The San Francisco International Boogie Woogie Festival: The ultimate guide for music lovers

This San Francisco International Boogie Woogie Festival has been the most important Boogie Woogie event on the American West Coast for over 12 years. Sfarts As the only international celebration of this traditional American piano music in the western USA, the festival annually attracts artists from Germany, Spain, France, Switzerland, Hungary, and the USA. The next festival will take place on 9 November 2025 at the renowned SFJAZZ Center.

History and cultural significance of the festival

The emergence of a tradition

The SF International Boogie Woogie Festival was founded in 2012/2013 by architect and music lover Eliel Redstone together with Linda Haley . FacebookFacebook Their vision was to bring greater attention to this often underestimated American music form. HuffPost As a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the festival has made it its mission to preserve the music and history of Boogie Woogie as an art form and to support the next generation of artists. Sfartssfboogiewoogiefestival

Co-producer Wendy DeWitt, known as San Francisco’s “Queen of Boogie Woogie,” brings her decades of expertise to the artistic design. HuffPostHuffPost The festival regularly honors deceased greats of the scene, including Herbert Wolfram, Stephen Grand, and Bob Seeley, thus connecting tradition with innovation. Sfboogiewoogiefestivalsfboogiewoogiefestival

Boogie Woogie in the San Francisco music scene

San Francisco has a rich jazz and blues history that dates back to the post-war era. SFJAZZSF Civic Center Legendary venues like the Fillmore and the historic Jazz Workshop in North Beach shaped the music landscape. San Francisco Travel The Fillmore District was once the center of the African American music community with clubs like Jimbo’s Bop City. San Francisco TravelSan Francisco Ferries This historical connection makes San Francisco the ideal location for the preservation and development of Boogie Woogie.

Local artists like Caroline Dahl with over 30 years of experience in the Bay Area and the late Omar Shariff, known as the “Boogie Woogie Man” of Oakland, have shaped the local scene for decades. Caroline DahlCaroline Dahl The festival combines this local tradition with international excellence.

The venue: SFJAZZ Center

State-of-the-art acoustics meet historical significance

The SFJAZZ Center in the Robert N. Miner Auditorium is the perfect venue for the festival. HuffPost With an address at 201 Franklin Street in the Opera District of Hayes Valley SFJAZZSFJAZZ offers the Center: SFJAZZ

700 seats in the Miner Auditorium with exceptional acoustics
Two nine-foot concert grand pianos on stage SFJAZZ +4
Complete barrier-free accessibility with lifts and designated seating
The in-house B-Side Restaurant and Bar for catering SFJAZZ

As the first standalone jazz building in America, the SFJAZZ Center was specifically designed for optimal acoustic conditions. SFJAZZWikipedia The central location in Hayes Valley, just two blocks from the Civic Center BART station, makes it easily accessible. SFJAZZSFJAZZ

Artists and Musical Programme 2024/2025

International Stars of Boogie Woogie

The festival annually presents an impressive mix of international talents: sfjazz

From Germany:

Luca Sestak – known for his creative expansions of Boogie Woogie SFJAZZ +4
Frank Muschalle – renowned pianist and composer SFJAZZSFJAZZ

From Spain:

Lluís Coloma from Barcelona, often performing with his trio SFJAZZ +5

From other countries:

Silvan Zingg (Switzerland) – Festival organiser and virtuoso SFJAZZ +2
Jean-Pierre Bertrand (France) – master of the traditional style SFJAZZ +2
Balazs Daniel (Hungary) – known as “Mr. Firehand” SFJAZZ +3
Carl Sonny Leyland (UK/California) SFJAZZ +2

USA Artists:

Chase Garrett & Emilie Richard from St. Louis SFJAZZ +2
“Blue Lou” Marini from New York City SFJAZZ +2
Deanna Bogart – Blues and Boogie powerhouse Sfarts +3

Musical diversity and innovation

The festival combines classic favourites with modern innovations, to keep Boogie Woogie relevant for jazz, swing, blues and even classical music. SFJAZZ +4 The performances utilise the unique setup of two grand pianos with an award-winning rhythm section sfjazz +2 consisting of Ruth Davies, J Hansen, Kirk Harwood and Nancy Wright on saxophone. SFJAZZ +3

Dates and ticket information for 2025

Important dates

Festival date: 9 November 2025 sfboogiewoogiefestival +3
Time: Typically 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM (based on past editions) Sfarts
Duration: One-day concert event
Important: Tickets regularly sell out – early booking is highly recommended SFJAZZ +5

Ticket prices and booking

While specific prices for 2025 have not yet been released, SFJAZZ Center events typically fall into the premium price range. Tickets are available through:

The official website: sfboogiewoogiefestival.org
SFJAZZ.org
Ticketmaster

Tip: Newsletter subscribers often receive pre-sale access and discounts.

Accommodation in San Francisco

Luxury hotels near the festival

For a first-class experience, we recommend:

Fairmont San Francisco: Iconic landmark with panoramic views, Fairmont from $300/night
St. Regis San Francisco: Modern luxury accommodation in the heart of the city
Omni San Francisco Hotel: Downtown location, close to cultural attractions Omni Hotels

Mid-range options

Holiday Inn Golden Gateway: Central location with business amenities Expedia
Hilton San Francisco Financial District: Family-friendly and well-connected Expedia
San Remo Hotel: European-style boutique hotel near Fisherman’s Wharf San Remo Hotel

Budget-friendly alternatives

SF Plaza Hotel: Union Square area, Booking.com from $85/night
Airbnb in Hayes Valley: $148-$490/night, many with kitchen and parking
Hostels: Various downtown options for budget-conscious travelers

Recommended neighborhoods

Hayes Valley (right by the SFJAZZ Center) offers walkability, excellent restaurants, and boutique shopping. Union Square is centrally located with access to multiple venues. The Mission District boasts a trendy vibe and diverse dining scene.

Getting to San Francisco

International airports

San Francisco International Airport (SFO):

Direct BART connection to downtown (30 minutes, BART $10-15)
Shuttle services available ($25-40)
Uber/Lyft to downtown: $40-80

Oakland International Airport (OAK):

Often cheaper flights than SFO
BART connection via AirBART

Public transportation

The BART system connects the Bay Area BART with stops near the SFJAZZ Center (Civic Center Station). The Muni network of buses, streetcars, and the famous cable cars covers the entire city. A day pass costs about $5.

To SFJAZZ Center:

BART: Civic Center Station (2 blocks walk) SFJAZZSFJAZZ
Muni Metro: Van Ness or Civic Center stations SFJAZZSFJAZZ
Bus lines: 6, 16X, 21, 47, 49, 71, 71L, 90
Parking: Performing Arts Garage (Grove Street between Franklin and Gough)

The special atmosphere of San Francisco

Perfect festival weather

The November is ideal for festival visits with average temperatures of 20-24°C and little fog – San Francisco’s “secret summer”. The city offers a mild climate year-round, with autumn bringing the clearest and warmest days. MakeMyTripU.S. News & World Report

Cultural diversity and inclusivity

San Francisco is known for its progressive attitude and cultural openness. The city celebrates diversity and inclusion, which is reflected in the warm, welcoming festival atmosphere. San Francisco TravelCityPASS Jerry Longden from Santa Rosa describes the Boogie Woogie Festival atmosphere as “warm, positive, and inherently friendly” with a special connection between artists and audience. sfboogiewoogiefestival

Target audience and attendees

Who attends the festival?

The Boogie Woogie Festival attracts a diverse, international audience :

Age group: Mainly 30-50 years, but increasingly younger jazz enthusiasts
Origin: Mix of local Bay Area residents and international visitors
Interests: Jazz and blues enthusiasts, dancers, music historians
Education level: Above-average educated audience (44% of San Franciscans hold a college degree) WikipediaCityPASS

The event is known for its family atmosphere, where regulars and newcomers alike feel welcome.

Gastronomy and culinary experiences

At the SFJAZZ Center

The in-house B-Side Restaurant and Bar offers upscale American cuisine with a jazz theme. SFJAZZ Reservations are recommended for festival evenings.

Hayes Valley Dining

The area around the SFJAZZ Center is a culinary hotspot with over 50 restaurants within a 10-minute walk:

Rich Table: Innovative Californian fine dining
Souvla: Modern Greek cuisine
Suppenkuche: Authentic German cuisine – perfect for German visitors

San Francisco’s specialties

Visitors should definitely try:

Sourdough Bread from the historic bakeries
Fresh seafood at Fisherman’s Wharf Rome2RioMarriott
Dim Sum in Chinatown
Mission-Style Burritos in the Mission District

Activities beyond music

Iconic Landmarks

Golden Gate Bridge: The most photographed landmark, Marriott accessible by foot, bike, or tour. San Francisco Travel Best viewpoints are Crissy Field and the Marin Headlands.

Alcatraz Island: The former federal prison island offers fascinating audio tours with stories from former inmates. San Francisco Travel Ferries depart from Fisherman’s Wharf. SF.gov +2

Cable Cars: A ride on the historic streetcars is a must – combining transport with tourist attraction. San Francisco Travel

Cultural Highlights

SF Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA): World-class collection of contemporary art San Francisco TravelMarriott
Exploratorium: Interactive science museum with 650+ hands-on exhibits San Francisco Travel
Golden Gate Park: 1,017 acres with museums, gardens, and the famous Japanese Tea Garden Rome2RioMarriott

Neighborhood Explorations

Haight-Ashbury: The historic center of the hippie movement Marriott with vintage shops and 1960s nostalgia. San Francisco TravelSan Francisco Travel

Chinatown: The largest outside of Asia with authentic markets, temples, and restaurants. San Francisco Travel

Castro District: The vibrant LGBTQ+ neighborhood with historical significance. San Francisco Travel

Economic significance for San Francisco

Tourism impact

San Francisco welcomes annually 23 million visitors, who $9.26 billion spend and support nearly 62,000 jobs support. San Francisco Travelsftravel Music festivals contribute significantly to these figures: San Francisco TravelSan Francisco Travel

The Dead & Company Festival generated an economic impact of $31 million in 2023 SF GateABC7 San Francisco
Outside Lands attracts over 200,000 visitors annually San Francisco Ferries +2
Every festival dollar generates a 2.8-fold multiplier effect in the local economy UMN Extension

Hotel occupancy and tax revenue

During major music events, hotel occupancy reaches peak levels of 90% with average daily rates of $227. SF Gate The city generates over $604 million in annual tax revenue from tourism. San Francisco TravelSan Francisco Travel

Comparison with other Boogie Woogie festivals

International perspective

Compared to the Laroquebrou Festival in France (10,000+ visitors, 4 days, €2.3 million economic impact) the SF festival is more intimate and concert-oriented. While European festivals are often designed as multi-day village fairs, San Francisco offers a focused, high-calibre concert experience in a first-class venue. Hotel-la-thomasse

The Silvan Zingg International Boogie Woogie Festival in Switzerland resembles the SF format with its premium boutique approach, while German festivals like the Hamburg Boogie Woogie Connection cover various formats from club to regional festivals. Boogie festival

Unique selling points

Only major Boogie Woogie festival on the US West Coast SFJAZZ +4
Two grand piano setup is unique Sfarts
International artist mix from the USA and Europe SFJAZZSan Francisco Classical Voice
Year-round educational programmes by the non-profit organisation Sfarts

Environment and sustainability

San Francisco’s green standards

The city has strict environmental regulations for events:

Zero Waste mandates: Recycling and composting are mandatory
Compostable containers: No Styrofoam allowed
Water refill stations: Reduction of single-use plastic San Francisco Environment Department

The SFJAZZ Center follows these standards with energy-efficient lighting, recycling programmes, and promotion of public transport. In comparison, the Outside Lands Festival achieves an impressive 89% waste diversion rate. Outside Lands

Social media and online presence

Digital channels

Website: sfboogiewoogiefestival.org
Facebook: San Francisco International Boogie Woogie Festival (471+ Likes) Facebook +2
Instagram: @sfboogiewoogie (153 Followers) Instagram
YouTube: Channel with past performances available

SEO-relevant keywords

For optimal discoverability, the festival uses keywords like “San Francisco Boogie Woogie”, “International Boogie Woogie Festival”, “Jazz Piano San Francisco”, “Blues Festival SF” and “SFJAZZ Events”.

Workshop and dance offerings

Educational programs

The festival offers Educational outreach to schools, libraries, and the Family House. Sfartssfarts Although no regular public workshops take place during the festival, the non-profit organization organizes educational programs throughout the year to nurture the next generation of Boogie Woogie.

Connection to the dance scene

While the SF International Boogie Woogie Festival is primarily a concert format, San Francisco has an active swing dance community with events such as:

Boogie by the Bay (West Coast Swing Convention) boogiebythebay
Lindy in the Park (free outdoor swing dances) LitP
Woodchopper’s Ball (weekly swing parties) Woodchoppersball

Famous performances and historic moments

Festival highlights

The festival regularly honors deceased legends like Bob Seeley, the “legendary international Boogie Woogie artist”. SFJAZZSfboogiewoogiefestival The 12-year history has produced numerous unforgettable moments, sfjazz from spontaneous jam sessions between international stars to emotional tribute performances.

Historical significance

Boogie Woogie, which emerged in the late 1800s in Texas, found its way into the mainstream through the 1938 Carnegie Hall concert “From Spirituals to Swing”. PianoGroove +4 San Francisco continues this tradition as a bridge between American tradition and international innovation..

Conclusion: A must for Boogie Woogie enthusiasts.

The San Francisco International Boogie Woogie Festival brings together American musical tradition with international flair in one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. With its unique format at the first-class SFJAZZ Center, SFJAZZWikipedia the mix of local and international artists and the warm, inviting atmosphere offers an unparalleled musical experience.

For German visitors, the festival is a perfect opportunity to experience American Boogie Woogie tradition while also seeing German artists like Luca Sestak and Frank Muschalle on an international stage. The combination of top-notch music, San Francisco’s unique culture, and the numerous tourist attractions makes attending the festival an unforgettable overall experience.

Plan your visit for 9 November 2025 sfboogiewoogiefestivalInstagram – but book early, as tickets for this unique musical event regularly sell out. SFJAZZSFJAZZ The San Francisco International Boogie Woogie Festival is more than just a concert – it is a celebration of vibrant American music history and its global future.