Bands, Music & Events Calendar

Music Calendar

Band Descriptions

Johnny Bones & the Palace of Jazz

Many of you will recognize Johnny Bones as the talented sax player for the Jelly Roll Souls. Johnny started ‘the palace’ as a showcase for his original compositions and arrangements. Featuring wah-wah trumpets, novelty drums, and New Orleans rhythms, the orchestra showcases a classy sound, that is sweet but full of spice. The group debuted at the prestigious Yoshi’s Nitespot in Oakland, and has since played in hot venues from Club Deluxe in San Francisco to the Brown Derby in Los Angeles and all stops in between.

The Jelly Roll Souls

The Jelly Roll Souls are the youngest swinginist and soulfullest band around today. Born from the collaborative visionary efforts of Lech Wierzynski(Trumpet and Vocals), and Nansamba Ssensalo (Drums), the JRS's deliver a sound thats as joyous and funky as a New Orleans street parade, down-home as a Delta juke joint, and fresh and sweet as a Carolina peach. Working with some the finest musicians in the bay area, the Jelly Roll Souls will not only keep your feet moving, but also delight your ears and most of all, soothe your soul.

The Cottontails

The Cottontails are one of San Francisco's most exciting musical groups. Well-versed in American musical styles from the 1920s to the 1980s, they will belt out some old gin-house blues, riff on a Charilie Parker tune, and rock out on Black Sabbath, all in a single set. The band features Karina Denike on vocals, Ralph Carney on horns and lap steel, backed up by the hardest-working rhythm section in show business - Michael McIntosh on piano, Daniel Fabricant on bass, and the irrepressible Randy Odell on percussion.

San Francisco Medicine Ball Band

The San Francisco Medicine Ball Band was formed in the 1970s as a street band. Led by guitarist David Sturdevant, the band has consisted of some of the best traditional dixieland jazz and be-bop players in the Bay Area. Members have included Pee-Wee Ellis of James Brown's Band, Richie Cole and other well-known(and lesser-known) musicians. The band plays a mix of traditional jazz, New Orleans rhythm and blues and other foot-tapping styles that suit their mood.

Solomon Douglas Swing Trio

Solomon Douglas is a jazz pianist and bandleader whose various bands have played at lindy hop and swing dance events in North America, Asia, and Australia over the past six years. His experience as a swing dancer and dance instructor gives him an understanding unique among musicians of the music that swing dancers like to dance to!

The Corner Pocket Swing Band

Featuring acclaimed pianist and Indigo Swing alum William Beatty, the Corner Pocket Swing Band is San Francisco's hot swing dance band with the sophisticated and elegant sound. The band specializes in playing popular tunes from the 1920s-40s and also plays their own inspired tunes. As a special treat, catch Cat's Corner host singing with the band!