Another great week of live in the Bay Area. Here are some suggestion for this week..

Monday October 29th

Club Deluxe 1511 Haight St, San Francisco 6:00 PM-9:00 PM Showtime… The Justin Rock Trio straddles the line between old and new, giving nods to the jazz tradition while pushing forward into new exciting territory. The trio is consists of Justin Rock on guitar, Mike Quigg on drums, and Giulio Cetto on bass. Highly recommended!! N/C

Club Deluxe 1511 Haight St, San Francisco 9:30 PM-12:30 AM Showtime Mike Olmos Presents The Sessions. Mike is a such a great trumpet player. He leads his all star Sessions for a great night of jazz.. N/C

Mr.Tipples 39 Fell St, San Francisco 7:00 PM-10:00 PM Showtime.. Le Hot Jazz.. The spirit of Django is alive and well in San Francisco. This is a great ensemble. Highly recommended!! N/C

Amnesia Bar 853 Valencia St, San Francisco 9:00 PM-11:30 PM Showtime.. High Country has earned its place as the West Coast’s premier traditional bluegrass band. Strongly influenced by the classic styles of Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs and the Stanley Brothers, the band’s blend of banjo, mandolin, fiddle, dobro, guitar and bass delivers the upbeat excitement of true bluegrass music. This a great venue to see this legendary bluegrass band.. N/C

Tuesday October 30th
Bar Fluxus 18 Harlan Pl, San Francisco 9:00 PM-1:30 AM Showtime. Vibrason is another great band out of the Bay Area. Very reminiscent of some of the Cal Tjader bands. Highly recommended.. $10 Cover Charge.

Le Colonial 20 Cosmo Pl, San Francisco 7:00 PM-10:00 PM Showtime. Le Hot Jazz.. The spirit of Django is alive and well in San Francisco. This is a great ensemble. Highly recommended!! N/C

Biscuits and Blues 401 Mason St, San Francisco 7:30 PM & 9:30 PM Showtimes.. Bay City Blues featuring Chris Cain is a weekly showcase of world class Blues music and superb instrumental talent. This event is a celebration of the Blues in all its forms and an adventure into the depth of a national genre. Hosted by the nationally recognized Chris Cain & his All-Star cast of Musicians, every week they invite a new special guest to accompany them on stage and present new, upcoming, & old talent from the blues world! Bay City Blues is our tribute and exploration into the Blues genre, it is a special event in which we all get to help, share, & “Preserve the Blues.” Highly recommended!! $20 Cover Charge.

Wednesday October 31st

Club Deluxe 1511 Haight St, San Francisco 9:30 PM-12:30 AM Showtime. The Patrick Wolff Bebop Quartet is deeply rooted in the bebop tradition established by Bird, Clifford Jordan and Dexter Gordon. Patrick is absolutely my favorite Bay Area tenor player and he leads an outstanding group of musicians..N/C.

Brick & Mortar Music Hall 1710 Mission St, San Francisco 8:00 PM Showtime.. Dress in your Halloween finest and come enjoy an All-Star band playing all the Motown classics. Special guest vocalist and DJ’s to be announced. Prizes for best costume. $20 Cover Charge..

Le Colonial 20 Cosmo Pl, San Francisco 8:00 PM-11:00 PM Showtime. Lavay Smith & Her Red Hot Skillet Lickers are just a superb internationally recognized swing big band in the authentic style of the 1940’s and 1950’s as the band. Lavay the reigning “Queen Of Classic Jazz & Blues” pays tribute to the swingin’ Kansas City tradition, featuring the music of Count Basie, Jimmy Rushing, Joe Williams, Helen Humes, Lester Young, Jay McShann, Walter Brown, Jimmy Witherspoon, Myra Taylor & Big Joe Turner! Highly recommended!! N/C

Great American Music Hall 859 O’Farrell Street, San Francisco 8:00 PM Showtime.. The American parody heavy metal tribute band Mac Sabbath is the self-appointed founders of “Drive Thru Metal” a parodies the great English heavy metal group Black Sabbath, utilizing lyricism and imagery centered on fast food. Also on the bill is Captured:By Robots a touring grindcore band with only one human member. The music is all played physically by the 2 robots, GTRBOT666 and DRMBOT0110, and the human slave Jbot. Opening the night is Franks and Deans the worlds first “Rock N Roll Rat Pack band Tributing Sinatra and his boys of the “Rat Pack”. Highly recommended!!! $25 Cover Charge..

The Fillmore 1805 Geary Blvd, San Francisco 8:00 PM Showtime.. The B-52’s are one of the quintessential American bands. . Thirty-five years and over twenty million albums into their career, the B-52s remain the among the most beloved rock stars ever. Any mystery concerning the longevity and ongoing appeal of the B-52s is immediately solved when exposed to the B-52s unique concert experience. From the timeless gems of “Rock Lobster,” “Planet Claire” and “Private Idaho” to the more recent classics of “Channel Z,” “Love Shack” and “Roam”, the B-52s unforgettable dance-rock tunes start a party every time the music begins. Highly recommended!!!!! $80 Cover Charge..

The Freight & Salvage 2020 Addison St, Berkeley 8:00 PM Showtime… The Austin Lounge Lizards are arguably the perfect pairing of their hometown’s slogan, “Live Music Capital of the World,” and its unofficial motto, “Keep Austin Weird.” Since 1980, the Lizards have been spoofing topics American families try to avoid at the Thanksgiving table: subjects like politics, religion, romance, and themselves. With pointed lyrics, precise harmonies and instrumental expertise, the band has become legendary for its satirical skewering through song. This is a great fun band. Highly recommended!!!! $24 Cover Charge…

Cornerstone Craft Beer & Live Music 2367 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley 8:30 PM.. The maybe the best night of music this week.. Showtime.. Headlining the night is The Bay Area’s favorite soul party band Midtown Social a nine-piece tour-de- force of California soul, funk, and rock. Also on the bill is one of my favorite hard hitting funk/soul bands Sal’s Greenhouse lead by Bay Area vocal powerhouse and baritone saxophonist Sally Green. Opening up is a very groovy funk band Lil’ Elephant. I may have to skip giving out candy to the kiddies in the neighborhood and head over to sww this shiow. Highly recommended!!!! $17 Cover Charge..

Thursday November 1st

The Fillmore 1805 Geary Blvd, San Francisco 8:00 PM Showtime.. The B-52’s are one of the quintessential American bands. . Thirty-five years and over twenty million albums into their career, the B-52s remain the among the most beloved rock stars ever. Any mystery concerning the longevity and ongoing appeal of the B-52s is immediately solved when exposed to the B-52s unique concert experience. From the timeless gems of “Rock Lobster,” “Planet Claire” and “Private Idaho” to the more recent classics of “Channel Z,” “Love Shack” and “Roam”, the B-52s unforgettable dance-rock tunes start a party every time the music begins. Highly recommended!!!!! $80 Cover Charge..

Mr.Tipples 39 Fell St, San Francisco 8:00 PM-11:00 PM Showtime.. Ken Husbands Trio is the explosive combination of three very active players on the Bay Area jazz scene: Ken Husbands on guitar, Aaron Germain on electric and acoustic bass and Otto Huber on drums. Their live shows combine original music with interpretations of standards. I liken them Pat Metheny meets the Meters. Highly recommended!!! N/C

Cafe Du Nord 2174 Market St, San Francisco 7:30 PM Showtime… Boy Azooga is the project of Cardiff Born Davey Newington, whilst playing drums in Charlotte Church’ Pop Dungeon under the pseudonym “Bongo Fury” and other Cardiff bands such as Keys and Monico Blonde, Davey began writing his own music and recording it round his mate Dr Ed Boogie’s house. Recording and layering everything himself, he decided on the live front he needed a band. He recruited friends Daf, Dylan and Sam to form the four headed instrument swapping psychedlic dance rock outfit known as Boy Azooga. I really like what I have heard.. Highly recommended!!! $15 Cover Charge..

Sweetwater Music Hall 19 Corte Madera Ave, Mill Valley 8:00 PM Showtime.. Angelex blends elements of funk, jazz, heavy metal, Afro-Cuban, dub-step, hip hop, rock and the kitchen sink under one cohesive umbrella of original music, with an emphasis on drum and bass. A rotating cast of the SF Bay area’s talented singers, keyboardists, guitarists and percussionists i tonight featuring Angeline Saris & Lex Razon with Otis McDonald feat members of Jazz Mafia & Atta Kid.. Opening the show is Otis McDonald which blends the sound of Shuggy Otis and Michael McDonald.. Highly recommended!!! $19 Cover Charge..

If you live in and around San Jose you may want to check this out..

The Ritz 400 S 1st St, San Jose 8:00 PM Showtime.. The American parody heavy metal tribute band Mac Sabbath is the self-appointed founders of “Drive Thru Metal” a parodies the great English heavy metal group Black Sabbath, utilizing lyricism and imagery centered on fast food. Opening the show is the heavy metal, stoner rock/stoner metal/heavy blues band Kook. Highly recommended!!! $20 Cover Charge..

Friday November 2nd

Club Deluxe 1511 Haight St, San Francisco 10:00 PM-1:00 AM Showtime.. Lavay Smith & Her 8 Piece Little Band.. Lavay is the reigning Queen Of Classic Jazz & Blues in the authentic style of the 1940’s and 1950’s. She will be performing with her 8 piece little band. Lavay is one of my favorite singers. Highly recommended!! N/C

The Chapel 777 Valencia St, San Francisco 9:00 PM Showtime.. NRBQ stands for New Rhythm and Blues Quartet. The band’s music, a rollicking blend of everything from stomping rockabilly to Beatles-influenced pop to Thelonious Monk-inspired jazz, has attracted fans as diverse as Elvis Costello, Penn & Teller, R.E.M., SpongeBob SquarePants, Ian McLagan, She & Him, Wilco, Widespread Panic, Nick Lowe, and indie-rock band Whitney. NRBQ songs have inspired cover versions by Bonnie Raitt, Los Lobos, Darlene Love, and Dave Edmunds, among many others. In addition, the group served as the unofficial “house band” for The Simpsons for the Season 10-12. This band simply put brings joy when we could really use some.. Highly recommended!!!! $28 Cover Charge…

If you live in and around Santa Cruz you may want to check out

Flynn’s Cabaret & Steakhouse 6275 CA-9, Felton 9:00 PM Showtime.. The Austin Lounge Lizards are arguably the perfect pairing of their hometown’s slogan, “Live Music Capital of the World,” and its unofficial motto, “Keep Austin Weird.” Since 1980, the Lizards have been spoofing topics American families try to avoid at the Thanksgiving table: subjects like politics, religion, romance, and themselves. With pointed lyrics, precise harmonies and instrumental expertise, the band has become legendary for its satirical skewering through song. This is a great fun band. Highly recommended!!!! $20 Cover Charge…

Saturday November 3rd

Revolution Cafe 3248 22nd St, San Francisco 5:00 PM-8:00 PM Showtime..Westside Jazz Club, lead by the wonderful tenor saxophonist Scott Silverberg, is a collective of innovative jazz musicians performing jazz standards, challenging modern compositions and freshly-updated classics. I have seen this ensemble a number of time and they never dissapoint.. Highly recommended!!! N/C

Biscuits and Blues 401 Mason St, San Francisco 7:00 PM & 9:30 PM Showtimes. The legendary Sonny Rhodes continues to be a road warrior, delighting and amazing audiences with his virtuosity mostly displayed on lap steel guitar these days notwithstanding the fact that he is a masterful electric guitarist. Sonny doesn’t make it out to the Bay Area often so I would really recommend seeing this blues guitar master. $24 Cover Charge..

Club Deluxe 1511 Haight St, San Francisco 6:00 PM-9:00 PM Showtime.. Howell Devine is my favorite Bay Area blues band. They will have the house rockin at the Deluxe. N/C

Club Deluxe 1511 Haight St, San Francisco 9:30 PM-1:00 AM Showtime. The Americano Social Club plays music for “la dolce vita”: a mix of romantic and eclectic melodies from all over the world including pop, jazz, folk, classical, rock, opera, the music of Brazil and Europe’s cafés as well as some great original pieces. This is a great ensemble. Highly recommended!!!! N/C

The Chapel 777 Valencia St, San Francisco 9:00 PM Showtime.. Old Time Relijun one of the great indie noise rock/punk blues bands will be headlining tonight. This is a great live performance band. Opening the show is San Francisco indie rockers Turqouiz Noiz. Highly recommended!!!$17 Cover Charge..

Ashkenaz 1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley 9:00 PM-11:59 PM Showtime.. The Caribbean Allstars are pioneers in the Bay Area reggae scene and longtime regulars at Ashkenaz. The ensemble, whose geographical roots range from Jamaica and South America to West Africa and the U.S., began joining together their musical forces and international backgrounds during the early 1970s. Out of such predecessors as Obeah and the Sons of Creation, the Caribbean Allstars were formed and became the founding fathers of Bay Area roots reggae. Highly recommended $15 Cover Charge..

Sunday November 4th

Swedish American Hall 1319, 2174 Market St, San Francisco 7:00 PM Showtime… Conspiracy of Beards & Friends will hold court for the late troubadour with an evening of song from some of the Bay Area’s best musicians. Paying tribute to the incredible catalog of Leonard Cohen‘s musical poetry, each act will perform a Cohen song (or poem in some cases) as they see fit. From note-for-note renditions and choral arrangements, to a tuba/bass/electronic trio and invented instrument interpretations,this show will be like no other Leonard Cohen celebration. Highly recommeded!!!! $20 cover Charge..

The Lucky Horseshoe Bar 453 Cortland Ave, San Francisco 4:00 PM-7:00 PM Showtime..Bernal Hillbillies.. A great three hours of bluegrass music at a really great venue reminiscent of the jams at the Old Paul Saloon many years ago. N/C

Amnesia Bar 853 Valencia St, San Francisco 8:30 PM-10:30 PM Showtime..The Hot Baked Goods are a band of young jazz musicians playing hot tunes of the 30’s. Most of the band members started as swing dancers, and became so infatuated with the music that they decided to make some themselves. I saw them at the Amnesia and this band really swings. N/C

Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society 311 Mirada Rd, Half Moon Bay 4:30 PM Showtime.. One of jazz music’s most lyrical pianists Kenny Barron performs with his quintet which includes Kenny on piano, Mike Rodriguez on trumpet, Dayna Stephens on sax, Kiyoshi Kitagawa on bass and Johnathan Blake on Drums. Highly recommended!!! $45 Cover Charge..

The Freight & Salvage 2020 Addison St, Berkeley 7:00 PM Showtime… Nashville based singer/songwriter and virtuoso pianist Jon McLaughlin will be performing with singer/songwriter and amazing entertainer Matt Wertz for a night of great music. Highly recommended!!! $26 Cover Charge..

Video Pick of The Week..

In honor of one of my favorite holidays I would like to suggest checking out the children’s documentary I Believe In Halloween which is a great tribute to one of the Bay Area’s most cherished holidays, is a series of music videos, images of vintage postcards and interviews with kids who share their impressions of costumes, trick-or-treating, scary stories and whatnot. It’s suitable for the grade school set – and for those parents who can’t get enough of the Halloween spirit.