The Jazz Mafia

Trombonist, composer and arranger Adam Theis has risen over the past decade to become one of the most prolific, talented young musicians on the Bay Area scene. The Santa Rosa native has worked with a host of jazz, hip-hop and funk luminaries -- including futurist rap group Zion I and guitarist Will Bernard -- playing bass and trombone, but his main creative focus has been his involvement with a number of groups under the umbrella of the Mission District's Jazz Mafia collective.

In addition to longtime bands offshoot band the Shotgun Wedding Quintet and the Realistic Orchestra, the Jazz Mafia has grown to include a wide variety of affiliated act including the Brass Mafia, Dublin, Teeko, Spaceheater's Blast Furnace as well as vocalists Joe Bagale and Crystal Monee Hall. Theis and company have focused a good deal of time on performing their SFJAZZ-commissioned extended hip-hop symphony "Beats, Bows and Brass" locally and abroad to wide acclaim in addition to backing noted local hip-hop duo Latyrx. 

In 2011 at Stern Grove the collective celebrated the world premiere of their second extended symphonic work, "Symphony No. 2, The Emperor Norton Suite." A heartfelt salute to the spirit of San Francisco's favorite eccentric, the performance featured vocals by renowned MC Chali 2na of Jurassic 5 and Ozomatli fame. The Jazz Mafia celebrated their 13th anniversary last fall, but this Tuesday night show celebrating Mardi Gras will feature the group commemorating Fat Tuesday with the Stanford Marching Band, high-energy local marching ensemble Brass Band Mission and food from pop-up restaurant Cajun Pacific. The group also participates in the 4th Annual Second Line Fat Tuesday Mardi Gras Parade that kicks off at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Place Pigalle and ends at Brick & Mortar.

The Jazz Mafia 
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m. $10-$15
Brick & Mortar Music Hall