Bring something to sip and a twenty for the band to either or both shows! Call ahead for a seat reservation — 415-586-3733. We’re a bookshop during the day and a venue for music and poetry in the evenings, with events four to six nights a week, especially through the weekends.

This weekend we have pianist Eric Shifrin’s continuing 2nd Fridays Happy Hour residency, now in its fourth year. Eric & the In Crowd has a big roster, and this week, two key collaborators — bassist Ari Munkres and drummer Mark Lee — are on hand to entertain you with a big bouquet of songs that start with the letter A! Go figure! Better yet, come & enjoy one of San Francisco’s most mischievous piano geniuses! Sings up a charming storm, too! As for Ari and Mark, they’re the two coolest sidemen you’ll encounter here in Bagdhad by the Bay. The trio is here from 6 to 8pm to entertain you. And mark your calendar for the second Friday in December when they’ll no doubt get to letter “B” — hopefully without a nod to Big Bird’s take on the Beatles!

Following the In Crowd, at 8:30pm, Robert Heirendt brings his “Name & Form” Ensemble. You’ll encounter original conceptions/compositions for mbira and saxophone, based on the meeting of traditional Zimbabwean trance music with modern improvisational jazz. The evening will feature Robert on mbira (Zimbabwean kalimba) and two alto saxophonists, Randy McKean and Dan Plonsey. Read more here! There’s a new album to be savored!