The Medicine Ball Band

The San Francisco Medicine Ball Band was formed in the 1970s as a street band. Led by guitarist David Sturdevant, the band has consisted of some of the best traditional dixieland jazz and be-bop players in the Bay Area. Members have included Pee-Wee Ellis of James Brown's Band, Richie Cole and other well-known(and lesser-known) musicians. Currently the band is appearing regularly at Caffe Trieste, now 'A Taste Of Rome' in Sausalito, playing a mix of traditional jazz, New Orleans rhythm and blues and other foot-tapping styles that suit their mood. On any given night you might see guests stop by such as Roger Glenn from Duke Ellington's band, Faye Carol, renowned East Bay vocalist, or Curtis Lindberg of David Bromberg's band. Anyone who stops by the Trieste will be thrown back into an era when jazz, coffee, and non-conformity ruled the Bay Area.