This fall, everything you know is wrong. Rock venues are selling out concerts by quasi-classical relaxing piano guys. Jazz clubs are home to Bay Area rappers. Folk venues are booking jazz artists. Classical concert halls are hosting rock bands. It’s anarchy!

The upshot of all this havoc: there’s a wealth of great jazz and classical performances in the Bay Area this fall. Here’s a small sampling.

Ron Carter Quartet

Sept. 18–20, 2025 SFJAZZ Center, San Francisco

If you think you’ve never heard Ron Carter, believe me: you’ve heard Ron Carter. The most-recorded bassist of all time has played on more than 2,200 albums. Still best-known for his years with Miles Davis, the bassist’s current group boasts drummer Payton Crossley, saxophonist Jimmy Green and the excellent pianist Renee Rosnes.

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