2023 Lineup / SJZ Break Room Stage

W.I.T.C.H., aka We Intend To Cause Havoc, was the biggest rock band in Zambia in the 1970s, spearheading a new genre dubbed “Zamrock” that fused influences ranging from the Rolling Stones to Black Sabbath and James Brown, mixing them with traditional African rhythms and bush village songs.

BASI VIBE is a singer, songwriter, and producer based in southern California. An emerging ace of the Neo-Soul genre, the Filipino & Native Indian recording artist has worked diligently to bring a nuanced and highly meticulous approach to his artistic expression. Tone, texture, size, and command are all aspects to be mastered within the tapestry of his sonic appeal and performance presence.

Lalin St. Juste is a rising star in the music world, known for her soulful vocals and genre-defying sound. As a queer Haitian-American artist, she draws from her rich cultural heritage to create music that is both innovative and socially conscious. Her music often touches on themes of identity, justice, and equality.

A versatile and gifted drummer, Blaque Dynamite has been playing with the foremost jazz musicians in the world since he was in high school. His live performance is a thrill to behold, featuring virtuosic drumming at the core of his genre-defying compositions.

A self-described folk/punk singer/songwriter, Sunny War enlivens traditional Americana and blues with a fresh musical attack and biting lyrics that reflect our current day. Her first album, Worthless, arrived in 2014, and she continued to build buzz with four other albums including 2023’s Anarchist Gospel.

Ian Santillano is a 27-year-old singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist from Hayward, California. His music is characterized by his unique sound, which blends a funky soul & jazz foundation with an indie singer-songwriter palette.

A select group of the San Jose Jazz High School All Stars Big Band, the SJZ U19s feature our finest young musicians in a small combo setting.

The LabRats are a musical convergence of Hip Hop, RnB, Soul, and Jazz. Formed in 2022, this Sacramento based trio has always defied musical genre, while also cultivating a dedicated fan base. Recently, they played a sold out show for the release of their debut album Year of the Rat. When you experience a LabRats performance, it all makes sense. This isn’t just a band, it’s community, collaboration, sincerity, and safety. Simply put, it’s magic.

MAE.SUN, also known as Hailey Niswanger, is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and composer whose music pushes boundaries and defies genres. In 2016, Hailey founded MAE.SUN as an outgrowth of her jazz studies and began to channel music that was inspired by a multitude of influences and sounds.