May 15, 2018
San Jose Jazz Staff
Always celebratory and frequently familial, the Salsa Stage is one of San Jose Jazz Summer Fest’s musical and social pillars. For 2018, the stage’s bookings are in the good hands—and keen ears—of Betto Arcos. Qualifications-wise, Arcos is top shelf: A radio journalist, DJ, educator and concert producer, the Los Angeles resident has been heard on NPR and PRI. He has taught art, culture and broadcast journalism at Loyola Marymount University and is currently the producer …
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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
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 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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July 30, 2014
By: Brandon E. Roos
In addition to the great local artists and organization we spotlight during Summer Fest weekend, our Fest also gives you the chance to see some of the best musical talent from around the globe. Here’s a quick run-down of some of the acts who are arriving from the Caribbean, Asia, Australia and beyond. Fans of salsa and Latin jazz have numerous chances take in authentic Caribbean talent at Summer Fest 25. Saturday Salsa Stage closers …
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July 28, 2014
By: Brandon E. Roos
With Summer Fest only a few short weeks away, we’re bringing back our Fest Five series, where SJZ staff and community members share the five artists, events or activities they’re most excited to experience during Summer Fest. We re-introduce the series with Tom Flynn, CEO of Connect Address. Before his current tenure with Connect Address, Flynn co-founded a number of Silicon Valley start-ups, among them Lavante Inc. and AuditSolutions Inc. When he’s not hard at …
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July 28, 2014
By: Brandon E. Roos
Well before she founded Motéma Music, the acclaimed jazz and world music label based in Harlem, Jana Herzen was a Palo Alto resident. The daughter of two well-known Stanford University scientists, she delighted in exploring the beautiful terrain that’s now made way for lots and lots of tech. “I hate to have to age myself this way, but I was there before Silicon Valley was Silicon Valley,” recalls the Gunn High graduate. “I remember getting on my …
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July 23, 2014
By: Brandon E. Roos
It’s hard to believe that this will be the 25th year Summer Fest will transform Plaza de Cesar Chavez and downtown’s surrounding spaces into a weekend gem celebrating the great diversity of our region. As patrons have come to expect, you’ll be able to hear jazz, Latin, blues, salsa, R&B, New Orleans and more across multiple stages. However, we also have a number of special additions that will make next month’s Fest our best yet! …
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July 16, 2014
By: Brandon E. Roos
During the second weekend of August, San Jose Jazz Summer Fest turns downtown San Jose into a vibrant celebration of live music. You’ll hear jazz, salsa, R&B, swing, New Orleans and much more on 12 stages over three days. With performances stretching from morning to late night, why not turn your experience into an extended stay? Whether you’re arriving from out of town, out of state or just outside the neighborhood, there are plenty of …
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