Music city accelerator
Music City Accelerator faculty brings together over 25 years of real-world experience across performance, music production, publishing, DJ culture, vocal artistry, and more.
Our instructors aren’t just educators—they’re active musicians, label founders, engineers, and industry veterans with deep ties to San Francisco’s music scene and beyond. Students gain access to a wealth of musical knowledge, practical skills, and creative mentorship designed to help them grow as artists and refine their craft.
Steve Heithecker
In addition to his years of experience in the music industry as an engineer and producer, Steve is a certified Pro Tools expert, a published author and lover of synthesizers. Steve takes his experience and passion into the classroom when he teaches and offers students invaluable knowledge based on real world production.
Steve's credits include: Orchestral recording for the "Iron Man 2" game with Sega USA, recorded and mixed all 20 episodes of "Halo the Return, Mona Lisa Overdrive and Headhunters" for Microsoft Xbox Live, recorded Dialog for "Bioshock 2" for 2K, recorded Dialog for "Infamous 2" for Sony, recorded Grammy award winning Chanticleer for "Halo CE" 10th anniversary, recorded, mixed and mastered all of the in game music for Microsoft and Insomniac’s "Sunset Overdrive,” and his music credits include co-producing and mixing "Winter in America" and “Highest Wish” with Bill Ortiz (Santana).
Jesse Bradman
Jesse Bradman is an acclaimed American rock vocalist and keyboardist whose powerful voice and commanding stage presence have made him a cornerstone of the Northern California music scene for decades. A seasoned performer with arena-level credentials, Jesse is best known as the former keyboardist for Night Ranger, joining the band in 1988 and contributing to Man in Motion, Neverland, and the internationally released Live in Japan. Throughout the 1990s, he toured as keyboardist and backing vocalist for Poison, further cementing his reputation as a dynamic live performer. His career includes collaborations and performances with iconic rock artists such as Eddie Money, UFO, Aldo Nova, and Saints & Sinners. In the studio, Jesse’s keyboard work and vocals have appeared on thousands of recordings, including solo projects by acclaimed guitarists Richie Kotzen, Marty Friedman, and Jeff Watson. Today, Jesse continues to captivate audiences nationwide as a featured lead vocalist with major symphonies — including the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and the Pacific Symphony — seamlessly bridging rock and orchestral worlds. He is also a member of the Craig Chaquico Band, bringing decades of rock pedigree and vocal authority to every stage he commands. With a career spanning arenas, studios, and symphony halls, Jesse Bradman remains a powerhouse performer whose voice and musicianship continue to resonate across generations.
Bud E. Love
Bud E. Luv (Robert Vickers) is a veteran American entertainer, singer, actor, and drummer whose larger-than-life stage persona and razor-sharp musicality have made him a beloved fixture in the West Coast performance scene for decades. Classically trained in theater and voice from an early age, Bud studied acting throughout his formative years and trained privately with renowned vocal coach Judy Davis in Oakland, California — laying the foundation for a career that seamlessly blends musicianship, comedy, and character performance. For over twenty years, he has embodied his iconic alter ego, The Fabulous Bud E. Luv — a hilariously confident lounge singer who “knows everyone” and “wrote every song ever written.” The character has become a cult favorite across California’s premier live venues, known for immersive performances that blur the line between satire and stunning vocal control. Behind the humor is a disciplined musician: Bud is a professional drummer with a deep love of vintage gear, owning an extensive collection of rare drum kits that reflects his lifelong devotion to rhythm and showmanship. Beyond the stage, Bud’s talents extend to film and television. He has appeared in national and regional commercials and has worked in movies as both a performer and precision driver. His creative reach also includes publishing — he is the author of You Oughta Be Me: How To Be a Lounge Singer and Live Like One, released by St. Martin’s Press, expanding his signature character into literary form. Whether commanding a microphone in full lounge regalia, anchoring a band from behind a vintage drum kit, or bringing theatrical flair to screen work, Bud E. Luv is a consummate entertainer — a performer whose career reflects decades of craft, character, and commitment to the art of live performance.
Colin Sentz
Colin Sentz has been working in Ableton for over 10 years, primarily producing EDM and dance-adjacent music. As a former student at Pyramind, he had the opportunity early on to license music with NBA 2K. Since then, he has released tracks with major bass music label DISCIPLE and Australia’s Sounds of Mayhem, performed in multiple cities, and secured additional licensing placements with 2K. Beyond music production, Colin works as a freelance 3D graphic designer and programmer, creating live show visuals and interactive content for performances and events. He brings that same creative energy and technical depth to Music City Accelerator through his teaching in Ableton and sound design. With a fully in-the-box production background, Colin offers a modern, streamlined approach to music-making, combining deep technical knowledge with practical, real-world insight. His goal is to be a strong, supportive pillar in every student’s learning journey.
Mac Vaughn
Mac Vaughn is a visionary techno DJ, producer, and founder of Fierce Animal Recordings—a top 100 Beatport label known for pushing the boundaries of underground sound. A pioneer of the San Francisco rave scene in the late ‘90s, Mac brings decades of experience performing, producing, and developing emerging talent. His deep knowledge of electronic music is matched by a passion for personal growth, shaped by years of spiritual study and artistic exploration. At Music City Accelerator, Mac leads the Artist Development: Branding, identity, and song release strategy course, helping the next generation of artists unlock their creativity and define their own sound.
Danny Delorean
Danny Delorean is a veteran DJ, radio personality, and music director with over 20 years in the industry. A true DJ’s DJ and walking encyclopedia of genres, he’s played every major club in San Francisco, opened for international acts, and performed at festivals across the globe. From his roots in record stores and college radio to programming for stations like Live 105 and hosting the world’s longest-running Synthwave event, Turbo Drive, Danny brings a deep love of music and unmatched industry knowledge. At Music City Accelerator, he teaches DJing with a focus on skill, history, and hustle—equipping students to command the decks and stand out in a crowded scene.
Rashida Bryant
Rashida Bryant is a master vocal coach with over 20 years of experience helping singers unlock their full potential. From classical technique to R&B power, she brings a structured, results-driven approach that delivers fast, lasting transformation. Known for her deep technical knowledge and high-impact teaching style, Rashida helps vocalists build confidence, control, and presence—on stage and in the studio. At Music City Accelerator, she leads the Vocal Training program, empowering artists to find their voice and become truly unforgettable performers.
© Music City San Francisco 2026
Experience the vibrant rhythms and captivating melodies of Latin music as we feature live bands and electrifying DJ sets, showcasing a diverse array of genres from Brazilian Rhythms/Salsa/Cumbia/Latin Jazz/Spanish Rumba/Latin Rock/ Forró & global beats. Feel the energy as talented musicians take the stage, bringing their unique flair and passion to every performance.
Enjoy DJ sets spinning Latin Jams with Disco 80s/90s Funk/Hip Hop/Tropical Bass/Rock/Breaks & more.
Doors Open: 6 PM
Live Performances Begin: 7 PM-10PM
Step into the rhythm and soul of the city at Music City SF every Tuesday for an unforgettable night of live jazz! Wheter you’re a jazz aficionado or just looking to unwind, our talented musicians will transport you through the smooth, sultry sounds of Classic Jazz, Soul Jazz, and Jazz Fusion.
Door Opens: 6 PM
Live Performance Begin: 7 PM – 10 PM
Step into the unexpected at Music City SF’s Eclectic Night, where musical boundaries are meant to be crossed! Every Friday, we bring you an exciting mix of artists, from funk to jazz, hip hop to rock, and everything in between.
Doors Open: 6pm
Live Performances Begin: 7 PM-10PM
Every Thursday night, dive into the heart of the underground with weekly rotating performances featuring a fresh mix of musicians, cyphers, and DJs that keep the energy alive. Whether you’re here for smooth R&B vibes, soulful vocals, or fire hip-hop beats, The Music City Underground has it all.
Doors Open: 6 PM
Live Performances Begin: 7 PM-10PM
Step into a time machine of music and let the decades take you on an unforgettable journey! Relive the hits from the ’60s to the ‘2000s with incredible tribute performances that’ll have you dancing all night long.
Doors open at 6 PM.
Performances kick off at 7 PM.
From timeless classics to deep cuts that defined an era, keep the dance floor alive with the irresistible rhythms and smooth sounds that made Motown legendary. Don’t miss a night of soulful vibes and nonstop energy!
Door Opens: 6 PM
Live Performance Begin: 7 PM – 10 PM
Experience a thrilling variety of Rock, Folk, Blues, and Country music every Wednesday night! A high-energy event featuring live bands and DJs across six stages! From rock anthems to country classics and everything in between, this night promises non-stop entertainment and unforgettable performances.
Doors Open: 6 PM
Live Performances: 7 PM – 11 PM
The Singer-Songwriter + Performance Program is coming to Music City Accelerator, housed inside Music City Starfactory — a seven-stage live music hub in the heart of San Francisco. Step into a bustling ecosystem of artists and bands, rehearse in real studios, perform on stages streamed live to the world, and even stay on-site while you train. This is a one-stop launch pad for aspiring artists ready to grow fast inside a community that lives and breathes music every day.
Deborah Barsotti
Education director
deb@musiccitysf.org
More info coming soon!
Aprill Lacey
Executive Director
Aprill@musiccitysf.org
Contact Aprill for booking inquiries!
