San Jose Jazz Summer Fest goes all out for 35th anniversary

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- One of the San Francisco Bay Area's most cherished summer traditions turns 35 this year. San Jose Jazz Summer Fest 2025 is amplifying its artist lineup like never before, ranging from GRAMMY Award winners to the hottest acts on the live music festival scene.

Headliners include 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.

Over a hundred artists from around the world -- from global stars to local emerging acts -- will inspire and uplift festivalgoers for three days across nine indoor and outdoor venues.

The SF Chronicle says 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."

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.

Brendan Rawson, Executive Director of San Jose Jazz, talked to ABC7 News Tuesday about the excitement surrounding the 35th anniversary. You can watch the full interview in the player above.

San Jose Jazz Fest is happening Friday, August 8 through Sunday, August 10, 2025. For more information, visit their website.