North Beach Jazz Festival 2005
History

There was a time, the locals say, when the rich jazz history of San Francisco was written in North Beach. From the traditional jazz sounds of the Barbary Coast, a block south of Broadway, to North Beach's main digs like the Jazz Workshop, the Coffee Gallery, the Jazz Cellar, the Bagel Shop, El Matador, Basin Street West, Sugarhill, Keystone Korner and others, North Beach was the hotbed of San Francisco's vibrant jazz scene.

While many Jazz Festivals deal in the nostalgic presentation of old masters, the North Beach Jazz Fest has consistently demonstrated an eye and an ear for the future of jazz. Presenting innovative shows that capture a younger listener's ear (while staying true to jazz fundamentals) NBJF has produced shows with artists like Poncho Sanchez, Carlos Santana, Bobby Hutcherson, Carl Craig, DJ Snowboy, Pharoah Sanders, Los Hombres Calientes, Rebirth Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins, and so many others.

Affectionately referred to internationally as the "Soul of San Francisco," North Beach hosts an indoor/outdoor jazz fest featuring over 100 local and international artists at over 30 locations throughout the week long festival and over 200 artists annually. Special programs are also offered including Jazz and Heritage in the Park, two days of free jazz in Washington Square Park with attendance of over 3,000 guests per day.