The goal is FUN.
A Talent For Mischief is a San Francisco duo featuring the powerful percussion of drummer Lucian Muir and the swinging syncopation of frontman Kevin Coffey. Featuring vocals, bass, guitar and drums the two perform 85% original material and 15% carefully chosen covers.
Their own unique ORIGINAL musical takes on swing, indie, power pop and rock and roll draw on influences as diverse as Big Band Swing, Sam Phillip’s Sun Studios and the classic American pop songbook.
Unique, hooky songs, short, sweet and to the point that stay with listeners long after a show is over.
Proven audience favorites as you’ll see in LIVE video clips below.
Here’s 4 studio-recorded original song demos -
1. Balls of Steel
2. Treasure Island
3. Ragamuffin Vagabond
4. California Wonderland
Proud of their San Francisco roots, recent live performance locations include The Ferry Building, the Golden Gate Park bandshell, Union Square, Salesforce Park, the Union St. Fair, the North Beach Festival, the Castro St. Party, the Cole Valley Fair, the Sunset Night Market, the Civic Center Soundtrack series, the corner of Haight and Ashbury, Market St. downtown for Market St. Arts and MANY others. Many upcoming shows as well.
The idea is FUN.
Let’s take a look at some short, snappy Instagram video clips of the Maestros of Mischief engaging their audiences in recent live performances.
1. Click on the green image below to watch a LIVE clip of 2 spontanious dancers grooving to the band in the heart of downtown San Francisco at Market and 6th Streets! An original tune titled “Balls of Steel”.
2. Click on the purple image below to watch a LIVE clip with an audience member having fun at the Ferry Building on the Embarcadero in downtown San Francisco. The band starts a 2 hour, 2 set show with two original instrumentals titled “Shadows” and “New Sun Ska”.
3. Click on the green image below to watch LIVE ANOTHER spontanious dancer setting Market and 6th Streets on FIRE! A cover tune called “The Swim”.
4. Click on the purple image below for a LIVE clip from the COLE VALLEY NIGHTS Street Fair as the band finishes their set for an appreciative audience. A medley of 2 cover tunes called “That’s Alright Mama” and “Blue Moon of Kentuky”.
5. Click on the orange image below for a LIVE clip of an appreciative audience on Market St. as the band wraps up a 2 hour set. A cover tune called "The Swim”.
Click HERE for more fun, short and snappy INSTAGRAM videos.
• “Speaking of beautiful local music, the band A TALENT FOR MISCHIEF is an original rock trio from San Francisco - wonderfully talented individuals with a ton of original music and BOY they put on a nice live show!"
• "You guys sound great - thanks for being such an awesome part of our scene."
CJ, owner, WINTERS TAVERN, Pacifica Ca.
• "It was great meeting you and the band. You were all FANTASTIC, and it was a GREAT success."
Carolyn C., Events Coordinator at Springline, Menlo Park Ca.
• “You guys have a “sound” nailed down that is solid and rocking. Hard to select just 2 favorites - I guess I’d say “I Outlived Jesus” and “I’m Free,” but close behind them “Manifest Destiny” “BBQ In the Rain” and “She Said I’ll Pay.” I think your lyrics are very clever and witty. Great work- I really dig what you got going on there. Of course love the guitar work too, interesting progressions. I’m hearing some influence from the Doors, Leonard Cohen and some rockabilly too. Keep rolling strong!"
Mark Gunson, documentary filmmaker, New Orleans
• “Timeless, tasty stuff. Easily accessible sound. Intriguing lyrics."
Wes Takahashi, former head of special effects ILM, Marin
• "I Outlived Jesus - fantastic song, lyrics, and amazing video! Bravo!"
Greg Garcia, Fairfax, Ca.
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Contact us
• Kevin Coffey, guitarist / booking
Photos (by Ken Chan and Andy Gordon)
Please contact for high resolution publicity photos cartoonland@fastmail.com






