Mama Kin

Mama Kin is a great intimate venue for Jazz and live music in Downtown San Jose's SoFA District. You can get a sneak peak of the show just by walking by, but they have a solid Southern-style food and drink menu on the inside. 

Performances are typically inexpensive and are a great centerpiece for a night out Downtown. DL Edwards & the Disciples are playing tonight, and you can get tickets over here.

To see the upcoming music lineup and menus, head here.

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest Lineup

This event needs absolutely no promotion, but below is the lineup for Summer Fest 2024. You have every genre of Jazz you can imagine across multiple stages all throughout the weekend in Downtown San Jose.

For tickets and more information, head over to the San Jose Jazz website.

San Jose Jazz's Summer Fest 2023 Guide

SJ Today has a handy guide for anyone interested in attending Summer Fest this weekend. Running from August 11-13th, it's the largest Jazz event in San Jose and is one of the largest and best Jazz festivals in the US. It features over 100 performances across eight different stages and supplemental events that will let you party all night long.

To see a great summary of the event, head over here.

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2021

One of Downtown San Jose's largest events is back this week. San Jose Jazz's Summer Fest runs Friday to Sunday with multiple stages and options for every budget (including $5 streaming passes for one of the stages). The main stage will be centered in Plaza de Cesar Chavez but various events and the overall atmosphere will encompass large portions of Downtown San Jose. It will be a fun weekend to be in the area even if you are not attending the full event.

The full blurb is below and you can access the full roster and tickets over here.

Celebrate the Rebirth of “Live” at San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, August 13–15. One of the first significant live music events in the Bay Area in 2021, the Fest reclaims its place as "one of the world's great urban jazz festivals" (DownBeat Magazine) with a more compact footprint centered on the Sobrato Organization Main Stage in the Plaza de César Chavez. We'll bring you six stages with the same great vibe and a mix of international stars, emerging artists and local gems playing jazz, blues, R&B, New Orleans, Latin and more, including Grammy / Emmy / Academy Award winning artist Common, Latin jazz legend Pete Escovedo, fast-rising soul singer Judith Hill, funk powerhouse Morris Day and The Time, Latin urban party starter Ozomatli, Blue Note recording artist Kandace Springs and 70+ more.

Celebrating its 31st festival year in 2021, Summer Fest is an eclectic musical celebration that inspires family reunions, gathers old friends and brings music to every corner of downtown San Jose. Tickets and info at summerfest.sanjosejazz.org. 

San Jose Jazz Winter Fest: Feb 14-29

Winter Fest 2020 kicks off Valentine's Day and features jazz, blues, Latin jazz, New Orleans, and other genres in intimate venues across San Jose. Performances will take place at Cafe Stritch, the Hammer Theatre, Hedley Club, San Jose Museum of Art, the Poor House Bistro, and Art Boutiki.

For a full list of musicians and to get tickets, head over here.

37th Annual San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival 2018

Love to hear live blues music? Can't get enough from the winter and summer Jazz Festivals? Then you may want to check out the upcoming Fountain Blues & Brews Festival at Plaza de Cesar Chavez on June 23rd. Five artists headline the main stage this year:

• The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Featuring Kim Wilson
• Roy Rogers & The Delta Rhythm Kings
• Wee Willie Walker; Terrie Odabi & The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra
• Nikki Hill Band with Laura Chavez
• The Sons of the Soul Revivers

There will also be a SJZ mobile boombox stage before and between the performances. 

Credit sanjose.carpediem.cd

In addition to the music, you will also enjoy over forty beers on tap from the below breweries:

Abita • Allagash • Anchor • Anderson • Ballast Point Coronado • Deschutes • Devils Canyon • Drakes • Elysian  • Golden Gate • Golden Road • Gordon Biersch • Hermitage • Hop Valley • Karl Strauss • Knee Deep • Lagunitas  • Lost Coast • North Coast • Oskar Blues  • Santa Clara Valley Brewery • Shipyard • Sierra Nevada • Stone • Tilt Brewery • Uinta

The event goes from 11am to 8:30pm. General admission is $25 (children under 12 get in free with a paid adult). There's also a $75 VIP ticket with access to a shaded area, full bathroom, private bar, and two drink vouchers.

For additional information, visit the festival website.

René Marie and Experiment in Truth, presented by San Jose Jazz

San Jose Jazz presents an intimate concert with Grammy-nominated vocalist René Marie along with her regular collaborators pianist John Chin, bassist Elias Bailey, and drummer Quentin Baxter. 

Blessed with a crystal clear voice, fierce originality, and a commanding stage presence, René Marie is a musical force of nature. Rooted in jazz traditions laid down by Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington and others, she borrows various elements of folk, R&B and even country to create a captivating hybrid style. San Jose Jazz fans will remember René’s triumphant set at SJZ Summer Fest 2012.

Location:

Cafe Stritch

Date:

Tuesday, November 14th

Tickets:

$30 advance; $35 door

Ticket and Info Link:

sanjosejazz.org/renemarie

Video Links:

Blessings “Video Short”

Sound Of Red “Video Short”

This is NOT A Protest Song “Video Short”

Joy Of Jazz “Video Short”

Rene Marie – EPK – Sound Of Red 

Music Video Sound Of Red

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2017: Aug 11-13

This weekend, San Jose Jazz brings its annual Summer Fest back to downtown San Jose. This is probably the biggest live music event in the city, and a large section of the downtown core is closed off to cars. Over the course of the weekend, over 100 acts will perform at 12 indoor and outdoor stages.

In addition to various sub-genres of jazz at each stage, there will also be dance lessons, food/drink, and local vendors throughout the area. Some people like to travel from stage to stage, while others find their favorite area and relax for the day. Whatever your style is, if you are at all into live music I highly recommend checking this out! See how it went last year in the summary video below.

In the last couple of years I've learned a few tips for attendees:

• Bring a chair if you can! It is so much easier to just set up wherever you feel like it, and stay for as long as you want.
• Don't forget that your ticket gets you a wristband, which allows you to leave the festival and return as you please. This makes it much easier to visit a nearby bar, restaurant, or cafe if you're looking for something outside of the festival.
• As with any festival, try to map out where you want to be for specific performances. It can take some time to walk between stages. For indoor stages, capacity is limited so punctuality is especially important.
• Jazz Beyond After Dark usually has slightly more experimental music, and is one of my favorite parts of the festival. If you get the chance, check it out on Fri and Sat nights.
• Wear sunscreen!

For more information, see the promotional video or visit the website at https://summerfest.sanjosejazz.org/.

-Lawrence Lui

RAHSAANATHON 2017

Cafe Stritch has a multitude of events for Jazz aficionados coming up next week as part of their fifth annual RAHSAANATHON. The events honor the life and music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk, one of the most influential jazz musicians in history. Fun fact, Cafe Stritch was actually named after Rahsaan Roland Kirk's saxophone. Fun fact #2, the name of Cafe Stritch's predecessor--Eulipia Restaurant--was inspired by Kirk's "Theme for the Eulipions." 

Cafe Stritch is one of the best Jazz venues in Silicon Valley and this is their flagship event. If you love jazz, get your tickets before they are gone. For all of the details, please have a look at the press release below.

The Fifth Annual Cafe Stritch RAHSAANATHON:

A Celebration of the Life and Music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk

 Steve Turre Leads All-Star Band Featuring James Carter

RAHSAANATHON 2017 at Cafe Stritch

Thursday August 3 through Sunday August 6, 2017

San Jose, CA – July 5 2017 – San Jose’s Cafe Stritch is proud to present its Fifth Annual RAHSAANATHON: A Celebration of the Life and Music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk from Thursday August 3 through Sunday August 6, 2017.

The RAHSAANATHON’S main event is unique in the world. Rahsaan fanatics from everywhere will converge on Cafe Stritch for their annual pilgrimage. For three nights trombonist Steve Turre & The Eulipion All Stars featuring reedman extraordinaire James Carter (tenor sax / clarinet / flute) will bring bright moments to Cafe Stritch. This ensemble will be reprising their three-night stands from 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016.  The group will be performing Turre’s arrangements of Kirk’s music Thursday August 3, Friday August 4, and Saturday August 5.  Poet Betty Neals, who co-wrote “Theme for the Eulipions” (the house anthem of Cafe Stritch) with Kirk, will perform the song live. The band includes Charles McNeal (alto sax / soprano sax), Matt Clark (piano), Marcus Shelby (bass), Darrell Green (drums), and Terrie Odabi (vocals). The concerts are from 8:30PM to 11:45PM.

Tickets: $50 available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/397138 or at the door (if not sold-out)

Please note: Tickets to Thursday August 3, Friday August 4, or Saturday August 5 performances also entitle guests to attend the Sunday August 6 performance.

The festivities on Sunday August 6 begin with a screening of Adam Kahan’s feature documentary film The Case of the Three Sided Dream at Cafe Stritch at 6:00PM.  The Case of the Three Sided Dream is the award-winning documentary about multi-instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk (1935-1977), who went from blind infant to child prodigy, to adult visionary, to political activist, and finally to paralyzed showman. He was a seemingly superhuman musical force who played literally until the day he died.  Kirk was a musical force beyond category.  He never let anything stop him from pursuing what he called his “Religion of Dreams.”  Following the film (no tickets required), Cafe Stritch will present the Sonelius Smith Quartet featuring Claire Daly.  The group includes Sonelius Smith (piano) and Claire Daly (baritone sax / flute). Smith played with Rahsaan on multiple recordings including Rahsaan Rahsaan (1970), Natural Black Inventions (1971), and Blacknuss (1972). Claire Daly has been the bandleader on numerous recordings including Rah Rah, A Tribute to Rahsaan Roland Kirk.  She has been deeply inspired by Rahsaan’s music.  This is a musical homage to Rahsaan Roland Kirk in voice and music featuring tunes by RRK, his friends, and other kindred spirits. The concert will be celebrating Rahsaan, one of the most original jazz artists ever to live. The concert is from 8:00PM to 11:00PM.

Tickets: $10 available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/producer/397138 or at the door. Please note: Tickets to Thursday August 3, Friday August 4, or Saturday August 5 performances also entitle guests to attend the Sunday August 6 performance.

Cafe Stritch will continue to present the photographs of house photographer Ron Orlando from August 2 through August 31.  Mr. Orlando is a photographer who is passionate about photography and jazz.  He has been taking photos of jazz musicians since the 1980s. This exhibit is entitled Jazz Exploration. It is composed of photographs of jazz musicians taken at Cafe Stritch since 2014.

Press from past RAHSAANATHONS:

http://jazztimes.com/articles/166119-review-the-26th-annual-san-jose-jazz-summer-fest

http://www.mercurynews.com/music/ci_26260902/cafe-stritch-catches-jazz-lightning-bottle

http://www.metroactive.com/features/columns/Rahsaanathon-Cafe-Stritch-Rahsaan-Roland-Kirk.html

The Fourth Annual Cafe Stritch RAHSAANATHON: A celebration of the life and music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk

If you enjoy Jazz music, Cafe Stritch has a multitude of events coming up next week as part of their fourth annual RAHSAANATHON. The events honor the life and music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk. For all of the details, please check out the press release below.

San Jose, CA – San Jose’s Cafe Stritch is proud to present its Fourth Annual RAHSAANATHON: A Celebration of the Life and Music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk from Wednesday August 3 through Sunday August 7, 2016

Dorthaan Kirk will be present for all festivities. The RAHSAANATHON’S main event is unique in the entire world. Rahsaan fanatics from around the country will converge on Cafe Stritch for their annual pilgrimage.

For three nights trombonist Steve Turre & The Eulipion All Stars featuring reedman extraordinaire James Carter (tenor sax / clarinet / flute) will create magic at Cafe Stritch. This ensemble will be reprising their three-night stands in 2013, 2014, and 2015. The group will be performing Turre’s arrangements of Kirk’s music Thursday August 4, Friday August 5, and Saturday August 6.  Poet Betty Neals, who co-wrote “Theme for the Eulipions” (the house anthem of Cafe Stritch) with Kirk, will perform the song live. The band includes Charles McNeal (alto sax / soprano sax), Matt Clark (piano), Marcus Shelby (bass), Darrell Green (drums), and Terrie Odabi (vocals). The concerts are from 8:30PM to midnight.

Tickets: $50 available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com

The week’s festivities begin on Wednesday August 3. Cafe Stritch, in partnership with San Jose Jazz (SJZ), will screen Adam Kahan’s feature documentary film The Case of the Three Sided Dream at Camera 3 Theater (located one block from Cafe Stritch at 288 South Second Street, San Jose, CA 95113) at 7:00PM. The Case of the Three Sided Dream is the award-winning documentary about multi-instrumentalist Rahsaan Roland Kirk (1935-1977), who went from blind infant to child prodigy, to adult visionary, to political activist, and finally to paralyzed showman. A seemingly superhuman musical force who played literally until the day he died.  Kirk was a musical force beyond category.  He never let anything stop him from pursuing what he called "The Religion of Dreams”.

Following the film, there will be a question and answer session at Camera 3 with Adam Kahan, the movie’s director. This will be followed by a reception and panel discussion at Cafe Stritch at 9:00PM. Adam Kahan will be the moderator of a panel discussion including Dorthaan Kirk, Betty Neals, Steve Turre, and Sonelius Smith. As part of Cafe Stritch’s weekly all vinyl DJ Night (Wax Wednesday), Cafe Stritch’s Artistic Director Maxwell Borkenhagen will be playing a Rahsaan-themed set including Rahsaan classics and selections by related artists (no cover).

Tickets: $10 for movie tickets only / $20 for movie ticket and reception at Cafe Stritch including hors d’ oeuvres and one alcoholic beverage. Tickets are available at http://boxoffice.printtixusa.com/camera/advance?i=18314

On Sunday August 7 Cafe Stritch will host a birthday celebration for Rahsaan. August 7, 2016 would be Rahsaan’s 81st Birthday.  The evening will include New York based Rahsaan biographer and multi-instrumentalist John Kruth performing Rahsaan-related readings and songs. The evening’s main event is The Sonelius Smith Quartet featuring Claire Daly. The group includes Sonelius Smith (piano), Claire Daly (baritone sax / flute), Howard Wiley (drums), and John Shifflett (bass).  Smith played with Rahsaan on multiple recordings including Rahsaan Rahsaan (1970), Natural Black Inventions (1971), and Blacknuss (1972).  This is a musical homage to Rahsaan Roland Kirk in voice and music featuring tunes by RRK, his friends, and other kindred spirits. The concert will be celebrating Rahsaan, one of the most original jazz artists ever to live. The concert is from 7:00PM to 11:00PM.

Tickets: $15 available at http://www.brownpapertickets.com

Cafe Stritch will be presenting the photographs of house photographer Ron Orlando from August 3 through August 31.  Mr. Orlando is a photographer who is passionate about photography and jazz.  He has been taking photos of jazz musicians since the 1980s. This exhibit is entitled Jazz Exploration. It is composed of photographs of jazz musicians taken at Cafe Stritch since 2014.

Press from past RAHSAANATHONS:
http://jazztimes.com/articles/166119-review-the-26th-annual-san-jose-jazz-summer-fest
http://www.mercurynews.com/music/ci_26260902/cafe-stritch-catches-jazz-lightning-bottle
http://www.metroactive.com/features/columns/Rahsaanathon-Cafe-Stritch-Rahsaan-Roland-Kirk.html

Other Information:
http://www.cafestritch.com/
https://www.facebook.com/cafestritch
Tickets for all concerts are available at www.brownpapertickets.com

Cafe Stritch is located at 374 South First Street, San Jose, CA 95113  (408) 280-6161

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest - Aug 7-9th

The 26th annual Summer Fest this August features over 100 performers on 12 different stages. You have every incarnation of Jazz imaginable as well as R&D, Blues, and Salsa. It is one of the largest and most renowned Jazz festivals anywhere and is a must-attend event for Bay Area music lovers!

New this year is special programming for the South First Area (SoFA). On Friday night there will be new indoor and outdoor stages in the district, providing an extra-lively South First Friday. Speaking of lively, there will be all sorts of late night parties. They have done 24-hour Jazz marathons in previous years, and I'll look forward to seeing what they have planned this year.

For all of the details, head over to The San Jose Jazz Summer Fest website. Tickets are already available for purchase over here.

The Commons Performance Tonight at The Circle of Palms (6:45pm - 9:15pm)

The Commons is a music and performance showcase that has been doing a series of public works. Their goal is to bridge the gap between classical and contemporary performances. Their latest show called The Vernal Equinox and is tonight at the Circle of Palms in Downtown San Jose (between the San Jose Museum of Art and The Fairmont Hotel).

The show is funded by a Knight Foundation grant and is done in partnership with the San Jose Downtown Association, The San Jose Museum of Art, The Fairmont San Jose, Lazy Cocoon Sound, and Cellista Music.

For more information, check out the Facebook Page over here.

Source: Downtowner Online

Summer in St. James Park Noontime Concert Tomorrow

San Jose Jazz, the San Jose Downtown Association, and the Saint James Park Pilot Urban Activation Team have all come together to create weekly outdoor concerts in Saint James Park. The goal is to create a communal safe space in the park and use arts as a method to inspire engagement. Two of these concerts have already happened, and the last one in September will feature Oscar Pangilinan.

The concert takes place tomorrow starting at 11:30am and is completely free. For more information, click here!

SUMMER IN ST JAMES PARK NOONTIME CONCERT: OSCAR PANGILINAN

St James Park
North 2nd Street (between St James Street and St John Street), San Jose | MAP
Free Admission

BIO

Join the San Jose Downtown Association for Summer in St James Park. Come enjoy cold beverages, live music and fun activities on select days, and a rotating cast of gourmet food trucks.

Special for this outing, San Jose Jazz is programming Bay Area saxophonistOscar Pangilinan. Whether performing with his self-led modern jazz outfit The Bad Ones, or joining established Bay Area musicians like John Worley, Aaron Lington, and Kristen Strom, Oscar’s creative musical interpretations and seasoned writing skills boosts him as one of the up-and-coming musicians on the scene.

This event is generously supported by the Saint James Park Pilot Urban Activation Team.

SEP 25THURSDAY11:30AM

SAINT JAMES PARK

GENRE(S):HOMEGROWN, MODERN JAZZ, UP AND COMING

Second Annual RAHSAANATHON: A Celebration of the Life and Music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk @ Cafe Stritch from Aug 5-10

San Jose, CA – San Jose’s Cafe Stritch is proud to present a celebration of the life and music of Rahsaan Roland Kirk from Tuesday, August 5 through Sunday, August 10.

To begin the festivities on August 5 and 6, Rahsaan biographer and multi-instrumentalist John Kruth and Rahsaan’s collaborator Betty Neals will be featured. They will join New York baritone saxophonist Claire Daly performing material from Daly’s recent Rahsaan tribute album “Rah!Rah!” with local masters Akira Tana on drums and John Wiitala on bass.

The RAHSAANATHON’S main event is three nights with trombonist Steve Turre & The Eulipion All Stars, featuring James Carter.  This ensemble will be reprising their three-night stand from last year---this time with renowned James Carter on reeds and flute. The group will be performing Turre’s arrangements of Kirk’s music August 7 (Rahsaan’s Birthday), August 8 and August 9.

Poet Betty Neals, who co-wrote “Theme for the Eulipions”, the house anthem of Cafe Stritch, will perform the song live with the band. The band includes: Charles McNeal (alto sax), Matt Clark (piano), Marcus Shelby (upright bass), Darrell Green (drums), and Terrie Odabi (vocals).

A very special edition of the Cafe Stritch Weekly Eulipions Jazz Jam will close out the week with bandleader Peppe Merolla (drums) being joined by the great Jeremy Pelt (trumpet) along with Matt Clark (piano) and Michael Zisman (upright bass). The night will include the band performing songs from Rahsaan’s The Return of the 5,000 Lb. Man as well as originals. Because this is the Sunday of the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, the jam might include other world-class players in town for the festival.

For a schedule and more information please visit www.cafestritch.com . Tickets for all events are available at www.brownpapertickets.com

Cafe Stritch is located at 374 South First Street, San Jose, CA   408 280 6161

Schedule of Performers
Entertainment Schedule August 5 – August 10

Tuesday August 5
RAHSAANATHON from 8:30PM to 12:30AM
Claire Daly and Rah! Rah!

Wednesday August 6
RAHSAANATHON from 8:30PM to 12:30AM
Claire Daly and Rah! Rah!

Thursday August 7
RAHSAANATHON from 8:30PM to 12:30AM
Steve Turre & The Eulipion All Stars featuring James Carter

Friday August 8
RAHSAANATHON from 8:30PM to 12:30AM
Steve Turre & The Eulipion All Stars featuring James Carter

Saturday August 9
San Jose Jazz Summer Fest Stage from 12:00PM to 7:00PM
12:00PM to 1:30PM  Noel Jewkes Quartet
2:00PM to 3:30PM  Michael O'Neal Quintet with Kenny Washington
4:00PM to 5:30PM  Ben Flocks Trio: The Music of Sonny Rollins
6:00PM to 7:00PM  Tim Lin

RAHSAANATHON from 8:30PM to 12:30AM
Steve Turre & The Eulipion All Stars featuring James Carter

Sunday August 10
San Jose Jazz Summer Fest Stage from 12:00PM to 7:00PM
12:00PM to 1:00PM  Charnett Moffett with Jana Herzen
1:30PM to 2:30PM  Marc Carey Focus Trio
3:00PM to 3:45PM  Charnett Moffett with Jana Herzen
4:15PM to 5:00PM  Marc Carey Focus Trio
5:30PM to 6:30PM  Pedrito Martinez

RAHSAANATHON from 8:30PM to 12:30AM
The Eulipion Jazz Jam Session with Peppe Merolla, featuring Jeremy Pelt

Tickets for all events are available at www.brownpapertickets.com

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest!!! Aug 8-10th, Downtown San Jose

One of the largest Jazz festivals in the US is happening in Downtown San Jose this weekend. You will have world-class traditional jazz, Latin jazz, salsa, R&B, funk, smooth jazz, fusion, world music, and I'm sure a few surprises. The featured artists this year are 2014 Grammy winners Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Bootsy Collins, Snarky Puppy, The Poncho Sanchez Band, Ledisi, David Sanborn, Joey DeFrancesco, Warren Wolf & Byron Landham, Kris Bowers, Monty Alexander and the Harlem-Kingston Express and many more.

This year's San Jose Jazz Summer Fest will have music on 12 (!!!) different stages. Between the main festival and the side-events, you will be able to listen to live Jazz 24x7 throughout the course of the 3-day event. For more information, check out the links and the video below (which includes tons of great shots from across Downtown). This is an event you won't want to miss!

Event Link:
http://summerfest.sanjosejazz.org

Full Musical Lineup:
http://summerfest.sanjosejazz.org/2014-lineup

Ticket Link:
http://summerfest.sanjosejazz.org/tickets/buy-now

Prices
General Admission:
Weekend Pass: $55 through 6/8: Thereafter and at gate: $70
Fri: $15 through 8/6; Thereafter and at gate: $20
Sat or Sun: $20 through 8/6; Thereafter and at gate: $25

GA All Stages:
Weekend Pass: $65 through 6/8: Thereafter and at gate: $90
Sat or Sun: $30 through 8/6; Thereafter and at gate: $35

Priority Access:
Weekend Pass: $150 through 6/8: Thereafter and at gate: $170
Sat or Sun: $70 through 8/6; Thereafter and at gate: $75

VIP:
Weekend Pass: $285 through 6/8: Thereafter and at gate: $320
Sat or Sun: $140 through 8/6; Thereafter and at gate: $150

Children (Ages 5-12):
$5 daily

2013 San Jose Jazz Summer Fest Lineup

One of the largest Jazz festivals in the world is returning to San Jose this weekend (Aug 9-11). It's going to feature over 1,000 artists across 11 different stages, including Pink Martini, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, and Cameo! Music genres include all sorts of Jazz, Blues, Salsa, Latin, New Orleans, and R&B.

To see the lineup in an awesome promo video highlighting Downtown San Jose, click here.  For more info, schedules, and tickets, click here.

Gordon Biersch 25th Anniversary “Big Bands, Brews & BBQ” Event

Just in case you haven’t yet heard, Gordon Biersch is celebrating their 25th anniversary year by hosting a “Big Bands, Brews & BBQ” event tomorrow, Sat, May 18 from 2-7 p.m. at their brewing and bottling facility at 357 East Taylor Street (not to be confused with the Gordon Biersch brewery restaurant in downtown San Jose).

I wrote an article about this event in this week’s Metro issue, which includes several quotes from Dan Gordon himself. Dan shared some other things as well. First, he talked enthusiastically about the trio of groups scheduled to perform at the anniversary bash, including:

• The San Jose Jazz Festival All Star Big Band featuring drummer Tommy Igoe and vocalist Kenny Washington at 2:30. Dan added, “Kenny is simply amazing and a regular performer at New York City’s Lincoln Center.”
• Pacific Mambo Orchestra – a 19-piece band led by pianist Christian Tumalan and trumpeter Steffen Kuehn at 4. Dan added, “They have to be one of the top five salsa groups out there."
• Carlos Reyes and his Super Group featuring Santana vocalist Tony Lindsay at 6. Dan shared, “Carlos is a virtuoso and plays Paraguayan harp and electric violin.”

Dan also talked about the risks taken in opening the brewery restaurant in downtown San Jose, back during some tough economic times; for instance, the brewpub at the location Gordon Biersch was taking over lasted just three months. Fortunately, Gordon Biersch has lasted much longer and has continued to call San Jose their home.

For ticket information for the 25th anniversary bash, click here.

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest is Expanding to The San Pedro Square Market This Year!

from http://www.sanpedrosquaremarket.com/the-san-pedro-square-market-blog/bid/58659/San-Jose-Jazz-Summer-Fest-at-SPSM-This-Weekend

The Market will be home to two stages for the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest! In order to enjoy the music, you will need to purchase a Jazz Festival wristband. They will be available at the door, on the festival grounds, and various locations throughout downtown. Please see the map below for more information.

METRO MARKET STAGE (SPSM, Perazzo Building)
Friday 8/10/12 $15
6pm De Jazz Vu

8pm Poblano Project

10pm Yesberger Band

12am Marcus L. Miller with Freedom Jazz Movement

Saturday 8/11/12 $20
10am Harold Fethe Quartet

12pm Just-AZz

2pm “Taking Flight” Female Songwriters
4pm Fatum Brothers’ Peacetet

6pm Yoshiaki Miyanoue Tokyo Quartet

8pm Grooveyard Shift

10pm Ben Flocks / B-Flo & the Love Machine
12am Synchronicity
Sunday 8/12/12 $20
10am Dixie Six

12pm Kevin Coelho

2pm Jackie Gage and the JurassiC
4pm TBA

6pm Monica Marquis

JC Smith’s Blues Club (SPSM, Lusardi Building) 

Fri, Aug 10 @ 9pm–1am

Sat, Aug 11 @ 9pm–1am

$10 with festival admission / $15 without; at the door only

JC Smith’s Blues Club, located inside San Pedro Square Market’s Lusardi Building, will salute the original living legends of South Bay Blues Friday, Aug 10 with performances by JC Smith Band, Chris Cain, Andy Just, Gary Smith and Sammy Varela. Legally Blue will open the club’s Summer Fest after party Saturday, set to include Chicago artists Toranzo Cannon, Sharon Lewis and Dave Specter in addition to Wendy Dewitt, La Tenaza, Livia Slingerland, Lady Chico and more! 

The San Jose Jazz Summer Fest is Coming!

Mark your calendars, the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2012 is set for August 10-12th! Check out the latest promo courtesy of WMS Media below:

Community Event for Downtown Residents Today

Don't miss this... a Special Community Open House & Movie Night on Thursday!

Attention Neighbors
This Thursday, come on over to the San Jose Athletic Club. Meet your local merchants and sample some of their wares. Mingle by the pool for some jazz and then cross the street for the first Outdoor Movie Night of the Summer...HOOK. (Arrreee...don't forget your to bring your best pirate look if you dare)!