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Turning sweet 16 this year, the San Jose Jazz Festival can now legally take the wheel, but of course, it has never needed a license to be a driving force for Bay Area jazz. The festival, presented by the San Jose Jazz Society, is famed for offering a lineup of top-flight jazz artists and emerging performers each year--and always, almost all for free. With more than 165, 000 patrons buying concessions and attending the few events that do charge a cover, the festival also serves as the major fundraiser for the society's many jazz education programs for youth.
The festival's four days of all things jazz, Aug. 11-14, take place at various venues in downtown San Jose. Here are a few highlights of the festival.
Gala Kick-Off
Chanteuse Jane Monheit headlines the festival gala, the official kick-off for the San Jose Jazz Festival and a major fundraising night for San Jose Jazz Society programs. The evening gets the festival off to a glittering start on Aug. 11 at the California Theatre, 345 S. First St., San Jose. Monheit's performance is the centerpiece of a soiree that also includes a reception, dinner and an auction. Monheit will serenade revelers with her unique take on standards that blends a traditional vocal style with a tinge of pop.
Concert-only tickets are available for music lovers who want to catch Monheit's show, but aren't partygoers.
Gala and concert tickets are $150-$175. Concert only tickets are $30-$40. 408.286.2600, Ext. 23
Taking it in stages
In many ways, the festival's main event is actually made up of many events--nine stages' worth this year--that showcase jazz in its many incarnations.
Some of the Main Stage performers include singer/songwriter Zakiya Hooker (daughter of blues great John Lee Hooker), and soul singer Bettye LaVette on Aug. 12; drummer Louie Bellson with the Musicians Warehouse Big Band and Latin jazz pianist Eddie Palmieri on Aug. 13; the Oakland Interfaith Choir and inventive conga player Poncho Sanchez on Aug. 14.
On Aug. 13-14, audiences can make the rounds of eight other stages, with some of these venues specializing in blues, Latin, big band or salsa. Other stages highlight a mix of genres, and a youth stage showcases up-and-coming talents. Artists on these stages include funk/Latin guitarist Ray Obiedo and the Urban Latin Jazz Project; soulful blues-rock group the Lara Price Band; the San Jose Jazz Society's San Jose Youth Jazz Orchestra; Latin jazz trumpeter Ray Vega; local blues favorites Nitecry; modern jazz pianist Dahveed Behroozi and West Coast Jazz ensemble Octobop.
New this year is the Jazz Beyond stage, which features artists experimenting with new sounds in jazz.
Events in harmony
Many downtown spots will get jazzed up with festival events that complement the music, and in some cases, offer more tunes.
Popular downtown events Cinema San Pedro and Music in the Park get into the act with jazz concerts on Aug. 10 and Aug. 11, respectively.
Festivalgoers have a full evening on Aug. 12, when "after hours" events include a Jazz After Dark concert; a jam session and a screening of Clint Eastwood's film, Bird, a drama about Charlie Parker. Jazz After Dark is held again on Aug. 13.
Morning panel discussions and jazz Mass services take place Aug. 13-14. The 24 Hour Jazz Club starts the musical party on Aug. 13 and takes it into the wee hours of Aug. 14, and then offers another session all day long on Aug. 14.
Throughout the festival, the San Jose Museum of Art shows jazz photography.
As usual, an array of food, and arts and crafts vendors are offered for festivalgoers to enjoy between shows on Aug. 13-14.
For more information, or a complete lineup, see www.sanjosejazz.org/festival.html.
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