The Mission's Savanna Jazz Club Is Shutting Down

Having just celebrated its ten-year anniversary, Savanna Jazz Club announced today that it's closing its doors. As Mission Local reports, owner Pascal Bokar put the club on the market this week, citing a lack of profits, according to his realtor (and jazz vocalist), Carol Luckenbach. Luckenbach announced the news to a small crowd during the club's open-mic night this Sunday, drawing what Mission Local describes as "moans of disappointment" from the audience. Though Luckenbach told the crowd that she hopes the space will remain a jazz bar, she's already had 18 phone calls regarding the $1.74 million property (which includes four studio apartments, two of them occupied, upstairs), with a few tenants expressing interest in transforming the space into a rock venue or restaurant.

The closure is reflective of a general decline in jazz clubs in the area, with similar venue Rasselas in the Fillmore also having shuttered earlier this year. The club, which hosted national artists, swing-dancing nights, and offered West African-influenced food, also had a talent-management arm; no word on whether that will continue. The space boasts a kitchen and a full liquor license, adding to its appeal, and considering that one commercial broker made an offer on the property before even touring it, Luckenbach tells Mission Local that she's confident it will sell quickly, and for a good deal over the asking price. That's how it goes in the Mission these days.

· Savanna Jazz Club On The Market [Mission Local]