Hotsy Totsy Club: A Jazzy Speakeasy

CIVIC Immersive Production Case Study

For three unforgettable hours on a Thursday, Mystic Midway transformed a Muni streetcar into San Francisco's tiniest jazz club. As the antique F Line car rolled between Van Ness and Embarcadero, commuters were swept into an impromptu 1920s-style jazz performance, complete with a brass band, singer, and costumed performers.

Part of Market Street Arts’ Unstaged initiative, and in collaboration with Building 180, the Hotsy Totsy Club brought a touch of Prohibition-era magic to Market Street. From 4 to 7 p.m., passengers found themselves caught in a spontaneous jazz-infused celebration—unexpected solos, playful emcee banter, and a lively atmosphere that felt like a mobile speakeasy on rails.

Performers like J.A. Valentine, dressed in full ‘20s attire, moved through the aisles, creating a lively, interactive experience that turned ordinary Muni riders into delighted participants. Emcee Allison Jones aka Ifn Whendy welcomed guests with witty and inviting banter, shared historical SF anecdotes and introduced talent. As the car’s brass section filled the air with swinging tunes, tourists, commuters, and even surprised passersby couldn’t help but tap their feet, laugh, and capture the moment on their phones.

Thanks to Mystic Midway’s creative vision, the Hotsy Totsy Club turned an everyday streetcar ride into a joyful journey through time—proof that in San Francisco, magic can be found on the rails.

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