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.

San Jose's Symphony of Sounds: Make Music Day 2025

On Saturday, June 21st, San Jose transforms into a vibrant stage for Make Music San Jose. This annual celebration of free music brings over 100 performances to 37 venues across the city. Part of a global event spanning more than 1,000 cities in 120 countries, it showcases music’s ability to unite people and fill the streets with sound.

Diversity defines this day. At the Cypress Center near Valley Fair, the Bay Area Showcase Chorus delivers barbershop harmonies alongside rock and Celtic folk from the Santa Clara Valley Fiddlers Association, running from 11am to 5pm. Over in West San Jose, Writers Bench Alley hosts indie rock and hip hop from 3pm to 7:30pm, its graffiti-covered walls setting the scene for a younger crowd. The San Jose Museum of Art offers blues, bluegrass, and circle singing from noon to 5pm, while Japantown’s Ukulele Source features the Ukoolladies and Wesley Ukulele Club from 11am to 1pm. For a cultural twist, Cunningham Lake Park presents mariachi music from 1:30pm to 2:45pm, organized by local influencer Hanny.

Want a taste of the action early? Head to the Pobladores Night Market in Downtown San Jose’s SoFA district on Thursday, June 19, from 5:30pm to 9pm. Organized by Filco Presents, this preview event features live music and sets the tone for Saturday’s citywide celebration.

Make Music San Jose goes beyond performances. It’s a chance for the community to connect through creativity and shared experiences. Musicians of all levels and music lovers alike can dive into the city’s rich soundscape.