Black Cat's Upcoming Shows
Sun, Aug 16
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
David Kikoski is a Grammy-nominated jazz pianist known for his virtuosic technique, versatility, and innovative approach. With over three decades of performing and recording, he has collaborated with jazz legends including Roy Haynes, the Brecker Brothers, Pat Metheny, Chris Potter, and the Charles Mingus Big Band, establishing himself as a sought-after presence on the global jazz scene. Blending bebop, post-bop, and contemporary jazz, Kikoski’s dynamic, spontaneous, and deeply swinging style continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
Dave and Smitty were contemporaries at Berklee College of Music in Boston in the early 1980s, and Ralph was already active on the Boston scene at the time, so Dave played with both Ralph and Smitty during those years.
Dave and Ralph later crossed paths again through Roy Haynes' band and recorded together in the late 1980s. Although their paths diverged for many years, they renewed their collaboration in 2025 with a month-long European tour, followed by a new recording project and performances in Northern California and British Columbia in early 2026. Dave and Smitty also reunited on vibraphonist John Locke's 1993 recording Wire Walker
When plans for the Black Cat residency came together, Dave reached out to Ralph, and the two of them invited Smitty to revisit those longstanding musical connections. Rob, from a younger generation and active on the Los Angeles scene, came highly recommended by Ralph.
Band Lineup:
David Kikoski, piano
Ralph Moore, tenor saxophone
Marvin “Smitty” Smith, drums
Rob Moreno, bass
Wed, Aug 19
Tickets: $20 , $30 , $40 , $50
(price includes $5.50 processing and ticketing fee)
7:00 show: Doors @ 6:00
The OHANA Collective – originating from a Hawaiian term for “those who are family, and those you choose to call your family” – invites listeners into a sonic gathering nurtured by shared bonds and years of musical collaboration. This unique familial chemistry allows each artist’s creative energies to shine, their voicings intertwining to produce a dynamic, chameleonic sound that reflects their shared experiences and a collective desire to push artistic boundaries.
The members of the OHANA Collective have performed and presented original music at prominent venues across Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco, including but not limited to SFJAZZ, The Jazz Gallery, Sam First, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Smalls Jazz Club, Blue Note LA, and The Hollywood Bowl. They have shared the stage with luminaries such as Jason Moran, Nasheet Waits, Edward Simon, Nicole Mccabe, Paul Cornish, Rodney Green, Anthony Wilson, Bob Reynolds, Tomoki Sanders, and Abraham Burton.
Band Lineup:
Nate Gilbreath, Trombone
Nicolaus Gelin, Trumpet
Mwanzi Harriott, Guitar
Alan Jones, Bass
Miles Turk, Drums
Thu, Aug 20
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
For one special evening at Black Cat, Bay Area drummer, composer, and bandleader Sheldon Alexander presents a tribute to the music and legacy of Prince, celebrating one of the most influential and groundbreaking artists in modern music history. Bringing together a collective of musicians from across the Bay Area, the performance honors the energy, emotion, style, and musical brilliance that made Prince a singular force in popular culture.
Spanning funk, soul, R&B, rock, and pop, the evening will feature fresh interpretations of songs from Prince’s expansive catalog while staying true to the spirit and emotion that made the music timeless. From infectious grooves and powerful vocal performances to soaring melodies and rich textures, the tribute captures the depth and versatility of an artist whose work transcended genre and generation.
Known for his fearless creativity and unmatched stage presence, Prince created music that was both deeply personal and universally resonant. This performance aims to celebrate not only the iconic sound of his records, but also the sense of freedom, individuality, and emotional honesty embedded in his artistry. Set in the intimate atmosphere of Black Cat, the night invites audiences to experience the joy, passion, and electricity of Prince’s music through the voice of a new generation of Bay Area musicians.
Whether you grew up with Prince’s music or are discovering it in a live setting for the first time, this tribute is a celebration of an artist whose influence continues to shape musicians and audiences around the world.
Sheldon Alexander, Drums
Kevin Person, Keys
Clark Sims, Bass
Veotis Latchison, Vocals
Fri, Aug 21
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
Joe Farnsworth, born in 1968 in South Hadley, Massachusetts, is a highly respected jazz drummer shaped by mentors Alan Dawson and Arthur Taylor. A graduate of William Paterson University, he quickly established himself on the New York scene and has since performed and recorded with legends including Benny Golson, Diana Krall, Pharoah Sanders, and McCoy Tyner. With over 500 recordings and a career defined by long-standing collaborations, Farnsworth is also a bandleader, educator at William Paterson, and an internationally recognized clinician.
Joe’s latest album The Big Room is out now on all streaming platforms. It’s most definitely #timetoswing
Band Lineup:
Joe Farnsworth, Drums
Eric Alexander, Sax
Michael Zisman, Bass
Matt Clark, Piano



