the end results

I have had the pleasure of attending over twenty San Jose Jazz Festivals since its inception in 1990.  Initially it was held on one stage at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez on Saturday and Sunday afternoons.  The Plaza is a long stretch of grass, walking paths, shade trees, water sprouts and benches dividing S. Market Street in downtown San Jose. It’s directly in front of the San Jose Marriott.   Thirty-four years later Plaza de Cesar Chavez is still the main stage.  The Festival, now called the San Jose Summer Fest, has grown from one stage to 9 or more stages with a variety of genres and artists performing Friday evening through Sunday night. 

On their main stage I was thrilled to see jazz giants like Herbie Hancock, Freddie Hubbard, Stanley Turrentine, Spiro Gyro, Kamasi Washington and many, many more.  I also enjoyed seeing Etta James, Cameo, Angelique Kidjo and Johnnie Gill.  The festival’s other stages are scattered within walking distance of Plaza de Cesar Chavez.  They offer diverse jazz genres such as: Latin Jazz, Big Band, a variety of Orchestras, Swing Dance Bands, Blues, Soul, and on some Sunday mornings, Gospel.   

As is the case in so many venues today, it is tenuous if you are allowed to bring in a professional camera like my Nikon Z9.  I had never had a problem at the Festival until this year.  I was let in at the main gate with no issue. But I was challenged when I had to re-enter at another gate, after attending one of the indoor venues.  Lucky, since I already had a wrist band, (Listen to Paul Simon’s “Wrist Band”), they relented and allowed me to bring in my Z9.   Not wanting to navigate any other challenges, I tried to be as inconspicuous as possible, which limited my photo taking.

The following are photos from three stages on Saturday, August 10^th.

GRACE & THE GRIT

Applied Materials Foundation Blues/Big Easy Stage

JOHN SANTOS SEXTET

Montgomery Theater Stage

CORY HENRY & THE FUNK APOSTLES

Jay Paul Company Main Stage

TIME TO GO HOME