With an affinity for music that defies easy categorization, Canada-born, Bay Area-based trumpeter/composer Darren Johnston works within jazz, purely improvised music, music of the Balkans, Jamaica (as a regular member of Groundation), contemporary classical, and more.

He has worked with a broad and diverse collection of artists such as ROVA Saxophone Quartet, Marshal Allen, Ches Smith, Dayna Stephens, Marcus Shelby, Carmen Staaf, Michael Formanek, Larry Ochs, Anais Mitchell, Michael Attias, Dave Rempis, Slavic Soul Party!, Myra Melford, Fred Frith, Allison Miller, Geof Bradfield, Anna Webber, Jon Irabagon, Pete Escovedo, Buddy Miles, SF Sound Ensemble, Hamid Drake, and many more.

Photo by Julie Caine

Upcoming Shows

Sunday, March 14, 7-10pm

Bootlegger’s Ball With Rob Reich Swings Left Legacy Band

Thanks to bassist Daniel Fabricant who put this together, we’ll celebrate Rob’s singular compositions the way they were meant to be heard: in motion, on a floor full of people. Come dance, remember, and keep the music swinging left.

This will be a special installment of an ongoing monthly dance party, Bootlegger’s Ball, which always features some of the hottest jazz and swing bands in the Bay Area.

Piano: Neil Angelo Fontano
Drums: Eric Garland
Bass: Daniel Fabricant
Guitar: Vic Wong
Trumpet: Darren Johnston
Clarinet: Ben Goldberg
Vocals: Stella Heath

$25
The Community Music Center, 544 Capp St., San Francisco, CA 94110

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Fri, Mar 20, 8-10:30pm

The Isaac Schwartztet

Advance tickets here: https://www.stookeysblueroom.com/event-details/the-isaac-schwartztet-1

Swinging and grooving through some deep cuts under the leadership of Bay Area drummer Isaac Schwartz.

$15
Stookey's Blue Room

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Fri, April 3, 8:30pm

Dan Seamans Trio

Dan Seamans - bass
Scott Foster - guitar
Darren Johnston - trumpet

$20
Bird and Beckett, 653 Chenery Street, San Francisco, CA 94131

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Sat, April 4, 8pm

Ian Dogole: The Last Trane To Africa CD Release

Richard Howell – saxophones, vocals
Sheldon Brown – saxophones, bass clarinet, Chinese flute
Darren Johnston – trumpet
Frank Martin – piano
Fred Randolph – double bass
Kendrick Freeman – drum set, hand drums
Ian Dogole – hand drums/percussion

Advance tickets here: https://ci.ovationtix.com/35161/production/1263354?performanceId=11747473

$28-$33
Throckmorton Theatre, 142 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA 94941

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Sun, April 12, 5pm

A Special Berkeley (California) House Concert Featuring
Poet Paul Vangelisti with:

Ben Goldberg - clarinet, contra-alto clarinet
Teressa Wong - cello
Darren Johnston - trumpet

$30
At a private residence. Please reach out to me at darrenjohnston5000@gmail.com to reserve a spot and to receive location info.

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Sat, April 18, 7:30pm

Marcus Shelby Sextet presents the music of Charles Mingus

Darren Johnston (trumpet)
Tony Peebles (alto)
Danny Lubin- Laden (trombone)
Greg Jacobs (piano)
Jemal Ramirez (drums)

Advance tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/marcus-shelby-group-presents-the-music-of-charles-mingus-tickets-1983696927911?aff=oddtdtcreator

$34.92
The Sound Room, 3022 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94611

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Fri, April 24, 7:00pm

David Michalak Quartet

(improvised music)

Bruce Ackley - saxophone
Ben Davis - cello
Darren Johnston - trumpet
David Michalak - lap steel, skatchbox

$20 suggested donation
Medicine For Nightmares, 3036 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

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Sat, April 25, 7:30pm

Darren Johnston’s Cyclic Break

New music for an all-new band!

Danny Lubin-Laden - trombone
Liberty Ellman - guitar
Mat Munz - bass
Tim Bulkley - drums
Darren Johnston - trumpet, voice, compositions

$20
Bird and Beckett, 653 Chenery Street, San Francisco, CA 94131

Videos

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