10/24/26: When Manilatown Swung: The Manila Serenaders (SF) - FREE

San Francisco’s historic Manilatown, once a vibrant cultural hub along Kearny Street, will come alive once more through a special event dedicated to its enduring jazz legacy. On October 24, 2026, the International Hotel Manilatown Center will host a gathering that illuminates the sounds and communal spirit of this iconic neighborhood, spotlighting the influential role of The Manila Serenaders.

The Manila Serenaders, a seminal jazz group tied closely to Manilatown's mid-20th century musical scene, serve as the centerpiece of this celebration. The event will feature live performances that echo the era when Kearny Street thrived as a locus of Filipino-American culture and music. Integral to this revival is Canuto Salaver, a former drummer for the band whose personal history is interwoven with the social and musical fabric of Manilatown.

Family members of Canuto Salaver will participate in an intimate conversation facilitated by guest interviewer Sabrina Oliveros. They will recount anecdotes and family histories that reflect Salaver’s life around the neighborhood, including his connections to local institutions like the Bataan Cafe and Poolhall, which were pivotal gathering spots for the community and musicians alike.

The event also bridges past and present through the participation of Raymond Bambao, bassist with the contemporary Manilatown Jazz Ensemble. Bambao’s familial ties to The Manila Serenaders—his grandfather and grand-uncles were among the original members—add a generational continuity to the musical heritage being honored.

Throughout the afternoon, the Manilatown Jazz Ensemble will perform selections inspired by the original group’s repertoire, recreating the vibrant soundscape that once defined the neighborhood. These musical interludes are complemented by archival materials and photographs sourced from both the Manilatown Archives and private family collections, providing attendees a visual and auditory immersion into the district’s past.

The event encourages active participation through a "Talk Story" session, promoting community dialogue that honors shared memories and the legacy of Manilatown’s Filipino-American residents. This interactive segment underscores the importance of oral histories in preserving cultural identity.

Attendees will also have the option to enhance the experience by donning period-inspired attire from the 1930s and 1940s, adding a celebratory and immersive dimension to the gathering. However, dressing in vintage fashion remains optional, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the occasion.

Organized by the Manilatown Heritage Foundation, this event not only pays tribute to a key chapter in San Francisco’s cultural history but also fosters an understanding of the neighborhood’s contributions to the broader American jazz narrative. Details beyond the event’s schedule and location remain limited, and interested parties are advised to verify specifics with the organizers.

By spotlighting the stories of The Manila Serenaders and their community, the event promises a nuanced exploration of Manilatown’s musical past while celebrating the resilience and creativity that continue to inspire today’s Filipino-American artists and audiences.