Fresh, retro and the best place to catch live jazz

Jazz at PearlsThe next time you're in San Fran, don't waste your time on watered-down beer or shows that pass themselves off as entertainment. Grab your mojo and head straight to Jazz at Pearl's.

It's a sexy little joint in North Beach, but there's nothing diminutive about Kim Nalley, the chanteuse who owns the stage. Kim has a style all her own and, like Billy Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Nina Simone, she's a magnet on stage, relentless and merciless.

The dim lighting, 30's style set-up and straight-up Kim Nalleyentertainment guarantee a night to remember. There are 2 shows nightly, at 8 pm and 10 pm, but Kim isn't the only performer you'll want to see.

Marcus Shelby, Donald Harrison Jr., Homenagem Brasileira and the David Fathead Newman Quartet are just a few of the international personalities crossing the stage in the next few months.

Don't take my word for it, though. The New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, and DownBeat Magazine all rate Jazz at Pearl's as one of the hottest clubs worldwide.

Jazz at PearlsJazz at Pearl's offers a small menu - tapas are the house specialty - and there's a 2-drink minimum with the purchase of your ticket. If you're uber-fussy about your wine, they'll cork your own with for $20.

Doors open an hour before each performance, but 20 minutes is early enough for ticket holders. Don't be late though because empty seats are sold before the performance begins. And if you can't make it, give your ticket to a friend. They don't issue refunds.

If you're lucky enough to make VIP seating in the front row (I was), Kim may ask you to croon with her. Be prepared to yell- there's nothing shy about the crowd here.