30 January 2025

BISS List 1.30.25: Spotlight on Preservation Hall Jazz Band (2.14 & 2.15) + Best of BISS this Week

Happy New Moon, BISS Listers!

Yesterday, January 29th, was the first New Moon of the year, and with it, we enter the Year of the Snake—a time of rebirth, renewal, and transformation. The snake represents the shedding of what no longer serves you, allowing you to step into a frequency that truly resonates with your soul. This isn’t just any new moon—Aquarius is the rebel, the visionary, the one who dares to break free from convention. Now is the time to welcome innovative ideas, shake off old patterns, and embrace a future that feels radically new. If you’ve been feeling the urge to make changes or dream bigger, this is your cosmic green light to go for it.

For me, this theme of renewal feels especially poignant right now. Coming back home to the SF Bay always feels good, but this time, it was bittersweet. I returned to the heartbreaking news that our dear friend, Jendala, is transitioning. She is so beloved by anyone she has ever touched, and her light will shine on forever through all of us.

Jendala, you are such a radiant light in this world, and your incredible spirit has touched so many hearts, including mine. I want you to know how deeply I cherish the love, beauty, and joy you’ve shared with us all. I am holding you close in my heart and surrounding you with warmth, peace, and endless light. ❤️

Even in heavy moments, music has a way of bringing us together, lifting our spirits, and reminding us why we show up in the first place.

Last Saturday night at Broadway Studios was pure magic: Casa Del Sol’s album release for Strange Angels brought together music, community, and a room full of Strangels to celebrate the power of live music and the birthday of John “Mad Johnny” Modell. The band locked into a deep groove, the love in the room was undeniable, and the Minglewood Boys kept the party going with a full-on dance set. It was one of those special nights that reminds us why we show up for live music.

Read the full review and see photos on the website.
Check out my personal photo album with videos.
Listen to Strange Angels now.

This week’s shows on my calendar: I’m writing this on Wednesday and trying to wrap up so I can get over the bridge to see Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe with Nigel Hall at Sweetwater Music Hall. I bet some of you are seeing them tonight (Thursday) at Sweetwater, or maybe in Chico at Lost on Main (1/31) or Moe’s Alley (2/1)? I’m sure we’re all in for a treat—let’s all report back next week! Congrats to all the BISS winners!

🎟 Last-minute ticket giveaway for TONIGHT! We have a few tickets to give away for tonight’s screening of A Tube to Cuba (*WIN*) featuring Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s Ben Jaffe at Presidio Theatre. This is a great warm-up for their upcoming 3-show Mardi Gras party (2/14 & 2/15)! Check out the Spotlight section below for more info and your chance to win tickets to both events!

Friday: I’m heading to Main Squeeze at Bimbo’s 365 – I’ve been waiting for this band to come to town!
Saturday: Lyrics Born at The Independent – a must-see show!
Saturday (Late Night): Eric McFadden & Friends at Boom Boom Room (*WIN*) – Long time fave!
Sunday: The Grammys are almost here, and the nominations are stacked. Album of the Year includes heavy hitters like Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Billie Eilish, and André 3000. Record of the Year has Kendrick Lamar, The Beatles, and Chappell Roan in the mix, and Best New Artist could go to Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, or RAYE. Beyoncé leads with the most nominations, and performances from Billie Eilish, Shakira, and more are on deck. Who are you hoping takes home a trophy?

The Best of BISS are in the section below, so scroll on to see the full rundown! For even more shows and your chance to win FREE tickets, check out the Full Calendar and Win Tickets page. If I missed anything, let me know!

Until next week, keep the music alive—whether you’re out at a show, grooving with friends, or just soaking it all in. There’s always more great music around the corner, and I can’t wait to dance with you out there again soon!

~ Pamela aka Miss BISS
#seeyouattheshows

SPOTLIGHT ON PRES HALL

Preservation Hall Jazz Band
+ Mardi Gras Pre-Party with Brass Mafia

Feb 14th & 15th @ Presidio Theatre

Preservation Hall Jazz Band makes their Presidio Theatre debut for three special performances over two days to bring the Bay Area together to celebrate Mardi Gras and the City of New Orleans. Founded in 1961, the beloved Preservation Hall is a global institution and the Jazz Band has helped to define the musical traditions of the Crescent City for more than six decades. Preservation Hall Jazz Band presents the Big Easy’s musical heritage and the wealth of New Orleans’ musical talent.

For all three performances, doors will open early and the indoor and outdoor spaces will be transformed into a Mardi Gras experience with New Orleans-inspired food, themed cocktails, beads, brass, and Big Easy vibes. Pre-Concert festivities will also include Jazz Mafia’s ‘Brass Mafia’ presenting their version of the New Orleans brass band tradition. The Members Only Lounge will be open to the general public for an intimate experience with cocktails and a DJ. You can enter to WIN TICKETS for the 2pm performance on 2/15. We’ve also got a special opportunity for you TONIGHT, read on…

‘A Tuba to Cuba’ Film Screening and Live Q&A
with Ben Jaffe of Preservation Hall Jazz Band

TONIGHT – Jan 30th @ Presidio Theatre

Join Ben Jaffe, Preservation Hall Jazz Band creative director and tuba player, for a screening of the documentary film ‘A Tuba To Cuba’ that retraces the Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s musical roots to Cuba. The screening will include a live Q&A with Ben Jaffe hosted by SFJAZZ Founder Randall Kline. Presidio Theatre has generously given us a block of tickets for our BISS Listers—enter to WIN TICKETS now and we will be selecting winners first come first serve!

**Check out all of our Featured Shows.

BISS REVIEW

Casa Del Sol

A perfect celebration of music, community, and planetary alignment. Casa Del Sol’s album release party for Strange Angels was more than just a show; it was a gathering of kindred spirits—aka the Strangels—all there to celebrate the power of live music and the birthday of the man at the heart of it all, John “Mad Johnny” Modell. From the moment the band took the stage to perform Strange Angels in full, the room was buzzing with energy. Johnny Mo, Wally Ingram, Mike D, and Mighty Dave Pellicciaro locked into a groove that was both tight and free-flowing, bringing Strange Angels to life in a way that can only happen in the moment. You could feel the love in the room—both in the music and in the crowd of friends, fans, and fellow musicians soaking it all in. Check out the full review and photos.