Following Blu DeTiger’s opening set last month, Chicago rocker Neal Francis kept the good times rolling as the next artist to perform for the 2026 season off Live at Lagunitas, the annual summer concert series hosted by the iconic beer brand. With support from Parlor Greens, the sold-out show featured plenty of dancing, cold beers, and big ol’ smiles, all in support of the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Parlor Greens opened the night with their virtuosic, organ-forward instrumental jams, setting the old-school tone as the sun began to lower in the Petaluma sky. Francis and company took the stage shortly after, offering up his infectious, energetic blend of disco, classic rock, soul, and funk. Breaking out tunes from across his catalog, including last year’s acclaimed Return to Zero, Francis had the crowd moving their hips and waving their arms, whether he was rocking behind the piano or jumping into the crowd to join in on the fun.
At several points throughout set, Parlor Greens guitarist Jimmy James plugged his guitar back in to jam along with Francis and the gang. With Francis leading the jubilee, James shredding away, the band holding it down, and a cold Lagunitas IPA in hand, what else could one ask for on a sunny Monday night? Check out photos from the whole shebang below.
All net ticket proceeds plus one dollar from every PILS beer sold supported the San Francisco SPCA, a nonprofit dedicated to serving animals in the local community. The organization advocates for proper care of animals, helps provide veterinary care, provides ways to find furry friends homes through their adoption program, and more. They even had adoptable puppies onsite at the show! Learn all about the SF SPCA here.
Neal Francis, photo by Stebs
The next edition of Live at Lagunitas has yet to be announced, though its monthly cadence suggests it’ll go down sometime in July. Word on the street is that it’s going to be a pretty darn special one, too…
