The Lower Haight and Divisadero have no end of live music options: Madrone Art Bar alone offers over 30 chances to see live music each week, and The Independent consistently hosts world-class talent. But with a little digging, you can find music in every corner of Lower Haight and Divisadero. From jazz duos to DJs, September is packed with people making a joyful noise while you drink or dine.
Here’s a guide to the artists worth seeing in the neighborhood this month. And don’t forget to support these artists when they pass the hat at smaller venues; many of them play for tips and the love of music.
Photo: San Francisco Public Press/Flickr
The Independent
Thursday, September 24th and Friday, September 25th, 9pm-12:30am
There are two chances to see this Brooklyn-based band this month, lead by one of the finest drummers in funk, Adam Deitch. Together since 1992, Lettuce is well-known on the festival circuit, but a headlining gig gives them a chance to stretch out and improvise within their hip-hop and jazz-influenced compositions.
Tickets: $29.50. Tickets for Thursday here, and Friday here.
Wednesday, September 30th, 8pm-midnight
After a stunning performance at Bottom of the Hill earlier in 2015, Algiers is returning to the Bay Area. Musically, they combine the foot-stomping and hand-clapping essence of roots blues with post punk, industrial synth, and layers of drum programming. Lyrically, they’ve joined D’Angelo, Kendrick Lamar, and other artists in broadcasting their discontent with widespread injustice in the U.S. Passionate and relevant, their show is not to be missed.
Tickets: $15; available here.
(There's plenty more going on at the Independent this month; see the full calendar to see all your options.)
Photo: Hoodline
Madrone Art Bar
“We’ve got live music most days a week, usually two acts per day,” says Richard Woodruff, a Madrone bartender who jokes that he does everything but own the place. “Starting on Thursday, we typically have DJs after happy hour, because we don’t want the music to stop on weekends.”
Mondays, 6pm-1am
Madrone has accomplished the remarkable feat of regularly having a line around the block on a night when some bars don’t even bother to open. But the well-attended R&B dance party has a pattern that few folks, save for the bartenders and regulars, have noticed. Woodruff breaks it down:
“The music starts at 6, when we play original versions of stuff from the ‘60s and '70s. So we get more seasoned listeners who have lived in the neighborhood for a long time in here,” he says. “Then those folks filter out as the music gets louder and the crowd gets younger. And then the line forms as early as 9pm.”
Tickets: $5 after 9:30pm, can be purchased at the door.
Tuesdays, 10pm-1am
“I often stick around on Tuesday nights just to hear their sets,” Woodruff says. “I’m bouncing around behind the bar, because I love New Orleans-style music.” Trumpet player Daniel Casares has played with legendary artists; Max Cowan, who plays the in-house Hammond B3 organ, has too. And guitarist Billy Frates made a name for himself leading the nationally renowned band Vinyl.
Tickets: $5, can be purchased at the door.
Photo: Andrew Dudley/Hoodline
Kate’s Kitchen
Thursdays and Fridays, 7-10pm; acoustic duo Wednesdays, 7-9pm
The red-checkered tablecloths and Americana artifacts hung on the walls make Kate’s Kitchen feel more like the inside of a country diner than a San Francisco restaurant. So does the $10 burger and beer special.
The only thing cheaper is the entertainment, offered three nights a week. Sons of the Beach, a jazz outfit comprised of local players, perform unamplified music twice per week, an ideal backdrop to a casual night out. Robert Radkins, a bartender and server, also recommends the husband-and-wife acoustic duo who play on Wednesdays. “He plays guitar and she plays the fiddle,” Radkins says. “There’s a bit of bluegrass and a little country thrown into the mix.”
Kate’s Kitchen also hosts special live music events from time to time. This Saturday (September 5) catch David Byrd’s JazzReggae Heaven. The three-piece band will play from 7:30 to 10.
Keep an ear out for more music at Kate’s. They hosted their first reggae band at the end of August.
Tickets: Free
Photo: Jennie Butler/Hoodline
Nickies
Tuesday, Sept. 15th, 9-11pm
Nickies is a longtime Lower Haight business that flies under the radar when it comes to live music. [Full disclosure: Nickies is a Hoodline advertiser.] This month, the Lee Vilensky Trio is bringing drums, guitar, and bass to the pub to play funk and soul instrumental music.
“It reminds me of a Tarantino soundtrack,” says manager Sean O’Donovan. “They live in the city, and we had them here two weeks ago. They were a great time, so we’re bringing them back.” Also worth checking out: the bar's new food menu, which debuts September 9th and will be served until 11pm.
Nickies’ calendar is a bit more influx than the others, but you can pretty much count on a live set here once or twice a month. Most often, the bar hosts a jazz, blues or bluegrass band on Tuesday nights. You can also catch traditional Irish bands about once every two months.
Tickets: Free
Photo: Stephen Jackson/Hoodline
The Page
Rob Reich w/guests
Wednesdays, 5-7pm
Before you queue up Rush’s 2112 on The Page’s jukebox, consider dropping by a bit earlier on Wednesdays catch a little live jazz. Rob Reich (accordion) plays with a number of local musicians, including singer Ila Cantor. “We do play a lot of standards and early jazz from the '20s and '30s,” Cantor says. “Sometimes we’ll play Rob’s original compositions, too.”
As far as the scene, expect a modest crowd of locals ranging from age 21 to 80. Bartender Raquel Godined describes it as “a lively, comfortable place to kick up your feet and enjoy some jazz.”
Tickets: Free
Photo: Stephen Jackson/Hoodline
Vinyl
Wednesday, September 24th, 9:30-11:30pm
After Vinyl wraps up its regular Thursday PizzaHacker pop-up, DJ Dan Harris spins records, accompanied by digital animation projected on a large screen. The café opted to bring Harris back after a well-received set at a private event. “It will be low-key but dance-y,” says Eduardo Molina, a manager at Vinyl. “We’ll clear the tables out of the way and make people feel comfortable.”
Tickets: Free
— Rob Goszkowski
Photo: Lynn Friedman/Flickr
Cafe Du Soleil
Every first and third Wednesday, 6-9pm
Cozy up with a glass of wine, a croissant and Americano Social Club, a gypsy jazz trio melding mandolin, guitar and bass for an upbeat, eclectic sound. Led by Michael Zisman on mandolin and featuring guitarist Jason Vanderford and bassist Joe Kyle Jr., the group plays "music for 'la dolce vita': a mix of romantic and eclectic melodies from all over the world." Stake out your spot early, as the event attracts a regular crowd of locals.
Tickets: Free
Photo: Mike Gaworecki/Hoodline
Cafe International
Sundays 4:30-9pm
This six-piece jazz band brings life into normally mellow Sunday afternoons at Cafe International. Pop in any time during the set and you’ll likely find a spot to relax and enjoy. Self-described as a "psychedelic jazz band," the group focuses on Miles' early 1970's explorations ..... "Bitches Brew, In A Silent Way, and On The Corner albums plus original material."
Open Mic Night
Fridays 6:30-7:30pm sign-ups, 7:30-11pm show
And finally, if you're in the market for an unpredictable experience, you can expect anything from music to spoken-word poetry to juggling at this pseudo talent show hosted by Clyde Always.
Tickets: Free— Jennie Butler
