Jerry Ferraz and Michael Koch co-host Bird & Beckett’s monthly poetry reading on the first Thursday of each month, with an open mic following the featured readers. Maria Serafin, “The Word-Weave Rumbera,”  is a performance poet and percussionist, widely known for her work as leader of El Grupo Sinigual, with its 35-year history of performances…

Post-Thanksgiving, on Sunday, November 28, we’ll open the shop and clear the stage at 5pm for a three-hour all-comers jam session — students and old hands alike! Professional musicians, come on out. Live streamed on our facebook page or youtube channel No remuneration, except for the Keith Saunders Trio, with Eric Markowitz on bass and…

Make Bird & Beckett a stop on your holiday whirl. Keep the faith and keep swingin’ — The Cottontails make it easy! Vocalist Karina Denike and pianist Michael McIntosh have been pleasing audiences with this marvelous band at Bird & Beckett at Thanksgiving time for years and are we ever thankful to have them back!…

A fabulous band with an affinity for New Orleans–just the tonic you want and need in these times! Bounce back from your Thanksgiving indulgence, shake it down & rave it up in the company of good friends and companions! Jim Peterson, saxophone Scott Foster, guitar Joe Kyle, Jr., bass Larry Vann, drums Can’t stir from…

Layers of mythic history teased out by Walker Brents III in his monthly talk on topics mythological, poetical, philosophical and otherwise. A recording of Walker’s 11/24/21 talk on Taoist tales can be found at this link. Bird & Beckett’s livestreams can be heard on our YouTube channel or Facebook page.

Bring a poem to the zoom! Kim Shuck, San Francisco’s 7th Poet Laureate, 2019-2021, MCs and keeps it real! The New Jersey poet William Carlos Williams wrote, It is difficult to get the news from poems yet men die miserably every day for lack of what is found there. San Francisco’s first poet laureate, Lawrence…

An evening of songs from and about movies, sampling silent films, cult classics, Japanese anime, and flicks that don’t yet exist (but should). Oakland-based contralto Amy Kessler has performed in opera, jazz, experimental theater, radio, symphonies, churches, and many backyards. Her love of film music and her hatred of standard recital repertoire have combined to…

Larry Ochs returns to the Bird & Beckett stage, where he’s been heard with Rova and in his duo with drummer Don Robinson. Tonight, he’s invited Gerald Cleaver, drums; and Tim Perkis, electronics. Close your eyes and open your ears. You’re in for a fine ride. “Ochs’ full-bodied tenor is out of the John Coltrane/Albert…

Bob Kenmotsu subbed for Charlie McCarthy this time out, joining Tony, Al and Glen on the bandstand. Both Bob and Charlie are stellar tenor players, so no net loss there! Click here to find a recording of the show on our YouTube channel. You’ll can also find past shows on our Facebook page under the…

Don’t miss this one — the only San Francisco date for this quartet and the final date in a regional tour in support of their brand new album, The Silver Fox. The Arterik Quartet Erik Jekabson, trumpet Art Lande, piano Peter Barshay,  bass Alan Hall, drums Call the bookshop to reserve a seat! 415-586-3733 Doors…