Music in the Glen Marks 25 Years of Free Summer Concerts in Willow Glen

Willow Glen has hosted Music in the Glen for a full quarter century in 2026, with the Kiwanis Club of Willow Glen continuing its sponsorship of these Sunday afternoon gatherings at Frank Bramhall Park. The series runs through the summer on Willow Street, drawing residents who arrive early to claim spots on the grass.

Attendees spread blankets and chairs across the open grounds while local bands perform from 4-6pm each evening. Children dart between the trees, adults chat in small groups, and the park atmosphere stays relaxed even as the music builds momentum from one set to the next.

Performers such as Big Mike and the Hartbeats or The Iconics deliver sets that mix rock, pop, and soulful classics, appealing to listeners across generations without any admission fee required. Different acts appear each week, keeping the lineup fresh while honoring the neighborhood tradition of accessible live entertainment.

Today's performance will be by Cisco Kid. For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Willow Glen head over here.

Mariachi Herencia de Mexico Leads Fifth Fiesta del Mariachi in San Jose

The fifth annual Fiesta del Mariachi arrives at the Mexican Heritage Plaza on July 25 with a lineup that blends established tradition and fresh voices. Chicago’s Mariachi Herencia de Mexico headlines the evening as a 2x Latin GRAMMY-nominated group of young musicians who built their path from public school classrooms to stages across North America. Their six chart-topping albums and high-energy sets promise fan favorites such as Inolvidable, Preciosa, La Murga, Perdón, Espléndida and Caminaré.

Local ensembles add depth and regional flavor to the program. Mariachi Azteca has serenaded the Bay Area since 1981 under the direction of Juan Francisco “El Pato” Diaz and shared bills with icons including Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán and Juan Gabriel. Mariachi Femenil Orgullo Mexicano, the first all-female mariachi in Northern California since its founding in 2007, brings members with diverse backgrounds and advanced degrees who emphasize both performance and education. The university ensemble Mariachi San José from San Jose State University contributes skilled student musicians selected through rigorous auditions on traditional instruments and vocals.

Los Lupeños de San José, founded in 1969 as one of California’s earliest Mexican folk dance companies, closes the artistic circle with vibrant folklorico choreography that travels through Mexico’s regions. Their flaring dresses and passionate movements have represented the culture with pride and innovation for decades.

The full evening extends well beyond the stage. Guests can enjoy micheladas, bites from local food trucks and shopping with artisanal vendors who showcase San Jose businesses. The Mexican Heritage Plaza provides the setting as a 6-acre cultural hub in East San Jose that hosts more than 100,000 people each year through arts programming designed to preserve community heritage and build resiliency.

For more information and for tickets, head over here.

Make Music San José Fills Streets, Parks, and Venues with Free Music This Sunday

San Jose will come alive with music this Sunday as Make Music San José returns for a full day of free performances across the city. Hundreds of musicians, from professionals and students to amateur groups and solo artists, will take the stage—or the sidewalk—in dozens of locations. The event turns libraries, parks, plazas, breweries, museums, and even grocery store patios into stages for anyone who wants to share their sound.

Performances will pop up from early morning into the evening, with busking areas along Paseo de San Antonio in Downtown San Jose offering spontaneous sets throughout the day. Libraries from Alviso to East San José and Willow Glen will host family-friendly shows, while spots like Levitt Pavilion, History Park, and various cafes welcome everything from jazz and rock to cultural ensembles and karaoke. The variety ensures that every neighborhood has something happening nearby.

Attendees can wander between performances using the interactive map available on the Make Music San José site, discovering new artists or returning to favorite styles as the day unfolds. Since all events remain completely free and open to the public, families, friends, and solo explorers can build their own itineraries without any cost or advance planning beyond checking the schedule.

This citywide celebration highlights how music brings people together in San José, creating connections across generations and backgrounds through shared listening and spontaneous discovery. Whether someone settles in at a park concert or follows the sound of a guitar down a downtown walkway, the day offers countless ways to experience the joy that comes from live music made by the community itself.

For a map of participating locations and featured artists, head over here.

Playful People Productions Sets the Stage for Joyful Performances in 2026 and 2027

San Jose families will soon have new opportunities to experience the magic of live musical theater thanks to Playful People Productions and its upcoming season of shows. The nonprofit theater company prepared a diverse collection of productions drawn from popular books and films, designed to entertain while building confidence and creativity among participants from young children to adults.

Two productions will launch the season this fall with stories that have delighted generations. Shrek The Musical JR will bring the hilarious adventures of the ogre and his friends to the stage for performers ages five through seventeen. With auditions set for the first week of August, young actors can prepare for performances that run from September twenty-fifth through October fourth at the Historic Hoover Theatre. A homeschool production of Winnie the Pooh will follow a similar path, opening registration on June seventh for children ages five to twelve and offering a cozy run at the end of October.

Adults and those eighteen and older will have their own chance to shine in a secret fall musical whose details Playful People Productions kept tightly under wraps. Those curious about this true story in an unexpected setting can reach out directly to learn more and join the cast. Registration opened at six hundred dollars, with auditions in early August and performances scheduled for mid November.

The 2027 portion of the season will feature two highly anticipated titles that span comedy, adventure, and empowerment. Disney's Descendants: The Musical will arrive for performers twelve and up, bringing the story of villain kids navigating hero school to life with familiar songs and plenty of laughs. Registration will open later this year ahead of January auditions and an early April performance run. Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical JR will then take over with its clever celebration of clever kids and imaginative rebellion. Performers ages eight to fourteen plus a special circus chorus for ages four to seven will rehearse in March for a series of May performances across multiple casts.

Every production will unfold at the Historic Hoover Theatre on Park Avenue, a venue that has become a hub for local performing arts. Playful People Productions spent more than fifteen years creating inclusive environments where families perform side by side and where Positive Discipline supports every participant's growth. This season will extend that mission by inviting the entire San Jose community to take part in or attend these joyful productions that highlight the power of storytelling and togetherness.

For registration and additional information, visit www.playfulpeople.org or call (408) 878-5362.

Golden Ticket Excitement Lands in San Jose with Playful People Productions' Willy Wonka Jr.

Playful People Productions brings Willy Wonka Jr. to the Historic Hoover Theater this month. Four casts of young performers ages four to twelve will transform the classic tale of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory into a live musical spectacle filled with songs, dancing, and imaginative sets. The production captures the spirit of creativity that makes our city a vibrant place for the arts.

Directors Alicia Sanders, Katie D'Arcey, and Shannon Santandrea have prepared these ensembles with care, supported by vocal directors Brian Kemper and Elaine Saum. Each group delivers its own fresh take on the story of Willy Wonka and his golden ticket contest. Audiences can expect to meet the endearing Charlie Bucket, his grandfather, and a cast of unforgettable characters who learn important lessons inside the factory.

The show highlights the joy of live theater right in San Jose, where local children develop confidence, teamwork, and artistic skills through programs like those offered by this nonprofit. Founded in 2010 and established as a 501(c)3 in 2017, Playful People Productions creates inclusive spaces that welcome participants of all backgrounds and even encourages families to perform together on stage.

Support from the City of San José Cultural Affairs grant and SVCreates underscores the value placed on arts education here. These efforts help position San Jose as a leader in nurturing young talent and building community through shared cultural experiences that everyone can enjoy.

Shows take place across several dates with the Lollipop, Gumdrop, Taffy, and Jelly Bean casts each offering unique performance times. The intimate Historic Hoover Theater at 1635 Park Avenue sets the stage for an evening or afternoon of laughter and wonder. Tickets cost $18 for youth twelve and under, $20 for students thirteen to seventeen, and $25 dollars for adults.

For tickets or more information, visit www.PlayfulPeople.org or call (408) 878-5362.

Symphony San Jose Presents Hopelessly Romantic this January

Symphony San Jose brings a powerful program of Romantic-era works to the stage with Hopelessly Romantic, scheduled for January 24 and 25, 2026. The concerts take place at the California Theatre on South First Street in Downtown San Jose, a restored venue that adds its own historic charm to live orchestral music. This weekend offers San Jose audiences a chance to experience sweeping melodies and intense emotions from three celebrated composers.

The program opens with Franz Schubert's Overture to Rosamunde, a graceful piece full of elegance that has long been a favorite in concert settings. Guest violinist Geneva Lewis then performs Jean Sibelius's Violin Concerto, known for its soul-stirring melodies that build from a haunting start to a dramatic finish. Lewis brings her renowned artistry and command of the instrument to this demanding work.

Robert Schumann's Symphony No. 4 closes the evening, a deeply personal composition with soaring themes, vivid orchestral textures, and innovative structure. Conductor François López-Ferrer leads the orchestra through this expressive journey that captures the full range of human feeling.

Concert ticket holders can arrive an hour early for the free Music Notes session in the main auditorium. This pre-concert talk provides insights, background details, and guest interviews to enrich the listening experience. Youth 17 and younger can attend at half price when accompanied by an adult, and inexpensive parking is available at the nearby city garage on San Carlos Street.

Tickets range from $35 to $115. For tickets and full details, visit www.symphonysanjose.org or call 408.286.2600.

Playful People Productions Stages Disney's Newsies in San Jose

Playful People Productions presents Disney's Newsies from November 8 to 16, 2025, at the Historic Hoover Theater. This Tony Award-winning musical, based on the 1899 Newsboys Strike, features two casts of teen and adult performers bringing the story to life. Set in early 20th-century New York City, the production follows charismatic newsboy Jack Kelly as he leads a group of young paper sellers in a stand against powerful publishers raising prices. The tale highlights themes of unity and justice, with reporter Katherine Plumber joining the cause to prove her worth in a male-dominated field.

The show includes memorable songs like Watch What Happens, Carrying the Banner, Seize the Day, King of New York, and Santa Fe, composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Jack Feldman and a book by Harvey Fierstein. Directed by Katie D'Arcey and Emily Pennington, with vocal direction from Jacqueline Whitaker and choreography by Emily Pennington, the performances promise high energy and engaging dances. Two casts, named World and Sun, alternate showtimes, offering multiple chances to catch the action. Tickets range from $22 for youth under 12 to $30 for adults, making it an affordable outing for families and friends.

As part of its 15th anniversary season, Playful People Productions continues to foster inclusive theater experiences in San Jose. Founded in 2010 and operating as a nonprofit since 2017, the organization emphasizes positive discipline and creative growth for all ages. It provides classes, camps, and multi-generational shows where family members perform together, creating bonds that extend beyond the stage. Supported by grants from the City of San Jose and SVCreates in partnership with Santa Clara County, this production exemplifies the community's commitment to arts education.

The Historic Hoover Theater is located at 1635 Park Avenue and you can find more info and tickets over here.

sanjosetheaters.org

Music in the Square Returns to Evergreen Village Square!

Summer is nearly upon us, and San Jose is gearing up for an unforgettable season with the return of the Music in the Square Summer Series at Evergreen Village Square! Kicking off on June 6, 2025, this free, family-friendly concert series will bring the community together every Friday evening through August 29 (with a brief pause on July 4th). Presented by Councilmember Domingo Candelas, the series offers a vibrant lineup of talented bands and musicians, setting the stage for a summer filled with rhythm, connection, and local pride.

The series launches with East Side Funk, a beloved local act known for their irresistible jazz-funk grooves. Led by veteran composer Bobby Valderrama, this band has a reputation for lighting up stages across Northern California, and they’re ready to get the crowd moving. On June 13, Classic Rewind steps up with their high-energy classic rock covers, ensuring the second week keeps the energy soaring. With a fresh musical experience every Friday, there’s something to delight every ear in this diverse lineup.

Evergreen Village Square businesses will join the fun with special promotions and offers, giving attendees a chance to support local while soaking in the summer vibes. Mark your calendars and get ready to enjoy summer nights filled with live music and good company! 

Full Summer Lineup

6/6 - East Side Funk

6/13 - Classic Rewind

6/20 - Cadillac Jack

6/27 - Sonic Addiction

7/11 - Salsa Night

7/18 - Eastside Funk

7/25 - Latin Remix

8/1 - Classic Rewind

8/8 - Los Amigos

8/15 - Bollywood Night

8/22 - Saborsito

8/29 - Cadillac Jack

San Jose live music venues

SJ Today has a handy guide for San Jose music venues of all shapes and sizes. The only one I'd add to the list is the new Pete Be Center that has taken over the Uproar Brewery space in SoFA. That opens up in April and will be a great venue for around 1,000 people events. Check out SJ Today's guide in the link below.

Source: SJ Today

Symphony San Jose presents BEETHOVEN’S EROICA

March “comes in like a lion,” and this tour-de-force program proves it. One of Beethoven’s most celebrated works, and the composer’s personal favorite of his compositions, Symphony No. 3 (Eroica) explores what it means to be human.  Newly-named Resident Conductor of the Nashville Symphony Nathan Aspinall will conduct. Richard Strauss’ tone poem, Death and Transfiguration, depicts the dying thoughts of an artist as he recounts the various stages of his life, all while awaiting the ultimate transformation. 

And Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten, will mark Symphony San Jose’s first performance of a work by Arvo Pärt, the most performed contemporary composer in the world (beating out John Williams, John Adams, Thomas Adès, and Philip Glass).

Who: Symphony San Jose presents

What: BEETHOVEN’S EROICA

When: Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 7:30pm and Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 2:30pm

Where: The California Theatre, 345 South First Street, downtown San Jose, 95113. Convenient, inexpensive parking is available at a city-owned garage one-and-a-half blocks from the theater at San Carlos Street with entrances on Second and Third streets.

TICKET PRICES: $24 to $121.50 (Ticket prices include $2.50 City Fee and Order Fee of $4.00.)

Special Youth Ticket price: A ticket for concert goers, age 17 and under, can be discounted up to 50% when purchased along with a full-price ticket.

TICKETS: Phone: 408.286.2600 

Website: www.symphonysanjose.org    

Email: jmeyers@symphonysanjose.org

Walk-Up Box Office: 325 South First Street, San Jose, 95113. Located between San Carlos and San Salvador Street next to the California Theatre. Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm.

THE PROGRAM:

Arvo Pärt: Cantus in Memory of Benjamin Britten

Richard Strauss: Death and Transfiguration

Ludwig van Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 (Eroica)

 

ARTISTS

Conductor: Nathan Aspinall

Biography: http://nathanaspinall.com/ 

 

Symphony San Jose

www.symphonysanjose.org/

San Jose music pavilion takes another step forward

A long awaited Levitt Pavilion in the corner of St. James Park is getting closer to reality. The project would include a music pavilion, a reimagined park, picnic grove, garden, monument walks, fountain, dog park, and playground.

The city of San Jose would contribute $15 million to  $5 million would come from a local nonprofit called Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose.

When completed, it will accommodate up to 5,000 people for free, family-friendly concerts. Performing arts and community groups will also be able to rent the pavilion.

The developers are going to host a partial concert season during the construction phase until May 2026. The first full season of 50 free concerts is expected in 2027.

Source: San Jose Spotlight

Symphony San Jose presents THE FIREBIRD SUITE January 25 and 26, 2025

With music as enchanting and lavishly colorful as the title character, The Firebird is the perfect way to celebrate the new year. This suite comes from the 1910 ballet that launched Stravinsky’s international career. Opening the program is Sibelius’ most-famous composition, Finlandia, evoking the struggles of his native homeland with equal parts ominousness, pride, and festivity. Brahms’ Variations on a Theme by Haydn is one of the famed Romantic composer’s most popular works. Argentinian conductor Carlos Vieu brings Sonia Possetti’s spirited Bullanguera from his homeland to complete this program.

 

Who: Symphony San Jose presents

 

What: The Firebird

When: Saturday, January 25, 2025 at 7:30pm and Sunday, January 26, 2025 at 2:30pm

Where: The California Theatre, 345 South First Street, downtown San Jose, 95113. Convenient, inexpensive parking is available at a city-owned garage one-and-a-half blocks from the theater at San Carlos Street with entrances on Second and Third streets.

SINGLE TICKET PRICES: $24 to $121.50 (Ticket prices include $2.50 City Fee and Order Fee of $4.00.)

Special Youth Ticket price: A ticket for concert goers, age 17 and under, can be discounted up to 50% when purchased along with a full-price ticket.

TICKETS: Phone: 408.286.2600 

Website: www.symphonysanjose.org 

Email: jmeyers@symphonysanjose.org

Walk-Up Box Office: 325 South First Street, San Jose, 95113. Located between San Carlos and San Salvador Street next to the California Theatre. Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm.
THE PROGRAM:

Jean Sibelius: Finlandia

Johannes Brahms: Variations on a Theme by Haydn

Sonia Possetti: Bullanguera

Igor Stravinsky: The Firebird Suite

 

ARTISTS

Conductor: Carlos Vieu

Biography: http://www.lombardoassociates.org/carlos-vieu

 

Symphony San Jose

www.symphonysanjose.org/

 

ArtWork: Courtesy of Symphony San Jose.

Photos of the artist courtesy of Symphony San Jose.

Pete Be Center to bring more live music and events to SoFA District

San Jose's SoFA District took a hit when Uproar Brewery closed down. Even after the transition to Level Uproar, it still couldn't stay afloat. Now another entrepreneur is taking over the space and turning it into an event space.

Pete Be wants Downtown San Jose to be a major social destination seven days a week. He wants to build a venue that will activate the area and bring more popular musical acts to San Jose. The Pete Be Center is crucial to that goal.

The venue is a sizable 11,000 SQFT including the mezzanine. In addition to live music, he is planning to host block parties on the sidewalk and street outside and have cultural events. His goal is to regularly bring 1,500 to 2,000 people to SoFA for events.

If everything goes according to plan, the party will start between April and June next year.

Source: The Mercury News

Symphony San Jose presents HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR “Christmas at the California” December 7 and 8, 2024

Celebrate “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” at the majestic and beautifully decorated California Theatre with Symphony San Jose, Symphony San Jose Chorale, Cantabíle Youth Singers, New Ballet, and special guests! Fun for the whole family. 

 

Rejoice in holiday classics including carols, audience sing-alongs, and the ever-popular 12 Days of Silicon Valley. Share this unforgettable part of the holiday season with your family and friends.

 

Who: Symphony San Jose presents

 

What: HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR “Christmas at the California”

 

When: Saturday, December 7, 2024 at 7:30pm and Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 2:30pm

Where: The California Theatre, 345 South First Street, downtown San Jose, 95113. Convenient, inexpensive parking is available at a city-owned garage one-and-a-half blocks from the theater at San Carlos Street with entrances on Second and Third streets. 

SINGLE TICKET PRICES: $35 - $115  

($41.50 to $121.50 with City and order fees).  Note: fees detailed below.

TICKETS: Phone: 408.286.2600  

Website: www.symphonysanjose.org  

Email: jmeyers@symphonysanjose.org

Walk-Up Box Office: 325 South First Street, San Jose, 95113. Located between San Carlos and San Salvador Street next to the California Theatre. Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm.

City Fees – There is a mandatory Theatre Preservation Fee and Facility Fee of $2.50 applied to every single ticket sold.

Handling Fees – Handling fees vary depending on how tickets are purchased. For online orders, there is a $4 per ticket handling fee. For phone orders, there is a $5 per transaction handling fee. There are no fees for in person purchases.

THE PROGRAM:

J.S. Bach: Jauchzet, frohlocket (from “Christmas Oratorio”)

M.Torme/R.Wells: The Christmas Song

G.F. Handel: See, the Conqu’ring Hero Comes! (from “Judas Maccabbaeus”)

 

Alan Silvestri: Polar Express Suite

G.F. Handel: That Trumpet Shall Sound (from “The Messiah”)

Albert Hague: You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch

Traditional: 12 Days of Silicon Valley

 

ARTISTS:

Elena Sharkova, Conductor

Nathan Stark, Bass-baritone

Symphony San Jose

Symphony San Jose Chorale

Cantabíle Youth Singers

New Ballet

 

Pre-concert Festivities begin one hour prior to the concert.

SAY “HELLO” TO SANTA. Join us before the concert for a jolly good time with Santa Claus himself. Capture the holiday spirit and create lasting memories as you take pictures and share “Christmas Wishes” with Santa. But keep a lookout for the mischievous Grinch who may be lurking around, trying to steal some Christmas cheer. (You’re a mean one, Mr. Grinch!)

DECORATE A GINGERBREAD COOKIE! Join the fun one hour before curtain and unleash your inner pastry artist by decorating your own gingerbread cookie with royal icing. The festivity is open to everyone. Come hungry and make some sweet and delicious memories. (Note: Cookies are NOT gluten-free.)

Photo courtesy of Symphony San Jose. Photos by Fontejon Photography.

Funny Face House and The Throw Ups playing at The Caravan

The Caravan in Downtown San Jose is hosting a night of weirdo art and loud rock and roll today featuring local San Jose artists: Funny Face House Lawnmower Band and the chaotic energy of The Throw Ups. It’s a free show, but bring a can of soup for their food drive, and they'll donate a box to the Second Harvest Food Bank. Come rock out for a cause and experience a night of wild live music.

The Caravan is located at 98 Almaden Avenue.

San Jose City Hall Block Party on Thursday, Oct 17th

Dozens of businesses around City Hall will be participating in the last Downtown San Jose block party for 2024. This is an up and coming area that is starting to get a lot of traction. Rollati, one of my favorite Downtown restaurants, is located in this district as well as the new and unique Paleta Planeta.

The event will feature live music, tons of food, over 100 local makers & artists, tours of new businesses, and activities for the whole family. Ground zero will be right in front of San Jose City Hall.

The event runs from 5pm to 9pm and there is free parking for 90min in city-owned garages or free parking all night on metered spaces after 6pm.You can also easily take Light Rail to the Santa Clara Station and walk two blocks.

Symphony San Jose presents SYMPHONIC SPOOKTACULAR “Haunting Harmonies” October 26 and 27, 2024

Even Symphony San Jose is getting into the Halloween spirit this year. The program includes everything from J.S. Bach to John Williams. The shows are at the beautiful California Theatre and tickets are $35-$115. The full press release is below and you can buy tickets here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

 

Just in time for Halloween, Symphony San Jose and Symphony San Jose Chorale conjure up some of classical music’s scariest hits.

Symphonic Spooktacular features “Haunting Harmonies” with music including J.S. Bach’s Toccata & Fugue, Saint-Saëns Danse Macabre, Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain, Bernard Herrmann’s Psycho Suite, and John Williams’ Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

 

It’s the perfect Halloween concert for the entire family. A Costume Contest with Spooktacular prizes will be held for those who feel like dressing up. Don’t feel like dressing up? Come as you are and enjoy the costume parade.

 

Who: Symphony San Jose presents

 

What: SYMPHONIC SPOOKTACULAR “Haunting Harmonies”

 

When: Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 7:30pm and Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 2:30pm

Where: The California Theatre, 345 South First Street, downtown San Jose, 95113. Convenient, inexpensive parking is available at a city-owned garage one-and-a-half blocks from the theater at San Carlos Street with entrances on Second and Third streets. 

SINGLE TICKET PRICES: $35 - $115   (Additional $6.50 fee per ticket.)

TICKETS: Phone: 408.286.2600 

Website: www.symphonysanjose.org 

Email: jmeyers@symphonysanjose.org

Walk-Up Box Office: 325 South First Street, San Jose, 95113. Located between San Carlos and San Salvador Street next to the California Theatre. Ticket Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm.

THE PROGRAM:

J.S. Bach: Toccata and Fugue, BWV 565 in D minor

Camille Saint-Saëns: Danse Macabre

Modest Mussorgsky: Night on Bald Mountain

John Williams: Devil’s Dance (from (The Witches of Eastwick”)

Andrew Lloyd Weber: Phantom of the Opera

Edvard Grieg: In the Hall of the Mountain King

Franz Schubert: Die Erlkönig

Bernard Herrman: Suite from Psycho

John Williams: Double Trouble (from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban)

John Williams: Duel of the Fates (from Star Wars The Phantom Menace)

 

ARTISTS

Conductor: Peter Jaffe

Symphony San Jose

Symphony San Jose Chorale

 

FUN FACTS:

The violin solo in Danse Macabre represents Death playing the fiddle, while the xylophone imitates the sound of rattling bones.

The screeching violins and eerie melodies of the Psycho score have become synonymous with suspense and terror in cinema, influencing countless horror film composers in the years since its release.

 

ArtWork: Courtesy of Symphony San Jose.

Photos courtesy of Symphony San Jose.

What's there to do on a Tuesday night in Downtown San Jose?

I remember for years most people would say there is nothing to do in Downtown San Jose, period. Then as most realized weekends are almost all filled with activities and major events Downtown, the new mantra became there is nothing to do after work Downtown during the week.

Let's put aside the 300+ eateries, the SAP Center, Improv, Urban Putt, and the many venues open during the week. I had a look at the San Jose Downtown Association Newsletter, and today's featured events on a random Tuesday seemed like a pretty fun night out.

Sorry the links below aren't clickable, but you have Tequila Tuesday with 50% off tequila tastings and $3 tacos. Karaoke at the Caravan. Traditional Irish music at O'Flaherty's. An Open Mic at Mama Kin (great venue). Last but not least, you can cap off the night with DJs spinning Punk and Country at the Ritz until midnight. If that's not an eclectic mix of options for a Tuesday, I don't know what is.

Source: San Jose Downtown Association Newsletter

"The Other Mr. Lincoln" A World Premiere Musical

Event Title: "The Other Mr. Lincoln" A World Premiere Musical

When: Oct 10th & 11th @ 8pm, Oct 12th  @ 2PM & 8PM

Where: Hammer Theatre Center in Downtown San Jose, CA

From the tumultuous times of 1860's to the 1920's, this musical shows you life-changing events, as seen through the eyes of Robert Lincoln, who was there at all of those events! The only man in history who was! Spy intrigue, thwarting conspiracies to prevent his father from taking office, Robert lives through three Presidential assassinations. And so do you! But it’s so much more! Witness a “Scandalous” Suffragette Movement protest, and then a “Twilight Zone”-type finale!

You are entertained, enthralled, and yes, even educated! With a 12-piece orchestra playing 11 different genres of music, from ballads to ragtime, from salsa to opera, and from conspiracy concerto to rock ‘n’ roll, it takes you through history you only thought you knew! 

Swades Indian Festival today

In addition to the Jazz Festival, there is a second major event happening Downtown today to celebrate Indian Independence Day. It features tons of food, live music, cultural performances, a Bollywood open air concert, and a night market with over 100 vendor booths.

Admission is $10 per person and it is kid-friendly (kids under 12 are free). For more info, click here.