August 22, 2014
By: Brandon E. Roos
Once again, the second weekend in August transformed downtown San Jose into a live music oasis. This year, patrons from around the country could catch Conjunto Chappottin, a legendary Cuban son band formed in the 1940’s, and Snarky Puppy, one of jazz’s most electrifying young ensembles — whose performance San Jose Mercury News writer Richard Scheinin said “gave a jolt, like a second cup of java” — in addition to Australian vocalist Alex Hahn paying tribute to Etta James, Latin jazz pioneer Jerry …
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August 8, 2014
By: Brandon E. Roos
A San Jose native, Executive Director Brendan Rawson formerly spent time as Director of Cultural Participation at FirstACT Silicon Valley. He comes to SJZ with lots of experience in the arts, from his involvement in helping launch Left Coast Live to his time on the boards of Teatro Vision and the Bay Area Glass Institute. This is the third Summer Fest with Brendan at the helm While SJZ certainly keeps Brendan busy, he also contributes to the local community …
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August 6, 2014
By: Brandon E. Roos
In addition to being a great place to catch three days of non-stop music, Summer Fest also provides attendees with the chance to step away from the music and still have fun. Whether it’s taking a close look at fast cars or trying your hand at an obstacle course, we have plenty of activities this year that will help you stay active or let you chill out. Read on to find out what exciting activities …
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August 6, 2014
By: Brandon E. Roos
If you’re a foodie or are looking to pick up some fun art or accessories while at Summer Fest, we have some great options for you this year. Our Applied Materials Community Corner also gives Fest attendees the chance to find out more about local non-profits. Below, we provide a handful of sights, smells and tastes not to be missed this weekend. WHAT’S ON THE MENU? GREAT FOOD AT SUMMER FEST We’re excited to have great …
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August 6, 2014
By: Brandon E. Roos
A San Jose resident for over 36 years, Councilmember Ash Kalra is well aware of San Jose Jazz Summer Fest and its impact on the city he represents. Kalra has been serving on San Jose’s City Council since first being elected in 2008. He represents Council District 2, which is located in the Southern portion of San Jose bordering Morgan Hill. He sits on the city’s Community and Economic Development Committee and was unanimously appointed …
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August 6, 2014
By: Brandon E. Roos
If you listen to jazz on your morning commute, chances are you know Alisa Clancy’s voice well. As the weekday host of KSCM’s A Morning Cup of Jazz for more than 20 years, her tenure as your drive-time curator makes her a Bay Area jazz institution. Clancy first found her passion for jazz while in junior high band, where she played drums and piano. She combined her love for jazz with interests in pop culture, theatre, …
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August 4, 2014
By: Brandon E. Roos
As our premiere event of the year, Summer Fest provides us with the opportunity to highlight our year-round education efforts. We look forward to Summer Fest 25 putting a greater spotlight on our initiatives than ever before! Here we highlight the many ways education and youth will be celebrated as part of our full weekend of festivities, and shine a light on the musical director behind a long-standing Next Gen act at Summer Fest, the …
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August 3, 2014
By: Brandon E. Roos
Though he’s a relative newcomer to San Jose Jazz’s distinguished board, Curtis Jacobson has been a longtime supporter of Summer Fest. He’s been celebrating and promoting the great music, culture, food and fellowship found at the Fest for years, so he was excited to start serving alongside his board members when he began last year. San Jose born and Bay Area raised, Jacobson is a chief officer with the San Jose Fire Department. He’s also …
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August 3, 2014
By: Brandon E. Roos
Until he retired last September, Charlie McCollum had been an editor and writer for the Mercury News for almost 30 years and a journalist for almost 45 years. Most recently, he was the deputy features editor for art and entertainment for the paper and the Bay Area News Group. He also wrote about film, theater and visual arts. He is now a member of the boards of the Happy Hollow Park & Zoo Foundation and …
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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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