Recently in San Jose Jazz Festival Category

One of the things I love about the Bay Area is that the music festivals and local events are jumping from now through end of September. If I have missed any, please let me know. :-)

This is the final weekend of the Stanford Jazz Festival with the Stanford Jazz Workshop All-Star Jam on Friday and Dena DeRose and Steve Davis on Saturday.

The East Bay Express Best of the East Bay 2009 Party is Friday evening from 5pm to midnight at Oakland Museum of California.

The 20th AT&T San Jose Jazz Festival is this weekend from Friday through Sunday in Downtown San Jose. Only $15 per day for three days of great music featuring Allen Toussaint, Sharon Jones, Wayne Wallace, Tierney Sutton, Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Bill Henderson, Sony Holland, Bettye Lavette, Jon Santo, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Buster Williams, Patrice Rushen, and many more.

The 9th Annual Art & Soul Oakland Festival is August 15 and 16. New weekend but the same great fun and entertainment for everyone. The lineup includes Shawn Colvin, Will Downing, Bobby Caldwell, and Walter and Edwin Hawkins.

Friends of the Golden Gate Public Library presents Jazz on Sunday Series every Sunday at 3pm at the Golden Gate Public Library, 5606 San Pablo Ave., Oakland, California.

Don't forget the AfroSolo Arts Festival 16 and the Yerba Buena Art Festival are running now through October.

Oakland City Center Concert Series - Concerts every Wednesday at noon at the Oakland Center in Downtown Oakland.

Kaiser Rooftop Garden Concert Series - Concerts every Friday at noon through September.

Sunnyvale Jazz Series

Aug. 15 - Tony Lindsay w/Tom Politzer (r&b & contemporary jazz)
Aug. 22 - Ed Johnson & ; Novo Tempo Quintet (contemporary Brazilian jazz)
Aug. 29 - Chester Smith Ensemble (organ straight ahead jazz)

This FREE event is open to the public and is located on Murphy Avenue (between Washington & Evelyn). For more information call 408-516-7217 or visit www.DowntownSunnyvale.com

SFJAZZ Summer Concert Series is underway and tickets for the SFJAZZ Fall Festival Season are now on sale.

Mt. Diablo Jazz Festival

Northern California's largest jazz festival returns to the Sleep Train Pavilion at Concord on August 22nd with a new lineup and a new name. Previously the JVC Jazz Festival, now called the Mt. Diablo Jazz Festival, this year brings Anita Baker, Boney James, Fourplay, Jazz Attack and local group Times 4 to Concord. Tickets for the Mt. Diablo Jazz Festival are on sale now at Livenation.com.

Downtown Berkeley MusicFest - August 27-29

Dancing in the streets, drumming in the avenues, and singing on the boulevards: all of these and more are yours this week as Berkeley's arts and entertainment hub springs into action for the Downtown Berkeley MusicFest! Highlighting the amazing diversity of Berkeley's downtown scene, the festival features a rich array of musical performances at venues throughout the downtown area.

Jazz at Filoli

Celebrate our 19th Season and Filoli's 100th Jazz Concert

Filoli Jazz lovers, please join us as we once again showcase six delightful Sunday afternoon jazz concerts held outdoors on the beautiful grounds of Filoli. Let us pamper you with great entertainment. Tables and chairs are set up on the tennis court surrounded by glorious oak trees. Parking is free, as well as snacks and drinks, including beer and white wine. Gourmet boxed lunches are available for purchase in advance. This year's program features an incredibly strong lineup of world class jazz musicians. After reading the descriptions below, I think you will agree that this year might just be our best ever. Concerts are from 1:30 pm -4:00 pm.

Next up at Filoli The Bobby Hutcherson Quartet - August 30

33rd Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival

The 33rd Russian River Jazz and Blues Festival has combined two great festivals into one weekend on September 12 and 13 at Johnson Beach Resort in Guerneville. The jazz lineup (September 12) includes Al Jarreau, Jonathan Butler, Richard Elliott, Jazz Attack, and Rick Braun with more acts to be announced. The blues lineup (September 13) includes The Neville Brothers, Dr. John, Tommy Castro Band, and Bernard Allison with more acts to be announced.

Montclair Village Jazz and Wine Festival

The lineup for the Montclair Village Jazz and Wine Festival on Sunday, September 13 includes Kitty Margolis, Wayne Wallace Latin Jazz Quintet, Marcus Shelby Jazz Orchestra, Mo'Rockin Project, and Taylor Eigsti.

52nd Annual Monterey Jazz Festival

The 52nd Annual Monterey Jazz Festival will be held September 18-20 at the Monterey County Fairgrounds in Monterey, Ca. Three days of great music. Performers include Lizz Wright, Wynton Marsalis, Chick Corea, Joshua Redman, Soulive, Dave Brubeck, Esperanza Spalding, Kenny Barron, Regina Carter, Kurt Elling, and many others throughout the festival grounds.

Rockridge Out & About Street Festival

On Sunday, September 27th, College Avenue in North Oakland's famed Rockridge neighborhood becomes the stage for musicians, street performers, fashion shows, lifestyle expos, wellness activities, and picnicking.

Sponsored by the Rockridge District Association, "Rockridge Out & About " features food, fun, education, health forums, live music, and dancing at this popular annual event. College Avenue becomes a culinary and shopping extravaganza as chefs fire up the grills and serve tasty delights and unique vendor booths and large tents showcasing the districts unique mix of locally owned retail shops businesses line over half a mile of
College Avenue. Take BART to Rockridge on September 27th to stroll, shop, wine and dine, dance, play and experience Rockridge Out & About.

Photo Credit: James Knox

The 21st Annual San Jose Jazz Festival Sunday Series is underway with five great concerts remaining. Upcoming shows feature Jeff Lorber, West Valley Jazz Orchestra, David Sánchez, Wayne Wallace, John Worley, Claudia Villela, and The Amina Figarova Sextet.

For the complete schedule and ticket information, http://www.sanjosejazz.org/sunday-series.html

Photo of John Worley at the 2006 San Jose Jazz Festival by James Knox

The 19th Annual Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival is this weekend. 1000 performers on 10 stages will be providing wonderful music including jazz, R&B, latin, blues & salsa. I enjoy this festival because you get to see some great local and national acts. Headliners this year include Dr. Lonnie Smith, David Sanborn, Javon Jackson, Les McCann, and Manhattan Transfer. Local favorites include Dayna Stephens, Gini Wilson, Nicolas Bearde, and Mo' Rockin Project. If the music gets too hot outside, you can always cool down and enjoy the music at San Jose Repertory Theatre, Cinema 3, Theatre on San Pedro Square, or The Tech Museum of Innovation. After the sun goes down, there will be Festival Club Crawl on Friday and Saturday and a CEO Jam Session on Friday. At just $10 per day or $25 for a three-day pass, this festival is one of the best deals around for live music. See you there!

Backstage photo of 2006 San Jose Festival performers bassist Marcus Miller and organ legend Dr. Lonnie Smith by James Knox

For Immediate Release

SAN JOSE JAZZ LEADS CELEBRATION OF JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH – APRIL 2008 – IN SILICON VALLEY

Smithsonian drives national effort to promote America's native art form

SAN JOSE, CA. March 18, 2008 – San Jose Jazz today announced programs to celebrate April 2008 as Jazz Appreciation Month in Silicon Valley. Programs include a new concert series in conjunction with City Lights Theater, exhibits at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, a lecture series conducted by world famous jazz personalities, and master classes at the Tait Museum in Los Gatos.

The Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of American History has led this initiative and has enlisted a distinguished roster of federal agencies and departments, non-governmental organizations, foundations, and broadcasting networks. The U.S. Congress passed legislation which was signed by the President in August 2003, Public Law 108-72, declaring “(1) the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History should be commended for establishing a Jazz Appreciation Month; and (2) musicians, schools, colleges, libraries, concert halls, museums, radio and television stations, and other organizations should develop programs to explore, perpetuate, and honor jazz as a national and world treasure.”

The concept is simple: designate one month for an annual public spotlight on jazz. Jazz Appreciation Month (or JAM) is intended to draw public attention to the glories of jazz as both an historical and a living treasure. The purpose of JAM is to draw greater public attention to the extraordinary heritage and history of jazz and its importance as an American cultural heritage. In addition, JAM is intended to stimulate the current jazz scene and encourage people of all ages to participate in jazz—to study the music, attend concerts, listen to jazz on radio and recordings, read books about jazz, and support institutional jazz programs. JAM is needed because many people do not fully appreciate the joys, power, and glories of jazz. The celebration this month is an effort by those who are passionate about jazz to share it with those who are not as familiar with it. JAM will encourage people to take jazz more seriously as a vital part of America’s cultural patrimony and as a great gift to the world, as well as to have fun with it. During April, San Jose Jazz, producers of the annual Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival presented by Southwest Airlines, presents a jazz workshop, lectures, concerts and a photo exhibit to celebrate Jazz in downtown San Jose.

Season Subscriptions Now Available at San Jose Jazz Office
Single Tickets Now On Sale at the Improv

Our twentieth annual Sunday Jazz Series features nine acclaimed jazz acts, performing at the historic Improv in downtown San Jose.

Season subscriptions for all nine concerts available through the San Jose Jazz offices: San Jose Jazz member price: $160-that's like getting three concerts free!
General public: $240
Your season pass is fully transferable-can't attend a concert after all? Lend your pass to a friend or call/email by 5 pm on the Thursday prior to the Sunday you'll miss and we'll put your substitute's name on the door list.
Season pass purchase: 408-288-7557 x2335
Single tickets available through the Improv Box Office:
San Jose Jazz members - $20-$30 (you must have the member code)
General public: $30-$40
Students with id: $20-$30 (walk-up only)
Improv Box Office: 408-280-7475; online at www.symfonee.com/improv/sanjose or 62 S. Second St. between Santa Clara and San Fernando streets

Schedule:
1/20/2008 Brubeck Brothers Quartet
1/27/2008 Ernie Watts Quartet
2/10/2008 Mike Vax Orchestra (Stan Kenton alumni)
2/17/2008 John Worley and Bari Bari featuring three baritone sax players
2/24/2008 San Jose Youth Jazz Orchestra (our high school all star band)
3/2/2008 Patois Records Showcase featuring Wayne Wallace, Alexa Weber Morales, and Kat Parra
3/9/2008 Kim Nalley
3/16/2008 Silicon Valley Composers Showcase (over 90 composers submitted; tunes selected by Gus Kambeitz, Dr. Aaron Lington, and Dave Eshelman; performed by the West Valley Jazz Band)
3/30/2008 Toshiko Akiyoshi

The series features nationally and internationally acclaimed jazz artists including the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Ernie Watts, pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi, Mike Vax Orchestra, John Worley and baritone sax players-Aaron Lington, Fil Lorenz, and Geoff Roach, vocalist Kim Nalley, and the Patois Records Showcase. Ranging from contemporary and big band to Latin and vocalist's jazz, this 2008 20th Annual Sunday Series has something for the jazz enthusiast in everyone. More information about the Sunday Series at: www.sanjosejazz.org

All concerts start at 3 pm at The Improv, 62 S. Second St. in downtown San Jose. No concert on February 3 (Super Bowl Sunday) or March 23 (Easter), 2008.

Season Subscriptions Now Available at San Jose Jazz Office
Single Tickets Now On Sale at the Improv

Our twentieth annual Sunday Jazz Series features nine acclaimed jazz acts, performing at the historic Improv in downtown San Jose.

Season subscriptions for all nine concerts available through the San Jose Jazz offices: San Jose Jazz member price: $160-that's like getting three concerts free!
General public: $240
Your season pass is fully transferable-can't attend a concert after all? Lend your pass to a friend or call/email by 5 pm on the Thursday prior to the Sunday you'll miss and we'll put your substitute's name on the door list.
Season pass purchase: 408-288-7557 x2335
Single tickets available through the Improv Box Office:
San Jose Jazz members - $20-$30 (you must have the member code)
General public: $30-$40
Students with id: $20-$30 (walk-up only)
Improv Box Office: 408-280-7475; online at www.symfonee.com/improv/sanjose or 62 S. Second St. between Santa Clara and San Fernando streets

Schedule:
1/20/2008 Brubeck Brothers Quartet
1/27/2008 Ernie Watts Quartet
2/10/2008 Mike Vax Orchestra (Stan Kenton alumni)
2/17/2008 John Worley and Bari Bari featuring three baritone sax players
2/24/2008 San Jose Youth Jazz Orchestra (our high school all star band)
3/2/2008 Patois Records Showcase featuring Wayne Wallace, Alexa Weber Morales, and Kat Parra
3/9/2008 Kim Nalley
3/16/2008 Silicon Valley Composers Showcase (over 90 composers submitted; tunes selected by Gus Kambeitz, Dr. Aaron Lington, and Dave Eshelman; performed by the West Valley Jazz Band)
3/30/2008 Toshiko Akiyoshi

The series features nationally and internationally acclaimed jazz artists including the Brubeck Brothers Quartet, Ernie Watts, pianist Toshiko Akiyoshi, Mike Vax Orchestra, John Worley and baritone sax players-Aaron Lington, Fil Lorenz, and Geoff Roach, vocalist Kim Nalley, and the Patois Records Showcase. Ranging from contemporary and big band to Latin and vocalist's jazz, this 2008 20th Annual Sunday Series has something for the jazz enthusiast in everyone. More information about the Sunday Series at: www.sanjosejazz.org

All concerts start at 3 pm at The Improv, 62 S. Second St. in downtown San Jose. No concert on February 3 (Super Bowl Sunday) or March 23 (Easter), 2008.

SAN JOSE JAZZ CELEBRATES APRIL'S JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH WITH PERFORMANCES, MOVIES AND TRIBUTES
IN AND AROUND SAN JOSE

SAN JOSE, Calif, April 9, 2007 – San Jose Jazz today announced details of the many venues and performances which will participate in honor of Jazz Appreciation Month. More than 30 performances ranging from straight ahead to big band will take place throughout the month of April including the following:

Live Performances:

The Agenda Restaurant and Lounge
All shows 7:30pm to 9:45pm (unless noted)
no cover charge with dinner
399 South First St.
San Jose, Ca. - (408) 287-3991
www.agendalounge.com

Saturday, April 21st - Jessica Johnson - CD RELEASE

The Bleu Ginger Restaurant and Lounge
All shows 7pm to 10pm
no cover charge with dinner
90 S. Abel Rd.
Milpitas, CA
(408) 719-9998
www.bleuginger.com

Friday, April 13th - Round Midnight

Saturday, April 14th - The Rob Reardon Trio

Friday, April 20th - The Kristen Strom Trio

Saturday, April 21st - The Kat Parra Quartet

Friday, April 27th - Primary Colors with Nate Pruitt

Saturday, April 28th - The Kaye Bohler Jazz and Swing Band

Savanna Jazz & Friends present Louie Bellson
Friday, April 27th Saturday, 28th 2007
Time: Two shows 8 pm and 10 pm.
Artist: In a Tribute to Jazz Legend Drummer Louie Bellson will perform and be honored at Savanna Jazz. The master of ceremony is KCSM's Sonny Buxton.
Location: 2937 Mission Street
Price: $30 and only available at the venue
San Francisco, CA 94110
San Jose Jazz members receive a free appetizer
http://www.savannajazz.com/

THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE EXPECTED AT THE
17th ANNUAL COMCAST SAN JOSE JAZZ FESTIVAL
PRESENTED BY SOUTHWEST AIRLINES AUGUST 18,19, and 20th

Three-Day New Orleans-Themed Event Features National and Local Names in Jazz on Nine Stages; 80 Performances Including Biggest Names in Latin, Salsa, Blues, Big Band and More

SAN JOSE, Calif., August 14, 2006 Thousands of people are expected in downtown San Jose August 18-20, 2006 as the 17th annual Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival presented by Southwest Airlines kicks off this weekend. Some of the top names in jazz will be on hand in a tribute to New Orleans including the Neville Brothers, Dr. John, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, and Bay Area blues legend Tommy Castro.

The Festival kicks off Friday, August 18, 2006 at 5:30 pm at the Main Stage in the Plaza de Cesar Chavez. On Saturday and Sunday, performances will commence at noon at all of the Jazz Festival's stage venues. The weekend after hours events include the Jazz Beyond stage at the San Jose Repertory Theater, Jazz films, free music in local restaurants, a 48-hours jazz jams and Jazz Mass.

Friday night admission to the festival is free. Saturday and Sunday admission for the Festival is $5.00 per day and children 12 and under free. San Jose Jazz Society members receive free admission. VIP tickets include preferred seating and free food and beverages are available. Festival attendees may purchase tickets at the door or at Bay Area Borders stores.
For more complete information about the Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival and how to plan your weekend, visit www.sanjosejazz.org. Special hotel packages are available for festival weekend. Proceeds from the Festival go to the San Jose Jazz Society's music and education programs.

About the San Jose Jazz Society
The Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival is one of many programs offered year-round by the San Jose Jazz Society, a nonprofit organization with a mission of celebrating jazz through performance and education in order to enrich and improve the lives of people in Silicon Valley. Proceeds from the Festival help to support the Society's education and outreach programs, including a myriad of in-school programs that reach 8,000 students per year with jazz history and music workshops that also emphasize a tobacco-free lifestyle.

Media Contact
Anne Smith
Festival Publicist
408-313-8089
anne@annesmithcommunications.com

Complete Festival Lineup

KERMIT RUFFINS TO PERFORM AT SAN JOSE JAZZ SOCIETYS "LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULEZ" OPENING NIGHT GALA & CONCERT FUNDRAISER

Thursday, August 17th Event at Santana Row Part of the 2006 Annual Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival

SAN JOSE, Calif., June 20, 2006 -- The San Jose Jazz Society (www.sanjosejazz.org) today announced that New Orleans trumpeter and vocalist Kermit Ruffins will perform at the San Jose Jazz Societys Opening Night Gala & Concert Fundraiser at Santana Row in San Jose. The New Orleans themed reception takes place on Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. followed by the Kermit Ruffins concert and fundraising auction. Tickets are now available.

The evening titled "Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez" is the San Jose Jazz Society's premiere social event. The semi-formal outdoor evening includes an hors doeuvre and cocktail reception in the Maggiano's courtyard. Guests will then be escorted to the concert area where they will be treated to a lively performance featuring Kermit Ruffins and his band, The Barbecue Swingers. Additionally, at intermission, there will be a live auction will feature original artwork, vacation packages and gourmet dining experiences.

Kermit Ruffins is a New Orleans-based trumpeter, bandleader, singer and songwriter who has been compared to a modern day Louis Armstrong. The Barbecue Swingers were formed in 1992 and the band is aptly named as it reflects the two things for which Ruffins is highly noted -- hot jazz and a smokin barbecue. In 1992, Ruffins also made his recording debut as leader with World on a String on the Justice label. For his first album, Ruffins put together an all-star cast of New Orleans musicians including pianist Ellis Marsalis. Over the years, he has penned memorable pieces including "The Big Butter & Egg Man", "Ill Drink Ta Dat" and "The Undertaker Man" as well as re-recording such tunes as "Struttin with Some Barbecue," and "Light Up."

"The outdoor setting of Santana Row is the perfect backdrop for the energy and excitement Kermit Ruffins brings to the stage," said Geoff Roach, executive director of the San Jose Jazz Society. "Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez Let The Good Times Roll - the motto of the city of New Orleans represents the casual elegance of this event coupled with our tribute to our friends who continue to rebuild their community."

Sold out for the past three years, the Gala and Concert is the kickoff to one of San Jose's most popular attractions, the Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival August 18-20 in downtown San Jose.

About the San Jose Jazz Society:
The San Jose Jazz Society is a nonprofit organization with whose annual jazz education and performance programs serve 170,000 youth and adults in Silicon Valley. Programs include, the annual Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival August 17-20, 2006 presented by Southwest Airlines, the annual Sunday Concert Series, Free Summer Jazz at Santana Row, free in-school jazz programs in Silicon Valley Schools, Jazz Goes to College summer camp, the Smith Dobson Youth Stage and the annual Youth Jazz Festival. A mainstay for Bay Area jazz fans, the Festival also helps keep Silicon Valley strong, generating an estimated six million dollars for the downtown San Jose economy.

Attention Calendar Editors:
Who: 17th Annual Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival presented by Southwest Airlines Opening Night Gala and Concert Fundraiser "LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULEZ" featuring Kermit Ruffins
When: Thursday August 17, 2006 Time 6:30-10:00pm
Where: Location: Gala Reception: Park Valencia, Santana Row (near Maggiano's Little Italy)
Concert will be held in between Borders Bookstore and Diesel
Price: $150 SJJS Members/ $175 Non-Members 10 person table $1500 (with premier seating)

Availability: Contact: San Jose Jazz Society Contact 408-288-7887 ext.2310, Email at rubelynl@sanjosejazz.org Santana Row Concierge 368 Santana Row Suite 1020 San Jose, CA 95128 408-551-4611 srconcierge@federalrealty.com

Media Contact:
Anne Smith
Publicist
408-313-8089
anne@annesmithcommunications.com

SAN JOSE JAZZ SOCIETY ANNOUNCES HEADLINE ACTS FOR 2006 COMCAST SAN JOSE JAZZ FESTIVAL, PRESENTED BY SOUTHWEST AIRLINES
17th Annual Festival in Downtown San Jose to features Tribute to New Orleans Jazz; Neville Brothers, Dr. John, the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Bud Shank and Eldar Scheduled to Perform

SAN JOSE, Calif., April 26, 2006 -- The San Jose Jazz Society (www.sanjosejazz.org) today announced headliners for the 17th Annual Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival, presented by Southwest Airlines. The Festival, which runs August 17-20 2006, will pay respect to the genre's deep roots in New Orleans with a full line-up of superstars, including the Neville Brothers, Dr. John, Sonny Landreth, and more. The Festival will take place on nine stages, each dedicated to a flavor of jazz: Blues, Latin, Salsa, Big Band, Youth and Straight Ahead.

"The Jazz Festival is our biggest fundraiser of the year, which helps serve more than 8,000 school children through our music and education programs," said Geoff Roach, executive director of the San Jose Jazz Society. "So many jazz fans live in the Bay Area and nostalgia for New Orleans is particularly strong this year, given the turmoil experienced in the region. We want to pay respect and homage to the birthplace of Jazz with this year’s lively lineup and we expect this year’s event to draw an enthusiastic crowd."

This year’s artists range from world-famous jazz legends to up-and-coming stars. Additional headline artists include the Spanish Harlem Orchestra, Bud Shank, pianist Eldar, and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Other artists performing at the festival include pianist Bill Mays, Hiroshi Kamekura from Japan, Anton Schwartz, and Roger Smith and Tom Politzer of "Tower of Power."

Festival Gala and Concert at Santana Row

The Festival will kick off with a bang Thursday Night at Santana Row with a Marti Gras themed Gala event and concert. The opening night Gala has been a sold-out event the past four years, helping to raise funds for the San Jose Jazz Society’s year-round education and performance programming. Details of this event will be announced at a later date.

Cool Creole, Cajun and lots of Concerts

Friday through Sunday brings the Festival back to downtown San Jose with three days of non-stop jazz events. From Friday night’s high octane opening at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez to the much-anticipated appearance by Festival headliners the Neville Brothers on Sunday evening, the San Jose Jazz Festival has something for everyone. Saturday and Sunday performances begin at noon and continue after hours with the Festival’s newest stage "Jazz Beyond." Arts and crafts, photography exhibitions, jazz films, and even a Silicon Valley CEO jazz jamsession will be featured during this year’s Festival. For more information about the 17th annual Comcast San Jose Jazz Festival, please visit, www.sanjosejazz.org.