A charismatic saxophonist who’s built an ardent following with a series of extended residencies at leading Bay Area night spots, Charles Unger is an award-winning jazz artist, bandleader and composer. Known for his extroverted, high-energy performances, he played a central role in turning Mr. Tipple’s into an essential San Francisco jazz club with a years-long Saturday night gig. Before that he was ensconced at Les Joulins Jazz Bistro for two decades, while also working regularly at Sheba Lounge, Lushlife Gallery and Oakland’s 57th Street Gallery. As a composer, he’s earned distinction at the prestigious Global Music Awards for tunes like “Swedish Sunset” and the ballad “Mr. 2 AM.” Fluent on the soprano, alto and tenor saxophones, Unger has forged an emotionally charged sound shaped by his love of jazz giants from Coleman Hawkins and John Coltrane to Grover Washington and Kenny Garrett. Co-Presented by AfroSolo Arts Festival, which has nurtured and promoted art and culture from the African Diaspora via solo performances and the visual and literary arts for more than a quarter century.

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