North Beach Jazz Fest Hits San Francisco

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SAN FRANCISCO—Only a year after facing possible cancellation, the North Beach Jazz Fest is approaching its 13th year with an exciting five-day lineup.

The event will feature music in the city’s clubs and restaurants, centering on the festival’s flagship venues, Mojito and Washington Square Park. Featured performers include organist Reuben Wilson, drummer Bernard Purdie and guitarist Grant Green, Jr.; the Realistic Orchestra; and percussionist John Santos.

The North Beach Jazz Fest was in jeopordy last year after permit roadblocks almost forced its cancellation. But public outcry, along with help from Mayor Gavin Newsom, ultimately ensured the survival of the event.

The festival runs July 25–29. Cover prices vary. For more information, visit sunsettickets.com/images/nbjazz.



  • Cassandra_Wilson_%40_2026_Mark_Sheldon-2_copy_2.jpg

    Wilson’s ability to connect to audiences helped her to win two Grammy awards and multiple other accolades. She was named an NEA Jazz Master in 2022.

  • Pritesh_Walia_courtesy_Pritesh_Walia.jpg

    “The love from the jazz and music community restored my faith in humanity,” Walia wrote in an online post upon his release from detention at an ICE facility.

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    Bertoncini was a specialist and advocate for the nylon-string acoustic guitar, turning down high-profile opportunities that were unsuited to the sound and techniques that he used with that instrument.

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    A solo concert by saxophonist Joshua Redman will close the first night of the Hyde Park Jazz Festival on Sept. 26.

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    “It was just that suddenly … I could hear it,” Ravi Coltrane said of an epiphany he experienced during his late teens regarding his father’s music. “And it was almost like a calling, like something saying, ‘Hey, man, come on. It’s time to get serious.’ And the first time you really tune in and dial in and focus like that, it can be very life-changing.”