Harold Mabern at Black Cat

An ageless wonder, Harold Mabern remains one of the most powerful and important pianists in jazz! The New Yorker says: “Harold Mabern may just be the hardest working octogenarian in jazz. To celebrate his eighty-third birthday, the hard-bop patriarch will do what he does best: “get out of the house and play some gigs!” And a celebration it will be at Black Cat! 4 nights celebrating Mabern, and revisiting some of his greatest Blue Note recording moments, including Hank Mobley’s “Dippin” and Lee Morgan’s “The Gigolo”. Mabern is “one of our last living piano legends...his affinity for the blues honed from Memphis, through the Windy City, and years in the Big Apple!” As a young pianist in Memphis, Mabern met a young cafe server who was then known as Anna Mae Bullock. He helped spawn her musical career that evolved into “Tina Turner”: 12 Grammys, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and the sale of 200 million albums....

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An ageless wonder, Harold Mabern remains one of the most powerful and important pianists in jazz! The New Yorker says: “Harold Mabern may just be the hardest working octogenarian in jazz. To celebrate his eighty-third birthday, the hard-bop patriarch will do what he does best: “get out of the house and play some gigs!” And a celebration it will be at Black Cat! 4 nights celebrating Mabern, and revisiting some of his greatest Blue Note recording moments, including Hank Mobley’s “Dippin” and Lee Morgan’s “The Gigolo”. Mabern is “one of our last living piano legends...his affinity for the blues honed from Memphis, through the Windy City, and years in the Big Apple!” As a young pianist in Memphis, Mabern met a young cafe server who was then known as Anna Mae Bullock. He helped spawn her musical career that evolved into “Tina Turner”: 12 Grammys, a Lifetime Achievement Award, and the sale of 200 million albums.
Knowing that bit of history, it’s no surprise that The New York TImes described Mabern’s piano style as being “aggressive, very positive, crashing out chords that drop like pile drivers and warming up and down the keyboard with huge whooping bursts of action...while showing a keen sensitivity as an extremely perceptive accompanist.” Mabern regularly headlines the top NYC jazz venues, including the venerable Village Vanguard, Smoke, and Jazz Standard.
Being back in the San Francisco “historic Tenderloin jazz district” will bring back great memories for Mabern: in 1963 he spent 6 weeks at the Black Hawk with Miles Davis! Mabern has played and recorded with all the legends -- Miles, Cannonball Adderley, Freddie Hubbard, Jackie McLean, Hank Mobley, Sarah Vaughan, Lee Morgan, Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Jimmy Cobb, Wes Montgomery, Sonny Rollins, Roy Haynes, Betty Carter, Grant Green, and the list goes on.
Mabern’s rhythm section -- drummer Joe Farnsworth and bassist Michael Zisman -- react to the bluesy and hard-bop machinations of Mabern’s pianistics with the intimacy of family members.
Featuring DJ Owen Velez spinning jazz vinyl in between sets, until 2 AM! Come to the first show if possible because you will want to return!!!
TICKETS
STANDING ROOM
This is ticket is for the 11:15 PM set – You may arrive up to an hour early. Ticket is for standing room only. Taxes and service charges included in ticket total.
PARTIAL VIEW/BAR SEATING
This is ticket is for standard table or bar seats, with a partial stage view, for the 11:15 PM set – You may arrive up to an hour early. There is a $20 food/beverage minimum per person. If you arrive late, your reservation will be released; please contact us if you anticipate arriving later than the listed start time. Taxes and service charges included in ticket total.
VIP SEATING
This is ticket is for VIP seats for the 11:15 PM set – You may arrive up to an hour early. There is a $20 food/beverage minimum per person. If you arrive late, your reservation will be released; please contact us if you anticipate arriving later than the listed start time. Taxes and service charges included in ticket total.
**YOU MAY ARRIVE UP TO AN HOUR EARLY TO ENJOY FOOD AND DRINKS. PLEASE CONTACT BLACK CAT TO ARRANGE YOUR ARRIVAL TIME FOR SEATED TICKETS BY CALLING 415-358-1999**
FAQs
Does buying a ticket book a reservation as well?
Yes! For seated admissions, your ticket books you a reservation for a table. Please contact Black Cat to arrange your arrival time. Your table will be reserved for the entire set. Please keep in mind that late arrivals will not be admitted. We recommend showing up a little early.  If you anticipate arriving after the scheduled time, please contact us to let the maitre'd know.
 
Are there table minimums?
There is a $20 food/beverage minimum per person for seated reservations.  Food and beverage are NOT included in ticket price and are charged on consumption.
 
Can I come in and listen to the music without purchasing a ticket?
Sure! If you would like to come in and listen to the band without seeing the show, you may join us in the Lobby Bar to enjoy specially curated cocktails and our full menu without purchasing a ticket. It's a perfect way to experience Black Cat. General admission tickets may always be purchased at the door if you decide you'd like to go downstairs and check out the show.
 
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
All ages welcome!
 
What's the refund policy?
All tickets are non-refundable
 
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
Mobile or printed works for us!
 
Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?
Yes!

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