Arturo Sandoval at SFJAZZ: Bebop Lessons, Cuban Fire, and the Joy of Staying Alive
At 76, Arturo Sandoval transformed SFJAZZ’s Miner Auditorium into a masterclass of Afro-Cuban rhythm and bebop history. Far from a standard holiday recital, his "Swinging Holiday" show blended virtuosity with intimate storytelling—from his black sequined sneakers to a moving tribute to Charlie Chaplin. Read the full review of a night defined by "Cuban fire" and the joy of staying alive.
Legacy Meets the Mothership: Harris and Croker Ignite the UpSwing Series
A review of the SFJAZZ UpSwing double bill featuring Stefon Harris & Blackout and Theo Croker. An electrifying night of jazz tradition and genre-bending innovation.
John Santos Celebrates 70 Years of Groove and Community at SFJAZZ
Bay Area percussionist John Santos celebrated his 70th birthday at SFJAZZ with a 'Roots and Branches' spectacular, featuring Orestes Vilató, Skylar Tang, and a setlist bridging the Fort Apache Band with local folklore.
Kamasi Washington Delivers Personal Homily of Cosmic Jazz at Golden Gate Theatre
It was part big-band spiritual jazz and part family affair. Visionary saxophonist Kamasi Washington’s sold-out two-hour concert at the Golden Gate Theatre offered an evening of transcendent fusion, mixing funk, hip-hop, and masterful improvisation with surprise guest appearances.
Skonberg’s Debut Delivers Stellar SFJAZZ Show
Bria Skonberg took the stage at SFJAZZ’s Miner Auditorium with the confidence of an artist who knows that joy is compelling. The 90-minute set was a lively, good-humored, rhythm-driven performance that blended New Orleans roots, swing, blues, and pop as parts of a shared, generous language. The audience responded right away.