Jules Broussard

At 88 years old, Louisiana-born saxophonist Jules Broussard remains one of the Bay Area's most beloved jazz legends, having spent over 60 years captivating audiences with what the venue describes as his "double-saxophone serenades and soulful solos." This rare opportunity to see living history in Keys Jazz Bistro's intimate setting showcases Broussard's newly formed New Orleans Jazz Band, featuring Bay Area veterans Ned Boynton on guitar, Kevin Gerzevitz on piano/keys, Bob Blankenship on drums, and vocalists Derek Evans and Romalyn Schmaltz.

Broussard's remarkable career spans collaborations with Alice Coltrane, Carlos Santana, Ray Charles, Boz Scaggs, and Van Morrison — it's often joked that there's really no one Jules hasn't played with in his nearly nine decades. Born in Marksville, Louisiana in 1937, he began performing at just twelve years old and has been a San Francisco mainstay for over three decades, bringing his mastery of both alto and tenor saxophone to stages worldwide.

This performance represents the band's first appearance at Keys Jazz Bistro as a group, though they've been building momentum through residencies in North Beach and Fairfax since spring 2025. Expect authentic New Orleans jazz flavors rooted in the early jazz and dixieland traditions, delivered with the soulful touch that has made Broussard a sought-after collaborator across genres from soul jazz to fusion. The intimate venue nickname "NOLA Tunisia" perfectly captures the evening's promise of Louisiana jazz tradition meeting Bay Area artistry.