Live Jazz in SF Bay

About Bassist Ben Allison, guitarist Steve Cardenas, and saxophonist Ted Nash return to the piano store. With over 25 years of creative collaboration, they weave musical conversations that are full of subtlety and surprise, modeled after reedist/composer Jimmy Giuffre’s drummerless trios of the 1950s and 60s. They will be celebrating their upcoming album Triological, to be released on Sunnyside Records in April 2026. It will feature new original compositions written by each of them.

Goapele is more than an artist; she is a luminous presence in the world of music, a profound voice, and a tireless force of creativity whose artistry has shaped the landscape of modern R&B. Renowned for her captivating sound—a beautiful blend of soul, jazz, pop, and moody basslines—Goapele’s music transcends genres and resonates with universal truths. Her voice, ethereal yet commanding, continues to echo the complexities of life, love, and the human experience in ways that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. The Oakland native, born to a South African father who escaped apartheid and a German-Jewish mother from New York, embodies a rich, diverse heritage that has influenced not only her music but also her worldview. Her upbringing—a fusion of cultures and perspectives—served as the perfect backdrop for her musical evolution. Goapele’s formative years at the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston honed her extraordinary talent and shaped her voice into one that defies conventional boundaries. Since her 2001 debut with the timeless anthem Closer, Goapele, whose name means “to move forward” in Setswana, has consistently delivered music that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Her catalog, including albums like Even Closer, Break of Dawn, and her latest, COLOURS, reflects her evolution as an artist and a woman. Described as her most introspective work, COLOURS explores themes of healing, self-worth, and transformation, featuring collaborations with top musicians such as Errol Cooney, Bedrock, and Chris Dave. For Goapele, music is not just a means of self-expression—it is a form of therapy and a vehicle for connection. Her songs serve as a mirror for her own experiences, while inviting listeners to find their own truths within her words. In her own words, "Moments of uncertainty can feel scary, but I try my best and push forward, and trust that things will eventually land where they're supposed to." Beyond music, Goapele has long been a passionate humanitarian and advocate for social change. Through her platform, she has championed causes ranging from racial justice to women’s rights, using her voice to speak up for those whose stories are often left unheard. Her lifestyle brand, Dreamseeker, further reflects her commitment to living authentically, curating a line of scented candles and apparel inspired by her synesthesia, the condition that allows her to experience color through sound. This unique ability shapes her vision of the world and enriches her creative output, leading to immersive experiences that blend music, color, scent, and fashion. Goapele's influence extends beyond the music charts; her songs have become a soundtrack to countless films, television series, and documentaries. From So You Think You Can Dance (Fox) to Hitch (Sony Pictures) and Power (Starz), her music has been the emotional backbone of some of the most impactful visual narratives of our time. She has also made notable appearances in Sparkle (Sony Pictures), Ava DuVernay’s The Door for Miu Miu, and the art-noir short film #WhereIsBeauty, which she also executive produced. Goapele has also performed on global stages alongside legends like Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Common, captivating audiences with her unique blend of artistry and activism. “I strive to create timeless music that inspires and ignites change,” Goapele says. With her enduring legacy of compassion and creativity, Goapele continues to inspire generations through her music, advocacy, and authentic storytelling.

ivy room presents FRIDAY APRIL 3RD—DRUGLORDS OF THE AVENUES - LP RECORD RELEASE (PIRATES PRESS)HUNTING LIONSGEORGE CRUSTANZAGUNS FOR SICK CHILDRENHELL BOUND POUNDRAZE—Doors 7pm / Show 8pmAdvance Tickets Available / $15 Door—IVY ROOM860 SAN PABLO AV | 21+DRUGLORDS OF THE AVENUES—Druglords of the Avenues have been around since 2004, albeit in different incarnations and at varying level of activity. And as well as being a band, was also a song by Filthy Thieving Bastards, which is, for those that don’t know, the folk punk band comprised of three Swingin’ Utters of past and present.Starting off as a side project for Johnny Peebucks of the infamous SWINGIN’ UTTERS, this band quickly became much more than that, releasing multiple full-lengths and entertaining the world many times over with their live shenanigans and raw street level performances.Excited to hear their new record coming out on Pirates Press!HUNTING LIONS—GEORGE CRUSTANZA—Hardcore punk from San Francisco/OaklandGUNS FOR SICK CHILDREN—Guns For Sick Children, hailing from the vibrant and rebellious punk scene of the Bay Area, are making waves with their raw, high-energy sound that pays homage to punk’s gritty roots while pushing the genre’s boundaries. Fueled by uncompromising passion and an unyielding DIY ethos, this band navigates the tumultuous landscape of modern punk, delivering music that resonates with both long-time enthusiasts and newcomers alike.HELL BOUND POUND—Skate/Speed Punk from the East BayRAZE—Oakland, CA

Mary Halvorson is a Brooklyn-based guitarist, composer and recording artist for Nonesuch Records. Her distinctive sound and innovative approach to her instrument have earned her widespread recognition over the past two decades, including numerous best-of-the-year lists, a 2019 MacArthur Foundation fellowship and Guitarist of the Year honors in the DownBeat Critics Poll for the past nine years. When not leading her own award-winning bands, she can be heard in a wide variety of creative partnerships and on more than 70 releases as a co-leader or sidewoman. Her 2025 performance schedule has included notable duo concerts with Ambrose Akinmusire, Peter Evans, Bill Frisell and Nicole Mitchell as well as international tour dates with such longstanding ensembles as the Tomeka Reid Quartet and her duo with Sylvie Courvosier, which released its critically acclaimed third recording, Bone Bells (Pyroclastic Records), in March. She also headlined the fourth night of this summer's Vision Festival with her newest group, Canis Major, featuring Dave Adewumi, Henry Fraser and Tomas Fujiwara. This June she released About Ghosts, her 16th recording as a bandleader and the latest from her flagship sextet, Amaryllis, the current Group of the Year in the latest DownBeat Critics Poll. A handful of tracks include special guests Brian Settles and Immanuel Wilkins augmenting the core ensemble of Fujiwara, Adam O'Farrill, Jacob Garchik, Patrician Brennan, and Nick Dunston. Amaryllis kicked off its live support of the record at the North Sea Jazz Festival in July and will be touring the Eastern U.S. and Europe through September and October. In addition to claiming the top spot on North American College & Community Radio's jazz chart, About Ghosts has been heralded as "nothing short of spectacular" (Chris Ingalls, PopMatters), "an unbelievable statement from one of my favorite artists" (Nate Chinen, NPR) and "more proof that Halvorson's Amaryllis is among the most inventive, articulate, and creatively forward-thinking ensembles playing jazz right now" (Thom Jurek, AllMusic). "Mary Halvorson is the jazz guitarist of the moment," declares Fred Kaplan in his review for TrackingAngle.com. "It is beyond time to herald [her] as a true and brilliant original. About Ghosts is a terrific album in every way."

Goapele is more than an artist; she is a luminous presence in the world of music, a profound voice, and a tireless force of creativity whose artistry has shaped the landscape of modern R&B. Renowned for her captivating sound—a beautiful blend of soul, jazz, pop, and moody basslines—Goapele’s music transcends genres and resonates with universal truths. Her voice, ethereal yet commanding, continues to echo the complexities of life, love, and the human experience in ways that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. The Oakland native, born to a South African father who escaped apartheid and a German-Jewish mother from New York, embodies a rich, diverse heritage that has influenced not only her music but also her worldview. Her upbringing—a fusion of cultures and perspectives—served as the perfect backdrop for her musical evolution. Goapele’s formative years at the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston honed her extraordinary talent and shaped her voice into one that defies conventional boundaries. Since her 2001 debut with the timeless anthem Closer, Goapele, whose name means “to move forward” in Setswana, has consistently delivered music that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Her catalog, including albums like Even Closer, Break of Dawn, and her latest, COLOURS, reflects her evolution as an artist and a woman. Described as her most introspective work, COLOURS explores themes of healing, self-worth, and transformation, featuring collaborations with top musicians such as Errol Cooney, Bedrock, and Chris Dave. For Goapele, music is not just a means of self-expression—it is a form of therapy and a vehicle for connection. Her songs serve as a mirror for her own experiences, while inviting listeners to find their own truths within her words. In her own words, "Moments of uncertainty can feel scary, but I try my best and push forward, and trust that things will eventually land where they're supposed to." Beyond music, Goapele has long been a passionate humanitarian and advocate for social change. Through her platform, she has championed causes ranging from racial justice to women’s rights, using her voice to speak up for those whose stories are often left unheard. Her lifestyle brand, Dreamseeker, further reflects her commitment to living authentically, curating a line of scented candles and apparel inspired by her synesthesia, the condition that allows her to experience color through sound. This unique ability shapes her vision of the world and enriches her creative output, leading to immersive experiences that blend music, color, scent, and fashion. Goapele's influence extends beyond the music charts; her songs have become a soundtrack to countless films, television series, and documentaries. From So You Think You Can Dance (Fox) to Hitch (Sony Pictures) and Power (Starz), her music has been the emotional backbone of some of the most impactful visual narratives of our time. She has also made notable appearances in Sparkle (Sony Pictures), Ava DuVernay’s The Door for Miu Miu, and the art-noir short film #WhereIsBeauty, which she also executive produced. Goapele has also performed on global stages alongside legends like Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Common, captivating audiences with her unique blend of artistry and activism. “I strive to create timeless music that inspires and ignites change,” Goapele says. With her enduring legacy of compassion and creativity, Goapele continues to inspire generations through her music, advocacy, and authentic storytelling.

Learn some jazz history and enjoy the funky Latin jazz of Charged Particles! Of the band, reviewers have said: “A tight and enormously talented trio.” (Jazz Times Magazine) “Charged Particles is definitely dazzling.” (Jazz and Blues Report) “Fresh, energized jazz that showcases the trio’s individual technical mastery.” (Jazz News Magazine) “Tight interplay, spark, and personal flair.” (Los Angeles Times) “Something special: inventive, invigorating, mesmerizing, and virtuostic.” (Downbeat Magazine) The Ventura County Reporter called them "Tight, sophisticated, and playful. They showcased their camaraderie as much as their musicianship, gliding through their repertoire like the seasoned professionals they are and joyfully riffing on each other's improvisations. Not sure if the musicians or the audience had more fun, but a good time was definitely had by all."

Goapele is more than an artist; she is a luminous presence in the world of music, a profound voice, and a tireless force of creativity whose artistry has shaped the landscape of modern R&B. Renowned for her captivating sound—a beautiful blend of soul, jazz, pop, and moody basslines—Goapele’s music transcends genres and resonates with universal truths. Her voice, ethereal yet commanding, continues to echo the complexities of life, love, and the human experience in ways that are both deeply personal and universally relatable. The Oakland native, born to a South African father who escaped apartheid and a German-Jewish mother from New York, embodies a rich, diverse heritage that has influenced not only her music but also her worldview. Her upbringing—a fusion of cultures and perspectives—served as the perfect backdrop for her musical evolution. Goapele’s formative years at the esteemed Berklee College of Music in Boston honed her extraordinary talent and shaped her voice into one that defies conventional boundaries. Since her 2001 debut with the timeless anthem Closer, Goapele, whose name means “to move forward” in Setswana, has consistently delivered music that resonates with authenticity and emotional depth. Her catalog, including albums like Even Closer, Break of Dawn, and her latest, COLOURS, reflects her evolution as an artist and a woman. Described as her most introspective work, COLOURS explores themes of healing, self-worth, and transformation, featuring collaborations with top musicians such as Errol Cooney, Bedrock, and Chris Dave. For Goapele, music is not just a means of self-expression—it is a form of therapy and a vehicle for connection. Her songs serve as a mirror for her own experiences, while inviting listeners to find their own truths within her words. In her own words, "Moments of uncertainty can feel scary, but I try my best and push forward, and trust that things will eventually land where they're supposed to." Beyond music, Goapele has long been a passionate humanitarian and advocate for social change. Through her platform, she has championed causes ranging from racial justice to women’s rights, using her voice to speak up for those whose stories are often left unheard. Her lifestyle brand, Dreamseeker, further reflects her commitment to living authentically, curating a line of scented candles and apparel inspired by her synesthesia, the condition that allows her to experience color through sound. This unique ability shapes her vision of the world and enriches her creative output, leading to immersive experiences that blend music, color, scent, and fashion. Goapele's influence extends beyond the music charts; her songs have become a soundtrack to countless films, television series, and documentaries. From So You Think You Can Dance (Fox) to Hitch (Sony Pictures) and Power (Starz), her music has been the emotional backbone of some of the most impactful visual narratives of our time. She has also made notable appearances in Sparkle (Sony Pictures), Ava DuVernay’s The Door for Miu Miu, and the art-noir short film #WhereIsBeauty, which she also executive produced. Goapele has also performed on global stages alongside legends like Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Common, captivating audiences with her unique blend of artistry and activism. “I strive to create timeless music that inspires and ignites change,” Goapele says. With her enduring legacy of compassion and creativity, Goapele continues to inspire generations through her music, advocacy, and authentic storytelling.