August 1, 2018
By: SJZ Staff
Ignacio “Nachito” Herrera’s trio is opening the Sobrato Organization Main Stage on Sunday, August 12, and the Minneapolis-based pianist couldn’t be more thrilled. “San Jose Jazz (Summer Fest), for jazz musicians, it is one of the most important jazz festivals in the United States,” he declares, by phone from Minneapolis. “And I am so happy we are going to be playing outside. I hope people move their feet and dance a little bit when we …
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July 30, 2018
By: SJZ Staff
Anthemic, sustained synth chords that hint at electronic music, glimpses of a sampler and drum machine in the music video, and a verse that begins with rapping in Spanish. That’s jazz, right? As their new single “Universo” shows, drummer Yissy García and her band Bandancha’s eclectic sound may very well point to where contemporary jazz-influenced music may be headed in their native Cuba. Since the release of their album Última Noticia in early 2016, García …
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July 21, 2017
By: SJZ Staff
Every year, Summer Fest presents the largest celebration of Latin jazz and salsa found on the West Coast. In addition to Angélique Kidjo’s headline tribute to salsa on the Sobrato Organization Main Stage, find a wide range of Latin flavors sprinkled throughout the Fest, including on our popular Salsa Stage. Preview the danceable rhythms and infectious energy of these vibrant sounds with our second Summer Fest Spotify playlist. Our selection was overseen by Summer Fest …
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August 4, 2015
By: Gabriela Hill
You asked for a place where you can really spin – and we heard you! For over 20 years, salsa dancers have come out in droves to celebrate the summer and enjoy the Salsa Stage. This year, we’re kicking off Summer Fest with a nod to that history. On Friday evening, we’re featuring dynamic, fusion-inspired musical performances on two stages, free of charge, as part of the South First Fridays Art Walk. After, join us …
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August 8, 2013
By: Brandon E. Roos
Tommy Aguilar has long been a force on the local music scene. With his production company and taste-making collective Universal Grammar, he continually brings quality, forward-thinking music to the intimate, deep red confines of the Pagoda, which will also serve as the home of this year’s RBC Jazz Beyond Stage. This year, he helped us curate our jazz beyond stage programming, which has been expanded to three days. He’s also been instrumental in helping us spearhead …
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August 6, 2013
By: Mandee Banga
San Jose Jazz Summer Fest is offering hundreds of artists on 11 stages throughout Downtown San Jose in a festival atmosphere, but what if you wanted to watch your favorite artist in a more intimate setting? For the first time ever, San Jose Jazz will be presenting a series of special Jazz+ Concerts. With Jazz+, you have the opportunity to watch a handful of artists in a more intimate, relaxed setting. All Jazz+ events can …
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July 26, 2013
By: Brandon E. Roos
Award-winning, nationally-recognized jazz DJ Brad Stone (KCSM, KSJS) is one of the biggest jazz voices in the region, and we’re pleased to have him back as our resident Summer Fest “Jazz Doctor”! Stone is not only a jazz fanatic but a long-time Fest attendee. Fun fact: his many jazz accolades are just part of his hobby — he’s actually a chemistry professor (he really is a doctor!)
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