🎸 Barcelona Guitar Trio & Dance — SAN FRANCISCO · NOV 18, 2026

 


The internationally acclaimed Barcelona Guitar Trio & Dance returns to San Francisco with an explosive tribute to Paco de LucΓ­a, blending virtuosic Spanish guitar, fiery flamenco dance, and world‑class percussion.

 

Three master guitarists — AlΓ­ Arango, Xavier Coll, Luis Robisco — join dancers Carolina Morgado and JosΓ© Manuel Álvarez for a performance that ignites the stage with rhythm, elegance, and pure Mediterranean passion.

 

πŸ“… Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026 

πŸ•’ Time: 7:30 PM

πŸ“ Venue: Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave, San Francisco

🎟 Tickets: $86–$127 (reserved seating)

πŸ”— Link: https://barcelonaguitartriosanfrancisco.tulenevents.com/

 

Expect compositions by Paco de LucΓ­a, Chick Corea, Manuel de Falla, Federico GarcΓ­a Lorca, and more — performed in one of SF’s most intimate and acoustically perfect theaters.

 

This ensemble has toured the world, from Abu Dhabi to Seoul to New York, and now brings its full flamenco power back to Herbst Theatre.

 

πŸ”₯ One night only. Mediterranean fire meets San Francisco elegance.


🧘 The Path of Meditation: Foundations & Practice

 


Vajrapani Institute for Wisdom Culture — Santa Cruz Mountains, California

November 12–20, 2026

All‑day residential retreat · Beginner‑friendly · Structured meditation training

πŸ“ Location

Vajrapani Institute for Wisdom Culture Located in the quiet redwood forest of the Santa Cruz Mountains — a secluded, purpose‑built Buddhist retreat center.

 

πŸ’΅ Cost & Accommodation Options

Fees vary by lodging type. All options include meals, teachings, meditation sessions, and use of the retreat land.

  • Commuting: $720
  • RV / Camper Van: $875
  • Women’s Dorm: $1,136
  • Men’s Dorm: $1,136
  • Women’s Quad: $1,520
  • Men’s Quad: $1,520
  • Private Room (Twin or Double): $1,960
  • Private Cabins (Vajrapani, Chenrezig, Vajrayogini, Chakrasamvara, Tara, Yamantaka): $2,200

Registration closes: November 5, 2026

 

✨ What This Retreat Offers

A clear, practical, and experiential introduction to meditation — ideal for beginners or anyone wanting a structured, grounded approach.

You will learn:

  • How to structure a meditation session that actually works
  • Placement (concentration) meditation
  • Analytical meditation
  • Techniques for developing calm abiding
  • The four close placements of mindfulness
  • Tools for handling distraction, strengthening focus, and navigating common meditation challenges

The retreat blends:

  • Guided meditations
  • Daily teachings
  • Tea breaks and rest periods
  • Periods of silence
  • Time for personal practice
  • Delicious vegetarian meals
  • A supportive community environment

 

🌿 Who Will Enjoy This Retreat

Perfect for:

  • Complete beginners wanting a structured introduction
  • Students continuing the Exploring Buddhism program
  • Anyone seeking mental clarity, stability, and mindfulness
  • People wanting a retreat that is practical, secular-friendly, and accessible
  • Those who appreciate nature, silence, and contemplative environments

No prior meditation experience is required.

 

πŸ“œ Program & Daily Schedule

Tentative daily schedule (consistent across Vajrapani’s group retreats):

  • 7:15–8:00 — Morning Meditation
  • 8:00–9:00 — Breakfast & Clean‑up
  • 9:00–9:30 — Rest
  • 9:30–12:30 — Teaching Session + Tea Break
  • 12:30–13:30 — Lunch & Clean‑up
  • 13:30–15:00 — Rest
  • 15:00–18:00 — Teaching Session + Tea Break
  • 18:00–19:00 — Dinner & Clean‑up
  • 19:00–19:45 — Evening Meditation

Arrival: Between 3:00–5:00 PM on November 12 Departure: Approximately 2:00 PM on November 20


πŸ”‡ Silence Policy

This is not a fully silent retreat, but structured periods of silence are woven throughout to deepen reflection. Participants may choose full silence by wearing an “in silence” badge provided by the center.

 

Link: https://vajrapani.org/event/the-path-of-meditation-foundations-and-practice/


LifeForce Energy Healing® Retreat — The Sea of Light

 


November 6–8, 2026 — Asilomar Conference Grounds, Carmel, CA

 

A 3‑day transformational energy‑healing retreat with Deborah King, featuring advanced energy‑healing practices, guided meditations, transformational sessions, optional morning yoga, and evening reflection. Held at Asilomar on the Monterey Peninsula — ocean air, dunes, and quiet nature.

Where: Asilomar Conference Grounds, Carmel, CA

What: Energy‑healing training, guided meditations, transformational sessions, yoga

When: November 6–8, 2026

For whom: Seekers wanting structured spiritual tools, energetic breakthroughs, and deep personal transformation

How much: • Workshop fee: $850 early bird / $950 standard • With lodging: $1,849 (single) or $3,198 (double)

Link: https://deborahking.com


Jazz On the Bay Festival 2026

 


SAN FRANCISCO · GOLD BAR WHISKEY DISTILLERY

SUNDAY · SEPTEMBER 20 · 2026 · 2 PM

🎷 THE WATERFRONT CELEBRATION OF JAZZ, FUNK & SOUL

Live from the Gold Bar Whiskey Distillery Tasting Room, this all‑day festival brings together the Bay Area’s finest jazz, funk, and Latin‑soul artists — right on the water with skyline views of San Francisco.

Lineup Highlights:

  • Bay Area All Stars — featuring Peter Michael Escovedo and legends of funk & soul
  • Ricky Aguilar with Mazacote Band — salsa & Latin jazz that keeps the floor alive
  • Momotombo‑SF — former members of Malo & Santana, delivering Latin rock fire
  • Charged Particles, Bay Area Jazz & Soul, Mio Flores — contemporary and Latin‑jazz brilliance

Festival Experience: Local food vendors · Craft cocktails · Beer & wine · Makers market · Waterfront views · Non‑stop music till sunset

Admission: GA $34 · VIP $64 · Kids 5–12 $7.50 · Parking Pass $39 Ages 21+ · No re‑entry · Check‑in closes 7 PM

πŸ“ Venue

Gold Bar Whiskey Distillery Tasting Room Treasure Island · San Francisco, CA

πŸ”— Tickets & Info

https://www.ticketfairy.com/event/jazz-on-the-bay


Gunhild Carling: The Queen of Swing Returns to Mason Street — Two Explosive Shows

 

Sweden’s unstoppable Gunhild Carling — the multi‑instrumentalist who can set a room on fire with trombone, trumpet, harp, bagpipes, and even three trumpets at once — brings her vintage swing magic back to Biscuits & Blues, San Francisco.

Sunday, September 20, 2026 Early Show: 5:30 PM (Doors 4:15 PM) Late Show: 7:30 PM (Doors 7:15 PM) Admission: $30–$65

Expect a night of high‑energy jazz, humor, virtuosity, and pure joy — all inside one of the most intimate rooms in the Bay Area. Gunhild has performed for King Carl XVI Gustaf, toured globally, and became a Postmodern Jukebox sensation. Now based in Northern California, she brings her full circus of swing right to 401 Mason Street.

This room is small. Move early.

Link: https://www.biscuitsandblues.com/find-a-show/20260920gunhildcarling


Tim Kliphuis & Jimmy Grant Under Paris Skies

 


Sun, Oct 4, 7pm - 9pm PDT

Linda Mar Boulevard

Pacifica CA, United States

 

“Django Under Paris Skies” highlights the origins and evolution of European gypsy jazz, a style born in the 1930s and 40s. Django Reinhardt, one of the first major jazz talents in Europe, formed the influential Quintette du Hot Club de France with violinist StΓ©phane Grappelli in 1934. Their group was among the first to showcase the guitar as a lead jazz instrument.

 

Reinhardt’s legacy is as much about resilience as it is about innovation. After a fire left him with severe burns on his left hand, doctors doubted he would ever play again. But during his recovery, Reinhardt adapted his technique, developing a unique style that relied almost entirely on just two fingers.

 

The history surrounding the music adds gravity to the performance. During World War II, the Romani Gypsies, including Reinhardt, faced persecution and genocide. Jazz itself was condemned by the Nazi regime as un-German, but the music persisted.

 

About Tim:

 

Award-winning Dutch violinist Tim Kliphuis blends classical, gypsy jazz, and folk, earning acclaim as a ‘current-day improvising Paganini.’ His innovative approach connects deeply with audiences and inspires new string players.

 

Kliphuis’s latest work, ‘Kosmos,’ incorporates insights from Dutch star scientists to raise environmental awareness. He has performed his climate suite ‘The Five Elements’ at the UN General Assembly and the Royal mission to Stockholm.

 

A Sony Classical artist, Kliphuis has released several acclaimed albums, including Vivaldi-inspired works. His Tim Kliphuis Trio, formed after the Richard Strauss Festival, breaks down stylistic barriers and has performed at major festivals and with renowned orchestras across Europe. The Tim Kliphuis Sextet further captivates audiences with a vibrant crossover of classical and jazz.

 

About Jimmy:

 

Jimmy Grant, hailing from Northern California, discovered Django Reinhardt's vibrant sounds while touring with his dad’s bluegrass band. His unique style, shaped by influences like Bach and Joe Pass, was honed under the mentorship of guitarists Jim Nichols and Howard Alden.

 

Jimmy has performed with renowned artists such as David Grisman, Gonzalo Bergara,  and many more showcasing his talent at prestigious events like Djangofest Northwest and The New York Hot Jazz Festival, as well as venues throughout the US & Europe.

 

As an educator, he teaches across the U.S. and hosts "Camp Django" in Ashland, OR. He contributes to "Gypsy Jazz Secrets Magazine" and has recorded two albums. His original composition "Insomnia" was a finalist in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition.

https://events.humanitix.com/tim-kliphuis-and-jimmy-grant-under-paris-skies


FLOW: Water based Contact Improv

 


August 23, 2026, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

2317 Vine Hill Rd, 2317 Vine Hill Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95065, USA

 

A day of immersion, connection, and aquatic playfulness

 

Step into a different world — a warm, misty, water‑held realm where movement becomes weightless, touch becomes listening, and trust grows naturally. This daylong gathering is designed for anyone curious about water‑based Contact Improvisation: newcomers, seasoned movers, and everyone in between.

 

In this guided aquatic immersion, you’ll explore consent, buoyancy, shared balance, and the quiet magic of being supported by water and by each other. The morning offers gentle instruction and orientation; the afternoon opens into a nurturing playshop and a spacious jam. We close the day with a cozy vegan/vegetarian potluck meal.

 

If you’re longing for play, relaxation, embodied connection, or simply a new way to experience movement — this is your invitation.

 

All levels welcome. All bodies welcome. All choices respected.

 

Tickets and More information: https://www.danielmollner.com/event-details/water-contact-2026

Get Ready to Swing on the Bay with Big Bad Voodoo Daddy! 🎷✨

 


Step aboard City Cruises for an unforgettable night in San Francisco featuring legendary swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy! Enjoy live music, incredible views, and an amazing dining experience right on the water.

πŸ“ Location: Pier 3, Hornblower Landing, San Francisco, CA 🎟️ Tickets: Starting from $106

✨ Event Highlights:

  • Live Performance: Experience Big Bad Voodoo Daddy live.
  • Delicious Dining: A multi-course buffet dinner featuring dishes like Citrus Herb Roasted Salmon, Hand Carved Tri-Tip, pasta, fresh salads, and dessert stations.
  • Skyline Views: Stunning, panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline.
  • Entertainment: Onboard DJ, live show, plus available VIP upgrades including meet-and-greet options and open bar packages.

⏰ Schedule:

  • VIP Boarding: 4:00 PM
  • General Boarding: 4:30 PM
  • Event Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Spots are limited for this exclusive waterfront concert series—don't miss out!

πŸ‘‰ Book your tickets today: City Cruises - Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Event


🎷 The Legendary Monterey Jazz Festival is Back This Autumn! 🍁

 


Looking for the ultimate weekend getaway filled with world-class music, incredible food, and unforgettable vibes? The 69th annual Monterey Jazz Festival is officially just around the corner, and the lineup is absolutely spectacular.

 

Here is everything you need to know to plan your weekend:

 

πŸ“… WHEN: September 25–27, 2026

πŸ“ WHERE: Monterey County Fairgrounds (Monterey, CA)

🎢 THE LINEUP: Catch incredible icons live, including the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, Cécile McLorin Salvant, and a historic reunion performance by Herbie Hancock & Ron Carter!

πŸ’ƒ GOOD FOR DANCING? Absolutely! While the main Arena stage features reserved seating, the outdoor grounds and courtyard stages feature plenty of open space, lively dance areas, and a massive, soulful block-party energy.

πŸ‘₯ WHO IS IT FOR? True jazz aficionados, casual music lovers, weekend road-trippers, and anyone looking to soak up amazing culture in a historic, coastal setting.

🏨 WHERE TO STAY? For luxury and ocean views, look into hotels along Canary Row or Downtown Monterey. For a budget-friendly or cozy vibe, check out the charming coastal inns in nearby Pacific Grove or Seaside.

 

🎟️ HOW MUCH? Single-day ground passes start around $75, with full weekend arena packages going up to $450+.

 

Tickets are selling fast! Grab your crew, pick your passes, and let’s make some memories on the coast. 🌊✨

 

πŸ‘‰https://montereyjazz.org/



 

🎷 Red, White, and BLUES: The Fillmore Jazz Festival is Back! San Francisco!🎺

 


Looking for the ultimate way to celebrate the 4th of July weekend in San Francisco? Skip the traditional barbecue and head to the historic Fillmore District for the largest free jazz festival on the West Coast!

From sunrise to sunset, the streets are coming alive with world-class live music, incredible local art, gourmet food trucks, and open-air bars. Whether you’re a die-hard jazz head or just looking for the best summer street party in SF, this is where you want to be.

 

πŸ“‹ The Quick Details

 

  • πŸ“… When: Saturday, July 4 & Sunday, July 5, 2026 | 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM daily
  • πŸ“ Where: Fillmore Street (spanning 12 massive blocks between Jackson and Eddy Streets), San Francisco, CA
  • πŸ’° Cost: 100% FREE admission! (Just bring wallet support for the incredible local food, craft beer, and artisan vendors).

 

🎢 Who Will Be There & This Year's Highlights

 

With 3 main outdoor stages—the Tony Bennett Stage (California St), the Miles Davis Stage (Sutter St), and the John Coltrane Stage (Eddy St)—plus indoor venues like Calvary Presbyterian, there are over 25+ incredible acts performing.

 

Don't-Miss Sets for 2026:

  • Kim Nalley: The ultimate Bay Area jazz vocal legend headlining the California Stage.
  • Contemporary Jazz Orchestra: A massive 16-piece ensemble performing powerful tributes to Miles Davis and John Coltrane.
  • RealTime Collective: An incredible showcase of the region's top tier jazz musicians, featuring Kristen Strom, Tammy Hall, Ruth Davies, and Sylvia Cuenca.
  • Roger Glenn Latin Jazz Ensemble: Bringing infectious Latin rhythms and legendary vibraphone jazz to the Sutter Stage.
  • The Curtis Family C-Notes: The nationally acclaimed local family band bringing massive energy, funk, and soul.

 

πŸ” Beyond the Music

 

When you aren't dancing, you can browse rows of unique local artisan crafts, photography, and jewelry, or grab a bite from legendary local eateries and food pop-ups like Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement, Bao Bao Express, and Sheba Piano Lounge.

Pack your sunglasses, bring a light jacket (just in case the SF fog rolls in), and come celebrate community, culture, and incredible music.