San Jose Jazz Raises Octave-Level Security Measures

SAN JOSE, CA — If you're a lover of the romantic overtones of the world's most artistic genre of music and want to enjoy some fun in the South Bay sun, Silicon Valley's premier annual music event returns for its 30th anniversary festival.

The San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2019 will run from Aug. 9 to 11 in and around Plaza de César Chavez Park in downtown San Jose, expanding like the metropolitan city itself.

What has been reduced is the number of entrances to the festival for security to have a tighter grip on who and what are coming in. Entrances are only located on the north and south sides. The east gate by the plaza fountain will only be used as an exit.

The items allowed to be brought in to the festival grounds have also been cut down. No weapons, sharp or involving ammo, will be permitted, along with backpacks, cans, bottles, alcohol and illegal substances.

In addition, wristbands for access will be strictly enforced.

All measures are meant to ensure attendees have a fun, safe time and stem from the recent tragedy in neighboring Gilroy on July 28 when a gunman fired upon the Garlic Festival.

The jazz fest has come a long way from its early days as a one-stage, eight-act event to one of North America's foremost music festivals. More than 100 acts will hit a record 14 stages.

The summer jazz event perseveres as a landmark San Francisco Bay Area institution grounding downtown San Jose as an exciting hub for arts and entertainment that attracts tens of thousands of visitors throughout the weekend.

For three decades, San Jose Jazz has embraced its steadfast commitment to presenting Grammy Award-winning artists, the hottest salsa and Latin bands, classic jazz pioneers, world music stars, top local emerging musicians, along with hip-hop, R&B and soul artists.

The San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2019 features an acclaimed lineup with the following confirmed artists:

• En Vogue
• The Family Stone
• Carl Allen's Tribute to Art Blakey
• Sylvia Cuenca Quartet With Gary Bartz
• Elio Villafranca: Cinque, Kim Nalley Trio with James Carter
• Mads Tolling and Mads Men
• Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir
• Kassa Overall
• Marquis Hill Blacktet
• Ellis Marsalis Piano Competition Winners
• China Moses
• Gunhild Carling
• Aki Kumar's Bollywood Blues
• Emmet Cohen and Tootie Heath
• Akira Tana and Otonowa
• Aaron Lington Sextet Reimagines the Music of Led Zeppelin
• Nicole Zuratis and the Generations of Her
• Graciano 4 Cuarteto
• Urban Renewal Project
• Alaya Project Indo-Jazz-Funk
• Jackie Gage Tribute to Nancy Wilson
• Dahveed Behroozi Trio
• Richard Howell Plays A Love Supreme
• Ray Obiedo Urban Latin Jazz Project
• Amy D.
• Connie Han
• Pedro Martins and Pipoquinha
• Greg Abate
• Natalia Ardis Quartet
• Dock in Absolute
• Nao Yoshioka
• David L Harris
• Joropo Band
• Christoph Irniger: Pilgrim, DOMi and JD Beck
• SJZ Collective Plays Mingus
• Jazz Garden Big Band 40th Anniversary
• Too Slim and the Taildraggers
• Zydeco Flames
• Septeto Chappotín
• Arsenio Rodriguez Project
• Orquesta La-33
• Iris Sandra Orquesta
• Orquesta La Moderna Tradición
• Danilo y Orquesta Universal
• Gabriel Gonzalez & La Verdad
• Manny Martínez y La Rebeldía
• La Redada
• Very Be Careful
• Buyepongo
• Gilberto Rodríguez y Los Intocables
• Las Chollas Peligrosas
• Mala Greña
• Valley Wolf
• DJ Tropicaza
• Caravan of Blues Allstars
• Maggie Belle Band
• ValLimar Jansen: Grits and Bourbon
• Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs
• Dara Tucker
• Top Shelf Big Band
• East Side Funk
• Retro Notes
• Legally Blue
• Arnie Co
• Synchronicity
• SOJ Band
• 7th Street Big Band
• SJZ High School All Stars
• Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble of San Francisco
• Los Gatos-Saratoga Big Band
• Serenaders
• Millennium Sounds
• Swing Solution
• Full Spectrum
• Footnotes
• The Lyratones

Tickets range from a $20 single-day pass in advance to $495 at the gate for a 3-day adult admission.

More information may be found by visiting summerfest.sanjosejazz.org or calling 408-288-7557.