CitySessions, Eight Years of Live Music, Food and a Captive Audience

CitySessions showcased singer songwriters in the Western Addition area of San Francisco between 2003 and 2011. For eight years Diana Gaffney and Dean Preston showcased singer songwriters in a monthly acoustic event hosted in the back of a local favorite, Club Waziema.

Club Waziema is an Ethiopian restaurant with a long history featuring artists including Billy Holiday, James Brown to Tina Turner.

The Difference CitySessions Made for Local Artists

Live Music San Francisco

In between sets at CitySessions, Club Waziema in the Western Addition

CitySessions put a spotlight on local artists and made a name for itself by giving them access to a new audience and stomping ground. Musicians were not only fed delicious Ethiopian food they were given a completely intimate atmosphere to perform in. Shows were in the back of the Club, away from the bar, and the pool table was tucked away for the night. The most common feedback from musicians – how different it was to play to a crowd that wasn’t talking over them, and instead, paying attention to every note and lyric.

After eight years CitySessions took a long vacation, but Diana’s stirring up the old website to take a look at where our artists are now. Some folks keep popping up, so it’s time to scratch that itch.

CitySessions Alumns, Who to Watch Today

CitySessions Club Waziema

CitySessions, Street View on Divisadero across from Club Waziema

Lots of amazing artists have passed through the doors of CitySessions. Here’s a short list of folks to watch.

Jarrod Dickenson: Jarrod is a prolific singer songwriter and busy. He’s frequently touring in Europe, initally building his base in Ireland and the UK. I saw him perform at a private studio space in Carmel, CA and opened his first show in San Francisco, CA.

The Pine Box Boys: These guys are also killing it on tour, spending a lot of time in Europe and now traveling up and down California. Dial it in for a little horrorbilly.

Quinn de Veaux: Get down and dance with Quinn de Veaux. He has a voice to melt a crowd and rock n roll soul that brings the house down every time.

Jeffrey Luck Lucas: One of my all time favorites, you wouldn’t hear a pin drop once his set started. Listen to Jeffrey Luck Lucas sing Old Mexico and you’ll be reaching for a whisky or bourbon, wondering if you just wandered down that dusty desert road yourself.

Gayle Lynn and the Hired Hands: Gayle Lynn keeps busy, playing local shows and soon to be featured on KALX. Great energy and full on Americana.

Listen to CitySessions’ First Year

Check out CDBaby for a sampling from the artists who performed in our first year.