San Francisco has a particularly vibrant live music scene, ranging from cozy jazz bars and hip supper clubs to one of the world's premier symphony orchestras. No advance planning is necessary for most casual venues, but a little homework is in order if you want to attend more formal events. When planning your trip, consult the music listings posted online by the San Francisco Chronicle (www.sfgate.com), the San Francisco Bay Guardian (www.sfbg.com) and SF Weekly (www.sfweekly.com).
Fans of classical music should make it a point to attend a performance of the San Francisco Symphony, a top-rated orchestra that has earned international acclaim under the direction of conductor Michael Tilson Thomas. See www.sfsymphony.org for concert schedules and ticketing information. San Francisco also is home to one of the nation's oldest and most respected municipal opera companies. See www.sfopera.com for more information.
If you tastes tend more toward popular and alternative music, here are a few noteworthy venues to check out:
--Slims (www.slims-sf.com), a spacious bar and nightclub opened in 1988 by R&B artist Boz Scaggs, focuses on R&B, blues, jazz and zydeco music.
--The Great American Music Hall (www.gamh.com) was built in 1907 when San Francisco was recovering from the great 1906 earthquake that leveled much of the city. Almost a century later, the atmospheric old theater hosts a diverse calendar of jazz, folk, rock and blues shows.
--Café du Nord (www.cafedunord.com), an intimate supper club housed in the basement of another 1907 landmark building, is a great place to hear local and touring indie pop bands.
--At Bruno's Supper Club (www.brunoslive.com) the focus is more on jazz and funk, with a swank interior, a full dinner menu and an impressive cocktail list.
--Live jazz and blues meet updated southern cookin' at Biscuits and Blues (www.biscuitsandblues-sf.com), a high-volume bar, restaurant and nightclub with nightly performances by local and touring artists.
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