Joyce Todd McBride, piano and compositions.
Jeff Kaszubinski, saxophone.
Todd Larson, bass.
Jeff Pera, drums.

$20 cover charge, byob.
Reservations, call 415-586-3733.

A vibrant Bay Area jazz ensemble, Dream Kitchen delivers a captivating blend of improvisation, modern jazz, and Latin rhythms. Led by the soulful piano and compositions of Joyce Todd McBride, the group’s original compositions and dynamic performances showcase their collective musical expertise and passion for pushing the boundaries of modern improvisation. Performance highlights include a live quadraphonic recording at The Dome Center for Art, Music and Dance in 2023. Their performance is best experienced live and in the moment in Bird & Beckett’s cozy bookshop listening environment, but it will also be streamed live on the shop’s Facebook page and YouTube channel for those stuck at home or in an airport lounge somewhere in the wilds of America, or anywhere really…

 

Joyce Todd McBride grew up in Berkeley, California, and has benefited greatly from the Bay Area’s unique musical diversity and the beauty of its natural environment. Pianist, composer, singer, arranger, and teacher, Joyce has been making music her whole life, continually exploring new areas of study and play. Joyce attended UC Santa Cruz, University of Sussex, University of Pennsylvania and Mills College, where she completed a master’s degree in composition. Joyce is director of Conspiracy of Venus Vocal Ensemble, for which she also creates unusual and fun arrangements, and she will be releasing an album of original music for jazz quintet in early 2025.

East SF Bay Saxophonist Jeffrey Kaszubinski grew up in New Orleans, LA playing various saxophones in street parades and eventually leading the Saxophone section for the UNO Jazz Band – performing at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Completed a one year engagement with the show band “Adam’s Apple” touring the Americas. Worked as a studio musician recording in various NOLA studios and performing in local venues. Currently recording and performing with several East Bay Jazz Ensembles and Concert Bands. Made it to NYC’s Carnegie Hall in April 2024 performing with the Stockton based “Delta Symphonic Winds”.

Bay Area bassist and composer Todd Larson developed his musical voice growing up in Minneapolis, where he worked with a diverse group of artists, including Yanni and the scene surrounding Prince’s Paisley Park studio. He developed a reputation as a creative session bassist, crafting unique contributions in a variety of styles including R&B, jazz, and film soundtracks. Moving to the Bay Area in 2014, Todd continues to seek creative collaborators, and has performed and recorded with Dream Kitchen, Cheap Charms, MishMash and Strange Meeting. toddlarson.net

Drummer Jeff Pera began playing in Cleveland, Ohio and discovered jazz via his Los Angeles area high school big band and the jazz of the time including Weather Report, Joni Mitchell, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, and Herbie Hancock. Since moving to San Francisco in 1980 his teachers have included Jason Lewis, Dave Flores and Jon Arkin. He plays in big bands and a variety of small groups in addition to Dream Kitchen.

Welcome to the Dream Kitchen!