Silicon Valley's premier annual music event, San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2022 returns for its 32nd festival season from Friday, August 12 through Sunday, August 14 in and around Plaza de César Chavez Park in downtown San Jose, Calif. Renowned as one of North America's foremost music events with its dynamic multi-day programming, San Jose Jazz presents a riveting artist lineup for one of the summer's major SF Bay Area outdoor music festivals. SJZ Summer Fest 2022 features nearly 100 acts across 12 stages with acclaimed artists performing an eclectic mix of genres from jazz, funk, R&B, Latin, soul, hip-hop, blues, swing, zydeco, and global music. This year's Jazz Beyond Stage puts the spotlight on artists redefining the contemporary jazz genre in forms that future generations will carry forward to collectively embrace the timeless tradition of jazz. Co-curated by Tommy Aguilar of buzzy production house Universal Grammar, the Jazz Beyond Stage ignites with three days (Friday, Aug. 12 - Sunday, Aug. 14) of leading-edge programming for festival regulars and younger music fans at The Continental Bar.
San Jose Jazz's dedication to jazz beyond artists is representative of the premier non-profit's work as a global trendsetter. Over the past decade, San Jose Jazz and Universal Grammar have teamed up to present more than 50 artists working at the intersection of jazz, soul, and hip-hop. From past festival legends such as Robert Glasper, Thundercat, Jose James, Gilles Peterson, and Kamasi Washington, to San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2022, music fans are always treated to an incredible lineup of artists pushing the edges of jazz.
Jazz Beyond Stage -- Artist Highlights:
Founder of tastemaker Stones Throw Records, Peanut Butter Wolf returns to his hometown of San Jose for a not-to-be-missed festival pre-party as he headlines "Wax Wednesday" at Camino Brewing on August 10. Acclaimed for his staggering record collection, themed vinyl sets, and his unique VJ sets, Peanut Butter Wolfs show is a special homecoming for one of San Jose's most talked about artists.
Natasha Diggs is celebrated as one of the top DJs in the world. Her reputation hit A-List star status when she was designated the "The 45 Queen" by way of her signature all 7" vinyl sets at downtown NYC parties including her weekly "Mobile Monday's." Ms. Diggs has collaborated with hip-hip and reggae royalty. She has toured with GRAMMY Award-winning singer Lauryn Hill; DJ'ed for Damian Marley's inaugural "Welcome to Jamrock" Cruise; hosted a NYC residency with Q-Tip at Output Club; and has shared the stage with Erykah Badu, Bruno Mars, Maxwell, and Questlove, among others. Ms. Diggs is a trusted vibe-setter for the likes of Pharrell, Spike Lee, Jay-Z, and the hottest brands (Adidas, Samsung, Grey Goose) calling on her to get the party started right at their events.
Brooklyn, NY-based Melanie Charles is among a few artists whose sound captures the sentiments of a generation. In 2021, she appeared on NPR's "Tiny Desk" stunning listeners with her dynamic performances intermixing jazz, soul, and R&B. Charles quickly made a name for herself with notable fans such as Wynton Marsalis, SZA, Mach-Hommy, Gorillaz, and The Roots. Make Jazz Trill Again, a project Charles launched in 2016, demonstrates her allegiance to everyday people, especially today's youth while she is determined to take jazz from museums to the streets. The album, Y'all Don't (Really) Care About Black Women, is reflective of Charles' tremendous versatility and imagination as an artist, but of also her deep care for community.
Dynamic duo producer ESTA Featuring Mack Keane tours in support of their debut collaborative EP, Intersections, now available on Soulection Records (Release Date: April 6, 2022). Temecula-bred producer ESTA is among the moving forces in the Los Angeles beat scene. He initially gained attention for his remixes of '90s R&B records. ESTA is among the founders of Soulection, an independent radio show on Apple Music 1, as well as an indie music label, festival, world-touring concert, and clothing line.
R&B singer Mack Keane is gaining a national following for his silky neo-soul and R&B-infused pop music. Keane first hit the national scene with his 2016 single "Model Behavior" before defining an intimate style with a trilogy of EPs: 2019's Donna Ave and Aquanetta Dr, and 2020's Dry Creek Rd. In 2022, he began collaborating with ESTA on the EP, Intersections, which has garnered highlights from VIBE, UPROXX, Rated R&B, and others.
San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2022 presents three days of dynamic programming bringing live music roaring back to downtown San Jose. In addition to the Jazz Beyond Stage, lauded headliners across 12 stages include Charlie Wilson; Ledisi; Leela James; Lee Fields; Durand Jones & The Indications; Stanley Clarke; Ladysmith Black Mambazo; Raul Midón and Alex Cuba; Telmary & Friends; Judith Hill; Javon Jackson's "Charlie Parker at 100," Ft. Gary Bartz, Charles McPherson & Donald Harrison; The Brubeck Brothers; Bobby Watson & Curtis Lundy Quartet with Cyrus Chestnut and Victor Jones; Keyon Harrold; Isaiah Sharkey; and so much more!
To view the full artist line-up for San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2022, please visit: summerfest.sanjosejazz.org.
New Attractions @ San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2022:
Culture Night Market (CNM) brings an exciting array of local artists, craft vendors, musicians, and entrepreneurs to South First Street (@ San Carlos Street) for a special two-day marketplace (Aug. 13 & 14). Now going strong for two years, Culture Night Market grew out of a need for creatives (who worked out of the local arts organization Local Color) to have a reliable and sustainable location to sell their works while celebrating the diverse cultures that represent downtown San Jose. During SJZ Summer Fest 2022, CNM will also host a dedicated music stage for local artists including Saturday performers Barley Funktional, Los Eastsiders, Peace & Rhythm Orchestra, and Kamiko & The Good Things. On Sunday, live entertainment will include Nicole Chambers & Marcus Rodriguez, lan Santillano, Lemo Live, EYA, Thatfool Al Trio, Sutro, and Philythy Drones, playing in between sets at the nearby Latin Tropical Stage.
Exclusively on Saturday, August 13, The Tech Interactive Stage presents for the first time throughout SJZ Summer Fest new educational and interactive activities focused on music and tech. "Summer Fest is an incredible tradition for Downtown San José, and we're all very excited to be featured as a stage for this year's event," said Katrina Stevens, president and CEO of The Tech Interactive. "Music, technology and education are natural partners."
Beginning at 10am and narrated by Morgan Freeman, the visually-stunning film, America's Musical Journey, is screened on the largest IMAX dome screen in the West inside The Tech Interactive. America's Musical Journey is a cross-country adventure through the musical heritage of America and the cultural cities where America's music was born. At 11am & 1pm, get hands-on with music creation with Marcos Zambrano (Music Coordinator, SJZ's Progressions School-Based Education Program). Zambrano performs violin with the Tech's interactive Reactable exhibit, and speaks about his experience with the Music Technology Group in Barcelona.
At noon, hear stories behind some of Summer Fest's most enduring shots with Fest photographer Robert Birnbach in conversation with KCSM radio host Greg Bridges. At 3pm, Cuban rapper and urban music artist Telmary Díaz shares her personal and musical story with music critic, reporter, and author Betto Arcos, before she hits the Sobrato Organization Main Stage. At 4pm, Juan Moreno & Junior Guzmán of Clave Dura speak on their musical experience with Betto Arcos, before their performance on the Latin Tropical Stage. The 12pm - 4pm programming takes place at The Tech Interactive's New Venture Hall.
Wanna party into the wee hours of the night? San Jose Jazz has you covered with their Friday and Saturday nights SJZ Club Crawl. Hotels, restaurants and bars within walking distances will host great live music all over downtown from mid-evening until midnight with no cover charges. Mama Kin (the former Café Stritch at 374 South First Street, San Jose) presents Darryl Anders/AgapeSoul (Fri., 9pm-12:30am), PHILTHYDRONEZ (Sat., 8pm - 2am), and Sazon Libre (Sun. 3pm - 7pm).
SJZ Summer Fest's official hotel partner, the newly opened Signia by Hilton San Jose brings live shows during the Fest to their Club Regent as well as the Club Crawl. During the day, the PG&E Silicon Valley Stage electrifies the Club Regent with singular local talents: Brian Andres Quartet with Sandra Aaran, Jazz Mafia Featuring Adam Theis, Aaron Germain Chance Quartet, The Howard Wiley Show, Jeff Denson Quartet Featuring Paul McCandless, Ray Obiedo and Latin Jazz Project Featuring Peter Michael Escovedo, Kenya Moses' Bossa E Bossa, Tim Lin Quartet Featuring Billy Drummond, and others. Club Crawl shows at Club Regent will be announced soon on summerfest.sanjosejazz.org/lineup/club-crawl.
The United Lowrider Council of San Jose will showcase classic cars and lowriders at the South end of Plaza de Cesar Chavez during SJZ Summer Fest 2022. From 1940's Bombs to late 1950's and early 1960's Chevy Impalas, the fully restored cars will be on display for concertgoers to enjoy on Friday night only; the perfect accompaniment to the old-school soul of Lee Fields and new-school sound of Duran Jones & The Indications.
In the mood for a Staycation? Signia by Hilton San Jose (LINK) has a front-row view of the festival located on Plaza de César Chavez Park. Signia by Hilton San Jose, Summer Fest's Official Hotel Partner, offers a premier full-service hotel option to travelers at the heart of all the action. Come for the richness of jazz music and stay for standout culinary experiences and its outdoor rooftop pool. San Jose Jazz partners with Signia by Hilton San Jose, as well as Team San Jose and hotels adjacent to the festival grounds to feature sets by live jazz bands in lobbies across downtown from August 12 - 14.
ACT NOW! Exclusive hotel deals close to the festival grounds are still available but are selling fast. Check out these great rates at Signia by Hilton San Jose, AC Hotel by Marriott, DoubleTree by Hilton, Four Points by Sheraton, Hilton, Holiday Inn, Hotel Clariana, Hotel De Anza, Hyatt Place, San Jose Marriott, and Westin. Book your reservations now at this LINK.
Inflation Beating Ticket Prices!
San Jose Jazz offers one of the most affordable ticket prices out of the major SF Bay Area music festivals. For a $30 ticket for Friday night, audiences can see all the Fest's biggest acts. For an extra $15, they have access to the Jay Paul Company Montgomery Theater Stage, UA Local 393 Break Room Stage, Tabard Theatre Swing Stage at Tabard Theatre, and PG&E Silicon Valley Stage at the Club Regent at Signia by Hilton San Jose. For $85, fans can see an incredible lineup of all Sobrato Organization Main Stage artists across all three days of the Fest, as well as artists performing on Blues/Big Easy Stage at the South end of Plaza de César Chavez Park. Beer & wine are competitively priced, and for an overnight stay, the Marriot Hotel has rooms for just $143/night.
Three-day advance festival passes and single tickets are now on sale at summerfest.sanjosejazz.org. Prices rise on August 1.
San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2022 -- General Information
Arts and cultural programmers are the heartbeat of renewal and restoration efforts following the COVID-19 pandemic. San Jose Jazz remains a leading Bay Area institution upholding downtown San Jose as an exciting hub for arts and entertainment while adhering to all Santa Clara County COVID-19 protocols for large events.
Returning sponsors for the SJZ Summer Fest 2022 include The Sobrato Organization, Jay Paul Company, AARP, Adobe, Silicon Valley Community Foundation, UA Local 393, CEFCU, Heritage Bank, Google, Gordon Biersch, and Urban Catalyst. New sponsors include Signia by Hilton San Jose, PG&E, Casino M8trix, Schnitzer Steel, Boston Properties, and Ayaba Wines. Media partners DownBeat Magazine, Metro and KCSM Jazz 91.
32nd Annual San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2022
When: August 12 - 14, 2022
Where: Plaza de César Chavez Park, San Jose, CA
Admission: summerfest.sanjosejazz.org/buy-now
More info: summerfest.sanjosejazz.org; 408.288.7557
Artist Lineup (Friday, August 12 - Sunday, August 14)
Ledisi; Charlie Wilson; Leela James; Lee Fields; Durand Jones & The Indications; Stanley Clarke; Ladysmith Black Mambazo; Raul Midón; Judith Hill; Javon Jackson's Charlie Parker at 100, Ft. Gary Bartz, Charles McPherson & Donald Harrison; Keyon Harrold; Cameron Graves; Omar Sosa Quarteto Americanos; Isaiah Sharkey; Peanut Butter Wolf; Natasha Diggs; Nellie McKay; The Brubeck Brothers; Telmary & Friends; Bobby Watson & Curtis Lundy Quartet, with Cyrus Chestnut and Victor Jones; New Orleans Suspects with Erica Falls; LMR Jazz Orchestra Featuring Tierney Sutton; Tribute to Clifford Coulter; Jazz Organ Fellowship Tribute to Tony Monaco; Jazz Organ Foundation Celebrates Dr. Lonnie Smith; Melanie Charles; Urban Renewal Project; Mosaic America Presents Rightstarter; Kim Nalley Quartet; Nicole Henry; ESTA Featuring Mack Keane; Kid Anderson; Peter Bernstein/Bruce Forman Duo; Adrien Brandeis; JC Smith Band; Diunna Greenleaf; Aki Kumar; Memphissippi Sounds; 7th Street Big Band; Lemon Bucket Orkestra; Tribal Gold; Silvana Estrada; Erica Falls; Joel Ross; Takuya Kuroda Quintet; ADG7; Chris Cain; Alabama Mike & The Mighty Revelators; Curley Taylor & Zydeco Trouble; Marina Crouse Band Featuring Garth Webber; Joel Ross; Caroline Chung & Citizens Jazz; Lionmilk Quartet; Mikailo Kasha's Double Trio; Danie; Amy D; Son Habana; Clave Dura; Sabor de mi Cuba; Orquesta Taino; Mario y su Timbeko; Orquesta Latin Heat; Orquesta Borinquen; Michael Webster Quartet; Monterey Jazz Festival Regional All-Star Vocal Ensemble; Monterey Jazz Festival Regional All-Star Band; Latin Youth Jazz Ensemble of San Francisco; SJZ High School All Stars U19s; The Flannels; Cheflee; Oddity; SOJ Band; The Serenaders; Synchronicity; Top Shelf; Footnotes Big Band; Navy Band Southwest; Full Spectrum Jazz Band; Los Gatos-Saratoga Band; Swing Solution; and more!
