Kent Strand’s 2026 schedule includes performing with the Kent Strand Trio performs at Harris’ Restaurant in San Francisco every Thursday evening from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., as well as on select weekend nights.
Kent is the featured solo pianist at the Fairmont San Francisco where he plays on a beautiful Bechstein concert grand in the Laurel Court every Sunday from 12:45 to 3:45 p.m.
2026 highlights include playing for the San Francisco Hotel Council for the 20th year, the RSA Convention for the CEO’s dinner that featured a Q & A with George Clooney. His trio was the featured entertainment for many high end events including an event for Rolex/Patek Philippe. His trio accompanied Bay Area legend Fred Ross at Key’s Jazz Bistro.
Kent Strand has performed as a pianist at the top clubs and hotels in the Bay Area and throughout the United States. From 1988 to 1995 he performed as a solo pianist and with his jazz trio at the Compass Rose at the Westin St. Francis Hotel and at the Redwood Room at the Clift Hote. Other highlights include extended engagements at Stars Restaurant, the Ritz Carlton San Francisco, the Mark Hopkins Hotel and for countless corporate and private events.
“One of today’s best-kept secrets in piano jazz. A great classic jazz trio” February 2004 Keyboard Magazine review of Kent’s CD.
The Kent Strand Trio performed Sundays in the Garden Court at the Palace Hotel for over 15 years and at the Cityscape Bar and Restaurant at the San Francisco Hilton for Sunday brunches from 1999 to 2006.
Kent has performed with Michael Bolton, Daruis Rucker and with jazz greats Cab Calloway, Benny Carter, Mark Murphy, Mary Stallings, Kim Nalley, Kevin Mahogony and Doc Cheatham at clubs and jazz festivals throughout the United States. He has performed six times on National Public Radio on Garrison Keillor’s Prarie Home Companion Show and on Billy Taylor’s Jazz Alive.
Kent Strand is a popular choice for backing comedians. He has played shows with Bill Murray, Robin Williams, Paula Poundstone, Kathie Griffin and Martin Short. He’s performed many events for Danielle Steel and events for conductor Michael Tilson Thomas, Mark Zuckerburg, Sheryl Sandberg and most of the Bay Area’s top tech companies, financial institutions, charities, the SF Opera, SF Ballet and the San Francisco Symphony.
Kent’s experience includes extensive studio work, backing shows in Las Vegas, performances on cruise ships, and performing at the George V Hotel in Paris in 1995 and 1997.
He was the featured pianist for the 50th anniversary celebration of the United Nations where he played for the world’s ambassadors.
Kent Strand has also performed for Presidents Barack Obama and Jimmy Carter, the King of Norway, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He has provided music for the last seven California governors, the last eight San Fraqncisco mayors,
and many members of congress including Diane Feinstein, Nancy Pelosi, Barbara Boxer,
the San Francisco Giants and many events for writer Danielle Steel.