Mitch Polzak & the Royal Deuces

Get ready as Bird & Beckett Books and Records welcomes the “Real Deal” himself, Mitch Polzak. Whether he’s flat-picking a guitar or tearing through a banjo solo, Polzak brings a circus-sized energy (literally—he’s a Ringling Bros. descendant) to the most intimate bookstore stage in San Francisco. THE PERFORMANCE The Music: Mitch Polzak and the Royal Deuces are a powerhouse trio that blurs the lines between Rockabilly, Western Swing, and high-energy Bluegrass. Polzak, a 2024 Western Swing Hall of Fame inductee, is a virtuoso who performs with the “religious fervor” of Jerry Lee Lewis and the storytelling sincerity of Merle Haggard. Special Guest: For this Sunday’s session, the band is joined by legendary pedal steel master Joe Goldmark. Expect shimmering, cosmic country textures to weave through Polzak’s sharp guitar leads. The Atmosphere: This is a “listening room” in the purest sense. With a capacity of just 35 people, you aren’t just watching a show; you’re sitting in the middle of a high-fidelity jam session surrounded by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. THE SETTING The Venue: Bird & Beckett is a Glen Park landmark. It’s a space where the scent of old paper meets the heat of a vintage Fender amp. The shop’s Bird & Beckett Cultural Legacy Project ensures that serious musicians like Polzak have a home to preserve the “Old San Francisco” spirit of improvisation. The Ritual: This is a BYOB environment. Grab a bottle from the neighborhood market and settle in for a neighborhood party vibe that feels more like a private salon than a public concert.