The Tommy Igoe Big Band, Laura Mvula and More Set for Yoshi's SF, Now thru 9/15

Yoshi's San Francisco Live Music & Restaurant is located at 1330 Fillmore Street, San Francisco, Calif. For tickets and more info: 415.655.5600 or Show Tickets. For dinner reservations: 415.655.5600 or Dinner Reservations. For current restaurant menu, click here.

THE TOMMY IGOE BIG BAND with Special Guests Christian Pepin and Christian Tumalan

(Featuring 15 of the Bay Area's finest musicians!)

Tue, Aug 13 8pm

$22

After a successful Yoshi's San Francisco debut on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, The Tommy Igoe Big Band has a new home on select Tuesday nights. Tommy Igoe is one of the world's most prominent drummers and bandleaders. He began drumming at the age of two and has gone on to craft a unique and diverse career traveling the world with many iconic artists, both as drummer and music director. In 1997, he created the drum book for Disney's "The Lion King," a seminal Broadway event performed in more than 50 countries around the world. During his time with the original company, he served as principal drummer and conductor. He has also created several of the world's best-selling music education titles including "Groove Essentials" and "Great Hands For A Lifetime" with the original "Groove Essentials" poster fast approaching 500,000 copies. His new Bay Area recording studio serves both as a world-class recording facility and education site for online and private sessions. Read more here.

Wed, Aug 14, 8pm

$18 adv, $23 door

"Nice to meet you. My name is David Ryan Harris. Born in Chicago. Raised in Atlanta. Live in Los Angeles. I heard music, melodies and stories in my head as a child. They never went away and I hope they never do. After experimenting with drums, piano and other instruments in my teens I began my love/hate affair with the guitar. So, there it is: I am a soul singer who plays guitar. And sometimes: I am a guitarist who sings soulfully. Drawn to the blues after hearing songs by Son House, Robert Johnson and others and growing up at a time when Prince, Parliament/Funkadelic, Stevie Wonder and other musicians were stretching the boundaries of popular music I began to understand that music could not and should not be limited by our often narrow views of what it should be." Read more here.

Thu-Fri, Aug 15-16, 8 & 10pm

8pm $25, 10pm $20

There's no question about it: pianist/vocalist Eliane Elias is amazingly versatile. On May 28, 2013, Concord Jazz presents Elias' I Thought About You (A Tribute To Chet Baker), an album that offers her personalized spin on the work of a key American jazz artist while spotlighting her connection to the singer-instrumentalist tradition. It fully demonstrates the range of interests that Elias' art now boasts, and arrives with a statement of purpose: jazz repertoire can sound totally fresh when delivered with ingenuity and passion. Long known for her native feel of Brazilian music, this new disc truly demonstrates Elias' expertise in yet another realm: an interpreter of American standards. An expressive, swinging singer and insightful instrumentalist and arranger, on I Thought About You she thoughtfully switches the size and approach of her impressive ensemble from track to track, yielding to each tune's inner logic. Read more here.

MICHAEL HENDERSON
(Jazz, R&B vocalist "From Motown To Miles And Beyond!")

Sat, Aug 17, 8 & 10pm
8pm $27 adv, $31 door; 10pm $23 adv, $27 door

Michael Henderson first gained world wide recognition as an acclaimed young bass player with groups such as "The Detroit Emeralds," "The Fantastic Four," "The Funk Brothers" and was the FUNK anchor for Stevie Wonder, at the tender age of 16! Musicians marveled at his prowess and knowledge of his instrument. Audiences included the likes of Mick Jagger, Dr. John, Diana Ross, Betty Davis, Miles Davis and more. After one such extraordinary, truly inspiring Stevie Wonder concert, Legendary Trumpeter Miles Davis made his way backstage only to inform Stevie, "I'm Takin' Yo F@&(*(%@ Bass Player!" With Miles, a new style of playing was developed, "FUSION"... Bass players the world over wanted to know this person that helped alter the way music is played and listened to!!! The rest is history!

Sat, Aug 17
10:30pm in The Lounge, 21+

Sun, Aug 18, 7pm

$23 adv, $27 door

Seattle native, Jeff Kashiwa knew he was destined to be a musician following his junior high introduction to woodwinds. His instincts were correct. He became known as one of the most compelling young saxophonists in contemporary jazz during his first year with The Rippingtons. Kashiwa performed hundreds of shows all over the world and appeared on many of the band's classic recordings.

Celebrated keyboardist, composer and studio musician, Brian Simpson has been the 'go-to' man for everyone from Janet Jackson and Teena Marie to George Duke, Stanley Clarke and Dave Koz, for whom he has had the distinction of being musical director for the past 15 years. The chart-topping musical chameleon who wrote the #1 R&B hit "The First Time" for Surface in the 1990s confesses, "Ultimately, my listeners inspire me to make my music." Read more here.

SMOOTH JAZZ SERIES:
KEIKO MATSUI 25th ANNIVERSARY TOUR & SOUL QUEST CD RELEASE PARTY
(Smooth Jazz. Soul Quest street date July 30 / Shanachie Records)
Tue, Aug 20, 8pm
$25
"Creating this album was like going on a soul quest, as I tried to figure out how to express the things I was thinking and experiencing during this past year," confides pianist, composer and humanitarian Keiko Matsui (pronounced Kay-Koe, meaning 'happy, celebratory child' in Japanese). "This music energizes me and I am overwhelmed with emotion when I listen to it. I hope people will allow themselves to go inside the music and become a part of my journey," says the stunning, profound pianist and world citizen who is celebrating a triumphant 25 years of recording in the US. In the words of Duke Ellington, Keiko Matsui is 'beyond category.' The courageous, spiritually-driven and consummate artist who enjoyed the distinction of being an invited guest and performer at the second International Jazz Day, sponsored by UNESCO and held in Istanbul in April 2013, transcends boundary. Her unique melting pot of musical influences have garnered her a devout international following. Read more here.

Wed, Aug 21, 8pm

$15 adv, $19 door
Born and raised in Jamaica, Rankin Scroo has always had music as the center of his life. From his earliest days singing in church to his teenage years as a reggae rapper, Rankin achieved worldwide recognition as a talented singer, producer, songwriter and innovative performer. New York City became Rankin's first home abroad where he performed with numerous sound systems and live bands. His vitality and intensity of expression carried his artistry from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Pioneering reggae music in the Hawaiian Islands, he formed Crucial Youth Productions band and recording studio. Rankin' met Ginger and the two began to write music and perform together. Their unique blend of musical backgrounds and vocals created the highly acclaimed reggae duo "Rankin' Scroo and Ginger" and birthed a new sound now recognized worldwide as Jawaiian music. For nearly three decades, their releases and live performances have astounded crowds all over the world. Nuh Du Dat an anti-drug song and video on the Ras Record label marks this era of international airplay. Things Man Do on the flip side of this hit single was one of the only reggae songs by any reggae artist to ever receive daily rotation on R&B radio station KBLX. Rankin' Scroo and Ginger have won numerous awards and honors for their works and are highly regarded as veteran performers in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Read more here.

(Classic rock band with hits "You Are The Woman," "Strange Way," "Goodbye I Love You" and more)
Thu, Aug 22, 8pm
$23 adv, $27 door
The genealogy and musical roots of Firefall run deep in the fertile soil of American folk/rock music. Along with contemporaries like Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Band, The Eagles and Loggins and Messina, they created a sound that defined a generation and forever changed the musical landscape. Defying industry labels, they creatively melded country, folk, easy listening and rock 'n' roll to create a sound that was uniquely their own. Firefall is one of the few surviving bands of this genre, remaining true to the founding vision throughout the bands' 30 year history. Read more here.

Fri-Sat, Aug 23-24, 8 & 10pm

8pm $30, 10pm $26

Dr. Donald Byrd, one of the leading jazz trumpeters of the 1950s and early 1960s, who became highly successful in the 1970s by blending jazz, funk and rhythm and blues into a pop hybrid that defied categorization, died early this year but his music lives on through his many recordings and the legacy of all the young musicians he instructed at Howard University. His later work shaped black pop music through multiple generations. Known for his pure tone and impeccable technique, he performed or recorded with some of the most prominent jazz musicians including John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Sonny Rollins and Art Blakey. As a bandleader, Mr. Byrd was sometimes a talent scout too - one of the first to hire a promising young pianist named Herbie Hancock. Read more here.

Sun, Aug 25, 7 & 9pm

7pm $23, 9pm $19
In the history of rock & roll, there has never been anyone quite like Swamp Dogg. "For decades, Swamp Dogg has bent R&B/soul traditions as far as they can stretch," wrote Richie Unterberger in Unknown Legends of Rock 'n Roll (Backbeat Books, 1998). "Funk grooves are wedded to old Fats Domino licks. Raunchy tales of sexual (in)fidelity butt up against lyrics probing social injustice, racism and the waste of war. His keening voice is a blend of Jackie Wilson, Van Morrison, Percy Sledge, and pure Swamp Dogg, drawing from soul, rock, and even country. It's black popular music that is too eclectic to pigeonhole-and, for some tastes, too hot to handle in its frank examination/reflection of American society. Even if it is funny." Read more here.

THE TOMMY IGOE BIG BAND with Special Guest Kenny Washington

(Featuring 15 of the Bay Area's finest musicians!)

Tue, Aug 27 8pm

$22

After a successful Yoshi's San Francisco debut on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, The Tommy Igoe Big Band has a new home on select Tuesday nights. Tommy Igoe is one of the world's most prominent drummers and bandleaders. He began drumming at the age of two and has gone on to craft a unique and diverse career traveling the world with many iconic artists, both as drummer and music director. In 1997, he created the drum book for Disney's "The Lion King," a seminal Broadway event performed in more than 50 countries around the world. During his time with the original company, he served as principal drummer and conductor. He has also created several of the world's best-selling music education titles including "Groove Essentials" and "Great Hands For A Lifetime" with the original "Groove Essentials" poster fast approaching 500,000 copies. His new Bay Area recording studio serves both as a world-class recording facility and education site for online and private sessions. Read more here.

CASEY ABRAMS (solo)
(Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and American Idol finalist, Season 10)

Wed, Aug 28, 8pm
$22

Abrams tried out for American Idol in Austin. "I had a heart attack when they chose me," Casey recalls. "I was like: this is the ticket. As soon as I got that foot in the door I knew I could make it. I was so happy." Not too long afterwards, Abrams found himself in London recording his debut album. "It was the best experience, so fun," he enthuses of being in London, working with producer Martin Terefe, whose credits include Jason Mraz, Train (the hit "Soul Sister"), Mary J Blige, KT Tunstall, a-ha, James Morrison, Martha Wainwright, Cat Stevens, Jamie Cullum and others. "I walked to work every morning to Kensaltown Studios, an amazing workshop filled with musicians, writers and producers. I buzzed the big green door, went up three flights of stairs into the room with the big green couches and just chilled. It didn't feel like I was making an album, just having a good time, hanging out and making and writing music with friends. London's just such a creative place." 22-year-old singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and American Idol finalist Casey Abrams, proves he is here to stay with his self-titled debut album on Concord Records. Read more here.

JEFF GOLUB with BRIAN AUGER
(Guitarist Jeff Golub teams with jazz-rock keyboard icon Brian Auger for this first new album Train Keeps A Rolling [Entertainment One/due August 13, 2013] since losing his sight.)

Thu, Aug 29, 8pm
It's been a helluva two years since guitarist Jeff Golub released his last album, "Three Kings," which paid tribute to blues legends B.B., Freddie & Albert King. As the record was released, the optic nerves in Golub's eyes inexplicably collapsed leaving him blind. Adjusting to his new life meant adopting Luke, a guide dog. While attempting to catch a New York City subway last September, Golub fell onto the tracks as a train rapidly approached. He was clipped and dragged by the train as Luke and bystanders frantically attempted to help. Miraculously Golub escaped the harrowing and what could have been a fatal ordeal with only minor scrapes and bruises. Undaunted and as boisterous as ever, Golub stands defiantly, toting his guitar with Luke perched at his feet, at the crossroads of train tracks on the cover of his aptly titled new album, "Train Keeps A Rolling," which will be released August 13th by Entertainment One Music.
Read more here.

(Contemporary Flamenco guitar virtuoso)

Fri-Sun, Aug 30 - Sep 1

Fri 8pm $30, 10pm $20

Sat 8pm $30, 10pm $25

Sun 6pm $20, 8pm $30
There is a change in the weather and sound for Ottmar Liebert's release entitled Dune (Spiral Subwave Records International LLC/2012). Magic men are said to be drawn to the desert sands. Sometimes they come as sculptors like Christo that put up strange and beautiful environments that inspire. Sometimes they come as Native American medicine men or old Japanese Kyoto masters to meditate and postulate. And sometimes, just plain and simple great artists disguised as guitar players. Liebert's new release Dune sits firmly in the crosshairs of it all. Random beauty - airy, rhythmic and sometimes funky; sounds to put you inside of full and empty spaces, at the same time. Ottmar is always exceptionally brilliant and mysterious, but.... Read more here.

THE TOMMY IGOE BIG BAND with Special Guests
Tue, Sep 3, 8pm
$22
After a successful Yoshi's San Francisco debut on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, The Tommy Igoe Big Band has a new home on select Tuesday nights. Tommy Igoe is one of the world's most prominent drummers and bandleaders. He began drumming at the age of two and has gone on to craft a unique and diverse career traveling the world with many iconic artists, both as drummer and music director. In 1997, he created the drum book for Disney's "The Lion King," a seminal Broadway event performed in more than 50 countries around the world. During his time with the original company, he served as principal drummer and conductor. He has also created several of the world's best-selling music education titles including "Groove Essentials" and "Great Hands For A Lifetime" with the original "Groove Essentials" poster fast approaching 500,000 copies. His new Bay Area recording studio serves both as a world-class recording facility and education site for online and private sessions. Read more here.

JUNCAL STREET "A FLAMENCO PERFORMANCE"
Wed, Sep 4, 8pm
$20 adv, $25 door
The word juncal defines those "aficionados" of the Flamenco art form who inhabited "cafe cantantes," where food, drink, music and dance sustained the angst and celebration of Andalusian and Gypsy life. But Juncal Street is no ordinary Flamenco show. Juncal Street was designed to pay homage to these great "juncales," while drawing global inspiration from street art and contemporary urban dance styles. Its music mixes and matches Jazz, Rock, Funk, and Blues with traditional Flamenco, all byproducts of cultural melting pots. Juncal Street stands for a new direction for Flamenco, without taking away the essence of tradition and discipline that so distinctly characterize Flamenco. Read more here.

Thu, Sep 5, 8pm
$39 GA, $60 Premier Seating & Meet & Greet tickets
(Yoshi's will provide seating in the first two rows of the performance.)
Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone, two true stalwarts of classy English pop, have reunited after three decades under the moniker of their former outfit, The Zombies. Their reunion has been enthusiastically embraced by the public, thanks to a hot band, some superlative new material, and a stage repertoire that draws heavily upon their much-cherished catalogue of Zombies and solo hits. In their day, the Zombies were one of the few English bands of the 1960s that enjoyed true global popularity, with two American number ones, chart records throughout the rest of the world, and a deep and lasting affection for their music. For instance, in early 1967, at a time when their career had almost ground to a halt in the UK, the band played to crowds of over 30,000 in the Philippines. And ironically, right after the band split, their final single "Time Of The Season" quickly became their biggest record - US radio plays for the latter song recently passed the four million mark. The Zombies' first two American singles, "She's Not There" and "Tell Her No," also remain two of the most-heavily spun vintage hits on American classic-rock radio. Read more here.

ALL-4-ONE
Fri-Sat, Sep 6-7, 8 & 10pm
Fri: 8pm $35, 10pm $28
Sat: 8pm & 10pm $35
If you've ever been in love, then you've heard the name All-4-One and their timeless songs "I Swear," "I Can Love You Like That," "So Much In Love," " I Turn To You," "These Arms," "Beautiful As You" and much more. The GRAMMY Award Winning group All-4-One is internationally known for making beautiful love songs that not only chart radio airwaves, but also garner countless awards. All-4-One's very first single "So Much In Love," scaled to RIAA Gold Sales and Top 5 pop status. The California based quartet soon marked their place in the industry as premier balladeers. Their second single, "I Swear," claimed the billboard "Hot 100" #1 spot for 11 consecutive weeks, while sales sky rocketed to hold the #1 selling single status in 1994 and third most successful single of the rock era. "I Swear" STILL (in 2012) holds a spot on the Billboard's "Hot 100" as one of the most successful singles of all time and has been named by ASCAP as one of the greatest love songs of the 20th Century. "I Swear" is recorded in history with an imprint in the Guinness's World Book of records (as the biggest selling single of 1994). Read more here.

SMOOTH JAZZ SERIES:
A TRIBUTE TO ART PORTER & GEORGE HOWARD

with Tony Exum Jr & Dee Lucas
Sun, Sep 8, 7pm
$21 adv, $25 door
Denver-based saxophonist Tony Exum, Jr. and Atlanta-based saxophonist Dee Lucas have teamed to bring you the 'Just for Art & George' Tribute show. Just For Art & George is a musical tribute/celebration of the late Contemporary jazz saxophonists Art Porter and George Howard who lost their lives prematurely to a boating accident in Asia and colon cancer respectively in the mid-90's. Tony Exum, Jr and Dee Lucas, both considered by many as rising stars of the smooth jazz world, feel compelled to sacrifice their original musical compositions during these shows to restore and reflect on the impact these two great sax men had in the contemporary jazz genre during the mid-80's and throughout the 90's. Read more here.

THE TOMMY IGOE BIG BAND with Special Guests

(Featuring 15 of the Bay Area's finest musicians!)
Tue, Sep 10, 8pm
$22
After a successful Yoshi's San Francisco debut on Tuesday, June 11, 2013, The Tommy Igoe Big Band has a new home on select Tuesday nights. Tommy Igoe is one of the world's most prominent drummers and bandleaders. He began drumming at the age of two and has gone on to craft a unique and diverse career traveling the world with many iconic artists, both as drummer and music director. In 1997, he created the drum book for Disney's "The Lion King," a seminal Broadway event performed in more than 50 countries around the world. During his time with the original company, he served as principal drummer and conductor. He has also created several of the world's best-selling music education titles including "Groove Essentials" and "Great Hands For A Lifetime" with the original "Groove Essentials" poster fast approaching 500,000 copies. His new Bay Area recording studio serves both as a world-class recording facility and education site for online and private sessions. Read more here.

MARIA DE BARROS
(Transcending Cape Verdean musician blends Tropical, European and African sounds)
Wed, Sep 11, 8pm
$18 adv, $22 door
Maria's musical canvas, with an undercoat of traditional Criolu daubed with bright flecks of Latin pop and African soul, is like a global triptych, made up of all different parts, influences and dialects, yet each piece standing alone, would be much less exciting or meaningful. The beauty can only be truly appreciated when all are perceived simultaneously - an aural masterpiece. Her achievements include the Cape Verdean Artist of the Year, awarded by Cape Verdean Radio/TV/Newspapers in US in 2005, the Miriam Makeba Award for Excellence in Music, given by Radio DJs in the United States in 2006, and the Cultural Certificate of Merit awarded by the Ministry of Culture in Cape Verde in 2008. She has also hosted the "Soul of Africa" programme on BET Jazz television since 2006 while a song from her latest album was placed in the international hit HBO series "Entourage". The recognition of this songstress's talent is a testament to her global appeal and drive, which she hopes will help her in her strife for a better world. Read more here.

Thu, Sep 12, 8 & 10pm
8pm $25, 10pm $20

JÓHANN JÓHANNSSON
(Post-classical / modern composer and pianist)
Fri, Sep 13, 8pm
$29 adv, $33 door
Jóhann Jóhannsson was born in Iceland but currently resides in Copenhagen, Denmark. Described as "intrepid musical enigma" by the BBC, Jóhann's compositions have been moving listeners for more than a decade. His arresting 'Englabörn' album from 2002 was one of the very first and most influential releases in the broad-reaching post-classical / modern composition field and his place in that scene is now fully cemented and justly deserved. Jóhann Jóhannsson has since released several albums with the highly renowned 4AD, Touch and FatCat labels. Jóhann's most recent project is a collaboration with the experimental filmmaker Bill Morrison called 'The Miners Hymns' (2011), a film and accompanying composition for brass band, pipe organ and electronics. The piece had a live premiere in Durham Cathedral in July 2010 and was released on CD and DVD in May 2011. Jóhann has won awards for his film music at the Rhode Island and Sapporo film festivals. His film scores include 'The Good Life' (Eva Mulvad, DK 2010), 'Varmints' (Marc Craste UK 2008) and 'For Ellen' (US 2012). Jóhann is an accomplished composer for contemporary dance and theater and his collaborations with the internationally renowned choreographer and dancer Erna Omarsdottir, 'IBM 1401, a user's manual' (2002), and 'Mysteries of Love' (2005), have been performed widely across Europe. Jóhann has performed in venues all over the world with his ensemble, including Centre Pompidou, London's Barbican Centre, Brussels' Palais des Beaux Arts, and the Prague Rudolfinum.
Read more here.

KATHLEEN MADIGAN Gone Madigan (comedy)
("One of America's funniest female comics." ~Jay Leno)
Sat, Sep 14, 8 & 10pm
$45
In her 22 year career, Kathleen Madigan has never been hotter. With her new Showtime special, "Gone Madigan," in constant rotation and the DVD-CD of the special topping the Amazon and iTunes charts, Madigan has the entire year booked with over 100 theater gigs across the country and numerous television appearances. She's recently back from her second Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff's USO Holiday Tour of Iraq and Afghanistan. This year Madigan shared the stage with Robin Williams, Lewis Black, Lance Armstrong, Kix Brooks and Admiral Mike Mullen who hosted the tour. After the ten day tour, she returned home to tape appearances on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson," "The Green Room with Paul Provenza" and "The Joy Behar Show in New" York. She's had countless appearances on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno," "The Late Show with David Letterman," "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" and every other late night show that has come and gone. She's had her own hour specials on HBO and Comedy Central. In addition to the stand-up appearances, Madigan has been a correspondent for "The Dr. Phil Show," ESPN 2 and done commentary on VH1, CNN, E! , CMT and TV Guide's Emmy Red Carpet. She's performed not only in the US, but in Canada, China, Ireland and England. Read more here.

Sun, Sep 15, 8pm
$15 adv, $20 door
Since announcing the release of her debut EP 'She' back in November last year, Laura has been picking up critical acclaim and support from some of the biggest tastemakers out there. Laura's unique sound has wowed critics, helping to make her one of names on everyone's lips in 2013 and has lead to her being described as "The voice of 2013" by The Evening Standard and her album hailed as "a masterpiece" by The Sunday Times Culture. The classically trained, singer-songwriter's music fuses orchestral soul with velvety harmonies and emotional vocals giving nods to Nina Simone, George Gershwin and Björk amongst others. A graduate from the Birmingham Conservatoire with a degree in composition, the 26-year-old is a unique collision of her Caribbean background and classical music. As one of the most exciting new musical talents to come out of the UK, this young lady deserves every bit of attention that she gets. As Clash magazine say, "Beautiful in voice and soul, lift your eyes skyward and watch this girl soar."
Read more here.