Free Concerts Keep the Music Alive in St. James Park This June

St. James Park gears up once more for free, all-ages live music this June. Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose teams up with Viva Calle to extend the celebration, turning the park into a hub for an extra day of performances right as the street festival wraps up. The series already runs strong from May through September, complete with food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and activities that welcome kids and families.

On Sunday, June 14 from 2pm to 6:15pm, the energy shifts to Souldies with co-headliners Thee Heart Tones and Thee Marloes. Thee Heart Tones deliver sharp chemistry and a nod to their roots through soul, oldies, and Chicano influences. Their take on the classic bolero “Sabor A Mi” highlights a thoughtful approach that links younger listeners to heritage while pulling generations together on the dance floor.

Thee Marloes bring their own global flavor straight from Surabaya. Their debut album Perak moves between punchy funk grooves and warm soul ballads, with some tracks carrying Indonesian lyrics that still land with full heart. Songs like the dancefloor burner “Midnight Hotline” and the mid-tempo groove of “Not Today” keep the set moving, while the overall sound creates space for anyone to connect regardless of background.

The rest of the summer lineup keeps the momentum going. Latin Jazz takes the spotlight on June 20 to mark the FIFA World Cup, followed the next day by Make Music Day celebrations. Later highlights include a United Lowrider Council Souldies night in July, hip-hop in August, a Prince tribute, and a salsa evening co-presented with MACLA. Every show stays free, family-friendly, and open to the community.

These gatherings strengthen bonds across Downtown San Jose while Levitt San Jose pushes forward on plans for a permanent Pavilion. The music turns an ordinary park afternoon into something shared and lasting.

For the full schedule, updates, or ways to support the series, visit levittsanjose.org and follow @LevittSanJose.

Super Bowl Weekend Ignites Downtown San Jose with Massive Crowds and Electric Nights

From February 6 through 8, Downtown San Jose pulsed with the energy of Super Bowl fans who turned streets into a whirlwind of celebration. Tens of thousands gathered for a block party, two major concerts, a dazzling drone display, and endless options for food and beverages.

The concerts stole the show, with Bay Area native Kehlani commanding the stage on Friday and Australian DJ Dom Dolla following up on Saturday. Throngs packed the area from the Fourth Street stage clear to Sixth Street, leaving barely room to breathe amid the sea of swaying bodies. City planners had hoped for around 10,000 attendees per night, yet the turnout shattered those figures, proving the draw of free, high-caliber entertainment in the heart of the city.

Over in San Pedro Square, an entertainment zone let revelers carry drinks from bars straight into the open streets, amplifying the festive chaos. Come game day, fans without stadium tickets crammed around venues like O'Flaherty's and Dr. Funk, spilling onto sidewalks to catch glimpses of the action on indoor screens. Local business owners noted surges in activity, with some spots pulling in three to four times their usual weekend haul, thanks to the influx of out-of-towners seeking a lively spot to root for their teams.

This whirlwind weekend showcases how San Jose has sharpened its edge in hosting big-league gatherings, narrowing the distance from events of a decade past. With eyes now on upcoming spectacles like the World Cup and NCAA West Regional, San Jose will build on this success to draw even more visitors. Leaders grade the execution as top-tier, a solid affirmation that thoughtful planning yields lasting ripples in community spirit and economic vitality.

Source: SVBJ

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.