San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2025

One of the SF Bay Area’s most cherished summer traditions turns 35 this year and San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2025 amplifies its artist lineup like never before ranging from GRAMMY Award-winners to the hottest acts on the live music festival scene with headliners Common, Mavis Staples, Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, José James, Ghost-Note, Butcher Brown, The Headhunters, plus newly confirmed headliners Lalah Hathaway, PJ Morton, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Bilal, and the inaugural “Artist-In-Residence” for its “Future of Jazz” initiative, Theo Croker. 100+ artists from around the world — from global stars to local emerging acts — inspire and uplift festivalgoers for 3 days across nine indoor and outdoor venues. The crown jewel of Northern California’s summer music season, San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2025 “transforms Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park in downtown San Jose into a musical haven” (San Francisco Chronicle) from Friday, August 8 – Sunday, August 10, 2025.

While honoring jazz’s legacy roots with acclaimed performers such as Preservation Hall Jazz Band and The Headhunters, San Jose Jazz Summer Fest also stands as a platform for modern artists who speak to today’s sounds — blending R&B, hip-hop, electronic, Afro-Caribbean, soul, funk — allowing jazz to shine through a multitude of genres representing the now and what’s next. Preservation Hall Jazz Band — the living embodiment of New Orleans’ jazz heritage — infuses the Fest with timeless energy that bridges generations with their second line celebrations while four additional newly confirmed Fest performers such as Lalah Hathaway, PJ Morton and Bilal unmistakably bring a creative freedom to their music that ignites live stages into unforgettable performances that any music lover can enjoy.

Newly Added Headliners @ San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2025

Featuring his only West Coast performance this summer, award-winning soul and R&B star PJ Morton is set to light up the San Jose Jazz Summer Fest stage with one of the most not-to-be-missed live shows of the year. A five-time GRAMMY® winner and 20-time nominee, Morton has emerged as a leading voice in contemporary R&B. A native of New Orleans, Morton combines his gospel-rooted upbringing and more than a decade of touring as the keyboardist with pop-rock band Maroon 5 to be a true showman commanding the stage like no other. 2024 was a landmark year for PJ Morton as he became the first Black composer to write an original song for a Disney attraction — creating an all-new theme for Tiana’s Bayou Adventure at Disney World. That summer he released Cape Town to Cairo, an album conceived and recorded during a 30-day creative journey across South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana and Egypt. This August 2025, audiences will witness why Morton is widely regarded as one of the greatest R&B performers of our time.

A five-time GRAMMY Award-winner and daughter of the legendary Donny Hathaway, Lalah Hathaway is a vocal phenomenon with a tone, range, and control that are legendary, often placing her in the same breath as R&B royalty like Beyoncé, with whom she shares the record for most wins in the “Best Traditional R&B Performance” GRAMMY category. Whether festivalgoers are into jazz, R&B, soul, or experimental grooves, they’ll be assured that Lalah doesn’t just sing songs — she transforms them. She’s fresh off the release of her critically acclaimed eighth studio album, VANTABLACK, which Vibe hails as “arguably her best work to-date.” Her recent appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show proves her magic goes far beyond the mic. As she walked the hallway, the staff and crew burst into applause, a powerful moment of admiration that racked up more than 5 million views on Instagram (watch here). That viral moment speaks volumes: Lalah Hathaway is well on her way to becoming a megastar.

Bilal is a true vocal shapeshifter as he transcends boundaries across jazz, soul, R&B, hip-hop, and electronic music. Live on stage, Bilal doesn’t just perform: he channels the music. His live sets are emotionally charged, improvisational, and utterly unique with no two performances ever being the same. Bilal is renowned for reinventing songs in real time, drawing on his deep roots in jazz to create a fully immersive live experience. Since his 2000 debut with the neo-soul classic “Soul Sista,” Bilal has been a cornerstone of progressive Black music. His album Bilal: Live at Glasshaus features intimate takes of his classic songs alongside Questlove, Common, Robert Glasper, and Burniss Travis. His first album of new material in eight years, Adjust Brightness is a daring fusion of influences, inspired by artists such as Aphex Twin and Stereolab, and proves to be his most adventurous work.

Bilal will join Common on the Jay Paul Company Main Stage to perform songs from Like Water for Chocolate, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the iconic album that also featured 35th Summer Fest Main Stage artist Femi Kuti, Slum Village, DJ Premier, Roy Hargrove, Mos Def, and Jill Scott. Like Water for Chocolate, released in 2000, incorporated jazz influences and samples into the fabric of the album, earning placements on a wide range of Albums of the Year lists and catapulting Common to critical and commercial success. Common and Bilal bring this classic album back to life live on stage at Summer Fest!

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2025 “Future of Jazz” Program w/ “Artist in Residence” Theo Croker + A Dozen Genre-Bending Artists
Jazz thrives as it evolves through cultural exchanges and fearless experimentations. As genres intersect, it’s imperative for San Jose Jazz to spotlight the current trends and curate programs featuring artists carrying jazz forward. San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2025 fosters discovery while bridging generations so audiences appreciate that jazz is not a relic but a dynamic, continually renewing tradition. San Jose Jazz’s debut of its “Future of Jazz” program throughout San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2025 — with a special emphasis on its Friday night programming geared towards younger audiences (ages 25 & under) with a special $25 ticket option (Friday-only entry) — features the visionary trumpeter, composer, and bandleader Theo Croker as the inaugural “Artist-In-Residence.” The exciting initiative reinforces San Jose Jazz’s commitment to championing the next generation of jazz innovators at an amazing ticket price ensuring that twentysomethings and students can experience today’s most thrilling artists.

The singular trumpet voice at the vanguard of modern jazz, Theo Croker joins SJZ Summer Fest 2025 hot off the release of his stunning new album, Dream Manifest, and gracing the June 2025 cover of DownBeat Magazine. Croker brings his transcendent artistry to the West Coast’s premier jazz Fest as its “Artist-In-Residence” where he’ll headline two performances under his own name while joining an array of festival performers such as Ghost Note, among others, during their Fest sets. As his latest album title reveals, Croker visualizes, dreams, and manifests creativity at the highest level on the live stage as he curates ecstatic moments for fans to soar along to the great depths of his artistry up close.

Hailed as “a conceptualist and a firebrand” (DownBeat), Croker has eight albums to his name, including Love Quantum, Blk2Life/A Future Past, and his latest Dream Manifest, where Croker charts stellar new sonics. Croker is a cultural ambassador with his vast collaborations with the likes of Jill Scott, J. Cole, Ari Lennox, and Wyclef Jean — infusing his trumpet lines with the spirit of hip-hop, Afrobeat, and soul. Don’t miss the chance to witness Theo Croker at San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2025 — where jazz’s future is being written in real time. Croker will appear as a special guest with Ghost Note (Friday, Aug. 8), Butcher Brown (Saturday, Aug. 9), Tyreek McDole (Sunday, Aug. 10), as well as headline his own shows on Saturday, Aug. 9 at SJZ Break Room and Sunday, Aug. 10 at California Theatre Stage.

To learn more about the dozen artists performing with the “Future of Jazz” concerts, please see below:

José James Presents 1978: Revenge of The Dragon
Grammy Award-nominated vocalist José James continues the fusion of punk rock, soul, funk, and jazz that catapulted him to fame in the late 2000s and early 2010s with his newest album, 1978: Revenge of the Dragon.

Across 17 years as a singer, songwriter, bandleader, and co-head of Rainbow Blonde Records, James has continually reinvented himself while maintaining an unmistakable musical signature. His journey began with 2008’s The Dreamer, subtly swirling modern jazz with hip-hop instrumentation, before his stunning Blue Note breakthrough No Beginning, No End (2013) recorded with innovators like Robert Glasper confirmed his status as a musical visionary.

James’ artistic restlessness has produced a remarkable discography spanning standards, rock-infused experiments and modern R&B. His method-like approach to tribute projects honoring Billie Holiday, Bill Withers, and Erykah Badu showcases his remarkable versatility, while his funk-inspired four-album series culminates in his just-released 1978: Revenge of the Dragon (2025). Recorded live to tape in one take at Dreamland Studios — a restored 19th-century church near Woodstock, NY — the album fuses the raw energy of punk with jazz, soul, and funk. The album features a mix of four originals and four reimagined classics, including The Rolling Stones’ “Miss You,” Herbie Hancock’s “I Thought It Was You,” the Bee Gees’ “Love You Inside Out,” and Michael Jackson’s “Rock With You.”

Ghost-Note

Ghost-Note, the explosive musical collective led by Grammy Award winning Snarky Puppy alumni Robert “Sput” Searight and Nate Werth, delivers an irresistible blend of funk, jazz, and hip-hop that ignites dance floors everywhere. With their acclaimed 2024 release Mustard n’Onions dazzling critics, their virtuosic live performances feature mind-bending solos and thunderous grooves.

Founded in 2015, Ghost-Note has established themselves as a formidable force in contemporary instrumental music, expanding beyond their percussion-focused origins into a full-band powerhouse. After Searight and Werth’s Grammy success with Snarky Puppy, they built Ghost-Note into a vehicle for unbridled musical exploration. Their discography, including Swagism (2018) and their latest Mack Avenue Records release Mustard n’Onions, showcases their evolution and mastery of funk fusion. The band has collaborated with luminaries like Kamasi Washington, Talib Kweli and Karl Denson, while gracing stages at prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, from North Sea Jazz to Bonnaroo. Ghost-Note’s significance lies in their ability to honor funk traditions while pushing boundaries with complex compositions and improvisation, creating transcendent live shows where technical brilliance meets raw emotional power –cementing their reputation as essential torchbearers for modern funk.

Butcher Brown

Richmond, Virginia-based jazz-funk fusion collective Butcher Brown delivers electrifying performances blending jazz, hip-hop, funk and rock. This Grammy Award-nominated quintet has captivated audiences worldwide with their innovative sound, collaborating with Kamasi Washington and appearing on NPR’s Tiny Desk. Their groundbreaking album #KingButch showcases their genre-defying approach.

Formed in 2009, Butcher Brown has established themselves as pioneers in the modern jazz scene through their relentless touring and distinctive sound. The band — featuring Marcus “Tennishu” Tenney, Corey Fonville, Andrew Randazzo, DJ Harrison and Morgan Burrs — has performed at prestigious venues like the Blue Note and major festivals including Newport Jazz Festival and SXSW. Their notable releases include Camden Session (2018), the breakthrough #KingButch (2020), Butcher Brown Presents Triple Trey (2022), and Letters From the Atlantic released March 28, 2025. The group earned a Grammy Award nomination for their contribution to Christian McBride’s “Gangsta of Love.” Butcher Brown has shared stages with icons like Nicholas Payton and Galactic while maintaining a reputation for explosive live shows that transcend genre boundaries. Their authentic approach to music-making honors jazz tradition while incorporating modern influences, creating an unmistakable sonic identity that continues to evolve.

Stella Cole

Rising vocal star Stella Cole, who has amassed over 12 million TikTok likes and up to 16 million views on her most viral video, brings a fresh perspective to the Great American Songbook. She has a remarkable ability to connect with both classic standards and contemporary pieces, all while maintaining an authentic, personally vulnerable approach.

With her highly anticipated debut due out on August 30, Stella Cole is establishing herself as one of the most remarkable vocal talents of her generation. She burst on the scene with a series of viral videos on TikTok of her singing vocal classics in her parents’ shower (she enjoys the remarkable acoustics) and two performances with Postmodern Jukebox garnering nearly 7 million views on YouTube. For the new album, she’s working with Grammy Award-winning arranger Alan Broadbent to bring fresh perspective to beloved classics like “Over the Rainbow,” “The Boy Next Door” and “Moon River” alongside contemporary selections such as Billie Eilish’s “My Future.” What sets Cole apart is her extraordinary ability to connect emotionally with material across eras, presenting these songs with both technical precision and genuine vulnerability. Her interpretations honor the original spirit of these standards while making them entirely her own. Cole’s remarkable social media presence has introduced countless young listeners to the Great American Songbook, creating new audiences for this timeless repertoire. Her performances reveal an artist with vocal maturity and interpretive skill far beyond her years, positioning her as an important bridge between musical traditions past and present.

Mohini Dey Quartet

Mohini Dey, a 27-year-old virtuoso bassist from Mumbai, has revolutionized modern bass playing with her extraordinary technique and innovative style. Ranked among the “Top 10 Bassists in the 21st Century” by Music Radar and named “Most Successful Musician UNDER30” by Forbes India, she brings her own band to Summer Fest as she continues to release collaborations with artists like Monotronic, Omar Hakim, Mark Hartsuch, and more.

Defying conventions in a male-dominated field, Dey has collaborated with an impressive roster of music legends including Steve Vai, Zakir Hussain, Quincy Jones, Stanley Clarke and A.R. Rahman. Her versatility spans genres from jazz fusion to progressive rock, appearing on prestigious platforms like Jimmy Fallon’s show and NPR’s Tiny Desk. With performances across international stages including Timisoara Jazz Festival, Lugano Jazz Estival and numerous Indian events, Dey has built a massive following with over 20 million YouTube views and 657,000 Instagram followers. Her endorsements from premier music brands like Markbass, Mayones and Boss reflect her technical authority, while features in Rolling Stone, Vogue and Bass Magazine document her rising influence. As both performer and producer, Dey continues to inspire a new generation of musicians while breaking barriers for women in instrumental music.

Kiefer

Kiefer is a groundbreaking pianist, producer and composer who masterfully blends jazz, hip-hop, R&B and electronic music into an emotionally resonant sound. The Los Angeles-based artist has released acclaimed albums on Stones Throw Records, collaborated with Grammy Award-winning Anderson .Paak and captivates audiences with his innovative fusion of complex jazz harmonies and hard-hitting beats.

Born in San Diego, Kiefer developed his unique musical voice through early jazz immersion and later hip-hop experimentation. His 2017 debut Kickinit Alone on Leaving Records established him as a central figure in LA’s independent music scene before signing to Stones Throw for Happysad (2018) and When There’s Love Around (2021). His latest album It’s Ok, B U showcases his evolving artistry. Beyond solo work, Kiefer has recorded with Kaytranada, SiR and Terrace Martin, and produced for Anderson .Paak’s Grammy Award-winning record Ventura. His performances balance technical jazz virtuosity with accessible emotional depth, creating intimate musical experiences that resonate across diverse audiences. Kiefer’s optimistic ethos permeates his compositions, inspiring listeners through a spectrum of emotions while reminding them, in his words, “this is a beautiful life.”

DJ Harrison

DJ Harrison is a remarkably versatile artist, producer and multi-instrumentalist whose genre-defying sound blends jazz, funk, soul, R&B and hip-hop with extraordinary skill. As chief of Jellowstone Records in Richmond, VA, he has established himself as an innovative force while showing deep reverence for Black American Music.

Harrison has released several acclaimed solo albums including Stones Throw releases Tales from the Old Dominion and HazyMoods, plus his 2024 album Shades of Yesterday, a collection of cover versions honoring his musical heroes and influences including covers of songs by Donald Fagen, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder and others. As a producer, he has crafted compositions for Phonte, Steve Arrington, Pink Siifu and Joyce Wrice, while contributing to music for Jack White, Natalie Prass, Sherman Holmes and Kurt Elling — earning Grammy nominations for his work on Elling’s recent albums. Harrison is a member of Butcher Brown and will perform two sets with them at SJZ Summer Fest 2025.

David Binney Action Trio with Pera Krstajic & Louis Cole
Acclaimed saxophonist David Binney stands as one of today’s most prolific jazz musicians, having recorded 30 albums as a leader and being featured on more than 400 other albums. Singled out by Jazz Times as a creator of “an alternative jazz-scene” playing “adventurous, original music,” his latest project Action features Grammy Award winning drummer/bandleader Louis Cole and bassist Pera Krstajic.

Born in Miami, raised in Southern California, trained in New York City, and currently residing in Los Angeles, Binney has performed and recorded with artists like Gil Evans, Norah Jones, Chris Potter, Aretha Franklin, Jamiroquai, and Maceo Parker, and created the group featured on David Bowie’s last recording, Blackstar. Three-time winner of the Downbeat Critics’ Poll for Alto Saxophone, he has been featured on the cover of Downbeat, Jazz Times, the New York Times’ Art section, and many other publications. He is on staff at the New School in New York City, and teaches at prominent music schools like USC, Cal Arts, NYU, Manhattan School of Music, and internationally at the Paris Conservatoire, Rotterdam Conservatory, Amsterdam Conservatory and more. David’s distinctive saxophone sound and innovative compositions have been heard from basement clubs in New York to jazz festivals in Europe and the world.

Sachal Vasandani

Lauded vocalist Sachal Vasandani, renowned for his lyrical depth and impeccable phrasing, has established himself as one of the most innovative voices. With his latest album, Best Life Now, produced by drum maestro Nate Smith and collaborations with legends such as Wynton Marsalis and Bobby McFerrin, Vasandani redefines vocal jazz with his modern take on the genre with hints of R&B, soul, and vibey rhythms.

Vasandani’s standout career has been marked by critical acclaim and artistic evolution. Following his standout albums Shadow Trainand Slow Motion Miracles, his 2022 project Still Life with pianist Romain Collin showcased his deft ability to blend technical mastery with emotional range. Released on Valentine’s Day this year, Best Life Now draws listeners into their own romantic relationships with a soundtrack reflecting the ups and downs of modern love. Vasandani’s collaborative spirit has led to performances with luminaries including Milton Nascimento and Jon Hendricks, cementing his status among vocal elites. A fixture at prestigious venues and festivals worldwide, Vasandani brings a unique confluence of traditional sensibilities and forward-thinking musicality to every performance. Beyond his recording career, he contributes significantly to jazz as a composer, lyricist, and dedicated educator, mentoring the next generation of musicians.

Zohar & Adam

Brothers Zohar & Adam Cabo, a jazz duo comprised of keyboard prodigy Zohar and drumming virtuoso Adam, blend progressive jazz, Latin rhythms, hip hop and world music into electrifying performances reminiscent of Chick Corea and Weather Report. Mentored by Christian McBride, these second-generation musicians deliver genre-bending compositions with telepathic synchronicity that’s captivating audiences nationwide.

Born to musicians Richard Cabo and Dassi Rosenkrantz, Zohar and Adam were performing before their teens, recording at Sun Studios with their family band. The pandemic sparked a creative evolution, leading to their forthcoming debut album Osmosis, featuring Grammy Award-winning bassist Christian McBride, saxophonist Steve Wilson, bassist Hadrien Feraud and Julian Pollack (J3PO). The brothers’ musical chemistry — developed through a lifetime of playing together — creates an innovative sound that honors jazz traditions while boldly pushing boundaries. Alumni of McBride’s Jazz House Kids education program, their exceptional talent has garnered attention from jazz luminaries and audiences alike. Their live performances showcase virtuosic instrumental mastery and compositional brilliance that transcend conventional genre classifications, establishing them as essential new voices in contemporary jazz. Osmosis releases in 2025, marking their official arrival in the jazz world.

Kazemde George Trio

Brooklyn-based saxophonist Kazemde George, a rising star in modern jazz, blends traditional jazz with influences from the African diaspora and hip-hop. With his Harvard neurobiology background and New England Conservatory jazz mastery, George’s innovative compositions and profound musicianship have established him as one of today’s most exciting and intellectually compelling jazz artists.

Born to Caribbean parents in Berkeley, California, Kazemde George’s musical journey spans diverse traditions, guided by his scientific curiosity about African musical expressions. After studying under jazz luminaries like Miguel Zenón, Jason Moran, and Jerry Bergonzi, George’s artistry expanded significantly during a ten-month Peabody Gardner Fellowship in Cuba. His acclaimed 2021 debut album I Insist (Greenleaf Music) showcases his distinctive voice in modern jazz. George has shared stages with influential artists including Solange Knowles, David Murray, and Jason Moran, performing at prestigious venues from Lincoln Center to international festivals like Panama Jazz Festival and AfroPunk. His work represents a thoughtful convergence of tradition and innovation, connecting musical threads of the African diaspora while pushing jazz’s boundaries with analytical precision and emotional depth.

Bennett Roth Quartet

Bennett Roth Quartet, led by pianist Bennett Roth, delivers compositions that blend technical brilliance with soulful improvisation. A fixture in the Bay Area jazz scene for 15+ years, Roth’s masterful performances have graced prestigious stages from SFJAZZ to Yoshi’s. His latest album It’ll Always Work Out showcases his growth as a composer and bandleader while continuing his tradition of boundary-pushing jazz.

With performances spanning San Jose Jazz’s Summer and Winter Fests, Shoreline Amphitheater, Great American Music Hall and Black Cat Jazz Club in SF, Bennett Roth has established himself as an influential voice in Bay Area modern jazz. His discography includes It’ll Always Work Out (2024), Grown (2022) and collaborative projects spanning multiple genres. Roth has shared stages with notable artists including Matt Wilson, John Handy and Carl Allen, while opening for acts like Moonchild, Teedra Moses and B.o.B. A 2022 San Jose Jazz Aid Fund Grantee and 2024 Leigh Weimers Emerging Artists Award recipient, His compositions have reached beyond concert halls to television, including the series Cross and 49ers Cal Hi Sports. His film score for the recent documentary San Jose Is Not For Sale demonstrates his versatility as both performer and composer. Currently serving as Music Director at The Riekes Center and teaching at West Valley Community College, Roth continues to shape the next generation of jazz musicians.

This year, Plaza de César Chavez is also home to the popular PG&E Latin Tropical Stage, which is now located on the ticketed festival grounds on Park Avenue, adjacent to the Main Stage — a General Admission ticket offers access to the Latin Tropical Stage. An electrifying magnet for dancers with incredible headliners such as the famed Malo, the Latin Tropical Stage features a large outdoor stage with copious room for salsa dancers to show off their moves just a few steps away from the headliners. The booking of the PG&E Latin Tropical Stage is once again in the hands of curator and radio journalist Betto Arcos — who can be heard on NPR, BBC Radio 3, KCRW’s Global Beat Mexico and through his book, Music Stories from the Cosmic Barrio (Fogra Editorial). The 2025 lineup is as stellar as ever featuring Andre Cruz & Chris Lujan, La Marisoul & the Love Notes Orchestra, Malo, Orquesta Liberación de San Jose, LA’s Mulatas, Bloco do Sol San José, Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Hermán Olivera with Orquesta Taino, Lumutu, Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca, and Nidia Góngora. To learn more about each Latin artist, please visit: https://summerfest.sanjosejazz.org/filters/stage/latin-tropical-stage.

Ensuring SJZ Summer Fest’s accessibility to the widest audience possible, the festival is one of the region’s best entertainment values including free stages. Accompanying SJZ Summer Fest 2025 is a major 2024 upgrade of Plaza de César Chávez, which unveils a complete refresh of the park including a re-sodding of the green spaces (with special events in mind), planting colorful mixes of flowers, and the installation of large orange California poppy-style umbrellas. The park is the center of fun at SJZ Summer Fest 2025 with live concerts throughout Plaza de César Chavez alongside artisanal vendors offering delicious foods and beverages, and creative crafts.

Activating the city scene, SJZ Summer Fest’s profusion of music transforms a major metropolitan downtown into a huge street party closer to NOLA Jazz Fest and Detroit Jazz Festival than to anything else on tap in the SF Bay Area. It’s a highlight of the Bay Area’s summer season, and a not-to-be-missed celebration.

Sponsors @ San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2025
San Jose Jazz is excited to welcome back returning title sponsors Jay Paul Company Main Stage, PG&E Latin Tropical Stage, Amazon Mayor’s Jazz Brunch, Visit San Jose as Team San Jose Happy Hour Kick Off, ASML Next Gen Stage, Applied Materials Foundation Community Swing Stage, Volunteer Program sponsor Alaska Airlines, Wristband Sponsor Casino M8trix, CEFCU Club Crawl and San Jose Marriott as the Official Hotel Partner. Also returning this year are Meriwest Credit Union, Gordon Biersch Brewery, City of San José Office of Economic Development & Cultural Affairs, Silicon Valley Creates, Content Magazine, DownBeat Magazine, Poor House Bistro, David and Lucile Packard Foundation, Hewlett Foundation, Heritage Bank, Republic Services, Larry Stone, venue partners San Jose Museum of Arts and San Pedro Square Market. Newly announced sponsors include Big Easy & Beyond Stage sponsor John and Timi Sobrato, VIP Pavilion sponsor VTA, Montgomery Theater sponsor SF Jazzand Ebay.

Purchase a 3-Day pass? Experience the full extent of the Fest’s takeover of downtown with luxury rooms still available on or adjacent to the Fest grounds. Don’t miss out on the array of special events, late-night shows and the SJZ Club Crawl. Exclusive hotel deals are now available at summerfest.sanjosejazz.org/hotel-deals .

For additional artist bios, please visit: summerfest.sanjosejazz.org

35th Annual San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2025
When: August 8 – 10, 2025
Where: Plaza de César Chavez Park, San Jose, CA
Admission: summerfest.sanjosejazz.org/buy-now

More info: summerfest.sanjosejazz.org;

Call: 408.288.7557

Artist Lineup (Friday, August 8 – Sunday, August 10, 2025)

Common, Mavis Staples, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Lalah Hathaway, Femi Kuti & The Positive Force, PJ Morton, José James presents 1978: Revenge of The Dragon, The Headhunters, Ghost-Note, Bilal, Butcher Brown, Theo Croker, DJ Harrison, Kiefer, Stella Cole, David Binney Action Trio with Pera Krstajic & Louis Cole, La Marisoul & the Love Notes Orchestra, John Pizzarelli Trio, Tom Scott & The LA Express, Kishi Bashi, Ray Obiedo Group ft. Lilan Kane, Sachal Vasandani, Zohar & Adam, Pacific Mambo Orchestra, Hermán Olivera with Orquesta Taino, Ricardo Lemvo & Makina Loca, Toninho Horta Quartet, Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir & Youth Choir, Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra ft. Willy Jordan, Mary Stallings, Mariachi Las Catrinas ft. Monique Valenzuela, Malo, Nidia Góngora, Sebastian Natal, Tyreek McDole, Akira Tana with Bobby Floyd, Atsuko Hashimoto & Jackie Ryan, Carl Allen Trio With Ralph Moore & Reginald Veal, Changui Majadero, Andre Cruz & Chris Lujan, Orquesta Liberación de San Jose, Bloco do Sol San José, Saul Sierra Quintet: “Caminos, A Pan American Jazz Suite”, Anthony Arya Band, Summer Camargo, Juan Prada Trio Ft. Edgardo Cambón, Jonathan Dely, Delbert Anderson, Chrisol, Rituals of Mine Ft. LabRats, MeloDious, LA’s Mulatas, Lumutu, Bywater Call, Billy Iuso, Jinx Jones & The King Tones, Eric Bolivar & The Funk N Soul All Stars, All Things Swamp, Terry Hanck Band, Marina Crouse, Oakland Jazz Choir, SJZ High School All Stars, SJZ U19s, MJ Regional All-Star Band, MJ Regional All-Star Vocal Ensemble, Jazz Education Ensemble, SJMA Next Gen Jazz Jam, Mr. Clifford’s Young Jazz All Stars, Summer Jazz Camp Ensemble, East Bay Jazz High School All-Stars, Synchronicity, SOJ Band, Los Gatos-Saratoga Big Band, Footnotes, Top Shelf, Ames Big Band, Los Tocayos, Green Feather Jazz Society, Full Spectrum, and Swing Solution.

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2025 – Ticket Information
3-Day Pass Adult VIP ($620 Advance; $680 Gate)

Includes access to all stages, Fri-Sun, Aug 8-10 and access to VIP seating Area at the Main Stage on Fri-Sun. Also, unlimited access to the VIP Pavilion near the Main Stage with one complimentary gourmet meal, a snack and two alcoholic drinks per day; as well as “first-in” access to indoor stages, 15 minutes before downbeat. If the venue is full, you’ll be the first to get in when seats become available.

3-Day Pass Adult ALL STAGES ($150 Advance; $185 Gate)
Basic access to all stages, Fri-Sun, Aug 8-10. Access to indoor stages after Priority Access and VIP ticket holders are seated

3-Day Pass Adult PRIORITY ACCESS ($325 Advance; $380 Gate)
Access to all stages, Fri-Sun, Aug 8-10 and to Priority Seating area in front of the Main Stage with an exclusive attached bar plus Priority, “first-in” access to indoor stages, 15 minutes before downbeat. If the venue is full when you arrive, you’ll be the first to get in when seats are available.

3-Day Pass Adult GENERAL ADMISSION (GA) ($105 Advance; $130 Gate)
Basic access all outdoor stages, including the Main Stage, Aug 8-10

3-Day Pass Child ($30)
Admission to SJZ Summer Fest, Fri-Sun, Aug 8-10 for children aged 5-12. Children must be accompanied by a ticketed adult, and access will match that of the adult.

About San Jose Jazz
Founded in 1986, San Jose Jazz is a public benefit organization celebrating jazz as a dynamic, evolving art form and is producer of the annual San Jose Jazz Summer Fest, SJZ New Works Fest, weekly concerts at the SJZ Break Room, among other events. San Jose Jazz innovates leading-edge initiatives to foster artistic ingenuity and preserve the jazz tradition as a forward-thinking movement. Through diverse music and educational programming, San Jose Jazz offers singular content and events by investing in the SF Bay Area ecosystem of exceptional talent for local and national audiences to enjoy.

San Jose Jazz Summer Fest is among the lexicon of trend-setting Northern California festivals featuring the most distinguished artists across a multitude of genres. For 35 years, San Jose Jazz has presented GRAMMY® Award-winning artists, the hottest salsa and Latin bands in the world, classic jazz legends, global music stars, the top SF Bay Area emerging musicians, and pioneering hip-hop, R&B, and soul artists. Past performers have included: Herbie Hancock, Common, En Vogue, Chris Botti, Michael Bublé, Ledisi, The O’Jays, Kool and the Gang, Kamasi Washington, Thundercat, Dianne Reeves, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Bootsy Collins, Big Daddy Kane, Sergio Mendes, Ozomatli, Cecile McLorin Salvant, Gregory Porter, Stanley Clarke, Robert Glasper Experiment, Domi & JD Beck, among many others.

For more information, please visit sanjosejazz.org.