Showing posts with label san jose music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label san jose music. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Pianist Nicolas Namoradze performs for Steinway Society in San Jose



WHO: Steinway Society – The Bay Area presents

WHAT:  Nicolas Namoradze 

WHEN: Sunday, January 21, 2024 @ 2:30 pm

WHERE: Montgomery Theater, 271 S. Market St., San Jose.  Live and LIVE STREAMED

MORE INFO: https://steinwaysociety.com/

 

Pianist and composer Nicolas Namoradze came to international attention in 2018 upon winning the triennial Honens International Piano Competition in Calgary, Canada—among the largest prizes in classical music. His recitals around the globe have been met with universal critical praise, and recent album releases have received extraordinary accolades, including the Choc de Classica, Record of the Month in Limelight, Instrumental Disc of the Month in BBC Music Magazine, Editor’s Choice in Gramophone, Editor’s Choice in Presto Classical and Critics’ Choice in International Piano.

 

Among the most critically acclaimed musicians of his generation, Namoradze was bestowed the 2020 & 2021 Young Pianist Award by the UK Critics’ Circle, which called him “very much more than a top-flight pianist.” Recent highlights include recitals at concert halls including New York’s Carnegie Hall, London’s Wigmore Hall, Konzerthaus Berlin and the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan; festival appearances at Tanglewood, Banff, Gstaad, Santa Fe and more; and performances with orchestras including the London Philharmonic, Budapest Festival Orchestra and Sinfonieorchester Basel.

 

Namoradze earned his master’s at The Juilliard School and his doctorate at the CUNY Graduate Center. He is currently pursuing postgraduate studies in neuropsychology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College, London, where his research interests include the effects of mental practice and mindfulness on musical performance. Namoradze is the author of the book “Ligeti’s Macroharmonies,” published by Springer in the Computational Music Science series, and his compositions are published by Muse Press.

 

”Set to become one of the truly important artists of his generation.”

–American classical pianist Emanual Ax


THE PROGRAM:

Bach-Busoni, “Ich ruf zu dir, Herr” BWV 639

Bach, French Suite No. 1 in D minor BWV 812

1.    Allemande

2.    Courante

3.    Sarabande

4.    Minuet

5.    Gigue

Bach, The Art of Fugue, BWV 1080

1.    Contrapunctus VI

2.    Contrapunctus VII

Fauré, Preludes Op. 103

1.    No. 3 in G minor

2.    No. 6 in E-flat minor

3.    No. 9 in E minor

Ligeti, Etudes

1.    1. No. 11, “En suspens” 

2.    2. No. 13, “L’escalier du diable”

3.    3. No. 16, “Pour Irina”


INTERMISSION 

Nicolas Namoradze, Memories of Rachmaninoff’s “Georgian Song”

Pärt, Für Alina

Pärt, Variationen zur Gesundung von Arinuschka

Rachmaninoff-Namoradze, Adagio from Symphony No. 2, Op. 27

Scriabin, Sonata No. 4 Op. 30

 

TICKETS:

Single Tickets: $45 to $70 

General Admission: $70/$60/$50

Senior & student: $65/$55/$45

Livestream online: $25 per household / live + unlimited listens for 48 hours  

Purchase Tickets: https://steinwaysociety.com/

Box Office: 408.300.5635

Email: office@steinwaysociety.com


Saturday, December 2, 2023

Fountain Blues Foundation event this Sunday, Dec 3rd 🎷

The San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival is held in Downtown San Jose every summer and in 2024 they'll be going on their 41st year. To prepare for this even they are hosting a fundraiser this Sunday at the Tabard Theater which will come alive with the soulful melodies of the Fountain Blues Foundation's Board of Directors, featuring The Bob Gonzalez Band, Pearl Alley, and other members of the Board.

The even runs from 4pm-7pm and reserved Cabaret Table Seating is $45 while reserved Tiered Seating: $35.

Your ticket also includes delectable hors d’oeuvres by Poor House Bistro:
- Sausage Bread with Marinara Sauce
- Fried Chicken with Marinara & BBQ Ranch Sauce
- Caprese on a Stick (Grape Tomatoes, Fresh Mozzarella & Basil with Balsamic Drizzle)

Attendance will make a difference in preserving and promoting the blues culture in San Jose! Tickets are available at: fountainblues.com/event/directors-cut/


Thursday, August 31, 2023

BEAUTIFICA 360 at The Tech Interactive

BEAUTIFICA is a follow-up to one of the best selling planetarium music experiences in the world. The show provides a 360 degree journey through real and artificial worlds paired with an immersive audio experience. It's a sensory experience suitable for all ages 6 and up.

The Tech Interactive is screening it on their IMAX Dome Theater this weekend on Friday, September 1st and Saturday, September 2nd with showtimes at 6pm, 7:30pm, and 9pm.

There are still a few seats available. For more info and tickets to this unique experience, click here. 

Here are a couple promo codes if you are going with kids or larger groups:
BEAUTIFICAFAMILY - 10% off for adults booking with children
BEAUTIFICAGROUP - 10% off when booking 6 or more tickets








Sunday, August 27, 2023

Vinyl nights and vintage night market at NOITE in SoFA

Are you someone who refuses to give up their Vinyl collection? Still into vintage games, trading cards, or other cool stuff from the 80s and 90s? I just learned about a new event that you might be interested in.

There's a Vinyl night, record swap, and vintage night market every Thursday in Downtown San Jose's SoFA District. It's hosted at NOITE, a lounge that sits on top of Petiscos (San Jose's first and only Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant) at the corner of South 1st Street and East San Salvador Street.

Even though the space is used as a nightclub or lounge on some nights, all ages are welcome for this event which runs from 7-11pm. For more info head over here.

Source: u/lechugaking on Reddit



Monday, July 24, 2023

Taylor Swift is the mayor of what?

Santa Clara is temporary being renamed "Swiftie Clara" and Taylor will become the honorary mayor for two days. Shockingly, this is not an April Fool's joke. Also, KBAY 94.5 will become "Tay Bay" for three days and play nothing but Taylor Swift music. 

If you haven't gotten tickets yet, don't worry. Ticketmaster still has plenty for you starting at only $1,000 a person. Of course, those will be up in the nosebleeds. If you want to be close to the stage, expect to pay Super Bowl prices... $4k and up.

What does this have to do with San Jose? Unless you are a huge Taylor Swift fan and either have tickets or plan to listen to the concert from the streets (which thousands, maybe tens of thousands of people will actually do) you are going to want to avoid every freeway and major road near Levi's Stadium this Friday and Saturday. That includes 101, 237, Montague Expressway, and don't even think about getting anywhere near Tasman Drive.

The concert at Levi's Stadium will be the second time Taylor Swift performs at the venue, after her 1989 World Tour in 2015. She will be joined by two opening acts: HAIM and Gracie Adams, both rising stars in the pop scene. The show will start at 6:30 p.m., but fans will be getting there many, many hours beforehand. Some are even planning to wear adult diapers to not miss a single song, which I really wish was an exaggeration.

Source: literally every news site



Monday, June 19, 2023

The Future of St. James Park

One of San Jose's most underutilized resources is St. James Park. It has such a great location and historical significance, yet it has become little more than a bastion for the homeless. The SJDA is doing their best to activate it with movies and yoga, but the park itself needs to change. This is especially needed with several high-density housing projects planned for the immediate area.

Now, plans to transform St. James into a modern flagship community amenity are coming together.

Below are illustrations of the new spaces that are being planned that will offer a variety of experiences. These includes a live music venue, children's park, dog park, and plenty of open spaces. All this while keeping the original trees, fountains, and statues. The ETA to see this to fruition is 2028. It sounds like an eternity, but this could be St. James Park in less than 5 years.

Source: SVBJ












Monday, June 12, 2023

Naglee Park PorchFest returns June 17th, 3-7pm

The Naglee Park PorchFest brought together the neighborhood during the pandemic and is now returning on June 17th. This event turns porches, driveways, and lawns into stages for bands. The Campus Community Association and Messenger events organizes the bands, food trucks, and bathrooms but the real party is being hosted by the neighbors of Naglee Park.

In it's inaugural year--Summer 2020--bands were loaded onto trucks and paraded through the neighborhood while neighbors watched on their lawn. This year they have grown to 10 bands in 10 different locations which you can find on the map below.

It all does down this Saturday from 3-7pm on 12-14th Streets just south of Santa Clara Street.





Thursday, May 25, 2023

40th San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival

Get ready for the 40th San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival, the ultimate celebration of music, beer, and community on June 17th at Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park! This year's festival is set to feature an amazing lineup of world-class blues musicians, including The Devon Allman Project featuring Larry McCray & Jimmy Hall (Wet Willie) “In the Spirit of the Allman Brothers”, Chris Cain Band, Diunna Greenleaf Band, and Andre Thierry & His Accordion Soul Music.

But that's not all - in addition to the incredible music, you can enjoy a wide selection of beers from over 40 craft breweries and delicious food options.

There’s $25 GA tickets and $85 VIP tickets that provide a seat in a shaded section located near the stage, along with exclusive access to a private bar and flushable toilets. Additionally, the package comes with two drink vouchers and a commemorative 40th San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival t-shirt.

Get your tickets now and visit fountainblues.com/festival for more information. Don't miss out on the 40th San Jose Fountain Blues & Brews Festival!



Sunday, May 21, 2023

Midtown Immersive Night Parties

Midtown San Jose is not typically an area where you see community events. The Abierto initiative is looking to change that with Midtown Immersive Night Parties. For the next four Fridays on a small tract of land in an industrial area you'll find Moveable Feast food trucks, a beer garden, a maker market, and live music.

This is a great way to discover a part of San Jose off the beaten path that is just minutes from Downtown San Jose and Santana Row. Again, it happens every Friday until June 16th from 5-9pm at 245 McEvoy Street. You don't need to RSVP, but you can to show your support over here.



Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Content Pick-Up Party 15.2 "Sight & Sound"

Content Magazine is releasing their next issue on Friday, March 3rd. As is tradition they are hosting a party to celebrate the release, which is taking place at Open San Jose (38 South Second Street, next to the Improv). Music will be provided by Needle to the Groove and visual art will come courtesy of artists featured in issue 15.2. This also coincides with South First Fridays, so you can enjoy one of the newer art exhibitions at the same time.

The event takes place from 6:30-9:30pm and is free to the public. Content Subscribers also get a complimentary beverage and hors d'oeuvres.

For more info and to RSVP, head over here.



Join us in celebrating the release of Issue 15.2, “Sight and Sound,” at Open San José on Friday, March 3 from 6:30-9:30pm at the next Content Pick-Up Party.
 
Enjoy music and visual art by 15.2 featured artists Danny Fernandez, Jimmy Castañeda, Trinh Mai, Angela Johal, John Todd, San José Photo Walk (Julie Chon, Diana Mae, 35mmallie, Yvonne Yeh, Sheldon Chang), Kelly Peters, Gathering Artisans Collective (James, Clarice, and Jafar Green), Kayla Dinh, Andrew Saman, Silicon Valley Gay Men's Chorus, Azeem Ward, and Raue (Paige Kalenian and Jax Huckle), and album picks by Needle to the Groove. You can also catch the opening of a new South First Friday exhibition at Chopsticks Alley and an art auction at Works/San José!
 
Become a Content Magazine member today to grab your advance copy of Issue 15.2 at the Pick-Up Party and receive a complimentary beverage and hors d'oeuvres as a toast to your support and 11 years of Content Magazine.



Tuesday, December 6, 2022

"CAROLS IN THE CALIFORNIA” Saturday, Dec 10 in SAN JOSE


SYMPHONY SAN JOSE CHORALE presents

"CAROLS IN THE CALIFORNIA” Saturday, Dec 10 in SAN JOSE

Holiday Special

15th Annual Family Tradition Returns for One Night Only

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE


 

WHO: Symphony San Jose Chorale presents

WHAT: "Carols in the California"

WHEN: Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 7pm

WHERE: The California Theatre, 345 South First Street in downtown San Jose

WHY: A Family Holiday Tradition! The Symphony San Jose Chorale under the baton of Elena Sharkova presents the 15th Annual "Carols in the California", an exciting and festive program of holiday cheer. Enjoy a traditional sing-along of your favorite carols with choir and brass ensemble and prepare to be dazzled by performances of classical works by members of Symphony San Jose and the SSJ Chorale all in the warm glow of the beautifully restored California Theatre.


Symphony San Jose Chorale

Elena Sharkova, conductor

Marques Jerrell Ruff, special guest vocalist

 

And while downtown, enjoy Christmas in the Park, The Holiday Roller Skating Rink Under the Palms, and Winter Wonderland rides and games just two blocks from the theater. San Jose comes alive with the Holiday Season, with activities and memories for the entire family! All-day inexpensive parking is available at the city-owned garage on San Carlos Street with entrances on both Second and Third Streets.

 

PRICES: $36 ($26 for attendees under 26 years old.)

BOX OFFICE PHONE: 408.286.2600 or Website: www.symphonysanjose.org

Or visit the Walk-In Box Office between 10am and 5pm, Monday through Friday at 325 South First Street in downtown San Jose, between San Carlos and San Salvador Streets just one-half block from the California Theatre.

 

Photo of conductor Elena Sharkova with Chorale by Robert Shomler


THE PROGRAM:

O Come All Ye Faithful (Sing-Along)

Little Star of Bethlehem

Do You Hear What I Hear?

The First Noel (Sing-Along)

Shine on Me

Christmas Spiritual Medley (with Marques Jerrell Ruff)

I Saw Three Ships

The Twelve Days of San Jose Xmas

          INTERMISSION

Jazz Trio (with Jazz style Sing-Alongs)

We are Christmas (with Marques Jerrell Ruff)

Too Hot to Handel (with Marques Jerrell Ruff)

     Every Valley

     For Unto Us

     Hallelujah

Silent Night (Sing-Along with an added verse in Ukrainian)


Total concert is 100 minutes with intermission

 

ABOUT THE CHORALE

Symphony San Jose Chorale performs classical masterworks and contemporary music with the symphony, as well as a wide range of pieces, from jazz to liturgical and everything in between. Performances include Movies in Concert, acapella programs, and appearances with smaller instrumental groups in San Jose and peninsula locations throughout the San Francisco Bay area. Maestra Elena Sharkova, who directs the Symphony San Jose Chorale and the Cantabile Youth Singers, is an internationally recognized conductor, lecturer and master teacher.

 

More about Chorale Director, Elena Sharkova:

Russian-American conductor Elena Sharkova is recognized nationally and internationally as an inspirational, versatile, and effective conductor, choral clinician, music educator, and lecturer. She has conducted professional, university, youth, and community choirs and orchestras in 17 countries across North America, Asia, Eastern and Western Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. Elena has served as a jury member at numerous national and international music festivals and competitions.

Full Bio Here: https://www.symphonysanjose.org/performers/elena-sharkova/

 

About Marques Jerrell Ruff:

American bass-baritone Marques Jerrell Ruff has performed across the globe, including at the Walt Disney Hall in Los Angeles, California, the Weiner Musikverein in Vienna, Austria, the Rudolfinum in Prague, Czech Republic, and the Mariinksy Theater in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Hartford Courant marveled, “Ruff has a voice that has power, clarity and brilliant shades of color.” Mr. Ruff is a former member of the Grammy® award-winning ensemble, Chanticleer, and has distinguished himself as a versatile, dynamic performer and conductor across multiple genres. He is currently on the roster of several of the top choral ensembles in the country, including the Santa Fe Desert Chorale, Conspirare, Exigence, and Seraphic Fire. Most recently, Mr. Ruff made his debut in South Korea with The National Chorus of Korea, conducted by EJ Yoon, as the baritone soloist in Vaughan Williams’ A Sea Symphony. He holds degrees in music from Central Connecticut State University and the University of Missouri-Columbia, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Music Education at Florida State University. Mr. Ruff is a member of ACDA, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He can be found @marquesjruff on all social media.

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Content Pick-Up Party 15.1 "Discover"

Content Magazine is releasing their last issue of the year on December 7th. As is tradition they are hosting a party to celebrate the release, which caps 10 years in print featuring over 1,500 local creatives. The party will be at the new San Pedro Social on Santa Clara Street. Music will be provided by Needle to the Groove and visual art will come courtesy of Syrarium Studios, Wisper, and others artists in issue 15.1.

The event takes place from 5-9pm on December 7th and is free to the public. Content Subscribers also get a complimentary beverage.

For more info and to RSVP, head over here.


Celebrate the release of issue 15.1 "Discover" with us at the new San Pedro Social on Wednesday, December 7th from 7pm - 9pm.

Spend the evening with your friends and family, toast to issue 15.1 "Discover" - completing 10 years in print, and featuring 1,500+ creative individuals. We have so much to be thankful for and we'd love to share the night with you.

Enjoy music by Needle to the Groove, and visual art by Syrarium Studios, Wisper and other 15.1 featured artists.

Issue Featuring: Alan Frenz Music | Andrew Espino of 1Culture | Consuelo Jimenez Underwood | Hero Tent | Ian Santillano | John Mavroudis | Phil Leonard "Syrarium Studios" | "Reclamation: Art and Culture of the Muwekma Ohlone Tribal Council" featuring Monica V. Arellano | Wisper | SVCreates Arts Leadership Roundtable: Anna Watts, Executive Director of Starting Arts; Joshua Lanam, Executive Director of Vivace Youth Chorus; Pedro Aquihua Perez, Second Palabra of Calpulli Tonalehqueh; Rosalinda Sanchez, Executive Director of The Audacity Performing Arts Project; Sinjin Jones, Executive Director of Pear Theatre; and Verónica Meza, Artistic Director of Teatro Nahual

This event is free to the public. Content Members receive a complimentary beverage as a toast to their support of Content Magazine.

All magazine membership purchases directly support the work that we do and allow us to continue to tell the stories of the creative individuals in the South Bay Area. Become a member at bit.ly/contentmembership and enjoy the perks of membership including the satisfaction of supporting our local arts community.

We look forward to celebrating with you on December 7th!

Thank you Event Parters: San Pedro Social, San Jose Jazz, and Needle to the Groove

San Pedro Social brings games, food, drinks, entertainment, and FUN to the historic heart of Downtown San José. They offer a choice of bowling, arcade games, pinball, pool, skee ball, shuffleboard, hoops, karaoke, DJs, and streamed sports. Join San Pedro Social for that next celebration or company gathering for groups of all sizes.



Friday, October 21, 2022

Live music returns to St. James Park throughout October

Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose: “Building Community through Music”.

Every Sunday in October (Oct 2, 9, 16, 23, 30) bring a picnic, drop a blanket on the lawn and enjoy free, all ages, high quality concerts from 3pm – 6:30pm in Historic St. James Park. There is a Beer Garden featuring Camino Brewing suds, and delicious local food trucks will be on hand to ensure a stress free Sunday evening in the park.

In the news: Yes - you may have heard about Levitt San Jose’s struggles to break ground at St. James Park. Having dealt with a progress-halting lawsuit recently, Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose perseveres, and sets the tone for the future site of a Levitt Pavilion with this first concert series. By recognizing the magic of live music to bring communities together and activate public spaces, Levitt San Jose strives to carve out a new era for Downtown San Jose’s most historic park.

About the Levitt San Jose Fall Concert Series: 

Formed in 2016, Friends of Levitt Pavilion San Jose is a nonprofit with a mission to build community through free, all-ages, high-quality live music shows and performances on a permanent stage in historic St. James Park.

The Levitt San Jose Fall Concert Series, presented by Madrone Ventures & Studio Current, will feature top local and national artists, giving a sneak peek of what’s to come when Levitt Pavilion San Jose joins the community of permanent Levitt venues across the country.

We are proud to announce that the Fall Concert Series began with a performance from Antibalas on October 2nd, 3pm – 6:30pm. It’s hard to believe that more than twenty years have passed since Antibalas’s humble beginning as a neighborhood dance / protest band in the block parties and underground parties in pre-gentrified Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Over the past two decades they have evolved into what The Guardian called “one of the world’s finest Afrobeat bands” while enjoying equal renown for their cross-genre collaborations with legends of popular music. Opening for Antibalas will be Salinas locals, Quiensave. ¿Qiensave? is a Cumbia Urbana group from Salinas California with roots stretching back to Michoacán, Mexico. They create high energy dance music that has fortunately blessed them with the opportunity to travel throughout California, Arizona, Mexico, and Colombia.

 

October 9th Lyrics Born, the “funkiest rapper alive” took the stage from 3p – 6:30pm. Known for weaving funk and soul into classic, boom-bap Hip Hop, his energy electrified the crowd!

 

Jose James performed on October 16th. Known as a jazz artist for the hip-hop generation, José James artfully blurs the lines between traditional and contemporary jazz, hip-hop, soul, funk, pop and rock. San Jose’s own Jackie Gage will open with her velvety voice, uplifting songwriting, and transcendent music.

 

October 23rd will welcome Latin Folk songstress, La Doňa from 3pm – 6:30pm. La Doña, born Cecilia Cassandra Peña-Govea in San Francisco, California, is a solo reggaeton singer, songwriter and multi- instrumentalist. The Chicana artist began her career at age 7 playing trumpet, and later strings and percussion in her family’s conjunto. She also played in a youth salsa band and a Balkan fusion band before synthesizing her unique upbringing in her original compositions. La Doña combines her deep roots in Latin folk traditions like corridos and rumba with the propulsive modern sounds of reggaeton, cumbia, and hip hop. Mosaic Organization will begin the show with a variety of cultural performances ranging from dance to live musical performance.

 

The Fall Concert Series will close on October 30th with performances from San Jose local, Will Sprott and Orgone, whose sound draws from 1960s and 1970s-era funk and soul.

 

Friends of Levitt San Jose social links: FacebookInstagram and Twitter,

The Levitt San Jose Music Series is supported in part by the Mortimer & Mimi Levitt Foundation, which partners with towns and cities across America to activate underused public spaces through the power of free live music, creating welcoming, inclusive destinations. Presenting a broad array of music genres and cultural programming, Levitt venues and concert sites are community anchors where families, friends and neighbors of all ages and backgrounds come together. Learn more at levitt.org. #MusicMoves

Tuesday, July 12, 2022

Music in the Park - Downtown San Jose - July 15th

The '80s are back on Friday, July 15th with A Flock of Seagulls and ABC's 40th Anniversary Tour. The show takes place from 5pm-10pm at Plaza de Cesar Chavez as part of the Music in the Park series.

Tickets start at $25. VIP tickets cost $75 and include an exclusive VIP beer & wine bar, a lounge area, VIP seating, and skipping the line to enter to event. If you just want to listen to the music, there is also the $0 option of walking around Downtown San Jose close to Plaza de Cesar Chavez.




Thursday, August 26, 2021

Sundays in the Park with Arts: Hamiltunes

Every Sunday, St. James Park will host FREE performances by our talented arts organizations in the area. Viva Parks Downtown and Filco Events have come together to present this great series called "Sundays in the Park with ARTS" and it runs all the way until October 24th.

Each week, the event will run from 2-5pm on the grass in front of the Corinthian Building at St. James and Third. A professional stage, sound, and production system will be there each week. It's recommended that attendees bring chairs, a picnic basket, and blankets.

This week's event on August 29th features the San Jose Popup Choir leading the audience in HAMILTUNES -- the official public sing-along to the Broadway musical. SJ Popup Choir is the only officially licensed presenter of HAMILTUNES in the bay area, so it's one event you won't want to miss if you're a fan of the smash-hit musical. You'll be able to access all of the lyrics on your phone. Again, it's from 2-5pm this Sunday at Saint James Park.




Tuesday, August 10, 2021

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2021

One of Downtown San Jose's largest events is back this week. San Jose Jazz's Summer Fest runs Friday to Sunday with multiple stages and options for every budget (including $5 streaming passes for one of the stages). The main stage will be centered in Plaza de Cesar Chavez but various events and the overall atmosphere will encompass large portions of Downtown San Jose. It will be a fun weekend to be in the area even if you are not attending the full event.

The full blurb is below and you can access the full roster and tickets over here.

Celebrate the Rebirth of “Live” at San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, August 13–15. One of the first significant live music events in the Bay Area in 2021, the Fest reclaims its place as "one of the world's great urban jazz festivals" (DownBeat Magazine) with a more compact footprint centered on the Sobrato Organization Main Stage in the Plaza de César Chavez. We'll bring you six stages with the same great vibe and a mix of international stars, emerging artists and local gems playing jazz, blues, R&B, New Orleans, Latin and more, including Grammy / Emmy / Academy Award winning artist Common, Latin jazz legend Pete Escovedo, fast-rising soul singer Judith Hill, funk powerhouse Morris Day and The Time, Latin urban party starter Ozomatli, Blue Note recording artist Kandace Springs and 70+ more.

Celebrating its 31st festival year in 2021, Summer Fest is an eclectic musical celebration that inspires family reunions, gathers old friends and brings music to every corner of downtown San Jose. Tickets and info at summerfest.sanjosejazz.org

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

New single from San Jose Band, Love District: "Feels like Home"

Four members from San Jose that fell in love with post-punk and new wave have just released a rockin new single. Their style is reminiscent of The Cure, The Smiths, and New Order with their own spin. 

The new single is entitled "Feels Like Home" and it's about life in a dense city where you can feel alone and at home at the same time. That's all the more poignant after 16 months of dealing with COVID. In their words: "It's about about how we can forget the important things in life during the endless grind and distractions in our lives. Wherever you live, whatever the situation, we all have a place we feel is our home."

I've already added it to my playlist and look forward to checking them out live in the Bay Area sometime. You can listen to "Feels Like Home" on Spotify over here.

Below is a bit more info about about band:

"After releasing their debut EP Control,” and their album Delusions,” Love District is looking to reestablish their sound with their upcoming releases. The group has played the Ernie Ball stage at Vans Warped Tour, worked with CocaCola, and has played many festivals and venues while becoming a staple in the Bay Area music scene."


Friday, February 12, 2021

Singer-songwriter Maddy Michaels release her debut single, Sanity on February 19th, 2021

Maddy Michaels, a singer-songwriter based in San Jose, is releasing her new single entitled "Sanity" next week on Feb 19th. I really like her cover of Head Above Water which you can find over here. Now's the time to support local artists so that hopefully we can enjoy a live music scene in San Jose again later this year (🤞 for summer). Check out Sanity on your favorite streaming platform Feb 19th!

“In sharing my mental health experience with others, I want to let them know they are not alone and encourage them to connect not only to my music but to those around them as we embark on this journey called life” -Maddy Michaels

 

San Jose, CA: The single Sanity from Maddy Michaels makes its digital debut on February 19th, 2021. It conveys her vulnerability and her experience with overwhelming anxiety. The intimate and honest lyrics woven into this pop-power ballad invite listeners to relate and connect to her music. Her message brings awareness to the highly stigmatized topic of mental health and sheds light on the emotional and mental obstacles faced by so many today. Sanity provides listeners with an uplifting message and inspires people to keep moving forward, though the path may be difficult. Michaels hopes her song will bring listeners optimism in 2021 as the world continues to face unprecedented challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

Sanity, produced and engineered by West Australian artist HILLOC, features a live band and string arrangement by Kevin Fong that brings the song to new heights. The track features HILLOC on keys, Brad Roberts on Guitar, Sebastian Valencia on Bass, Eric Hart on Drums, Alyssa Barker and Emily Gelineau on Violin, Ben Eyink and Megan Pham on Cello, and Noah Leong and Cecelia Cook on Viola. Cover art by Rachael Ho. 

 

Sanity is available on all streaming platforms on February 19th, 2021. 


Artist Bio: San Jose-based singer-songwriter and performer Maddy Michaels performs across a variety of genres. Her music and uplifting lyrics bring awareness to personal experiences and current social issues. Michaels music encourages audiences to find a path forward during these unprecedented times.  


“Music helps me through difficult times, I use music as a way to express myself and to help bring encouragement to the world.” -Maddy Michaels