A Night to Remember: The Art of Jazz at the Transamerica Pyramid with Marcus Shelby and Jeremy Sutton
Last week we transformed one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks, the Transamerica Pyramid, into a vibrant stage for The Art of Jazz, a one-night-only event that celebrated the heartbeat of our city’s cultural scene.
We chose the Transamerica Pyramid for this occasion because of its rich symbolism and stature as the “Wall Street of the West.” Known as a beacon of innovation and ambition, the Pyramid represents the same pioneering spirit embodied by the artists we celebrated that evening. To honor the icons who shaped San Francisco’s creative legacy, we felt it was only fitting to host this event at a destination that has become just as iconic — a landmark that defines our city’s skyline and history.
WATCH SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EVENT HERE!
From the rarely opened 27th-floor lounge, guests took in sweeping views of the Bay while legendary bassist and composer Marcus Shelby and his incredible ensemble, The Harlem of the West Players, filled the room with rhythm, soul, and history. Each note paid tribute to the era when San Francisco’s Fillmore District pulsed with the sounds of Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holiday, a renaissance known as the Harlem of the West.
This period marked a cultural movement that ignited a revolution in music, art, fashion, food, dance, and literature. Shelby and The Harlem of the West Players brought this story to life through a powerful blend of music, poetry, and song. The ensemble featured three musicians, a poet, and a singer, performing from a written script that intertwined narrative and rhythm, allowing audiences to experience this defining moment in San Francisco’s cultural history.
As Shelby’s ensemble brought this golden age to life through music and poetry, renowned digital artist Jeremy Sutton painted in real time, translating sound into color and emotion into movement. Before our eyes, the performance became a living canvas — an extraordinary fusion of jazz and visual art that captured the essence of the evening. Click here to see his final artwork and a chance to own a piece of the night!
As we gathered among the skyline, guests enjoyed curated bites from TIYA and Char.Cuterie, along with crafted cocktails from Hendrick’s and Balvenie, and specialty pours from Glenfiddich. It was a night where artistry, flavor, and community came together in one unforgettable space.
We were also excited to unveil our new Seasonal Arts Guide, featuring insider stories, event highlights, and ideas for where to experience some of the best arts and cultural moments this holiday season.
VIEW OUR OFFICIAL PHOTO GALLERY HERE!
Moments like these are what make San Francisco so special. Together we celebrated the artists and creators who shape our city, uniting through music, art, and shared experience in one of the Bay’s most inspiring spaces.
We’re deeply grateful to everyone who joined us and to our partners who helped make this evening possible. A heartfelt thank-you to Marcus Shelby and Jeremy Sutton for turning a skyline into a symphony and a night into a work of art. We hope to see you at our next Red Curtain Addict event!
Explore our latest Seasonal Arts Guide to find upcoming performances and holiday highlights, or join our newsletter to be the first to hear about future Red Curtain Addict experiences and insider stories.
Photo © Guru Khalsa | GuruFoto
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