Introduce your children to the joys of music at the The SFJAZZ Center’s family-friendly monthly matinees in downtown San Francisco. SFJAZZ Family Matinees connects young audience members to world-renowned musicians in an engaging environment that is both fun and educational. Now is your chance to give your budding musician the opportunity to discover the enjoyment of a wide range of music genres.

SFJAZZ FAMILY MATINEE SEASON

Teodross Avery & Friends
September 23, 11am

Born on this date in 1926, saxophonist and composer John Coltrane ushered in a fresh new sound in modern jazz, and continues to inspire the next generation. We kick off our sixth season by wishing "Trane" a very happy 91st birthday with sax great and educator, Teodross Avery.

The SFJAZZ Collective
October 28, 11am

After Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk is the most widely recorded composer in American jazz. On the hundredth anniversary of his birth, we celebrate a true jazz icon with our own SFJAZZ Collective, who delight us with their fresh takes on Monk's music.

Linda Tillery & The Cultural Heritage Choir
November 18, 11am

The roots of American music cross many paths and generations, filling our souls with joy, getting us moving in the spirit of community, and inspiring us through the power of the work song. Bay Area treasure and activist Linda Tillery leads us on a journey through the songs of our ancestors, and reminds us to stay hip while we get down.

Daniel Handler, Marcus Shelby & Friends
December  16, 11am

Together with Thelonious Monk, Charles Mingus, and Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie was one of Bebop's most iconic pioneers. His blazing trumpet playing, charismatic bandleading and collaborative spirit are forever ingrained in our American landscape. Join our host Daniel Handler with musical guest Marcus Shelby and Friends as we wish Dizz a happy 100th birthday.

Marcus Shelby Quintet
February 24, 11am

In the United States, jazz and other African-American traditions have always walked hand in hand with our stories. The power of music to inspire, motivate, and heal is an essential part of what makes this music so vibrant, and so essential many years after it was born. Join the Marcus Shelby Quintet as we celebrate the sounds of freedom.

Pamela Rose & Friends
March 24, 11am

The Blues Is a Woman uses storytelling and music to bring to life the colorful history of the bold and singular women who wrote and popularized the blues. The voices of these women are vibrant, challenging, inspirational, and dynamic, and singer-educator Pamela Rose seeks to ensure that these women, their histories, and their message will be remembered and celebrated.

Paula West
April 21, 11am

The storytelling theme continues with this month's Family Matinee, as vocal great Paula West shares deeply moving repertoire that highlights the indelible link between art and life, and why singing a story can be even more powerful. Join Ms. West on a musical journey filled with a rainbow of emotions as we celebrate the American spirit.

Doug Goodkin & The Pentatonics
May 12, 11am

It takes a village to raise a child, but it takes tremendous heart and patience to teach them to play jazz! Few have done it better than Bay Area musician-educator and Orff music specialist Doug Goodkin, who closes out our season with his effervescent group The Pentatonics (and a few special guests), as they prove that this music is accessible to all.

In this digital age, kids need music more than ever and nothing can replace the experience of listening to music and seeing dance performed live. Each one-hour matinee features a professional performance and audience participation at an incredibly affordable price. 

Know Before You Go

🎺 There is no assigned seating. The amphitheater seating gives everyone a great view of the performers no matter where you sit. There is limited seating on the bottom floor, which is flat, but you are close to the stage.

🎷 Following select performances are FREE workshops but you need to register in the lobby prior to the show. Space is limited to the first 65 people then they start a waitlist. These half hour workshops vary in content and are inspired by the show. Best to arrive about 20-30 minutes before the show. If you are on the waitlist, a lot of families drop out so it's worth hanging around if you didn’t register on time. 

🎹 Kids will be kids. They will cry, comment, giggle, dance, scream run up and down the isles and plan to see the occasional shoe lights twinkle too.

🎤 Allow your kids to be kids. I heard a lot of hushing and parents leaving but don't worry if it's your kid that is making the noise. 

🎵 SFJAZZ is located in the the trendy Hayes Valley neighborhood with it’s lovely boutique and specialty shops, cafes, bars, restaurants and more. There’s a small park called Patricia’s Green on Octavia Street between Hayes and Fell, with a playground and inventive sculptures, occasional food trucks, and famous Smitten Ice Cream, serving up made-to-order scoops with its liquid nitrogen technology. 

🚗 Park at the Performing Arts Garage located on Grove between Franklin & Gough or the Civic Center Garage located on McAllister between Polk & Larkin. Or take Public Transportation BART: Civic Center Station; MUNI Metro: Van Ness Station; Muni Lines (Bus): 6, 16X, 21, 47, 49, 71, 71L, 90. SFJAZZ membership benefits include exclusive opportunity to pre-purchase parking. 

🎶 SFJAZZ Center is conveniently located at the corner of Franklin and Fell streets in San Francisco.