>> NOTE: THIS IS A 1:30AM SHOW STARTING LATE *SATURDAY* NIGHT <<

Although currently a New Yorker, guitarist Will Bernard's unique voice was formed for the most part from the rich cultural roots of the San Francisco Bay Area. Along the way he studied classical music, jazz, played in basements and coliseums, and absorbed the Bay Area Multi-Kultii, the New York downtown edge, and the loose funk of New Orleans. He has performed or recorded with Charlie Hunter, Stanton Moore, Robert Walter, John Medeski, Dr Lonnie Smith, Ben Sidran, Peter Apfelbaum, Tom Waits, Dr. John and a lot of other known and unknowns. Will can be seen working in a chameleon-like way to fit into his current habitat. His 2007 CD "Party Hats" as well as his 1997 collaborative project T.J. Kirk's If Four Was One were both nominated for Grammys, and he is nominated yearly in Downbeat Magazine's Critics Poll for Best Rising Star" Guitar Player. Will is a regular fixture at New Orleans Jazzfest, Jam Cruise and other similar events, and has toured extensively in the US and Europe. Currently, Will performs with John Medeski's Mad Skillet, Peter Apfelbaum's Sparkler, Frequinox with Stanton Moore and Robert Walter, Pleasure Drones, Brian Charette's Mighty Grinders, and the Will Bernard Trio and Quartet. Will's 8th album as a leader, Out and About was released in 2016 on Posi-Tone Records. His newest release is Freelance Subversives, and Will and his Friends will be performing cuts from the latest release as well as old favorites and new gems at this very special late-night show.


Will Bernard & Friends

Will Bernard – Guitar

Wil Blades - Hammond B-3

Mike Dillon – Vibraphone

Kevin Scott – Bass

Terence Higgins - Drums

Saturday, October 9, 2021

Doors: 12:30AM
Show: 1:30AM (technically early on 10/10)


Café Istanbul
2372 St. Claude Avenue
New Orleans, LA

Tickets: $30

The Fine Print:

By purchasing a ticket to this event, the buyer agrees to be filmed, videotaped and/or otherwise recorded for possible inclusion in webcast, digital download, DVD and/or CD release, and/or any other exploitation of the event without limitation or compensation of any kind, and agrees to allow organizers to use his/her image and/or likeness without limitation or compensation of any kind.

ALL SALES ARE FINAL. LINEUP SUBJECT TO CHANGE. WRISTBANDS WILL NOT BE REPLACED ONCE ISSUED. NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES.

By purchasing this ticket, you confirm to the maximum extent permitted by law that (1) you understand and voluntarily assume all risks associated with attending this performance, including but not limited to COVID-19, and (2) you covenant not to sue Café Istanbul Nightfest, Poolside Presents, Will Bernard & Friends or any related persons or entities in connection with any such risks.

For a list of all nighttime shows happening during the Café Istanbul Nightfest, please click here: 2021.purplepass.com/istanbulnightfest