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SF JAZZ presents world-class divas
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SFJAZZ is bringing an unparalleled lineup of divas to the Bay Area through November 6, so grab your tickets while they last. Whether they’re categorized under World Voices or Soulful Singers, their vocals soar, their stylings entice. 
photo credit: Philippe Pierangeli all photos courtesy of SFJAZZ
Never heard of Yasmin Levy, Esperanza Spalding or Sara Tavares? Now’s your chance to discover some of the musicians that have made the world take note. You’ll experience them in such inviting venues as the elegant Herbst Theatre with its stunning beaux-arts murals or the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre, which offers intimacy even with 1,000 seats.
Dee Dee Bridgewater, best known of the divas, has been called the most brilliant jazz singer of her time. Her tribute to Lady Day this Friday, October 30, 8PM at Herbst Theatre, promises to be an unforgettable tribute to Billy Holiday, sung in her intensely personal style. Bridgewater’s warm magnetic personality and fine vocal technique keep any crowd begging for more.
The Guardian said of Yasmin Levy (Thursday, October 29, 7:30PM, Herbst Theatre), “Here surely is the next world music superstar.” “She oozes passion,” says The Independent. Listen to her rich warm tones at sfjazz.org to see why. Her fascinating bio in the festival program says this of Levy: 
“Heir to a gloriously rich musical heritage that stretches back to 15th- century Spain, luminous Israeli singer and songwriter Yasmin Levy is breathing new life into Ladino, the language of Sephardic Jews scattered by forced exile in 1492. Reared in Sephardic culture by her father, a revered cantor, composer and musicologist, Levy has greatly expanded the tradition by melding Ladino melodies with vibrant cadences of flamenco, a style with shared roots in Spain’s Moorish past. Add inventive arrangements featuring Middle Eastern instruments like the darbuka and oud, and it’s easy to see why Levy is hailed for her bold, cross-cultural musical vision.”
30-year old singer, songwriter and guitarist Sara Tavares, born in Portugal to Cape Verdean parents, “has traveled a winding musical path, from teenage pop phenomenon to gospel crooner to buoyantly grooving chanteuse.” She sings mostly in the Cape Verdean creole language of Criolu, which blends Portuguese with West African languages, creating a body of songs described as “sunshine soul.” (Friday, November 6, 8PM Herbst Theatre) 
Esperanza Spalding, the 24-year old sensation, has sold-out her show, but she’s worth learning about for future gigs as well as the possibility of securing last-minute tickets for Thursday, November 5, 7:30pm at the Palace of Fine Arts Theatre. David Letterman called her “The coolest person we’ve ever had on the show. Beautiful!” Jazz Times said she’s “One of the brightest new voices in jazz.” SFJAZZ writes “With a beguiling blend of Brazilian melodies, Afro-Caribbean grooves, post-bop harmonies and lilting vocals, 24-year old bassist Esperanza Spalding combines the imaginative flights of a serious improviser with the musical accessibility of a pop star.”
Along with its brilliant lineup of male musical luminaries, SFJAZZ should be credited with bringing other fine divas to this, the 27th Annual San Francisco Jazz Festival. While they’ve now come and gone, each wowed the crowds these past two weeks: Cuba’s beloved senior songstress Omara Portuondo of Buena Vista Social Club fame; Melody Gardot, whose smoldering voice belies her 24 years of age; and Gal Costa, a founding member, along with Caetano Veloso, Gilberto Gil and Os Mutantes. of Brazil’s wildly creative Tropicalia movement.
To buy tickets, click here or visit
SFJAZZ Box Office
& Retail Store
3 Embarcadero Center,
Lobby Level
San Francisco, CA 94111
General Public Tickets:
866-920-5299 (toll-free)
Info and Member Tickets: 415-788-7353
boxoffice@sfjazz.org
retail@sfjazz.org
Hours
Mon-Fri 11AM-5:30PM
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