THURSDAY
JAZZ
MARCUS SHELBY QUINTET
San Francisco bassist Marcus Shelby has been a creative force in the Bay Area jazz scene for some three decades, often creating ambitious large-scale works for his jazz orchestra celebrating figures like abolitionist Harriet Tubman and institutions like the Negro league baseball. As the artistic director of Healdsburg Jazz, he’s expanded the already acclaimed festival with a new winter edition, and he’s no less busy at home with his quintet of well-traveled improvisers. He’s joined in the rhythm section by versatile Oakland pianist Greg Jacobs and San Jose drummer Jemal Ramirez, a Shelby collaborator since the turn of the century. Trumpeter Christopher Clarke and alto saxophonist/flutist Philippe Vieux make up the potent front line. – ANDREW GILBERT
INFO: Thu, 7:30pm, Sound Room, 3022 Broadway, Oakland. $30. 510.708.9691.
THURSDAY
R&B
NIECEY LIVINGSINGLE
Join a Bay Area talent this Thursday as she walks in her truth. Gifted with an impressive five-octave range, Niecey LivingSingle is a tour-de-force of strength, passion and power. In fact, along with receiving multiple Bay Area awards, the Billboard Music Awards named her the Best R&B Female Performer of the Year. No wonder she’s shared the stage with names like the Delfonics, Patti Labelle and Tony! Toni! Toné! Joining her are Corinthian D Platinum, Mico Soul (Michael Nelson) and host Gerry Dove for a night that promises honest reflection and soulful deliverance. – MAT WEIR
INFO: Thu, 8pm, Yoshi’s, 510 Embarcadero West, Oakland. $29-$49. 510.238.9200.
FRIDAY
COMEDY
RALPH BARBOSA
Ralph Barbosa’s laid-back comedy turns quiet moments and tiny anecdotes into stand-up gold. He sneaks up on you with a subtle, even delivery that manages to land hard-hitting punchlines without shouting for attention. Since his HBO special dropped in 2022, he’s had sold-out venues across North America, a debut on The Tonight Show and millions of views on his Comedy Central set, with a new special on the way. Barbosa is quietly carving out a space in comedy where wit meets unassuming charm. – SONYA BENNETT-BRANDT…