Recent Concert Highlights 2017-2025
The past several years have brought an incredible variety of concerts - from pop phenomenons to jazz legends to genre-defying innovators. Here are the standout shows from 2017 through early 2025.
2017-2019: Diverse Brilliance
Harry Styles with MUNA opening - Masonic, San Francisco (September 19, 2017)
Former One Direction member proving he's a legitimate solo artist. MUNA's synth-pop opening set the mood, then Harry brought his rock-influenced pop. His voice is strong, his stage presence confident, and songs like "Sign of the Times" showed artistic ambition beyond boy band roots. The Masonic's intimate setting made it feel special. Read more.
Stacey Kent - Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco (February 24, 2018)
The Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist at the elegant Fairmont. Her voice is warm and sophisticated, her song interpretations are subtle and intelligent. This was jazz vocal excellence in a classic San Francisco setting.
Ahmad Jamal - SF JAZZ (September 8, 2019)
The legendary pianist at 89 years old still playing with that distinctive touch and harmonic sophistication. Ahmad Jamal's influence on jazz piano (including Miles Davis) is incalculable. His use of space, his melodic sense, his touch - watching him play at nearly 90 was watching a master who never stopped evolving.
2022: Bjork Returns
Bjork - Chase Center, SF (February 5, 2022)
The Icelandic art-pop icon brought her "Cornucopia" show to SF. Bjork's concerts are never just concerts - they're art installations with music. The visuals, the costumes, the flute ensemble, her otherworldly voice - it was overwhelming in the best way. From "Human Behaviour" to newer material, she proved she's still one of music's most singular artists. Read more.
2023: Spanning Genres
The Spinners - Blue Note Napa (February 26, 2023)
The soul-funk legends still performing those classics - "I'll Be Around," "Could It Be I'm Falling in Love," "The Rubberband Man." That Philadelphia soul sound, those harmonies, that groove - timeless.
Fabiano Di Nascimento (with Sam Gendel) - Lodge Room LA (June 21, 2023)
The Brazilian guitarist's blend of Brazilian music, jazz, and experimental sounds at the intimate LA venue was transcendent. Sam Gendel's saxophone work added another layer of innovation. This was music for deep listening.
Julieta Venegas - San Jose (2023)
Mexican pop-rock icon bringing her indie-pop sensibilities and accordion to the Bay Area. Her Spanish-language pop has intelligence and soul.
Jenny and the Mexicats - Berkeley (2023)
The multicultural band blending flamenco, jazz, folk, and rock. Their multilingual lyrics and diverse instrumentation make for a unique sound.
2024: Jazz, Soul, and More
Julian Lage - SF JAZZ (2024 and multiple visits)
The guitar virtuoso has become a SF JAZZ regular, and for good reason. His playing blends jazz, Americana, and classical influences into something entirely his own. Whether solo, with Mark Ribot, or leading his trio, Julian is one of the most exciting guitarists working today.
SF JAZZ Collective - Stern Grove (2024)
The all-star ensemble (covered in detail in the Herbie Hancock Stern Grove post) bringing original compositions and collaborative brilliance to the free outdoor festival.
Herbie Hancock - Stern Grove (2024)
Already covered in detail in the Stern Grove post - a highlight of the year.
Milk Carton Kids - Stern Grove (2024)
The duo's pristine harmonies and acoustic guitar work at the free festival.
Jessica Pratt - Stern Grove (2024)
The LA singer-songwriter's hushed, intimate folk at Stern Grove felt like a secret being shared.
Devendra Bernhart - Stern Grove (2024)
Freak-folk legend bringing his eclectic, psychedelic sounds to Golden Gate Park.
Anderson .Paak - Shoreline Amphitheater (2024)
The drummer/singer/rapper's high-energy show. His drumming while singing is impressive, and his blend of R&B, funk, and hip-hop makes for an incredible live experience. The Free Nationals backing him up brought it all together.
2025: The Legends Continue
Taj Mahal - SF JAZZ (2025)
The blues legend at 82+ years old still bringing that acoustic blues mastery. Taj Mahal has been keeping the blues alive and evolving for over 50 years, and seeing him in 2025 was a reminder that great artists never stop.
Pino Palladino, Blake Mills, Sam Gendel, Chris Dave - The Freight (2025)
This supergroup of session musicians and artists - Pino Palladino (bassist for The Who, D'Angelo, John Mayer), Blake Mills (guitarist/producer), Sam Gendel (experimental saxophonist), and Chris Dave (drummer for D'Angelo, Robert Glasper) - at the intimate Freight venue was jazz-fusion-experimental excellence. These are musicians' musicians creating in real-time.
The Verdict
The past eight years have shown that great music continues across all genres. From Harry Styles' pop stardom to Bjork's avant-garde brilliance, from Ahmad Jamal's 89-year-old piano mastery to Anderson .Paak's youth and energy, from Taj Mahal's blues tradition to Pino Palladino's supergroup experimentation - music remains vital, evolving, and powerful.
San Francisco's venues (SF JAZZ, Stern Grove, Chase Center, The Fillmore, The Freight) continue to bring world-class artists, proving the Bay Area's importance in music culture. These recent years have been a gift for music lovers.