Posted on by sanjotown

25 Years at SAP Center San Jose

sharks simone biles

 

25 years at SAP Center San Jose celebrates the performers and artists who performed at the Center during that time. Included in the mural are local ice skater Kristi Yamaguchi, popular singer Adele, norteno group Los Tigres del Norte from San Jose, gymnast Simone Biles, the San Jose Sharks, rapper E-40, and legendary singer Elton John. The San Jose mural was organized by Empire Seven E7, an contemporary art gallery located in San Jose advocating for local/global artists and painted by the Los Angeles based The Draculas who focuses on illustration-based projects that find inspiration in narrative.

https://www.empiresevenstudios.com/

https://draculasdesign.com/

Posted on by sanjotown

San Jose Japantown Immersive May 12, 2018

swing-dance-sj-j-town
Swing dancers at the Swingposium

The San Jose Japantown Immersive was a inspiring and entertaining community cultural celebration of the local performing artists, artisans, and businesses who live or work in Japan-town held on May 12, 2018. It was also the 45 year anniversary of internationally known San Jose Taiko. The event was also a way for the public to understand the history and culture of Japan-town and it’s people. The highlight of the event was the breathtaking Swingposium with Wesley Jazz Ensemble, Epic Immersive, and San Jose Taiko and the Finale with The Get Down Dance Studio, DJ Cutso, and San Jose Taiko. There were also a public art piece with art studio Arsenal, swing dance lessons, Nichi Bei Busan kimono photo booth, old black and white samurai movies, and LED uchiwa fan making.

http://www.taiko.org/japantownimmersive

Posted on by sanjotown

Yokohama Jazz Promenade 2017

jazz-promenade-2017
Group performing near Sakuragicho Station in Yokohama

I attended the impressive Yokohama Jazz Promenade 2017 in October. The festival was held on October 7th and 8th and included over several hundred jazz performers. The event was immense and it included about 33 venues, 25 jazz clubs, professionals and amateurs, and foreign musicians. The Jazz Promenade Yokohama was started in 1993 by citizens and musicians in Yokohama. Every year over 120,000 visitors attend the popular music festival. Yokohama is also called “Jazz Hometown of Japan.”
http://www.jazzpro.jp

Posted on by sanjotown

2016 San Jose Jazz Summer Fest with Denise Donatelli

d-donatelli
Denise Donatelli, a Grammy nominated jazz singer from New York, performed at the 2016 San Jose Jazz Summer Fest on Saturday, August 13th. Her evening show took people completely from their routine to enjoy the moment at Café Stritch. She magically transported the audience into her world of music with her positive energy, charm and charisma. Some of Denise’s noted songs include: 1. Soul Shadows 2. When Lights are Low 3. Ocean 4. Big Noise, New York.
Denise’s history begins from Allentown, Pennsylvania where she learned classical piano at the age of four. Later she was influenced by Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Sarah Vaughn, Carmen McRae, and Miles Davis. The members of her band include: Geoffrey Keezer, piano, Leonardo Amuedo, guitar, Carlitos del Puerto, bass, Marvin “Smitty” Smith, drums, and Walter Rodriguez, percussion.


http://denisedonatelli.com/
Article and photograph contributed by Yuki Yamakawa
Courtesy of Savant Records

Posted on by sanjotown

Red Baraat at the 2016 San Jose Jazz Summer Fest

red-baraat
Red Baraat, a skilled eight member band from Brooklyn, New York vigorously performed at the 2016 San Jose Jazz Festival on August 12, 2016. Some of the songs performed at the Festival included favourites Gaadi of Truth, Chaal Baby, and Shruggy Ji. They are directed by leader and dhol player Sunny Jain. The group has developed a worldwide audience because their music is very engaging, energetic, and brings people together. Sunny Jain classifies Red Baraat’s music as a combination of Brooklyn fusion mix such as North Indian bhangra, jazz, go-go (a funk style from Washington DC), funk, and hip-hop. Red Baraat members are: Sunny Jain (dhol), Rohin Khemani (percussion), Chris Eddleton (drumset), Jonathan Goldberger (guitar), Jonathon Haffner (soprano sax), Sonny Singh (trumpet), Ernest Stuart (trombone),and John Altieri (sousaphone). Please support and check out their music.

http://www.redbaraat.com/

Posted on by sanjotown

Kenya B Trio

kenya-b-trio
On Super Bowl Sunday in San Jose I photographed the Kenya B Trio at the Plaza de César Chávez. Created in 2013 by Kenya Baker (left in picture), they are some of the best local musicians that plays with drive and energy and performs jazz, old skool funk, blues, and R&B. Kenya is a long time touring musician and was the lead guitarist for British singer/songwriter Joss Stone as well as performing with Sly Stone, Larry Graham, The Whispers, and Tony! Toni! Tone! Kenya also worked in Tupac Shukar to create the song “So Many Tears.” Kenya B Trio plays regularly at Blondie’s Bar in San Francisco on Sunday and Tuesday evenings and are worth listening to.

http://www.kenyabmusic.com/