Interior of the SFJAZZ Center
Interior of the SFJAZZ Center.

5 San Francisco
Music Venues Rich in Black History

Celebrate San Francisco's deep-rooted black history at these music venues that have hosted some of music's most legendary Black artists.

San Francisco is and always has been a city of music. From the psychedelic sounds of the '60s to the boundary-breaking DJs of today, the City by the Bay has a treasured history of performances. Visit these San Francisco music venues where the superstars of tomorrow play the same stages as some of music's most legendary Black artists.

1805 Geary Blvd.

The Fillmore

Every discussion of the San Francisco music scene eventually turns to The Fillmore, which has hosted such legends as James Brown, Ike and Tina Turner, and Otis Redding. Some of the country’s biggest entertainers credit The Fillmore with launching their careers, including the Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and Santana.

Today, the music continues with a packed event calendar that combines new talent and seasoned performers. The historical building is large enough to comfortably accommodate more than 1,000 guests, but small enough to ensure an intimate experience no matter where you watch the show.

See a Concert at the Fillmore
859 O'Farrell St.

Great American Music Hall

Great American Music Hall opened in 1907 as a symbol of San Francisco’s rebirth after the devastating 1906 earthquake. It is the oldest nightclub in the neighborhood, and the décor is reminiscent of turn-of-the-century splendor. Some of the most influential Black artists of the 20th century have played on this stage, including jazz legends Duke Ellington and Sarah Vaughan.

See a Concert at the Great American Music Hall
1232 Grant Ave.

The Saloon

The Saloon’s history stretches all the way back to 1861, making it the oldest bar in San Francisco. While it is still a great spot to enjoy cheap beer in a low-key setting, the Saloon is now best known as an intimate venue to enjoy some of the best jazz and blues in the city.

201 Franklin St.

SFJAZZ Center

SFJAZZ has been at the helm of the city's jazz scene since its founding in the 1980s. Beyond preserving the history of this musical form so tied to the Black experience, SFJAZZ now blazes a trail for the artists of the future in its permanent home on Franklin St. Few performance venues in the city have the sound quality of the SFJAZZ Center. 

See a Concert at SFJAZZ
982 Market St.

The Warfield

Among the oldest venues in San Francisco, The Warfield has hosted a number of great Black artists, including Louis Armstrong and Prince. The Warfield brings in all kinds of performers and every style of music. Whether you're in a seat in the balcony or dancing on the main floor, you'll have a great concert experience.

See a Concert at the Warfield
Friends taking selfies on the Golden Gate Bridge

Black Culture in San Francisco

A trip to San Francisco is not complete without experiencing the vibrant and deep-rooted Black community that has helped make this city one of the most popular in the United States.

Experience San Francisco's Black Culture

The Golden Gate Bridge at sunset with a multicolored sky and the San Francisco Bay in the foreground.
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