Growing up around the music in the streets of San Francisco and Oakland, Richard III grew a deep appreciation for the art of improvised music. Starting on trumpet from the age of 7, Richard now performs with Bay Area legends and groups such as Souls of Mischief, Goapele, P-Lo, Ruby Ibarra, Steve Turre, Faye Carol, Marcus Shelby and many others from all over the world including Jill Scott, Jazzmeia Horn and Jason Moran. Taking the knowledge acquired from the many peers and mentors in his life, Richard now strives to give back to those before him by intertwining the roots of the music he was taught. Band Lineup: Richard III, trumpet Isaac Coyle, bass Kevin Person Jr, piano/keys Jaycie Grady, drums Joshua Carter, vocals

Thu, Jun 18, 7:00 PM

Willie Jones III Quartet Ft. Jeremy Pelt at Black Cat

Black Cat / San Francisco / Map

Willie Jones III is one of the most respected and in-demand drummers in modern jazz. A dynamic bandleader and sideman, he has spent decades performing at the highest level across the global jazz scene. Jones gained international recognition as a longtime member of trumpeter Roy Hargrove’s acclaimed quintet, as well as a driving force in Hargrove’s electrifying RH Factor. He has also performed and toured with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis, and has shared the stage with legends including Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker, Bobby Hutcherson, Cedar Walton, Hank Jones, and many more. A prolific recording artist and entrepreneur, Jones founded WJ3 Records in 2000. The label has since released over 18 recordings, showcasing both his own work and that of leading voices in contemporary jazz. During the pandemic, he continued to push creative boundaries, self-producing and releasing four projects between 2020 and 2021. In August 2021, Jones headlined Central Park SummerStage with Willie Jones III: Celebrating the Charlie Parker Centennial, further solidifying his reputation as a premier artist and bandleader. As a leader, his recordings—including Fallen Heroes (2021), My Point Is... (2017), Groundwork (2015), and The Willie Jones III Sextet Plays the Music of Max Roach (2013)—have received widespread critical acclaim, with praise from outlets such as The New York Times. Beyond the stage, Jones is deeply committed to education and mentorship. Since 2009, he has served as Professor of Drum Set at Northwestern University and continues to lead masterclasses and workshops worldwide. Born in Los Angeles, California, Jones studied at the California Institute of the Arts under NEA Jazz Master Albert “Tootie” Heath and was a semifinalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Drum Competition. Band Lineup: Willie Jones III, drums Jeremy Pelt, trumpet Tyler Bullock II, piano Mike Gurrola, bass

Thu, Jun 18, 9:15 PM

Willie Jones III Quartet Ft. Jeremy Pelt at Black Cat

Black Cat / San Francisco / Map

Willie Jones III is one of the most respected and in-demand drummers in modern jazz. A dynamic bandleader and sideman, he has spent decades performing at the highest level across the global jazz scene. Jones gained international recognition as a longtime member of trumpeter Roy Hargrove’s acclaimed quintet, as well as a driving force in Hargrove’s electrifying RH Factor. He has also performed and toured with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis, and has shared the stage with legends including Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker, Bobby Hutcherson, Cedar Walton, Hank Jones, and many more. A prolific recording artist and entrepreneur, Jones founded WJ3 Records in 2000. The label has since released over 18 recordings, showcasing both his own work and that of leading voices in contemporary jazz. During the pandemic, he continued to push creative boundaries, self-producing and releasing four projects between 2020 and 2021. In August 2021, Jones headlined Central Park SummerStage with Willie Jones III: Celebrating the Charlie Parker Centennial, further solidifying his reputation as a premier artist and bandleader. As a leader, his recordings—including Fallen Heroes (2021), My Point Is... (2017), Groundwork (2015), and The Willie Jones III Sextet Plays the Music of Max Roach (2013)—have received widespread critical acclaim, with praise from outlets such as The New York Times. Beyond the stage, Jones is deeply committed to education and mentorship. Since 2009, he has served as Professor of Drum Set at Northwestern University and continues to lead masterclasses and workshops worldwide. Born in Los Angeles, California, Jones studied at the California Institute of the Arts under NEA Jazz Master Albert “Tootie” Heath and was a semifinalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Drum Competition. Band Lineup: Willie Jones III, drums Jeremy Pelt, trumpet Tyler Bullock II, piano Mike Gurrola, bass

Fri, Jun 19, 7:00 PM

Willie Jones III Quartet Ft. Jeremy Pelt at Black Cat

Black Cat / San Francisco / Map

Willie Jones III is one of the most respected and in-demand drummers in modern jazz. A dynamic bandleader and sideman, he has spent decades performing at the highest level across the global jazz scene. Jones gained international recognition as a longtime member of trumpeter Roy Hargrove’s acclaimed quintet, as well as a driving force in Hargrove’s electrifying RH Factor. He has also performed and toured with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis, and has shared the stage with legends including Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker, Bobby Hutcherson, Cedar Walton, Hank Jones, and many more. A prolific recording artist and entrepreneur, Jones founded WJ3 Records in 2000. The label has since released over 18 recordings, showcasing both his own work and that of leading voices in contemporary jazz. During the pandemic, he continued to push creative boundaries, self-producing and releasing four projects between 2020 and 2021. In August 2021, Jones headlined Central Park SummerStage with Willie Jones III: Celebrating the Charlie Parker Centennial, further solidifying his reputation as a premier artist and bandleader. As a leader, his recordings—including Fallen Heroes (2021), My Point Is... (2017), Groundwork (2015), and The Willie Jones III Sextet Plays the Music of Max Roach (2013)—have received widespread critical acclaim, with praise from outlets such as The New York Times. Beyond the stage, Jones is deeply committed to education and mentorship. Since 2009, he has served as Professor of Drum Set at Northwestern University and continues to lead masterclasses and workshops worldwide. Born in Los Angeles, California, Jones studied at the California Institute of the Arts under NEA Jazz Master Albert “Tootie” Heath and was a semifinalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Drum Competition. Band Lineup: Willie Jones III, drums Jeremy Pelt, trumpet Tyler Bullock II, piano Mike Gurrola, bass

Fri, Jun 19, 9:30 PM

Willie Jones III Quartet Ft. Jeremy Pelt at Black Cat

Black Cat / San Francisco / Map

Willie Jones III is one of the most respected and in-demand drummers in modern jazz. A dynamic bandleader and sideman, he has spent decades performing at the highest level across the global jazz scene. Jones gained international recognition as a longtime member of trumpeter Roy Hargrove’s acclaimed quintet, as well as a driving force in Hargrove’s electrifying RH Factor. He has also performed and toured with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis, and has shared the stage with legends including Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker, Bobby Hutcherson, Cedar Walton, Hank Jones, and many more. A prolific recording artist and entrepreneur, Jones founded WJ3 Records in 2000. The label has since released over 18 recordings, showcasing both his own work and that of leading voices in contemporary jazz. During the pandemic, he continued to push creative boundaries, self-producing and releasing four projects between 2020 and 2021. In August 2021, Jones headlined Central Park SummerStage with Willie Jones III: Celebrating the Charlie Parker Centennial, further solidifying his reputation as a premier artist and bandleader. As a leader, his recordings—including Fallen Heroes (2021), My Point Is... (2017), Groundwork (2015), and The Willie Jones III Sextet Plays the Music of Max Roach (2013)—have received widespread critical acclaim, with praise from outlets such as The New York Times. Beyond the stage, Jones is deeply committed to education and mentorship. Since 2009, he has served as Professor of Drum Set at Northwestern University and continues to lead masterclasses and workshops worldwide. Born in Los Angeles, California, Jones studied at the California Institute of the Arts under NEA Jazz Master Albert “Tootie” Heath and was a semifinalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Drum Competition. Band Lineup: Willie Jones III, drums Jeremy Pelt, trumpet Tyler Bullock II, piano Mike Gurrola, bass

Sat, Jun 20, 7:00 PM

Willie Jones III Quartet Ft. Jeremy Pelt at Black Cat

Black Cat / San Francisco / Map

Willie Jones III is one of the most respected and in-demand drummers in modern jazz. A dynamic bandleader and sideman, he has spent decades performing at the highest level across the global jazz scene. Jones gained international recognition as a longtime member of trumpeter Roy Hargrove’s acclaimed quintet, as well as a driving force in Hargrove’s electrifying RH Factor. He has also performed and toured with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis, and has shared the stage with legends including Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker, Bobby Hutcherson, Cedar Walton, Hank Jones, and many more. A prolific recording artist and entrepreneur, Jones founded WJ3 Records in 2000. The label has since released over 18 recordings, showcasing both his own work and that of leading voices in contemporary jazz. During the pandemic, he continued to push creative boundaries, self-producing and releasing four projects between 2020 and 2021. In August 2021, Jones headlined Central Park SummerStage with Willie Jones III: Celebrating the Charlie Parker Centennial, further solidifying his reputation as a premier artist and bandleader. As a leader, his recordings—including Fallen Heroes (2021), My Point Is... (2017), Groundwork (2015), and The Willie Jones III Sextet Plays the Music of Max Roach (2013)—have received widespread critical acclaim, with praise from outlets such as The New York Times. Beyond the stage, Jones is deeply committed to education and mentorship. Since 2009, he has served as Professor of Drum Set at Northwestern University and continues to lead masterclasses and workshops worldwide. Born in Los Angeles, California, Jones studied at the California Institute of the Arts under NEA Jazz Master Albert “Tootie” Heath and was a semifinalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Drum Competition. Band Lineup: Willie Jones III, drums Jeremy Pelt, trumpet Tyler Bullock II, piano Mike Gurrola, bass

Sat, Jun 20, 9:30 PM

Willie Jones III Quartet Ft. Jeremy Pelt at Black Cat

Black Cat / San Francisco / Map

Willie Jones III is one of the most respected and in-demand drummers in modern jazz. A dynamic bandleader and sideman, he has spent decades performing at the highest level across the global jazz scene. Jones gained international recognition as a longtime member of trumpeter Roy Hargrove’s acclaimed quintet, as well as a driving force in Hargrove’s electrifying RH Factor. He has also performed and toured with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and Wynton Marsalis, and has shared the stage with legends including Sonny Rollins, Herbie Hancock, Michael Brecker, Bobby Hutcherson, Cedar Walton, Hank Jones, and many more. A prolific recording artist and entrepreneur, Jones founded WJ3 Records in 2000. The label has since released over 18 recordings, showcasing both his own work and that of leading voices in contemporary jazz. During the pandemic, he continued to push creative boundaries, self-producing and releasing four projects between 2020 and 2021. In August 2021, Jones headlined Central Park SummerStage with Willie Jones III: Celebrating the Charlie Parker Centennial, further solidifying his reputation as a premier artist and bandleader. As a leader, his recordings—including Fallen Heroes (2021), My Point Is... (2017), Groundwork (2015), and The Willie Jones III Sextet Plays the Music of Max Roach (2013)—have received widespread critical acclaim, with praise from outlets such as The New York Times. Beyond the stage, Jones is deeply committed to education and mentorship. Since 2009, he has served as Professor of Drum Set at Northwestern University and continues to lead masterclasses and workshops worldwide. Born in Los Angeles, California, Jones studied at the California Institute of the Arts under NEA Jazz Master Albert “Tootie” Heath and was a semifinalist in the Thelonious Monk International Jazz Drum Competition. Band Lineup: Willie Jones III, drums Jeremy Pelt, trumpet Tyler Bullock II, piano Mike Gurrola, bass