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 …
Continue Reading »
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 …
Continue Reading »
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 …
Continue Reading »
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 …
Continue Reading »
July 26, 2013
By: Brandon E. Roos
To help shed some light on this year’s Latin offerings at Summer Fest, we consulted the source himself: Arturo Riera, the San Jose Jazz board member otherwise known as “Mister Latin Jazz.” In this blog post, he walks us through the top-notch Latin jazz and salsa acts you’ll encounter throughout downtown San Jose August 9-11.
Continue Reading »
July 24, 2013
By: Brandon E. Roos
Arturo Riera, otherwise known as “Mister Latin Jazz,” offers you a guided introduction to the great Latin talent that will be performing at this year’s Summer Fest. Riera starts with a bit of background on 2011 MacArthur Fellow Dafnis Prieto and Cuban saxophonist Yosvany Terry. He then elaborates on the acts, and themes, you’ll encounter during our three days of wonderful programming on the Kaiser Permanente Salsa Stage. Watch the video in full below. Click …
Continue Reading »
July 22, 2013
We say that every second weekend in August, Summer Fest transforms downtown San Jose into a haven for live music of all forms. Our new San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2013 line-up video, handled with care by Siren Song Creations, delivers that idea with a creative twist. Watch as dozens of names pop up around, and fly high above, downtown San Jose. Make sure to see them in the flesh August 9-11 on 11 stages throughout …
Continue Reading »
July 19, 2013
Currently studying Public Relations at San Jose State University, Mandee is helping us in the marketing department in the days leading up to Summer Fest. Aside from being on her computer all the time — she’s a huge social media fan — she enjoys urban exploring and connecting with others IRL (Internet slang for “in real life”). This is her first Summer Fest and she’s excited to be part of the team! Mandee’s “fest five,” …
Continue Reading »
July 30, 2012
By: Brandon E. Roos
Who better to introduce this year’s great Castellano Latin Stage and Kaiser Permanente Salsa Stage acts than the man who booked them, San Jose Jazz board member Arturo Riera. In addition to his role with San Jose Jazz, Riera is co-founder and director of the Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble of San Francisco, co-founding partner for event company Latino Entertainment Partners and is Chair of the Board for San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Arts and Events, producer …
Continue Reading »
