The first Sunday of each month, Bird & Beckett is proud and pleased to host a jazz combo comprising students from a local college or high school opening the program, followed by a student jam session led by a professional trio. Co-produced and underwritten by Jazz in the Neighborhood and Bird & Beckett, the students in the combos receive a small stipend and the professional musicians receive a guaranteed fair wage.

This time out, it’s a jazz combo from Urban High, over in the Haight! Immensely talented kids, learning the ropes there under the direction of Bird & Beckett’s favorite guitar player, Scott Foster — Urban’s Performing Arts Department Chair!

Stick around after the combo’s set for a jam session led by drummer Akira Tana, with Keith Saunders on piano and Peter Barshay on bass — top-rank professional players from three generations.

If you can’t make it into the shop, you can catch the live stream on our Facebook page or YouTube channel.

Your contributions are much appreciated. Your ears as well!

The 1st Sundays series is open to the many schools all around the Bay Area that have solid jazz education programs. All young (or youngish) students aspiring to a career in jazz — including those who are learning on the bandstands and public squares — are encouraged to turn out for the jam session that concludes each outing. No advance sign up required, but feel free to call the shop for information — 415-586-3733. Ask for Eric.

Educators! Call us if you want to bring a combo to our stage! We’re all ears here! Patrons of the arts & philanthropists! Each of these sessions costs Jazz in the Neighborhood and Bird & Beckett about a thousand dollars to produce. You can help us meet those costs and serve the yearnings of the youth for a future in which jazz is more than just a dream of lost opportunity. Give us a call and lend your support!