Tickets: $20 , $30 , $40 , $50 (price includes $5.50 processing and ticketing fee) 7:00 show: Doors @ 6:00 Join pianist and composer Michael Potter for a one-night show celebrating his return to the Bay Area after two transformative years in Tokyo. With his new quartet Altered State, Potter unveils an entirely fresh body of work composed abroad—music shaped by reflection, rhythm, and the quiet intensity of life in Japan. A graduate of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and former student of the acclaimed Edward Simon, Potter’s music blends the lyricism of the jazz tradition with inspiration drawn from nature and meditation. His sound, both grounded and exploratory, creates an atmosphere that invites deep listening and joy in equal measure. Altered State is a new chapter in Potter’s musical journey, an evening of introspection, motion, and renewal. Band Lineup: Michael Potter, Piano John Palowitch, alto saxophone Giulio Xavier Cetto, bass Mike Quigg, drums 

Tickets: $20 , $30 , $40 , $50 (price includes $5.50 processing and ticketing fee) 7:00 show: Doors @ 6:00 9:15 show: Bar @ 6:00, Doors @ 8:30 Ruben Fox returns to Black Cat with his unmistakably soulful sound and an all-star ensemble in tow. Born in Brixton and now based in Harlem, the saxophonist is one of the most intriguing young voices on the scene today. A student of jazz greats Wynton Marsalis, Barry Harris, and George Coleman, Ruben’s artistry moves fluidly across styles—always rooted in deep swing, rich tone, and fearless imagination. This residency marks his highly anticipated return to Black Cat. Joining him is vibraphone virtuoso Jalen Baker, a rising star whose blend of modern jazz compositions and reimagined standards has been earning national attention. Based in Houston, Jalen has performed with Ulysses Owens Jr., Jeremy Pelt, Michael Mwenso & The Shakes, and more. With acclaimed albums on Outside In Music and Cellar Live, plus honors like the South Arts Jazz Roads Touring Grant and the Ravinia Jazz Fellowship, his sound continues to push the genre forward. Together with bassist Guilio Xavier and drum master Thomas Pridgen, Ruben and Jalen bring a thrilling, dynamic energy to the Black Cat stage—a night of world-class musicianship you won’t want to miss. Band Lineup: Ruben Fox, Saxophone Jalen Baker, Vibraphone Guilio Xavier Cetto, Double Bass Malachi Whitson, Drums 

Tickets: $20 , $40 , $50 , $60 (price includes $5.50 processing and ticketing fee) 7:00 show: Doors @ 6:00 9:30 show: Bar @ 6:00, Doors @ 8:45 Ruben Fox returns to Black Cat with his unmistakably soulful sound and an all-star ensemble in tow. Born in Brixton and now based in Harlem, the saxophonist is one of the most intriguing young voices on the scene today. A student of jazz greats Wynton Marsalis, Barry Harris, and George Coleman, Ruben’s artistry moves fluidly across styles—always rooted in deep swing, rich tone, and fearless imagination. This residency marks his highly anticipated return to Black Cat. Joining him is vibraphone virtuoso Jalen Baker, a rising star whose blend of modern jazz compositions and reimagined standards has been earning national attention. Based in Houston, Jalen has performed with Ulysses Owens Jr., Jeremy Pelt, Michael Mwenso & The Shakes, and more. With acclaimed albums on Outside In Music and Cellar Live, plus honors like the South Arts Jazz Roads Touring Grant and the Ravinia Jazz Fellowship, his sound continues to push the genre forward. Together with bassist Guilio Xavier and drum master Thomas Pridgen, Ruben and Jalen bring a thrilling, dynamic energy to the Black Cat stage—a night of world-class musicianship you won’t want to miss. Band Lineup: Ruben Fox, Saxophone Jalen Baker, Vibraphone Guilio Xavier Cetto, Double Bass Malachi Whitson, Drums 

Tickets: $20 , $40 , $50 , $60 (price includes $5.50 processing and ticketing fee) 7:00 show: Doors @ 6:00 9:30 show: Bar @ 6:00, Doors @ 8:45 Ruben Fox returns to Black Cat with his unmistakably soulful sound and an all-star ensemble in tow. Born in Brixton and now based in Harlem, the saxophonist is one of the most intriguing young voices on the scene today. A student of jazz greats Wynton Marsalis, Barry Harris, and George Coleman, Ruben’s artistry moves fluidly across styles—always rooted in deep swing, rich tone, and fearless imagination. This residency marks his highly anticipated return to Black Cat. Joining him is vibraphone virtuoso Jalen Baker, a rising star whose blend of modern jazz compositions and reimagined standards has been earning national attention. Based in Houston, Jalen has performed with Ulysses Owens Jr., Jeremy Pelt, Michael Mwenso & The Shakes, and more. With acclaimed albums on Outside In Music and Cellar Live, plus honors like the South Arts Jazz Roads Touring Grant and the Ravinia Jazz Fellowship, his sound continues to push the genre forward. Together with bassist Guilio Xavier and drum master Thomas Pridgen, Ruben and Jalen bring a thrilling, dynamic energy to the Black Cat stage—a night of world-class musicianship you won’t want to miss. Band Lineup: Ruben Fox, Saxophone Jalen Baker, Vibraphone Guilio Xavier Cetto, Double Bass Malachi Whitson, Drums 

Tickets: $20 , $30 , $40 , $50 (price includes $5.50 processing and ticketing fee) 7:00 show: Doors @ 6:00 9:15 show: Bar @ 6:00, Doors @ 8:30 Ruben Fox returns to Black Cat with his unmistakably soulful sound and an all-star ensemble in tow. Born in Brixton and now based in Harlem, the saxophonist is one of the most intriguing young voices on the scene today. A student of jazz greats Wynton Marsalis, Barry Harris, and George Coleman, Ruben’s artistry moves fluidly across styles—always rooted in deep swing, rich tone, and fearless imagination. This residency marks his highly anticipated return to Black Cat. Joining him is vibraphone virtuoso Jalen Baker, a rising star whose blend of modern jazz compositions and reimagined standards has been earning national attention. Based in Houston, Jalen has performed with Ulysses Owens Jr., Jeremy Pelt, Michael Mwenso & The Shakes, and more. With acclaimed albums on Outside In Music and Cellar Live, plus honors like the South Arts Jazz Roads Touring Grant and the Ravinia Jazz Fellowship, his sound continues to push the genre forward. Together with bassist Guilio Xavier and drum master Thomas Pridgen, Ruben and Jalen bring a thrilling, dynamic energy to the Black Cat stage—a night of world-class musicianship you won’t want to miss. Band Lineup: Ruben Fox, Saxophone Jalen Baker, Vibraphone Guilio Xavier Cetto, Double Bass Malachi Whitson, Drums 

Tickets: $20 , $30 , $40 , $50 (price includes $5.50 processing and ticketing fee) 7:00 show: Doors @ 6:00 Internationally acclaimed crooner Richard Cortez returns to Black Cat for Sinatra with Style—a celebration of Frank Sinatra’s unforgettable hits and hidden gems. With a golden baritone and a modern take on the Great American Songbook, Cortez has quickly become one of today’s standout jazz vocalists. His debut album Mood Swings has surpassed 2 million streams, and Amazon Music named his rendition of “You Don’t Know What Love Is” one of 2024’s top jazz recordings. Onstage, he’s shared the spotlight with jazz greats including Sullivan Fortner, Peter Bernstein, Emmet Cohen, and Kyle Poole, earning praise for his emotional depth and effortless swing. Fresh off an international tour for his 2025 releases Nightbird and Standards in Orbit, Cortez has performed everywhere from orchestral stages in Oslo to premier clubs across the U.S. and Canada. In New York, he holds residencies at Birdland and Mezzrow, refining a style that blends warmth, wit, and classic charm. With Sinatra with Style, Cortez channels the elegance and swagger of Sinatra while bringing a fresh, contemporary spark to these timeless songs. Band Lineup: RIchard Cortez, vocals Nico Martinez, bass James Gallagher, drums Matt Clark, piano 

Tickets: $20 , $30 , $40 , $50 (price includes $5.50 processing and ticketing fee) 7:00 show: Doors @ 6:00 9:15 show: Bar @ 6:00, Doors @ 8:30 Black Cat proudly presents bassist, bandleader, and unstoppable force Russell Hall—a magnetic performer who brings the party with him everywhere he goes. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, raised in Miami, and honed at The Juilliard School under legends Ben Wolfe, Ron Carter, and Wynton Marsalis, Russell has become one of New York City’s most in-demand bassists. His electric presence, genre-bending versatility, and deep musicality have put him at the center of the city’s jazz, rock, and creative music scenes. With his upcoming album COLORZ set to drop in April 2026, Russell continues to push boundaries and light up every stage he touches. Joining him for this special Black Cat appearance is rising star Georgia Heers, a vocalist and composer with a voice that feels both timeless and daringly fresh. A graduate of Oberlin and Juilliard, Georgia has already appeared at iconic venues such as Mezzrow, Dizzy’s, Minton’s Playhouse, the Jazz Showcase, and The Kennedy Center, performing alongside artists like Terrell Stafford, Cyrus Chestnut, and Camila Meza. Georgia is also featured in George Clooney’s Broadway adaptation of Goodnight and Good Luck—the first Broadway play ever broadcast nationally, airing on CNN—marking a powerful milestone in her rapidly ascending career. A Chamber Music America grantee and soon-to-be recording artist, she brings artistry, elegance, and bold creativity to every performance. Together, Russell Hall and Georgia Heers promise an unforgettable night at Black Cat—full of fire, finesse, and world-class musicianship. Band Lineup: Georgia Heers, vocals Russell Hall, bass, voice, composition Luis Peralta, piano James Gallagher, drums 

Tickets: $20 , $40 , $50 , $60 (price includes $5.50 processing and ticketing fee) 7:00 show: Doors @ 6:00 9:30 show: Bar @ 6:00, Doors @ 8:45 Black Cat proudly presents bassist, bandleader, and unstoppable force Russell Hall—a magnetic performer who brings the party with him everywhere he goes. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, raised in Miami, and honed at The Juilliard School under legends Ben Wolfe, Ron Carter, and Wynton Marsalis, Russell has become one of New York City’s most in-demand bassists. His electric presence, genre-bending versatility, and deep musicality have put him at the center of the city’s jazz, rock, and creative music scenes. With his upcoming album COLORZ set to drop in April 2026, Russell continues to push boundaries and light up every stage he touches. Joining him for this special Black Cat appearance is rising star Georgia Heers, a vocalist and composer with a voice that feels both timeless and daringly fresh. A graduate of Oberlin and Juilliard, Georgia has already appeared at iconic venues such as Mezzrow, Dizzy’s, Minton’s Playhouse, the Jazz Showcase, and The Kennedy Center, performing alongside artists like Terrell Stafford, Cyrus Chestnut, and Camila Meza. Georgia is also featured in George Clooney’s Broadway adaptation of Goodnight and Good Luck—the first Broadway play ever broadcast nationally, airing on CNN—marking a powerful milestone in her rapidly ascending career. A Chamber Music America grantee and soon-to-be recording artist, she brings artistry, elegance, and bold creativity to every performance. Together, Russell Hall and Georgia Heers promise an unforgettable night at Black Cat—full of fire, finesse, and world-class musicianship. Band Lineup: Georgia Heers, vocals Russell Hall, bass, voice, composition Luis Peralta, piano James Gallagher, drums 

Tickets: $20 , $40 , $50 , $60 (price includes $5.50 processing and ticketing fee) 7:00 show: Doors @ 6:00 9:30 show: Bar @ 6:00, Doors @ 8:45 Black Cat proudly presents bassist, bandleader, and unstoppable force Russell Hall—a magnetic performer who brings the party with him everywhere he goes. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, raised in Miami, and honed at The Juilliard School under legends Ben Wolfe, Ron Carter, and Wynton Marsalis, Russell has become one of New York City’s most in-demand bassists. His electric presence, genre-bending versatility, and deep musicality have put him at the center of the city’s jazz, rock, and creative music scenes. With his upcoming album COLORZ set to drop in April 2026, Russell continues to push boundaries and light up every stage he touches. Joining him for this special Black Cat appearance is rising star Georgia Heers, a vocalist and composer with a voice that feels both timeless and daringly fresh. A graduate of Oberlin and Juilliard, Georgia has already appeared at iconic venues such as Mezzrow, Dizzy’s, Minton’s Playhouse, the Jazz Showcase, and The Kennedy Center, performing alongside artists like Terrell Stafford, Cyrus Chestnut, and Camila Meza. Georgia is also featured in George Clooney’s Broadway adaptation of Goodnight and Good Luck—the first Broadway play ever broadcast nationally, airing on CNN—marking a powerful milestone in her rapidly ascending career. A Chamber Music America grantee and soon-to-be recording artist, she brings artistry, elegance, and bold creativity to every performance. Together, Russell Hall and Georgia Heers promise an unforgettable night at Black Cat—full of fire, finesse, and world-class musicianship. Band Lineup: Georgia Heers, vocals Russell Hall, bass, voice, composition Luis Peralta, piano James Gallagher, drums 

Tickets: $20 , $30 , $40 , $50 (price includes $5.50 processing and ticketing fee) 7:00 show: Doors @ 6:00 9:15 show: Bar @ 6:00, Doors @ 8:30 Black Cat proudly presents bassist, bandleader, and unstoppable force Russell Hall—a magnetic performer who brings the party with him everywhere he goes. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, raised in Miami, and honed at The Juilliard School under legends Ben Wolfe, Ron Carter, and Wynton Marsalis, Russell has become one of New York City’s most in-demand bassists. His electric presence, genre-bending versatility, and deep musicality have put him at the center of the city’s jazz, rock, and creative music scenes. With his upcoming album COLORZ set to drop in April 2026, Russell continues to push boundaries and light up every stage he touches. Joining him for this special Black Cat appearance is rising star Georgia Heers, a vocalist and composer with a voice that feels both timeless and daringly fresh. A graduate of Oberlin and Juilliard, Georgia has already appeared at iconic venues such as Mezzrow, Dizzy’s, Minton’s Playhouse, the Jazz Showcase, and The Kennedy Center, performing alongside artists like Terrell Stafford, Cyrus Chestnut, and Camila Meza. Georgia is also featured in George Clooney’s Broadway adaptation of Goodnight and Good Luck—the first Broadway play ever broadcast nationally, airing on CNN—marking a powerful milestone in her rapidly ascending career. A Chamber Music America grantee and soon-to-be recording artist, she brings artistry, elegance, and bold creativity to every performance. Together, Russell Hall and Georgia Heers promise an unforgettable night at Black Cat—full of fire, finesse, and world-class musicianship. Band Lineup: Georgia Heers, vocals Russell Hall, bass, voice, composition Luis Peralta, piano James Gallagher, drums 

Tickets: $20 , $30 , $40 , $50 (price includes $5.50 processing and ticketing fee) 7:00 show: Doors @ 6:00 San Francisco-based bassist, trombonist, composer, and arranger Leela Paymai (ZHENIIA) grew up steeped in the sounds of Persian Pop music—Googoosh, Marjan, Dariush—before landing in the Bay Area and diving headfirst into the tangled, boundary-less world of modern jazz. What emerged is ZHENIIA: a genre-blurring, emotionally charged project that filters ancestral memory through a contemporary lens. ZHENIIA’s music is a collision of identities and histories, layered with microtonal scales, hip-hop rhythm, and psychedelic textures. Bass-driven and politically pointed, the songs reach across genre and geography, weaving oud melodies and Persian folk motifs through thick, improvisatory grooves. The band’s ever-shifting lineup reflects the fluidity of its sound—one show might feature electric violin, the next trombone—but there’s always a core of rhythm, synthesis, and soul. “I take a lot of inspiration from my grandparents and parents,” Paymai says, “who, despite surviving the Iranian revolution, always found time to make music. That spirit—of resilience, of beauty in chaos—fuels everything I do.” ZHENIIA premiered in February 2025 with a sold-out debut at San Jose Jazz’s New Works Festival, backed by a dynamic band of Bay Area collaborators including Chili Corder on oud, Julian Lopez on synths, and drummer Jaycie Grady. Press coverage quickly followed, with features in Mercury News, East Bay Times, and Mission Local. Band Lineup: Leela Paymai, bass Chili Corder, oud Allison Irvine, violin Julian Lopez, keys Jaycie Grady, drums 

Tickets: $20 , $30 , $40 , $50 (price includes $5.50 processing and ticketing fee) 7:00 show: Doors @ 6:00 9:15 show: Bar @ 6:00, Doors @ 8:30 Roni Kaspi is a dynamic force in modern music, an innovative drummer, singer-songwriter, and producer whose genre‑defying sound has taken the international stage by storm. Before moving to Los Angeles she refined her skills at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Roni’s innovative approach fuses jazz fundamentals with a bold blend of alt‑pop, soul, world music, and electronica. Discovered on Instagram by the legendary bassist Avishai Cohen in 2020, her electrifying performance soon earned her a coveted spot in his trio, contributing to the critically acclaimed Shifting Sands album that redefined contemporary jazz. With her debut EP, PONI (2024), Roni unveiled a personal musical universe that is as accessible as it is avant‑garde. Seamlessly transitioning between driving, intricate drum patterns and soulful vocal melodies, her six‑track project encapsulates a forward‑thinking vision, one that has resonated with fans across Europe, North America, and beyond. Her work has not only earned her accolades like Drumeo’s Best Jazz Drummer of the Year but also cemented her status as a rising star in an ever‑evolving music landscape. Leading her own trio, Roni’s live performances are a masterclass in creative spontaneity. Whether headlining intimate venues or stunning major festivals, from Montreux to Brooklyn, her shows deliver a rich world of sounds that marry the traditional with the modern. With an ever‑expanding tour schedule that spans international stages, her concerts have become a must‑experience for an audience hungry for innovative, boundary‑pushing music. Now, as she prepares to unveil new material slated for 2025, Roni Kaspi is poised to redefine modern jazz yet again. Her upcoming projects promise to further explore the intersections of electronic textures and live instrumentation, signaling an exciting evolution for a musician already at the forefront of today’s diverse musical movement. With a rapidly growing global fanbase and critical acclaim on every front, Roni Kaspi is not just a musician, she’s a visionary shaping the sound of tomorrow. Band Lineup: Roni Kaspi, drums, vocals Brad Miller, electric bass Iyo Eylon, keys 

Tickets: $20 , $40 , $50 , $60 (price includes $5.50 processing and ticketing fee) 7:00 show: Doors @ 6:00 9:30 show: Bar @ 6:00, Doors @ 8:45 Roni Kaspi is a dynamic force in modern music, an innovative drummer, singer-songwriter, and producer whose genre‑defying sound has taken the international stage by storm. Before moving to Los Angeles she refined her skills at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Roni’s innovative approach fuses jazz fundamentals with a bold blend of alt‑pop, soul, world music, and electronica. Discovered on Instagram by the legendary bassist Avishai Cohen in 2020, her electrifying performance soon earned her a coveted spot in his trio, contributing to the critically acclaimed Shifting Sands album that redefined contemporary jazz. With her debut EP, PONI (2024), Roni unveiled a personal musical universe that is as accessible as it is avant‑garde. Seamlessly transitioning between driving, intricate drum patterns and soulful vocal melodies, her six‑track project encapsulates a forward‑thinking vision, one that has resonated with fans across Europe, North America, and beyond. Her work has not only earned her accolades like Drumeo’s Best Jazz Drummer of the Year but also cemented her status as a rising star in an ever‑evolving music landscape. Leading her own trio, Roni’s live performances are a masterclass in creative spontaneity. Whether headlining intimate venues or stunning major festivals, from Montreux to Brooklyn, her shows deliver a rich world of sounds that marry the traditional with the modern. With an ever‑expanding tour schedule that spans international stages, her concerts have become a must‑experience for an audience hungry for innovative, boundary‑pushing music. Now, as she prepares to unveil new material slated for 2025, Roni Kaspi is poised to redefine modern jazz yet again. Her upcoming projects promise to further explore the intersections of electronic textures and live instrumentation, signaling an exciting evolution for a musician already at the forefront of today’s diverse musical movement. With a rapidly growing global fanbase and critical acclaim on every front, Roni Kaspi is not just a musician, she’s a visionary shaping the sound of tomorrow. Band Lineup: Roni Kaspi, drums, vocals Brad Miller, guitar Iyo Eylon, keys 

Tickets: $20 , $40 , $50 , $60 (price includes $5.50 processing and ticketing fee) 7:00 show: Doors @ 6:00 9:30 show: Bar @ 6:00, Doors @ 8:45 Roni Kaspi is a dynamic force in modern music, an innovative drummer, singer-songwriter, and producer whose genre‑defying sound has taken the international stage by storm. Before moving to Los Angeles she refined her skills at the prestigious Berklee College of Music, Roni’s innovative approach fuses jazz fundamentals with a bold blend of alt‑pop, soul, world music, and electronica. Discovered on Instagram by the legendary bassist Avishai Cohen in 2020, her electrifying performance soon earned her a coveted spot in his trio, contributing to the critically acclaimed Shifting Sands album that redefined contemporary jazz. With her debut EP, PONI (2024), Roni unveiled a personal musical universe that is as accessible as it is avant‑garde. Seamlessly transitioning between driving, intricate drum patterns and soulful vocal melodies, her six‑track project encapsulates a forward‑thinking vision, one that has resonated with fans across Europe, North America, and beyond. Her work has not only earned her accolades like Drumeo’s Best Jazz Drummer of the Year but also cemented her status as a rising star in an ever‑evolving music landscape. Leading her own trio, Roni’s live performances are a masterclass in creative spontaneity. Whether headlining intimate venues or stunning major festivals, from Montreux to Brooklyn, her shows deliver a rich world of sounds that marry the traditional with the modern. With an ever‑expanding tour schedule that spans international stages, her concerts have become a must‑experience for an audience hungry for innovative, boundary‑pushing music. Now, as she prepares to unveil new material slated for 2025, Roni Kaspi is poised to redefine modern jazz yet again. Her upcoming projects promise to further explore the intersections of electronic textures and live instrumentation, signaling an exciting evolution for a musician already at the forefront of today’s diverse musical movement. With a rapidly growing global fanbase and critical acclaim on every front, Roni Kaspi is not just a musician, she’s a visionary shaping the sound of tomorrow. Band Lineup: Roni Kaspi, drums, vocals Brad Miller, guitar Iyo Eylon, keys 

Black Cat will be CLOSED December 24-25. Merry Christmas! 

Black Cat will be CLOSED December 24-25. Merry Christmas! 

Tickets: $20 , $40 , $50 , $60 (price includes $5.50 processing and ticketing fee) 7:00 show: Doors @ 6:00 9:30 show: Bar @ 6:00, Doors @ 8:45 Martin Luther McCoy is a visionary soul singer who blends traditional jazz, funk, rock, and soul music into a fluid, electrifying sound. His vibe is a liquid-cooled, versatile funk. His powerful voice has led him to perform as the frontman for SFJAZZ Collective and The Roots and was recently featured at Mt. Tamalpais Sound Summit’s tribute to Sly and the Family Stone. Back at Black Cat SF for The Funk That Stole Christmas is Martin and his electric band. He is perhaps best known for his breakout role as a Jimi Hendrix-inspired character in the acclaimed film Across the Universe (Sony/Columbia), directed by Julie Taymor. His collaborations with dance music innovator Miguel Migs have also garnered international attention; their latest track, “Keep on Dreaming,” was released earlier this year on Salted Music. Luther has a distinctive knack for reinterpretation, often covering classics with a fresh, edgy twist. Versatile and genre-defying, Luther’s show will reimagine a portion of holiday classics but ultimately brings the funk and heavy jams to keep audience members swaying and singing along in their seats. Sade and Stevie Wonder lovers unite under a groove. Joining Martin are Howard Wiley, Clark Sims and the members of Graham Central Station, Brian Braziel, Wilton Rabb and Dave Council. Prince Vs Rick James or Ohio Players vs Parliament!! The funk that stole Christmas will have you jamming in your seats. Band Lineup: Martin Luther McCoy, Guitar, Vox Clark Sims, Bass Wilton Rabb, Guitar Dave Council, Keys Brian Braziel, Drums Howard Wiley, Sax 

Tickets: $20 , $40 , $50 , $60 (price includes $5.50 processing and ticketing fee) 7:00 show: Doors @ 6:00 9:30 show: Bar @ 6:00, Doors @ 8:45 Martin Luther McCoy is a visionary soul singer who blends traditional jazz, funk, rock, and soul music into a fluid, electrifying sound. His vibe is a liquid-cooled, versatile funk. His powerful voice has led him to perform as the frontman for SFJAZZ Collective and The Roots and was recently featured at Mt. Tamalpais Sound Summit’s tribute to Sly and the Family Stone. Back at Black Cat SF for The Funk That Stole Christmas is Martin and his electric band. He is perhaps best known for his breakout role as a Jimi Hendrix-inspired character in the acclaimed film Across the Universe (Sony/Columbia), directed by Julie Taymor. His collaborations with dance music innovator Miguel Migs have also garnered international attention; their latest track, “Keep on Dreaming,” was released earlier this year on Salted Music. Luther has a distinctive knack for reinterpretation, often covering classics with a fresh, edgy twist. Versatile and genre-defying, Luther’s show will reimagine a portion of holiday classics but ultimately brings the funk and heavy jams to keep audience members swaying and singing along in their seats. Sade and Stevie Wonder lovers unite under a groove. Joining Martin are Howard Wiley, Clark Sims and the members of Graham Central Station, Brian Braziel, Wilton Rabb and Dave Council. Prince Vs Rick James or Ohio Players vs Parliament!! The funk that stole Christmas will have you jamming in your seats. Band Lineup: Martin Luther McCoy, Guitar, Vox Clark Sims, Bass Wilton Rabb, Guitar Dave Council, Keys Brian Braziel, Drums Howard Wiley, Sax 

Tickets: $20 , $40 , $50 , $60 (price includes $5.50 processing and ticketing fee) 7:00 show: Doors @ 6:00 9:30 show: Bar @ 6:00, Doors @ 8:45 Martin Luther McCoy is a visionary soul singer who blends traditional jazz, funk, rock, and soul music into a fluid, electrifying sound. His vibe is a liquid-cooled, versatile funk. His powerful voice has led him to perform as the frontman for SFJAZZ Collective and The Roots and was recently featured at Mt. Tamalpais Sound Summit’s tribute to Sly and the Family Stone. Back at Black Cat SF for The Funk That Stole Christmas is Martin and his electric band. He is perhaps best known for his breakout role as a Jimi Hendrix-inspired character in the acclaimed film Across the Universe (Sony/Columbia), directed by Julie Taymor. His collaborations with dance music innovator Miguel Migs have also garnered international attention; their latest track, “Keep on Dreaming,” was released earlier this year on Salted Music. Luther has a distinctive knack for reinterpretation, often covering classics with a fresh, edgy twist. Versatile and genre-defying, Luther’s show will reimagine a portion of holiday classics but ultimately brings the funk and heavy jams to keep audience members swaying and singing along in their seats. Sade and Stevie Wonder lovers unite under a groove. Joining Martin are Howard Wiley, Clark Sims and the members of Graham Central Station, Brian Braziel, Wilton Rabb and Dave Council. Prince Vs Rick James or Ohio Players vs Parliament!! The funk that stole Christmas will have you jamming in your seats. Band Lineup: Martin Luther McCoy, Guitar, Vox Clark Sims, Bass Wilton Rabb, Guitar Dave Council, Keys Brian Braziel, Drums Howard Wiley, Sax 

Step into the sultry atmosphere of the Black Cat this New Year’s Eve and let the enchanting Benny Benack III whisk you into 2026 with his irresistible charm and velvet voice! Back by popular demand, his band is returning for their 3rd Annual NYE celebration at Black Cat SF. In a night themed “Cheers to Life!” Benny will deliver a dazzling mix of timeless jazz standards and modern classics, all wrapped in his signature flair. This very quartet was birthed at the Black Cat, and just released a live album this Spring to commemorate the occasion. As the clock ticks down to midnight, feel the electric energy in the air, sip on exquisite themed-cocktails, and revel in the magic of some of the greatest Jazz you’ll hear anywhere in the world. This isn’t just a concert - it’s a celebration of life, love, and new beginnings. Dance, laugh, and embrace the night with us—let’s ring in the new year in style and soul! Band Lineup: Benny Benack III, vocals, trumpet, shenanigans Mathis Picard, piano Russell Hall, bass Joe Peri, drums A night of celebration with music, Festive dinner and cocktails into 2026 until 12:45 am!! Amuse: whipped ricotta, pears, and apples ………………………............................................................ Rustic French bread: whipped butter, maldon salt. ………………………............................................................. Appetizer - Beet Carpaccio: goat cheese, lemon EVO, balsamic, and pistachios. OR - Crab Cakes: with sauce Newberg. ………………………............................................................ Entree - Sea Bass: blood orange beurre blanc, roasted cauliflower puree, and baby rainbow carrots. OR - Wagyu Steak: 8oz wagyu top sirloin with cognac cream sauce, 50/50 potatoes, and grilled asparagus. OR - Vegetarian Option: Vegetable Curry ………………………............................................................ Dessert Chocolate Ganache , Key Lime Pie , Flan made in-house. ………………………............................................................ Note: Everyone on the reservation must participate. These will be the only dinner options. We will not have an a la carte menu for NYE. *A 22% service fee , Sales Tax 8.63% and A 5.50 ticket and processing fee will be added to all checks . The service fee is not a tip or gratuity and is an added fee controlled by the restaurant to ensure a living wage for all of our employees.* TWO SEATINGS: EARLY SEATING Starts at 5:45 for the 7:00 show. LATE SEATING Starts at 8:45, Bar at 5:45 includes two performances at 9:30 & Midnight with a Midnight champagne toast! INCLUSIVE TICKET PRICES FOR THE 7:00 SHOW including a festive 3-course dinner. - Standard Seating $95 plus 22% service charge & sales tax 8.63% ,ticket & processing fee $5.50 Totaling $129.50 - Premium Seating $130 plus 22% service charge & sales tax 8.63% ticketing & processing fee $5.50 Totaling $178.50 INCLUSIVE TICKET PRICES FOR 930/MIDNIGHT SHOWS including a festive 3-course dinner, two music performances and a midnight toast. - Standard Seating $195 plus 22% service charge & sales tax 8.63% ticketing & processing fee $5.50 Totaling $264.50 - Premium Seating $225 plus 22% service charge & sales tax 8.63% ticketing & processing fee $5.50 Totaling $304.50 PLEASE NOTE: Tickets will be all inclusive with exception of drinks purchased that night. More on Benny Benack III: Emmy-nominated Trumpeter and Vocalist Benny Benack III has quickly become a leading voice in Jazz for his generation, headlining clubs and festivals around the world on the heels of his latest critically acclaimed live album “This Is The Life” which has been garnering thousands of streams and topping the JazzWeek Radio Charts. He is the rare talent who is just as formidable as a fiery trumpeter ranging from Freddie Hubbard to Louis Armstrong and everyone in between, while as a singer he delivers sly, mature, naturally expressive post-Sinatra vocal stylings. His sophomore album “A Lot of Livin’ to Do” (2020) featured the likes of bass luminary Christian McBride, achieving viral online fame w/his vocalese rendition of "Social Call" ft. Veronica Swift that's been transcribed and covered by singers around the world. He has crooned his way to millions of more listeners alongside groups such as the Grammy-winning “8-Bit Big Band” and YouTube sensation “Postmodern Jukebox”. His (2023) album “Third Time’s the Charm” went all the way to #2 on the charts and featured a veritable line-up of special guests including Peter Bernstein, Bria Skonberg, Chad LB & more. His double-threat credentials were first apparent when he was a finalist in the 2014 Thelonius Monk Competition on trumpet, and then won Third Place in the 2021 Sarah Vaughan Vocal Competition. His resume for both was recently bolstered by Downbeat Magazine’s Readers Poll for 2025, where he placed #1 for Rising Star Male Vocalist and was also #8 for Rising Star Trumpet. His global recognition has been bolstered through his collaborations with the GRAMMY-award winning “8-Bit Big Band” and touring with Postmodern Jukebox. The recent advent of live-streaming concerts has been a boon as well, both through his residency at Smalls Jazz Club, as well as frequent appearances at fellow superstar Emmet Cohen’s “Emmet’s Place” online series. He has arrived as one of the most in-demand touring artists and music educators in the Jazz world, with a never-ending intercontinental schedule that reflects his indefatigable love for the music, with his smile and panache on full-display wherever it takes him next.