Free Concerts Keep the Energy High at St. James Park This Summer

Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose continue filling St. James Park with free live music through September, giving Downtown San Jose another strong summer of outdoor performances while plans for a permanent pavilion move forward. The series already draws families, friends, and neighbors for afternoons that mix quality artists, food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and activities for kids.

This Sunday, August 30 at 4:30 p.m., the park shifts into salsa mode with Los Calderones as headliners and DJ Leydis opening the evening with salsa dance instruction. The Bay Area Cuban Afro-Latin funk band, led by trombonist and arranger Obrayan Calderon, blends reparto energy with urban and traditional Latin sounds for an explosive set that invites the whole crowd onto the lawn. MACLA co-presents the night, adding another layer of cultural connection to the program.

The schedule still holds a few more strong dates after that. Tomorrow, August 16, The Purple Ones deliver a Prince tribute with a Michael Jackson versus Prince DJ set to open the afternoon. On September 6 the series closes at St. James Park with Peach Tree Rascals, co-presented by CUKUI. Two additional “Levitt on Location” shows land at Cypress Pavilion at Lake Cunningham later this month and next.

All of these concerts stay free and open to every age. Bring a blanket or chair, grab something from the food trucks, and settle in for an easy evening. The music keeps rolling, and St. James Park remains one of the simplest ways to spend a late-summer Sunday in the city.

More details, volunteer opportunities, and the full remaining schedule live at www.levittsanjose.org.

Levitt San Jose Brings Free Hip-Hop Night to St. James Park

Levitt San Jose is continuing its tradition of free live music in Downtown San Jose at St. James Park. The organization has lined up a strong 2026 series that brings diverse artists to the park from May through September.

On Sunday, July 26 at 4:30 p.m. the spotlight turns to hip-hop with Kev Choice and his ensemble presenting the music of A Tribe Called Quest along with new material and original work. Kev Choice, a pianist, composer, and producer who has collaborated with artists including Lauryn Hill, E-40, and Ledisi, will blend jazz, hip-hop, soul, and improvisation in fresh arrangements that honor the iconic group while showcasing his own artistry.

The performance goes beyond a simple tribute by celebrating the lasting cultural impact of A Tribe Called Quest and the way music connects generations. Audiences can expect dynamic takes on classics, instrumental interpretations, and an immersive experience that appeals to longtime fans and newcomers alike.

The full series includes other standout nights such as a Prince tribute in August and a salsa evening co-presented with MACLA, all set against the backdrop of St. James Park with food trucks, a beer and wine garden, and activities for kids. These events reflect ongoing efforts to build community through music while momentum builds toward the permanent Levitt Pavilion.

Details for all upcoming free concerts are available at levittsanjose.org.