
San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, formerly known as the San Jose Jazz Festival, is emblematic of the Silicon Valley start-up spirit. The first San Jose Jazz Festival took place in 1990 over two days in August at the Plaza de César Chavez. Its first day focused on fusion and its second day was dedicated to straight-ahead jazz, attracting about 10,000 attendees. This was a true grassroots effort, with the main festival organizers cleaning up festival grounds well after the last notes had been played in the park.
Festival Director Bruce Labadie funded the first two festivals out-of-pocket, and luckily the gamble paid off. Ever since, the plaza has remained the festival’s epicenter and is now our Main Stage centerpiece. The festival’s second year featured a stage on Post Street and the event has continued to grow. Through the 90s, the festival’s expansion made it the largest free jazz festival in the United States, and the new millennium has seen the event grow to include nearly 1,000 musicians on 12 stages.
Learn more about the festival by scrolling through headliners and posters from past years.
2021
Morris Day and The Time / Goapele / Common / Judith Hill / Ozomatli / Butcher Brown / Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra / Superblue: Kurt Elling Featuring Charlie Hunter / The Motet / Shamarr Allen & The Underdawgs / Brandon Coleman / Sarah McKenzie / Helen Sung Presents Quartet+ / James Francies / Kandace Springs / Quiana Lynell: Pillow Talk / Christian Sands / Giveton Gelin / Gary Smith & the House Rockers With Andy Just / Septeto Los Amigos / Chris Cain Band / Billy Iuso & Friends / Cabanijazz Project / Junior Watson Band / Rumbankete / Delgado Brothers / Las Chikas / Sons of the Soul Revivers / Sonny Green & Tia Carroll w/ The Greaseland Allstars / Stella Heath / Mimi Fox B3 Trio / SJZ Collective plays Chick Corea / Ray Obiedo & Mambo Caribe / Jamie Baum Septet+ / George Brooks & Arjun Verma / Tony Lindsay / Ray Charles Project / Claudia Villela and Romero Lubambo / New West Guitar Group with Leah Zeger / The Futurelics / Swatkins & the Positive Agenda / Secret Sidewalk / Wally Schnalle’s Idiot Fish
- 2021 Summer Fest Poster
2019
Dianne Reeves / Gregory Porter / Pink Martini / The O’Jays / The Family Stone / Orquesta La-33 / En Vogue / The Suffers / Fred Hersch / Sons of Kemet / China Moses / Charlie Hunter and Lucy Woodward / Roberta Gambarini / Marquis Hill Blacktet / Ivan Lins / Sammy Miller and the Congregation / Veronica Swift featuring the Emmet Cohen Trio / Marcus Shelby Orchestra featuring Tiffany Austin / Elio Villafranca: Cinque
- 2021 Summer Fest Poster
2018
Kool & the Gang / Johnny Gill / Goapele / Herb Alpert and Lani Hall / Lalah Hathaway / Booker T.’s Stax Revue / Nachito Herrera Trio / Yissy & Bandancha / Vincent Herring’s Story of Jazz: 100 Years / Jane Monheit / Kishi Bashi With Strings / Sarah McKenzie / MAE.SUN / Changüí Magadero / Marcus Roberts / Big Sam’s Funky Nation / Makaya McCraven / Emmet Cohen Trio / Kat Edmonson / Rumbankete / Jimetta Rose / Aaron Abernathy Trio / Theo Croker Quartet
- 2018 Summer Fest poster
- Sarah McKenzie
- Sarah McKenzie
- Aaron Abernathy Trio
- Aaron Abernathy Trio
- Aaron Abernathy Trio
- Aaron Abernathy Trio
- Booker T
- Booker T
- Booker T’s Stax Revue
- MAE.SUN
- Fest-goer dancing at Salsa Stage
- Boogaloo Assassins
- YASSOU
- YASSOU
- Fest-goers dancing at Salsa Stage
- Yoshiaki Miyanoue
- Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio
- Doug Beavers
- Doug Beavers
- Yissy & Bandancha
- Yissy & Bandancha
- Yissy & Bandancha
- Lalah Hathaway
- Lalah Hathaway
- Lalah Hathaway
- SJZ High School All Stars Big Band
- Makaya McCraven
- SJZ Collective
- Fest-goers dancing at Salsa Stage
- Theo Croker Quartet
- Theo Crok’tet
- Urban Renewal Project
- SJZ High School All Stars U19s
- Fest-goer at the Main Stage
- Kristen Strom
- Herb Alpert
- Kool & the Gang
- Kool & the Gang
- Rumbankete
- Kat Edmonson
- Bobi Céspedes
- John Santos
- ConFunkShun
- ConFunkShun
- Erik Jekabson
- Erik Jekabson
- Meerna
- Nachito Herrera Trio
- Paula West
- Vincent Herring
- Jessica lá Rel
- Destiny Muhammad, Eddie Gale
- Eddie Gale
- Eddie Gale
- Eddie Gale
- Kishi Bashi With Strings
- Kishi Bashi With Strings
- Fest-goer enjoying the fest
- Fest-goers in line for tickets
- Jane Monheit
- Jimetta Rose
- Goapele
- Goapele
- Mads Tolling
- Jackie Gage
- Johnny Gill
- Johnny Gill
- Johnny Gill
- Johnny Gill
- Mitch Woods & His Rocket 88’s
- The Soul Rebels
- Ghost & the City
- Ghost & the City
2017
Orgone / George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic / Robert Glasper Experiment / Chris Botti / Angelique Kidjo’s Tribute To Salsa with Pedrito Martinez / Hip-Bone Big Band / The Whispers / Jazz By 5 with Javon Jackson, George Cables, Randy Brecker, Eddie Gomez & Jimmy Cobb / Eddie Henderson Quartet / Oscar Hernández and Alma Libre / Maceo Parker / Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio / Moonchild / Peter Cincotti / Tommy Igoe Groove Conspiracy / Pedrito Martinez / Daymé Arocena / Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys / Pacific Mambo Orchestra / Cyrille Aimée / Samantha Fish / Somos El Son / The Seshen / Carmen Lundy / California and Montreal Guitar Trios / Posi-Tone Records Showcase: Art Hirahara / Posi-Tone Records Showcase: Roxy Coss/Josh Lawrence / Wally Schnalle & IF3+ / Danny Green Trio / Kavita Shah / FatsO / Dmitri Matheny Jazz Noir / Emilio Solla Tango-Jazz Quartet / Rickey Woodard Quartet / Claudia Villela Group
- 2017 Poster
- Randy Brecker, Jazz By 5
- Taimane
- The Whispers
- San Francisco String Trio
- Maceo Parker
- Maceo Parker
- Daymé Arocena
- Cyrille Aimee
- Tommy Igoe
- Samantha Fish
- Robert Glasper Experiment
- Pedrito Martinez
- Dr. Lonnie Smith
- Chris Botti
- Carmen Lundy
- Angelique Kidjo
- The Seshen
- Orgone
- George Clinton
- Eddie Henderson
2016
Galactic / Sergio Mendes & Brasil 2016 / Funky Meters / Lizz Wright / Cécile McLorin Salvant / José James / Goapele / Miguel Zenón Quartet / Bobby Caldwell & His R&B Band / Chico Freeman Plus+Tet / Red Baraat / Melissa Aldana / Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers / Tootie Heath Trio / Alfredo Rodríguez Trio with Ganavya Doraiswamy / Karrin Allyson Trio / Wolff & Clark Expedition / Tony Lindsay presents The Soul Soldiers / Honey Island Swamp Band / The Royal Bopsters
- 2016 Poster
- The Soul of John Black
- Melissa Aldana
- Dancing in the street.
- Audience enjoying the show.
- Goapele
- Karrin Allyson Trio
- Crowd at Salsa Stage.
- Crowd at Main Stage.
- Dancing in the street.
- Soltrón
2015
Alex Conde / Anton Schwartz / Bria Skonberg / Brian Culbertson / Bombay Jazz / Charenee Wade / Chihiro Yamanaka / Con Brio / Conjunto Karabali / Davina & the Vagabonds / Doug Beavers / Eddie Palmieri / Etienne Charles / Glen David Andrews / the Internet / JC Brooks & the Uptown Sound / Jesus Diaz / John Pizzarelli / Kamasi Washington / Le Boeuf Brothers / Letieres Leite & Orkestra Rumpilezz / Mike Clark, Wil Blades and Hailey Niswanger / Natalie Cressman / Oran Etkin / Samba Parade / Sax Appeal with Javon Jackson, Jimmy Heath, Gary Bartz & Donald Harrison / Selwyn Birchwood / Shai Maestro / SJZ Camp Octet / SJZ High School All Stars / SJZ U-19s / Sonex / Storm Large / Sultans of String / Sylvia Cuenca / Terri Lyne Carrington’s Mosaic Project: Love & Soul / Tower of Power / Villalobos Brothers / Will Sessions
- 2015 Poster
- Alex Conde
- Anton Schwartz
- Bria Skonberg
- Brian Culbertson
- Bombay Jazz
- Charenee Wade
- Chihiro Yamanaka
- Clark, Blades & Niswanger
- Con Brio
- Conjunto Karabali
- Davina & Vagabonds
- Doug Beavers
- Eddie Palmieri
- Etienne Charles
- Glen D. Andrews
- The Internet
- JC Brooks
- Jesus Diaz
- John Pizzarelli
- Kamasi Washington
- Le Boeuf Brothers
- Letieres Leite
- Natalie Cressman
- Oran Etkin
- Samba Parade
- Sax Appeal
- Selwyn Birchwood
- Shai Maestro
- SJZ HS All Stars
- SJZ U19s
- Sonex
- Storm Large
- Sultans of String
- Sylvia Cuenca
- Terri Lyne Carrington
- Tower of Power
- Villalobos Brothers
- Will Sessions
2014
Bootsy Collins / Catherine Russell / Con Funk Shun / Conjunto Chappottin y Sus Estrellas / David Sanborn, Joey Defrancesco, Warren Wolf & Byron Landham / Jerry Gonzalez & the Fort Apache / Jimmy Bosch / Kris Bowers / Ledisi / Monty Alexander and the Harlem-Kingston Express / Nicole Henry with the Top Shelf Big Band & Orchestra / Pedrito Martinez Group featuring Ariacne Trujillo /Pacific Mambo Orchestra / Poncho Sanchez Band & Guests: Tribute to Armando Peraza / San Jose Taiko with The Bangerz / Snarky Puppy
- 2014 Poster
- Bootsy Collins
- Con Funk Shun
- Pacific Mambo Orchestra
- Jimmy Bosch
- Kris Bowers
- Futuro Picante
- Hot Club of Detroit
- Nicole Henry
- Gypsy All Stars
- Jerry Gonzalez
- Wayne Wallace
- Michael O’Neill
- Wally Schnalle
- SJZ High School All Stars
- CJ Chenier
- Soul Rebels
- Snarky Puppy
- Ledisi
- J Rocc
- SJZ Summer Jazz Camp Combo
- Jana Herzen and Charnett Moffett
- Pedrito Martinez
- Pedrito Martinez Group
- Viento de Agua
- John Worley Mo-chi Sextet
- Kristen Strom
- Catherine Russell
- Donald Harrison & Kevin Harris
- Atsuko Hashimoto
- San Jose Taiko and the Bangerz
- San Jose Taiko and the Bangerz
- Monty Alexander
- Poncho Sanchez
- Pete Escovedo
- David Sanborn
2013
Dave Koz & Friends / Dr. Lonnie Smith / Pink Martini / Rebirth Brass Band / Wil Campa / Preservation Hall Jazz Band / Ben Vereen / Cameo / Javon Jackson / Les McCann / Arturo O’Farrill / Derrick Hodge / Ricardo Lemvo / The Crookers
- 2013 Poster
- Charlie Singleton
- Cameo
- Gypsy Allstars
- Clifford Brown Max Roach Project
- Cameo
- Lyrics Born
- Mingo Fishtrap
- Dafnis Prieto Proverb Trio
- Dafnis Prieto
- Grace Kelly
- Dr. Lonnie Smith
- Rebirth Brass Band
- Arturo O’Farrill
- Murali Coryell
- Anthony Paule
- Orquesta Saboricua
- Edgardo and Latido
- Blackbird Yosvany Terry Quartet
- Pink Martini
- Le Jazz Hot
- Livia Slingerland
- Preservation Hall Jazz Band
- Preservation Hall Jazz Band
- SJZ High School All Stars
- The Cookers
- The Cookers
- Stacey Kent
- Ben Vereen
- Paula Harris
- Maxx Cabello Jr
- Javon Jackson
- Les McCann
- Dr Lonnie Smith
- Dave Koz and Friends
- California Honeydrops
- Derrick Hodge
- Jazz Store
- Crowd
2012
Alessandro Penezzi Quartet / Amanda Shaw & The Cute Guys / BlackMahal / Boney James / Coco Montoya / Dianne Reeves / Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk / Jeff Hamilton Trio / Morris Day & The Time / Terence Blanchard / The Spinners / The Jazz Crusaders ft Joe Sample, Wayne Henderson, Wilton Felder / Tia Fuller / Wil Campa y Su Gran Union
- 2012 Poster
- Morris Day And The Time
- Boney James
- Dianne Reeves
- Jazz Crusaders
- Jazz Crusaders
- Wil Campa
- Terence Blanchard
- Amanda Shaw
2011
Arturo Sandoval / Dave Koz / DMS featuring David Sanborn, George Duke, Marcus Miller / Edgardo Cambon y Candela / Grady Champion / The John Santos Sextet / Mavis Staples / Ohio Players / Ramsey Lewis / Trombone Shorty
- 2012 Poster
- Ramsey Lewis
- Trombone Shorty
- Dave Kos
- Mavis Staples
2010
Bobby Matos & his Afro Latin ensemble / Carolyn Wonderland / The Ford Blues Band with Robben Ford / George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic / Irma Thomas: Soul Queen of New Orleans / John Ellis & Double Wide / John Handy / Maceo Parker / Marcus Miller Tutu Revised / Nnenna Freelon / Ruthie Foster / Tower of Power
- 2010 Poster
- Ruthie Foster
- George Clinton
2009
The Bay Area Latin Jazz All-Star Band / Bettye LaVette / Black Joe Lewis / Buster Williams, Patrice Rushen, Cindy Blackman & Bernie Maupin / Lionel Loueke / Louie Bellson Tribute by Musician’s Warehouse Big Band / Nachito Herrera / Pete Escovedo Latin Jazz Orchestra with special guests Mario Gonzales Justo, Almario, Ray Obiedo & Doug Beavers / SambaDa / Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings
- 2009 Poster
- Dee Dee Bridgewater
- Lionel Loueke
- Pete Escovedo
2008
Bob Mintzer and Pete Yellin / David Sanborn in a tribute to Ray Charles & Hank Crawford / Djabe / Gail Dobson Latin Jazz Sextet presents Three Generation of Jazz / George Brooks’ Summit featuring Zakir Hussain / James Hunter / Joe Bonamassa / New York Police Department Big Band / Tony Lindsay
- 2008 Poster
- Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
- David Sanborn
- The Manhattan Transfer
2007
Airmen of Note / Angie Stone / Charlie Musselwhite / David “Fathead” Newman / Lee Ritenour / Marcus Shelby / Miguel Migs / Ray Vega
- 2007 Poster
- David Fathead Newman
- John Santos
- Ray Vega
- Airmen of Note
- Angie Stone
2006
Bud Shank Quartet / Dr. John / Dr. Lonnie Smith Trio / Eldar / Ingrid Lucia / The Iguanas / Marcus Miller / The Neville Brothers / San Jose Jazz Orchestra directed by Aaron Lington and featuring Mike Vax / The Spanish Harlem Orchestra
- 2006 Poster
- SJ Jazz Orchestra
- Tom Harrell
- Dr. John
- The Nevilles
- Wally Schnalle and Charles McNeal
- Allison Miller
- Dr. Lonnie Smith
- Eddie Gale
2005
Bettye LaVette / Bobby Watson and the Live and Learn Quintet / Eddie Palmieri / Ernestine Anderson / Geri Allen Trio & San Jose Jazz Orchestra directed by Dennis Wilson / The Musician Warehouse Big Band with featured guest Louie Bellson / Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir / Poncho Sanchez / Soulive / Zakiya Hooker
- 2005 Poster
- SJZ crew taking a much needed break backstage
- John Santos
- Fest-goers enjoying the music
- Fest-goers dancing in the street
2004
Bobby Sanabria / James Moody / The LeBoeuf Brothers / Lizz Wright / Los Rumberos / Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir
Pete Escovedo Orchestra with special guests Ray Vega and Justo Almario / Ray Borrtto Sextet / San Jose Jazz Society Orchestra with Steve and Michael Turre / Terence Blanchard
- 2004 Poster
- San Jose Jazz Youth Orchestra
- San Jose Jazz Youth Orchestra
- Kim Nalley
2003
!Cubanismo! / Julian Lage Quartet / Jimmy Heath with the San Jose Jazz Orchestra / Ledisi / Nestor Torres and the Bay Area Latin All-Stars, Featuring Orestes Vilato, John Santos and Rebeca Mauleon / Nnenna Freelon / Palenque / Ricardo Lemvo and Makina Loca / Taylor Eisgsti Trio / Yellowjackets
- 2003 Poster
- Main Stage
- Main Stage
- Nestor Tores
- Nnenna Freelon
2002
The 50 Voice Oakland Jazz Choir / Chuchito Valdez Afro Cuban Ensemble / George Duke Quartet / Jon Faddis / John Santos & the Machete Ensemble / Larry Coryell / Los Hombres Calientes / Montclair Women’s Big Band / Oleta Adams / Quetzal
- 2002 Poster
- Mr. Clifford’s young Jazz All Stars
- World Music Stage
- Salsa Stage
- Main Stage
- Hammer Theatre Stage
- Smith Dobson Tribute Stage
- The Fountains
- Taylor Eigsti and Red Holloway
2001
Angelique Kidjo / Dee Dee Bridgewater / Kenny Barron and Regina Carter / Joe Locke’s Storytelling featuring Mark Ledford / Jose Netoband / Jules Broussard / Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra / Papo Vasquez’s Pirates & Troubadours / Pete Escovedo Orhestra featurig Marlena Shaw / Steve Turre Quintet / Tommy Dorsey Orchestra conducted by Buddy Morrow / Vivendo de Pao
- 2001 Poster
- Richard Howell
2000
Bronx Horns / Caribbean Jazz Project / Dmitri Matheny / Eddie Marshall / Gonzalo Rubalcaba / Hiroshima / Jazz Times Superband / Jeff Chambers / Kevin Mahogany / Larry Coryell / Lavay Smith / Los Aztex / The Oakland Jazz Choir / Poncho Sanchez / Richie Cole’s Alto Madness Orchestra / Roy Hargrove Quintet / Smith Dobson / ValLimar Jansen & Frank Jansen
- 2000 Poster
- Dee Dee Bridgewater
- Kevin Maghogany
- Dmitri Matheny
- John Worley Jr. and Richie Cole
- Fest-goers dancing in the street
- Eijikita Mura
1999
Cedar Walton Trio with Billy Higgins / Chuck Mangione / Clarence Gatemouth Brown / Corner Pocket / Frank Jansen, ValLimar Jansen & Friends / Johnny Almendra y Los Jovenes del Barrio featuring Jillian / Jon Jang Quartet / Lavay Smith & Her Red-Hot Skillet Lickers / Little Charlie & the Nightcats / Ray Borretto & Kenny Burrell with New World Spirit / Michael Davis Group / Mingus Amungus / Nnenna Freelon with Ernie Watts / SoVosSo / Strunz & Farrah
- 1999 Poster
- Billy Higgins
- Ernie Watts and Nnenna Freelon
- Kim Nalley
- Red Holloway
1998
Arturo Sandoval / Diane Schurr / Frank Jansen & ValLimar Jansen / The Frederick Zimmerman Group Jazz Trio / Gene Harris / Johnny Otis / Lady Bo and the B.C. Horns / Manny Oquendo / Pete Escovedo / Rebbie Kwock & Melecio Magdaluyo / Regina Carter / Sista Monica / Steve Turre
- 1998 Poster
- Regina Carter
- Diane Shurr
- Pete Escovedo
- Mad Duran
- Johnny Otis
- Johnny Otis
1997
B Sharp / Bobby Matos Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble / Brad Mehldau Trio / Charles Brown / Chris Botti / Common Unity / Dianne Reeves / Gypsy Tribe / Jimmy McGriff & Hank Crawford Quartet / Lifescan Diversity Choir / Nestor Torres / Norman Connors / Nueva Manteca / Pele Juju / Spyro Gyra / Tomo
- 1997 Poster
- Fest-goers dancing in the street
- View from above the fest at Main Stage
- Nueva Manteca
- Charles Brown
- Jimmy McGriff
- Ruth Davies
1996
Bobby Caldwell / Bobby Hutcherson Quartet / East Palo Alto Boy’s Choir / Freddie Ravel Orchestra / Jazz Crusaders / Joyce Cooling , Person 2 Person / Lifescan Gospel Choir / Marlena Shaw & Jack McDuff / Pete Escovedo / Poncho Sanchez / Stanley Turrentine / Straight Ahead / Wild Mango
- 1996 Poster
- SJZ Board members
1995
Claudia and Claudia / Doctor Dorothy Donegan / Heavy Metal Horns / Jerry Gonzales & The Fort Apache Band / John Handy with Class / Kilauea / Patrick Palomo / Pieces of A Dream
- 1995 Poster
- The fountains
- Claudia Gomez
- Claudia Gomez with Richardo Peixoto
- Tap dancers
1994
Dick Whittington / Ernie Watts / Larry Coryell / Men in Christ Gospel Choir / Ponche with Rebeca Mauleon / Swing Ace, San Jose Taiko & Tree Carson / Super Sax & the L.A. Voices / Tania Maria / Wally Schnalle Sextet
- 1994 Poster
- Artist with Shakedown
- Ernie Watts
- San José Taiko
- San José Taiko
- Smith Dobson
- Swing Ace
- Tania Maria
1993
Charlie Haden / Quartet West / Ernestine Anderson / Justo Almario / Kotoja / Poncho Sanchez / Ray Obiedo / Roy Haynes / Walter Norris
- 1993 Poster
- Charlie Haden
- Denise Perrier
- Ernestine Anderson
- Poncho Sánchez
- Roy Haynes
- Tim Jackson
1992
Eddie Harris / Etta James / Mel Martin’s Bebop & Beyond / Steve Smith and Vital Information / Steve Turre / Strunz & Farah / The Next Crusade – Featuring Wayne Henderson and Wilton Felder / Viva Brazil
- 1992 Poster
- David Ladd
- Bobby Murray with Etta James
- Etts James
- Steve Turré
- Wayne Henderson
- Wendy Waller
1991
Billy Childs / Bob Sheppard / Dianne Reeves / Intima Records presents Fattburger / Flora Purim & Airto / Harold Land and Tom Harell Quintet / Joey Calderazzo / Richard Elliot
- 1991 Poster
- Richard Elliot
- Richard Elliot
- Dianne Reeves
- Flora Purim
- Harold Land
1990
Brandon Fields / Bobby Hutcherson / Freddie Hubbard / Grant Geissman / Hal Galper / Hugh Masekela / Poncho Sánchez / UNI w/ Dave Garibaldi
- 1990 Poster
- Bobby Hutcherson
- Freddie Hubbard
- Main Stage
- Smith Dobson IV, Jeff Chambers, Eddie Marshall, Bobby Hutcherson