Various venues, August 11–13
Every August the City of San Jose rolls out its annual Jazz Summerfest, offering a dozen stages of varying musical genres in addition to club venues, and even the inviting Hammer Theater. The proceedings begin at noon each day, and continuous performances run throughout the afternoon and well into the evening. Featured are many big names in jazz, salsa, rhythm and blues—even zydeco. Among the many headliners this year were Chris Botti, Maceo Parker, the Bay Area Salsa All-Stars with Jimmy Bosch, Jazz By Five, and Angelique Kidjo with Pedrito Martinez. The fine musical performances were enhanced by the festival’s congenial layout—relatively nearby outdoor stages, food court and drink areas (wine and beer, yes!), ample room to spread your blanket and set up your beach chairs near the stages, dancing areas—and of course, the friendly atmosphere created by the genial crowd. True to form, much fun was had in the sun. It was a highly enjoyable setting for bringing a date, a mate, or even the whole family.
—ROY STRASSMAN