November 16, 2017
By: Nick Panoutsos
Every year, SJZ Jazz Beyond programming shines a spotlight on powerful emerging voices in R&B, soul, and hip-hop who have drawn inspiration from the jazz tradition. Curated in partnership with Universal Grammar, the series attracts an energetic crowd of music lovers across the genre spectrum. One of the most exciting acts of this year’s Summer Fest was Bay Area seven-piece The Seshen, whose electrifying performance on the festival’s opening night filled the Cafe Stritch Stage …
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August 25, 2017
By: Cate Ayson
If you followed all the Summer Fest action on social media this year, chances are you caught some photos or video captured by social media intern Cate Ayson. Before concluding her internship earlier this week, she took some time to reflect on her first Summer Fest. Below, she recaps some of her highlights from the weekend. – – – – – One of my favorite parts of Summer Fest was inviting my little brother along …
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August 10, 2017
By: SJZ Staff
If you follow SJZ on social media, chances are you’ve seen the words of our Summer Fest intern, Cate Ayson. A soon-to-be graduate of Southern Oregon University, Cate has helped spread the Summer Fest excitement through her incisive messaging and savvy social media know-how. Previously, Cate helped walk you through the vocalists, emerging artists, and Blues and Big Easy acts arriving in San Jose this weekend. Yet after reading up on the dozens of acts we’re …
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August 9, 2017
By: SJZ Staff
Resembling somewhat of a superhero, Dr. Brad Stone teaches Chemistry at San Jose State University at day but at night turns into an award wining jazz radio programmer, host and producer. His superhero name? The Jazz Doctor. To say he knows a thing or two about jazz is an understatement. To hear Dr. Stone in action, check out his program “the Creative Source” on soulandjazz.com, an online radio station based in the UK. Check out …
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August 8, 2017
By: SJZ Staff
Jonathan Gonzalez has been a long-time fan and supporter of San Jose Jazz. In the past, you’d find Jonathan working alongside the info team at Summer Fest, always answering Fest inquiries with a smile. This year, he takes on the role of “Festologist,” providing VIP attendees with their personal Summer Fest concierge. Love an artist or sound and need some recommendations on what else to see? Find him in the VIP area Saturday and Sunday near …
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August 4, 2017
By: SJZ Staff
This year, Summer Fest welcomes a handful of distinguished artists arriving in San Jose from various destinations throughout the world. Some will be offering a fascinating merger of differing musical styles. Others are a testament to the global impact of American jazz and blues music. Read on to learn about six artists bringing their international sounds to American audiences. fatsO This group may be from Colombia, but the best reference point for their sound is …
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August 3, 2017
By: Brandon E. Roos
Are you a cool jazz cat inspired by the bebop and post-bop sounds that ushered in a new way to think of the jazz art form? Do you use Summer Fest weekend as a way to glimpse into the creative minds of jazz legends and upcoming talents looking to continue jazz’s storied legacy? If so, look no further than this list. Below, we highlight five groups sure to celebrate the great musicianship of jazz music …
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August 3, 2017
By: Brandon E. Roos
At only 25, Cuban singer and songwriter Daymé Arocena has earned a staggering amount of praise given her relatively short recording career. Yet it only takes a moment of watching her in her element to understand why the kind words have been pouring in. From the first notes of “Madres” during her Tiny Desk Concert performance, Arocena’s honesty and artistic vulnerability are on full display. She commands her makeshift stage with the song, a prayer to …
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July 31, 2017
By: SJZ Staff
The artist line up this year at Summer Fest features a wide variety of musicians, so there’s sure to be something for everyone. Start exploring some of the sounds that will be drifting throughout downtown San Jose this August with our new Spotify playlist. Our first two playlists highlighted Fest headliners and this year’s diverse array artists performing salsa and Latin jazz. For our third, we delve into the various vocalists you’ll find at Summer Fest …
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July 26, 2017
By: Brandon E. Roos
Summer Fest, SJZ’s downtown San Jose musical takeover, is almost here. One great thing about the Fest is there’s plenty to explore, but it can be daunting at first glance. If you’d like some pointers on how to start your Fest exploration early, or if you’re interested in catching as much live music as you can over the weekend, look no further than this guide. Stay All Weekend at Summer Fest Planning a weekend stay …
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