
June 9th, 5-10pm
FREE!
The fun starts at this block party in Hayes Valley, featuring live sets from Gaucho, Brass Magic, and others, as well as food trucks and a beer garden for relaxing.
Snarky Puppy
Miner Auditorium
June 10-13th
$25-$50
Winners of the 2013 Grammy for Best R&B Performance, this Brooklyn-based group will have you dancing in the aisles.
Goapele
Miner Auditorium
June 14th
$25-$50
This soulful, Oakland-born singer is beloved by locals. Come see why at her sure-to-be unforgettable headlining debut.
Shelby Lynne
Miner Auditorium
June 15th
$25-$65
Beyond "country," Grammy-winner Shelby Lynne performs the entirety of the album that won her the industry's most prestigious award.
Ester Rada
Miner Auditorium
June 18th
$25-$50
Selling out shows around the world, prepare to melt under the magic of this entrancing Ethiopian / Israeli songstress.