No food, service staff for SF Jazz are amazing, friendly, warm atmosphere. Very clean, we watch Jake Shimabukuro Ukulele musician!!

Website and event description says open dance floor, but you actually need to buy a dance floor ticket to enter. They say it's a fire marshal thing which we can understand, but you need a dance floor ticket regardless of capacity. So open dance floor is an incredibly misleading description and we found the management it be spectacularly unapologetic and unhelpful in regards to their misleading description. read more

I've been to a few shows here. Never liked the place. Jazz is intimate, the atmosphere here is stuffy and sterile. Ambience sucks. Seating is like a movie theater. Wine sold in the lobby in plastic cups. I got front row seats to the last show that I attended. They were a foot away from the stage. We were right in front of the drums. That's all I could hear. I like jazz venues with tables and servers bringing you drinks and food. The show ended at nine. I was hungry. Went to the restaurant in the building. Food service was closed. Saturday-at 9 PM-food service was closed. WTF. Music was good. The rest was crap. read more

Went to see a very accomplished and that's putting it lightly author/Curator/Smithsonian Museum Director Lonnie Bunch. He is the person along with a staff of 200 persons who successfully oversaw the National Museum of African American History and Culture Museum in Washington DC. He was witty, funny and full of intriguing stories. We were nestled on the second floor in a room a lot like a stadium in design but no bad seat in the house. SFJAZZ is very modern and clean. Bars on the second floor and yes they accept Apple Pay. The have a full bar and an assortment of wine and Prosecco. It was a fabulous event. read more

This place is a missed opportunity...new management would greatly improve. -venue: 4 very nice, set up useful -Location: 5 great location in center of all the main arts venues. -Musician: 5 great talent runs through this location -Staff: 1 Horrible!!! They have more stuck up, intitled attitude than the symphony....for Jazz...are you kidding me!!! Very un-user friendly. -Ridiculous rules 1...unnecessary hardship of climbing steep stairs if you need to use the bathroom, inconvenient...circular to get to seats right off floor...make you take elevator up...Then walk down steep stairs. If you need to use restroom...forced to walk up steep stars again...rather than down 3 steps. ADA compliant issues...even after being told! -prices: 1 Unreasonable for shows that are EXTREMELY short. At the end of the day...this us a small venue with a little tweaking (ie manager change) could stand the test of time. Remember that people go out to support live music...have many choices in the bay area. The experience should be warm & inviting....and for the price...let the artist perform to thier paying audience....don't cut it off or make it so short...people will choose other venues for better experience. You may want to go to Freight & salvage to see how warm crowds and supportive staff can be a great evening. Or even the afore mentioned symphony, which does a great job of orderly, but inviting shows. read more

I write to praise SF Jazz with the utmost enthusiasm, maximally effusive. I am merely an audience member. I claim no expertise. I only know what I like. This is my favorite establishment for jazz. (There are terrific restaurants nearby as well.) I listen to jazz often though. In New York City, where I live, I patronized Jazz Standard until it closed, saddening many. That was my preferred venue in the city, because it boasted great performers (the Mingus band, for example, the official ensemble in many forms, authorized by his widow), offered good food from the upstairs BBQ joint, and was spacious as its rivals were not. I have since been to Birdland many times, and that as regular as I am. I also am familiar with Blue Note and Village Vanguard and Mezzrow and Smalls, etc. But SF Jazz is on another scale. The only comparison that would be appropriate is Jazz at Lincoln Center. Both of these present themselves quite differently from a club. They are posh. They are more of an upscale locale for folks who have dressed up. The contemporary design is humane and feels intimate despite what is a vast expanse for syncopated sound. The auditorium is comfortable. My wife and I have seen at least a half dozen shows there. I recommend it without hesitation. My wife knows jazz much more than I do, and she has shared her love of the genre. I have to say a part of me feels funny here, as if the design is more akin to the nearby symphony hall and opera house than the ad hoc spaces where I usually take in live music. That is not a criticism but perhaps a backhanded compliment. The music can be just as raucous as elsewhere. The setting should not mislead you; this is emphatically not some sort of antiseptic corporate bland nothingness. I reserve my most lavish praise for the Joe Henderson Lab. On the first floor, this glass enclosed general admission square defies expectations, at least mine. I sometimes berate myself for my stupidity. The first time I walked into this room, I thought, well, how is this going to work: you can see all the pedestrians and traffic and goings on along the sidewalk and on the street, and that will just distract so much from the performance as to mar it irreparably. I am glad to be proven wrong. It is the opposite: the life that is passing by and every now and then engaging with the musicians (pantomime, as in air guitar, or leering) is fine and provides a visual backdrop, dynamic to the point of chaotic, and perfect in unpredictability as an accompaniment to what you are listening to. Jazz does not need to be enlivened (well, I listened to a Scandinavian group that gave meaning to soporific, and I was entranced; that was the exception), but the movement outside the floor to ceiling windows is exhilarating, observations of the random which appeals to the voyeur residing in the recesses of our souls. We were there last night with neighbors. (My wife resides in San Francisco.) We heard Pasquale Grasso. He was solo. I had come across him as an accompanist to Samara Joy. I had the luck to see her before her double Grammy wins, when it was still possible to obtain a ticket. Grasso is prodigious, formidable, modest, and entertaining in his own right. At SF Jazz, he had just the showcase for his talent. read more

Jazz at its best. The atmosphere was phenomenal and truly one of a kind read more

SFJAZZ - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I had never been to the SF JAZZ Center before, but heard about it from friends. It is a happening place with a bowl auditorium and pristine sound. I sat midway up the auditorium and could see the stage and everyone else perfectly. We were there to see Pat Matheny and it was the first weekend open since the pandemic. The audience was lively and artists appreciative. It was a great show and amazing venue. I also noted, while in line to show proof of vaccine, that there was a hall in the back on the first floor, as well as, the main auditorium. There's a lot going on there! I'll be back in a couple weeks to see Jesus Diaz. read more

As a new SFJazz member, I was recently shocked by the terrible experience we endured at the B-Side restaurant, connected to the Club. As this was our first time in, we had an issue with the Maitre D, who was rude, aggressive, and sarcastically belligerent to the five of us, attending a recent show at SF Jazz. Also had an issue with the acoustics / mix (Joe Henderson Lab). The drummer and percussionist were set up directly adjacent to a solid glass wall, running behind them (stage back), and the entire length of the club (Franklin Street). Unfortunately, due to these conditions, the piano was totally buried beneath a ricochet of drums and the drone of an over-amplified elec. bass. Déjà vu, felt like I was back at Winterland LOL In all fairness, we have not experienced the Big Show Room; it was silent the evening we arrived. read more

Miner auditorium is a wonderfully intimate venue, perfect for jazz concerts. The acoustics are stellar, except for the upper balcony, which gets bass-bombed. The seating surrounds the stage area, and no view is obscured. The upper balcony seating is sorely lacking, however, as the seats are nothing more than elevated bar stools, which have virtually no back support. A two-hour show is a painful experience in these seats for anyone with back problems. Overall, my experience was a good one. read more

Wonderful venue with no bad seats. Saw Pink Martini today for holiday concert and it was high energy and so fun! I would only recommend that the cocktail prices be cheaper. $18 for a small pink martini is excessive. Also $4 for store bought chips ahoy cookies is ridiculous. At least get bigger, fresher cookies! read more

I love this venue! Such a great place for all different kinds of music. There is a good sized auditorium where really there are no bad seats. Just different pricing for different seating areas. My only complaint about the seating is that the seats are rock hard and not real comfortable. But then, most shows are about 90 minutes on average so we can tolerate the discomfort for awhile as a trade off to see some great music! I really think this is one of the best music venues in San Francisco. There is a lounge for drinks downstairs and 2 small bars upstairs. SF Jazz is a huge supporter of music for kids as well. Go check this place out, become a member too! As a member you will have first choice of tickets every time they announce their new season. read more

I so love going to Sf jazz The joe Henderson lab is an intimate to hear all kinds of music The miner auditorium seems small and cozy I have seen soo many wonderful shows Grateful they are in my city read more

Love everything about SFJAZZ. Fantastic venue, incredible talent, always have a wonderful experience here.

SFJAZZ now has $60 yearly digital memberships which allow you to watch all their live, prerecorded concerts Friday nights at 5PM. Though the concerts are free w/ membership, a contribution to the tip jar is strongly encouraged. Those contributions are evenly split between the Jazz Center and the musicians. The production values are topnotch, w/ fabulous camera work and sound. You have a real sense of being there. They have added other concerts which are available for a nominal fee. This is a great way to support both the Center and the musicians. I love going to the Jazz Center, but we haven't been to San Francisco in almost 5 years, after a failed attempt to find parking to attend a Sunday afternoon concert. The Super Bowl had a massive presence downtown, there was road or sidewalk construction in the area and we drove around for 45 minutes before we ended up calling the friends who were waiting for us and telling them we weren't coming. This allows us to attend a concert w/o worrying about parking. It's the best thing going these days, when live, in-person concerts are just not happening here. read more

I can't imagine a better venue in the city to see an artist. Sparkling clean & modern, this is admittedly a music performance venue for a more sophisticated crowd... It's Jazz, after all. My first time here was to see Arturo Sandoval perform on June 17th, Father's Day. Our seats were fabulous; only a couple of rows from the stage. But this is a smaller, more intimate venue than the bigger halls in SF. Even if you don't get the up-close & personal seats, it still feels "boutique." Sandoval was, of course, amazing. My next visit was for Paris Combo, the French Jazz/Cabaret band. They are fun & sexy, & they kept encouraging the audience to get up & dance. I mean, repeatedly! The combination of the energy, the music, & Belle du Berry's voice made for another unforgettable evening. As far as membership goes, it's definitely worth joining. There was just a night w Chucho Valdes last week, an interview w him performing a couple of his classics. 2 hours plus of him talking about his prolific career, along w a q&a session afterwards. Followed by complimentary hors d'oeuvres & desserts. Free for members. Yes, free. The only thing is, w the free shows, the seating is unassigned. So you need to get here very early if you want good, or any, seats! We made it about 30 minutes before curtain, grabbed a drink to take in, but were directed upstairs to the balcony seats since downstairs was already full. Wasn't a problem though; there's really not a bad seat in the house. B-Side restaurant is downstairs for dinner before or after a show, w/ a full bar. Is it getting too close to showtime? No worries. They'll put your drink in a clear plastic cup for you & you can take it inside. A great venue. 5 stars read more

SFJAZZ, love you! We live 3+ hours away, but still became members. Just went to our second concert there, in the smaller venue. Great sound, a little hard to see but I can live with that. :) The large venue is perfect. Will have to check out the food options next time. You are a Bay Area (and beyond) treasure! read more

It don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing Doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah- doo-ah-doo-ah! It don't mean a thing all you got to do is sing Doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah- doo-ah-doo-ah! Foodie that I am, of course I tried South at SFJAZZ before even stepping into the auditorium of the new SFJAZZ Center. I liked Charles Phan's Cajun hot pocket spot, but I have to say I really enjoy the venue even more. Thanks to Jamie W.'s unending curiosity about all things local, we've been able to go to the center for two separate concerts. And while I really can't say I'm a major jazz aficionado, both evenings were quite wonderful in regard to the showmanship, acoustics and overall experience. It's because the vast 700-seat auditorium has been designed to allow most everyone a great view of the stage (photo: http://bit.ly/12ok2VF). The first time we went was in late March when we saw the high-octane octet that makes up the SFJAZZ Collective in their tribute to the music of Chick Corea (photo: http://bit.ly/ZTGwLd). Each of the accomplished members arranged a specific piece for the ensemble to play with spirit and surprising synchronicity. We bought a couple of the $25 seats in the Center Balcony, the uppermost row of seats, and had a clear view from our bar-like seats. What's nice is that there is one of seats up there, and they are far enough apart to come and go without bothering the person next to you. On our second visit earlier this month, we went to the first dance party SFJAZZ has ever held (photo: http://bit.ly/17WAK0I). It was an energetic hip-hop tribute to Fats Waller with resident artistic director Jason Moran holding court on the keyboards wearing a Mardi Gras-style head mask of Fats himself (photo: http://bit.ly/16th6ve). Meshell Ndegeocello guest rapped with the rest of the ensemble kicking in, and a couple of professional dancers encouraging the extroverts to join in the festivities (photo: http://bit.ly/10sTvTc). The joint was really jumpin', and Jamie and I had great seats in the Central Terrace directly behind the performers. The Season 1 program is chock full of big names in jazz and world music, and I expect the reputation of the venue will only improve over time. Definitely find an excuse to come here. It's a great addition to our local arts scene. It makes no difference If it's sweet or hot Just give that rhythm Everything you've got It don't mean a thing, if it ain't got that swing Doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah- doo-ah-doo-ah! It don't mean a thing all you got to do is sing Doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah-doo-ah- doo-ah-doo-ah! read more

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I cannot give less than 5 stars for a place dedicated to Jazz music. It's the first of its kind (build by jazz lover for jazz lovers). The miner auditorium looks a bit cold (color wise/atmosphere) but is unbeatable in terms of acoustic. You'll clearly see and hear the artist decently pretty much anywhere you are seating. Venues seems to be carefully and greatly chosen. I saw Chick Corea there (non-electric), and it was outstanding. The only drawback? parking space. Try to park (10$) on Oak St. in front of the conservatory. I am ready to drive over an hour to go listen to jazz concerts there. I'm getting my membership card today! read more

SFJAZZ - Chic Corea and Gonzalo Rubalcaba - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Wow! First stand-alone Jazz Center in the US. Great acoustics and A Love Supreme/John Coltrane 50th Anniversary Celebration is just awesome!! Ravi Coltrane (Saxophone), Joe Lovano (Saxophone) Drew Gress (Bassist), Geri Allen (Piano) and my friend Ralph Peterson (Drums) were absolutely fantastic!! This is a great center and the acoustics were phenomenal! Not a bad seat in the house! They have three bars and the Tequila Special was do yummy!! read more

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We happened by on a whim as we were actually making our way to another concert in SF. The smaller performance room sits on the corner of the street and is surrounded by glass and you can see what's going on although you can't hear anything because of great soundproofing. We went in to ask about what was going on. The staff were very helpful and explained which artists were playing in each hall and what type of sound each were. Since the performances were able half way through, the ticketing agent offered the tickets to us for half price which is the student pricing. Each ticket wound up being $35. There was an usher that opens the door for you to the smaller hall so you aren't disruptive. The seating was open seating so you could slide in wherever there were empty spots. It was a very small and intimate setting. I would say probably around 50 people would fit in that room. You could clearly see the musicians from everywhere and the sound was great as well. The part of the performance that we did see actually flew by. There is a restaurant within SFJAZZ where you can grab a bite to eat after. There was a special event there that night so part of the dining room was closed off but you could still by the bar. The washrooms were clean and had pretty wide stalls which were spacious and nice. There are water fountains by the restrooms. I wouldn't say that I am a jazz expert by any means but after such a great experience I'd be interested in coming back to check out another show the next time I'm in town. read more

Just attended my 10th concert here. What a great music venue! First time I sat up in the top balcony. The chairs are quite small up there and a bit uncomfortable. But the spacing between the chairs is generous, so there's plenty of room to wiggle, twist & turn to relieve butt cramping. Sound system is excellent. No matter the volume level, it's easy to hear the musician. Nuances are clearly heard. Never have sat in the street level Joe Henderson lab room. Looks crowded & cramped. Just got the 2018-2019 season calendar. I plan to be back many more times. read more

Tonight I saw two sets at the Joe Henderson Lab, which is a smaller performance space for lesser known acts within the center. James Mahone and group played Booker Little's Out Front and other pieces. I still haven't seen a jazz concert in Miner Auditorium. I have seen a couple including Brian Wilson(Beach Boys) at Davies Hall. I think SFJazz is an incredible institution in SF. They got a world-class building. The bathrooms are really nice lol. I wish I found some of the schedule more appealing, but I have not been into jazz as much I like indie rock or classical. This city is great and SFJazz definitely adds to the appeal. read more

SFJAZZ - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Great venue. Great jazz. Parking always a challenge in the city. Not a bad seat in the house. read more

Signed up for an annual membership and booked online early, and so I was fortunate to catch several amazing performances (e.g., Afro-Cuban All Stars, Hiromi, Eubanks, Dave Holland) from the front row for very reasonable prices since the new SF Jazz Center opened. Don't forget to grab a plastic cup of your favorite local vintage before you enter the hall (each seat has a cup holder). Berlioz wrote: 'I know of no other musical instrument which has this strange sound, which at times borders on silence, and at times excites the listener to an enthusiasm which I can understand, but not describe.' It was 1849 and the topic was the newly invented saxophone, but for me he perfectly encapsulates the experience at the new Center, when you connect an audience with world-class artists in this intimate space. read more

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I'm here at a concert which hasn't started yet. This review is for the ticketing process. I bought four "dance floor seats". On arriving we learned that "dance floor seats" aren't seats at all but a standing room only area in front I'd the stage. I would have zero problem with this had this been explained when I bought the tickets but there was no mention of this whatsoever and I read everything! I feel badly for the older people arriving who can't stand for that long learn that their seats don't exist. Marketing and sales needs to get their act together on this. And the venue seems fine, but be aware what you're getting. read more

It's been a year since I last visited, the ushers now are the same as every other crappy venue - old, power-tripping folks who like to hang out on their smart phones in the back while a performance is going on and give you rude attitude if you do the slightest out of the norm (like put your coat on a vacant seat). Such a sad thing to witness a beautiful venue with poor service. I'm so glad I'm not a member. read more

Great venue, parking, not so much! Great location, very busy, few parking garages nearby. Enter the building with your tickets, where volunteers will scan them and direct you to your assigned seating! albums and junk are on sale based on the performance! read more

Great venue for jazz and other music. Saw Philip Glass here on my first visit to this hall. Bar outside with beer, wine, cocktails, canned sake and theoretical snacks (theoretical as there were none available when I was there) There are 3 levels with pretty good views all round. It holds around 1000 people. Really great acoustics; it was designed from the ground up I believe. Parking awkward in the area. read more

SFJAZZ - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Nice venue but services are lacking; and this can make or break a night. Only one poor soul working the bar before the show and they really were taking their time (I don't blame them). We had to queue for 25 min to get a drink so we didn't get to have any chats with our friends before the show... please hire more help. Also y'all really buying the cheap cookies from Safeway and then selling them individually for over $4 each? I saw your staff open the Safeway box and bag each cookie up to make it look not Safeway bought. I guess that's just capitalism at play. read more

Recently been to SFJazz Center twice.....both times in the Miner Auditorium - first time ever, to see HERBIE HANCOCK & then to see JUAN DE MARCOS & THE AFRO-CUBAN ALL STARS for the Opening Night of the SF Jazz Festival Have to say I'm all kinds of impressed w/ this venue! I love the sleek, modern, industrial atmosphere of the place - makes hearing the jazz all the more enriching Drinkys are allowed inside Sightlines are incredible - we sat center for 1 performance & stage right for the other & our view was perfect. I also thought the sound was spot on & even though others talk about the sound being horrible, guess it all has to do w/ placement...... I go to enough shows to know where to sit for the best sound quality so I always try to plan my concerts accordingly Maybe if I'd been sitting in other areas referenced, I'd feel differently but I can only speak for the awesome experiences I've had & therefore, a happy 5-Stars to you & I'm excited to come back for more & more read more

SFJAZZ - Herbie Hancock - 05/18/14 - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

For jazz noobs and enthusiasts alike, SFJAZZ won't disappoint. There is a larger auditorium (Miner Auditorium) and a smaller venue, the Joe Henderson Lab. We had seats up on the balcony and these were semi-comfortable, but I can see how bigger folks have a hard time (literally!) sitting in these chairs for more than an hour. Also, leg room wasn't that much. Kinda like your dated Economy United chair. I didn't see a coat check which can be annoying to some people, especially since it's winter 9 out of 12 months in San Francisco. There are bars downstairs and upstairs, with drinks for normal SF prices, and a pretty grumpy bartender. read more

I am embarrassed to admit that last night was the first time I have been to SFJAZZ, even though it has been open for two years. That said - it's been open for two years and they have had plenty of time to address a pretty major flaw mentioned by several other Yelp reviewers: THERE IS NO COAT CHECK. Seriously - this is San Francisco, not Los Angeles. The weather is cool at night and people wear these additional layers of clothing called "coats" -- and motorcyclists likewise have helmets/jackets/overpants (number of motorcyclists are higher per capita in the Bay Area than anywhere in the US). Fortunately, a nice manager named Claire stowed my gear in a storage closet in a locked area -- and I quickly discovered at the end of the show: I was not the only person to do so. Even SF Opera has a coat check! People were wearing hats all through the performance (seriously?). All that aside - it's a gorgeous building with incredible acoustics. I think the sound in Miner Auditorium could not be better -- I'm very happy I did not pick a seat behind the stage as those folks looked as though they were straining to see the action on stage. The seats were really comfortable for this type of stadium seating -- and I look forward to returning for more events. I will continue to lobby for a coat check (!). read more

This is a world class space and I am so glad I got to go to opening week of this new season! The Miner Auditorium is beautifully constructed with not a bad seat in the house. There are your traditional floor seats, terrace seats and then the upper terrace where it's almost like a balcony with high seats make the space very accessible for different budgets! I was lucky enough to catch Chick Corea and Bela Fleck and as a pianist, always want to see the hands so initially had seats on the left. Upon coming in, chick had changed the piano around so it was facing the other direction so I quickly ran downstairs to box office to see if I could switch my seats around (or else I'd have been devastated!). They quickly helped me out and I was in heaven. With projection of lighting and screen for further projections, it is an ideal multi purpose space. read more

SFJAZZ - View from right terrace. - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Let me just clearly state, that I am not a huge fan of jazz music. The only times you would catch me listening to it is at weddings, events, or if my boyfriend (musician himself) forces me. I have come here twice with him to watch the Bobby Hutcherson quartet and most recently the Herbie Hancock show. I must say, both shows were amazing. I really loved watching Herbie Hancock with Zakir Hussain and Marcus Miller. Pros: -The venue and building is really beautiful. The lightening, and stage are put up really well. -Seating arraignment isn't so bad. I've sat up in the balcony, and down on the side floor, and had really good views. Cons -The seats are terrible. Super uncomfortable. So glad the shows aren't long, because it honestly feels like a sharp edge is poking you. And you feel super cramped. -The bar and food is too expensive for its quality. They don't have Jameson. What the hell! Okay no prob, how about vodka/cran? What! No cranberry juice! Thank god for Hayes Valley and its options of dining elsewhere. -I'm no musician, but the sound is horrible. I've come to watch the shows with other musicians, and they have all complained the sound quality is terrible. -The staff is rude. Ugh. Even though its a fairly new building, this place has a lot of potential, but needs way more improvements. I support the arts, now let me enjoy it with better sound quality and get my money's worth. read more

SFJAZZ - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Customer service is non-existent. I ordered a gift card over the phone in mid-December to give as a Christmas gift. I live in the next county, so it should have arrived within a day or two via the postal service. It never arrived. Christmas passed and all I could do was tell the intended recipient that it was in the mail. Right after Christmas, I called the SF Jazz Center to see where the gift card was. I was told that the front office that took my order had not communicated it to the box office and that it was an oversight and they would send it out immediately. I received a packet in the mail in mid-January. Upon opening the envelope there was some literature about the SF Jazz Center and a schedule of events, yet no gift card. Today I called and spoke with Leslie who advised that she would contact the box office and get it resolved. Based on the incompetence I've experienced with the SF Jazz Center so far, it has solidified that I will never give them any business in the future. I mean really, how hard is it to mail out a gift card? All of the people I have spoken to sound very nice....they just seem to be incapable of doing their jobs. If they can't get it right this time, I'm canceling the gift card order and just handing the intended recipient cash. read more

We went during opening week to see the legendary McCoy Tyner on 01/24/13. As a jazz lover, I have really mixed feelings about this new venue. I really love that we now have a venue exclusively devoted to jazz. But, as much as I wanted to love it, I have to admit that, as a venue, there are some problems. 1) It was a cold night and rain was forecast, and there was no coat check!! We had to take our overcoats and umbrellas to our seats?! I consider this a major flaw because it should be such a basic given. It's like not having a bathroom (okay, maybe not that extreme). 2) The seats were small and uncomfortable. It's horrible when you're really looking forward to a great night of music, and you can't enjoy it because the seats are uncomfortably distracting. Sitting in them for two hours was NOT fun. 3) Many of the rows only have access from one side. If you need to get out, you have to go through the whole row. I've never seen that before and don't understand how that's not considered a design flaw! 4) The water fountains had inadequate water pressure. This might seem like I'm nit picking, but I heard a lot of people commenting about it. Again, it's about the details, and at the very least, it is a telling sign of the what the big picture looks like at the SFJazz Center. PROS: 1) The venue is only a few hundred seats, so there's a great view from every seat. 2) There are some very cool seats that are elevated BEHIND the stage. If you're sitting there, you have a crazy view of the musicians while they're playing! Extra bonus: there's a rail/shelf up there for your drinks. Very cool. Double extra bonus: The seats swivel all the way around, allowing you to sit backwards in your seat. 3) The acoustics in this venue are top notch. 4) The location is close to Nojo (next door) and Absinthe for dinner. read more

SFJAZZ - 01/24/13 - Opening week to see McCoy Tyner. Some of the coolest seats are the elevated ones behind the stage. - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Alicia @ SFJAZZ Member Box Office Rocks!!! Alittle about SFJazz: SFJAZZ presents a wealth of year-round programs, including the internationally acclaimed San Francisco Jazz Festival, the SFJAZZ Spring Season and numerous community outreach and education programs. Founded in 1983 under the name of Jazz in the City, the organization adopted its new identity as SFJAZZ in late 1999, in recognition of its expansion from seasonal music presenter to year-round arts institution. All SFJAZZ programs reflect a spirit of artistic exploration, embracing the full breadth of jazz and its related musics; emphasize thematic programming, with tributes to jazz masters and celebrations of particular musical instruments, trends or styles; and strive to instill enthusiasm for jazz among wider audiences. I called and ordered tickets to a March 2008 performance. I am getting kind of tired ordering over the Internet. Yeah I said that. It is not the same kind of "Retail Therapy" I find that I like to interact with human beings and voices again. Sometimes I am Holly Hobbit Holly Hermit. WTF Alicia made it all painless. I told her about YELP and how I was going to Yelp her. You want a ciggerette darling?? hahaha Yo BB is planning out her cultural activities for 2008. This is also a Birthday celebration for JuneBug Barnes. His 77th. Infodiva out.....humming a tune. read more

SFJAZZ - SF Jazz Logo - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Great venue. Miner auditorium is pristine and there's no bad seat in the house - except for those stools on the very top. Avoid the stools at all costs. Musicians have been pretty stellar for this two year run, let's see if it continues. Now on to the real problem...jazz audiences or audiences in general. It's too bad that people think they're hear to drink, be seen, socialize, and maybe listen to a little jazz in the process. I've been to about 5 shows here and the audience has ranged from pretty quiet and respectful to outright disruptive. Well maybe not entirely disruptive, but seriously, if you can't go more than five minutes without a drink then why are you here? Go to a bar instead. Audiences need to learn to stop talking (that means whispering too, I can hear you), stop checking your phone in the middle of the set, and being big boys and girls and holding it in every now and then (especially if you getting up means everyone is going to know about it). Great venue, though. read more

Seating on the main floor is good, but up from the floor is even better for the sound mix and sight lines. Plus, the upper seats are fixed and less prone to vibration from a neighbor's bouncing knee or wiggling in time, or not, to the beat! read more

SFJAZZ - Intermission at the Marc Ribot y Los Cubanos Postizos show -- fabulous performance! - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California