Lineup

Stages and Honors

California Street – John Handy Stage

John Handy is a celebrated American jazz alto saxophonist known for his dynamic style and genre-blending innovation. Born in Dallas in 1933, Handy rose to prominence in the 1950s playing with Charles Mingus before launching a successful solo career.

His groundbreaking 1965 performance at the Monterey Jazz Festival, blending Indian classical and Western jazz elements, earned international acclaim. Handy’s compositions often feature complex rhythms and expressive improvisation, showcasing his deep musicality. He also worked as an educator, inspiring future generations through his teaching at San Francisco State University. His legacy remains integral to modern jazz’s evolution and global reach.

Celebrating John Handy – 2:30 pm – 4 pm, Saturday at California Street Stage, with Marcus Shelby Quartet

Sutter Street – Fillmore Slim Stage

Fillmore Slim, born Clarence Sims in 1934, is a legendary blues and jazz musician closely tied to San Francisco’s Fillmore District. Known for his gritty vocals and soulful guitar work, he began his career in the 1950s, playing with icons like B.B. King and Ray Charles.

Though widely known for his flamboyant persona and street life tales, Slim’s music reflects deep roots in blues, R&B, and West Coast jazz. His later albums, including The Game, cemented his reputation as a raw and authentic storyteller. Celebrated as a cultural icon, Fillmore Slim remains a symbol of resilience, rhythm, and the Fillmore’s rich legacy.

Fillmore Slim performs – 4-6 pm Saturday at Sutter Street Stage

Cal Tjader Centennial

Cal Tjader was a pioneering American jazz musician best known for popularizing Latin jazz in the United States. Born in 1925 in St. Louis and raised in California, he was a master vibraphonist who blended Afro-Cuban rhythms with cool jazz sensibilities.

Tjader began his career with Dave Brubeck and George Shearing before forming his own band in the 1950s. His signature sound fused mambo, salsa, and bebop, influencing generations of musicians. Albums like Soul Sauce became classics, showcasing his rhythmic sophistication and cross-cultural flair. Cal Tjader remains a vital figure in jazz history, credited with bridging Latin music and mainstream jazz.

Cal Tjader Centennial Celebration with Dred Scott and Cali Mambo – 2:30-4 pm Sunday at Sutter Street Stage