San Francisco has always fostered a lively music community, attracting transplants from throughout the world. Our Backyard Alchemy Series highlights formidable talent residing right here in the Bay Area and this edition is focused on three rhythmatists, each with their own explosive ensemble.

Jesús Diaz—Cuban-born percussionist Jesús Diaz is a fixture on the Bay Area music scene. He has appeared with scores of major artists including Santana, Dizzy Gillespie, the Caribbean Jazz Project and Planet Drum, to name only a few.

Scott Amendola—Scott’s buoyant style, always with the funk in mind, has placed him in high demand on the national scene. His dozens of credits include Bill Frisell, Charlie Hunter, John Zorn, Alan Pasqua, Will Bernard and Nels Cline among others.

Jaz Sawyer—A Bay Area native who cut his teeth at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Sawyer has gone on to heavyweight gigs with Wynton Marsalis, George Benson, Abbey Lincoln, Bobby Hutcherson and more.

Read more at www.sfstation.com