Live Jazz in SF Bay

Please note: Donor discount applied at checkout. Advance Tickets: $39.00 (includes all fees) Day of Show Tickets: $44.00 (includes all fees) Doors: 7:00 PM; Show: 8:00 PM As the lights fade in a busy jazz club in New York, the first shimmering chord Oscar Peñas plays echoes, welcoming listeners into a world where tradition and innovation blend effortlessly. Originally from Barcelona, Spain, Oscar Peñas has called New York home since 2007 and is recognized as an influential voice in modern jazz. Known for his expressive compositions, he has performed locally and internationally since 2000 with his trio or quartet and has occasionally led an eight-piece band. He stands out for his unique finger-picking technique, his contagious, fresh, and organic compositions, and his conversational phrasing. Oscar's music is influenced by classical, jazz, and other genres, creating a sophisticated mix of crossover jazz instrumentals, intricate improvisations, and original works that showcase his distinctive voice. While he usually performs his own compositions, he sometimes arranges pieces by other composers, such as Catalan composer Frederic Mompou and American composer Hoagy Carmichael. Oscar's career follows an impressive trajectory. He has self-produced six albums as a bandleader, with four released in the USA, steadily expanding his discography and artistic reputation. His recordings feature collaborations with internationally acclaimed artists, including American jazz legends Mike Stern, Greg Leisz, Ron Carter, Paquito D'Rivera, Uri Caine, Gil Goldstein, and Esperanza Spalding, highlighting the growing prominence of his work. As his career advances, Oscar has performed on renowned stages worldwide, gracing top jazz venues and major festivals both nationally and internationally, solidifying his position as a leading figure in contemporary jazz. Oscar is known for his distinctive jazz instrumentation, with each ensemble project varying, and all interpret his original compositions. To get a sense of his ensemble's creative energy, listeners are encouraged to explore his latest, unreleased works, where his musical conversations unfold in real time.

About Jazz piano scholarship benefit concert

Oakland-based saxophonist Kazemde George, a rising star in modern improvised music, creates unique musical landscapes by blending different traditions from within the African diaspora, from Bebop to Rumba, Bossa Nova, Hip Hop, and more. With his Harvard neurobiology background and New England Conservatory jazz mastery, George’s innovative compositions and profound musicianship have established him as one of today’s most exciting and intellectually compelling artists. Born to Caribbean parents, and raised in Berkeley, California, Kazemde George’s musical journey spans diverse traditions, guided by his scientific curiosity about African musical expressions. After studying under jazz luminaries like Miguel Zenón, Jason Moran, and Jerry Bergonzi, George’s artistry expanded significantly during a ten-month Peabody Gardner Fellowship in Cuba, and over a decade performing in New York City. His acclaimed 2021 debut album, I Insist (Greenleaf Music), and his recent trio work Ocean Passage (La Reserve Records) both showcase his distinctive voice. His work represents a thoughtful convergence of tradition and innovation, connecting musical threads of the African diaspora while pushing jazz’s boundaries with analytical precision and emotional depth. Kazemde will be joined by a group of Bay Area's finest musicians to perform a program of music drawing from throughout the Diaspora for this special Juneteenth/Father's Day Celebration. Kazemde George - Saxophone Guitar - TBD Bass - TBD Drums - Miles Turk Oakland-based saxophonist Kazemde George, a rising star in modern improvised music, creates unique musical landscapes by blending different traditions from within the African diaspora, from Bebop to Rumba, Bossa Nova, Hip Hop, and more. With his Harvard neurobiology background and New England Conservatory jazz mastery, George’s innovative compositions and profound musicianship have established him as one of today’s most exciting and intellectually compelling artists. Born to Caribbean parents, and raised in Berkeley, California, Kazemde George’s musical journey spans diverse traditions, guided by his scientific curiosity about African musical expressions. After studying under jazz luminaries like Miguel Zenón, Jason Moran, and Jerry Bergonzi, George’s artistry expanded significantly during a ten-month Peabody Gardner Fellowship in Cuba, and over a decade performing in New York City. His acclaimed 2021 debut album, I Insist (Greenleaf Music), and his recent trio work Ocean Passage (La Reserve Records) both showcase his distinctive voice. His work represents a thoughtful convergence of tradition and innovation, connecting musical threads of the African diaspora while pushing jazz’s boundaries with analytical precision and emotional depth. Kazemde will be joined by a group of Bay Area's finest musicians to perform a program of music drawing from throughout the Diaspora for this special Juneteenth/Father's Day Celebration. Kazemde George - Saxophone Guitar - TBD Bass - TBD Drums - Miles Turk