San Jose’s Summer of Sound: Free Concerts to Light Up St. James Park

St. James Park is about to come alive with the 2025 Levitt San Jose concert series! This season promises eight incredible nights of free live music, transforming our Downtown San Jose' St. James Park into a celebration of sound and community. Leading the charge is Suzanne St. John-Crane, the new Director of Strategy for Levitt San Jose. With her deep experience in non-profits and passion for cultural equity, she’s steering this initiative toward something truly special—a chance for everyone to enjoy music, connect with neighbors, and revel in our city’s vibrant spirit.

Kicking off on May 25 with Africa Day featuring Riddim Exchange’s pulsing Afrobeat rhythms, the series spans genres like blues with Maxx Cabello Jr., country vibes from Cash’d Out, and a Roots Reggae Bash headlined by Groundation. There’s even a Psychedelic Latinx Night with Valley Wolf and a Cumbia Celebration led by Bululú. Every concert is free, family-friendly, and paired with food vendors and local artists, making St. James Park the place to be from May through September. It’s an open invitation to dance, unwind, and soak in the creativity that defines our city.

What makes this series stand out is its heart. Levitt San Jose is about bringing people together and reclaiming public spaces for joy. The events reflect a commitment to inclusivity, showcasing talents and traditions from across the globe right here in our backyard. Plus, it’s a win for Downtown San Jose’s economy. Live music draws crowds that spill into local restaurants and shops, boosting small businesses with every note played. As Levitt San Jose works toward a permanent Pavilion, these concerts are laying the foundation for St. James Park to shine as a year-round hub.

So, grab a blanket, round up your crew, and mark your calendars for a summer of unforgettable nights. The 2025 Levitt San Jose concert series is more than a lineup—it’s a movement to make music a cornerstone of our city’s life. Head to www.levittsanjose.org for more details.

Revitalizing San Jose’s Historic Orchard: A Green Tribute to Our Agricultural Roots

San Jose’s Historic Orchard in Downtown San Jose is about to get a little greener! The Guadalupe River Park Conservancy (GRPC) is planting 10 new citrus and avocado trees as part of an ambitious plan to revitalize this 3.3-acre gem with 200 climate-adapted fruit trees. This isn’t just a landscaping project—it’s a celebration of San Jose’s agricultural legacy. Once a thriving hub for fruit production in the 1930s and ’40s, San Jose has few orchards left standing today. The Historic Orchard offers a rare chance to step back in time while embracing trees designed to flourish in our modern climate.

This exciting phase of the Historic Orchard Revitalization Initiative is powered by a partnership with Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) through California ReLeaf’s Growing Green Communities Grant Program. PG&E volunteers are rolling up their sleeves to help plant these trees. “By planting the right tree in the right place, we can reduce power outages, mitigate wildfire risk, and maintain reliable service,” said Teresa Alvarado, vice president of PG&E’s South Bay and Central Coast. “This mindful planting also helps create sustainable ecosystems for future generations and we’re proud to help GRPC and its master gardeners do that here in San Jose by preserving the beautiful Historic Orchard.” With the UC Master Gardeners of Santa Clara County maintaining the space, the orchard is becoming a living classroom for sustainable gardening and a tribute to our region’s roots.

What makes this project so special? It’s all about connection. “Revitalization of the Historic Orchard is an opportunity to support a sustainable sense-of-place by honoring our region’s history, adapting to change, enhancing tree canopy, and supporting local food cultivation and park use,” said Joe Salvato, GRPC’s Deputy Director. The new trees are carefully chosen for their resilience against pests and diseases, ensuring the orchard remains a vibrant part of Downtown San Jose for years to come.

The best part? The Historic Orchard is open to everyone, and the GRPC welcomes community members to get involved. Stop by to see the new trees taking root, learn about their care, or even volunteer to help nurture this slice of history. It’s a chance to dig into San Jose’s story—literally and figuratively—and contribute to a project that’s as much about people as it is about plants. Next time you’re near Taylor Street in Downtown San Jose, take a detour through the orchard. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for where we’ve been and where we’re headed.