The Fillmore
(1805 Geary Blvd.)
Every discussion
of the San Francisco music scene eventually turns to The Fillmore, which has
hosted such legends as James Brown, Ike and Tina Turner, and Otis Redding. Some
of the country’s biggest entertainers credit The Fillmore with launching their
careers, including the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Santana.
Today, the music
continues with a packed event calendar that combines new talent and seasoned
performers. The historical building is large enough to comfortably accommodate
more than 1,000 guests, but small enough to ensure an intimate experience no
matter where you watch the show.
Great
American Music Hall (859 O'Farrell St.)
Great American
Music Hall opened in 1907 as a symbol of San Francisco’s rebirth after the
devastating 1906 earthquake. It is the oldest nightclub in the neighborhood, and
the décor is reminiscent of turn-of-the-century splendor. Some of the most
important black artists of the 20th century have played on this stage,
including jazz legends Duke Ellington and Sarah Vaughan.
Mezzanine
(444 Jessie St.)
After Mezzanine
arrived on the Bay Area music scene, nothing was ever the same. Visitors come
night after night to enjoy the 12,000-square-foot dance floor, showing off
their best moves. Erykah Badu has performed at Mezzanine, as has rapper A$AP
Ferg and no less a latter-day legend than Snoop Dogg himself. See a show while
you can; we're sad to report that this venue will be closing in October 2019.
The Saloon
(1232 Grant Ave.)
The Saloon’s
history stretches all the way back to 1861, making it the oldest bar in San
Francisco. While it is still a great spot to enjoy cheap beer in a low-key
setting, the Saloon is now best known as an intimate venue to enjoy some of the
best jazz and blues in the city.
The Saloon has
live entertainment every night, and a jukebox to keep things going when the
band is on break. Whether you see an up-and-coming local group or a legend like
Freddie Roulette, you are guaranteed a memorable night. Just remember to bring
cash.
SFJAZZ Center
(201 Franklin St.)
SFJAZZ has been
at the helm of the city's jazz scene since its founding in the 1980s. Beyond
preserving the history of this musical form so tied to the African-American
experience, SFJAZZ now blazes a trail for the artists of the future in its
permanent home on Franklin St. Few performance venues in the city have the
sound quality of the SFJAZZ Center.
Slim's (333
11th St.)
Most of the
action takes place on the dance floor at Slim’s, which was originally intended
to be a R&B nightclub when it opened in 1988. Since then, the venue has
branched out, inviting entertainers in a variety of genres to perform. Jazz,
blues, alternative rock, and hip-hop have all found a home at this venue.
Slim’s is known
for bringing new artists to the stage. In many cases, these artists have gone
on to perform around the world. Bobby “Blue” Bland was featured at Slim’s, as
were Albert Collins, Johnnie Taylor, and Solomon Burke.
The Warfield
(982 Market St.)
Among the oldest
venues in San Francisco, The Warfield has hosted a number of great black
artists, including Louis Armstrong and Prince. The Warfield brings in all kinds
of performers and every style of music. Whether you're in a seat in the balcony
or dancing on the main floor, you'll have a great concert experience.
Yoshi’s (1330
Fillmore St.)
Yoshi’s started
small, taking up a single room next to a sushi restaurant. However, its
noteworthy lineup of local and national entertainers led to a rapid expansion.
Today, Yoshi’s operates two popular nightclubs, one in Oakland's Jack London
Square, and another on San Francisco's Fillmore Street. From the talented Black
Art Jazz Collective to Grammy-nominated jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright, there
is a constant stream of extraordinary artists on-stage, making this a top
choice for locals and visitors to the Bay Area.
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